A/N: Uuugh… I feel like this story is beginning to stray from what it originally supposed to be… --…. But I'll continue on with it, anyway. I suppose this is what happens when you come up with the story as you write instead of planning it out first. So for those of you who have noticed the differences… don't complain.

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'Zim…!' Dib was utterly confused and shocked from the sudden action of the Irken invader. Dib unconsciously pushed Zim away, forgetting about his condition. Dib fell back slightly, distancing himself from Zim. He covered his mouth with his hand, his face and ears dark red.

Zim's eyes widened at the force of Dib's shove, causing him to lay back and hiss in pain. Trying to get over it quickly, Zim looked back to Dib with a surprised expression. "…Dib…" Zim began, a worried expression on his face.

"What… what was that!" Dib demanded to know, not bothering to hide the embarrassment from his face. Zim stared at him with that unnerving expression. Dib noticed Zim grimace slightly as he shifted his weight. "Ah… I'm sorry. Let me help you." Dib said softly, getting up and shifting the invader to a more comfortable position.

By this time, Zim's face was also a rosy color. He was feeling very ashamed and disappointed in himself that he allowed himself to lose control, especially when he was in this weakened state. "You… didn't like it. Of course not." Zim said, staring at nothing across the room, a bitter grin on his face.

"Zim…" Dib said, unsure how to comfort the invader. Being as thick as he is, he ended up saying "Your lips were cold… you must need another blanket. Where do you keep them?" He did not make eye contact with the invader, though saw Zim grimace. Dib immediately knew that was not the right thing to say, but now couldn't take it back.

"Stupid human…" Zim murmured, his voice shivering. Dib blinked in surprise and turned to Zim, to see his entire body shaking.

"Z-Zim…?" Dib said, unsure, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't touch me!" Zim spat, shaking Dib's hand off. Zim stared Dib in the eyes, a look of anger which Dib had never seen from his enemy. "No one rejects Zim! NO ONE!" He shouted at Dib, Zim's face now very red. "Get out! GET OUT!"

"But…! Zim!" Dib tried to input, tried to reason with Zim, but Zim wouldn't hear it. "GIR! Get him out of here!" Zim yelled. GIR jumped out from… wherever he was, his eyes glowing red.

"Yes, master!" He said, grabbing the collar of Dib's shirt and dragging him out. GIR threw Dib outside, then regained his… normal state, and waved at Dib, giggled then shut the door. Inside, a broken, brooding alien invader sat. Outside, a confused and shocked earthling sat.

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As the days passed, they became weeks, and as the weeks passed, they became months. It was now spring, and Zim and Dib still will not talk to one another. If they must talk due to schoolwork, they keep their conversations short, to the point. By this time, Dib and the girl who had talked occasionally became quite close. Quite close indeed.

The rumors about Zim and Dib have generally died down by this point, but the rumors about Dib and Gretchen were running rampant, which was okay with both of them, because half of them were true… they were dating.

Dib and Gretchen walked into the cafeteria, hand-in-hand, talking happily with one another. "Oh, there's a table. You go hold it and I'll get something to eat." Gretchen said. Dib smiled and gave her a peck on the cheek.

"Alright, you know what I like." He said cheerfully, heading over to the table. He watched her as she walked towards the food counter, and looked away for a moment, hearing a slightly interesting conversation about a television program he liked. She came back with a hamburger and some macaroni and cheese, and one large soda they shared.

Peeking into the cafeteria was Zim. He scowled as he watched them. "What makes them think they're so good! Stupid HUMAN emotions! Makes me sick to my stomach…" he growled. He marched with over exaggerated pride into the cafeteria. He glanced over towards the couple's table and Gretchen watched him with a curious expression, and Dib glanced up, scowled and looked away. Zim also scowled and continued to the food counter angrily. Gretchen blinked slowly, pondering, then went back to the meal as normal.

0-0

"Hey, Dib… I was thinking about something…" Gretchen said as they were walking to her home.

"What is it?" Dib replied curiously.

"Well… about you and Zim…" Gretchen began.

"Gretchen, there IS no 'me and Zim'. Never had been and never will." He said shortly, obviously wanting to move away from that particular subject.

"You say that, but…" she trailed off, thinking. "What happened that day, when Zim was in the hospital?" She asked, sorry to be prying, but felt that whatever happened needed to be acknowledged.

"Nothing. I visited him, I left. That's it." Dib felt bad for lying, but it didn't matter…When they approached the doorsteps to Gretchen's home, she gave Dib a kiss and began to open the door. "Hey… Gretchen. I'm sorry for being irritable; I just… can't stand that guy." Gretchen smiled softly.

"That's okay… I understand." Dib smiled at Gretchen for a few moments, then said,

"Do you remember that night… when we almost…" Gretchen's face immediately darkened.

"Yeah, but you said you weren't ready, so…" She murmured, not wanting to remember that embarrassing moment.

"I'm ready now." Dib said, smiling at her. Gretchen smiled widely at him.

"Oh, Dib…! I love you!" She said excitedly, hugging him tightly.

"I love you too." Dib replied, giving her a gentle kiss, heading inside her home.

The click of the door being locked was loud to the Irken Invader.

"…Stupid human worm babies…"

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A/N: OMG! Don't kill me! D: I swear ZADR is coming eventuallyyyy! I'm trying to develop an interesting storylines with twists. As a warning, the ending of this story may not be a happy one like you expected. But if you will still read for the joy of a good story (if this is even good) please go on.