In this update , you can expect Zim to be working in the lab again . Dib comes over , things get slightly intense :-) . There's a visit to the playground , oh and they're going to run into one of their old classmates . A certain orange haired young man . We are also making good on that " making out " tag in this chapter if you know what I mean XP _ . Now ! ! Trigger warning for very light and brief knife play lol O_O
Haiiiii :D ! ! I hope everyone had a great weekend and a wonderful Monday ! ! I am back with an update so here is chapter number 14 ! ! This chapter is named after the song " Close to me " by Ellie Goulding , Diplo , and Swae Lee . It's a really great song and speaks to Zim and Dib's relationship in this story because it conveys people who want to be close to each other and no one else . We love a good unhealthy attachment ^_^ ! ! And this specific line is just super perfect for how it feels when the two of them spend time together which is exactly what happens in this chapter . I like this chapter because Zim is starting to realize that he's afraid of Dib getting hurt and he starts to go to extremes to make sure that does NOT happen . WITHOUT FURTHER ADO ! ! I hope you enjoy this chapter 3 3 ! ! Thank you so much for continuing to read my story ! ! Please consider leaving me a comment or a review ! ! ^_^
When You're Where I Am, Everything's Timeless
I attempted to spend the entirety of Monday working on my new projects but was set back when GIR woke up to a shattered living room tv. I couldn't even focus because he was so overly emotional about it but I also couldn't blame him. It's the only tv in the upper part of the house, where I typically request him to stay, while I work in the lab. So I ended up taking a long break to fix it. Ignoring all of his questions about how it ended up broken in the first place. It's Tuesday afternoon and I just finished working on it.
"Alright, GIR. It's fixed. Now, I have much to do, don't disturb me." I state while he rockets over to the couch screaming.
"I want a big pizza!" He exclaims, excitedly flipping through channels.
"I already ordered it, just put on your doggie suit before you open the door. And don't talk to him this time, dogs can't talk." I reply as I head back down to the basement.
I'm easily focused on my newest projects and I have no idea how much time has passed when my PAK starts ringing. I extend the video communicator and continue with what I'm doing.
"I'm working." I state, squinting through my protective glasses as sparks fly around my face.
"Yeah well, I need to talk to you." Dib replies. I hum in response but I'm still trying to finish up this last necessity for the trip. "Zim! Just give me 30 seconds, please!"
"Fine." I huff, setting my tools down and pushing my goggles up my face. "What is it?" I ask, crossing my arms. It looks like he's sitting up on the roof of his car somewhere and he has a black hoodie pulled over his head. I can't be sure if he's sporting the usual bags under his eyes since his phone screen is reflecting off of his huge glasses.
"I talked to my dad about the trip. He still found a way to make it about college." He says, rolling his eyes. He drops the phone down for a second and it's quiet.
"Hello?" I ask, impatiently and he holds the phone up to his face again.
"Sorry, I thought I heard something." He says, still looking off camera. "Anyway, my dad wants you to come over on Thursday at like 7:00PM. For dinner."
"Oh… Okay." I reply, not really sure why he looks bothered by this.
"It's okay if you don't want to come, I can just tell him it's short notice."
"What? Why would you do that?"
"I don't know. Do you actually want to come?"
"I do. I like your father. Not so much your sister but her general cynicism and dislike for humanity makes her alright in my book. Unless you don't want me to-"
"I do but how would that even work? Dad will wonder why you aren't eating."
"Is it a requirement to eat when people invite one to dinner?" I ask.
"Kind of… it's in pretty poor taste to accept the invitation just to come and decline to actually eat."
"I see. Tell him I have allergies." I suggest.
"He'll just ask what they are and insist on Foodio preparing something for you anyway."
"Then I'll bring my own food."
"Also in poor taste." He says and I growl.
"Okay this is annoying. What do you want me to do? Sneak my own food in?" I ask in exasperation.
"Hang on, that might work." He says thoughtfully. "I could hide your actual food somewhere and we could switch out what Foodio serves you when no one is looking. I could have Gaz distract them."
"Very well, that works, now I have to go." I reply.
"Wait!" He says and I sigh. "It has to at least look like the same food so what should I tell dad to make?" I hum for a minute, gaze flitting around the lab, anxious to get back to work.
"Do you know what salchipapas are?" I ask.
"I… do. Wait, how do you know what that is?" He asks.
