[AN: Some sour limes below. Also Much apologies for the way the chapters look! Honestly this website gets on my nerves sometimes but I'm updating it and fixing it as fast as possible!]

She knew it. She just knew it! Tak knew that there had been something up with Gaz this whole time! Her intuition never was wrong! She had sussed it from the start, it just all reeked of foul fishiness! And now she stood there with Dib hearing it at last, confirmation right out a reliable source, that she was right all along. This Matthew person, he confessed to at first being a part of a group of people leading a rebellion against Dib, Tak, and the entire Membrane company. Just who was it that recruited them? Who was their leader? None other than Miss Gazlene Membrane herself. She had come to him knowing he was always good at mechanics, that was a skill she could use on the team, and he joined because he admittedly always had a thing for her. They worked tirelessly during school hours, during the night, weekends, whenever to get her base set up. When it was time for it, Gaz concocted a master plan, a plan that deceived everyone.

Matthew had been a major part of it so he could tell all that there was to tell from his perspective. Slowly the facts trickled out confirming Tak's theories, at least the ones that put Gaz in an unfavorable spotlight. She had not been some weak-willed limp doll of a victim to Zim's wicked evil. She had been the mastermind all along. She had freed Zim, pretended and lied about every step she took, hid and snuck carefully back home. Matthew told them about his last day there on the group but he sort of stretched the truth, if not flat out fibbed. He was no better than Gaz when it came to being honest about his motivations and just like her he was clever, crafty, and would sneak under their radar. He explained that he was just helping out Gaz with a project, restoring life to the robot Dib and Co had captured, when the alien busted out of nowhere and attacked him. Zim, painted here as the master of conartistry and a manipulator, got Gaz on his side with attacking the "innocent" man. Matthew promised he held no grudges against her, he in fact wanted her away from the extraterrestrial terror as quickly as possible.

He said it wasn't right, it wasn't normal, and it was still more than possible Gaz was under some type of influence from him. He grinned, those lies seeping out between his canines like the black smoke he breathed. As to why she saved Zim at all, stood up for him, he thought that Zim had bewitched her in some way whether or not it was for gain or for his own self pleasure or for revenge anyhow who knew? All they all knew was that Gaz had started it. Zim, for all intents and purposes, was not the one plotting, planning, scheming, waiting like a spider to catch a fly. It was Gaz, it was always Gaz. Dib could see it now. Everything clicked horribly into place like a sickening puzzle piece. For whatever reason Gaz liked Zim, when this started, how this started, or why this started no one was for sure of. Dib had almost blocked it out of his memory what he had seen that day when he confronted Zim about what his plan was. Gaz had been in Zim's house that day playing video games with him.

How could he have forgotten that? It was a crucial but small detail that all but slipped his mind. Whatever transpired between the two had started something, it sparked that day and ignited for years to come and built and built until it was going to burn everyone. Gaz didn't like much in this world, and as for people she liked it was very little. One reason or the other she had liked him, maybe it was a small crush, but it was enough. Dib couldn't fill in all the blanks but the ones he did he was trying so hard, trying in vain, to still keep Gaz's hands clean. Zim could have bewitched her, like Matthew implied, using his words and whatever little charm he had to make her free him and keep him safe.

Toying with her, telling her he loved her, but really, he didn't. She was, at best, in Dib's twisted mindset, a play toy for him. A board game piece to move at his will. A puppet he was pulling the strings of. It didn't matter how it was turned or how he looked at it though, Gaz had stabbed him in the back while staring him right in the face, smiling at him like she had done nothing wrong. He had fallen for the biggest joke of his life, hook line and sinker. She played them, she played them all for fools and they let her. No, he let her. He had let all of this go on, from the start. Every time his mind piped up, he shut it out, shrug it off, let it be. The denial was deep because though she was no saint, he could not fathom his sister siding with the enemy for any reason.

His own flesh and blood! He loved his sister, ever since he was born he swore to protect her to his mother. "Don't let anything happen to her, Dib, you be a brave, kind, strong big brother and watch over her for me." That's what she told him and he had failed her. He had failed his family. No Gaz had done it, Gaz was the disgrace not him! He had risen to the top, clambered to the top actually, struggled through wars and battles she could scarcely imagine, dealt with horrors and night terrors that ripped apart his soul, his guilt tore into him, his mind was all over the place, ghosts from his past haunted him more than any specter he searched for, the stress and anxiety would kill him if he wasn't too careful and on yet in spite of that he had risen. He had worked his ass off to get here, he had defeated a race that was going to take them over, he had made the city; his city, into a bright and shining new place free of crime, free of gang wars, free of graffiti, free of every bad thing he could think of. It was all washed out, he had cleansed the town. He was the hero, he was the child their father was so proud of, he had done nothing wrong. Nothing. Dib's curled fist shook.

