Monsters and Ladybugs

By Kitteh and Neofox

Rating R

Warnings Violence and intense smooching

Disclaimer Smeets will eat our souls if we dare claim Invader Zim. So yeah, Jhonen can keep his smeets of DOOM!

Summary DADR. Three years later Dwicky comes back to fix what he messed up. But the little boy he left behind is no longer the same energetic soul from before and now may just be too broken to reach.
Beta Heartless7

Chapter 34

To say the new morning was good would be a big understatement. Compared to the last few days of turmoil it was one of the best Dib had in a while. He had woken up feeling much better than usual lately since he had been able to get a good amount of sleep. There were no nightmares and he was just all around rested. The first thoughts that ran through his mind, though, had been questions of what happened while he was out of it. Such things caused him to get dressed quicker than usual so he could meet the girls downstairs and find out just what happened.

Dib had been ready for some sort of abuse. Maybe to even be told that they had blurted his secret. What he wasn't expecting was for the girls to completely ignore him as he walked into the kitchen. It was eerie, but at the same time he was grateful for none of the usual happenings. The moment he asked about what went on the night before all they gave was a shrug, and that was that. When asked if he would be going to Skool, Dib simply shook his head, deciding that without his pills it would have just been a rough time and still not ready to deal with Zim. Besides, it gave him reason to see if Dwicky really was okay.

That was how he ended up at the apartment door. Dib had called earlier to make sure it was alright and couldn't keep the relief out of his tone when he heard Dwicky's voice. Although the man had sounded a little worn down, that didn't stop Dib from wanting to go over. With Skeets tucked under one arm, he lifted his other to bang on the door, having a sudden burst of excitement at the thought that everything really was okay.

The door opened and a rather mussed Dwicky came to answer. He wore the same white office shirt and black pants he wore last night; then again that's all Dwicky really wore. But this time his clothes looked like he slept in them. There was a package of frozen corn resting on his head and he couldn't help giving the chipper looking Dib a smile, albeit a weak one. "Hey baby, morning." He let the boy in and closed the door promptly after, and flinched when the click shut rattled inside his already sore head. "You look like a bowl of sugared rainbows and cheery sunbeams today." Dwicky smiled weakly again as he walked to the couch, a few glasses and a bottle told exactly what the man had been doing last night; though the pack of cigarettes was an unexpected visitor, it explained the smell.

Dib wrinkled his nose at the smell that assaulted it once he was in the living room. His sudden good mood was knocked down a bit as he caught sight of everything that was around. "And you look just the opposite." He glanced back at Dwicky, his teeth biting at his lip for a moment before he went on. "To put it lightly." He walked towards to couch and leaned against the arm, narrowing his eyes on Dwicky as he studied the man for a few seconds. Only after did he speak up, trying to figure out what happened since he wasn't able to on his own. "What's wrong with you?"

Dwicky stretched out on the couch, one leg draped off its side, relaxing with a drawn out sound. He pulled the bag of corn onto his forehead, hiding most of his face. "Contrary to belief- I am a man of habit." He raised a hand and twirled a finger. "And your sister and her clone are very scary." He pointed at where he thought Dib was, he was completely off. "I completely forgot the potency of the liquor nicotine combo." He exhaled with a 'whew!'. "I haven't done that in ages. And now, just now, I realize why." He tapped the dripping bag of frozen corn. "But after talking to the girls I needed something stiff to drink." He let out another sigh and went limp, letting his tongue loll out of his mouth.

The words only caused Dib to become more upset with the situation. For a while longer he stared at Dwicky's prone form until he finally made his move. He walked over to the side of the couch and removed the bag from Dwicky's face. He paid no attention to the man's protest and instead hit Dwicky in the face with the plush he held. "Stupid!" He pulled Skeets away so Dwicky could see his narrowed eyes, throwing the bag back down on the man's chest. "Just because they're scary people doesn't mean you had to do that." He pointed towards the bottle among other things. Just as quick his hand fell and a frown came to his face. The anger melted away as he became nervous and he started to fidget. "I was still there. I would have still been there for you. Sleep wouldn't have mattered if you were so troubled by everything."

