A/N

WOW! Okay, I am not bragging, but I have a feeling you will love this chapter. I usually try to type more of an author's note, but I don't want to hold you back from reading it. Enjoy and review. I would love to hear your thoughts on this chapter!

"Keef, I really need to get back to lunch," Gaz pointed in the direction she was assuming was the cafeteria. Still, Keef persisted and begged her to stay. She had told Zim she would be right back, but Keef stopped her when she had arrived at her locker and had been talking since.

"Oh, just one more minute! I wanted to ask you something." he begged.

She sighed.

"This has to be the absolute last thing. Zim will be wondering where I went." Little did she know, Zim was watching from behind. He had heard their entire conversation and was about to hear the question Keef would ask and would regret. He sneered at the squeaky-voiced student.

"I was wondering if you would like to hang out tomorrow night?"

"Hang out? Tomorrow?" she nearly choked on the words. It was a big step in Gaz's life to audition for Romeo and Juliet, even though she was forced, and then try out for The Phantom of the Opera, but this was just pushing it. No matter how much she had changed over the past few months, she still was not a social person. The only people she could stand talking too was Zim, Dib, and occasionally Zita. Even she and her father had grown quite close since the final performance of Romeo and Juliet. True, he was still very busy, but he did make it a point to come home more often and have heart-to-heart talks with his children. But when Keef asked to hang out, she just couldn't imagine spending an evening with the kid. And she highly doubted Zim would agree with the idea. As a matter of fact, he would probably murder Keef just for asking. She began shaking her head no, but he fell to his knees, pleading.

"Oh, please Gaz. I know! We can stay after-skool and practice our lines together!"

Her eye twitched at the thought of being alone in the skool with Keef, singing and practicing her lines with him. She was about to refuse when she thought back to what her father had said the other day. He said he was beginning to get worried because even though she had tried out for Romeo and Juliet like he had asked, she still did not make many friends, besides Zim, and he was concerned for her social life. She still laughed at the thought of Gaz Membrane having a 'social life'. At least I can say I am trying if I agree to hang out with him, she thought. She peered down at the pitiful sight of Keef on his knees, begging.

"I guess," she sighed, "it wouldn't hurt to hang out one night…"

"Yes!" he squealed.

"But only one night. We cannot do anything like this ever again, okay?"

He nodded excitedly.

"Of course! I understand!"

Zim had been watching from the corner of a turn in the hallway and growled silently to himself.

"So, he thinks he will impress my Gaz tomorrow night, eh?" he whispered. "Hmph, I hope he does not think he will be alone," he hissed, "because that is certainly not going to be the case." He backed away, taking in the sight of his prey, and turned to leave for the cafeteria.

Keef was hopping up and down until Gaz had had enough and told him she was going to lunch. He nodded, she walked away casually, and sighed in relief and worry.

"What would Zim think about that?" she huffed. "Maybe I shouldn't tell him. After all, he has enough to worry about. It will probably just make the situation worse if I tell him I am going to be hanging out with Keef." She rounded the corner and pushed the cafeteria doors open. She saw Zim seated at the table he had been at the other day; the one he had recently began sitting at. He smiled up at her as she took her seat next to him.

"I was afraid you had forgotten me," he purred.

"Sorry. I had to get something out of my locker," she replied, half in a daze.

"What was it?"
"What?"

"You said you had to retrieve something from your locker. What was it?"

Great, I didn't think he would ask, she thought to herself. Her mind frantically searched for an idea.

"I was just making sure I hadn't forgotten a book in one of my classes."

"Ah, I see." He inched towards her, staring directly into her eyes. His gaze made her restless, causing her to squirm beneath it. Zim paid no attention to her discomfort. "May I come over tonight, Gaz?"

"To my house?"

He nodded.

Dib always goes out on Thursday nights to spend the night in the forest in search of Bigfoot and Dad won't be home tonight, so I guess it should be okay, she thought. Oh, Dib you are such a nerd…

"Okay."

"Does eight o'clock sound good?"

"Sure."

He stood to leave.

"I shall see you then tonight, my love."

"Wait. Where are you going?"

He smirked and pointed up. Right when he did, the bell rang and she could see the students around her getting up to leave for their next class. When she turned back, Zim was gone.

She shook her head.

