Disclaimer: I do not own Invader Zim.
Hey everybody! This is definitely the longest chapter I've written so far. Over 4,000 words without my intro and after-thoughts.
So we'll definitely see a bit more on Zim's character. Not as cold as the last chapter but still...
I hope I did ok. Keep in mind you have to figure out where the beginning applies XD.
Thank you for the Reviews!
Ah, I'm rambling... Sorry. Enjoy this chapter!

I felt my blood drain from my body.

And at the same time it rushed thru me as a sort of haze overcame my senses.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I was yelling at myself. I shouldn't feel this, especially not for him.

But my body wouldn't listen as delightful shivers of desire ran down my spine.

Maybe I'm crazy.

Because deep down, I know I want more.

Oh how I want So. Much. More.

Silence.

Not a word spoken and every breath taken done with extra care.

It was an unspoken agreement that neither of them say anything while they waited to arrive at the ship Zim resided in.

Dib glanced out the window, gazing at the stars passing by. If the circumstances were different, he would be relishing this moment. A moment that all his life he wished he could experience. Traveling thru space on a ship filled with technology beyond what his planet had yet to achieve, studying everything around him. But it wasn't like that. Not even close.

**FLASHBACK**

"THAT BACK STABBING, TRAITOROUS, LYING, MANIPULATIVE, DECEIVING LITTLE..." Dib continued his rant of insults as he threw things around the kitchen while his sister simply sat at the table, eyes glazed and staring at nothing in particular.

He needed a physical outlet for his inner turmoil, hence his tantrum. But with everything he threw, every insult that came from his mouth, the storm inside him grew. What he really wanted was to ring the neck of the alien he once thought was his friend, to beat Zim's face till you couldn't distinguish his features. How did this happen? They had been friends only 5 years earlier. But then, Zim said he wasn't really friends with him. He was just a pawn.

Dib threw a small step-stool at the wall and slumped to the ground shaking with hatred and rage. He had TRUSTED Zim. Considered him a companion and ally in hopes that maybe one day not only would the invasion the Irken Empire had started would be stopped to forever ensure the Earth's safety, but that one day he too would be able to travel the stars. Explore what lay beyond the Earths' atmosphere.

Instead his reward was the knowledge that not only did he have one, ONE YEAR to prepare for an invasion he couldn't possibly hope to defeat, but that the two people he cared for were going to suffer because of him. Because he trusted an alien invader.

"I'm sorry." He muttered, eyes burning with unshed tears that threatened to fall. "I... I don't know how I could have been so stupid, if I... then maybe... Dad... You..." He trailed off.

"We can still stop him." He turned to met his sister's eyes, they were burning with determination and defiance so strong he was sure Hades himself would fear her wrath. "We can still save Dad."

Dib blinked, "How?"

"We accept his offer."

"NO! I will not allow that PARASITE anywhere near you! As long as I'm alive he won't so much as lay a hand on you..."

"Do you want a chance at beating Zim or not?" Gaz interrupted.

Confusion swirled thru him, mixing with his anger. "How can you be so calm about this? Our Dad is in danger! You're in danger! The whole planet is in danger!"

"I know. But your stupid ranting isn't going to get us anywhere. Now shut up and listen to me or I will make you suffer horribly!" He shut his mouth, "Look, if we accept his offer, I'll have access to all the files, all the plans, all the information you'll never get to see. Granted he may have some security on me at all times since he knows he's playing with fire, but he wouldn't have gone to such great lengths to make sure we would cooperate. I'm more than sure he knows I'll put up a fight, but he also knows I wouldn't do anything to put Dad at risk. And that's where my advantage is."

**END FLASHBACK**

Gaz is right. He thought, She'll be behind enemy lines, and everyday will be a huge risk for her. But I know better than anyone she can handle this. Although I do hope she manages to beat Zim's face in at least once.

Dib let out a small, almost non-existent sigh. It had taken a lot of convincing (and a few threats) to get him to agree with her after that first argument. But he still felt uneasy. He risked a quick glance at her. She was sitting calmly on the other side of the ship, playing her Game Slave. How she could keep up such indifference was a complete mystery to him.

