(Heh... another all-nighter. Only 10:30, but... okay, maybe that *is* early. I dunno... I get really angsty late at night. The best time to write a decent fic.
Especially a ZADR. ::sighs:: Dib and Zim are so ky-ute together... ::thinks quietly:: Maybe that's why I enjoy slash fics... gives me hope for the future.)



Wind Song
Chapter Three: Truce


Zim stumbled to his feet. "Watch where you're going, Earth--- Dib?!"

Dib steped back, shocked. "Zim? What are you doing out?"

"I was, uh..." Zim frantically searched his mind for an excuse, "Out looking for someone..."

"Oh... me, too."

Zim bit his lip. This was going to be harder than he thought. (Start slow) he reminder himself. (Try to be nice.) "Sorry I crashed into ya'. I should really
watch where I'm going."

Dib glanced up with interest. (Did Zim just... apologize?!) "Uh... n-no, it was my fault..." (What the... why the hell am I being nice to him? He hates me!)
"So..." Dib started, "Who were you looking for, *Zim*?"

Zim swallowed. (He'll never want to be my friend... but I have to try!) "Uh..." he lowered his head. "IwaslookingforyouDib."

(Wha...?) "...Zim?"

Zim sighed. "I was looking for you, Dib," he said clearly. "I have a proposal to make to you."

"Uh, sure. Shoot."

"Well... we've know and disliked each other for an extremly long period now, but after all this time, I'm willing to make a truce with you..."

Dib was slightly confused. Zim hated him, right? And now he wanted to be friends? "What's the catch?" Dib asked slowly. (Better safe than sorry,) he
figured. (No sense in getting hurt again.)

"No catch. I just want to be able to enjoy your company." Zim replied.

"Oh..." Dib studied the one opposite him. Zim seemed sincere in his word, no malicious glint was sparkling in his eye, just a plead that they could
become closer. (That's what I want, isn't it?) "Well... sure. It sounds terrific." Dib seized his oppertunity.

Now Zim was shocked. He... agreed? "Oh! Great."

There was an uncomfortable silence between them. They were aquaintences; now what? "So..." Zim said slowly, "Wanna go do something?"

"Okay. Like what?"

"I don't know. What do earth people your age do with friends?"

"Well..." Dib thought. "We could always go to the coffee shop."

"Fine. Lead the way." Zim stopped suddenly. "What's a 'coffee'?"



"So... how is it?"

Zim silently slurped from his cup. "It's interesting... like a bittersweet blend of flavors."

Dib nodded. "Uh-huh... do you like it?"

Zim smiled, the first sincere smiled Dib had ever seen on him. "I do. Thank you for bringing me out."

Dib smiled in return. "No trouble at all. It's a great way to bond."

Zim glanced up in slight surprise. "...Yes... it is, isn't it?" (Does he...?)

Dib sat lost in thought. Everthing was going fine so far: Zim wasn't threatening him, he wasn't threatening Zim, heck, they were *enjoying* each other's
company!! If that isn't a great accomplishment, then why did he feel so bad? (I have a chance to make a lasting bond - don't blow it!!!) He peered
over at Zim. "Almost done?"

"Hm?" Zim glanced into his nearly-empty cup. "Oh, yes, but do you think we could stay a while longer? This friendship between us is quite enjoyable,
and I'd like to make the most of it."

"I guess, but..." Dib pointed to the window. "Zim, it's getting quite dark."

Zim shrugged. "So?"

"I dunno... it's just... it's getting late, and..."

"I'll walk you home if it makes you feel better."

"Huh?" (I didn't expect him to say *that*) "Al-alright..."

The two left the shop and began their journey home on the long winding avenues. Dib had to admit, the darkness made him nervous... why, he never
could say for sure. Perhaps it was the mysterious aura of it... as deep and shadowy as the black void itself. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Relax Dib," he heard a voice say, "You're safe with me."

Zim. Of course. He was safe with Zim. Zim would protect him. Zim would--- waitaminute, Zim would protect him? They were becoming friends, true, but
you only protect someone you care about. Did Zim really care for Dib? Would it lead to something more? God, how he hoped!!

Silence between them once more. Arriving at their destination, Zim turned to face Dib. "Well, I believe this is your house..."

"Yeah." Dib whispered into the evening breeze. He didn't want to go, not just yet. How he wanted to kiss Zim, the conditions were perfect, but he was
too afraid to... he was too scared of being rejected again. Instead he stared longingly for a few precious moments before turning towards the door. "I'll
see you in skool tomorrow..."

Zim reached out and grabbed Dib by his shirt collar."Not so fast..." He murmured.

"What the---" Dib was cut off by a warm sensation that flowed through his body as he felt his lips being pressed softly against Zim's.



____
"It's four AM and the sky is beautiful"... heh, a kewl Jhonen quote. It's not really 4AM now, but I bet the sky was beautiful. I dunno; I slept right through it.
I kick myself for it, too. I'm probably one of the few people who want to stay up late and get up early when they could sleep in!! Hah. I haven't "slept in"
since I was nine. Big thank yoo's once again to everyone who took some time to R&R to the first two chapters. I don't know WHERE this is going to
lead, but if enough people throw cheese at me, I'll continue. If you'll excuseme , I've got a severe case of lack-of-caffeine-syndrome that needs to be
taken care of.