Disclaimer: I do not own Invader Zim.
So if I had a dollar for every mental debate I had for this story, I'd have like... a ton of dollars... XD ha I pulled an esurance quote thing...
Anyways, I have this unfortunate luck of falling in love with stories that aren't done yet. so I do my best to get things going as much as possible.
I think I did an ok job of developing their characters... I'm worried it's a bit OOC tho...
Tell me what you think!
Remember, you got to figure out where the first part of the story applies!
Thanks again for all the reviews for the last chapter. I like reviews!


I tried to drown out my stupid brother's voice as we approached where the crudely built house with the eerie green glow was. But when I looked up from my Game Slave, I noticed there was nothing there.

I couldn't breathe, it hurts to breathe. And even though I didn't understand why, I could only focus on the sharp pain in my chest despite the numbness that came from staring at the now empty space.

The urge to fall to the ground suddenly overwhelms me, as unwelcome feelings began to flow thru me; I felt shocked, confused, hurt and betrayed.

I couldn't look at it, but I couldn't look away either. That gaping hole is just taunting me, mocking and reminding me of the numbing agony ripping thru my chest.

I needed to leave.

I had to exhaust myself till every ounce of energy my body held was gone; till I was no longer able to think or to feel.

Anger began to consume me as I spun on my heel and headed home, because I won't give in to whatever this feeling is.

I will beat it.

Nothing ever gets the best of me.


Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months till Gaz finally decided not to care anymore. Since time on Earth was completely different from Irk, she rarely bothered keeping track; only converting the time when the subject of homework was brought up. Surprisingly, Zim's ideas of entertainment were actually enjoyable, and Gaz rarely got bored. Out of all the things they did, she favored piloting lessons, the shooting range, the invention room and combat lessons; some of the rooms Zim had built especially for her. He, of course, was always with her, just like he said, and while she found it soothing, she also felt enraged for enjoying his company.

He had always been determined and stubborn, putting all his effort into something he wanted and Gaz had reluctantly admitted to herself that those traits were what made him attractive. But Zim also held an irresistible combination of intelligent confidence and a touch of dangerousness that just went so well together. He could easily lead any normal woman to her doom.

And even though she was far from normal, she found him tempting.

One morning Zim took her to one of the practice shooting ranges, taking her cape off for her despite her protests (which happened every time they went) since he always insisted a cape would interfere.

"I can take my cape off myself you know." Gaz said with annoyed indifference as Zim removed it from her necklace, his hands lingering on her shoulders just a few seconds too long.

She always reluctantly agreed to turn around so he could take it off, despite not trusting him. Heck, Gaz hardly trusted having him take it off while she faced him considering he was always looking for ways to 'seduce her', but he could easily take her in a fight. So for the time being it was better that she not start anything that might end up putting her in the same awkward position she found herself in on the first day she arrived.

He set her cape to the side and wrapped his arms around her waist, gently grazing his lips against her shoulders, causing her to tremble slightly. "Let go Zim."

"Are you really the same girl who, in her own unique way, begged for my attention?" He asked, beginning to leave a small trail of kisses from her shoulder to her neck, making his way towards her jaw line.

"Children grow up Zim."

"I noticed. But I also believe that your childish crush has turned into a woman's desire."

"You're wrong."

"Am I?" He removed one hand to caress her cheek, then slowly turned her face towards him.

Gaz gave a small but firm nod, trying to think thru the fog that consumed her.

"Hmmm..." Zim gave her a small peck on the lips, "No." Another peck, "I don't think I am..."

He kissed her fully this time, his lips whisper-soft at first, then firmer; more persuasive. Her body wanted to give in, but a small voice in the back of her mind slowly made its way thru the fog, reminding her why she had agreed to come on the ship in the first place.

"Zim, stop." Gaz said as she pulled away; resisting the urge to moan. "Or I'll send you into a nightmare world..."

He paused, and then focused on giving her neck hot, opened-mouth kisses. "It takes all my self-control not to take you in my arms and have my way with you in the closest private corner I can find. Just admit it Gaz." Zim's hand slid up her side till he cupped her breast; receiving a gasp of pleasure from her. "Let me show you how much more we can share..."

"No." Her breath came out ragged, but she refused to give in. "If you want to keep your limbs, you wont' talk to me like that again." Reluctantly pulling herself out of his arms, Gaz turned to look at him.

Zim's features were slightly hardened as he stood straight, almost cold as if he were no longer interested. Her heart tightened slightly at this thought. Would he ever tire of her? And if he did, would he go after someone else?

But Gaz rivaled his expression; glaring with a defying confidence as a silent challenge for him to confront her.

"You're making this harder than it needs to be Gaz-love."

"Well forgive me for not realizing that after threatening my dad, sending my brother to a different planet and forcing me here against my will I had to rush into your open arms." Zim's antennae twitched slightly, but his face remained unmoving.