"Tell him that's what I want and I'll bring my own. It's similar to a popular dish served on Foodcourtia." I reply.
"But how do you-" He starts to ask again but suddenly the phone starts to move around and everything is blurry on his end. "What the hell?"
"Where are you?" I squint at the screen. About half a minute later he puts the phone back up to his face but he isn't sitting on top of his car anymore, he's standing and it's dark behind him.
"The theater." He replies, still scanning his surroundings off camera.
"I keep telling you, that was a real wolf you saw." I roll my eyes.
"I'm not buying that. You saw the photo, that thing was huge."
"What would a werewolf be doing in an abandoned movie theater parking lot, hm?" I ask.
"Well I guess I'm going to find out." He replies.
"If you insist. I have to go now. Don't get eaten."
"Darn, that was my backup plan." He says, smiling.
"Then I fully support it. Goodbye." I reply, hanging up and returning to my work. I'm able to finish up with minimal distractions after that and I love days like that. It's early Wednesday morning and I'm still in the lab cleaning up the mess when the computer starts talking to me.
"Incoming delivery arrives on the front doorstep in exactly five minutes and 23 seconds."
"Who is it from?" I ask.
"Information unknown." He replies.
"Skoodge then." I nod, walking over to the elevator and taking it up to the house. "GIR! Where are you?" I ask, standing in the center of the living room.
"I'm in the kitchen!" He yells. When I get there, I see he's seated at the table with an actual pig across from him and they're eating… muffins? And drinking from teacups.
"I'm expecting a grocery delivery in a few minutes and I'll need you to take it all to the snack storage room when it comes. Do you understand?"
"Eeeeeeeeeeeeee oh! Okay!" He squeals.
"Go wait for it on the lawn. After you put it away, go to that nasty taco place. Get whatever you want just make sure you bring me back burritos." I say.
"Yes sir!" He salutes, then turns to look at the pig. "I gotta go pig, I'll see you later." He says and the pig just blinks at him. "I GOTTA GO PIG! I'LL SEE YOU LATER!" He screams, jumping onto the table and then rocketing off towards the living room. I sit down in his seat and look over at the pig.
"Go away." I demand and he hops down from the chair to go wherever. I'm just staring into space for a long time because, for once, it's uninterrupted. Then I decide to head into the living room when I hear GIR taking all the food down to the storage area. The channel it's on is showing a news show that's talking all about humans needing to work together and help restore the earth. Discussing the water and air pollution being the highest it's been in the past hundred years. "Pitiful humans." I mumble. Sometimes, this planet just seems like a ticking time bomb and it's a wonder it's lasted this long. They're talking about the ozone layer when I get up and descend back down to the lab through the floor under the coffee table. When I step off the landing pad, I extend my communicator. It's an alteration that The-Dib and I installed together upon his incessant request. It operates similarly to his cellphone which I've never had a reason for so I always forget to even use it. I type out a simple message stating "come to the base" before putting it away and walking over to the table I was working at all night.
The final inventions I'll need for this trip. The Tallests have already graciously gifted me a new and upgraded ship. I intend to be fully cooperative with the procedure. I do notice that their approach is different from that of their predecessors. Rather than attempt to get rid of me or avoid me, they're finding a way to make me useful. They're making a way for me to serve them, a chance I've always wanted. It feels like this is a new mission for me and after this, after I prove my loyalty and dedication, it's possible that they will reassign me. Ro and Hex seem to really want the best for the empire and are willing to do what those before them haven't in order to achieve such.
Okay, yes, they want to prevent anyone from ever being like me again which I honestly think is pointless. Pushing aside some of these weird offended emotions for a moment, no one could be like Zim even if they tried. But my complacency should speak volumes.
"Seriously, Zim?" I hear from behind me. It sounds like Tallest Purple but I don't turn around. "We gave you a fair chance. And you used it to terrorize your own planet." I grimace, still looking down at the table.
"I did not, and I passed Invader Training with flying colors, I knew what I was doing!" I hiss.
"Sure. If Ro and Hex are smart, they'll throw you on Moo-Ping 10, where you belong. It's a wonder you're still free after everything you've done."
"Stop it." I say, gripping the edge of the table.
"You can't seriously still believe you've never done anything wrong."
"Be quiet!" I say louder, squeezing my eyes shut.