"Owww." Dwicky gave a soft whine as he rubbed his wounded face with a hand. He couldn't help the amused look he gave in return to Dib's words. "I don't think it would have been very proper if I went back into your room after talking to them. Especially if your dad decided to crawl out from inside his lab. He would wonder what the heck I'd be doing in your room while you're out like a log." He chuckled some. "And trust me, Dib, you were sawing some serious wood up there. You'd make a lumberjack jealous." The man pulled the corn back up to rest on his throbbing head. "As tempting as crawling into bed with you was, I had to go home and keep to my own devices." He pulled the bag back over his eyes, trying to relax once more. "…I think I even had to change my pants." he quietly, jokingly added.

The joke did nothing to help Dib feel better. He plopped down on the side of the couch with his back to Dwicky and rested his elbows on his knees, his head soon to follow with his chin on his palms. Skeets took a seat in his lap and he kept his eyes on the plush instead of the mess on the table in front of him. "I should have stayed with you when you talked to them. It probably would have made it easier. I could have went to sleep later." His shoulders slumped a bit and the rest of his body followed. "Maybe then you would have been able to deal with it better."

An arm snuck around Dib's middle, tugging the boy closer to Dwicky. "It went perfect." he spoke softly. "It couldn't have gone better. And you got yourself a good night's sleep for once." Dwicky snagged Dib's wrist to tug the boy onto his front. He pushed the frozen vegetables off his face so he could smile at the boy. "I couldn't ask for more. Except to continue to see you smiling. You look so good today." He gave Dib's nose a playful poke.

Dib blushed at those last few words and he couldn't stay angry for long. The poke to his nose caused it to wrinkle up once again, but since he was closer to Dwicky it was also because of the strong smell from earlier. "You need a shower." Even though the words left him he made no real move to let Dwicky get up any time soon. Instead he raised a free hand from the plushy he held and ran it through the man's hair, trying to sooth his headache. "I'm glad you're okay. That you're safe and everything turned out so well." He smiled once more. His good mood coming back. "It's a little unreal. How did you do it?"

Dwicky shut his eyes, easily giving into the small lull Dib was offering. "Charm and good looks." he murmured, his grin growing. He opened one eye, tilting his head towards Dib's fingers. "Didn't you know, Dib? Love conquers all. It also takes you out to breakfast in celebration." He ran a few fingers along Dib's cheek, minding bandages and bruises. "A celebration that's long over due." He smirked a little slyly. "Maybe we'll actually get some cake for real this time."

That perked Dib up completely and he sat up a bit to look down at Dwicky. "Celebrate?" It was easy to tell by the question that he was excited by the suggestion. Even as he spoke his fingers continued running through the other's hair, still trying to give some comfort. "I'd like that a lot. It's something I was looking forward to when we talked about it." His cheeks went red once more. "Well, I mean, not counting that one time." He raised a brow as he kept his eyes on Dwicky and his smile fell a bit. "Are you sure you feel up to something like celebrating, though?"

"The pain killers will kick in soon." Dwicky sat up with a groan, letting the bag fall off his head and onto the couch. "Anything for you, hm. Anywhere you want. Anything you'd like." He rubbed his damp hair with a hand, squeezing his eyes shut to give a yawning groan as he rubbed his face. "You get treated to a day out with your most chivalrous and good looking older boyfriend while your classmates still suffer in skool." He planted a kiss on Dib's lips. "Aren't you special."

When Dwicky pulled back from the kiss all Dib could do was smack his lips for a few moments before a frown came to his face and he looked at the man. "You're brushing your teeth too." He pointed a finger at the man, trying to be as serious as he could. "I am not letting your lips anywhere near me until you do." He blinked for a second and his hand dropped back down. Finally he looked away and thought about it. "Wait, that didn't come out right."

"Is it that bad?" Dwicky blinked and licked his own lips too. "Ehh. Ugh, I have this bad sour alcohol aftertaste in my mouth. But my lips don't taste all that bad to me." He rubbed his own mouth and smacked his lips a few times. He gave a sly grin. "Then again, I'm not the one being kissed." His grin grew wider as he made kissy lips, leaning after Dib to give him another icky kiss.