The pills coated his mind with calming waves, popping each stress and panic like bubbles. He was no longer worried, he no longer feared, he no longer hurt- all he had was disappointment, betrayal, and anger. He punched the wall hard enough to crack the first layer leaving a fist shaped hole in his wake. He had not been the best brother, it was true, but he was her brother none the less. Oh how he had wanted this Z to be the one for Gaz when he met him, he wanted Gaz to have a bright future with a husband and kids someday. She had held his hand and grinned like a Cheshire at Dib, knowing exactly who was under that human skin, and they both were laughing at him, mocking him.

Why else agree to meeting him? Just to fuck with him. That fear that night? It was fake. She had been hiding Zim all the time right underneath her a few levels down and she knew it. Her checking to see if the guards were still there? A fake attempt to appear as if she was happy to be protected. And that party she had? Just a cover up like everything else. Those weren't her friends, they were her loyal minions. He wanted to cry again but the pills didn't allow him to and he was glad of it. The feeling he had of being frightened of not being human was gone. He cared but not to the extent of hurting him.

That was good. Right now, he didn't have time to whimper like a baby. Gaz was the only thing he had left of mom and she was his only sibling, no matter the scenario, no matter the case, he would not punish her harshly. If he took her away from that fiend and made her see to reason, then maybe she might...But what if she didn't? It didn't seem to matter. He no longer cared for her approval if she was going to screw him over like that without concern. He felt a comforting hand on his back rubbing it up and down. Tak. He looked at her and she gasped a little. Dib's eyes were almost dead looking, hard, serious and stern but he still had his emotions and the way he felt for her right now, it showed all over his eyes. She was the last remaining thread he had to grasp onto in this world, she had never done anything to harm him or betray him.

She had been honest and true from the start. If he asked, she answered, and she even took lie detector tests for him. It wasn't only because he was her leader but because he was something of a companion for her, someone human to talk to and not her faithful robo-cat. Mimi was her friend to the end, she had built her piece by piece to her own design, but Mimi was still a robot at the end of the day. Dib could emote, he could feel, he could hear her. That was something they shared, they loved to rant and debate and nobody else seemed to understand them but them. So they listened to each other and in listening they learned and in learning they loved, well he did she could only feel something similar. A lioness does not love her golden-haired king of beasts, not in any mortally understandable way, but she would protect him and her pride until the last blood was shed. Besides which Irkens choose one soul life mate, so there was no fear of her leaving him.

"You were right, Tak," He rasped to her, the words coming out of his mouth identical to a man finding God after being an Atheist his whole life. Dib looked at her as he straightened himself out. He wanted to profusely apologize, even prostrate himself before her. She had told him, hadn't she? From the first day until their steps to the car today. He had, yet again, ignored her. If their informant was not here and Keef lying on the ground still twitching, he would try to formulate a speech for her to tell her how sorry he was. She deserved much more than his speeches though. He was no poet, but he did have a way with words when it came to public speaking. After years of hysteria and being outcasted he had over time, thrust into the lime light, taken up being a passionate orator since now everyone could actually hear what he was saying.

"You were always right...I should have listened to you...I've been so blind and ignorant..."

"As much as I'd adore you groveling to me," Tak butted in. Her mind added in 'and how much I adore you being submissive and admitting I'm right.' She continued vocally, "We haven't got much time for it, dearie."

"Of course. Right. Matthew, could you get us into Gaz's base?"

"It should still recognize me as a member but if not I'm sure your pretty girlfriend could figure it out, she seems clever."

Dib blushed at the term but Tak sort of halfway smiled. Something about the way he said it rubbed her all over in a nasty way, like when her coffee had too much gritty grounds in the bottom of the cup. In fact, everything about him wasn't right. He looked and felt like a living demon more so than even Gaz herself mostly because Gaz was female and devily looking things made women look seductive. On a man, especially this one, it felt evil. What other choice did they have but to go with him? Her gut was telling her this was not going to end well if they kept him by their side. Tak picked up Mimi who, much like the person in front of her, appeared out of the darkness. Mimi curled up in her owners' arms and was petted slowly.