"How does he always seem to vanish without a trace like a ghost or a…"

A phantom…

Gaz was up in her room when she heard the doorbell ring. She glanced at the mirror, quickly combing her fingers through her hair, and trotted down the stairs. Just as expected, Zim stood waiting when she opened the door. He beamed at the sight of Gaz.

"You look lovely."

"Thanks," she laughed.

She stepped to the side to allow him in and closed the door behind him. Turning on the TV, she took a seat on the couch, waiting for him to join her. Instead of sitting though, he peered down at her and a smirk crept across his face. She sat in silence for a moment before raising her eyebrows quizzically.

"What?"

His hand reached around to his PAK and he began pulling something out. She immediately panicked, remembering the noose and began to inch back further into the couch. Instead of the rope though, he pulled out a delicate crimson rose. A single strip of black velvet ribbon was tied to the stem.

"A single red rose symbolizes beauty, desire, passion, respect, and romance," he explained while stepping closer to her. She looked up to him, watching his hand raise up to offer her the flower. "Each of these, I feel for you," he whispered. His hand lingered in the air, waiting for her to retrieve it. When she reached to take it, he pulled it back slightly. "Accept it only if you feel the same, my dear." He stared intensively at her, his eyes burning straight through her. She did not hesitate as she grasped the flower gently.

"Very good." He said in a near whisper. Before she realized what was happening, he wrapped a claw behind her neck, pulling her face close to his and kissed her deeply. She had not expected it and she certainly did not expect it when he gently pushed her down onto the couch. Now on her back, she watched as he crawled atop of her and continued kissing her. He released her and turned her head to the side. His fingers worked at her hair, moving it out of the way and pushed his mouth to her neck. He began lightly grazing the skin of her neck with his mouth, his lips gliding across smoothly. Soon, he grew bolder, his tongue now slithering across. She gasped at the passionate touch and received a growl of pleasure from the Irken.

"You said you were mine. I said I was yours. Prove to me you meant that…" His whispers were harsh, yet gentle, desire and pleasure staining his voice. She faced him once again and kissed him lightly on the lips. It grew deeper as the minutes melted away. His hand ran down her stomach, to her hips, and landed on her leg. Her heart pounded with every touch, wanting more but fearing that they would go too far. Luckily, he knew her silent wishes and remained where he was currently at. The pair pulled back, gasping and sucking in the much-need air. He stared down at her and wrapped a hand around and beneath her waist, tugging her closer. Even though her hands were shaky, they managed to find their way and lightly stroke his flushed face. He moved his face to her neck once more and she could feel her heart beat speeding up drastically.

"Do not fear me, Gaz. I respect your wishes," he whispered. He pulled back and she found herself immediately missing his close presence. He took a seat beside her while she remained laying down.

"Rest. I will remain by your side for as long as I may." He gently caressed her face. She knew he was referring to leaving because of Dib and nodded hazily. Minutes passed and soon her eyelids grew heavy. She struggled to keep them open, but gladly welcomed the sleep. Zim looked down at her and stroked her one last time.

"Sleep, my Angel of Music. Do not fight it for tomorrow, I shall prove my love," she heard him say but soon, her surroundings fell into blackness and she drifted out of reality.

Next thing she knew, she was waking in her bed from the sound of her alarm clock. Turning it off, she gazed around at the room confusedly, trying to recall the night's events. It all came back to her; she smiled and laid back onto her pillow as she remembered her Irken lover and their night.

"I can't believe he even remembered to turn my alarm clock on for skool," she chuckled. Then, she remembered what she was to be doing later that day and who she was supposed to be doing it with. After their night together last night, she knew for sure she could not tell Zim that she was to hang out with Keef. She shook her head free of the worries, slipping out of her pajamas and into her clothes. Skipping down the stairs, the smell of pancakes lingered throughout the house and she was greeted by Dib in the kitchen

"Morning," he chirped.

She glanced at the tower of pancakes, the pitcher of freshly-squeezed orange juice, and the bowl of fresh fruit.

"What's all of this for?" she pointed.

The toaster dinged and he grabbed the toast out, buttering them and laying them on a plate at the table.

"I finally got a picture of Bigfoot!" he grinned, "It may be a bit blurry, but it's still evidence, none the less."

She laughed at her brother's excitement and took a seat.

"Well, if it means all of this, I won't complain," she said, taking a bite of toast.