Despite her brother's opinion, Gaz was actually deep in thought, trying to find the best approach to getting the information she needed.

I guess it's a good thing I studied some Irken with Zim back when he was willing to teach me. She paused her Game Slave as she relived the memory. I doubt he'll do that now. Who would have thought those lessons would come in handy. Her eyes narrowed. Stupid Zim, he's going to pay for this.

"We are approaching the Massive. Prepare for landing." The pilot announced.

They glanced out the window together, both filled with anger and wonder at the armada before them.

"This is stupid." Dib tore his gaze from the window and looked at his sister who had begun walking towards the exit. "I don't like being on this stupid ship on our way to meet stupid Zim so he can brag about his stupid plans about taking over the stupid planet and its all just stupid."

"Welcome humans Dib and Gaz." A small Irken approached them as soon as the got off the ship. "I'm assigned to escort Dib to the ship which will take him to planet Vort. The ship is prepared for travel so if you'll just follow me, we can leave."

"Doesn't my sister get an escort too?" Dib asked.

"Yes of course. He'll be here shortly, but I can't tell you more than that since my orders were very direct. We must go now." The Irken walked past them, heading towards the same way they came in.

"I guess I'll see you later." Dib attempted to give his sister an encouraging smile. "I'll call you when I get the chance, if I ever really get the chance. But you stay out of trouble and if anything happens..."

"I'll be fine Dib. Just go."

They stared at each other a few minutes more when suddenly Dib pulled her in for a hug. "Dib..." She warned.

"I know. I'll miss you." He pulled away and ran towards the ship, determined to make sure she didn't notice his eyes filled to the brim with tears. Even if it was only for a little while, he wanted her to think he was strong.

Gaz watched as the ship took off. "Meh." She shrugged looked for her escort.

"Gaz!" She spun around and her eyes narrowed. "Zim is most pleased to see you" He said looking every bit like the mighty dark prince he had become.

"You're my escort?" Her voice was filled to the brim with annoyance, "Can't I get at least a few months without seeing you?"

He smirked, "Welcome to the Massive. The Irken Armada's finest ship and your new home."

"This is your armada's best ship?" She scoffed.

Either he ignored her sarcastic comment or simply didn't notice as he held out his hand and said, "Come. Your room is on the other side of the ship."

She merely looked at it, and after a moment he put his hand down, "Remember Gaz, you're on my ship now, where I'm the master and my word is law." He closed the distance between them and raised her chin to look into her eyes, "I have the power to make your stay either enjoyable or unbearable. Don't forget that."

Gaz felt another shiver go down her spine at his touch and display of dominance. Part of her wanted to feel the skin beneath his glove; to pull him close and have him relieve the knot in her chest, but another part of her was annoyed she wanted such things from him. She pushed her irritation aside, adopting a face of indifference.

"Whatever." Gaz pulled away from him and picked up a bag that was still within her reach.

The rest of her things were carried away by other Irkens, who were most likely taking them her new room. She decided to follow them and soon noticed Zim walking beside her, oddly quiet. She didn't think too much of it; taking advantage of the moment to collect herself since she was a bit, dare she think it, flustered. She scowled, only stupid love-struck school girls got flustered, and not once in her life had she ever been a stupid school girl. Sure she had a bit of a childish crush on him years ago, but that was just a phase right? Gaz risked a quick glance at him, and her heart fluttered. Or maybe not...

Suddenly he spoke, "There are many Irkens wiling to assist you with anything you need, all you have to do is ask and they will be there. You also have the freedom to walk around and use many of the rooms here. You will be given a tour later." He stopped in front of a door and beside it appeared a small screen that he placed his hand on. "Put your hand here. It will read your bio-signature so that the door will open when you want to come into your room and store it into the ship's system."

"Bio-Signature saved: Gaz." The small computer voice said.

The door opened and Gaz took the liberty of stepping inside. "It's just like my room back home." She observed.

