A Place to Call Home

Story By: inuyashacat13

Summary: After failing for years, The Tallest finally get bored of Zim's meek attempts and decide to take over the Earth for themselves, just for the entertainment. Zim, devastated, begins to question if he ever had a purpose. As for Dib, he's just trying to convince poor Zim, who's has been his longtime friend AND rival, that there's still a purpose for him out there. Like, oh I don't know, saving the world? ZADR. May become Mpreg (but I might just be messing with you xD)

Warning: Contains M/M, some angst, slight romance, drama, some bad words, some suggestive themes, etc.

Disclaimer: I don't own Invader Zim, if I did, I'd shove it down nickelodeon's throats until they finally decided to continue it :3

Chapter Six: Misunderstood

A/N: Huzzah :D I've got over 30 reviews^^ I love you guys! So here's yet another chapter 8D

To Mio-chan's Return: D: nuuu! His head doesn't even seem that large anymore! How could you D'8 lol x3 as do I :3 it's only a 3 story jump 8)

To Darkdagers: I'm soo glad and honored :D and, at least he didn't get severely hurt or killed D;

To Peacewalker Lyn: Yes! I think so too xD And, psh, of course I do :P Junjou Romantica! I want I cupcake instead! Dx lol

To 1337kitsune: lol, I'm glad my fic makes you laugh 8D and yes, they do :3 and aww, thanks yes, my work people are pretty crazy D8 and Gir gives awesome hugs x3 And yay, I'm so glad it's one of your favorites^^ no, I haven't, but I haven't read too many fanfics yet for Invader Zim, I'll check it out then I'll also be sure to check urs out 8)

To MoonToy: lol xD thanks :3

To genderless-but strait: lol, it's fun to write x3 and yes, even I'm shocked D: I usually procrastinate to no ends xD lol, I'm glad x) and good, cause here's more ;3

To Danny Anime Girl: aww, yay^^ thanks so much :3and lol, it's ok, I've done the same thing x3 thanks again, and here's more 8)

To UberSasukeFan: lol, I just noticed you review so I added this really quick x3 glad you liked it x) hope u like this chapter :D

(by the time this story ends I'll have memorized over half of your screen names :3)

I give all who've read, reviewed, and/or favorited this story so far my love and this chapter!~

When Dib opened his eyes the next morning, Zim was fully alert and hovering over himself. "Zim?" Dib questioned as Zim stared at him with a contemplative look. Zim didn't respond, he only continued to stare, until his mind seemed to focus on a resolve.

Dib was going to ask what Zim was doing, when the alien's arms wrapped around his neck and Zim's lips brushed softly, for once, against his own.

Dib immediately responded and pulled Zim closer instead of pushing him away, his eyes seemed to close on impulse. He didn't know what he was doing, really, but he didn't care for once, and let his mind be swept away by the soft sensation of his lip's against Zim's. Dib let out a silent sigh as Zim finally pulled away.

"I told you it was a natural reaction," were the first words that came out of Zim's mouth once he broke free from Dib. Making Dib feel like slamming his head into the floor, of course Zim was just trying to prove a point. Dib tried to pretend he didn't care and thought of a response before Zim became suspicious.

"I guess you were actually right this time," Dib replied nonchalantly with a shrug. Zim's face went red.

"I'm ALWAYS right!" Zim yelled, crossing his arms. Dib merely rolled his eyes before saying, "sure, sure."

"Come on Zim, we still have one day left of school this week," Dib said after a minute, walking away as if nothing had happened.

Zim sat still for a moment before jumping up and yelling, "I knew that as WELL!"

Days had gone by since then, and Zim couldn't help but notice there was still something…off…about the human. Especially when he would lie on him like he'd been doing for weeks, or get really close…It made Zim curious, but it also made him laugh, because Dib could have the strangest reactions. However, usually the human would just turn red or stutter, Zim wondered vaguely if Dib was dying.

"Zim!" Zim suddenly heard Dib call from the other side of Dib's house, "I'm taking Gaz to get something to eat! Are you and Gir coming?" Zim growled at the question, who was DIB to ask him to go somewhere, he preferred to tag along uninvited.

"OF COURSE NOT!" Zim yelled in a response, but ten minutes later, he and Gir were walking side by side Dib and Gaz.

"I thought you weren't coming?" Dib asked sarcastically as Zim glared up at him.

"FOOLISH HUMAN! I'm not coming because of your INVITATION! I'm coming ruin your time!" Zim exclaimed as a reply, Dib merely laughed, and Gaz's eye twitched.

"Well if you wanted to ruin his evening you SHOULDN'T come, Dib loves to spend time with you, Zim," Gaz commented, without looking up from her Game Slave 4. Dib blushed and yelled at her while Zim observed the fact that Dib's face had turned red again. Maybe Dib really was dying…

Dib had finally made it to Gaz's choice of dining, and was already regretting it. Everyone stared at the odd group of people they made up, as Zim dragged Gir along on his leash and Gaz continued to play her game. Tonight was going to be a LOT of fun…

"Hello, welcome to Bloaty's Pizza Hog…" A teenager with an acne problem greeted Dib's group unenthusiastically, as they all walked into the establishment.

