A/N:
Amy, being British, has never had the chance to celebrate the 4th of July, so Dib offers to take her to the Fair in the park, however, things go from normal to hilarious as Zima nd GIR end up coming along too. Set after Paranormal Meltdown, so Amy and Dib are not dating as of yet!
For the past week or so, the entire town had slowly become buried under a mass of red, white and blue, not to mention that the entire park had been closed off. I didn't know what was going on but people seemed to be getting really excited and I felt a bit embarrassed asking. Well, almost everyone was getting excited. Dib just rolled his eyes at the passers bye who were whispering furiously and pointing at the balloons and streamers hanging from streetlamps. #
"Are they blind?" he asked, "How can they celebrate this holiday when it's not gonna count for anything if Zim gets his way?"
"Uh…. Okay." I muttered, not seeing the relevance.
He blinked at me, "Okay? Don't tell me you've been caught up in all this?"
"I can honestly say that I haven't."
He arched his brow at my unease, "You do know what tomorrow is, right? 4th of July?"
Then I clicked, "Oh right! Yeah that's a big thing over here, isn't it?" I blushed, feeling like I'd offended him, "Sorry, we don't celebrate that where I come from."
"So, you've never been to an Independence Day fair or anything?"
"No, sorry, I've never had the chance." I shook my head, then I looked at him questioningly, "Wait, what does Zim have to do with it?"
Dib looked at me like it was obvious, "Think about it, if Zim gets his way, then we won't have an independence to celebrate! And these people are too dumb to realise it! Like last year! Last 4th of July he tried to send subliminal messages through the fireworks!"
I sniggered, "And how did that turn out?"
Dib adjusted his glasses with a smug expression, "I stopped him. A little water on the fuses and that solved it, and some even splashed on him which was a double victory." He deflated, "Well, it was a victory until I got blamed for running the celebration and got thrown out…"
"Better luck next time." I rolled my eyes.
I wasn't making fun of him, I just recognized that there was no point in going after Zim considering the situation. Zim had left his Tallest long ago, so there was no real point in Dib hunting him. But still, it was Dib's ambition to stop Zim and who was I to crush it? In truth, I kind of wanted to go to the celebration. In the U.K, we didn't have an Independence Day, and I was curious to know what happened during these celebrations. And I think it's become pretty clear how much my curiosity can be a cruel mistress.
"So, theoretically speaking… If we did go to the fair, what would we do?" I asked innocently.
He shrugged, "There's loads of food, fireworks, parades, they set up a funfair in the park and there's a few stalls for games and stuff like that…" he looked at me closely, "You want to go, don't you?"
I looked at the ground, "I'm not saying I do and I'm not saying I don't, but…"
"You're a terrible liar." He smirked, "Look, you've never been before and, well, it's kind of hard living in America and not be sucked into 4th July so… If you wanna go I guess I'll go with you."
I beamed, "You mean it?"
He shrugged, "Sure, may as well enjoy all the Independence we can get before Zim comes up with his next plan…"
The next night, the entire town was alive with cheers, music and laughing. Light from the park could be seen from my bedroom window. I could make out the curve of a rollercoaster and the colourful roofs of game stalls and the smell of barbecue was mouth watering. It looked like so much fun and I couldn't wait! My mum and sister had already left because it turns out that Evie and her Scout group were in the parade so I would see them there. I was due to meet Dib and Gaz outside the park in twenty minutes so I figured it was best to get moving. However, as I stepped out in the evening air, there was a series of flashing lights coming from my neighbours house. After an almighty frazzle of sparks, the front door burst open and a small green and fuzzy figure was sent shooting out onto the ground.
"GIR!" I shouted, rushing over to him, "Are you okay?"
He jumped up and pulled his hood down, "That was FUN!" he cried, "Your turn Amy-Cakes!"
I really didn't want a turn… However, I was already being pulled inside. Zim was covered in soot and crouching behind the TV. GIR shut the door behind him and shook his master's arm. The alien scowled at him and then jumped slightly at noticing me standing there.
"And what does Zim owe the intrusion?" he said with greatest of sarcasm.