He sat opposite of her and stabbed his fork into his pancake.

"So how is everything going with Zim?"

She gasped and choked on her food, coughing and reaching for her drink. Dib watched in confusion as she cleared her throat and looked up.

"Um, good? W-What do you mean?" she stuttered.

"You told me he had been acting differently lately, remember?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, okay," she sighed in relief, "that. He is doing better, I think." She thought he had been referring to their moment in the living room. The red in her cheeks deepened, forcing her to stare down at the table.

"You think?"

"He is still talking differently and acting oddly, but it isn't as bad."

"Well that's good. Hopefully you can figure out what's been going on."

"Yeah, hopefully."

Ten minutes later, Dib grabbed for his car keys.

"You want a ride?"

"Sure. It's better than taking the bus," she sneered at the thought of the nasty form of transportation.

He glanced at his watch.

"Oh! We'd better go now. We're almost out of time."

She sighed and shook her head. Out of time for what? For skool or something else, she thought worriedly as she closed the door behind her.

Unlike other skool days, Gaz dreaded the fact that it seemed to pass by too quickly. She was really dreading having to hang out with Keef, all ready regretting the fact that she had agreed to do it.

"Maybe it won't be so bad?" she suggested to herself, "Hmph, yeah right."

The only thing that was making her somewhat happy was that, instead of going to music class, all of the students involved in the Phantom of the Opera were supposed to skip and go to the auditorium. She made her way through the halls and was among the first to arrive. She took her usual seat at the edge of the stage, her legs dangling in boredom. Mr. Elliot arrived and Zim followed shortly after. He took his place by Gaz's side, his eyes seemingly scanning the area constantly. She had a feeling it was because of Keef and soon her suspicions were proved when the hyper kid arrived and his eyes remained on him until he took his seat in the corner. Mr. Elliot waited for everyone to come before he began.

"I know you guys usually do not come together until after skool, but I had a feeling you would all like to know that our costumes for the musical have arrived!" The curtains of the stage were drawn, revealing many stacks of boxes, each labeled to the correct role. The students jumped onto the stage and Gaz and Zim watched from a safe distance in horror as students fought over the boxes. Growls, hisses, screams, and the occasional goat call could be heard coming from the auditorium for the next few minutes. When it was safe to approach, Zim and Gaz went to their designated box and pulled out their costumes. They each had a separate box made out specifically to them. Mr. Elliot walked up from behind and explained.

"Christine and The Phantom will have many wardrobe changes throughout the musical. Mostly, your costumes will consist of the mask and cape," he said, looking at Zim, "but you will change the other pieces of clothing frequently. And you," he directed his attention to Gaz, "you will change into a different dress for nearly every scene."

She nearly gagged at the thought. She could handle being forced to audition for Romeo and Juliet, falling in love with an alien, even possibly handle the thought of spending a few hours with Keef (possibly, she emphasized in her mind,), but she was still adjusting to the fact that she had to wear many dresses in the musical. When the teacher left, Gaz walked beside Zim. He pulled out a black cape and white mask. He put it on awkwardly, looking himself over.

"It suits you," she giggled. She turned to grab a dress and missed when he said, "A little too well…"

Gaz sighed as the final bell rang. She could all ready hear Keef's overjoyed laughter. She closed her locker and headed back to the auditorium where she was to meet him. On her way, Zim happened to pass by. He grabbed her hands and pulled her close, burying his face in her hair.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"I am going to stay after skool. Going to work on some stuff for the musical." It was not a complete lie; she and Keef were going to practice their lines and songs together.

He nodded.

"Be careful," he sighed.

She pulled back and raised and eyebrow, smiling.

"What could possibly happen?"

She had expected his usual Zim-like remark, but instead he stared down at her, grasping her hand and pulling back.

"Many things." He released her hand and walked away. She was confused by his vague reply but did not have time to question it as she opened the doors to the auditorium and was greeted by an ecstatic Keef.

"Gaz! You came!" he hollered. Even though he was over a hundred feet away, she was still forced to cover her ears.

"So I did," she tried to smile, but failed as her hand clung to her ringing ear. He pulled out his costume and leaped over to her.

"Isn't it great that our costumes arrived? Now we can practice and dress up like them!" he squealed.

"You want to practice in costume?"

He nodded.