"Here," Zim grabbed a laser gun, handing it to her. "This is one is actually far more advanced than what you've practiced with, and that one was already advanced. You have a unique talent with technology, so I'm confident you won't have any trouble."

Gaz took the gun from him and turned towards the range, waiting for the targets to appear as Zim punched in some instructions on the control pad. Desire and anger were at war inside her; he was just too damn tempting! If his seductions weren't enough, his occasional moments of affection towards her made her weaker than she would ever admit. He had no reason to promise her anything, he had ALL the advantages; his physical strength being one of them. He only wanted to make Dib suffer, and knowing how much Gaz meant to her brother made it easy for Zim to torture the self-proclaimed paranormal investigator. It was possible that Zim only promised her he would give her the choice so Dib could have some false hope that nothing would happen to her.

Gaz shook her head at the thought; if Zim had wanted to do that then he would've allowed her to contact her brother, and he hadn't mentioned anything so far. But there was always the chance Zim would let Gaz contact Dib in the future. What if after she did, Zim would try to have his way with her so Gaz could go crying to her brother? She glanced at him; he was taking off his cape and setting it beside hers while a panel with weapon choices appeared before him.

No. She thought to herself. He wouldn't do that.

"Ready Gaz?" Zim lifted his gun, aiming at the target that appeared on the other side of the room.

She nodded, mimicking his stance and despite using a new weapon, Gaz shot each target with precision that would've put any ordinary marksman to shame. Excitement replaced the conflicting emotions she felt only moments before, distracting her as she enjoyed the adrenaline rush. Normally she didn't care about using any other technology besides her Game Slave, but for some reason this was... fun. Since Zim had practiced using weapons since his birth he was obviously better, but he was right when he said Gaz had talent with technology, seeing that she managed to learn how to use a new gun and there wasn't too much of a difference in how many targets they destroyed individually.

"Not bad." She said once target practice was over, giving a small smirk. "Still my Game Slave is better." Gaz handed Zim the laser and reached for her cape, avoiding the risk of repeating another 'seducing' episode.

"You're very talented little-Gaz." Zim said as he put the gun away. "You surpassed my expectations. And they were already high to begin with. Perhaps tomorrow you can use a much more advanced weapon."

The idea amused her, after all Gaz liked challenges and she didn't mind the idea of Zim staring in awe at her. If she couldn't beat him in hand-to-hand combat, she could always beat him at this.

"Eh." Gaz shrugged nonchalantly.

The corners of Zim's lips twitched in amusement, "Do you always try to remain aloof towards the things that impress you?"

"The only thing that impresses me is my Game Slave." She replied. "And it's back in my room. So if you don't mind, I'm going to go get it."

"Wait." He quickly reached out and grabbed her elbow, "We need to go to the medical bay." A tentacle reached out from his PAK and brought his cape to him.

Gaz arched an eyebrow, "You make me go every month. Can't we just skip this one?"

Zim shook his head, "Humans are fragile and run the risk of losing bone mass with the artificial gravity, I don't want to risk that even the slightest."

"Whiner."

He chuckled. "You'll see the benefits eventually little-Gaz."

The medical exams took no time at all, and in the end she only needed one shot, which mean she could eat a well-deserved lunch right after.

"So what are your plans for the rest of the day?" Gaz asked with mild interest.

Zim set down his mooshminky, "After I speak with the other Invaders, we'll go to the flight deck then the training room to work on your hand-to-hand combat. I wanted to take you to the invention room and show you a small side project I've been working on just for you. But we'll see if you're not exhausted by then."

"You have a lot planned. Any chance I'll get to blow something up?"

He laughed slightly, "You'll get your chance little-Gaz. For now eat your food. I don't go thru so much effort for you to starve."

"Not touching my food for 5 seconds can hardly be called starving Zim."

"Sarcasm Gaz. Sarcasm."

"Oh really? I had no idea."

"Do you always have to have the last say in everything?"

"Your voice is stupid."

He laughed again and picked up his food as he stood from the table. "I'll see you when I finish." And with that he left.

"What we gonna do now Gazzy?!" Gir asked suddenly, speaking for the first time during the meal.

Gaz thought for a moment. She had waited patiently; putting off searching for the control room (or Main Chamber as Zim called it) because she wanted to throw off suspicion. Zim talking with the other Invaders was a good opportunity to go to the Main Chamber and get what she needed and back. It's not like anyone would question her; all the Irkens on the ship feared getting on her bad side. She wasn't Zim's Queen (although she suspected some of the Irkens secretly called her that), but Gaz definitely had the crew's fear and respect. She could always wait till later that night though...

She scowled. I'm always putting it off till later. Just because I can't contact Dib it doesn't mean that I don't need the information. I can make a plan myself. I don't need his help.

