A/N
Warning! Prepare yourself for Zagr overload! There is so much in this chapter, it is almost overwhelming! I have a feeling you will like this one. Personally, it is my favorite so far. It is so romantic and passionate. It is also the longest by far :). I hope you enjoy and make sure you review and leave your feedback! I want to see if you liked it as much as I think you will ^-^
The next day, Zim stepped into the hi-skool and scanned the area for Gaz. He did not find her until he walked to her locker. When he did, he immediately grew angry and stomped over. Keef was talking up a storm about anything and everything. Poor Gaz nodded as she pretended to listen, secretly wishing he would stop talking all ready. As soon as she caught sight of Zim, she sighed in relief and extended her arms to greet him. Instead of taking notice though, Zim walked up behind Keef and glared down at the student. Keef was very small or Zim was very tall; Gaz couldn't decide as she saw the alien peering down at the boy as if he were his prey. Keef noticed a shadow fall over him and turned to greet Zim.
"Hey, Zim!"
"What are you doing?" His voice was low and dangerous.
"Oh, I was just talking to Gaz about the play—"
"Stay away from her, Keef," he hissed.
Keef shrugged his shoulders and nodded his head.
"Okay! See you around Gaz. Bye Zim!" He walked away absentmindedly. Zim got the feeling that he did not hear a single word the Irken had said. He shook his head and walked over to Gaz, ready to greet her properly. But when he got close enough, she backed away. He eyed her in confusion.
"What is wrong?"
"Why did you do that?" she asked.
"Do what?"
"Keef is not tying to steal me away from you, Zim. He was just talking to me," she snapped.
"That is what you think, but I see the way he tries to get close to you. You need to watch your back while you are near him, Gaz-love."
She groaned and slammed her locker shut.
"First, stop calling me that. Second, Keef is not a threat, okay? You are just jealous and letting your feelings get in the way. But really, he is not going to steal me away and you need to trust me more."
He stared at her in confusion.
"What does this have to do with trust? And you never minded your name before. Why all of a sudden now? Is that Keef filling your mind with negative thoughts on me?"
"Oh, you are ridiculous!" She yelled. The students gathered in the hall all turned to look at the couple fighting. Everyone was used to seeing the two together, but they were not used to them fighting. Never before had they fought in their entire relationship. Zim opened his mouth to speak, but she continued.
"He is not doing anything wrong by talking to me. The only one doing something wrong here is you!" she pointed.
"Me?"
"Yes, you."
"How? Because I am trying to protect you? Because I am trying to make sure I don't lose you?"
"What is there to protect me from? You don't need to protect me, Zim. I can take care of myself. I don't need an alien thinking he is my knight in shining armor when all he is is some being filled with jealousy."
He was no longer angry. Instead, his face fell at the hurtful words.
"Gaz—"
"Maybe you weren't right for the role of the Phantom after all. You are getting way too obsessed with it. I thought it would be great to have you acting by my side, but so far it has just been a nightmare. I've been actually dreading rehearsals because—"
"Because of me?" he interrupted.
She looked up at him and shook her head.
"No, Zim. I wasn't going to say that." It was then that she heard how mean she was sounding and began feeling guilty. She stepped closer, but he stepped back.
"Yes you were." When he turned to leave, she put her hand on his shoulder.
"Zim…"
"Go to Keef, Gaz. At least he can comfort you."
With that, he walked through the crowd of students that had gathered and when he was out of sight, all eyes were on Gaz. Yet, she did not notice. All she saw was Zim leaving.
Throughout homeroom, Zim would not even make eye contact. Sitting only a few seats away, Gaz tried many times to at least gather his attention enough to get him to look at her, but he ignored her and stared at the chalkboard the entire time. Lunch time arrived and she gathered herself up to speak to him. She found him sitting at a different table which was unusual because he had sat at the same table for as long as she could remember. Now, he was sitting at a table in the corner, hidden in the shadows. Over and over, he stabbed his food viciously while his face remained twisted with anger. She sat down beside him to which he immediately stopped and simply glared down at his tray.
"Zim?"
He did not reply.
"Zim I—"
"What are you doing here, Gaz?" He mumbled.
"Where else would I be? I came to talk to you."
"No," he pointed at a table across the room, "you should be over there. With Keef."
She stared at him, shocked and hurt. Without a word, she stood and was about to leave when she felt his hand grasp hers. She looked down and he looked confused and angry with himself all at the same time.
"Wait."
She glanced down at their hands.
"What?"