Mistress I don't like the feel of that human if he is even human.

Tak stared him down as did her sir unit. 'I feel the same way. Let's keep a close eye on him. We've already had one person go against us.'

As you command, mistress.

"Uh well...yeah she is...but uh yeah...we should go now. My car is outside, we'll take it to the house."

Matthew nodded and turned heading out the door, walking in a way where you could not see his feet. Tak stopped Dib before he went any further. She shot him a serious look and pressed her lips to his ear, pretending she was kissing his cheek in case Matthew should turn around.

"Watch your back, dearest. He's trouble."

Dib no longer questioned her. If Tak said he was trouble than she was not wrong, she had not failed him yet in her guess work. He flicked his thumb against his nose, that was a sign that he got the memo. The two of them left the premises not realizing that as soon as they closed the front door to Keef's house the red head rose from the floor with a smirk. He had not been knocked out nearly as long as Tak might have hoped and had laid on the floor listening to everything the whole time.

He relayed the message instantly to his cohorts, something simple and short that only they would get. "The duchess is coming. Eat the tarts." It was an Alice in Wonderland reference that everyone understood immediately when they read it. The Duchess was their code name for Dib since in the book the Duchess had an awfully huge head. The tarts were the evidence, in the story the Queen took the wrongfully accused to court because of it. Eating them- well that meant destroying it all. The frenzy was wild that day in the base and all scrambled to do what they could. Burning, shredding, breaking, whatever was necessary to leave no traces of what they had found out.

What they were up to, they were sure Dib had already gotten that information, but they would not let him know any of the secrets they held outside of that. When it was all said and done they waited there, holding hands, all of them together, waiting for their sentencing like Alice had waited in the court knowing she had done nothing but would still be beheaded anyways. The he came, busting down the door with a swat team and by his side Matthew, looking like the grim reaper's lost love child. Dib took a second to look at them all, standing firm and protecting their leader even if she wasn't there, not faltering for a second, risking their lives and jail time just for her and that blasted freak.

Their loyalty was commendable, but they were not on the right side of things. He told his men to round them up and search the place. One more member had been found in one of the last rooms down the hallway and they pulled her out but unlike the others she put up a good enough fight, even kicking the man holding her in the shins hard. Dib recognized her, how could he not? Before Tak returned and set aflame his feelings for her again he had a crush on this woman. The only female in the Swollen Eyeball society, Agent Tuna Ghost though her hair was dyed differently there was no denying or hiding who she was.

The betrayal had seeped far if it could reach into the inner sanctum of his own society and to her of all people! She had been the cool one but also the one who questioned them the most, questioned what they were doing, and to what end. He supposed he should have seen it coming really but he didn't. She had told him she wanted him to release her sister, but he refused, she was part of this too. He looked at her, recalling her vibrant bubble gum pink hair, and as he saw her, he saw his sister somehow. It was the clothing mostly and because of that he told them he didn't want to see her face anymore. Her hands were handcuffed and she was led away but not before she got a word in.

"She'll stop you, you know, they both will and when they do, I hope they give you the same treatment you dished onto Zim! You will pay for this and for taking my sister to jail! She's just a baby!"

Dib cringed when he heard that, it almost made him feel guilty for what he had done because it reminded him of his own actions, of himself. He almost felt guilty, but he didn't. Not anymore. The tables were flipped and everything was searched through but what showed up was not much and none of it pointed to where Zim might have gone off to that was until Tak was able to find the computer. It was shattered to pieces in an attempt to stop them from using it, most likely by the agent herself, but Tak could tell some part of it was still working. It would take her some time, but she could get it up and running and find out where the last transmission was sent to.

Matthew stood there against the doorway, looking over everything. She had eluded him yet again but not for long. Once that transmission was found they would have her and they would throw her in the clink and exterminate the Irken she cared for. However, his plan also entailed exterminating her and he'd have to find some way to get alone with her. Dib and Tak might find out but at that point Gaz would be a lifeless bloody lump in his hands. If he died, then he'd die happily knowing he got her back for sending him to his own personal hell. He cracked his knuckles making Tak and Dib look at him, even the way his knuckles sounded when cracked wasn't right.

"Well I've done my bit. Let me know when you do find out where they are."

