Chapter 12: Gaz's Rockin' Birthday Pt. 2
Zim was absolutely speechless and breathless to gaze at someone so beautiful and scary that he was unable to pronounce the right words. Gaz, however, giggled softly as she was touching his cheek. Judging by his reaction, she was thinking that the costume was working quite well.
"Spencer...give me five minutes with Zim. I'll be ready soon." Gaz said with a calm voice.
The frontman chuckled as him and the band went ahead to get ready for the show. "Take your time, Gaz."
Once they left, Zim and Gaz were alone as the goth girl placed her hands behind her back. "So, Zim, do you like my costume?"
Zim stammered, "I...I-I...You look...amazing."
Gaz, while still smiling, blushed red as she looked down shyly. "Thank you. I thought it might look bad."
Suddenly, her chin was held and her head moved up to face Zim. Her eyes were looking directly at him as she felt her heart rushing with every beat. "No matter how you look, I'll still say you're beautiful." Gaz blushed more and Zim continued. "I was hoping you would wear the other design, but this one really suits your style. What made you choose this?"
Gaz sighed as she pulled away from his touch. "I chose this costume as a symbol to honor a few people I've lost in my life. My life became hell and still felt hurt to lose my mother and...being just a copy of someone who deserved to live." Gaz turned while folding her arms as she continued. "I would wonder if her life was like this and thinking if she would suffer as well. I don't want her to suffer nor let her live a terrible fate along with it. And...probably thinking...if you might even...fall for her than me."
After hearing what she had said, Zim took the initiative and hugged her behind by the waist to comfort her. "Clone or real, no girl should go through hell as much as you did all those years ago. Even if I met the original Gaz Membrane, my feelings will still be the same."
"But Zim," Gaz blushed a little while speaking more, "what if things will happen between us? Like, one night...you and I...maybe in the future...I just-"
"Gaz," Zim gently spun her around so she can face her, "whatever might happen can wait until you are ready. And if that time comes, I would gladly make sure you get the proper treatment that you should've gotten. That bastard did nothing but violate you and those poor girls and hoped he suffers for it. But that's not the time. Listen, Gaz, I don't know what the future will hold for us. But I know that I want you to live the life that the original would want you to do. Even if you're a clone, we'll see if nature can be true to bless you with something special. Right now: Tonight's your night. I want you to be happy and live a better life than ever before. Be happy and be free to know you are no longer alone. I like you, Gaz Membrane, and I will never give up on you."
It would be a good night to cry without worrying about the makeup on her face. Zim had just made Gaz feel like she can take on the world and be happy again. Even if she was a clone, the former alien would want her to keep on living and honor the fallen in her life. Gaz just smiled a little and clasped her hands together with Zim.
"What did I do to deserve such a best friend like you in my life?" Gaz asked.
"By being just you, Gaz. And I wouldn't change it for anything." Zim replied with a soft smile.
Gaz giggled and felt peace to hear those words. And by the sound of the crowd outside, the final show was about to begin. "It looks like I'm up."
Zim nodded. "I wish you nothing but the best. Good luck out there."
Gaz let go of his hands and turned to enter the stage. Zim was just watching her go to the band and felt confident that she'll do great tonight. But as he kept staring, Zim couldn't help but get a glance at her curvy figure and how she dressed in the hottest of ways. He knew he shouldn't be tempted to watch and be perverted, but Zim was unable to resist her firm butt moving while she was swaying her hips. Whatever his shower did to Gaz, it did one hell of a good job to make her ten times more attractive than ever.
"Zim?" The former alien broke his trance and looked to see Gaz staring at him with a seductive look of a witch girl. Zim thought he was in trouble, but gasped in shock to hear something that he'd never thought she would say: "No mires demasiado. ¿Quién sabe? En el momento en que estemos juntos una noche, sentiría que morirías felizmente en el Más Allá. Mira a esta chica muerta sacudir tu mundo(Don't stare too much. Who knows? The moment we are together one night, it would feel like you would die happily in the Afterlife. Watch this dead girl rock your world)."
