Chapter 5
Freezing
(Dib's POV)
I lay there for a long time, holding Zim's frail body and whispering to myself. I had just realized the truth, and now I was scared that I would lose the one I loved.
After a while Sam touched my shoulder and I looked up at him, my eyes sad. "Dib, are you okay?"
I looked down again, gently touching Zim's face. "I'm so angry with myself. I think I've always known I loved him, but I had to wait until he was dying to admit it."
"I'm sorry Dib," he murmured. "But I think I know how you feel. Laura's come down with something too. Bryan and I are going to the ship to find medicine. Is there anything we can get for you?"
I shook my head. "We can't give him anything, we don't know what it will do." I smiled weakly at him. "Thanks though Sam."
He smiled gently. "Keep your chin up Dib. We'll make it out. I know we will if we keep up hope. My father will come."
I nodded, looking back at Zim's pale face. "You guys go get that medicine for Laura. I'll be alright."
He left and I hugged Zim gently, whispering to him. "You've got to hold on Zim. We'll make it to your labs. I love you too much to lose you." A tear slipped down my cheek and I buried my face in his chest, which heaved with every breath.
I felt a gentle hand in my hair and looked up to see Zim's crimson eyes open and watching me. Emotions I had never seen swirled in those depths, love, trust, and devotion. "I love you too Dib," he whispered, one claw-like hand trailing through my jet-black hair.
"You're awake." I murmured. "You're alright?"
He shook his head and my face fell. "It won't last long. My immune system is failing Dib. We don't have much time. I hope Sam was right about his father coming. Hopefully he'll hurry." He closed his eyes and I grew worried.
"Zim?" I received no response and I lowered my face back to his lean chest. He'd gone into unconsciousness again.
(1 hour later)
I was worried. "Something's not right." I murmured, sitting up and going to the window. It was so clear outside, I could see the sky for the first time in days. Clouds surrounded the city, creating walls around us. The dog put his head up, whining.
Zim moved slightly, moaning. I went back to him, wrapping my arms around him. He settled again and I looked up as I heard yells and something else. It was a sound I couldn't lace, but it sent fear up and down my spine.
My eyes widened as I saw Sam and Bryan come running down the hall, ice racing along the walls, floor, and ceiling with them.
"Shut the door!" Sam screamed as they burst through the double doors. They slammed the wood shut, then ran to the fire. "Don't let it go out!"
As they worked frantically to keep the fire burning I clutched at Zim. Ice raced along the walls, creeping towards us. I threw the blankets over my head, tucking my arms and legs around Zim's limp body. 'Don't let the ice get him, don't let it…..'