"Anyone that's got a track record like yours does not deserve freedom." I hear but now it sounds like Tallest Red.
"Freedom!?" I scream, finally whipping around and they're both staring at me. "Free!? You think I'm free!? Is that what you think!?" I ask and they exchange a look.
"You deserve worse than a defective PAK, that's for sure" Red says and I turn back to the table, picking up the laser I just spent all night making, turning back and aiming it right where they were just standing but no one is there. I'm alone in the lab aiming the laser at the wall. I turn in a circle, aiming it all around the lab before huffing out a breath and setting it back on the table.
I take a deep breath, closing my eyes and shaking my head as I hold onto the table again but I'm not feeling grounded at all. Even several burning breaths later, I'm still getting my bearings when I feel a hand on my left shoulder.
I automatically shoot my left elbow backwards and grab onto it with my right hand, flinging whoever it is over the table I'm in front of and immediately extending my PAK legs for height advantage with one dagger tip ready to impale an unlucky intruder.
"It's me, it's me, IT'S ME!" I hear and I finally blink a few times and realize it's Dib, holding his hands up. I squint at him before taking away the dagger and walking over, still high in the air. I lean down to stand him up again and he's looking at me like I have three heads while he's rubbing his chest.
"Why are you sneaking up on me?" I hiss, pressing a finger into his forehead.
"I wasn't! GIR let me in, I was calling you for a while just now." He replies. I just shake my head and look off to the side. "What was that about?" He asks as my PAK legs retreat and drop me on my feet so I'm staring up at him.
"We're not talking about it!" I snap.
"Alright, alright. Well, other than to get the breath knocked out of me, why am I here?" He inquires. I straighten my posture and take one more deep breath.
"For lunch." I reply and he arches an eyebrow.
"For… lunch?" He asks skeptically.
"Yes. Burritos. Your favorite." I say.
"Okay, yeah, but… I text you back and asked when and why. When you didn't respond, I thought it was an emergency." He says, looking pained down at his elbow and I sigh.
"I have one more thing I need to give you…" I reply.
"It couldn't wait until we actually leave?"
"No. Decidedly, I do not want it in my base."
"But you want me to carry it around?"
"Ask me one more question, Dib, ask me ONE MORE!" I scream.
"Okay just, give me whatever it is then." He replies. I glare at him for a few seconds before glancing down at the table. He looks down too. "Um…" he says. I pick up the laser and look it over again before holding it out to him. "I don't want that."
"Yes you do. Now take it."
"No, I don't."
"It isn't what you think it is!" I snap.
"Then what is it?" He asks and I ignore him, still holding it out until he finally, gingerly, takes it.
"The safety is on. It's a PAK-destabilizer." I state and he doesn't respond, still looking at it. "You know how Irkens can't really die?" I ask and he just nods. It's true for the most part. Well, unless they're swallowed whole or thrown into a FLORPUS hole but those are pretty extreme instances. "Well if that works the way it's intended, that isn't true anymore." He looks up at me with his eyebrows furrowed.
"How?"
"When the beam comes in contact with an Irken, it drains the PAK of their life source." I reply and we're both quiet for a couple of moments.
"And… you're giving it to me?" He asks quietly.
"I don't even know if it works." I shrug and he shakes his head.
"Of course it does. You made it." He replies looking at the floor.
"Don't… Don't overthink it. Just keep it with you." I instruct and he nods once. "Now put it away and go upstairs. I was serious about lunch."
He just nods again and we both head upstairs in pensive silence. When we get to the kitchen, a bag from that taco place is sitting on the table. I motion for Dib-Human to sit down and he does while I clear away everything else GIR left on the table. I retrieve the two burritos inside and walk over to the cabinets to get a plate.
"What are you doing?" He inquires. I keep my back to him and retrieve a knife.
"I'm getting your lunch, nosy human." I reply.
"It doesn't need to go onto a plate." He sighs. "And you don't have to cut my food!"
"Well, you were behaving like such a baby in the lab, I got confused." I say, turning around and shoving the plate at him. "Here."
"Thanks, I guess." He says, taking the plate and setting it down. I sit down across from him and just watch. "So… The laser. It only works on Irkens?"