"Zim looked into a few details before your arrival." He shrugged nonchalantly.

She turned and narrowed her eyes at him. "Why?"

"Zim wishes for you to have a comfortable stay." He gestured to a corner, "Your things are already here, although you will find that besides your sleep wear, you won't have much use for your clothes."

She arched an eyebrow at him as he walked over to her closet and pulled out a mannequin modeling a dress, giving her an expectant look. The dress itself was the color of her hair and sleeveless with a part in the front to revel the legs and a gold belt with red gems. It came with a black choker necklace that had red gems to match the belt and what looked like gold studs on it. Attached to the necklace was a long read cape. Accompanying the outfit were long elbow-length black gloves and almost knee-length black boots*.

It displayed authority; a perfect combination of elegance and intimidation. Perfect for a queen.

She hated it.

"I'm not wearing that." Gaz said crossing her arms.

Zim's antennae twitched, but he ignored her comment. "You will wear this dress everyday and all day. Whether we are together or not. If you find the measurements incorrect let Zim know and it Zim shall arrange for its adjustments immediately."

She shook her head, "No. I'm fine with my own clothes."

He approached her slowly, his gaze dark not with anger, but with desire and she found herself backed against the wall. "Arguing isn't a good start of our one-year relationship little-Gaz." He whispered seductively in her ear as he placed his hands on the wall beside her, blocking any means of escape before leaning back and looking into her eyes. "Acknowledge the attraction between us little-Gaz. We can share great pleasure if you admit it."

"No." She stated bluntly.

He searched her eyes for a moment, then his gaze lowered and lingered. Gaz felt the blood rush to her cheeks at the look he gave her; the ruby orbs were blazing a brilliant red with a hunger that sent tremors up her spine and her heart raced when she realized he was going to kiss her. His head lowered slowly, so excruciatingly slow that for a moment she considered closing the distance herself when...

"My Tallest?" A voice sounded thru the door accompanied by a knock. "One of our Invaders wishes to deliver his daily report on his mission."

Zim pulled away from her and looked at the door, "I'll be there shortly." He turned to her again, "Zim has a few matters to attend to; you'll be alone for a few hours." He reached out and twisted a lock of her hair around one of his fingers. "But Zim will be back soon little-Gaz." He left the room, and Gaz quietly let out the breath she didn't realize she was holding.

Gaz stared at her reflection. The dress looked, well, beautiful on her. All she needed was a crown. She scoffed at the idea and proceeded to change back into her own clothes. As much as she liked the dress (which she would forever deny) she was not wearing it.

She decided to walk past the walls of her room and take a look around the ship she would be calling her home for the next year. I wonder how long an earth year is for them... Irkens walked past her, some acknowledging her, others too busy with their work. Gaz wandered aimlessly for a while till finally boredom got the best of her; she reached into her pocket to pull out her Game Slave when she realized she left it back in her room. Grunting, Gaz turned on her heel and headed back the way she came.

"Where am I?" She asked aloud after passing what she thought was the same corridor for the 5th time.

"Scary lady!" She turned and was knocked to the ground. "I miss-ed you scary lady!" Gir wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her neck. "I miss-ed you soooooo much! Now you gonna live with me and master and all our friends!"

Gaz tried prying the tiny robot off with little success, "Get off me Gir."

"NO!" He whined, "I love you Gazzy!"

She sighed, "I can't believe Zim kept you. Where is he anyways?"

"You wanna see Master!?" He asked excitedly, "Master's over there!" He pointed down the hall and jumped off her, extending his hand for her to take it and follow him.

As he led her thru one of the doors down another hall she heard noises that grew louder as she approached the end which she recognized instantly; having been in plenty of brawls to know when someone was fighting. Gir stopped and pointed at the large window before them, it was probably the same size as the wall.

Might as well make the wall out of glass.