"Why should we do that? You've assisted us but that doesn't mean we are going to take an under trained human on a joy ride across the galaxy," Tak elucidated, lowering her eyelids at him with a smug smile. "So yes, you've done your bit. Cheerio."

"Now wait a minute! You still need me! I can take Gaz down better than you two could because she won't be expecting me to have any powers, enough to match hers," Matthew quickly assumed, trying to not let this opportunity at revenge go.

"Listen to him go on like he's important anymore. We appreciate your wanting to help and all, but I see no reason to bring you along. In case you forgot we have a whole armada full of warriors who are much more resilient than you seem to give them credit for."

"She's right you know," Dib added in which made Tak just about want to purr with delight, petting the cat in her arms that should be purring but didn't. She flicked her long tail like a whip angrily in Matthews direction while her harsh judgmental red eyes glared. "We don't have much use for you."

"I can go into the shadows though, slip by undetected. Even the sneakiest of your race couldn't possibly do that. I can become one with darkness itself among other powers I've gained."

Tak turned to Dib who was stroking his chin but giving that sort of wry wondering look as if he had something up his sleeve. "Alright. We'll keep in contact with you. When we are ready, you'll be notified."

"Good."

And like that he was gone, out the door and into the shadows where he belonged. Tak gave a questioning look at Dib. "What are you playing at, luv?"

"If he is against us it would make more sense to have him nearby and not give him any other reason to kill us in our sleep like say, not let him come with us. Besides, you've heard the old saying keep your friends close."

"And enemies closer," Tak recited, her full ruby red lips cracking a large grin at him. "What a marvelous plan, commander."

He flushed and scratched at the side of his head. "You like it? I was hoping you would. Anywho, we can keep watch of him this way, see what he's up to and his abilities will come in handy. It seems a win win."

"A fine decision you've made. Most excellent. Ah. Well then, let's get this computer back I'd like to work on it as soon as I can." Tak's eyes shone with excitement as working on a new project always got her thrilled and if it was Irken based even more so.

Dib found that cute. She was so enthusiastic, so brilliant, so deeply invested into whatever she was doing, and she simply enjoyed tinkering. A Jack, or since she was a girl a Jill, of all trades- scientist, militant, general, fighter, engineer, and pilot. Not to mention she was not too bad in the looks department. The woman was like an amazon reborn in alien skin. Tak actually did kiss his cheek this time making his hand go up to it and an oafish smile grow on his face. He had no one else anymore, well maybe his father, but at the end of it all it was going to be Tak. He felt beyond dumb for not just opening up to his real feelings earlier and making her ever think twice about it or herself. No other girl who swooned at him for just existing made him feel like this, made him turn red at least 5 times a day, made him stumble over his words, made him laugh like Goofy, made him go goo-goo eyed, and feel like he was prancing in the most gay way for a straight man to prance over fields of flowers and bunnies. It must mean only one thing, that he was really in love with her.

What was not to love? Ignoring her human body because any man would kill to bang that (save Dib most likely) she had it all and then some. He liked them more with big brains and big ideas than with big breasts anyhow. It was her mind, her personality, and her steadfast loyalty that he was attracted to. Not that her alien form wasn't exquisite, like looking at an actual emerald crystal, but really it was who she was that he fell for. A man should always get with someone who would be more than a lover she would be a true friend and Tak had been a true friend. He really had no others. As soon as they got home, she heaved the computer parts down to the room where she did her tinkering often having so many unfinished projects and ideas there and sketches for future concepts. Something about that place reminded Dib of his own inner rooms where he had his charts and stats and photographs. He missed it.

He missed going out into the wilds and being stupidly hopeful to find a sasquatch or other cryptid. He missed that simple minded boy that he used to be. Tak strapped on her goggles and began to work, Dib at her side, not in goggles but a lab coat. His precious always faithful black coat had been hung up. They studied the components together, writing things down, reading off the others notes, and stealing looks at eachother. Mimi would hand them the tools they needed and like that they went on for quite some time. It was Dib's favorite thing to do, keep his mind occupied and busy, let it run full tilt and he would not have time for thinking about anything that truly was bothering him. He developed a nasty habit of biting his pencil or pen caps which he should have stopped because last time the pen burst in his mouth. Tak inspected some wires for a bit using a magnifying glass.

"You know I'm surprised at you, Dib. You haven't made a move on me this whole time."

"...Ah...oh...that's uh...Well I..."