Dib gave a squeal and scrambled back as best he could to the other side of the couch. It took a bit since his leg was still hurt, but as he did he held up Skeets in front of himself as if the plush would protect him. "Stay away!" He peeked out from behind the plush and narrowed his eyes on the man. "No kisses for you until you make that disgusting taste go away."

"Aww. Just one more kiss?" Dwicky made kissy noises between grins. He pushed himself onto knees, just as quick and mobile as Dib was with all the aches from his hangover. "Kiiiiiisssss!" He stuck out his arms zombie style and crawled closer to Dib. He took the plush and placed a kiss on its nose and gave a grin after. "See, Skeets doesn't think it tastes so bad."

Dib kept narrowed eyes on Dwicky and moved his hands out to grab Skeets back as quick as he could. "Well, I think it's gross." He stayed where he was and glanced at Dwicky for a second longer before he turned his eyes away. "As soon as you get cleaned up I'll give you as many kisses as you want. Right now I'm off limits." He turned his eyes back on Dwicky and grinned.

"Off limits? Not even one little itty bitty kiss? Just one small kiss?" Dwicky crawled over, placing either hand on the arm of the couch cutting off Dib's escape routes. "What if I just take those kisses, hm? I'll steal them away." He laughed. "It won't be so bad- just like kissing an ashtray." Dwicky tried to attack Dib with kissy lips again.

Dib moved a hand up and placed it on Dwicky's lips, being careful of his one finger as he did. Even if he was trying to get out of the situation, he still couldn't help letting out a small laugh. "No, nothing for you." He moved the hand up and ran it through Dwicky's hair much like he did earlier. "If you get cleaned up then the reward will be much sweeter. I promise." Just to make Dwicky happy, he leaned forward and placed a small kiss on the man's cheek, pulling back after.

Dwicky pouted his frown. "Hmmmph. Just for that- you can't join me in the shower." He pushed to stand from the couch, placing a kiss atop the boy's head as he moved away. "You'll survive. Feel free to help yourself to a snack." He ruffled Dib's hair as he walked to the bathroom.

Dib watched the other walk away while he fixed his messed hair in the process. As soon as Dwicky was out of sight he looked around the living room and a frown came over his face. The thought of cleaning up for Dwicky sounded appealing, especially since the man had helped him out so much already. He looked down at the plush near him and cuddled it close as he moved to get off the couch. "Come on, Skeets. We have a lot to do." As soon as the words left him, Dib went about picking up the mess on the table as best he could and that included the bag of corn left on the couch. He took all he could into the kitchen, deciding to go back for more later when his hands weren't full.

It was a while later that Dib had gotten everything and the living room was clean, but he occupied himself with washing the glasses in the sink instead. It was something to do while Dwicky was still away and he didn't really mind. Skeets sat on the counter near him watching with beady eyes and at times he had to make sure not to get the plush wet as a few drops of water splashed about.

Arms slipped around Dib's middle as a cheek rested atop his head and he was thoroughly cuddled from behind. "Mmm, my own personal little cute Dib maid." Dwicky playfully nibbled the boy's ear, kissing down to his neck with a lazy grin, his goatee tickling the boy's skin a little. "You'll find that I'm quite minty-fresh now." He kissed the boy's cheek, his grin growing wider.

Dib had been startled at first, but the little touches and tickling of skin caused him to relax completely. He finished cleaning the one glass in his hand and set it aside before he turned around in Dwicky's hold and leaned up to press his lips to the man's own. He let out of small muffled noise as he ran his tongue along the other's mouth and pushed his way inside. The kiss lasted for only a bit before he pulled away and grinned. "Much better."

"Mmmm, I agree." Dwicky slid his hands down Dib's sides, pressing the boy against the edge of the counter as he dragged his hands back up along skin, taking the boy's shirt with it. He leaned down to kiss the exposed skin on the boy's chest, finding the difference in height rather poor in his favor. The boy was small and light enough to hoist up higher by his hips, giving Dwicky more of Dib's front to steal away with his mouth. "Much better." he echoed low in his throat with a grin.

Dib let out a small squeak at suddenly being lifted up, ignoring the pain from his bruises as soon as he felt the attention Dwicky gave him. He wasted no time in wrapping his good leg around Dwicky, trying to keep the man where he was as his arms wrapped around the back of his neck. A little sound escaped him, but he didn't mind, too busy leaning forward to bite at the tip of Dwicky's ear.

