Chapter 4: With friends like these.

Dib lay motionless in his bed. He was still sweaty from the work he had done on the power conversion tower and elevator override, but he was angry more than anything else. Zim, an alien who he'd been trying to expose for years to his family had gained their trust, in just a matter of seconds. Dib screamed in anger before getting up and sweeping a bunch of his papers off of his table and all over the floor. Dib knew his father was more than likely already back at the lab, but Gaz, she'd been gone nearly all day. "They didn't believe me. After all that time they finally see him for what he is and all that he's done in the past has gone out the window." Dibs eyes widened. "What if he's doing it on purpose! He's tricking them and is probably going to brainwash them!" Dib motioned his hands around his head. "Oh god he's probably already done it!" Dib screamed, his voice filled with paranoia.

"Dib, I swear do you ever shut up!" A faint voice came from downstairs. 'Gaz!' Dib thought to himself as he ran out of his room and down the stairs. "Gaz, you're ok!"

"Of course I am doofus, why wouldn't I be" Annoyed with her brother already.

"Gaz, I think Zim is playing us. This all some big plot of his Gaz!" Dib was starting to sweat as he became more frantic. "Gaz he's trying to guilt trip us into helping him, I know he is!" Gaz stood motionless as her eyes softened. "Dib...out of all the people on this planet. You, are the fucking worst." Gaz holding a can of poop soda shook it abruptly and sprayed Dibs face with it making him scream in reflex. She turned and immediately walked up the stairs entering her room, slamming the door behind her making sure she locked it. She kicked off her shoes and laid down on the bed and pulled out her phone. She swiped across the screen looking for something to entertain her. After swiping indecisively for some time she found herself staring at her messaging app. After tapping on it she scrolled through her contacts finding Zims name. He'd given her his number soon after they became friends and texted on a regular basis, until he stopped replying. She thought he'd been ignoring her for the longest time and was even a little upset when she found out he hadn't been coming to school.

Gaz: Hey Zim, how are you feeling?

Zim: like a hunchback in a hailstorm.

Gaz: I'm sorry, what?

Zim: Zim notes yet another failed attempt at human humor.

Gaz: you mean you've said something that dumb before?

Zim: Possibly.

Gaz: You're stupid.

Zim: Zim has done worse XD

Zim: Zim once mistook a toilet brush for a backscratcher.

Zim: Mistakes were made.

Gaz: You're really stupid.

Zim: XD

Zim: Call?

Gaz: What's wrong with texting?

Zim: Nothing, just bored.

Zim: That and Gir is getting on my nerves.

Gaz set down her phone and reached for her earbuds, once she obtained them she plugged them into her phone and then inserted the buds into her ears. She pressed the call button at the top of the conversation block and waited for Zim to answer.

"So why did you want to call?"

"Like I said, Zim was getting bored."

"There's got to be something more than that Zim, you don't get bored easily."

"..."

"Zim?"

"Zim would like to be-friend Dib-human."

"Oh? Why is that? You two practically hate each other." Gaz began toying with the cord of her earbuds as the two went into a deeper conversation.

"Zim has no reason too take over earth anymore and the desire to has faded as well. Also seeing as this is Zims new home, some actuals friends might be a good start."

"But why be friends with Dib? He's so….him, plus he literally just ranted to me about how he thinks you're trying to guilt trip us." 'The prick, I fucking hate him.' She thought in her head.

"Typical of the Dib-stink, but that can change no?"

"You two have been enemies for how long now?"

"Exactly"

"Uhm, what" Gaz raised an eyebrow as she started to fuss with her locks of hair.

"Dib-human should no longer have a reason to hate Zim. I no longer wish doom upon your earth."

"You'll have to talk to him about it then." Gaz said with a now somnolent voice.

"Zim was hoping that Gaz-human would do that task?"

" Yeaaa, no." She stated with angst.

"But why not?" Zim began to catechize.

"Uhm because I'm the one who literally just saved your green butt, that's why." Gaz said with jest.

Zim chuckled. "Gaz-human does have a point."

"You bet your ass Gaz-human has a point. *Yawn* I'm smarter than you and Dib combined."

"Although it appears that you don't have the energy capacity that we hold. I will let the Gaz-human rest."

"You should get some yourself." Gaz mumbled becoming sleepier.

"Zim will try. Goodnight Gaz-human."

"Night Zim."

Gaz placed the phone on her nightstand after plugging it into its charger. She fell asleep rather quickly as she thought of Zim and Dib being friends. If they did stop fighting maybe Gaz would get some peace instead of being bothered by her brother and his stupid plans to stop Zim. Gaz woke up earlier in the morning than usual, because of it being the weekend nobody else was up. At least she assumed since Dib normally knocked on her door, being the idiotic sibling he was. She sat up in bed with her wrinkled clothes and ruffled hair and stretched after rubbing her eyes to remove the crust that formed. She dropped her legs of the side of the bed and stood up walking over to her closet. After picking out an outfit she laid it neatly on the bed, she then got undressed and hopped in the shower. Afterwards she dressed into her clothes and made her way to her brothers room and began to pound on the door vigorously. The door opened soon after, revealing a somnolent Dib with grubby hair. "Gaz...It's 7:00 in the morning."