"I'm sorry. Please don't go." He scooted over for her to sit down. When she did, he grasped her gently and pulled her closer. "I didn't mean that. I don't want you to go to Keef. I want you with me." His fingers traced the back of her hand as he explained. The thought of the device he had made earlier, the device that was to solve everything, came rushing through his mind. He had not yet activated it so he knew that was not the cause of his anger. He assumed it was because he was jealous, but was not sure. Maybe I am taking this all too seriously, he thought.
Gaz shook her head, waking him from his thoughts.
"No. I should be the one to apologize. I shouldn't have said all that. You are just trying to protect me and I should have realized that. I'm sorry."
He chuckled and shook his head.
"What?" she asked.
"Look at us," he laughed, "we sound like a pair of old married people after a fight." He glanced out the window, his heart speeding up slightly at the sight of storm clouds gathering. I am so glad I bathed in paste this morning, he thought. She saw the look of horror he shot at the clouds and laughed, her hand gliding across his arm.
"Don't worry. I brought an umbrella."
He nodded, still distracted by the clouds and by their fight. She sighed and inched closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"I shouldn't have said that, Zim. I didn't mean it. You are right for the part of the Phantom. I wouldn't have it any other way."
He smiled down at her. She was relieved at the sight and returned the favor.
"I know, Gaz. And I did not mean it when I said to go to Keef."
He pushed his face closer to hers, nuzzling her and laughing at the blush that crawled across her face. He knew just what to do to get the reaction; the very reason being he did stuff like that constantly. He grinned when she shoved him away, but he quickly returned. He was just happy to see their previous relationship state returning. It was as though they had never fought.
"We have play rehearsal today, right?" she asked shyly.
He groaned as a reply as he was too busy with her. There current seating allowed them to avoid the glares and reprimands of the teachers which he took advantage of. He ran his claw up her back, sending a chill up her spine. She squeaked slightly when he grabbed her and pulled her even closer. Checking over his shoulders, he glanced around to make sure no one was looking. The coast was clear and he kissed her quickly before jumping back and acting like he was busy eating. Recovering from the shock at the sudden movement, she giggled and leaned against him. He smiled down at her and silently thought of how lucky he was.
The time for rehearsal arrived and Zim and Gaz made their way to the auditorium. Gaz explained over and over that Keef would never be able to steal her away from him and he finally acknowledged that he knew it, but she still sensed a hint of doubt lurking within the Irken. They took their usual seat on the stage, waiting for Mr. Elliot to arrive. Zim laid back and stared up at the lights hanging above the stage while Gaz absentmindedly traced her fingers along his shirt. She recalled the scars that lay beneath and pulled back quickly as if in fear of hurting him. He glanced down at the sudden movement, eyebrow raised.
"Are you okay?"
She nodded.
"Yeah, sorry. Just remembered something," she excused herself.
"Like what?"
Right when she opened her mouth to speak, the teacher skipped into the room, as joyful as ever. The group of students had all ready completed many rehearsals and were getting used to the routine. More confidence and less stuttering was now present in the Phantom of the Opera musical. So far, they had memorized nearly a third of the script. Gaz thought ahead to the final performance, growing anxious, yet excited all at once. If it were anything like the final performance of Romeo and Juliet, she knew she was going to enjoy herself.
Everyone whipped out their scripts and awaited further instructions. The past few days, the teacher asked either Keef and Gaz or Gaz and Zim to perform duets to get the hang of it. She silently prayed that he asked for her and Zim to perform today for many reasons. One, she did not need the alien feeling even more jealous than he all ready was and two, because she felt more comfortable with Zim. Whether she would admit it or not, Keef was creepy to her. She just couldn't handle that amount of happiness in one student. The very reason she cringed each time she heard Mr. Elliot laugh.
"Okay! I am going to break you all into groups so that you may practice your lines." Mr. Elliot explained. "A few of you, I will have singing today so be prepared." He walked over to Gaz and Zim. "Gaz, do you think I could have you go onto the stage?"
She nodded, noting that he did not ask Zim to come. Shoot, she thought as she saw the teacher approaching Keef. She glanced back at Zim and could see him staring at Keef, but then quickly glanced at her, waved, and returned to looking at his script. She shook her head, taking her spot on the stage along with Keef. The room was soon filled with chatter as people were paired with others. Only Zim was left alone.
"You and Gaz will sing a duet after her and Keef are done, okay, Zim?" Mr. Elliot explained.