"Irkens with PAKs." I correct with a nod. "Which means almost all Irkens. Skoodge is the only one I know who appears to not need a PAK at all." I try to shake away the thoughts that I would undoubtedly be fed to the Digestor for creating such a weapon. Giving Irkens a brand new weakness. Even if the Tallests got their hands on it and didn't know who made it, it would be clear that an Irken created something so treacherous because no other species knows anything about PAKs and would therefore, not be able to make anything that could attack them.
"Okay." He says, finally starting to eat. I'm silent for a few moments and he speaks again. "This is awesome, Zim. I really appreciate it. But I can't focus with you staring at me like that."
"Nonsense, you're doing just fine."
"I guess it was worth a shot." He shrugs.
"Did you find your werewolf?" I ask and he sighs.
"No." He says, finishing one burrito and picking up one half of the second. "I'm going back tonight though. I'm absolutely sure it's there. Either it lives nearby or it remembers when the trash cans behind the theater used to be full of food. I know it's there." He says adamantly before starting to eat again. I just nod, watching. When he's finished eating I'm still just staring at him. "You know, it takes a lot to creep me out and that's what you're doing right now."
"Well, I guess I can tell you. There's something else I needed to give you for the trip. But you were such a baby about the destabilizer I changed my mind."
"What was it?" He asks, glancing down at his black backpack leaned up against the leg of the chair he's sitting in.
"A tracking device."
"What?! Okay… Wait, why did you change your mind?"
"Like I said, you were being-"
"Okay that's fair. Well it's a good thing you changed your mind. You can't just track people without permission. If you want to know where I am, just ask. Although I do want to see it." He says thoughtfully. "Where is it?"
"You ate it."
"I-" he cuts himself off with a gag. "What?"
"You ate it."
"Ha ha. Very funny, Zim."
"Yes, yes, I am quite the comedian. However, I'm not telling a joke." I reply. His eyes widen and he gawks at me.
"You've got to be kidding me. I thought you changed your mind!"
"I did. Twice." I shrug.
"That's not- you- you can't just track me! We can't do things like that anymore!" He exclaims. I stand up and walk back over to the sink, retrieving the knife I used, still sporting traces of cheese and sauce on it.
"Who made that decision?" I ask, wiping it down with an Irken sanitizing wipe.
"We both did!"
"I did no such thing, why would I ever agree to something as limiting as that?"
"It's more of an unwritten agreement! People in relation- er- situationships, they shouldn't track each other!" He huffs impatiently and I roll my eyes.
"Fine." I say, turning back to him and walking over. "I'll take it back out."
He sighs. "Won't it just come out on its own in a few?"
"What do you think, I'm an idiot!?" I scold, pointing the knife at him. He touches a finger to it and lowers it.
"Tell me more about this invasion of my privacy."
"It's about the size of a rice grain. When it gets to your stomach, it'll attach itself to the lining. And it can withstand that horrible, filthy, disgusting acid in there, too."
"You're lying." He shakes his head. I extend a PAK leg and drop a hand held device into my open palm. It depicts a grid and a blinking red dot which is clearly him.
He sighs and immediately looks tired.
"You go on and keep thinking I'm inventing things that will bring harm to my earth-pig. It would be offensive if it weren't so amusing." I say, still observing the knife while I place the tracking device back into my PAK.
"You're exhausting. And I'm mad at you." He says plainly but tentatively grabs my free hand.
"Touché." I reply and he shakes his head.
"Doesn't work here."
"Why not?" I ask, squinting at him.
"Don't try and change the subject." He says, a small smile starting to appear.
"Alright. Like I said-" I start as he pulls me closer to the chair he's sitting in. "It'd be easy for me to remove." I run the tip of the knife down his torso. "And fun…" It actually would be. Even just the thought has my antennae twitching and my blood pumping quicker.
"Fun for who?" He asks quietly.
"Both of us." I reply, poking it at his stomach. There's no real force behind the action, but like I said, it actually is fun and I'm starting to wonder when he'll get cold feet.
He hums and then exhales shakily. We're just watching each other for a couple of seconds and I'm fully expecting him to flinch away or for some kind of panic to rise up in his eyes but his expression is cloudy as he gazes up at me and I just can't tell what he's thinking. I start tracing around his navel, squinting at him as he closes his eyes. I stare at his lips for a moment that's entirely too short because that's when GIR comes clanking into the kitchen with his doggie suit on and leash in hand.
"Let's go to the park!" He shouts, startling us both. I sigh and toss the knife behind me, hearing it clatter into the sink.