She peered thru the window; on the other side Zim and another alien circled each other, fighting in what appeared as a death match. Gaz watched fascinated as Zim gracefully attacked and defended himself, every move made with careful precision and timing. She noticed he was only wearing shorts; the muscles in his arms and chest rippling with every punch and kick he threw. She felt a touch of heat rise to her cheeks, but she was too focused on the fight to notice. Remembering everything he taught her years before, Gaz began inwardly giving him instructions or praising him every time he landed a blow, scolding him when he let an opening pass, only to praise him again when he took advantage of a better one. She had no idea how long she watched, or when exactly Gir left, but it was over too quickly in her opinion when Zim managed to place a right hook to his opponents jaw and knock the alien to the ground. Suddenly Zim turned around and looked Gaz directly in the eyes; she stiffened for a second then relaxed and gave him a bored expression. He smirked and motioned for her to come into the room.

"You're not half-bad." She acknowledged as she approached him, "Took you long enough to finish him off though, you're loosing your touch."

"It's more of a hobby than actual training. There aren't many who are able to take Zim in a fight."

She rolled her eyes, and turned towards the alien who was now being taken away on a stretcher. "Why aren't you in the dress you were given?" He asked.

"I told you: I'm not wearing it." Gaz responded without meeting his gaze.

"Zim had it designed especially for you; it's made of the finest materials. Made to enhance your already flawless beauty."

She scoffed and looked into his eyes, "You want to make me look like a queen yet you won't make me your queen. That's rich."

"So you agree with Zim? That the dress is beautiful."

"Why do you do that?" Gaz challenged, "Talk in third-person. You never really did that when we were younger and you only seem to do it when you talk to me."

He smirked and brushed the back of his hand against her cheek, she noticed he wasn't wearing his gloves and made no attempt to move his hand away as he felt the warmth rise to her face. "It bothers you." He stated plainly.

"That's it?"

"Zim believes you are beautiful when you're upset."

Her breath caught in her throat, and she scrambled to collect her thoughts. She considered herself intelligent and clever, but for some reason Zim always managed to drive out any common sense from her head.

"I'll make you a deal," She strutted past him to the center of the room, then turned to face him. "One round. If I win, not only will you stop talking in third person, but I don't have to wear the dress. If you win, I'll wear it without complaints."

He pondered this for a moment, "You have two benefits, Zim only has one."

"Add whatever you want then."

He gave a devious smile, "A kiss."

She shook her head in pity, "Your setting yourself up for disappointment. Hurry up, I don't have all day."

"First one to knock their opponent down and pin them wins. On the count of 3." Zim said.

"One." Gaz positioned herself.

"Two." Her muscles tensed.

"... THREE!"

She lunged at him, throwing a punch aimed at his head. He blocked it but immediately jumped back as she round-house kicked him. Gaz launched a series of punches and kicks in an attempt to make him lose his footing, but he blocked them with ease. She pulled back then charged at him again, this time aiming for his chest and stomach. Gaz felt exhilarated as the adrenaline rushed thru her; it had been too long since the last time she found someone who could keep up with her and she found herself enjoying the match almost to the point where she forgot the reason they had begun in the first place.

After a few more attacks Gaz pulled back and waited, He's good. She thought. I haven't been able to find an opening at all in his defense. Maybe if he attacked I could find one in his technique...

"Not planning on putting up a fight?" She asked, slightly surprised on how out of breath she sounded.

He raised a non-existent eyebrow, and answered with his own question. "You continued to practice even after Zim left?"

Gaz nodded and gave a tiny, haughty smile. He had underestimated her just like all the other idiots she had fought before.

He smirked, "Zim will admit, you are very good. But..." He lunged, easily knocking her off her feet and pinning her arms above her head, "Not good enough." He finished.

She glared at him, "You were just toying with me!"

"Not at all little-Gaz. I was observing you. You've improved greatly since the last time I had the privilege of fighting you, your movements are much more fluid and your attacks are strong as well as carefully calculated. I am most honored to have you as my opponent."

She stared at him, almost at a loss for words. "Your not talking in..."

"Third person anymore?" He interrupted, "No, your battle prowess has impressed me and I'll comply with one of your conditions, but you still have to fulfill both of yours."

Gaz barred her teeth for a moment then sighed, "Fine, let's get this over with."