"Uhhh, table for um…four," Dib said after a minute, the man looked at everyone strangely for a minute, before squinting, throwing his arms up in the air and taking a deep breath.

"Ahhh-emmm, right this way," The man finally said, scratching his head and guiding them to a booth. Dib looked at the man disgustingly before taking a seat in the booth, Zim sat next to him, while Gaz and Gir sat across.

"You better not mess with me!" Gaz yelled at Gir as he looked up at her happily.

"…okay!" Gir agreed, before jumping up on the able and deciding to sit on Dib's lap instead. Gaz looked up briefly.

"Could you three get any gayer?" She questioned, before turning her attention back to her game. Dib glared at her until he felt Zim pull on his sleeve.

"What does GAY mean?"

Dib smacked his head onto the table, which Gir then mimicked.

"What?" Zim asked, obviously confused, while Gaz just laughed silently to herself.

Zim had eaten a piece or two of pizza when he began to get bored, he decided it was a good time to test Dib's reactions to things and find out if he was dying or not. Zim's first test, was to lean on Dib.

"I'm boreddd," Zim complained as he leaned his head farther onto Dib's shoulder, Dib nearly jumped.

"W-we won't be too much longer," Dib replied, looking away as fast as he could. Zim noticed and noted his reaction before trying something else.

Zim's test, number two, was to cling onto Dib's arm, "Well hurry up!" Zim exclaimed, before tightening his arms around Dib's and watching the boy's face flush red.

"I can't! Gaz is still eating!" Dib whispered, before attempting to pull his arm away, Zim refused to.

"Fine," Zim scoffed, before he decided to test Zim's reactions one last time by shoving Gir away and lying down on Dib's lap. Zim swore Dib's face looked like it'd just caught on fire.

"Zim! Don't do that in public!" Dib hissed as Zim looked up at Dib mockingly.

"Just TRY and make me MOVE," Zim replied venomously, Dib hung his head in response. Dib's day couldn't get any more embarrassing! Just then, their waiter walked up.

"Oh! Sorry! Am I interrupting something?" the waiter exasperated as he saw Zim lying on Dib's lap. Dib decided the universe was against him.

"Nah, they always do that, it's no big deal," Gaz responded as she looked up from her game once more, "we're ready for the check now." Zim still didn't know what was wrong with Dib, but if other people reacted just as Dib did, then it must not have been deadly…

"Z-Zim, we're leaving now…would you…get off me…" Zim heard Dib ask as he looked up to see the dark expression on Dib's face.

"Only if you carry me!" Zim yelled, and Dib quickly covered his mouth with his hands.

"As long as you SHUT UP, I'll carry you," Dib replied angrily, Zim contemplated this offer for a minute.

"Alright, human, I accept your terms," Zim finally agreed, though in his mind, he hadn't agreed to continue to keep his mouth shut. Dib sighed as he lifted Zim into his arms and made the entire restaurant literally drop what they were doing and stare. Gaz couldn't stop laughing as they left the restaurant, dragging Gir in Zim's place.

"I cannot WAIT, to tell dad about this one," Gaz said with a laugh as they all began their journey back to Dib's house. Dib sulked the entire way home, while Zim and Gaz couldn't seem more triumphant. Of course, Zim still didn't really get what was going on, but he had at least gotten Dib to carry him again…and that was worth something.

Usually Dib could forgive Zim's stupid behavior, but since they were at the restaurant, Zim seemed to be purposely doing things to irk him, or make him well…blush. Which was currently what Dib was trying not to do, as Dib sat on his lap and messed with his hair…though he for some reason felt that Zim wasn't trying to make him blush at the moment, instead he just seemed curious.

"Why do all you humans, have hair on the top of your head?" Zim asked as his fingers wormed around through Dib's hair, Dib nearly sighed at the feeling.

"How would I know?" Dib questioned as he felt his eyes close, "We just…do…we're born with it."

"You were born with your hair looking like this?" Zim asked disbelievingly.

"No, there's lot less or next to none when we're first born," Dib explained, as Zim continued to mess with is hair. Zim suddenly stopped when another question appeared in his mind.

"How do human "children" come to be?" Zim suddenly asked, causing Dib's eyes to shoot open.

"We-well, you see…" Dib started before stopping, "Uhhh, maybe I'm not the best resource to be asking all these questions." Zim glared for a second as he noticed Dib's face was flushed red again.

"Why does your face keep turning red!" Zim yelled as Dib felt his face brighten even more.

"Um, well…" Dib tried to explain but his words we're suddenly lost as Zim moved his face closer to study him, which Zim noticed as well.

"Why do you mess up with words and turn red when I move closer, or touch you?" Zim asked as Dib tried to back away from Zim. Dib still didn't answer a single question and Zim was starting to get peeved. "I won't stop messing with you until you tell me!" he yelled as Dib continued to stay silent. It wasn't until a minute later that Dib smirked to himself and looked at dim with mischievous eyes.

