Author's Notice:

Thanks so much for the kind words so far~ I've been working on a few more chapters of this story so another update should be up soon, and then this story will be up to date with where it is over on DA. Hopefully you'll feel inclined enough to leave a review once you get to the bottom there.

"Red Velvet"

'Chapter Two'

Dib was trying to gather himself, unsure what to do about the situation at hand.

It wouldn't really matter what he did, right?

If Zim wanted to do something, he was going to do it. He'd be able to persuade him to take Cyan in space, but what the hell would that really matter? It was suicide. This whole thing was just insane.

Dib ran a hand through his hair, grumbling to himself as he tried to focus.

He needed to go downstairs; he needed to make Cyan breakfast or lunch or whatever it was now. He spent way too much of his morning yelling at Zim about stupid shit that wasn't going to change.

Dib didn't know what he had expected. Zim was Zim, there was no changing him. Where did he get off thinking the plot of world domination had been swept aside?

Dib slowly got off the bed, tugging the wrinkles from his clothes in an attempt to focus on something aside from his thoughts. There was no point over-thinking anything. At least for today he didn't have to bother with Zim's plots or with Zim at all. He just needed to go downstairs and pay attention to his daughter.

He stepped out of his room, intent on making it to the elevator when the muffled sound of crying hit his ears. It took him a moment to really understand what it was but once he did he let out a weary sigh.

Cyan had been eavesdropping again.

Dib easily pushed open Cyan's door, peering around the edge of it to find the little girl huddled against the wall, her head buried in her knees as she wailed. His heart sank but he tried to force a smile, "Hey," He murmured, "What's wrong?" He knew what was wrong, but he hoped she hadn't heard as much as he thought she had.

Cyan stopped her crying in one dramatic intake of breath, her wide brown-red eyes looking up to Dib as he stepped into her room. However, her held breath quickly expelled again and her lower lip quivered with the effort it took to not burst into tears all over again. "U-Um," Cyan sniffled, her eyes falling to Dib's feet, staring intently at the different buckles that were attached to his boots, "Nn…nothing m-mama." She managed in a strained tone as she hugged her Irken doll to her chest; her body still huddled hard against the wall as if she were trying to blend right into it.

Mama.

That title had been gained when Cyan had started to learn to talk. Cyan could only talk in half-words and garbled English yet one day out of the blue she had adapted to calling him that simple title. It wasn't until later that Dib found out that Gir had watched some parenting program and that was obviously where Cyan figured out how to speak.

Despite his best efforts she just couldn't understand why he wanted her to call him something else. He thought when she got older he could push her in another direction but all explanations sort of fell short; especially after the whole 'where do babies come from?' conversation every growing child seemed to want to know.

Dib wasn't going to lie, so despite how awkward and weird it was, he had gotten through that conversation yet it only worsened his chances of having her call him something else. Instead Cyan just asked if he didn't like her calling him that. Well, with her looking up at him with those big concerned eyes he just finally gave in.

Who cared what she called him?

It didn't really matter, did it?

Really, it was kind of true, wasn't it?

So, he finally just gave up trying to teach her anything else. He didn't really care about it anyway; it just was sort of awkward in public was all.

Dib snapped back to the present, kneeling down briefly to scoop up the girl before she had a chance to protest. "You don't have to lie to me." Dib said easily, cupping her head to his shoulder as he walked right back out of her room intent on getting to the elevator.

Cyan nuzzled into Dib's shoulder, grateful for the contact as she tried to better compose herself, "Not lying." She murmured defiantly into his jacket; vaguely aware of the humming sound of the elevator as they were transported down to the kitchen.

"Not lying, huh?" Dib teased gently, "Then what were you crying for?"

"Nothing." Cyan sniffled defiantly.

Dib lightly petted her hair, mulling everything over in his mind. He wasn't entirely sure what to do to coax the bad feelings out of his daughter. He wished she would just stop spying, she didn't have to fill her head with everything going on between him and Zim; but he knew that was pointless.

The elevator doors opened and Dib stepped out into the kitchen, "Would you like some waffles?" He asked softly as he set her down in her favorite chair.

Cyan kicked her feet, her small hands toying with the antennae on her doll as she set it up on the table. She perked to the mention of her favorite food, her large burgundy eyes filled with interest as she nibbled her lip seeming to contemplate something. "…yeah." She finally mumbled.

Dib didn't really know what was going on in her head but he was hoping to find out – maybe feeding her would get her to loosen her lips a bit, "After this," He started as he moved around the kitchen gathering this and that – setting a pan on the stove before he continued, "We'll go to the park, alright?" Taking her out to the park wouldn't hurt either; she normally spilled whatever was troubling her if she was in a happy enough mood.

Cyan eagerly took the bait her mother placed out for her, "Okay!" She yipped, unable to help it when she smiled fondly at Dib who offered a smile right back.

The day had crept into late afternoon before Dib and Cyan had made their way to the park on the edge of town. It was a discreet little patch of earth nestled on the outskirts of the city; it was about an hour's walk from Zim's house but he and Cyan both liked being outdoors, so the walk didn't seem nearly as long as it was.