"You're so nervous. Do I make you nervous, dear?" She leaned in close to him bumping against his nose with her err... "nose". He couldn't control his tongue, it was all tied up because of her. Her breathing and his own was making his glasses fog up. Tak placed her hands on his chest locating his heart and feeling it thump so hard against his chest it sounded like a bomb about to explode.

"T-T... T—Tak...! Uh er...what are...you...should we really...?"

"Should we really what? I can't kiss you just because I'm working on something? You're so mean to me."

Of course, she was being falsely sad about it, pouting and all, inside she was a wide smiling conniving minx who was enjoying watching him like this. Her commander, her Tallest, her leader, at her mercy. Dib swallowed. He wanted to kiss her again. So why wasn't he? He assumed it was because there was a lot of things to be still done with the computer and wasting time kissing was going to slow that down.

"You still haven't given me a full apology."

"Oh geeze you're right! Okay should I... like should I bow or something? I feel like I need to..."

"If you so desire." She wanted him bowing before her as she had never had anyone do that for her and seeing someone so supremely powerful bended to her will made her trill inside. Dib kneeled the only way he knew how and bowed his head before her.

"Tak I'm deeply deeply sorry for everything I've done to you and not believing you. I should not have taken your words for granted and I never ever will again. I hope you can forgive me."

"Hmmm...I dunno...maybe you should tell me how superior I am to you for knowing all this beforehand."

Mimi sat on the desk rolling her eyes, but continuing working based off of what she knew about computers. Her mistress was so obviously taking advantage of Dib and he was so obviously stupidly in love with her that he let her. In a way it was pitiful. Dib wanted to argue but he had no argument to make about it. She was right anyways, she was far more superior than he was in a lot of ways. Plus arguing would get him nowhere. 'And where is you want to go with her?' His mind asked teasingly. 'To the bedroom I bet.' He groaned inwardly at the suggestion. He had been utter trash to her, he was lucky enough to still have her at all, getting laid should be the last thing on his mind. Tak tapped her foot with her arms cross, back to him. All a ploy of course. She was actually patiently waiting to see what he would do.

"Tak you don't need me to tell you that. You know you are the smartest woman on the whole planet."

"Such flattery," She cooed, drumming her fingertips along her lips, thankful for keeping her goggles on because the mischievous look in her eyes would give the game away. "You may rise by the way, I'd hate for you to scrape your knees."

He got up and dusted off his pants. He looked up and saw her back to him, looking impatient and upset. "I mean it, Tak! I'm usually so good with talking but when it's this... when it's you... I can't find the right words to say..."

She removed her goggles now and turned back to him, eyeing him up like a piece of meat. Honestly, he was so delicious like this. She wondered what he would be like underneath her, blushing like he always does, letting out strangled pleas and soft moans. The thought made her antenna curl up even more so. She entertained the idea a little longer and liked it too much to let it go. She liked him begging, she liked him all shy, and nervous, and blushing and stumbling and tripping over his own feet. Her dominant leader but in bed her submissive lover. She brought her arms around his neck and pressed herself close to him.

"Alright you've convinced me. I'll forgive you but...you have to call me stupid Earth pet names. You haven't yet and I want the full experience so do it."

"Uh...none of them really suit you... but if you insist. Any other terms?"

"Kiss me and not just right now but all the time. Everywhere, in front of everyone every day. The whole world needs to know I'm yours and you are all mine."

She stroked up his chest causing him to shiver. Tak could barely hide her sheer delight at her own powers she held over him. It felt good to have some control over someone like this and to be his mate. They would make a mighty duo of majesty and mind. Dib leaned forward and captured her lips, it was gentle, it was bashful, it was not what she wanted so she pressed her lips harder onto his commencing in a full-blown mouth probing. Mimi had just about had enough of it and lept down to slink away somewhere until she was actually needed. At least her mistress was happy and for that Mimi was content as well. Dib was taken entirely off guard but didn't stop her, he just wasn't sure what to do exactly with such a forceful woman taking a hold on him. She most likely wanted him to be just as passionate, so he tried his best. It wasn't like either of them were checking their watches, but they had been just about eating each other's faces for five minutes straight. She pulled back and let him breathe a bit. He had a smile at the corners of his mouth as he panted heavily.

"Well? Do my lips amaze you?"

"Oh yeah," He answered honestly, smiling in contentment. "You're really good at kissing... done it before...?"