"I'd rather show you…" Dib finally said, and before Zim could question what Dib meant he felt himself being pinned down onto the couch.

"Uh…Dib? What ARE YOU DOING?" Zim yelled as Dib continued to smirk.

"Making you shut up," Dib replied with a grin, before pressing his lips onto Zim's for the, fourth time? Dib didn't care anymore. All he cared about was shutting up the alien who was currently underneath him, flailing his arms like crazy. Zim struggled out of surprise at first, but then quickly accepted the situation and let himself kiss Dib back. Honestly, he didn't get how this answered any of his questions…but for a very strange reason, he might of…somewhat…actually…enjoyed kissing Dib…just a TINY bit. Not that'd he'd ever admit it aloud.

Zim nearly choked when he felt Dib lick his lips and slide his tongue into his mouth when Zim was unguarded, but part of him really liked the sensation. He felt his own, thin, reptilian-like tongue entangle with Dib's and nearly lost his senses when Dib finally pulled away, leaving Zim speechless for once.

"Do you get anything yet?" Dib questioned, as Zim looked up at him confused.

"You didn't answer anything! How can I figure out anything if you don't answer any of my questions?" Zim asked in response, Dib only let out a pained sigh.

"I guess I'll have to tell it to you strait," Dib announced, while Zim waited for Dib to continue.

"You see, I well…I like you…Zim," Dib began.

Zim merely nodded.

"That's why I kissed you…" Dib finished.

"I understand," Zim responded.

"Really?"

"…not at all…"

Dib tried not to pull his hair out as Zim stared at him blankly.

"Okay! I'll try this again…"

"Alright."

"I like you more then, well, others and…I like to um…kiss you…and stuff."

"Hmm, it is kind of…nice… for a FILTHY EARTH TRADITION!"

"Okay, well, you see, people only usually kiss when they like each other a good amount…or if they're a, well, couple…so…do you get what I'm saying at all?"

"…Not really."

" I LIKE YOU."

"Yes, but you know that I hate you."

"That. Doesn't. MATTER! I'm just trying to tell you that I like you more then I SHOULD!"

"…you don't have to yell…"

"You're frustrating me!"

"You're confusing me!"

"It's not confusing!"

"To ME it is! I'm not used to your…earth CUSTOMS!"

"Still, I mean, you don't understand what I'm telling you at all?"

"You want to kiss me more?"

"No! Well…that's not what I'm trying to get you to understand at the moment!"

"Then what are you trying to get me to understand?"

"That I like you and…that's why my face gets all red, or I stutter, because I really care for you."

"Why?"

"I…don't know…"

"Hmm, well I don't know if I'll ever really understand your feelings, since I'm from a different species."

"Yeah, I guess that's true…"

"Though, I don't really mind if you kiss me, as long as it isn't a secret plan to kill me."

Dib laughed dryly, "I don't want to kiss someone who doesn't feel anything but hate towards me."

"Well, just because I hate you, doesn't mean I don't like to do things with you…"

Dib sighed, "You'll just…never get it…"

"You're saying I, the GREAT ZIM, won't be able to do something?"

"Yeah, basically."

Zim's eyes twitched before he kissed Dib angrily, trying to find out whatever Dib was feeling, but Dib only pushed him away.

"Just stop!" Dib yelled, while Zim glared.

"NO! I won't give up on finding out whatever makes you feel, what you're feeling," Zim yelled back as a reply. Dib only turned his head.

"You can't just use me because you're confused," Dib hissed as Zim continued to glare.

"I wouldn't be if you were enjoying it," Zim replied simply, which caused Dib to grab him by the shoulders.

"Well I REFUSE to do that, I may not have felt like this before but…I just…can't anymore, I'd feel guilty," Dib exclaimed.

"But what if I really did like you?" Zim asked, causing Dib to laugh.

"As if you could feel anything for me," Dib replied with a cold tone, making Zim want to frown for some reason.

"You can still sleep over but…I'm sleeping on my couch," Dib stated, successfully ending their conversation. Zim merely nodded, before walking to Dib's bedroom and lying alone.

Zim couldn't fall asleep for some reason after his argument with Dib, they always fought…so why…why did he feel so…withdrawn after this one? Zim rolled over on Dib's bed as he tried to forget Dib's cold words, but they kept echong from the back of his mind. But…he didn't get it…He should be agreeing with Dib's words!..Not…feeling, as the humans say, sad, about them. Zim continued to ponder like this for many hours, until he finally fell into a dreamless slumber.

END A/N: Lol, my dad came to visit while I was writing this and we watch Clash of the Titans, it was sad but there were guys running around in skirts the entire movie ;) xD uwahh, poor Dib and Zim :C Dib's all sad and upset while Zim's all confused and in denial as he always isss, but slightly less denial =w= let's hope thing get better for them sooon ;) and don't forget, the world's still ending eventually xD that hasn't been mentioned for a little bit x) Reviews make my day! Favorites and Watches make me smile! Views are precious! And Constructive criticism is fine, if reasonable, but flames will be shunned! I love you all for reading this! :D

~Kitty