Dlbn: Hello, everyone! Welcome to another update! Sorry for missing last week. I just wasn't feeling it.

Nbld: Since the whole Google docs thing is working well, though it's a process, I'm going to be able to update on a regular basis again. Though, I admit, my new fandom has taken over my life and I have more inspiration for that than anything-I have three fics started, or at least have plots and scenes done for them-so that takes up most of my writing time.

Dlbn: I'm quitting my security job on the weekends, so updating may continue on weekends or be done during the week; I'm not sure yet. Next weekend is my last weekend.

Nbld: But for now, we're here, and that's all that matters. Review Corner time! Thank you to Invader Johnny, ZimsMostLoyalServant and Guest for reviewing! Cake for you all!

Invader Johnny: If only he could get a team that was able to do anything in canon. Maybe he'd be unstoppable. But, then again, between Zim's Zimness and Gir's...Girness, who knows? Then again, he'd probably doom them all to save himself, knowing Zim. A drastic change in life can have great effects on a person, good or bad. Hopefully good in Zim's case. I like to think that, so far, it's been good.

ZimsMostLoyalServant: Thanks! Explanation is in this chapter. He's one of my favorite characters, actually.

Guest: Glad you like. Dib's one of my favorite, too. I don't like making him such a jerk, but you're right. With his history/childhood, it's no wonder he latches hard to any positive attention he's given. He ahsn't gotten much positive reinforcement in his life, so someone-anyone-giving him that is likely to strike a match in him, so to speak.

Dedication: Dedicated to my best friend/sister Kim and her husband Ryan for their baby-to-be, Reina! I couldn't get last Saturday off from work for the shower-because god forbid I get a day off-so I could only stay half an hour, if that. To make up for it, have a dedication!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but plot, Lahna, and coach. Everything canon belongs to Invader Zim and Jhonen C. Vasquez. I make NO money off writing this.

000

After school, Zim felt a hand on his shoulder while he was packing his bag. Lahna wasn't there yet, likely their teacher had kept them a few extra minutes, so he expected it to be her. He was surprised when he turned to see his Coach.

"Hey, Coach." He greeted, shutting his locker.

"Halen, eh?" Coach wondered. "Well, aren't you creative."

Zim laughed. "You see right through me, I take it, Ense."

"Hard not to." Coach nodded once. "And that other girl? That's…?"

"Yup. All grown up."

"God damn."

"You can say that again." Zim adjusted the strap on his bag, looking around to make sure no one was really around. The halls were mostly empty now. "Least Lahn put a little thought into hers."

"Not much." Coach rolled his eyes. "Hate the name that much, hm?"

"Damn straight." Zim shuddered. "After what they did to Lahna, mai and tai can go to hell. Oh, I'm sorry, I meant Bene and Victor."

"Unlike Gram, I won't chastise you for the lack of respect."

"You know they deserve it."

His brother's lips pinched into a line. "I guess I could agree to that."

"So, this is where you got off to, hm?" Zim slugged his shoulder. "No one's heard head or high water of you, asshole."

"Long story, bro, I don't wanna get into it too much." Coach rubbed the back of his neck. "You're military now, right? That's what they said before I was sent here."

"I was."

"Was?"

"Got drunk, piloted a mech, and destroyed half of Xa'ie."

"That was you?" Ense groaned. "Why am I not surprised? For real, Zim, the fuck?"

"I was depressed, alright? Sheesh…"

"Damn idiot." Ense rolled his eyes. "Well, I can't say I'm all that surprised. Good thing I got out of there when I did then…"

"You were in Xa'ie?"

"Yeah. I'll explain later. I was gone three days before you destroyed it."

"Oops…"

Ense laughed. "I think that requires more than just oops."

"Yeah…so what happened to Rya?"

"She's here with me." He wiggled one of his ring fingers. "Married and all that jazz."

"And you didn't invite me? Ense Haven, I am hurt." Zim grabbed at his chest.

"No you're not." Ense stated. "You're still the same sarcastic prick you've always been, aren't you?"

"I'd like to think I've made some improvement." Zim shrugged. "I mean, come on, I don't dress like a thug anymore."

"So you admit that's what you were? Wow, you really have changed, man. Ai Sadios Mia."

"Shut up." Zim rolled his eyes. "I also gave up booze and cigs."

"For real?"

"Mostly…I drink occasionally when the stress gets too much."

"You mean every night?" Lahna asked. "Cause you're going through your special occasion stash pretty quickly."

Zim shrugged. "I have to look at Dib's face every day. What do you think?"

She giggled.

"So, what happened there?" Coach wondered. "He got a girl and kicked you to the curb?"

"She told him to." Lahna offered. "And he listened."

"He's either dumb or he's got a death wish."

"Both." Zim stated. "He wanted to stay friends with the rest of our group, but they kindly told him to piss off. Gaz was gonna slug him."

"Who?"

"His sister." Lahna stated. "Speaking of siblings, is there a reason we're speaking so informally?"

"You would think you two would use false first names, too. Seriously." Ense rolled his eyes.

"Look who's talking! Your entire name is on your birth certificate."

Zim laughed as his brother went beet red. "Welcome to Earth."

"I should say that to the two of you. I've been here since you destroyed Xa'ie."

"For real?" Lahna cocked an eyebrow. "What the hell did you do?"

"Uh…"

"He's not going to answer. Typical; big brother's got some big secrets." Zim smirked.

"We can discuss it over dinner." Ense stated. "I know it's probably too forward for me to ask at school, but you're my siblings, so…"

"Please, Ense, we're practically your kids." Lahna offered. "You raised us more than they did."

"Yeah, that's rather accurate." He nodded. "Here." He wrote his address on a sticky note and handed it to Zim. Stop by later tonight for dinner. Six. Don't be late."

Zim put up his hands. "Fine, pushy."

Ense chuckled, looking at his watch. "I should get going." He stated. "The Principal wants a full report on today."

"Anyone give you trouble?"

"Nothing noteworthy. I let them throw around balls all day. I mean, not much room for conflict. But considering the whole issue with you and that other kid…"

"Dib."

"I don't think I'll be letting you near a bat any time soon."

"I'll behave." Zim offered, hand up. "Scouts honor."

"You were never a scout."

"What's a scout?" Lahna asked.

"Exactly." Ense nodded. "Later, kiddos. Six. Don't be late."

Zim waved him off. They watched him retreat down the hall until he turned the corner and couldn't be seen anymore.

"I can't believe he's here." Lahna grinned. "The old gang's together again."

"If only the old gang was here…" Zim sighed.

"Don't get mopey on me now…"

"Come on. I'm gonna get one drink in before we go over."

"Dear god, you're impossible." Lahna rolled her eyes.

"You love me."

"By blood, I have to. By choice, I do." She smirked at him.

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "You too, sis. You too."