Gaz's voice was so alluring and exotic speaking that accent as it made Zim nearly lose his balance. She then blew him a kiss and gave him a hand sign meaning 'Love you'. And with the bat of her eyes, Gaz was gone and on the stage. Zim was feeling lightheaded as he needed something to drink. He found a bottle of water and quickly drank it. Once then, out of nowhere, his whole body was letting out steam as bystanders were shocked at how he did that. Zim finished his bottle and gasped for air. 'That woman is going to be the pleasurable death of me one day. I just know it.'
-The Stage-
"Hello, you psychos!" Spencer yelled. "Are you having a great night here at the Apollo Theater?!" The loud cheering from the crowd was the answer he wanted to hear. "Alright, everyone, let me just say that we are glad that this show has kept on going. Unfortunately, our drummer suffered an injury and will not be playing for us tonight. However...we have a special guest joining us for tonight and she's a local resident in this city! Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our special guest for tonight's main event: Gaz Membrane!"
The moment she stepped out from the back, the crowd was awestrucked at her appearance and never knew how drop-dead gorgeous she looks so...devilishly hot! The INK fans were cheering loud as Gaz was softly blushing from everyone cheering for her as she knew that they would love to hear her play. Unknown to her, her friends Keef and Zita were waving to her and wishing her the best. Mira and Zeke were also there after watching Zim perform with the other band.
Gaz waved to the crowd and headed on over to the drum set to get into position as Spencer was ready for the night to start well. Gaz bowed her head and did a little prayer to give her strength to do well. Once the eerie music started to play, Gaz got into her right mindset and was ready for Spencer to sing the first song.
[Stabbing In The Dark]
In calculated silence
Captivated by the violence of the play
Fifteen years ago today
Oh, an evil evolution
Will bring a feeble institution to its knees
Oh, doctor can't you see?
That when the hands of fate
Fall on the midnight hour
Behind this mask of hate
I don the devil's power
THESE ARE THE DEVIL'S EYES...
THE DEVIL'S EYES...
Go!
A FORMER PORTRAIT OF PERFECTION
PAINTED WITHOUT PLIGHT
NOW HADDONFIELD'S MY BATTLEFIELD
YOUR KIDS WON'T MAKE IT HOME TONIGHT
WITH A MADNESS VOID OF REASON, I KILL WITH EVERY STRIKE
I'LL HAUNT YOU DAY AFTER DAY
KNIFE AFTER KNIFE
DAY AFTER DAY
KNIFE AFTER KNIFE
Taking life after life
When the hands of fate
Fall on the midnight hour
Behind this mask of hate
I don the devil's power
If there's life in the shadows
Let the knife leave its mark
When the certainty of safety feels like stabbing
Stabbing in the dark
YOU'LL LEARN A HEARTLESS HUMAN HARVEST
FEEDS THIS FESTIVAL OF FLESH
STALKING AT THE TOP
SCREAM OF THE CROP
A SILENT CUT ABOVE THE REST
WHERE BLOOD'S THICKER THAN WATER
I'VE CARVED UP QUITE A SCENE
WITH YOUR WORST FEARS CARVED ON THIS WHITE VENEER
I'LL CHANGE THE FACE OF HALLOWEEN
YOU CAN'T KILL THE BOOGEYMAN
When the hands of fate
Fall on the midnight hour
Behind this mask of hate
I don the devil's power
If there's life in the shadows
Let the knife leave its mark
When the certainty of safety feels like stabbing
Stabbing in the dark
All units respond, multiple fatalities reported on Orange Grove Ave
Suspect has been identified as one Michael Myers
He is armed and extremely dangerous
Shoot to kill, I repeat, shoot to kill over
I am a shadow where there once was light
Strangling all signs of life
It's either you or some kid down the street
The choice is yours
TRICK OR FUCKING TREAT
Michael
Stop it
Ahh...!
When the hands of fate
Fall on the midnight hour
Behind this mask of hate
I don the devil's power
If there's life in the shadows
Let the knife leave its mark
When the certainty of safety feels like stabbing
STABBING IN THE DARK
The crowd went nuts after hearing that song. But not only that: Gaz made her debut known and she was killing it! It has been so long since she played the drums, but now she brought that feeling again and she loved it. Even Spencer applauded for her great work with the drums. Gaz was happy. She felt happy. And she could tell that Zim loved her performance and she wasn't planning on stopping now. Gaz got ready again and Spencer started singing to this as the piano started playing.