"Okay," he replied, not too interested. Though, in reality, the sight of the two so close together was driving him nuts. The song began, their voices blending together perfectly. Too perfectly, Zim grunted. He bit his tongue hard when Keef grasped Gaz's hands, but was relieved to see how uncomfortable she was with the action. At least she is not enjoying it, he assured himself. Wait, what am I thinking? Gaz would not leave me for a foolish worm-baby such as Keef. I have nothing to worry about. I am Zim! He crossed his arms and smirked.
"I let my fear get the best of me." he announced. "How I could possibly think that…that….th…" He began to stutter as he saw Keef pull her close and embrace her tightly. His right eye began twitching slightly and he growled as he began gnawing on his script. A group of girls passed by at that moment and eyed the alien in confusion before running away in fear. He immediately stopped and appeared calm when Gaz hopped off the stage, running over to him.
"How was it? Was it too bad?" she panted.
"No of course not, Gaz-love. You were perfect," he stated calmly.
Confused by how calm he was, especially since she had just finished singing with Keef, she grabbed his hand and jerked him to his feet.
"Mr. Elliot wants us to try one now."
He was about to follow when he remembered the device.
"Oh, okay. I am just going to go to the restroom first. I will be back soon."
Before she got the chance to say anything, he was gone. She blinked in confusion, but shrugged it off, adding it to Zim's usual unusual behavior. He raced into the bathroom, quickly checking each empty stall, and pulled his PAK off of his back. He reached inside and retrieved the small machine. Holding it up to the light, he grinned wickedly.
"Just wait till Keef sees my performance with this activated." He grinned. "Surely I shall impress Gaz!" He pressed the device onto his PAK and it immediately latched on. He reattached it to his back, clicked the dial into place, and waited. Nothing happened.
"Hmph," he sighed, "I thought I would at least feel different. Perhaps I—" But suddenly, the machine blinked and a shock was sent throughout his PAK and throughout his body. The last thing he remembered was grasping onto the bathroom sink in a vain attempt to hold himself up.
Ten minutes passed and Gaz grew worried. Zim was never gone that long. She searched the auditorium in hopes of finding her brother. She finally spotted him along with Zita. Dib smiled as soon as he saw her, but it quickly faded when he saw something was wrong.
"Could I talk to you, Dib?"
Dib nodded and Zita left.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"It's Zim. He said he was going to go to the bathroom, but that was over ten minutes ago. He is never gone this long."
"Oh gosh." he face-palmed. "Did he try the corn and mayonnaise again? I told him not to—"
"No, Dib. That's the thing. He didn't even touch the skool's food." She shook her head. "Not that I can blame him…" she added.
"Maybe he just got nervous?"
"I don't think so. Would you mind checking on him for me?"
He nodded.
"Okay. Be right back."
"Thanks." She watched her brother exit the room and took a seat on the stage, waiting. Dib pushed the doors open and stepped inside.
"Zim?" He rounded the corner. Gasping, he rushed to the alien who was on the ground, passed out. He shook him gently.
"Zim? Zim!"
At first, he did not respond. Dib shook him even harder and finally, his eyelids began twitching. They fluttered open after a minute and he glanced around the room in confusion.
"Dib?" he groaned.
"What happened?"
Zim stood up.
"I don't remember." He shook his head. "I must have passed out."
Dib shook his head at the obvious bit of information.
"Yeah, I see that, but why?"
"Perhaps my PAK malfunctioned again. Sometimes that happens."
"And you pass out because of that?"
Zim nodded.
"Maybe I should get the teacher…"
"I am sure I am fine." He stepped around Dib. "Now, I must return to Gaz before she gets worried."
Though Dib tried to stop him to ask more questions, Zim raced out of the room. He shrugged his shoulders and followed him back into the auditorium. Gaz spotted him, sighed in relief, and hopped off of the stage, walking over to him with a look of concern crossing her face.
"What happened? Where were you?"
"I passed out," he replied calmly.
"You passed out? Why? Are you okay?"
He nodded.
"I feel fine. I think it was just my PAK acting up. I am sure it is nothing to worry about." He walked passed her, stepped onto the stage, and waited for her. She was concerned, but followed.
"Maybe we should get the nurse to check you out?" she asked.
He was right about to reply when suddenly, he stopped and grew even more confused than before. He glanced around the auditorium and back at Gaz who watched him in concern. It was as if he had forgotten where he was or who he was.
"Zim?" She took a step closer.
The piano began playing and immediately, he straightened up. He faced her and shook his head.