"I know that, now get dressed."

"Why?"

"We're going out."

"Where?"

"Somewhere."

/VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV\

Zim was in the underground lair working on his newest invention whilst the computer checked his wounds. He had recovered well and was already back in the lab 24/7 almost as if nothing ever happened. However, Zims enthusiastic self had ceased to appear after the Tallests finally revealed they'd lied to him. Once Gaz had left he immediately stripped himself off his clothing and burned every Irken uniform he had, his dressing appearance now consisted of normal human clothing such as jeans, lounging pants, t-shirts and hoodies. Despite the green skin, he looked more like a normal human than he had before.

"Sir?" The computer spoke breaking the silence. "May I ask why you attempted the human act of, 'Suicide'."

Zim froze at his work and set his tool down slowly and looked up at the screen. "I...no longer have a purpose. After a slight pause he continued. "So what's the point of being here if I'm not meant to be?"

"You have the human girl and her family, master. Plus Dib, despite his unusual antics, could be a potential friend. Surely that is enough reason to remain living?"

"Yes that is true...but, while I would love nothing more than to befriend the melon-headed Dib. I fear that it may be impossible. He still thinks I'm out to take over this planet, the imbecile."

The computer obviously wanting to help his master suggested solutions. "Is there anyway you could convince him otherwise. Perhaps a gift of value?"

"The Dib-stink would just think i'm trying to manipulate him." Zim said with distinct bitterness.

"I see. Perhaps Gaz could be of some help?" The AI questioned Zim.

Zim placed his hands on the table arching his back while looking down at the floor. "Unfortunately no" frowning he continued. "Gaz has denied the offer of helping me become friends with the melon-head."

"Speaking of the devil, he's at the door with the female earthling." The computer than displayed the image of Gaz and Dib outside the front door.

"Oh boy…" Zim sighed as he walked towards a shelf grabbing a needed tool, whilst ignoring the disguise that sat on the bottom shelf. He wouldn't need it anyway, both of them already knew he wasn't human.

He sighed as he outstretched his left arm for the computer to check. " *Sigh* It's gonna be one of those days." He then continued working on his machine with the tool he'd grabbed.

/VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV\

"Why the hell did you drag me here. You know that I ha-"

A dull whack was heard as Gaz slapped her brother in the back of the head.

"Just shut up already we won't be here long."

"I don't understand why we're here at all Gaz!" Dib scowled as he rubbed the back of his head.

Gaz growled as she was about to raise a hand at Dib again, but was interrupted by the door opening. There stood a small grey robot with teal glowing eyes.

"Gazzy!" The small robot squealed as he ran up and hugged Gaz's' leg. Gaz smiled softly until Dib swiftly kicked him off, the robot laid on his back for a while before he lifted his head and stared at Dib. "Big head!"

"OH COME ON!" Dib yelled in annoyance.

Gaz burst into laughter as Dib scoffed, rolled his eyes, and made his way into the house. Gaz followed shortly after as Gir waddled into the house straight towards the kitchen.

"Gaz, if we aren't here to blow up his base then I'm leaving."

"Can you stop being so violent Dib?"

"No! He's an alien, and he can't be trusted!"

Gaz scoffed before heading into the kitchen, with Dib following behind her. They both entered the elevator and went down to Zim's' lab. Upon entering they were greeted by the computer who was now inspecting the wound in Zims lower torso.

"Hello Gaz and male earthling." The computer continued as he lowered a tentacle to wave hello. "What a nice surprise to see you here."

"Yup! A nice surprise indeed! Can we leave now Gaz?" Dib said with pent up anger.

"However, it is unsurprising that the male earthlings angst has inflated to the size of his head." The computer snapped back.

Gaz once again burst into laughter as Dib shut his eyes and crossed his arms. Zim then barged in to the conversation.

"Ajax, be polite huh?"

"Sorry master, I was only joking with the boy."

Gaz then furrowed her brow looking at Zim questioningly. "Wait? Ajax?"

The computer, now renamed as, Ajax answered her question. "I found it rather odd to be called by the name of a common human technological device. Therefore I suggested the new name."

"Zim finds the name rather, unique." Zim smiled.

"Its suits him." Gaz said as she approached Zim, only to turn her head away a few seconds after glancing at him. He was shirtless with metal tentacles tending to the gash in his lower side. His light gray hoodie was slumped over a stool top and he wore white sweat pants with black stripes.

"Zim apologizes for the awkward sight." Zim continued whilst swatting away the tentacles. "But Ajax requests that Zim stay shirtless to prevent irritation of the wound."

"I guess that makes sense, you feeling any better 'hunchback'?" Gaz said smiling evilly.