She noted the hint of insecurity and maybe a touch of envy. "No. You're my first test subject in that field," She replied with a wink. "And my only. Would you like another demonstration of my amazing lips?"

"Uhh...s-sure...I mean if you want to..."

She smiled seductively and pushed him back down to sit on the metal chair in the room. As she got closer to his face, he prepared to be kissed like he was the only man in the world, but she went lower than his face and his heart stilled. 'Oh God...she isn't...she shouldn't...she can't be...!' Tak looked up him with a lusty gleam in her amethyst eyes as she unzipped his pants.

"T-T-Tak you d-don't have to do that! B-Besides I thought you meant kissing again..."

"I know what you thought, but you are so shy you wouldn't let me do this otherwise."

"...B... b... but I ...I really don't deserve that..."

"Then what do you deserve, luv?" Tak laid her head on his leg and stroked over the other, looking at him with gentle regard.

"Because to me it feels like you never get what you truly deserve and everything is always taken from you. You've been given false love from fans, from your own family, and even though you have broken every bone in your body bending over backwards people still expect too much even of you. You have been brave in the face of many battles, braver than I have seen any man ever be because you had to deal with the tragedy of it afterwards and it hurt you in a way no Irken could understand because we lack such deep feelings. Your heart breaks all the time, I see it even when you smile every day. People praise you but doesn't it feel shallow? They were the same people who always ignored you before, pushed you away, made you feel like no one cared. After what you've done, may it be good or bad in the eyes of the beholder, it was still difficult and tasking. You deserve genuine affection and I'm afraid I cannot give that all to you. I don't know if I can ever love you the way you love me, and you do deserve that...I can only tell you that if all else in the world fails, I won't leave you. I'm no fake two-faced fanatic who is loyal to you in one day and against you the next. I am yours forever now, until time has no meaning. Is that not what everyone wants...someone to spend eternity with? It is all I can give you, that and children. That, my commander, my Tallest, is what we both deserve; Eachother."

Dib listened intently to her. He was the one supposed to give her a moving speech not the other way around but still...his heart was moved. He felt little light trickles of water touch his face but barely made it past his upper cheek. All his life he looked into the sky and felt something was out there calling for him, that his purpose resided there somehow. Was she his purpose? Was he always meant to be with her? Most likely no. Like most things it was random chance that they had gotten to this point, but he could not deny they went together perfectly.

She was a bit colder and more malicious than he could ever be but that was good. She could do what he couldn't. She completed him. He had lived such an empty meaningless life before he decided to catch Zim and when it finally happened, and he was given his dues it had been great...at first. Tak was on point when she said it was shallow fame, shallower than even an actor or pop star because it wasn't real. These girls who wanted him had belittled him, abused him, bullied and teased him, threatened him, and always dismissed his claims. The people who basically worshiped him had all thought him crazy once upon a time. Then there was his family.

Well it goes without saying he never even had Gaz's affection not even in the tiniest form and more than likely never would again- her loyalties lied with the scum of Earth and Irk society (in Dib's opinion). In that way she was static, always hating him. So that really just left his father who called him odd, insane, shooed him away, told him his field of study was ridiculous or outright stupid, and never was a real dad to him until now. He loved his dad, I mean he WAS his dad how could he not?

It's just how things were, but Dib knew that he was one of the worst fathers outside of those that did unspeakably criminal things like abuse or murder. Dib knew of himself and how he felt about it and thought he likely had serious abandonment issues. Everyone abandoned him. His mother, his sister, his skool friends, his father in some degree, and so on. All else was false all else but Tak. He lifted her up to his eye level, getting lost in the unusual color of her eyes. God they were beautiful, like galaxies staring back at him, he could stare for hours on end. He had seen Tallest Purple's eyes before but hers, there was something about hers.

It was the way she looked at him all the time. No one had looked at him like that, not even the girls who claimed to love him and what not. She had so much reverence for him, it both humbled him and made him feel more noble. Even if he lost all the titles, the glitz, the glamor he knew she'd still be there. She chose him as a life mate, that meant they were tied together, and she must have known that this meant just like wedding vows for better or worse. It couldn't have just been a power thing or else she'd never say such things. No. She may not love him. May never love him but God damn it this was as close as she could get for him and he was okay with that. Love was a strange concept anyways and not always definable or applied correctly. You can love a bag of chips and you can love a TV sitcom but not in the same way. You can love your mom and you can love your brother but not in the same way. And you can love a wife and you can love a life mate. It was not the same, but it was close.