"Alright, GIR." I reply, stepping back, realizing I was standing directly between the human's legs. "I guess I'm taking GIR for a walk."
"I'll go with you." He says, standing up.
"Yes, I know." I reply, activating my disguise. After GIR is done getting ready, we all start the walk to the park.
When we get there, I let GIR off the leash and sit down on an old, dark wooden bench, looking at how the trees are all finally starting to shift from bright green to red. The temperature is finally starting to be something more tolerable since earth autumn is my favorite season. Summer is entirely too hot, there are too many screaming children all over the place, and people are way too happy. Winter is even worse because people are so nice and mushy the entire time! Every time you talk to someone they say 'happy holidays' with that gross excitement as if there's anything to be THAT happy about on this planet. And don't even get me started with the spring and all the fresh batches of insects the earth spent all of winter cooking up to release. Not to mention, humans are especially nasty in spring with these 'allergies'. Nothing like autumn, when humans come down from that summertime high and return to their mundane regular lives and keep their kids locked up at school.
GIR isn't too far away from where I'm sitting but I still get a few dirty looks from a couple of passing humans. Most likely because he's not on a leash but the park is mostly empty since kids don't typically visit in the middle of the school week and even if it wasn't, I don't actually care. If they don't want GIR taking bites out of their gross offspring, keep them at home. Amongst the long list of things I just don't care about are those leash laws. I still don't care when GIR proceeds to attack a small woman that's pushing an icee cart through the park. Eventually, she gives up fighting with him, abandons ship, and GIR excitedly pushes the cart over to where we're sitting, popping the top open.
"You want one?" I ask Dib.
"Definitely. The-"
"Cherry one." I assume. He nods and GIR gets to work scooping it up. They're enjoying their earth filth and I'm just staring forward, waiting for the woman to return with some form of law enforcement. I suspect we've got about another ten minutes.
"You should-"
"No. I won't be trying one. Just like I haven't all the other times you've asked." I reply.
"Do you want to just have a conversation with yourself?" Dib asks and I shudder.
"Not at all. But I still don't want any of that garbage."
"You're missing out." He replies.
"On an earth treat that's predominantly made of water? I highly doubt it."
"Oh wow, I don't know how I forgot." He says, stopping briefly to look at his icee before continuing to eat.
"Yes, humans use water in basically everything they make. It would be a decent use of resources if it weren't so stupid considering you're the reason all the water is poisoned."
"Well when you're right you're right."
"Always." I reply.
"Hey wait a minute. I'm like 60% water." He says thoughtfully.
"You're having this revelation now?"
"No but… Ah…" he says, still gazing at the clouds. "My uh…"
"Are you going to be finishing your thoughts any time soon!?"
"You know saliva is almost purely water, right?"
"I'm well aware of how disgusting human bodies operate." I shrug.
"So what do you do, do you have to eat the paste?" He asks.
"Ew. No."
"Then when we kiss…?"
"Oh that. Yeah it burns."
"You say that like it's no big deal." He blinks at me a few times.
"It isn't."
"Doesn't it hurt though?" He asks and I just stare at him for a moment.
"I like it." I shrug. He kind of just gawks at me for a few seconds but then I hear those annoying sirens. The noise gets louder with each passing second and I roll my eyes. "That's our cue. Get up. GIR! Let's go."
"But, but, but-" GIR starts babbling, grasping one of the icee cart wheels.
"We're not taking the cart this time!" I shout and his eyes turn glassy. "Just… just scoop out another one and bring it with you."
"Okaaaaaay!" He says and starts scooping through every container in the cart.
"Hurry it up!" I demand as the sirens grow closer. He hands two over scooped cups to Dib, then hands two more to me and then scoops up another two to carry himself. "Are you quite finished?"
"Yes!" He nods.
"Aren't these going to melt before you even-" Dib starts to ask.
"Let's just go." I interject. We finally start towards the park exit, which is on the other side of the park, away from the entrance, leaving the icee cart open next to the bench.
We're all walking down the street and I'm just listening as GIR and Dib-Human discuss different flavors of icees and which are better. Meanwhile, I'm internally getting nervous about the upcoming trip. I shouldn't be, though. I've left no stone unturned. Is that saying useful here? I think so… Anyway, I've pretty much thought of everything but it's starting to feel more and more like a significant situation as the date draws near. I'm not entirely sure why. I'm positive I'll be able to impress the new Tallests and I know the procedure will go well. I might actually be concerned about… Something else…
"Zim?" Dib brings me back from my thoughts.