Dwicky murred against Dib's skin, running his tongue across barely faded bruises along the boy's ribs. His hand slid across the boy's chest, pushing the shirt up higher. He kissed across new bare skin, lifting Dib up until he sat on the counter. He blinked when they bumped a fuzzy red and black spotted bundle. "Oh, hello Skeets." Dwicky grinned lazily at the plush as he slowly ran his hand up and down Dib's front, letting it fall lower and lower with each movement. "Enjoying the show?" he gave a throaty chuckle.

Each little noise Dib made was muffled against Dwicky's ear as he paid special attention to it. He nibbled gently on the rim as his teeth made their way down, never once letting up. One of his hands moved to the other ear to twist at the gold stud, finding the action enjoyable each time he got his hands on the piece of jewelry. As Dwicky moved his hands lower, though, it caused Dib to pull his mouth away for a split second so he could give a tiny moan. Just as quickly his tongue moved out to lick the spot he let go.

Dwicky let audibly breathy exhale against Dib's chest, staying still for a moment while Dib toyed with his ear. He gave the boy's chest a few more kisses before he traced a nub with his tongue, pinching it with teeth before lavishing new attention on it. It was hard enough to pull away from what he was doing and what Dib was doing to him but some how Dwicky managed, his hand moving where his mouth had been. "I'm so happy you're okay, and we're okay, and things are okay- and- and… uh… it'll all be okay now." He gave a breathless sound after speaking, more surprised he spoke than anything.

Dib had given a pathetic sounding whine when Dwicky pulled away. It soon died when Dwicky's hand replaced where his mouth had been on his chest. Behind Dwicky his foot twisted around as he gave another small needy sound. He tried to pay attention to what the other said, but the most he could do was nod his head and hope that was enough. To make up for it he leaned forward and pressed his lips to Dwicky's, running fingers through the man's hair as he did.

Dwicky deepened the kiss quickly, running his tongue along Dib's, never getting enough of a taste inside the boy's mouth. It felt like months since he'd been able to touch the boy even if it only had been a day. He pulled from the boy's mouth, licking away the wet trail that followed. He placed a few more wanting kisses before he finally spoke. "... Skeets is staring." Dwicky picked up the plush to poke its head at Dib's face with a horrible teasing grin. "I think he's jealous."

Dib pouted for a few seconds as he took his hands back and wrapped them around the plush instead. "Jealousy doesn't suit him very well." He looked back up at Dwicky and gave a small grin. "Although, I guess he does have a right to be jealous. All of the plans you have to steal me away. What's to say you won't just steal me away from him?" He moved Skeets up and pretended to attack Dwicky's face with the plush. "Maybe you'll have a fight to the death for my affections."

"Eep. Well, I guess I should lavish some attention on him too." Dwicky took up Skeets from Dib and cuddled the plush in his arms. "Well hello there Skeets. You're looking rather- i sensual /i this morning." He began to pet the ladybug's back. "Ohhh, you like that do you? You're such a naughty buggy. You shouldn't say things like that- Dib is right here. No, not now. I'm trying to seduce my Dib right now on the kitchen counter. Yea, I know I prepare food on this counter. But that's what cleaning sprays are for." He cocked his head. "Hm? Well- maybe one kiss. The rest are for Dib." Dwicky gave a quick kiss to the plush's head and then handed him to Dib. "Now hopefully you aren't the jealous one." He grinned at Dib.

Dib took Skeets back while keeping narrowed eyes on Dwicky. "If I didn't know any better I'd think you were cheating on me." He gave a small little playful pout. "And here I thought you only had eyes for me." He couldn't help but grin. "And hands, among other things." Skeets was set aside so Dib could place his arms around Dwicky once more. "I might be a little jealous, but only because I want you all to myself." He gave a small quick lick to Dwicky's bottom lip then pulled back to speak again. "Every bit of you." He rested his head under the man's chin, feeling relaxed enough to keep it there for the moment. "Especially after everything that's happened lately."