He kissed her, pulling her to him, feeling her sit on his lap. He did not feel an alien on him, not touching one, not kissing one. She was not an alien to him any longer. She was just a woman. Alcohol makes you speak the truth, that's what people said, and he had blurted out in a haze that he wanted her to marry him. He had meant it, he knew he had to of because he wanted to still marry her now. He was going to. To hell with it, formality and normality were not his things anyways. He was a weirdo, he was a dork, he was a nerd, he was a science fiend, the strange and out there was what he was hooked on and she was strange and out there in the best way. He was old enough anyways, had a steady job, had enough money for the two of them if they wanted to make it three. He smiled against her lips. Yeah, so what he was thinking about their family? Love is love. He did have to ask though if they had already started one. Dib had not worn any protection like a moron on their clumsy first time and he had to wonder if she was already with child.

"Tak," he softly whispered against her lips, but she whined in protest at having them taken away. He smiled at that, her wanting him so badly it made her whine with desire. He pecked her lips. "I have something to ask you."

"Ask me then before I become less consolable."

"Well...I was wondering...is it possible that you might be...you know...preg...pregnant...?"

"Hmm..." She tapped her chin, humming in thought, apparently not bothered by his statement and even if she was it was nowhere near the amount he was. "Well it is possible to have children with you but as far as if I'm 'smeeted' I don't really know. Your Earth yes or no sticks wouldn't work on me and Irken methods have all been forgotten. I could get a sonogram, but it would have to be by a doctor who doesn't mind me being what I am."

"If they have a problem with you, they will have to answer to me," Dib assured, smirking and tilting his head in a way that made a glint go across his glasses, eerily similar to the effect she had in her own eyes. Tak wasn't much of a laugher or giggler unless it was hilarious (like defeating Zim) she just sort of did short little huffs or throaty chuckles of humor. She rubbed her hands on his coat, her chuckles turning to soft purrs.

"Of course, we could keep trying just to make sure..." She punctuated the end of her sentence by maneuvering her hips on him.

Dib's mannerisms changed from confident and "cool" to flustered. He gulped, staring at her wide eyed. He wiped off his sweat. It was hot all the sudden. She didn't wait for him to answer her or speak, she just kissed his pulse on his neck then got back off of him and on her knees in front of him. He had nearly forgot that his fly was down, but she didn't. Tak loosened his belt and he almost fainted from the heat, the rush of blood, and the upbeat tempo of his heart. He felt a rush of cool air down there and knew it was all over now.

He should say something, encourage her or tell her to slow it down but he had no words to say, his tongue had gone off with his mind somewhere far away. He couldn't stop her if he wanted to and he really didn't want to anymore. She kissed him there and it was his end. The entire lab was overrun with his sounds of pleasure and not just that day but everyday after during their time trying to fix the computer. She had only done oral to him, nothing more at first, but he felt like that was selfish of him. This went from touching to sex like that and one of the times he almost actually died of embarrassment.

It wasn't that it wasn't fantastic. It was. She always drained him until he felt like he could not go on and then forced him to keep going. It was an erotic wonderland but the event had happened AFTER. Tak had just finished riding him to the ends of the earth, it was her favorite position because it made him look so very vulnerable, and the two were laying together basking in the afterglow. He preferred to have his glasses on during such things so he could see her properly, but they always fogged up and she would usually playfully draw shapes in the lenses. He was cleaning off his glasses with the bed sheets, squinting a little at her as he was laughing at something she had said. What it was he did not recall because as soon as his glasses were back on his face his door was wide opened by someone. His pupils went so small they might as well disappear and it wasn't just because they were caught in the act, but it was because it was his dad.

"DAD!" He yelped, red from head to toe and whatever else in between, not sure if he should cover her or him. Her. Definitely her. She had more to hide than he did. That didn't seem to matter to her, Tak remained just as she had been, more exposed than needed to be in front of his own father. Her eyelids were lowered and she had a pleased smile as she, to Dib's ever-growing horror, waved at the intruder.

Instead of leaving like any other sensible parent would he stayed there, possibly smiling since his cheeks went more up and so did his eyebrows. He gave Dib a big thumbs up and Dib swore he actual soul just vanished out of his mouth to join the land of the dead. "Good job Son! I'm happy to see you finally got together with her! Congratulations!"And that was it. Dib Membrane was no longer available at the moment. Please leave your message after the beep. However, this seemed to please Tak as she did a close eyed smile at him.