Zim smiled as well before scoffing. "I'm never gonna hear the end of that am I?" Zim retorted as he remembered the conversation they had last night.

"Nope." Gaz smirked as she began to rummage through a shelf full of tools.

Meanwhile Dib wandered around the lower parts of the base in awe. As he attempted to grab and examine many different items, Ajax would lower a tentacle to deter him.

"Ooooo. This looks interesting!" He said in awe as he reached out to grab a chrome object.

Lowering another mechanical tentacle to stop Dib, again. "For the last time, would the melon-head please refrain from touching unknown objects."

"STOP CALLIN ME THAT!"

"Would the human like to try and make me?" Ajax taunted as Dib screamed in anger and grabbed hold of the metal tentacle. Ajax resorted to abruptly swinging the human around in an attempt to break his hold.

As Ajax and Dib remained fighting, Zim and Gaz watched from a distance while making small talk. Gaz had found the rather comfortable looking stool and tossed Zims hoodie off of it. After a while she refused to give it up when Zim requested to sit because of his sore legs so he resorted to leaning his back on the lab table behind them.

"You're brother is… something else." Zim chuckled as he turned to face Gaz who smiled at the statement.

"Yeah. He sure is." Gaz watched as her brother was flung off of Ajax into one of Gir's junk piles with a loud crash, sending scrap metal and bits of robot across the floor.

Zim's smile quickly faded after he'd seen that happen. "Whelp …there goes my afternoon."

Dib popped out from the pile of metal staring at the metal tentacle. "Alright then you mechanical octopus, you wanna go?"

"If your pathetic human brain hasn't realized that I'm a software incapable of travel, I will begin to question the state of your mentality." Ajax mocked Dib as he picked him up and threw him back into the pile causing Zim to plant his face into his palm.

"Have fun cleaning up." Gaz laughed as Zim crossed his arms and shot her a glare of playful annoyance. To which she stuck her tongue out mocking him, Zim did the same, but it didn't look right, whatsoever. Gaz turned away widening her eyes and shaking her head.

"What?" Zim looked at Gaz with a puzzled expression.

"You're weird."

"Wow…well, now I'm hurt as well."

Both started chuckling as Ajax butted his way into the conversation without warning. Typical of him, different name same personality.

"Master, if I may. Shouldn't you be enacting the conversation you had with Gaz human last night?'

"I suppose. Ajax prepare program 38." Zim said as he started to fuss with his hoodie in an attempt to put it on.

"Yes sir."

Gaz looked at Zim with confusion until it dawned on her that he was making his move. He was after the attempt of befriending her nuisance of a sibling.

"Dib-Stink come here for a second." Zim said as he pulled on the extremely baggy clothing.

After looking at Zim cautiously Dib approached the alien who swiftly stuck out his hand. Unknowingly in reflex, Dib planted a fist in between Zim's eyes.

"Fyuvix Evt!." He cursed in pain. "What the hell was that for Dib-Stink? Zim demands to know!"

"You were going to attack me!"

"He was trying to shake your hand Dib-Shit!" Gaz barged in as Ajax assisted in helping Zim up.

"Zim was only trying to befriend the Dib-stink. I didn't realize you would be threatened."

"Master, you're an idiot." Ajax politely chimed in. Dib rubbing his shoulder looked at Zim who began to rub his forehead, thoughts began filling his mind. 'Why was Zim trying to shake my hand. He hates me...right?' Dib shook himself out of his void and shifted back into reality.

"Why were you trying to shake my hand? We're enemies Zim!" Dib spat his name with anger.

Zim, smiled? "That's the thing Dib-Stink. We no longer have a reason to be enemies."

"What are you talking about Zim?" Dib began glaring daggers at the smiling alien.

Zim took a few steps towards Dib to which Dib backed up cautiously. "Zim no longer wishes harm upon your planet. I do not wish to enslave the pitiful human race, the only thing I wish for right now, is something far beyond your comprehension." Zim stood at an angle with his arms to his side and he was clenching his fists.

"Wow…". Zim turned to see Gaz smiling and even chuckling a little. "What does the Gaz-human find so funny?" Zim smirked

"You trying to be cool." She laughed. "Hey! Zim, is cool."

"Yeah sure. Ha-ha! You thought you were cool!" Gaz said chuckling

.

"Zim is the essence of cool."

"Oh my god stop." Gaz said as she burst into laughter.

Zim was having trouble suppressing his own laughter as he gasped while trying to speak again. "Heh..co-...Hehe...cold wishes, it was this cool." Zim immediately leaned against his desk not being able to control himself.

"You're such a loser!" Gaz said loudly as they both erupted into laughter.

Dib stood there in silence, not being able to comprehend what he was watching. But not long after...he started to chuckle. Zim, sitting down in a chair to regain his composure leaned back a little to far and toppled over. Gaz turned away laughing her ass off, and Zim joined in while he lay limp on the ground, but both were caught off guard when Dib, broke out into laughter.