"Great to see you too." I scoffed, "I was heading to the Fair when I noticed your own little celebrations. You do know that fireworks work better outside right?"
"Do not question me! And Zim has no interest in this Fair-thing!" he deflated, "I was fixing the TV…"
"Scary-Monkey went POP! And then he was gone." GIR nodded.
"Fair enough…" I shrugged, "Well, are you sure you don't want to come to the Fair? It's my first time going and it'd be fun if all of us went. Plus by the sound of it, you didn't really get to have a good time last year."
He pointed at me warningly, "Does the Amy-worm know what happens there? They have mechanisms that defy the laws of speed, threatening to blow the skin right off into oblivion!"
"Rides." I translated.
"There are bursts of fire that threaten to reign down and destroy the very ones that created them!"
"Fireworks."
"They cook meats!" he cried in outrage, "Meats!"
"Barbecue…" I tilted my head in confusion, "What's wrong with that?"
GIR giggled, "Masta and meats don't like each other. They make Masta head squishy like a taco!"
"Then you don't have to eat anything, come on it'll be fun."
He scoffed and returned to his work, ignoring me. GIR looked at me hopefully and started attaching a leash around his neck and handing the other end to me. I nodded at him and he started hoping from one foot to the other in excitement. Zim rolled his eyes and looked scornfully at his minion. I sighed pretended to sound really disappointed.
"Okay Zim, you don't have to go. After all, you can't help it if you're scared." At that, he flinched and turned to face me, I shrugged, "I just figured, you know, a brave invader like yourself would jump at the chance to face his fears and join us. But, if you're that scared, I'm not going to force you."
"Now see here, human, Zim fears nothing and will prove as such!" he cried, "Zim commands that you lead the way! Oh you shall see, Zim fears nothing!"
Victory for Amy! The trickster strikes again!
GIR tugged on my arm, "Is Gazzie coming too?" when I nodded, he grinned at his mater, "Hear that Masta? Little-Gazzie coming too!"
Zim flushed in anger, embarrassment or possible both and forcefully adjusted his lenses, "Zim has already given consent to attend pitiful human holiday… DO NOT PUSH YOUR LUCK!"
Needless to say, Dib was less than impressed at the sight of Zim and GIR joining me. He'd protested and it wasn't long before the two had started a brawl right in front of the park. I'd tried to separate them, but the more I did the more it seemed more likely that they would take a swing at me by accident. Gaz huffed, clearly growing bored with this and snatching the handle of the leash from my hand and swiftly looping it over Zim's ankle. She picked up a stick and dangled it tauntingly in front of GIR's face, making him blink in awe behind his disguise.
"Fetch." She said casually, giving it a powerful toss towards the park.
Instantly, GIR went speeding after it, resulting in his master being dragged kicking and screaming behind him. Gaz gave a nod of self pride at her work while Dib doubled over in laughter and I couldn't help but giggle at the sight of it. Okay, I was in hysterics; that was just the funniest thing I'd seen in ages! When we both finally recovered, we sent about searching for him. We did finally, in the middle of the Fair, looking incredible dazed while GIR chewed his stick gleefully.
"So, what's first?" I asked, taking in the excited atmosphere.
"We throw another stick?" Dib offered.
"When I figure out where the upwards direction is, Dib-worm, oh such pain you shall endure!"
"Oooohhhhh!" GIR breathed in awe, "Let's do that! Let's do that!"
The robo-dog was pointing up at a large fixture which was rattling and screeching with metal against metal. We looked upwards and saw a carriage being pulled up a large mound before plummeting downwards along a track and carrying out loop-the-loops and more sudden drops. My heart started pounding just at the sight of the colossal rollercoaster. Trust GIR to pick the biggest looking one in the place. Zim shuddered at the sight.
"And so it begins…"
Dib gulped, "Uh, yeah I can't go on that! My uh…. My glasses would fall off and uh… I don't have a spare pair and… Well have fun!"
I grabbed his arm before he could make a run for it and scowled at him, "You're not scared are you? Mr. Protector-of-the-World!"
"Ha! Tremble in fear Dib-filth! Victory for Zim!"
"Great, so you'll go on it?" I challenged.