[A Grave Mistake]
Here lies a lifeless bride and groom
Till death do us part came far too soon
Buildings burn and people die
All of the time
But I heard that you reap what you sow
So around and around we go
And when you see my face you'll know
You can't save yourself or save your soul
When you meet the man whose life you stole
With withered wings and broken bones
A flight for the fallen, flies the crow
Can't save yourself
These vengeful thoughts trapped underneath
Rage, scorn, misery
Payback for what you took from me
Hope, love, sanity
I heard that you reap what you sow
So here's to believing in ghosts
Now when you see my face you'll know
You can't save yourself or save your soul
When you meet the man whose life you stole
With withered wings and broken bones
A flight for the fallen, flies the crow
No forgiveness, just farewell
A match made in heaven
You sent straight to hell
No forgiveness, no escape
May you rest in pieces
For your grave mistake
For your grave mistake
You can't save yourself or save your soul
When you meet the man whose life you stole
With withered wings and broken bones
A flight for the fallen, flies the crow
You can't save yourself
No you can't save yourself
For your grave mistake
You can't save yourself
The crowd was cheering again and Gaz did well on her part. Still nervous, but she pulled through. But soon, she heard the pianist play a solemn and sad tune that got her attention and it was one song that she recognized as something to remind her of that night.
"Okay, guys! Here comes the next one. I hope you remember it…" Spencer said as he started to sing again.
[Tess Timony]
A makeshift smile, a polished look
Some rehearsed lines was all it took
He had it down, man, he was good
A woman screams, her mother weeps
A life so changed irrevocably
What he stole from her is gone for good
I see sirens spinning around through my eyelids When the purest soul is stained by sin
As he begs and he pleads just like I did
Is this what my life is? Restless and silent
Where all I can do is survive
To the public eye where can she begin
She lost it all and it's gone for good
And she may never beat the system
But she won't rest until
She's turned the villain to the victim
I see sirens spinning around through my eyelids
As he begs and he pleads just like I did
Is this what my life is? Restless and silent
Where all I can do is survive
So officer please, that's the man who's destroyed my existence
Yeah, he begged and he screamed just like I did
And for this I was willing to die
It was all I could do to survive
(It was all I could do to survive)
(It was all I could do to survive)
The song itself made a few cry as it was something that had a meaning to it. Spencer finished and looked at the band members. But then, he spotted Gaz with a few tears coming down her face. It was a good thing her face paint was foolproof unless she didn't mind the mess. And judging by how she was, he thought the song kinda made her feel...emotional. Spencer walked up to her to see if she was okay.
"Hey, Gaz, you're doing well?" Spencer asked kindly.
The goth girl wiped her tears away and put up a soft smile. She didn't want him to cancel the show because of her and it was thoughtful of him to see if she was alright. Kinda reminded her of Zim when he comforted her. "I'm fine. Just a good song, that's all. Don't stop because of me."
Spencer replied, "Well then, at least you're okay for right now. But how about you help me with something? Can you sing?"
After hearing this, Gaz blushed and looked away. "Um...a little. W-Why?"
Spencer smiled and answered, "Just get ready." He turned to the crowd and started to lift their spirits up again. "Okay, psychos! Three songs left and this next one will surprise you!"
[Loves Bites]
S=Spencer, G=Gaz
S: I'm tearing London limb from limb
It's tearing me apart, but it us or them
So howl at the moon, oh how can it be?
The softer the skin the sharper the teeth
(Yeah!)
So call the nurse, 'cause it's worse when I'm alone
I've fallen prey to a curse I can't disown
Is it all in my head?
When I'm at hands of a mental filled with doubt
But this is love I just can't live without
(Despite the thought of the dead)
So howl at the moon, oh how can it be?
The softer the skin the sharper the teeth
With nowhere to go, nothing to believe
I'm counting on beauty to kill off the beast
(Yeah!)
As it was about to go to the next line, Gaz knew what it meant and surprised everyone on the next part.
G: You bit off more than you could chew
S: But you taste too good to be true
G: Safe in my arms you will lay, 'cause every dog has its day
(Dog has its day)
Both: So howl at the moon, oh how can it be?
The softer the skin the sharper the teeth
With nowhere to go, nothing to believe
I'm counting on beauty to kill off the beast
So howl at the moon, oh how can it be? (Oh how can it be?)