Dwicky rested his head atop Dib's, slipping arms around him, a hand ran up and down his back out of sheer habit. "Such a greedy little Dib. But you're my greedy little Dib. And I wouldn't share you for anything. Not a thing, to no one." He chuckled a little and placed a small kiss atop the boy's head. "Not even a plush." His hand ran down the boy's side and affectionately stroked the boy's thigh. "I guess it really would be a fight to the death." He grinned against the boy's hair. "Though, I have faced the worst of the worst yesterday, so I'll be quite the match." He buried his face in Dib's dark hair, taking him in with a deep inhale. "...I'm so happy everything's alright..." he spoke more softly in a much more fragile voice.

Dib closed his eyes, wanting to enjoy the peace that he was finally allowed. Dwicky's words caused him to smile a little and cuddle up closer to the man's chest as best he could. "I hope everything stays this way. I mean, it has to, right? Nothing can possibly go wrong anymore. If you were able to make everything better then everything should be okay." He opened his eyes back up and leaned his head back to look up at the other. "Maybe time will go a little quicker now and in no time we'll have what we want, right?"

Dwicky's eyes fell on Dib and he gave the smallest of smiles as his brows furrowed a little. "Right..." A hand rose to touch Dib's cheek, running along it as if it were something he had just been granted touch of. "Mm, yea... quicker. Much quicker." He seemed to consider something and in the end he just cupped Dib's cheek, running his fingers delicately down to the boy's neck, brushing against the short dark hair against Dib's head. The man searched Dib's face a moment, though he didn't say what it was, and in the end he only smiled softly as if the serious moment never crossed him. "So, where would you like to go today?"

Dib leaned into the touches while he thought about the question. Having been reminded once more about his small celebration caused the excitement to come back again and his one leg fell down to kick against the counter. "Somewhere to eat, maybe for breakfast. I kind of left the house without eating again, but it was mostly because I wanted to see you." He dropped his hands down and grabbed Dwicky's arms until he was able to take both of the man's hands into his own. "It was nice when we were able to eat out that one time. I've wanted to do that again for a while." He stayed silent for a little bit, just staring at their hands before he finally spoke up again, a little afraid of the answer he would get. "We could maybe just walk around the city for a little while and just be with each other. Like a couple, right? Everyone thinks you're my dad anyway." He shrugged at that. "As long as we don't do any of the obvious and we're just able to go out with each other I'm happy."

"Your dad, mff." Dwicky rolled his eyes remembering that. "Don't remind me. I didn't think I looked that old just yet; makes the situation appear just a little more wrong than it should." He sighed and shook his head looking down at their hands as well, turning them so he could hold Dib's best he could. "But anything for you. I'll just enjoy spending some actual quality time with you. It's been ages since I've had you for an entire day all to myself-- especially without worry about some minor detail." Dwicky raised either of Dib's hands so he could kiss them one after the other respectively. "This is my treat to you, for doing so well."

Dib looked up at Dwicky's face for a few seconds before he quickly looked away towards the wall. "You really think that?" He dropped his eyes to the floor. "That I've been doing well, even with everything that's happened? I still listened to what I was told, even when I said to you that I would try my best not to." A worried look crossed his face, but he still kept his eyes averted for the time being. "I don't think that really means I'm doing well at all." His hands tightened around Dwicky's, trying to seek out any comfort he could.

The man's hands let go of Dib's to slip past to take either side of the boy's face, lifting his head gently up, so that at least Dib's face would look at him even if his eyes wouldn't. "You're out of there. You're actually out. No more padded roomed visits, no more sneaking to unbuckle your jacket, you're out, and out for good. That's a one hell of an accomplishment if you ask me, Dib." He gently brushed a thumb along the boy's cheek, drawing down to thumb his bottom lip. His voice fell quieter. "Now you have to pick up where you left off three years later, you have to act normal in a world that isn't what you see on TV screens and colored mock-up billboards. Life's been tough for you, and it hasn't stopped, I can see that now. You try so hard despite the outcome, and no one sees it." Dwicky let one hand to brush a few dark strands that were never on the boy's forehead. "…If I don't cut you a little slack, who will?"