He paled, "Don't be absurd human! You mean to say that this contraption does not unnerve you?"
I took another look at the ride and swallowed, "Well, it's big and… fast looking, but its all part of the fun right?"
"Here. Whiners."
Gaz appeared with a roll of tape from an arts and crafts stall and tore off two small strips. She harshly snapped Dib's head downwards and stuck the part of the glasses behind his ears firmly in place with the tape. He ducked out of her grasp and tried to remove his glasses, but they were stuck tight.
"There. Now get in line." She ordered.
"Do not order -"
She cut Zim off by giving one of her stern glares. GIR giggled in excitement and pulled us towards the line. The last rollercoaster I'd been on was back in my old home, but that was nothing compared to this monster! The closer we got to the front, the more I was starting to shake with both anxiousness and excitement. Gaz remained in her calm manner while Dib was starting to wring his hands nervously. Zim was examining the coaster with his eyes, his blue lenses quivering at the sight. Finally, it was our turn. We all managed to fit in to one row, GIR at the far end, then Gaz, Zim, me and Dib. The barriers came down and fixed firmly over us, locking us in place. I gasped at the carriage shit forwards and started to slowly climb up the incline, taunting us with the lack of speed.
"You shall pay for this Amy-worm!" Zim snapped, "You've doomed us all!"
I sniggered, "We'll be fine! Just picture it like your cruiser."
Dib started, "Don't say that! We will be doomed!"
"Zim is an excellent in a cruiser!" he retorted.
"Yeah, like a crash-dummy!"
"Dib, you're crushing my hand." I muttered.
"Sorry!" he blushed.
"Zim," Gaz said darkly, "If you don't remove your nails from my leg I will throw you out of this carriage."
"HERE WE GO!" GIR cried, bouncing in his seat.
The pit of my stomach lurched as we reached the top of the trail and plummeted downwards at a sheer drop. My hair whipped backwards and the wind was like ice cutting against my skin. To my right, my ear was ringing as Zim was crying out if terror while my left hear was going numb with a high pitched squeak that Dib was making. His lips were pressed into a thin line where he refused to scream, so instead it was contained in his throat. I couldn't see Gaz, or hear her for that matter, but GIR was screaming at top volume with hints of hysterical laughter. My hands dung into the support at the G-force pinned me in place. I presumed I was crying out too, there was definitely another person screaming but the air was throwing it away too quickly for me to tell. My throat hurting seemed like a big enough clue. My eyes clenched shut as we were spun upside down and downwards into another drop. After another series of sharp turns and another loop-the-loop, the ride came to a sudden stop.
For a moment, we were all frozen in shock. I could feel my hair sticking upwards like I'd been plugged into an electric socket. I looked at Dib, who seemed unable to move and his eyes looked ready to pop out of his head.
"Dib?" my voice was raspy from the yelling, "Are you okay?"
He glanced at me and mouthed a very painful looking, "OW!"
I looked down and found that my hand had gripped his in panic and my nails were digging harshly into his skin. I pulled away with an apology and bit my lip nervously at the little crescent marks that I'd imprinted him with. We looked over at Gaz who was looking extremely irritated, her hair also sticking up from the wind. But she was more agitated at the alien who had clamed his arms around her neck and was quivering from the aftershock. He suddenly noticed his actions and shoved himself away as GIR giggled hyperactively.
"Again! Again!"
"NEVER again!" Zim snapped.
Dib grunted as we clambered back onto the ground, struggling with his glasses, "What kind of tape was that? I can't get them off!"
Zim smirked, "Here, Dib-worm, allow me to help."
Before Dib could protest, Zim reached up and gripped the frame of the glasses and harshly snatched them downwards. There was a sickening ripping sound as the tape tore away from Dib's skin, He cried out in pain and gripped the side of his head in agony. Zim let out a triumphant chuckle and scanned the area, examining the other rides. I looked around too and sought out a ride that consisted of standing in a circular room and being spun around so that the G-force pinned you to the wall. After that, we skimmed around a few slower rides like that Ferris wheel and a few stalls. Dib and Zim started a full out war on the target practice game. With Zim's military training and Dib's previous experience with Zim, they were both pretty evenly matched. In the end, the stall manager actually gave them both full refunds just to get them to leave.