The softer the skin the sharper the teeth
With nowhere to go, nothing to believe (nothing to believe)
I'm counting on beauty to kill off the beast
So just put me down
Zim was smiling happily at the back to hear Gaz share her lovely voice to everyone. But he couldn't help but chuckle to see how red she was when Gaz heard everyone cheering for her. Spencer and the crew did the same as her friends were whistling.
"Your friend can sing, huh, babe?" Zeke(who sounds like Jude from 6Teen) said.
Mira nodded. "You have no idea."
"Let's give it up for Gaz one more time, everyone!" Spencer shouted as the crowd cheered and Gaz took a bow to them for the gratitude. "Now then...let's get crazy."
[Communion Of The Cursed]
So where's your savior tonight?
As angels fall from the sky
His idle hands let me inside
WHERE I CANNOT BE CRUCIFIED...
FORGIVE ME FATHER, have I sinned?!
Who gives a fuck how long it's been?!
Just let this holy war begin
I AM THE DARKNESS DEEP WITHIN
THE DEVIL IN HER DAUGHTER'S SKIN
And I'll be there till the bitter END
Don't raise your claws to me
In the name of God I command you to flee
Relentlessly, 'cause we believe
By the power of Christ we will set her free
So where's your savior tonight?
As angels fall from the sky
His idle hands let me inside
WHERE I CANNOT BE CRUCIFIED
You spent your life in his light
Still faith can't save you tonight
Yet evil stands the test of time
I CANNOT BE CRUCIFIED
SO ROUND AND ROUND I SPIN MY HEAD
CIRCULATE THE BLOOD THAT I HAVE SHED
Pass the cup and drink from me instead
SAVOR THE TASTE AND QUENCH YOUR THIRST
WITH THE COMMUNION OF THE CURSED
Get on your knees and prove your WORTH
Don't raise your filth TO ME
I know you're in there, Regan, just continue to breathe
I WILL CAST HIM OUT, his grip is weakening
CAST HIM OUT, this is his day of RECKONING...
THROUGH THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY GHOST
I WILL LURE THIS PARASITE FROM ITS WHOLESOME HOST
ETERNALLY, MY LAST DECREE
IF A SOUL MUST BE TAKEN, I DEMAND YOU TAKE ME
So where's your savior tonight?
As angels fall from the sky
His idle hands let me inside
WHERE I CANNOT BE CRUCIFIED
You spent your life in his light
Still faith can't save you tonight
Yet evil stands the test of time
I CANNOT BE CRUCIFIED
"Now I lay her down to sleep
Her soul is mine and mine to keep
If she dies before she wakes
I'LL FIND ANOTHER SOUL TO TAKE"
So where's your savior tonight?
As angels fall from the sky
His idle hands let me inside
WHERE I CANNOT BE CRUCIFIED
You spent your life in his light
Still faith can't save you tonight
Yet evil stands the test of time
I CANNOT BE CRUCIFIED...
If she dies before she wakes
I'LL FIND ANOTHER SOUL TO TAKE…!
The night was going so well as Gaz was taking a breather from her performance. But on the inside, she was feeling ecstatic from playing in front of a large crowd of people. This feeling...it was amazing. It was exciting. It was...memorable. But before Spencer would start, someone came out from the back. It was Zim and he whispered something. Gaz was curious to what was going on and noticed a smile on the frontman's face.
'Huh. I wonder what's going on.' Gaz thought as she saw Zim leaving with a grin on his face. She was about to call him, but Spencer was speaking to the crowd.
"I hope you guys are having a great time as we love you so much!" Spencer stated. "Now, this will be our last song for tonight AND we have another surprise for you all! Are you ready?!" The fans were screaming with excitement as Spencer signaled the lights to go off. As it was done, the sound effects of rain were made and the sound of water splashing as if someone was running around. Just then, a spotlight was on and the most adorable thing happened to appear in Gaz's eyes.
It was GIR, in his human disguise, dressed up in a yellow raincoat with matching boots as he was carrying a small paper boat with a red balloon. He was walking up to the front and carelessly looking around to see the audience looking at him while thinking he was adorable. Suddenly, Spencer came up from behind and knew what was going to happen.
