He breathed in and out, slowly, eyes closed, enjoying the cool breeze that wafted through the window. Eventually Dib opened his eyes. Sunlight was shining into his room, and he squinted, the light and the lack of glasses on his face making it difficult to see. His computer was glowing faintly on his desk to the left, papers and worn clothes were piled on his floor, dark blue blankets laying on top of him, and to his right-

"Zim!" He shouted, jumping back from him, hand scrabbling for his glasses on the bedside table. There was no mistaking the green and magenta blur on his bed beside the window.

Dib slipped his glasses on, ready to block an attack. Technically they were friends, but Zim could be unpredictable. Had the alien decided to abandon their truce and renew his world domination plans?

Zim frowned at the human from his spot on the bed. He had his arms wrapped around Dib's spare pillow and his eyes were half-open, like he'd just been sleeping. His tiny form was curled up into a ball. He looked defenseless and strangely cute. He hadn't bothered with a disguise.

"Silence, human filth," grumbled Zim. "I am attempting the activity known as 'sleep', surely even your big head knows quietness is required."

"People usually do that in their own house, Zim," Dib rolled his eyes. "I'm sure it's a lot quieter there anyway."

The Irken grimaced then abruptly shifted so he was facing the wall instead of Dib.

"Do not question Zim! Your puny earth-brain cannot understand my genius!"

Dib bit back a groan of annoyance. He glanced at his watch on the bedside table, 5:13 AM. If he could get Zim to leave, he'd be able to catch a few more hours of sleep before he had to head off for his morning class at university.

He rolled over, resting his forearms on either side of Zim's head, pinning the alien under him.

"Tell me why you can't sleep at home," he said sternly, meeting Zim's widened eyes with a serious expression.

The alien shifted, looking around the room nervously before sighing.

"My base has been… invaded," he admitted softly.

Dib's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Invaded? By who? Aliens? The FBI? Have they found you out? Are you safe?"

"It's worse than that!" Zim spat out. "It's the horrible, cunning, evil creatures! It's the BEES!"

Dib stared at him.

"The… bees?" He said.

"Yes, the BEES!" Said Zim, nearly shouting now. "The filthy, disgusting earth-insects have infiltrated my base! They've set up nests in the walls! I hear the buzzing all day and all night, the horrible buzzing!"

"Oh," said Dib. "Right." Their faces were very close, he leaned back a little.

Dib watched Zim for another moment, the Irken's eyes were wide and he was breathing heavily from the outburst.

He heaved a sigh. "If you promise to behave, I'll let you stay."

"Yes! Zim will behave!"

"And you have to follow my rules. No complaining."

"Fine, fine," Zim flapped his hand.

Dib leaned back, watching the Irken carefully. Zim, in turn, watched him with some interest. Dib abruptly realized he was wearing only a pair of boxers.

He was tempted to grab a t-shirt, but he suddenly had a better idea.

"Rule one, Zim. Underwear only in my bed," he grinned.

"What?!" Zim spluttered.

Dib shrugged. "Or you could go home. Your choice."

Zim growled, and to Dib's surprise, began stripping off his uniform. He tossed his gloves away, pulled off a short-sleeved and long-sleeved pink tops, and kicked off his knee-high boots. The Irken crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned back into the pillow again, glaring at Dib.

The human felt his face heating up as he took in Zim's small, slender form. The freckles on the Irken's face continued down his body. He looked so delicate, so fragile. Dib couldn't resist adding, "And the pants? I said underwear-only."

Zim's glare intensified. "Irkens do not wear 'underwear'."

"Alright," Dib lowered himself to the bed again, biting his lip to contain a grin, trying not to stare too blatantly.

After another minute, Dib had yet another brilliant idea.

"Rule two, I like to cuddle," he reached over and roughly pulled Zim against his chest, earning the most undignified squawk from the alien.

"Your doom will be painful," hissed the Irken, but his cheeks were flushed an attractive blue colour, and he squirmed for only a moment before leaning his head against the human's strong chest.

"Mmm," murmured Dib, giving him a small squeeze, relishing the feeling of Zim's smooth, soft skin and the steady thump-thump of alien heartbeat.