As soon as his head was lifted, Dib moved his eyes to Dwicky's face. Each word said caused him to hold his breath for a moment, not really expecting such things to be said. After Dwicky was finished speaking Dib took no time moving away from the man's hands so he could bury his face in the other's chest. He wasn't upset, but he just felt the need to be closer to Dwicky. The words were something he needed to hear, but he was still scared. Not half as bad as he had been lately with everything going on. It was only something he had to learn to deal with. "I'm glad I have you to talk to." The words came later in a quiet voice as Dib wrapped his arms around Dwicky's waist and let his hands trail up the man's back. "I'm just glad I have you."

A hand rested atop Dib's head, and soon both of Dwicky's hands gently messed with the boy's hair. "Me too." His hands fell down to Dib's shoulders where he wrapped his arms around the boy as well, tucking the other's head under his chin. "You're strong, and I know it's been a long time since you've gone up against anything. But you have to try to stand on your own two feet. I know the worst enemy we have is ourselves, but if you can conquer that then you can face anything. All you've ever needed was someone to just listen, and believe you when you said you tried, you really tried. And I do, Dib, I believe you did. You've been so scared of repercussions now that you don't know who to listen to. Especially when the one person here whose been trying to spout nothing but truths has been a hypocrite himself. But I'm going to try to make things easier... for you. I'm going to make sure what happened these last few days don't happen again." He rubbed either hand up and down Dib's back. "You'll just have to trust me, and believe that I'm just looking out for you." Dwicky rested his lips in Dib's hair, sighing a warm breath there. He knew he was being vague to no end, but he didn't want to elaborate just yet.

"I believe you right now." Dib pulled back only a bit so he could look up at Dwicky's face. "After what happened, you were able to make things better. Even this entire time, you're the only one that's been with me." He looked away towards the floor. "I trust you and only you. I know sometimes I say things to you that make it seem the complete opposite, but I don't mean to and I'm sorry." He snuggled himself back against Dwicky's chest without once looking back up at the other. "I really do love you." He couldn't help the small grin that came to his lips. "And I'm sorry for the hangover my sister caused you to have."

Dwicky managed to grin a little back, giving a soft chuckle against Dib's hair. "You're worth several hundred hangovers. Hm, I just don't seem to learn my lesson the first time." He smirked some. "Don't ask how many times I watched our video, I think I've memorized the lines by heart. I'm obsessive, more than compulsive." He ran his hand a few times against Dib's back. He paused a moment. "...You hid my smokes, didn't you, kiddo."

Dib didn't lift his head as he answered the other. "No, you must have lost them." He didn't sound completely innocent as hard as he tried, and it caused him to quickly change the subject. "See, I told you we would be able to make better memories. It helped at least a little, right? Even with what I had to tell you, we were still able to at least enjoy ourselves as best we could." He smiled a bit. "You were right; it wasn't a total waste in the end."

"Tear stained, but happy." Dwicky nodded in agreement. "Happier than before anyway." And that said a lot more than Dwicky liked to think about. "But I am glad you told me, despite everything, it all worked out in the end. See what talking your problems out can do." He planted a quick kiss at Dib's cheek before he tried to subtly check Dib's pockets for the missing cigarettes.

Dib grabbed onto Dwicky's wrist and pulled the man's hand away as he moved back to look up at the other. "They aren't in my pants, so you should stop. Unless you plan on reaching for what you normally reach for." He let go of Dwicky's hand and gave the man a quick kiss on the lips before he hopped down from the counter, taking Skeets and making his way towards the living room.

"H-hey. What kind of comment is that?" Dwicky paused to give an unsure frown before pouting a little. "I-I'm not like that. I'm not like that at all. I don't always reach...there." He opened his mouth and pointed. "I am not just after that. I'm not a pervert." He followed Dib into the living room. "I am not a horny old man!" Dwicky glanced about suddenly confused and unsure. "I don't think... so." His brows furrowed as he fretted some, scratching his head to think it over.

Dib had turned around when Dwicky came into the living room. He leaned against the arm of the couch to face the other, amused at the sudden confusion Dwicky was going through. Although he tried his best not to show it, but it was hard to keep a serious face. "I never said you were any of those things nor do I think you're any of those things." A tiny smile finally came to his face after he spoke up as he continued to watch Dwicky.