We stopped off to watch the parade, with GIR viewing from atop Dib's head. For a minute or two, my mum came and found us, pointing out my sister in her Scouts uniform marching proudly with the rest of her troop. She beamed and waved back when she saw us. It was getting pretty dark by this point and the entire park was in a dim glow of carnival lights and candles. We stopped off at a food stand when my mom left and feasted on hotdogs and burgers galore. Zim kept at a safe distance during this part.
"What happens when he eats meat?" I muttered to Dib.
"No idea, but look what happens when it touches him!"
Dib picked a chunk of his burger and flicked it with expert precision towards the alien. All it did was bounce off of his cheek, but his pupils instantly dilated in panic and he started yelling as the meat started to fuse with his skin, turning it a sickly brown colour. It didn't last long as it was only a small chunk with minimal contact and the colour faded quickly, but it still didn't stop the itching panic. Dib snorted with laughter while my jaw had dropped. I scowled at Dib who shrugged and carried on eating. Gaz rolled her eyes and tossed something from the table towards Zim, who caught it and looked at it cautiously.
"It's a veggie-burger, whiner." She snapped.
"Hey, come with me, you'll love this!" Dib grinned at me, pulling my arm and dragging me through the crowds.
I was faintly aware of Zim, Gaz and GIR following, but they didn't seem to bothered about keeping up. Dib led me to the far edge of the park where there was a slight mound. At the top, there was a guy handing out pale circular objects and holding a flamed stick. Dib paid for one and started to unfold it carefully. He lit a fuse inside the cavity and the entire thing started to inflate. It was a lantern. I beamed, I always wanted to try one of these. He held it out to me and told me where to put my fingers so that I didn't burn. My hands accidently came to rest on his, making him blush, but he didn't move. On the count of three, we lifted it upwards and watched as it floated off into the distance. I noticed that our hands still hadn't left each others, but I didn't mind, I was kind of enjoying it. The peaceful silence was broken however.
"Those kill the atmosphere, you know." Gaz stated simply, folding her arms.
"Not to mention play havoc with radars!" Zim added, "I've seen those before, getting sucked into turbines and causing avoidable panic when getting mistaken for smaller ships!"
I chuckled, "Then maybe you need better equipment?"
He scowled at me warningly, to which I flashed a wink just to wind him up further. We watched a little longer as other people started raising their own lanterns, lighting the sky like fireflies. We all were suddenly jolted from the quiet as an announcer of a megaphone announced the start of the fireworks in five minutes.
"Can we stay here?" I asked, "We've got a pretty good view from up here."
"Okay, oh uh…" he glanced down and snatched his hand away, "Sorry…"
Zim scoffed and rolled his eyes, turning away to look at the view. GIR was shifted excitably and running around us, clapping his hands together from the anticipation. I removed my jacket and lay it on the grass to sit down, Dib following suit. Gaz took no care for the ground and threw herself down, pulling out her G.S.2 and not looking that interested in the upcoming event. Zim casually sat down too, tapping his fingertips together.
"Fireworks aren't going to hurt you, Zim." I smiled.
"Zim does not fear the works of this fire!" he insisted, "Zim simply grows bored with the – AGH!"
He jumped to his feet as he cried on panic as the first rocket smashed into the sky. Dib snorted with laughter and clutched his sides.
"That's right Space-boy, no fear at all!"
"You dare to mock Zim?"
"You have to ask?"
"Why you -!"
Zim lunged. I ducked just at the last minute and Dib went flying backwards as the alien smacked into him, sending them both sprawling along the grass. GIR came to sit on my lap and pointed up at the crackling lights like a child, gasping and giggling as a rainbow of sparks showed down. Gaz rolled her eyes at the scrapping pair and moved over to sit further away from them.
"So," she said, not looking up from her game, "How was you're first 4th July?"
I grinned, "It was amazing!"
She shrugged, "Wait till you have Thanksgiving."