The smoldering look appeared in his eyes once more as Zim removed one of his hands from her arms and traced her jaw line with his finger. A light pink dusted her cheeks and her eyes widened as his finger trailed down her neck and along her collarbone as she suddenly became acutely aware of his body on top of hers with him pinning her arms above her.

This is definitely not the best position...

Zim lowered his head; his lips were gentle at first, and then became more insistent. Not quite demanding, more like seductive, as if persuading her to respond. Gaz let her eyes close and parted her lips, allowing him to take control of the kiss as he explored her mouth with his tongue. He moved his hand from her neck to her waist, pulling her closer to him and let go of her arms to gently lift her head from the floor. Gaz placed her hands on his chest, slowly moving down then back up, feeling the hard muscles he possessed. He took her actions as permission to move his hand from her waist along her body, slowly inching higher towards her breast.

Suddenly, she pushed him away, "That's enough Zim."

He smirked, unfazed by her abrupt rejection. "Are you sure you don't want to continue little-Gaz?"

"More than sure. That was horrible."

"Liar." He purred, nuzzling his face to her neck as her heart hammered in her chest. "If the kiss continued we would have gone up in flames."

"Whatever. Now get off me."

He stood and extended his hand to help her, frowning slightly when she it slapped away. "I'll make you a deal little-Gaz. I won't attempt any intimacy with you unless you ask me to."

She raised an eyebrow at him, "What's your game Zim."

"I assure you I have no ulterior motive. I won't force you, and I will only be with you if you ask."

"After going thru so much trouble to get me here, you seriously expect me to believe that you don't expect anything from me?"

He nodded and once again closed the distance between them. "I speak the truth Gaz-love. I don't want to force you. I want you to come willingly."

Gaz searched his eyes, trying to find some way to read him; to know if he really was being honest. A feeling in her gut told her he was, and she went with it. "Fine, but you can forget about me asking you to be with me. It's never going to happen."

He smirked mischievously, "We shall see little-Gaz." He turned abruptly, "Come. It is almost time for what you humans refer to as dinner."

"You don't have dinner?" She asked once she caught up with him.

"We eat when we want. But you're an exception, since I want to spend as much time as I can with you."

"I don't need a babysitter Zim."

"I'm not babysitting you. I'm just taking advantage of having you on the Massive with me."

Gaz considered his words for a moment; being around him meant having a better chance at finding out how she could help her dad. Zim obviously wasn't going to have any security placed on her any time soon since he wanted to be around her. But that also meant that what happened in the training room could happen again. And despite everything, she had genuinely enjoyed the kiss. Maybe a little too much.

"It's not going to work you know." Gaz said casually.

He looked at her, eyes filled with mischievousness. "What won't work little-Gaz?"

"This whole, 'I just want to spend time with you' thing. You think that by spending all your time with me I'll some how be charmed by you and fall right into your arms. Well you can forget it, I'm not easily impressed."

He snickered, "I'm well aware of that little-Gaz. But time will eventually prove you wrong."

They walked the rest of the way in silence, only speaking when they finally reached her room. "Dinner will be ready soon, I'll come for you in exactly 20 minutes. That's enough time for you to get dressed."

"Where is your room?" She mentally face-palmed in regret as soon as the question left her mouth.

"Are you considering a visit?" He asked with a sly smile on his face, "I'd gladly let you in."

She scoffed, "I was asking so I could avoid it."

"I'm right across the hall."

"So close?"

"Yes, I want you close by."

She glared at him as he took a step forward, "Remember your promise, Zim." She hissed.

"Ah, but I never said I wouldn't try to seduce you."

"Seduce me?" She asked skeptically.

He nodded, "I'm sure your aware that I'm attracted to you. And I'm more than sure your attracted to me too."

"Your wrong."

"Am I?" He put his arm around her waist and pulled her towards him, "Care to test that theory?"

Gaz pushed him away, "I have to get dressed. So leave."

Zim smirked at her, gently touching her cheek, "Do you still have the same food preferences?" He asked.