"What?"
"I said, is there any kind of Irken equivalent? To icees?"
"Oh, of course." I reply.
"I TOLD YOU!" GIR screeches.
"Yes, they're called candy cones. Like the earth snow. You know, the ones that come in the pointed cups?"
"You mean snow cones?" Dib asks.
"That's what I said." I hiss. He opens his mouth to say something else but as we're waiting to cross the street, I hear the most horrible, chalkboard-scratching voice behind us.
"Hey! Dib!"
The three of us turn around and see a tall male jogging over towards us from the direction of the park. He's got a full head of messy red curls and unnaturally red colored irises in his huge eyes. He's also wearing all these abhorrent bright colors, a neon yellow shirt with an orange pumpkin in the middle and light blue jeans along with orange and white sneakers.
"Oh hey, Keef. How have you been?" Dib asks, unenthusiastically.
"I'm doing so great!" Keef exclaims, abruptly pulling Dib into a quick life-sucking hug. "Oh my God! How are you!? How was your summer!?"
"It was good." Dib replies.
"Hi! I'm Keef!" He says, turning to me. Dib gives us a confused look.
"So I've heard." I reply.
"Wait a minute. You guys know each other already. This is Zim." Dib gestures towards me. I sigh and look down at my hands. The two icees I'm holding look like they'll start melting soon but thank goodness the summer heat is gone. Although, watching them melt would be more entertaining than this conversation.
"Zim…?" Keef furrows his brows for a moment. "Haha! Dib! You are still such a kidder!" Keef laughs, swiping under his eyes.
"Seriously Keef, I know you haven't seen us since middle school but this is Zim." Dib says.
"Haha! Maybe I'd fall for your trick if I hadn't just left Zim in the park."
"You… you what?" Dib asks, looking at me. I shrug and look down at GIR who shrugs at me for some reason.
"I meet Zim at the park everyday! We play lots of fun games! But his favorite is acorn hunting. He also likes when I bring any that I find on my way there." Keef explains and Dib narrows his eyes at me.
"Keef… This is Zim. Look. We even have GIR." Dib replies and Keef just laughs again.
"Boy, it was great seeing you buddy! And it was nice to meet you, um…"
"Zim." I nod and he laughs his annoying cackle again.
"I've got to get going. Bye guys!" He says, taking off down the block.
GIR shoves the two icees he was carrying in his mouth at once, devouring the paper cups as well, and I quickly hand him the two I was carrying while Dib watches me expectantly. I click GIR's leash in place and usher him to keep walking.
"What was that all about?" Dib asks as we continue the walk back to the base.
"Who knows. Humans are weird." I reply apathetically.
"Right. And I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that the last time I saw him, he was still completely convinced that the two of you were best friends?"
"Well, he was the… cling wrap type?" I reply.
"You mean clingy?"
"That's what I said!"
"Okay and then what?"
"Then nothing. I wanted him to leave me alone and I made him."
"…How?" He asks, arching an eyebrow.
"I just replaced his eyes with hypnotic mechanical ones."
"Huh?"
"Basically, he thinks some squirrel is Zim." I shrug as GIR picks up the pace and tugs me forward a bit.
"You're saying you took his eyes?" Dib asks incredulously.
"AND gave him new ones!" I quickly point out. "Besides, apparently he's getting along quite well with that squirrel. Not like he had any friends in school and his parents obviously don't like him much either. I did him a favor."
"That's…" He says and then huffs. "Where are his eyes?"
"In the lab." I answer as the three of us cross onto the block the base is on.
"You really have to stop harvesting human organs."
"That was YEARS ago!" I reply.
"True. Well, are you still doing it?"
"Yes."
"Zim!" He exclaims. When we get to the fences, GIR swipes the icees from Dib's hands and rushes inside. "After you stole everyone's organs in middle school, I thought you stopped!"
"Oh shut up! I gave back all the important organs. Including yours. They all made me sick."
"Because you ate them!" The two of us walk up to the front door and when I sit down on the single step, Dib sits down beside me, shaking his head as if to clear it of the previous conversation.
"Don't forget to bring your food tomorrow." He says after a few quiet moments.
"Of course of course." I reply then take a deep breath. "You're excited to go to Irk, right?" I ask, that nervous feeling bubbling up again.