The park itself had just a few trees and a single play structure; benches outlined the almost precise square patch of earth, mostly women sitting on them as they watched their toddlers play.

Currently Dib was sitting on the bench that was most opposite everyone else. He wasn't comfortable interacting with people, still having rather limited skills in that area and since this was the only park available to them – he didn't want to screw anything up with anyone there that would cause them not to be able to return again.

Cyan seemed to be enjoying herself as she climbed up the metal play structure; her doll haphazardly clutched in her left hand as her little body ran from here to there. It was truly amazing how much energy she had; it was almost a chore to keep up with most days.

Dib leaned back on his bench, sweeping his arms across the back of it as his gold eyes remained intent on his child as she climbed further up the metal bars. He was regretting not putting in her usual hair clips; she seemed to be struggling with the wild black strands as they continued to fall into her vision.

He nibbled his lip nervously, always paranoid something might happen. Cyan was so high up he was fearful she might fall and cause herself to bleed and draw attention. It wouldn't normally be a big deal, had Cyan been a normal human child, but she wasn't – her blood was purple and even though most weren't as observant as himself, purple blood would probably rouse some suspicions.

"She'll be fine." He chided himself, knowing he couldn't just run out there and save her from the world.

She was a growing kid; she needed to experience life on her own eventually. Besides, she was just playing on a jungle gym and the base of it was sand. She'd have to try pretty damn hard to cut herself on sand.

Placated, Dib let out the breath he hadn't been aware he was holding as he noticed Cyan sitting atop the metal structure – talking to another child her age, a boy with plain brown hair and curious green eyes. Dib did like the fact she was so outgoing and easily liked; that would definitely benefit her later in life.

"If the world still exists later." Dib murmured in an irritated manner, leaning forward to set his hands on his knees, feeling antsy but trying to ignore it. He knew he probably looked crazy; sitting on edge and talking to himself.

Well, this was why none of the other parents talked to him.

Most probably thought he was some stalker of children or something; since his usual wardrobe was a little dark for most tastes, not to mention his trench coat that always seemed to rub people the wrong way.

But, Dib was a paranormal investigator's apprentice during most of the days' of the week and this was just sort of his style, he didn't bother with buying anything else that was appealing to the masses because he didn't venture out enough to truly care.

Cyan caught his gaze and she waved to him, smiling brightly as she gestured to her new friend.

Dib smiled slightly, pulling himself out of his thoughts as he waved at his daughter.

"Excuse me."

Dib started, not entirely paying attention enough to notice when someone had came over to his side of the park.

"Oh!" The brunette woman exclaimed, a hand to her lips as she smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." She said quickly, "Is this seat taken?" She then pointed to the vacant space at Dib's right.

Dib smiled sheepishly as he gestured nervously at his side, "No, no, by all means…" He trailed, feeling his heart racing against his ribs as the petite woman took a seat next to him. He almost felt like panicking and grabbing Cyan and running back home. He didn't know why but he just felt a tingling sensation of dread in the pit of his stomach.

He didn't want to fuck anything up.

Cyan loved this place.

He swallowed thickly, glancing to the woman before he turned his eyes back on the play structure, almost trying to ignore her as he felt his palms begin to sweat.

This was so stupid.

He really wished he had some better people skills, but that aside, he wasn't really used to dealing with women – the only one he interacted with normally was Gaz and she didn't entirely count. Other than Gaz and his co-workers, Cyan and Zim were the only other beings he came in contact with.

It was almost sad; but he didn't really have time to make friends.

"Which one is yours?"

"That one," Dib pointed towards Cyan, answering almost automatically, still not looking back in the woman's direction, "The girl in the pink and purple striped dress."

"Oh," She let her eyes drift back to the toddlers playing in the center of the park, "Mine is the boy in the green shirt there." She kept her smile as her blue eyes drifted back to Dib, "My name is Bridget, by the way." She laughed almost cutely as she extended her hand to him.

Dib reluctantly turned back to her, unsure why he felt so strange. Maybe it was that weird perfume, or how lovely her smile was, or the kindness she exerted. He wasn't entirely sure, but she was very un-like everyone he was used to dealing with(well, Cyan was nice enough, but she was his daughter and she didn't really count).

He took her hand in his a moment, just enough for a formal shake before he let it go but he was able to note the soft texture as well as how strange it actually felt to hold a hand that didn't only have three fingers. "I'm Dib; it's uh, nice to meet you." He said a little awkwardly, his eyes lingering on her rather homely appearance – her hair brown and straight, her dress a faded navy blue, her features rather plain and uninteresting by most standards.

"Do you come here often?" Bridget asked, keeping up her bright smile as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

Dib smiled back at her, wondering what exactly he was feeling. Was he really so starved for human contact? But, Dib had to admit, it was nice to actually be around someone who was actually human for once. Someone who actually seemed to be nice enough to enjoy the company he could offer. "Normally just on the week-ends." Dib said, noticing that this woman was probably around his age, "I work during the week, so I don't have as much time as I'd like."

"Oh, what do you do?" She asked, her eyes remained on him; such curious undivided attention caused Dib's ego to swell just a little.