"Alright then." Dwicky nodded, letting his hand fall back down to his side. He stared a moment and rubbed the back of his head looking thoughtful "... What was I doing again?" he murmured off hand to himself.

"You were taking me out to breakfast and other nice things." Dib walked away from the couch and over to Dwicky to tug at the man's arm with his free hand. "I'm starving, so come on." He grinned a bit. "Don't you wanna spend your well earned cash on your lickable boyfriend?" He tugged one more time.

"Oh, yea, right. Going for breakfast, spending time together, celebrating." Dwicky moved his arm to take Dib's hand in his. "Getting your medication renewed. And all that fun stuff." He closed one eye, tapping his lips with a finger as he looked at Dib hard. "...You didn't hide them under the couch cushions did you?"

Dib narrowed his eyes on Dwicky and stayed silent for a few moments. Finally, he took his hand back as he began to pout. "No, I didn't." He looked away towards the door. "You could act at least a little more enthused that we're going out together instead of worried over where I hid those things." He glared at Dwicky out the corner of his eyes.

"HA!" Dwicky pointed at Dib instantly. "So you did hide them!" He poked Dib's cheek with his accusing finger a few times.

Dib blushed a bit in embarrassment at being found out. He quickly pushed Dwicky's hand away and turned to face the man with narrowed eyes. "That's not the point." He let out a heavy sigh as he looked away from the other once more.

Dwicky turned Dib's head to look back his with a finger at his chin, giving a warm grin. "Then what's the point? The point is you want love, affection and attention lavished upon you all day today, no questions asked." He planted a quick kiss on the boy's lips. "Is that it?"

Dib looked surprised for a moment before he quickly looked away again. "Well... I mean..." He started to stutter and tried to get his words in order before he started again. "I guess so." He chanced a look back at Dwicky as he continued to pout once more. "Unless you'd rather stay here and smoke."

Dwicky shook his head and chuckled. "No. You wouldn't kiss me if I did." He made an amused sound. "But drinking is another story it seems." He ruffled the boy's hair as he went off to search for his wallet for the trip out.

"You tasted better then and less like an ash tray." Dib had spoken loud enough so Dwicky could hear him and kept his eyes on where the man had walked off to. When he was sure Dwicky was completely out of sight he walked back into the kitchen and to the sink, which he had yet to let the water out of. With a free hand, Dib reached into the cloudy water and moved it around for a few moments before he finally pulled out what Dwicky had been looking for, although now very soggy. Dib looked them over for a few moments before he walked over to the trashcan dumping them in and shaking his hand off afterwards.

"Found it!" Dwicky returned, shoving his wallet into his pocket. He dusted his hands off before his eyes fell on Dib. He raised a brow, tilting his head with half a smirk. "…You have a very guilty look on your face."

Dib had quickly turned around to face Dwicky and placed his wet hand behind his back. "No I don't!" He realized he said the words much too quickly and loudly and tried again. "I mean, no I don't." He tried to get the attention away from him as he changed the subject much like he had before. "Are we ready to go yet? I really wanna get something to eat."

Dwicky's thick dark brows raised as he gave Dib a rather disbelieving half lidded gaze, his smirk never left him. "Really?" He took as casual a step as he could towards Dib, looking the boy over top to bottom and side to side; a skeptical inspection made over the boy.

Dib nodded his head quickly. "Really." Behind himself, Dib tried his best to wipe his hand off on the back of his shirt. Each way Dwicky moved, Dib turned away from the man so what he was hiding couldn't be seen. That didn't stop the trash can from being in plain view and he had to quickly position himself back in front of it as best he could.

"Hmmm." Dwicky narrowed his eyes for a moment. "You know where lying got you last time, kiddo." He gave Dib's nose a little poke. But in the end he shrugged, giving up just as easy. "Let's just get going, alright?" He offered his hand over to Dib to take.

Dib opened his mouth about to say something in retaliation to those words, but just as quickly he thought against it. He dropped his eyes to Dwicky's hand, staring at it for a bit before he actually took it with the hand he had hidden behind his back. He clutched Skeets tightly and stayed silent, only nodding his head to Dwicky's words.

The man led Dib to and out the door, locking it behind them. He gave the boy a wry look. "By the by, you smell like wet tobacco." And Dwicky left it at that.