"Thank you, Professor!"

"Alrighty then. You two play safe now."

Dib sat there after his dad left, hollow, empty, just staring wide eyed at the door. What on Earth just happened...? What even was his life anymore? His dad just caught him having sex with an alien and they started chatting it up like they were in a coffee shop. Seriously. What. The. Hell. After that incident he made sure to lock the door and pleaded with his father that he knock first next time. Tak saw nothing wrong with what happened but she was not ashamed of her body or what they were doing. She saw no reason to hide it. It made her feel like he was and he had to explain he was not but there were just some things on Earth that weren't acceptable. Two days after that travesty they had finally fixed the computer making it fully operational. The computer recognized it was back online in another place and could see very well who it was that had him. The two people he really would rather not be handled by.

"I won't answer to your commands, you know. I only answer to Zim...well not all the time. Sometimes he's annoying and I tune him out. Actually, that's like half the time."

"Oh c'mon you are so full of it. You used to let me use you when I was a kid," Dib declared, pointing at the inanimate screen.

"That was back when you were a pest to Zim and it was funny to me to see him get riled up. It might still be a little funny but even I'm not that much of a sadist. Plus, Gaz is scary..."

"Gaz! You know where she is?! Is she okay? Is she safe? Has she been deflowered?! Don't answer that last one I don't want to even know."

"Ooookay wasn't going to anyways...my lips are sealed...if I had any."

"Computer," Tak spoke in her most authorative voice, "you were built to service an Irken. Any Irken. That would include me. I can easily override your system. If a mere child could do it then so will I."

"Have fun," It remarked sarcastically, "I don't have any data."

"No data...except the last transmission."

"...Ah shit..."

Tak moved in front of Dib and did a manual override of the system thus gaining her access. Indeed, there was one lone transmission file. She tapped it and they watched, except they saw what Francine couldn't as she was telling them about Dib coming. They saw Zim standing there in a strangely designed room, looking apprehensive, tense, but concentrated. Dib dully noted his antenna was back to which Tak replied,

"We don't grow them back...someone had to fix that. An Irken doctor is the only one who can. Looks like we have traitors of my kind as well. I figured as much."

There was a door opening sound off to the side and Dib's eyes rounded with horror. There was Gaz and she was in a towel, straight out of the shower. He averted his eyes lest they be singed from the sight of his own sister in that type of clothing (or lack thereof). However dread filled him as realization dawned. If she was alright with being that naked with him then they must have...He held his stomach back from vomiting. Maybe later. Right now, he had to focus. Focus first puke about Zim and Gaz getting it on later. Gaz was dressed now and asking what was happening.

Zim and the computer had a short conversation and then Dib heard his own voice but none of that mattered. What mattered was her reaction. Her narrow eyes, her scowl, her hissing his name with seething hate. Hatred reserved for those she sent to nightmare worlds and death beyond death. They both stood there watching until she reacted to him telling them to take Agent Tuna Ghost away. She frowned and for a second Dib thought she was upset at what he had done but no. She was upset that he had figured out her little con. Zim explained that it was Matthew, growling out each syllable with so much disgust it almost looked like it pained him to have the name in his mouth.

More confirmation of their relationship came, besides the ones Dib didn't want to look at which were the bites all over her. Zim was holding her hand in a needy manner, holding it with dear life. Then the transmission ended abruptly though Zim and Gaz had not touched the computer at all. The computer would never tell them but he had stopped the transmission at that point himself when he was on their end mostly because there was no need to keep it on anymore plus at that exact moment Tak had taken him and unplugged him so it all worked out perfectly in the favor of Gaz and Zim. Even so the computer had wanted to download a virus to corrupt the file, so he had a backup plan. His master's secrets and plans were not going to be revealed but especially by him. He owed Gaz his- could you call it a life? Well he owed her. So, he would protect her and he was sure Zim would appreciate that.

"Well that was fun, wasn't it?"

"Tak...!"

"Oh, loosen up. We have him caught, don't you see? I know exactly where this is even without the location being directly given to me. There's only one person in the galaxy that would give a room to Zim and has gaudy taste..."

She narrowed her eyes but her smile remained looking victorious as if Zim was already wriggling in her grasp. "Aunt Cazzma"