"There is no need for concern, my love. Let us focus on our music." He whispered.
She stared at him in confusion and shock.
"Um, Zim?"
But before she could question him, he began singing
Go away for the trap it is set and waits for its prey.
Her jaw dropped at the sound of his voice. He sounded so much more confident, so much more professional, and oddly enough, so much more like the Phantom from the real musical.
You have come here
In pursuit of your deepest urge
In pursuit of that wish which till now
Has been silent
Silent.
He walked behind, in front, and around; circling her, observing her. She watched the passion in his eyes, listened to the power behind his voice, and felt the tenderness of his love.
I have brought you
That our passions may fuse and merge
In your mind you've already succumbed to me, dropped all defenses
Completely succumbed to me
Now you are here with me
No second thoughts
You've decided
Decided.
By now, all eyes were on the pair. All Gaz could do was stare in wonder at the sudden change. His voice was hypnotizing; the look in his eyes was captivating. During the entire song, his eyes remained on hers. He walked closer, forcing her to look up.
Past the point of no return
No backward glances
Our games of make-believe are at an end.
Dib stepped to the edge of the stage, also noticing the alien's sudden transformation. He could see Gaz had noticed also.
Past all thought of "if" or "when"
No use resisting
Abandon thought and let the dream descend
He got closer and her heart began to race. Her breath became shallow and rugged as he came closer.
What raging FIRE shall flood the soul
What rich desire unlocks its door
What sweet seduction lies before us?
He came up unexpectedly from behind, pulling her body close to his, and folding his hand around her neck. The other hand remained grasping her hip, holding her close. She gasped, nearly losing her breath at the passionate touch. His lips glided across the soft skin on her neck, sending chills throughout her body. As he sang, she could feel his breath sweep across her skin. She shrank back into his touch, desire and want growing within. Too soon, he released her body, both of his hands running down her arm until finally grasping her hand.
Past the point of no return
The final threshold
What warm unspoken secrets
Will we learn
Beyond the point of no return?
Nearly in a daze, she watched Zim close his part and eagerly await her voice. His eyes longed for her touch, for the sound of their voices combined. She began singing, watching him the entire time.
You have brought me
To that moment when words run dry
To that moment when speech disappears
Into silence
Silence.
Zim was very pleased at the sound of her voice, eyeing her in satisfaction. His unwavering gaze made her skin crawl with delight and fright all at once. Each step he took was closer to her.
I have come here,
Hardly knowing the reason why
In my mind I've already imagined
Our bodies entwining
Defenseless and silent,
Now I am here with you
No second thoughts
I've decided
Decided.
Mr. Elliot observed the pair in awe. Even he noticed the great difference in Zim's voice. To him, it was as though the Phantom himself was singing for his musical.
Past the point of no return
No going back now
Our passion-play has now at last begun.
Zim stared at her hand, his eyes sending her a silent request. She looked down and extended her hand to which he gently took, drawing her closer.
Past all thought of right or wrong
One final question
How long should we two wait before we're one?
He held her in his arms, taking in her scent, and sighing in delight.
When will the blood begin to race
The sleeping bud burst into bloom
When will the flames at last CONSUME us?
The time came for their duet and he was completely ready, fervently awaiting the sound of their voices together.
Past the point of no return
The final threshold
He released his grip on her and stepped behind her. Again, he grabbed her from behind and pulled her close. She closed her eyes, her hand absentmindedly reaching up to his face. He purred and moaned at the touch, leaning closer for further pleasure.
The bridge is crossed
So stand and watch it burn
We've passed the point of no return…
The music stopped and the entire room was speechless. Zim ignored their stares, his hand clutching her hand which glided across her stomach and hips. Gaz had never felt that way before. It was as though her spirit had left her body; as though she were floating. The applause started slowly as the students woke from their dazes and grew louder and louder. Zim looked quickly around the room, releasing Gaz, and backing away into the shadows of the stage. Gaz turned, watching him in confusion. Mr. Elliot walked up then, smiling and completely awestruck.
"Gaz…Zim… That was wonderful! I have never heard such an amazing performance before!" he commented.
In the shadows, Gaz could see Zim turning his face away from the crowd and facing the darkness that was create by the stage's curtains.
A/N
*sigh* That is so sweet… oh, whoops . . ahem. Anyways! I hope you liked it! Chapter 6 will be up soon! And I just wanted to thank all of my reviewers and fans! You guys are awesome and without you, these stories would mean nothing. Keep up the good work :D!