Dib sat back after a couple of hours and moved his glasses to rub at his eyes, yawning. He checked his watch then saved his work and turned the computer off. He'd submit in the morning. They knew he always got his reports in so there wouldn't be a fuss.
He went to check on the alien and found it curled up on the bar counter, a box of sugary cereal tucked under one arm. It seemed to be sleeping. Dib smiled, but it was short lived as he caught sight of the kitchen. Bits of apple core, cereal boxes, orange peels, empty vanilla and syrup bottles, chewed candy wrappers were all scattered across the floor and counters. A paper bag of brown sugar was torn open, empty, on the island counter. Almost every cabinet and the fridge were open. He sighed and brushed his hair back before pushing the fridge shut and starting to pick up the debris.
The alien didn't stir while he cleaned up. He eased the cereal box away from it and then scooped it up carefully, carrying it down the hall towards the spare bedroom. The alien shifted in his arms and yawned, showing sharp teeth and a pointed tongue. It looked up at him drowsily, then suddenly twisted and struggled away, scratching him in the process. Dib dropped it as claws scored across his arm and he stepped back quickly, holding his arm against his chest. The alien skittered away, bursting into the closest room, his bedroom, and squeezing under the bed. Dib stared after it, then looked down at the three bleeding cuts on his arm. He muttered a curse and took himself to the bathroom to wash up.
When finished, he went to the spare room and laid down on the small bed, setting his glasses on the night stand. He didn't mean to fall asleep like that but passed out in minutes.
The creak of floorboards stirred him and Dib opened his eyes slowly. The room was still dark, not quite morning yet. He reached to the nightstand for his glasses and sat up when he didn't feel them, turning the lamp on. The alien looked up at him quickly, glasses in hand, and turned to flee the room, taking them with him unthinkingly.
"Hey," Dib called, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and reaching to feel his way along the wall to the doorway. He made his way down the hall slowly, turning on the light when he found it.
The alien watched Dib struggle from beneath the human's bed. He glanced down at the glasses in his hand.
"Come back," Dib called out in frustration. He paused near the bathroom and sighed, lifting a hand to rub his eyes tiredly. The alien slid from beneath the bed at his tone and crawled towards him slowly, head down. He stopped before the man and reached up a hand to stroke at his 'paycheck', as some of the girls called it. Dib jumped in surprise at the invasive touch and looked down at him. The alien was sitting on his knees, hand upheld, head down. Dib slowly knelt down in front of him and reached to take his glasses from his other hand, sliding them on. He touched the alien's hand to lower it.
"Look at me," he said. The creature reluctantly lifted his head, crimson eyes meeting his.
"You don't do that here," Dib said quietly. "You don't do that anymore."
The alien stared at him a moment, then looked away.
"Do you understand?" Dib gently prompted.
The alien nodded and Dib touched his hand again. He flinched and the human grew angry, getting to his feet. How could anyone do this to something, human or not? In his job he saw the worst humanity had to offer, but it didn't numb him any to the suffering in the world. Dib brushed his hair back and offered a hand. The alien glanced up at him nervously before taking his hand and getting to his feet.
"You're safe here, alright?"
The alien nodded again and pointed to the bandages on Dib's arm. He glanced down at it and shrugged.
"It's alright. I understand."
He looked away, antennae lowered against his head shamefully.
"What is your name?" the man asked. He didn't respond, staring at the floor.
"I'm Dib."
"Dib," the alien whispered. "Zim."
Dib smiled warmly.
"Its very nice to meet you, Zim."