The boys had given in their fighting just to catch the last two minutes of the firework display, and I had to say it was one of the most spectacular displays I've ever seen. I've got to hand it to you Americans; you know how to throw a good party! Once it was over, it had gotten pretty dark and it was nearly my curfew. Gaz chose to walk straight home while Dib offered to walk me back. That also meant that Zim and GIR would be joining us too, but I didn't mind, even if he did. On the way, a light drizzle started to fall over us. Zim started to sizzle, his skin burning and giving off a horrible smell so I quickly threw my jacket over his head.
"Zim does not need your assistance, human!"
"I'll take it back then, shall I?" I challenged, raising my eyebrow knowingly.
He deflated and huddled further under the clothing, "Well there's no call for that…"
"Wimp." Dib scoffed, reaching into the many hidden pockets of his coat and pulling out an umbrella, holding it over the pair of us.
I smiled gratefully, but then took a bold step forward as the rain became heavier. After they day I'd had, nothing could ruin my mood and I just felt great. My first real 4th of July celebration! I span around on the sidewalk and let the rain sink into my clothes and drip into my hair. Both Dib and Zim tilted their heads in confusion at me, but I didn't care. I giggled at GIR shrieked in glee and joined in with me. It was rare that I could have that much fun in one day and it not end in a fight between the pair or an explosion. By the time we reached my house, my clothes were soaked right through and I was shivering slightly.
"Well what did you expect?" Dib asked with a playful grin, "This isn't a musical you know?"
"But how fun would that be?" I smirked.
"How can you stand to frolic in such disgusting conditions?" Zim snapped, "It's disgusting!"
I pretended to look offended and held out my arms, "Awe, I think I'll need a hug to get over that one, Zimmers!"
He backed away at my soaked form and cowered further under the jacket, "You shall keep away!"
GIR chuckled, "Can I gets a hug instead?"
"No GIR!" Zim cried, sprinting off into his house as his minion chased him, "No GIR! No!"
Dib and I sniggered as he walked me to my door, "You're gonna get sick, you know." He pointed out.
"Maybe, but I've had too good a day to care. Thank you."
He shrugged, "It's uh… no problem…" he looked at his watch and shifted, "Well uh, happy 4th July!"
I smiled and nodded, backing into my house, "Happy 4th July."
Agh my head hurts and I can't breathe through my nose! My can't I speak? Damn you rain! Damn you to hell where you may evaporate before you can hit the ground! And what was that shouting outside? I begrudgingly pushed myself up and looked out of my bedroom window. My head felt to heavy! I opened the window and peered out to see Zim out in his front yard holding a remote that was directing his gnomes to close in on Dib.
"Will you two shut up for one day!" I cried, my throat aching and my voice nasally from my blocked nose.
They both paused and looked up at me. Dib's eyes widened in shock, Man! You look awful!"
"Cuz that's what all earth-mates want to hear, Dib-filth…" Zim said sarcastically.
Dib flushed at me, "No I didn't mean, well, it's just…" he swallowed and tried to compose himself, "Are you okay?"
"I'm great…"
Dib folded his arms knowingly, "You're sick, aren't you?"
I coughed and tried to stop my eyes watering, "I'm not sick I'm just…"
"Sick." Zim finished with amusement, "What did you expect from such an inferior human immune-system?"
"Like you're is any stronger!" Dib retorted, "Who lands on a planet with over 70% of the surface covered in water, when they're allergic to water?"
"What human would constantly keep looking for punishment at a superior beings base, when they clearly are no match?"
"What alien thinks he can win when I'm around?"
"What -"
I slammed the window shut and closed the curtains, burying my head under the pillows. I wasn't in the mood to listen to them today, I felt too much like I'd been hit by that rollercoaster. This illness was still worth it though. I couldn't wait until next 4th of July, only next time… I'd stay out of the rain. Hey, that's a thought… I opened my window one more time to find that they were still arguing.
"Zim! Where's my jacket!"
A/N:
Sorry this was a few days late, but I thought I'd look into 4th July before writing about it, I hope I did it justice, I really want to attend a real one of these some day in the U.S. And this last part of dancing in the rain happened to me yesterday, so I figured it would make a funny ending XD Next one-shot shall be all ZaGr based as recommended by 'PuddingNinja', power to the ZaGr! XD
