Breaking Trust- a Gravity Falls AU

Rebuilding

Dipper's POV
I had spent the whole night in the basement trying to make some sense of the journals and the portal. I hadn't eaten since breakfast the day before. I was so focused my work that I didn't hear the elevator or stairs as Wendy came down. I only noticed her when she tripped and fell over a piece of metal in the floor. I had to stifle a laugh or she would have killed me.

"That never happened," she said to me, with hate in her eyes.

That comment just made me laugh even more. Wendy then lost that evil glare and laughed also. It felt good to laugh after what had recently happened. "So, what do you want?" I asked her.

"Do I have to want something to see my best little bro? I was just wondering if you wanted to come with me and the gang into town. Thompson is going to do some really crazy stuff," Wendy explains. I think about the work that must be done and how tired I am.

"I think I just have to much to do. I want Mabel back as soon as possible. I can't waste any time," I tell her. "I can't stop."

"I understand that, dude. I want her back, too. I miss that little rascal and she hadn't been gone long. Just don't push yourself too much. And remember that it's not bad to have fun every once in a while. Call me if you need anything."

Wendy then turned and headed for the elevator. I sat and watched her leave. When the elevator started ascending, I returned to my work. I study the pages for more clues that I may not have noticed before. I don't find any, so I get up and started reapplying the metal that broke off from the portal.

Soon, I'm soaked with sweat, but I've only put up two pieces of metal with much more to go.  I look at the clock and discover that three hours had passed since Wendy came by.

I pick up another hunk of metal and pound it into the side of the machine. The hammer was so loud I didn't hear the elevator. After that price was somewhat in place, I stopped for a rest. I turned around and saw Stan.

"What do you want?" I demand.

"You've been working for too long. You need to calm down. This will drive you mad if you don't take a break. Trust me, I would know."

"And why would I trust you? I've told you already that I won't stop until Mabel is back home safely." I again start to hammer the metal until it is fastened securely to the side. Another piece down, many more to go, I think.

"Dipper! You need to take a break. If not for me, do it for Mabel. She wouldn't want you working yourself crazy. Go take a break with Wendy," Grunkle Stan argued.

"Fine. For Mabel." I throw down the hammer and go back up into the shack. I take a shower and change into some clean clothes. Then I call Wendy and am ready to leave for town hall. I walk out without speaking to Stan. Once outside, I grab a bike and pedal into town.

By the time I come to stop in front of the building, I'm sweaty from the bike ride and the afternoon heat. I put the bike in the bike rack and go inside to wait for the van to arrive. Soon enough, Wendy walks through the doors and sits next to me.

"Hey Wendy," I said to her.

"What's up, dude."

"Oh, you know. Just trying to relax while my sister is somewhere else. It's so fun," I say with a hint of sarcasm.

She smiles down at me. "Well, come on. There is plenty room in the van for one more. I hope you're in for a good time." She then led me outside to where everyone was waiting.