[IT Is The End]
Allow me to introduce myself
They call me the dancing clown
And you must be Georgie
Did you hear my circus was in town?
It seems I have your boat here
The storm blew her off track
Just reach your hands down here and take it
If you really want it back
Oh, Georgie
You can trust me sweet child
Step right this way
I'm at your service with a smile
Believe me
IT's nothing to fear
When I feast on your flesh
You'll see that we all float down…
Here!
Pick through the past you'll see
I'm living history
Come one come all
'Cause I'm starved for the kill
Prey on the pure at heart
Feed on their body parts
I've got some big fucking shoes to fill
Follow me and I'll show you the truth
Devastation as the dead lights defuse
Follow me and I'll show you the truth
Face down in the fountain of youth
Just like Georgie
IT's all out of hand
So join me
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Catch me at the big top
Buried underground
You know I'm not clowning around
Even with a smile
From ear to fucking ear
IT's everything you know
IT's everything you fear
A carnival of carnage
That much you assume
But it's more than just a costume and red balloons
IT's coming back around every 27 years
IT's everything you know
IT's everything you fear
So let go
You know what makes me smile? Follow me and I'll show you the truth
Devoured juveniles
Their innards tangled in my twisted grin
Chuckled so hard I choked
Call it an inside joke
They say that laughter's the best medicine
Face down in the fountain of youth
Just like Georgie
IT's all out of hand
So join me
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Catch me at the big top
Buried underground
You know I'm not clowning around
Even with a smile
From ear to fucking ear
IT's everything you know
IT's everything you fear
A carnival of carnage
That much you assume
But it's more than just a costume and red balloons
IT's coming back around every 27 years
IT's everything you know
IT's everything you fear
So let go
IT is the end
IT's come again
Believe IT or not
You'll all disappear
IT cannot be fought
We all float down here
IT is the end
IT's come again
Believe IT or not
You'll all disappear
IT cannot be fought
We all float down here
IT is the end
IT's come again
Believe IT or not
You'll all disappear
IT cannot be fought
We all float down here
We all float down here
IT's come again
Believe IT or not
You'll all disappear
IT cannot be fought
We all float down here
And with that, Ice Nine Kills made it happen and ended the night with a bang! The fans were cheering and it was music to Gaz's ears. She got up from the drums and headed towards the band members to face the crowd. Once then, they got together and took a bow. Tonight was fun and it was the best one that Gaz ever had.
"Thank you all for tonight! This was amazing and we are glad to perform here in the Apollo Theater! Right now, we're not leaving just yet. It's best if you give a round of applause to our badass drummer: Gaz Membrane!" Spencer shouted as everyone did just that. Gaz was waving and looked away with a shy look. "Say, how about we hear from Gaz on how she felt performing live for the first time?" He then passed the microphone to her. "The stage is all yours. Go ahead."
Gaz was nervous to say anything to Spencer and the crowd. She never thought she would actually talk about anything. Gaz took a deep breath and walked up to the crowd.
"Hello, everyone." She started as everyone cheered for her. "I just wanted to say thanks for coming here tonight. To me, it was great to play for the first time in front of you crazy fans and...I wanted to thank my best friend for giving me some confidence to make it through the night without losing it." A few people laughed as she continued. "And I would probably pull a Hinata and faint for no reason. "A roar of laughter was made as she followed along as well. "The truth is...today was the first day I've felt happy. Like I was really excited and great to enjoy it for one night! Although...I thought I didn't deserve it…"
The people were murmuring about what Gaz meant by that and Mira knew what the goth girl was talking about. Zim was quiet by the curtains to know what Gaz wanted to say.
"I've...never had a fun childhood when I was young. I kinda lost it when I lost my mother in a fire accident at her job. She was like a friend to me and I...missed her. A lot. It felt hurt just losing someone and I...was five and broken because of it." The crowd was silent and felt pain to feel how she was. "Sooner than that, I kinda changed after I was getting picked on and knew that I had enough. My attitude changed and I...pardon my language, but...I became a bitch to people. Hurting, fighting, threatening; making sure people leave me alone and stay in their place. But I didn't want that. It was worse when I kept using my own brother as a punching bag." Gaz looked down in shame and spoke more. "I was just mad and angry for no reason and...I took it out on him. And it became hell for me that I never even made a single friend in years."
