After putting the kids away, Dib handed Zim a soda before sitting down on the couch. "Thanks for at least coming over here for once. It has been awhile."
Sipping his drink, Zim shrugged. "And I'll keep my voice down for the smeets."
"I'd appreciate it. They do enjoy their Uncle Zim."
Zim laughed a bit at that referral. "You are pathetic to think of me that way for your kids though I am amazing." Though how amazing are you when you can't save the one you love? He wondered.
"I haven't told you about the interviewee's I had to talk to."
"Good because it sounds boring." Gazing over to Dib, Zim waved his hand to him. "Fine, go and tell Zim all about it."
"How sweet of you." Dib said half mockingly. "One of them was Tak."
"For once I don't care, but if she comes to destroy my base with Gaz in it I will kill her." Zim threatened.
"Fair enough. Perhaps I'll see if she is still at that horrible stand."
Coughing up his drink, Zim raised his non-existant brow at him. "Why would you do that? Oh wait! You still have the hots for her."
"I don't though I haven't had anything for so long that I looked at my chair funny at work. How did my father manage so long without anyone?"
"How do you know he didn't?" Zim question was valid, but Dib didn't want to think beyond some things.
The next day after the babysitter arrived, Dib made his way into the city to where she last was. Going inside, was fun especially when he came face to face with Mimi. Waving at her robot, it sped off leaving Dib to wonder if she was getting Tak. Hearing footsteps, he saw Tak approach. She studied him waving Mimi off after thanking her.
"You aren't planning on opening this stand up again are you?" Dib inquired as he looked all around at the working machinery.
"Nice to have an income, Dib. It isn't thought provoking stuff, but it is there. Thanks on your thoughts of me running my own company. I guess that was nice." Turning around, Tak started to walk off with him behind her. They walked for some time before she came over to a large couch and sat down. "You might as well sit down."
Sitting down, Dib didn't know exactly what to say to her except for the first thing out of his mouth. "I only have my sitter for at least five hours before I have to head home. Less if she has trouble with the kids."
Looking amused, Tak placed her elbow on the back of the couch so she can turn to face him as she rested the side of her head against her hand. "How does it feel to be a father?"
He heard the genuine curiosity there. "Wonderful actually." He beamed. "They are amazing."
"To be honest I did see your kids as I confessed, but don't know their names."
"Do you actually give a crap, Tak?"
Tak honestly couldn't get angry at him for his mistrust. "I do, Dib."
Willing to give her a benefit of the doubt, he told her. "My oldest, William is four and Lisa is three."
"They do look like miniature versions of you and your sister."
"I thought that too."
Watching how he fell into silence, she almost went closer to him, but stayed her ground. "What is it? I know you don't trust me and that is fine."
"How long have you been back?"
"A year now. Came back because nothing much else out there and..." She sighed. "I was completely banished by the Tallest. No Planet Dirt. No Food Courtia. My punishment for failing against Zim so long ago reached to so many areas of the universe. I couldn't make a living. I tried to be a bounty hunter. I tried many things, but I was shunned." Glaring down at the floor, Tak should of been angry at Zim, but didn't have it in her anymore. "I became a laughing stock. So I came back here knowing that I wouldn't be treated the same. I thought about you a lot. When I found records you were married I did do some spying. Found that those records weren't updated so to see that you are divorced and had kids, well I continued to research before finding out that you had an opening. So here you are, Dib. That is my pathetic story that has been nicely edited."
Dib actually found himself empathizing to her situation. So many treated him like a social outcast. It seemed even more so than Zim himself. How they thought of him as automatically crazy for accusing him to be an alien only to be shut down. So many years of his own father believing he was insane. Gaz just being Gaz in not wanting to listen to him for so long. He stopped his thought process to think about the one in front of him.
"I'm really sorry with all that, Tak. I've gone through the same thing for many years." He spotted how she had a half sneer on her face. "Not quite as crazy as what you went through. You've had a whole universe even if my understanding is through Zim is, there are many."
Tak didn't wish to correct him or even spit at the name of Zim himself. She just wanted to let some things go. Perhaps it was best to wallow in your own misery. "Yeah well I guess I can understand what you went through for many years." She half shrugged. "Now can we move on?"
He nodded at that just accepting the change till he wanted to bring up something on his mind. "Why did you get naked in my office?"
Blushing, Tak started to scratch an imaginary itch. Standing up, Tak started to scratch some more. "Uhhh can we forget about that, Dib? You aren't interested and I uh made a fool of myself."
Standing up, Dib wanted to perform an experiment so he took his t-shirt off while she went on and on about her making a fool of herself. Removing his pants and underwear, he thought he would even the score. "Are you in heat, Tak? If so why not be with someone else?"
She actually had her offers, but she turned them down. "Because there is no one like you and so what if" Turns around to see the shocking view of Dib standing in front of her prompting her to talk really slowly. "I am in heat..."
