(hay everyone...sorry it's been so long since i last updated...but I wasn't getting much inspiration on this story...hopefully I'm not disappointing anyone...anyway...here ya go)

Dib stood up, shivering as the warmth of the fire faded from his skin and he wrapped his arms around himself. He walked over to the caves entrance which had been sealed by rocks and snow during the avalanche.

He placed a hand on its cold surface allowing the sensation of the snow to sting his hand, Everything about this moment seemed surreal. It was hard to believe that on the other side of the frozen wall was freedom. Hours inside there seemed like days to him and he longed to get out, to see the sky, to feel the suns warmth. He hated feeling so trapped.

'What if no ones even looking for us'

he felt sick 'What if this is the end?' he thought 'Will anyone even remember me'

Suddenly his fear and sadness turned to anger. All the years he spent protecting Earth, all the torture he endured, all coming down to this insignificant death. Frustrated, he slammed a fist against the icy wall.

"NO...it's not fair...it's not fair" he yelled

Zim who had been watching, jumped up at Dibs sudden outburst. He was frightened but also concerned.

"It can't be over...IT CAN'T BE.." Dib yelled "I've tried so hard...and no one even knows...no one knows how hard"

Zim took a few hesitant steps over towards him.

"Everything I've ever done...for nothing" Dib said his anger wavering to sadness "No one...no one even cares"

"I do"

Dib turned to see Zim facing him with a concerned smile on his face and his anger returned once again. Zim had been the cause of more pain in his life than anyone else, he was the reason they were stuck here, and everything he was saying now was a lie.

"NO YOU DON'T" Dib yelled "YOU HATE ME"

Zim jumped back "I could never hate you" he said quietly

"YES YOU COULD" Dib yelled, muscles tensing, "YOU ALWAYS HAVE"

"But...I...I thought we were friends"

"WE WERE NEVER FRIENDS" Dib yelled

Zim stared silently at Dib both hurt and confused, and Dib turn his eyes away wanting not to feel sorry for the alien.

"THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT ZIM" Dib said his shout turning into a sob, his muscles relaxing "Just...just leave me alone"

"I...d..don't understand" Zim said timidly

"It's not fair Zim..." Dib said his voice now a whisper "There's so much I haven't done...I ..I don't want to die"

"I...will not let you die" Zim said "You are still m..my friend"

"Don't you get it, Zim" Dib asked with a exhausted sigh "We're not friends...you don't like me...this is just a big mistake"

"I am c..confused by your words but not by my own feelings" Zim stated

Dib rolled his eyes "Oh really" he said dryly as he folded his arms and faced Zim "And what exactly are your f..feelings"

At this Zim took a few steps forward so the he was standing right in front of Dib, who cocked his eyebrow in suspicion and curiosity.

As Zim leaned forward Dib felt the expression leave his face and his arms went down to his sides leaving him somewhat vulnerable. His feet refused to move from that spot but the rest of his body leaned back so to put distance between him and Zims faces.

Zim continued to advance and Dib could feel the warmth of his body as it pressed lightly against his. The sudden sensation caused Dib to gasp as he closed his eyes tightly still unable to push the irken away.

He could feel Zim's hand lightly touch his cheek and then as he withdrew his hand he heard Zim shuffle. A second more passed and Dib felt something being wrapped around him...he opened one eye at a time to see that Zim had placed his jacket around him.

As Zim slowly back away, Dib was confused as to why this seemed to...disappoint him. 'Did I really think he was going to...' his thoughts trailed off. Confused he shook his head

"W..well" Dib asked looking away from Zim "You didn't exactly answer the question"

"I am thinking on it" came Zims reply.

Dib looked up at Zims focused and determined expression. He looked so much like the Zim that he remembered...

"I believe that I am feeling..." Zim paused "Feeling...that I care for your existence"

Dib looked blankly at Zim for a moment

"I...I wish that were t..true" he admitted

"Zim does not lie" he said. once again Dib felt like he was actually talking to the old Zim

"Forget about it Zim" Dib said dismissively "It doesn't matter"

"But I..I..A.AACHOO" Zim sneezed, the force of which caused him to fall to the ground with a 'thud'.

Zim groaned slightly as he rubbed his back. Dib sighed and offered Zim his hand, which

he happily accepted.

"Come on" Dib said looking back to the dimly lit fire "Lets get the fire going s..some more"

Zim nodded and for some unknown reason saluted him. Dib quirked an eyebrow at the

gesture but with the shake of his head they both walked back over to their previous spots.

Zim sat down in front of the fire and wrapped his arms around his knees as Dib fanned the flames. When Dib felt the fire was once again strong he took the spot beside him.

Dib stared over at Zim who every few moments would shiver. He really needed the coat more than Dib did.

"Um...Zim?" Dib asked

"Y..yes" Zim answered his antenna perking with attention as he looked over at Dib.

"I can't believe I'm saying this but..." Dib sighed "W..would you like to...share my coat ?"

Dib opened his coat up to further explain and as realization dawned on Zim he nodded eagerly. Moving close to Dib he snuggled near him and wrapped the coat around his shoulder. Dib blushed as Zim rested his head happily onto his chest.

"Are we...still friends?" Zim asked his eyes closed

"I...I suppose" Dib answered with uncertainty.

Zim nodded and then shivered as he snuggled closely.

"You...okay?" Dib asked

"I am...tired" Zim admitted quietly "I think I will...rest"

Zim smiled, gripping Dibs shirt with one of his hands and letting out a content sigh. Dib stared down at Zim for a long while 'If we're not found...' He thought as he wrapped one of his arms around Zims resting form 'then at least I won't die alone' Even though the thought was depressing he had found comfort in it and he smiled somewhat fondly down at Zim. Dib could feel his eyelids getting heavy and he was sure that sleep was soon to come. As Dib began to close his eyes Zim's antenna twitched slightly and his grip on Dibs shirt loosened.

"Zim..." Dib asked absentmindedly "do Irkens ..sleep?"

(well there ya have it...just let me know if you think I should call it quits...I'd understand...and once again I'm sorry for the wait)