Spencer and Chris were surprised by this and could tell that the girl was having a terrible life. Zim could feel something broken when she was telling the audience about her painful memories.
'Oh, Gaz…' He thought as she continued.
"But...something happened...on my 14th birthday. I…" Gaz's eyes were welling with tears, but kept herself strong. "I...I-I was raped. For five hours, I was living in a nightmare and I suffered so much more. I've lost everything and knew I was done with my life. I even...made a canvas on my arms to keep the nightmares down. I wanted it to go away. I've wanted nothing more but to just end it. And...I wanted to end my own life...on my mother's birthday."
Everyone in the theater was crushed to hear how the poor girl had been through. They couldn't believe how strong Gaz was going through all of that knew the hell that made her what she was. But she wasn't done as she continued.
"I wanted to kill myself and begged for forgiveness for what I was about to do. But… " Gaz had a soft smile while tears were coming down, "someone saved me from stopping my suicidal attempt. And I never planned it again after that. Months later, I nearly got expelled for trying to kill some jock from something stupid. Instead...someone took my place. And I owe him for that. However, he helped me out and spent the entire day today with me so I can be a better person. And he did a great job doing so. I've made friends, beat some annoying jackass at video games, confronted my demons, and...I get to reconnect with my big brother again. But the best part of all is that I get to perform with Ice Nine Kills and meet some cool people at the back. And…" Gaz paused for a bit and turned to see Zim by the curtains. "...Can you come out here, Zim? I wanted to say something to you."
Zim was curious as to why she called him out, but he decided to approach the stage and the fans were cheering for him since he rocked the show with Motionless In White. Once then, he approached Gaz and waited on her to say something.
"Heh. This is a lot different than inside my head. God, I'm acting like a shy valley girl right now." Gaz blushed while making everyone laugh. She straightened herself out and looked at her crush. "Zim Marcus Allin...thank you for being my friend. You've been a true gentleman to me all day and helped change me in the best of ways: comfort me, compliment me, help me with other stuff. From the bottom of my heart, Zim, thanks for everything. And...I-"
Zim placed a finger on her lips to silence her. He had on a gentle smile and replied, "Before you say more, I have something for you to end this night for you. Come on out here, Georgie!"
Upon hearing the signal, GIR showed up again with the same costume on. But this time, he brought something that made Gaz feel shocked and nearly brought out more tears: A birthday cake! It was a small-round kind that was chocolate with purple frostings to spell out 'Happy Birthday, Gazzy' written on the top with a candle lit.
Chris Motionless turned on his microphone and came up to the goth girl and the crowd. "Well, ladies and gentlemen, it appears we have a birthday girl today!" The crowd cheered for her as Gaz covered her mouth in shock that they now knew her birthday!
She turned to Zim and he replied, "Your brother texted me that your birthday was today, so I had GIR and Computer make a cake before you ended your performance. So yeah, happy 16th birthday, Gaz Membrane."
Gaz's heart was beating like crazy as everyone started singing 'Happy Birthday' to her as she felt emotional from this. She could never be the same after something so heartfelt and thoughtful that she smiled and had more tears coming down. As the song ended, Gaz did her thing and blew out the candle. The fans cheered for her and her friends were smiling with joy to finally have Gaz being so much happy after the past 11 years.
"So, Gaz, is there a certain wish you've made on your special day?" Spencer asked.
Gaz didn't need to hesitate as she walked over to Zim and held him by his cheeks. She decided to say one thing: "I love you, Zim Allin." Once then, Gaz pulled him in and shared her first kiss with him.
The crowd went nuts and cheered her on. Out of nowhere, streamers and confetti were shot out and everywhere after celebrating Gaz's birthday. After 8 seconds, Gaz pulled away to meet Zim's gaze as he was still shocked from the kiss.
"I hope you love the kiss. It was my first." Gaz said in a soft tone.
Zim got out of his trance and chuckled softly. "Same here. And...I love you, Gaz Membrane. Happy birthday."
Gaz giggled as they hugged each other to enjoy the embrace. For the first time in Gaz's life, she felt happy. She felt at peace. And most importantly...she felt loved.
TBC
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Next one is coming soon and it will be more fluff of pure ZAGR goodness! Later and Valentine's Day to all!