"Let's play in my room Gazzy!"Gir shouted suddenly, jumping up and down with excitement.

"Whatever."


"Your report is acceptable Invader Tenn. The Massive will reach the Tucana Galaxy within a few days. I trust you'll have the planet at its knees by the time we arrive?" Zim asked.

"Yes my Tallest!" The Invader responded with pride. "Invader out!" The screen went blank.

Zim let out a small sigh; remembering when he had once said such words with so much enthusiasm. It made his squeedly spooch burn with anger and hatred at the memory, but at the same time he felt a bit of bitter humor. Who would have thought that the one Irken they wanted so much to get rid of would not only be their doom but also the next leader of their race? He also wouldn't have met Gaz if it hadn't been for that. Zim's features softened ever so slightly at the thought of her, but hardened again as he cursed himself for the feelings he felt for his enemy's sister.

Where was his cold, cruel logic, his unwavering determination? The very things that made him feared far more than any of Irk's previous Tallests, thrown out into the cold depths of space by the mere presence of a pathetic Earth female. Gaz was a ploy, nothing more than that. No matter how beautiful or how intelligent she was. Zim had decided long ago he wouldn't allow anything to get in his way. He would have his revenge, even if it meant losing part of himself along the way.

"Contact Prisoner 777* on planet Vort!"

"Yes my Tallest!"

A sacred looking Vortian appeared on the screen. "Greetings mighty Tallest of the Irken Empire. What's the occasion that I receive with such an honor?"

"I want to know about the human I placed under your care."

"Ah Dib! He's doing well! He learns quickly and his talent with..."

"I'm not asking about his well-being!" Zim spat, "I want to know if he's working on the project, does he have any suspicions, if he's tried to escape, gain information that may help him or if he's working on any projects of his own!"

"My apologies almighty Tallest!" The Vortian winced, "Since he has arrived he tried to get away several times but we captured him. The security placed on him has intensified each time and we have had no reporting of him trying to get access to any information. He isn't given a lot of time to create his own inventions, although he occasionally mutters something about saving his planet. He often questions about the intentions of your invention since he knows it is a Doomsday Device, but he han't received an answer."

Zim left the Main Chamber in a rather good mood. Dib was working on the project that would end up destroying him from the inside out and he didn't even know it. Who said death was horrifying? It was more of a blessing compared to suffering thru life.

"Guards!" He commanded as he stood in the hall, "Where is Gaz?"

"She is in Gir's room my Tallest!" One of the Irkens replied.

Gir's room? Why would she be there...? "Very good. Now be gone with you."

He turned and headed to the little maniac of a robot's room, slightly concerned about why Gaz would willingly spend time there. Sure he liked Gir, despite all his flaws and irritating personality, but even he could only take so much from his little companion. The door to Gir's room opened to revel Gaz playing her Game Slave on the couch with Gir sitting next to her happily watching TV, both completely ignoring him as he walked into the room.

"Are you enjoying yourself little-Gaz?"

"Eh." She shrugged.

"MASTER!" Gir jumped into Zim's arms, almost knocking him down in the process. "Gazzy makes things go all 'sploody on her game thingy! And it has piggies! I like piggies..." The robot sighed dreamily as he finished his sentence.

Zim lifted Gir and set him on the couch. "Come Gaz, the new Voot Cruiser I designed for you is ready." He looked at her expectantly. "Gaz?"

"I'm on the last level Zim. So either let me finish the game, or I'll make you wish I was never born!"

His antennae flattened slightly in annoyance, then rose as his eyes sparked with an idea. Zim crossed his arms and set himself on the couch next to Gaz, close enough so that his plan would work but far enough to keep her from getting suspicious. She ignored him and continued playing her game, only reacting when something in the game didn't go as she planned. When Gaz finally finished, she let out a satisfactory sigh and started to get up from the couch when Zim grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her towards him, making her lose her balance and land on his lap.

"Not so fast little-Gaz." He purred as he wrapped his arms around her and placed a hot kiss right below her necklace. "You didn't listen to me when I wanted to leave. I guess I'll just have to teach you a lesson..." Zim's hands moved slowly, caressing her back as his lips moved to the skin right below her ear.

Without giving it too much thought, Gaz grabbed a fistful of his shirt, kneading the hard slabs of muscle beneath. Inwardly, Gaz questioned if she was pushing him away or trying to get closer, but the haze Zim caused prevented her from thinking and the only thing she knew was that her body ached for his touch.

Zim looked up, eyes glazed as he ignored everything around them, and Gaz felt her breath hitched when she saw the intensity in them; the desire flowing thru his ruby orbs as he focused only on her. "Gaz." He whispered.