"Okay," she sighed, pulling her costumes out of her backpack, "I guess we can. I'll be right back. I have to change." She walked up the stage steps, found a room in the back, and locked the door. Taking off her clothes and slipping into one of the dresses, she examined herself in the mirror that hung on the wall. The torso of the dress was black with a white lace trimming at the top. A golden skirt hung to the ground and shimmered in the light.

"Not bad," she absentmindedly commented on her appearance. She returned and Keef went back to grinning right away.

"Wow, Gaz. You look beautiful!"

"Thanks." Though, her attention was elsewhere as she thought she saw something or someone move out of the corner of her eye.

Hours passed and night soon fell. To top it off, it began raining, the thunder clapping loudly outside. They had completely gone through the scripts at least a dozen times; she lost count after seventeen rounds. She was wondering if the kid ever got tired, but Keef being the high-energy, annoying kid he was, it was highly doubtful.

"Want to try something else?" she suggested. She hoped he would get the hint that she was getting sick of rehearsing, but he completely missed it.

"Sure! I know. Let's try our duet!" He raced over to the new stereo that had been recently added for the musical and flipped through the songs.

"Not exactly what I meant," she sighed. As he walked up beside her, a bolt of lightening struck and she could have sworn she saw the shadow of someone flash on the wall. Only, it wasn't human. She realized it was far from it as the shadow had consisted of the outline of an odd being and something similar to spider legs protruded from the sides. Keef did not notice and began singing.

No more talk of darkness
Forget these wide-eyed fears
I'm here, nothing can harm you
My words will warm and calm you

He stepped closer and grabbed her hand. She jumped and looked down.

"The script says I am supposed to hold your hand," he whispered during a pause in lyrics. She nodded fearfully and looked around. Suddenly, she did not feel that she and Keef were the only ones in the skool.

Let me be your freedom
Let daylight dry your tears
I'm here, with you, beside you
To guard you and to guide you

She felt uneasy as he sang. Like moss growing slowly, uneasily across a tree, a shadow seemed to creep across the room and suffocate it. When she began singing, her voice cracked slightly in the beginning, but she quickly cleared her throat and continued.

Say you'll love me every waking moment
Turn my head with talk of summer time
Say you need me with you now and always
Promise me that all you say is true
That's all I ask of you

As she was singing those lyrics, she heard a low growl echo through the room. Why does Keef not seem to hear any of this, she questioned frantically. Much to her dismay, Keef continued.

Let me be your shelter
Let me be your light
You're safe, no one will find you
Your fears are far behind you

At the realization of what he had sang to Gaz, a loud hiss filled the room. Gaz knew for certain they were not alone and quickly interrupted Keef.

"Why are you stopping, Gaz?"

"Listen, I think we should skip this song, okay?"

"Why?"

She glanced around the room, the rain growing louder and pounding in her head.

"I-I want to try 'Why have you brought me here'," she exclaimed abruptly. In the musical, after Raoul and Christine fall in love, the Phantom grows angry and murders someone. She fears that he will kill Raoul and brings him to the roof of the opera house to avoid the Phantom's anger. While on their way there, Raoul questions Christine, asking why she is taking him away from everyone else. Gaz had a feeling that Zim had finally grown angry enough to do something to Keef and got the idea of doing the same thing as the Christine in the musical did. She decided it would be better to take him somewhere safer. Keef thought a moment and shrugged.

"Okay. I don't mind."

She nodded, grabbed his hand, and led him out of the auditorium. At that exact moment, the stereo changed songs and landed on the correct music for the song they were about to sing. She had a distinct feeling Zim had planned that. They ran through the darkened halls, Gaz watching over their shoulders, and Keef began singing.

Why have you brought me here?

She jumped when a clap of thunder revealed razor sharp teeth smiling evilly from the shadows, but continued none the less.

Can't go back there!

Keef was unaware that they were being followed and went on singing.

We must return!

She faced him, practically running backwards. She gripped his hands as if trying to convince him that their lyrics were no longer that of the play.

He'll kill you!
His eyes will find us there!

He shook his head, still in part.

Christine, don't say that.

She heard the soft clicking of metallic legs tapping against the lockers and the ceiling. Her heart raced wildly and she found it difficult to swallow as her mouth grew dry.

Those eyes that burn!

Keef was amazed at how in-character she was acting. Little did he know, her fear was real.

Don't even think it!