"Yes. Why?"

"20 minutes little-Gaz." He reminded her as he turned and walked into his room.

Gaz stared at the table, some foods she recognized and others... she wasn't so sure about. Covering the table were plates filled with nachos, curly fries, some sort of hotdog worm looking food and much more. Zim on the other hand was observing her (more often than usual since she stepped out of the room in the dress) and not paying attention to the food. On the other side of the table Gir was happily devouring everything he could get his hands on.

"I can't believe you kept him." She said in a slightly annoyed tone.

"Despite what you may think little-Gaz, I'm quite fond of Gir." An Irken approached her and set down the tray of food. "I had this prepared especially for you, I'm sure you'll enjoy it."

She turned to look at him and raised an eyebrow, "Pizza?"

"Yes, I recall it being your favorite. And if you'll remember, I said I want you to feel comfortable here. That includes things such as food."

She turned back to her food and hesitantly grabbed a slice; carefully lifting it to her mouth, she took a bite. Her eyes widened, "It tastes just like Bloaty's. How did you..."

"Minor details." He waved off the subject and proceeded to eat his own food.

After dinner, and a few knocked out Irkens later since he refused to willingly leave his Master and beloved Gazzy, Gir left for his room with some of the guards and Gaz was left at the table with Zim to do some 'homework'.

"Why do I have to do this?" She groaned. "I'm not even in school anymore."

"Doesn't Membrane wish for you to graduate from Hi Skool?"

"Yeah, but it's not like I'm actually there to do the work."

"I have arranged for that also. I know how much your father means to you and how much he wants you to finish your studies. If you graduate Hi Skool it will make him happy which in turn will make you happy. You won't have lessons or homework often since there is a significant time difference between Earth and the rest of space. Despite that I will help you with what I can."

Gaz glared at the papers before her, trying to hide her embarrassment. He was being... nice... Not only that but he wanted her happy, taking the time to make sure everything agreed with her preferences and helping her stay on good terms with her father. So different from the alien who had threatened her and her brother only days before. Upon remembering his words, the anger she all but forgot came back.

"Isn't this a bit much for someone who's trying to kill my dad?" Gaz said in a strained voice filled with rage that ached for release.

He examined her, taking note of her silent fury. "I do not intend to kill Membrane."

"Then why did you fill him with nanites?" She demanded. "Just for the fun of it?"

"No." Zim shook his head, "I needed a reason for you and your brother to come. Mainly you, since threatening the planet wouldn't have been good enough."

"So you attack the one person I care for?"

He reached over and brushed his claws against the back of her hand, angering slightly when she pulled it away, "I will not hurt Membrane Gaz-love. I promise you that."

The homework was finished in record time since Gaz learned quickly and Zim already had such 'common knowledge' programmed into his pack. They ended up walking around the ship for a while with Zim explaining may of the rooms and their functions as well as a bit of Irken history till Gaz felt too tired to continue.

"Thanks for the tour I guess." She said when they finally reached her room.

"Of course little-Gaz." Zim brushed his fingers thru her hair and she scowled.

"Are you always looking for excuses to touch me?"

He smirked, "Don't tell me you don't enjoy it."

"I don't enjoy it." Gaz retorted looking him straight at him. His eyes were intense, taking in every feature of her face as he slowly leaned towards her.

"Don't even." She said coldly.

Zim pulled back slightly and gave her a smug expression, "If it bothers you so much why don't you pull away?"

"And give you the deranged idea that I'm intimidated by you? Yeah right." The door opened and Gaz proceeded to shut it in his face.

"Good night little-Gaz." He said laughing as he walked over to his own room.

She'd deny it for the rest of her life if you asked her about it, but if you listened carefully, you could hear her reply; in a voice barely above a whisper,

"Good night Zim."

*The cover photo of this fanfic has Gaz in the dress only difference is it doesn't have the Irken symbol.
So I'm if-y on this chapter. But remember, Constructive Criticism only.
Thank you for all the previous reviews and I hope to finish the next chapter soon.
Till next time!