"I wanted this to feel even or at least make you feel less alone in doing what you did." Dib studied her stunned expression as she didn't blink. "Tak?"
In a low almost hypnotized voice, she said, "You have an amazing body for a human."
Looking down at himself, he shrugged. "I don't know since I don't check myself out in the mirror. Though I am getting older and you are still remaining young."
She could prolong his life very simply, but she was so captivated by the view she didn't verbalize anything. She probably verbalized drool coming out of her mouth.
Feeling that was enough of show and tell, Dib started slipping his clothes on. "Do you seriously want to work for me or were you just there to make yourself known?"
Tak almost pouted as the view went away, but at least it allowed her to speak a bit even if it sounded stupid. "Work yes I would myself known."
Stepping forth to lift her chin up to look directly at his face, he asked, "What was that again?"
Blushing again, Tak became speechless again just by the simple touch.
"Tak I'm flattered, but I know I'm not all that to make someone like you act like this." Stepping back, Dib knew what he was, and it wasn't what she was acting like.
Snapping out of it, Tak heard his words to go up to him to take him by the arms. "Are you kidding me? I find you very attractive. Your raven hair. Golden eyes. Full lips. Nice physique. Intelligent."
"And a father who very recently got divorced. Right now what I'm interested in is paying attention to my children and taking care of my business. I was a neglectful husband so I'm not looking for anything personal. If you are interested in the job then please come by tomorrow morning. Though you will be signing a clause and if you do anything that jeopardizes my children's safety, I will kill you in a matter of seconds regardless how I felt about you before." Dib became very firm with her. "If you'll excuse me I would like to go home to do some work and spend time with them." Turning abruptly he started to stroll out of there, but was stopped by her hand on his arm.
"I swear I won't do anything that causes harm to your smeets. I won't betray your trust again, Dib." Letting go of his arm, Tak watched as he nodded before leaving thinking how decidedly sexy he became as he got older. "Can I ask about where Gaz is? I'm just curious." Dib stopped to give her a saddened look, but without a word he left.
Garnet eyes widened as he stared at the screen. It was midnight on a saturday, and there was Zim standing up slowly from his chair wondering if he was reading something wrong as he waited and waited. Did he finally do it after all this time or was he asleep? He pinched himself like humans tell each themselves to do all the time to make sure they aren't, but seeing he was awake, Zim still needed solid proof.
"Computer?" His voice almost whispered.
"Yes, Sir?"
"Am I reading this correctly or am I dreaming?"
The Computer was one on one with the calculations already, but he decided to take his time to answer him so Zim knew he was really taking this seriously. "Yes, Zim it is real."
"You sure? You never addressed me by my name before."
"True, but at least you are awake to notice me saying your name, Sir." The Computer pointed out.
Nodding at the logic there, Zim took the formula, and went down to see his Gaz. Reaching to where she stayed, Zim approached the containment unit. "I'll see those beautiful eyes once more." He told her as he placed the formula in and waited patiently as her levels were monitored carefully.
As it warmed inside, the unit itself slowly became horizontal to allow the liquid to drain away. As Zim checked the monitors, he also would look over to her to see her becoming more uncovered by the minute. He felt sober for the first time in years. He felt nervous and excited to see her. Seeing a couple towels being dropped down near him from above, Zim thanked the Computer as he saw her always flawless face showing more and more. This was the best present ever in his opinion. A little Gaz coming back to life. She had faith in him so long ago and he finally fulfilled it.
Hearing her take a breath on her own, Zim went over to place the towels around her small frame. Lifting her up, he placed her on another table that was raised so he can conduct a proper diagnosis. As a scanner went over her, he saw everything looking perfect, but he needed to know if she remembered him and her brother. Hearing her teeth chattering, Zim quickly got a blanket to place over her.
"Please talk to me. Please open your eyes to say something." He pleaded softly. Watching those eyes slowly open up, Zim smiled at those beautiful orbs of hers. "I know you are cold, but I'm trying to get you warmed up."
Coughing, she pressed her lips together before a hand came out from under the blanket touching him. Zim looked down at it for a second, but went to her face as she turned to study him. Feeling a hand touch his face, a small smile graced her face. "Z-Zim.. Y-you did it. T-thank y-you."
"How are you feeling?"
"C-cold. T-that's it."
"We'll see about getting you something else to wear and about warming you up. Just let me keep making sure you are fine." She nodded her head just burying herself under the blanket to her chin.
After a few hours later, she was still wrapped in a blanket with a hot mug of cocoa in the palm of her hands. She had a fresh change of clothes, which were really his as she listened to Zim talk about all that has happened since she has been in there. "So my brother was married, had two kids, she cheated on him, and is now divorced. Tak is back and she is working for the company now. Oh and you drank a lot. Will you still be drinking?"