"Are you kidding? I've wanted to go to Irk for years. I just figured it was off the table. I've never been somewhere where technically I'm the one who is an alien. Although I doubt it'll be much different than how I fit in here on earth…" He says, looking out towards where the sun has started to set.
"How come you're so interested in visiting other planets?" I inquire. "It can't be to learn any weaknesses. Your planet is so far behind, I doubt it's got anything even remotely similar to the armada."
"I have no idea. I've just always felt so limited here. Earth is so finite it's suffocating. But… I've always seen so many opportunities when looking up." He explains and I nod. "Don't get me wrong, so far all I've seen have been a handful of extraterrestrials from out there and the only one I've really gotten to know is you and well… you're crazy."
"You're one to talk." I sneer.
"SO, I am slightly nervous but I'm pretty sure experiences with you have prepared me pretty much for anything. Anyway, I'll head back to the theater now. Just call if you need me."
"Alright." I reply. We both stand up but before he walks off, he pulls his book bag off his back and unzips it.
"Here." He says, reaching inside and retrieving the black shirt from Sunday.
"Right." I say, snatching it up quickly and putting it into my PAK. He zips the bag up again and puts it on, then pulls his hoodie up as well.
"See you tomorrow." He nods, turning to walk away. He doesn't get anywhere though because without even thinking, I hook a finger in his hoodie and drag him closer, pressing a kiss to his lips. He doesn't even seem surprised, meanwhile I'm surprised at myself. Was I even thinking about doing that? Is that an impulse? Whatever. I'm feeling that overwhelming feeling of need creeping up again. It's as encouraging as the nausea is a warning and I try to push away the thoughts that cause all the weird sickness. I've been working tirelessly with and for this human, the least I could let myself have is a moment.
I'm still rationalizing why it's okay for me to kiss him right now when he sort of makes a sighing noise and I feel his arms wrap around my waist and my thoughts turn anything but rational. I'm not sure exactly what new feeling I'm getting but it makes me keep kissing him even as my stomach starts to roll and I'm trying to ignore it. He's showing me that he feels that need, too. I grip the neck of his hoodie tighter, shifting him around and forcing his back against the door. I have to wonder, how do humans deal with desire? It makes everything so cloudy. Does their desire have limits? Because it seems as though my own does not and this situation is proving to be no different. Once I decide what I want, there's never any turning back. How unfortunate for this lucky human.
I take my hand from his collar and move it up to the back of his head, grabbing not only the top of his sweater but a handful of the hair underneath, yanking his head back against the door and not really minding that I have to stand on my toes. It elicits a whimper, a weakness, that I definitely want to hear more of and I take the opportunity to bite his lip, not even that hard but he still winces so I bite it again then run my tongue along the bite mark, feeling a slightly hotter burn against my tongue when I do so.
Just as I'm starting I'm to feel exactly the way I did I'm the lab, I know I should stop before it gets that far but I'm learning that, as weird and gross as they are, these romancey feelings are even more so addicting. His hands leaving my waist and falling onto my chest bring me out of my haze as he gently pulls away from me.
"Do you not want me to be able to focus on anything at all besides the next time I'll get to see you?" He pants. I release his hair and take a small step backwards, eying him curiously. Even though I still feel seconds away from tossing my stomach contents, I still don't want him to leave. Just underneath this weighted guilt blanket is an indomitable need to push limits. Both his and my own.
"As if you ever think about anything besides me." I reply, feeling agitated for… I guess a myriad of reasons. "You taste like that awful icee." I say it but that's clearly not one of the more pressing matters.
"Obviously it wasn't that bad though, huh?" He asks and I don't appreciate the teasing in his tone.
"And your lip is bleeding." I reply. He touches a finger to it and narrows his eyes at me. "That's your own fault." I shrug, still waiting for my stomach to finish settling back down but it just won't.
"Yeah I'm sure it has nothing to do with the daggers you call teeth." He says, adjusting his glasses.
"You'll live. Probably." I reply, taking his wrist and pulling him away from the door so I can open it. "Go find your werewolf."
"Right!" He says pointing at me. "You're right, I almost forgot… about that. I'll see you later."
I wave him away and he starts away from my house as I finally step into the living room and shut the door, leaning against it and taking a deep breath. This whole 'trying things out' business is more difficult than I anticipated…