Disclaimer: Alright, pay attention kiddies; because I'm only going to bother saying this once:

I DO NOT own any rights to IZ, nor its characters. I'm just simply here to ruin them with my horrible writing technique :

AN: I'm sorry if this chapter isn't all to great; ill start to bring in some actual plot-line around part 3. Lately my cranium has been beaten by the little stress monkey of doom, considering high school starts backup in less than a week ;-; Now on wit' da funn!

To all my lovely reviewers, I send my love in your general direction. :::sends love:::

TwIsTeD ToAsTeR: Oh how happy you've just made me, so happy in-fact I think Ill frolic off and do a space jig. ::space jigs::

Speedy-Youkai: Thanks for the emotive support man, really appreciate it : This time around I attempted to write with less OCC-ness, and focusing more on Gaz's side of the story. Next chapter I promise more massive amounts of ZAGR-goodness along with some plot too :D

Krissy119: Wahh-OOh! So very glad you're liking the fluff :) Cheers to you on being my first reviewer XD ::cheers::

Part II: One step forward

After two hours consisting of thinking, showering, dressing, thinking and thinking some more, Gaz plopped down on her couch only to snatch out her Game-Slave.

It wasn't long before the radioactive waves sucked Gaz into a world of Vampire Piggy-hunter fun; her eyes brightening with each advance she made.

Apart from the theme music blasting out from her games speakers, Gaz's living room was eerily silent. The way everything was in place, organized and neat didn't act as a comfort to her; in-fact she found it downright creepy. Fake almost. Gaz had to resist the temptation to push something over or her spill apple juice all over the carpet. Not like Professor Membrane would care; or even notice for that matter.

Gaz glared at her watch while gritting her teeth; 3:04.

To her annoyance Dib hadn't returned home yet, which was theonly reason Gaz had ended her little 'event' with Zim so quickly. She knew he'd be looking for her, demanding explanation since she had ditched the last two periods to go grab a smoke; something that was luckily interrupted by Zim.

"Zim..." she whispered tenderly, her thoughts focusing back to him, and only him. Hard to believe someone as arrogant and bigheaded as he once was, would eventually turn out to be the exact opposite. Gaz or anyone in general would never have guessed him to be such a considerate huma-... er, something. Apparently it just took a little warmth to melt that ice.

He had actually listened; listened to her when no one else would. Not even her father gave her the time of day anymore. Occasionally Dib would attempt to, but that of course always seemed to worsen things. Zim on the other hand, really had helped. Made Gaz happy even; the first time in years.

Basking in that single moment of content-ness, Gaz leaned on the couch, face turned towards the ceiling and when the moment passed, she straightened up and headed for the door.

Immediately it swung itself open to reveal a very aggravated Dib behind it. Gaz rolled her eyes, preparing for her brothers 'lecture of DOOM' as she liked to call it. It consisted of Dib rambling on about how blowing off class was sure to get her 'into trouble again.' Gaz just shrugged, obviously not effected by his words and continued out the door.

"And just where exactly are you off to, hmm? Dib questioned, following after her.

"Your voice is stupid." Gaz replied simply, all of a sudden unexpectedly turning around to face her brother; catching him off guard.

Dib watched curiously while she reached into her pockets to pull out her last pack of cigarettes; handing them over to him as she grinned. "Get rid of these will you? I won't be needing them anymore."

There was comfortable silence between the two for a few seconds until Dib swooped Gaz up into a warm hug; who shockingly didn't thrash out in refusal. Noticing his sister's reaction, Dib squeezed her lovingly, and wished her a good rest of the night; smiling in admiration. "Ill send out for some pizza when you get back, sound good?" Gaz teasingly elbowed him, "Extra cheese" she said; for the first time enthusiasm echoing her voice.

Gaz couldn't help but let out a smile as she walked in the direction of a familiar green skinned boy's home. Not a cocky, evil grin, but an actual show of happiness.

She had found her own strength. She had found her own light; and she had Zim to thank for that.

TBC

AN: Yeeeaaah, I'm defiantly leaning towards a more Dib-not-being-the-bad-guy stance as of now. ::smugly:: And I'm going to be all mysteries and not tell who else I have in mind; just in hopes of adding a bit of plot XD Well part 2 is finally over and done with, Whoopie-doop-DOO. Expect chapters to be posted weekly, if not sooner. Remember to R-and-R, it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside to know people enjoy my writing :

As Jhonen himself would say, "Pleasant something, people."