The moment Zim's lips touched hers, Gaz felt as if her heart would explode from its frantic beating and she lost control of herself. Her hands moving from his neck to his cape, clinging to him as if he would disappear if she let go. The small voice in her head that told her to resist faded, replaced with a new voice as a small flame grew in the pit of her stomach; slowly spreading throughout her body.

He always makes you shake with desire... The voice whispered, Make him tremble too...

Gaz felt her face flush as he placed hot, open-mouthed kisses on her pulse-point; not only did Zim make it hard for her to think but Gaz had absolutely no idea on what could cause a reaction in an Irken. His lips moved to the sensitive skin behind her ear once more, and she had to cling to that thought for dear life as she let out a small moan, pressing her chest closer to him. Gaz threw her head back causing her breath to brush against his antennae and she let out a gasp when his grip tightened; when she felt Zim's body suddenly tremble and his breathing increased.

Interesting... She thought. Gaz allowed one hand to let go of his cape and gently, brushed one of her fingers against one of his antennae.

His body shook again, "Gaz, don't." He panted, "I won't hold back of you do..."

"You don't ha..."

"Look this is my favorite show! It's got tacos!"

Gaz jerked away, her mind snapping to attention as her passion cooled; anger and humiliation taking its place. Zim watched as she stood up calmly, her features completely composed.

"We're starting with hand-to-hand training first. I'm going to get some clothes to practice in and I'll meet you in the training room."

Zim waited till she exited the room before swinging his fist, hitting the couch in frustration as soon as the door closed. Seduction hadn't been his intention; he only wanted to tease her a bit. He hadn't expected that response from her, and he definitely didn't expect how excited he would become once she touched his antennae. What reason did he have? Nothing ever happened when he pulled on them before. But no Irken had attempted what he was doing in centuries, so he allowed instinct to guide him but it felt as if he was torturing himself.

"Awww you look sad master! You can play with my moose!" Gir pulled out a small squeaky toy from his head and placed it on Zim's knee, completely oblivious to how far his master's inner turmoil ran.

Zim picked up the toy and examined it, carefully giving it a squeeze. "Keep it Gir." He tossed the toy on the couch as he got up, "It will do nothing to help me."

"You need a hug!" Gir clung to Zim's leg, "Hugs make everything better!"

Zim shook his head, "Not this time Gir."


Gaz put every ounce of strength she had into every punch and kick she threw. She and Zim had been sparing for a good 2 hours, but it wasn't enough. She could still feel his arms around her, his lips on her own and his breath on her skin. She remembered how much she wanted to give in, how much she wanted to seduce him like he often did to her, to make Zim take control and at the same time lose it. For him to cradle her in his arms and show her everything she had denied herself. For him to dominate her.

She would have allowed him; Gaz would've given herself completely if it hadn't been for Gir and his random outbursts.

She felt her jaw clench, she needed to exhaust herself, leave absolutely no room in her mind to think about it. If she didn't, those thoughts would torture her and she would lose her resolve; she would grow weak. Gaz considered herself lucky Zim had decided to wear a black T-shirt and not fight her shirtless. In her current state it was too much temptation to handle, and she hated him even more for that. She had managed to land a few hits, and any other day it would have excited her, but it only made her more upset.

Damn you Zim! She raged inwardly as she round-house kicked him, landing a blow on his shoulder.

This is your fault! A punch to his side.

I hate you! Gaz pulled up behind him, attempting to catch him off guard and manage a strike to his face. That's all she needed, just one right hook to the face...

Zim spun around, lowering himself in the process to grab her by the waist and kicked her feet from under her. "Enough Gaz!" He shouted as he pinned her. "You're over doing it! Don't you know what your limits are?"

"And like you know my limits?" She growled.

"I know humans aren't as strong as they like to think. And even though you're an exception you have to realize your body can't handle anymore!"

Gaz knew he was right. And damn him for being right. But she needed to drain herself. She needed to make sure her mind wouldn't have the energy to think, to dream.

To give in.

She needed to...

"Breath Gaz." Zim whispered.

She took in deep ragged breaths, her heart beat ringing in her ears and her eyes threatening to close as the world around her grew blurry. How long had it been since she had pushed so hard? When was the last time the emotional stress had been too much she had done the exact same thing as now? Spending every bit of energy to make sure she would forget, to make sure she wouldn't feel anymore.

As Gaz allowed herself to drift off, she recalled a memory she had tried so hard to bury.

A memory that not only answered her questions but brought back the pain she had hidden away.

A memory of five years before, when she realized he had left the planet.


*You guys remember that little guy? From 'Backseat Drivers from Beyond the Stars'?
Tell me what you think!
I'm really worried about this chapter...
*PANICKING* AHHH WHAT AM I GONNA DO!?
I trust all those who are following this story to tell me what they think.
Thanks again for the reviews! I love getting an email telling me I got one. It always makes my day (^^)
Till next time!