"No. I only did it because I was frustrated with myself and feeling I was letting you down."
"Zim, you did a lot for me. You shouldn't of felt that way. I'm happy you did so much for me." Gaz smiled at him. "I wonder where I'll be staying now since he has kids. I can't live there."
"Live here." Zim said it so fast, she sniggered at him. "That spare room is still there so take it. It is still yours. You might need new clothes though because that ex of his tossed all of your clothes away."
"What a delight." Rolling her eyes, she looked down to the Irken wear she was borrowing.
"I'll treat you to some clothes." Seeing her objecting to it, he shook his head. "Nope, you are taking them."
In the afternoon, they both set off to do some clothes shopping. Gaz was never a huge shopper, but just for the heck of it once, she tried on a plum dress that looked more mature than junior. Placing her hair off to one side, Gaz knew he was out there sitting in one of the many bored male seats near the dressing room. Leaving the room, she noticed him looking at a device in his hand when she cleared her throat.
"Zim? What do you think of this dress?"
All this time she never asked his opinion so when he heard her ask, he placed his device down to become immediately stunned. Gaz looked perfect. The dress hugged her amazingly well without it giving away too much.
Gaz turned around for his full inspection enjoying his really cute face when a saleswoman came up. "When a man does that you know the outfit has hit the mark." The woman said giggling. "Funny how some look so adorable like that."
"I would like to change into one of these before I leave because I want to see my brother, is there a way I could?" Gaz wondered.
"Yes you may. Once you purchase it, I'll take you back here to change, and you can be on your way."
"Thanks." Looking at Zim, Gaz smirked. "I'll be right back out, Zim."
Zim watched a beautiful view of her walking away hoping she wanted to get that dress. When the clothes were being purchased, Zim was surprised it didn't cost a whole lot, and when he looked around to see if the dress was there the woman cashing them out fingered a purple fabric for his eye to see before packing it away. Good she got it.
Knocking on Dib's door later, Zim smiled at him as Gaz hid. "How are you doing?" Zim asked slapping a hand on his shoulder almost too hard.
Feeling the pain he caused, Dib looked at Zim wondering how much he had to drink. "Have you been drinking already?"
"Silly Dib. Noooooooo. I came here to pay you a visit."
Raising his eyebrow up in suspicion. Dib didn't want someone drunk around his children. "That's nice and all, Zim, but if you are drunk I have to tell you to leave."
"You've always been so responsible."
Hearing the voice, Dib became stunned as he slowly stopped looking at Zim to gaze at Gaz watching her come forward. "Zim, am I dreaming?"
"Nope. I asked the Computer this last night before I administered the formula." Zim replied.
Stepping next to Zim, Gaz studied her brother. "He asked me again after I could stop talking without the chattering teeth." Taking another step forward, she wrapped her arms around her brother.
Hugging her back, Dib kissed the top of her head. "Come in guys." Taking his sisters hand, he just stared at her. "Sorry to be creepy, but it has been so long."
"Don't worry about it. I'll let it slide for once." Looking all around her, she almost laughed. "I see some of this hasn't changed though I do know you have kids now."
"Yes! William and Lisa. They are upstairs right now."
"Well I'm not anymore. Hey Uncle Zim." Came a young male voice.
Turning to his side, Dib smiled at his son. "William, I would like you to meet your Aunt Gaz."
Approaching Gaz, William smiled up at her as he adjusted his glasses. "Welcome back, Auntie."
He looked identical to Dib when he was a kid. Gaz smiled at him. "Hey William. Thanks. I'm glad to be back."
"Can I get a hug?"
"Pfft, you and your hugs." Came a small surly voice followed by footsteps coming downstairs.
Crouching down, Gaz gave her nephew a tiny hug as a miniature version of herself stood staring at her. "What I thought about your father always wanting them from me."
"Who always needs physical contact?" Lisa wondered. "Isn't it just a forced thing anyhow?"
"How I felt a long time ago. I hated the world. Wanted the whole planet destroyed and blah blah blah. After some time when something comes along. Something shattering to your world. Things start to change within yourself. I'm not saying to change in a matter of seconds because you have to evolve on your own." Gaz approached her just as Lisa approached her at the same time. "I know it all sounds stupid. Mock me if you want to, I'm more then fine with self expression."
Right then a rare smile came to Lisa's face. "Nice to meet you, Gaz."
"Nice to meet you, Lisa."
Dib, Zim and William watched as both of them walked into the kitchen to mumble about things. "Lisa never likes to talk." William said shocked.
Looking over to Zim, Dib smiled. "Thanks for bringing her back."
All right I do know why I got Dib naked and I'm not ashamed by that.
I hope there is a good enough reason for now for Tak's OOC'ness in the last chapter. If not well I'm placing my head on the pillow and falling asleep.