She glanced behind her and saw the edge of a black wig. Though, her heart nearly stopped when she saw the edge of a mask and the outline of a black cape flaring from behind too.

And if he has to kill a thousand men

Keef looked behind his shoulder also, but did not see anything and went on.

Forget this waking nightmare...

She turned a corner, but accidentally led the pair down a hall that was pitch black. Her lower lip began to tremble and she glanced around quickly, hoping to catch sight of Zim before he arrived. But she was not aware that he was all ready ahead of them, waiting for them…

The Phantom of the Opera will kill...

A strip of thunder lit the sky and she jumped back, screaming, at the sight of a noose dangling loosely from the ceiling. Keef glanced around, growing aware that it was possible they were no longer acting.

This phantom is a fable
Believe me

Though, when he sang those lyrics, even he sounded uncertain. Gaz backed away into the corner, wrapping her arms around herself protectively. Her heart felt as if it would beat out of her chest and the room began to spin. The adrenaline and fear caught up with her as her eyes glanced around the dark hallway and fell upon the noose.

"...and kill again…" she whispered the last lyrics. She could hear the faint melody of the music floating in the air which only added to her fear. It is as though we are being chased by the real Phantom, her mind whimpered. Besides the music, the only sound in the skool was that of the rain, her frantic panting, and their heart beats. Keef backed against the wall.

"W…What's going on, Gaz?" he whimpered.

She began shaking her head, but jumped back when she heard Keef yelp. She looked over in time to see a shadow pounce on him, shoving him to the ground. A black cape flared outwards and again she caught a glimpse of the white mask. A black, leather glove reached around and grabbed a noose out of nowhere. She gasped and grabbed the hand.

"Zim! No!" she shrieked.

At the sound of her voice, he quickly faced her, the thunder illuminating his face and revealing the Irken. It was certainly Zim, but instead of his usual appearance, he was wearing the cape from the musical and half of his face was covered by a white mask. She glanced down, discovering that Keef had passed out with fright. Walking over slowly, she reached for his hand, his claw gripping a fresh noose. He remained frozen, seemingly unaware of where he was or what he was about to do.

"Zim…" she shook her head, "This isn't you. You are not a killer. Please, give me the rope." Her voice began cracking slightly as she tried to push her fear aside. He glanced down, staring at the weapon. She could see he was returning to his old self enough to realize that he was not behaving like himself. She grasped the rope, yet his eyes seemed to flicker and he glanced quickly up at her. Her eyes widened and she tried to back away, but he stood and rushed towards her, pinning her against the wall. She struggled in fear that the device had completely taken over, but he brought a claw up to her face, gently caressing her cheek.

"G…Gaz….?" he choked out. Her entire body shook uncontrollably at that point, not knowing whether or not he was in control of his actions. He squinted and groaned, crouching over and shaking his head.

"This isn't me. This isn't me," he repeated over and over. "Help me, Gaz," he whimpered, looking up at her helplessly. She reached for the dial to which he stiffened. After a moment, he relaxed, allowing her to proceed. She gripped the dial and gave it a twist. Zim fell limp to the ground, but she managed to grab on to him enough to hold him off of the ground. A few minutes later, she could see him returning as he scratched at the floor and lockers, searching for something to hold on too. She gave him her hand and he looked up at her.

"Gaz?"

She nodded, tears threatening to spill.

"I'm so sorry," he muttered.

She shook her head and embraced him tightly.

"Don't be. This is all my fault. I should have told you I was going to be with him, but I swear, nothing happ—" He quickly interrupted her by pressing him lips to hers. He pulled back and smiled at her. She sadly laughed and pointed at him. "You don't look too bad in a cape and mask," she teased. He eyed her and smirked. "And you don't look too bad in a dress." They stared at each other a moment longer, still accepting the fact that what had happened really did happen. They stood and grabbed Keef, ready to drag him to the Voot Cruiser and bring him home. Before they left though, Zim gave one last look at the noose that hung limply from the ceiling.

"I really am a monster…" he whispered, turning his face away in shame.

A/N

I know I all ready said it, but I really liked this chapter. I love how it had romance, drama, jealousy, sadness, and humor all in one. I hope you guys liked it and remember to review! Oh, and I highly recommend looking up the songs mentioned in this so that you know what was going on. Chapter 8 will be up soon!