Dib told her what he did for a living and she exchanged information of her own. Time seemed to pass by as he continued to chat with Bridget, not really noticing just how easy it was to talk to someone if he actually gave it a real shot.

He started to think that maybe they could be friends; maybe they could meet here on the week-ends.

But that thought wasn't vocalized as Dib finally let reality settle back in.

He couldn't have friends; he was attached to an insanely jealous and possessive alien and the moment Zim caught wind of Bridget she'd probably be killed on the spot, or taken to the lab and shoved in a glass tube. That aside, the world was going to be exploded soon – a friendship would just pile on the guilt that much thicker when the time actually came.

After a while Dib let his interest fade; his thoughts once again turning towards Zim and almost feeling guilty by his previous actions and thoughts.

He didn't need a human, he had Zim. He had always wanted Zim.

Dib finally turned his attention away from the pleasant woman, his eyes trained on the playground, noticing Cyan looking in his direction. He wasn't sure why she was frowning or why she was looking at him so intently. Did something happen? His brows furrowed in confusion as he mouthed the word 'what?' and in response Cyan's antennae pulled back.

Ugh.

He knew what that meant.

That wasn't a good thing.

"So," Bridget once again forced his attention, "Where's your wife?"

Dib faltered on his answer, "It's…complicated."

"Complicated?" She seemed to perk up, "It's complicated for me too." Bridget smiled in a knowing way that made Dib extremely uncomfortable.

Well, apparently the whole 'just friends' thing had never been on the agenda.

"No!" Dib choked, scooting to the edge of the bench as she seemed to scoot a bit closer, "I mean—you see—" How was he going to explain? Why did he even have to explain? This was getting bad, he should just excuse himself and get Cyan and—

"Mama?"

Dib hadn't been aware when his daughter had closed the distance between them. He felt her hands on his leg; her doll strewn across his lap, though despite her questioning statement her sharp burgundy eyes were rooted on Bridget.

Cyan had seen enough T.V. to know that once another person walked on screen they always ended up ruining the existing relationship in the story. It always ended with the mother and father divorcing and their children crying. She definitely wasn't going to let that happen to her.

Nope.

That definitely wasn't going to happen.

Cyan wasn't going to let this stupid lady take her mother away from her father. She'd protect Dib and then Zim would definitely be proud of her, "Who's that?"

Bridget looked a little confused by the way Cyan had addressed Dib but that confusion seemed to instantly melt once Cyan's attention had been turned on her. She offered a disarming smile, "My name's Bridget, I've heard so much about you already." She said in a warm tone though Cyan's hard look didn't change, "I was just talking to your father—"

"He's not my papa," Cyan interjected, "He's my mama," She said firmly, "My papa is at home working."

Bridget blinked, obviously unable to make the connection as she turned her eyes on Dib – wordlessly seeking an explanation.

Dib had been stunned into silence the entire moment, it felt almost like he was viewing a train wreck. However, as attention had been drawn to him he had gathered at his scattered wits and reached down to pick up his daughter. His face was bright red and he pointedly avoided the woman's eyes, "Th-thanks for the company, I have to go now." He said, keeping his eyes on the ground as he shuffled quickly from the area.

Cyan was perched against Dib's shoulder as he started out of the park. Her frowning face was still trained in the direction of the strange woman, "My papa's going to destroy the world and—"

Dib instantly clamped his hand over Cyan's mouth, muffling the words she had been attempting to say, "We don't say that in public." He said in a hushed tone, glancing nervously around himself as they continued briskly down the street.

Cyan licked Dib's hand with her segmented tongue and he released her mouth with a grimace. "But it's true." She nearly whined, turning her big eyes up to his profile.

"It's not true."

"But—"

"It's not true." He said in a more authoritative tone, giving her a pointed look.

Cyan pouted, "Papa said—"

"He says a lot of things." Dib cut in, his pace slowing somewhat. He'd probably never be able to show his face there again. God, that had been so embarrassing. Sometimes he just didn't understand what got in Cyan's head.

Cyan finally settled on Dib's shoulder, looking off down the street as they continued their walk home. "…mama?" She murmured in a more subdued tone.

"Yeah?"

"Do you love papa?" She asked quietly.

Dib's brows pinched in confusion at the serious question, "Yeah, of course." He said easily, "Why?"

Cyan nuzzled into his neck, "Just asking."

Dib let the silence settle between them, unsure how to go about his daughter's change in mood. He absently tilted his head and kissed her temple, trying to placate her, knowing she must be thinking about something to get herself so down. Dib just wanted Cyan to be happy; all these problems between him and Zim shouldn't be her concern. She was only four years old and already she seemed to be aging well beyond that.

He didn't like it.

Dib had wanted her to grow up normal, wanted her to be happy, just be another little kid with no pressing thoughts or even an understanding of the harsh world just yet.

But, it was looking like he was failing.

Dib sighed to himself, unable to keep up his own chipper attitude, "How about we have a movie night when we get home?"

Cyan was quiet a moment, letting her eyes slip shut as she was lulled into a resting state by the constant movement of her mother's body. "…okay." She said softly.

"Okay." Dib confirmed, noticing as the multi-colored house came into view.