He's a Beautiful Disaster

by Princess4Dreams

Delusioned by what memories of the FLORPUS event, Zim is waiting for the Tallests to arrive on earth. Knowing the truth behind Zim's placement on earth, Dib can't bring himself to tell Zim, even if Zim would hear him out. After they manage to form a begrudging friendship, they continue to test each other until an event pushes them both past their limit. (MA - Rating 18 )

19. Chapter 19 - Falling Like The Stars

Howdy-do everyone 333 ! ! I am so happy to post this update and give you some more Suittie exploration ! ! Thank you so much for coming back for this chapter ^_^ ! ! Sooooooo , what can you expect for this chapter hmmm . . . They actually do decide to stay for the party and I guess I'll trigger warning for a little bit of underage drinking lol _ XD . The title for this chapter comes from the song "Falling Like the Stars" by James Arthur 333 . This is such a Zim and Dib song to me and it represents this chapter because the time they spend together at the party brings them closer together . We also start to see that someone might have a jealous side _ . How do you think their lovely date will go ? ? Let's find out ! ! As always , any comments will be super appreciated ! !

Falling Like the Stars

Even after we squeeze our way past the crowd outside, it doesn't thin out inside the castle. I've mumbled more 'excuse me's' and apologies than I can count by the time we get to some massive room, illuminated in a white glow from all the chandeliers decorating the high ceilings. There are so many of them, I can't even actually see the ceiling.

"Does this sound like earth music to you?" Zim asks, looking up at the chandeliers as well. I stop a minute and listen. It actually kind of does.

"Yeah it does. But at the same time it's… Different." I reply. I can't put my finger on it but there aren't any lyrics that I can hear yet… there's like an upbeat orchestral sound. Although there's a big open space in the middle of the room, it's surrounded by at least a hundred round tables and some Suittie are seated and eating, others are walking around together, and there are even more children running around in the open space together. It's honestly a really comfortable atmosphere. It reminds me of some sort of ball right out of a movie. All the tables glow a variety of neon colors and hover over the floor but the chairs are on the floor and they're sparkling silver. "What is this party even for? All this for a birthday?" I ask as a server ducks by me carrying a large tray full of food and stopping at one of the fuller tables.

"As if humans aren't the exact same way." Zim scoffs and we walk further away from the entrance where people are walking in and out.

"Yeah, maybe back in like… the 1800s. Why is everyone dressed like this?" I inquire but he just shrugs.

"We should sit somewhere before we draw too much attention. I don't see any other Irkens here." He says, then nudges me towards an empty table. It's the brightest neon yellow I have ever seen and I have a feeling that it would hurt my eyes if it weren't for the contact lenses I'm wearing. As soon as we sit down, although there are eight chairs at the table we're seated to ourselves, a very tall Suittie server approaches and starts speaking to us. It only takes a few seconds of blank stares for him to switch to some broken Irken and offer us dinner.

"What's dinner?" I ask him and he blinks at me.

"You're not serious?" He asks and I don't respond. "Renzinotta. It's a traditional dish for this function."

"Okay, just bring whatever's on the menu, I guess." I reply and he stares at me for a moment with furrowed brows. "Um. Please?" He nods and bows then walks off. "This is weird." I state but Zim isn't paying me much attention. He's staring at everyone else. "Hey, are you okay?" I ask, nudging him with my elbow and his gaze snaps to mine.

"I should have brought GIR." He replies, returning to looking at the dozens of well dressed, smaller Suittie who are still running and laughing all throughout the room.

"He definitely would have made quite the guest here." I say back. "So how come some people here speak Irken?"

"Well like I said before, the Suittie formed a relationship with Tallest Miyuki so it's likely that Irkens were here in large quantities at some point. This planet was marked for conquest, I'm not exactly sure how their leader managed to have that status changed." He replies, reaching up to inspect the odd centerpiece on the table. It's like a large vase but it's wrapped in what looks like a mixture of royal blue and deep red vines.

For a moment, I thought maybe he was lying and he had been here before but the way he's observing everything, it has to be just as foreign to him. And now, I'm just observing him. I don't usually get to see him this way in these kinds of environments. Even on our date, he had to wear a disguise. But right now, we're actually sitting at a table together at a kind of party, surrounded by other people yet not drawing negative attention. Of course, I'm the one in disguise but based on the way the Suittie seem to operate, I almost feel like they wouldn't mind my being human. They probably don't speak any earth languages though.

This is really nice. Better than nice actually. The light from the neon table and the chandeliers above us place a soft glow over Zim that has my attention easily as he watches the Suittie interact with each other, antennas perked like he's seconds away from taking down actual notes and doing information retrieval. Then he turns away from the scene and looks my way, squinting an eye.

"What?" He asks.

"Uh. Nothing."

"Why are you staring at me?!"

"Because I can." I reply with a shrug.

"I don't understand how your peanut brain works. We're on a completely different planet and you still choose to spend your time staring at me." He hisses.

"Yup. I guess that's true."

"Well stare at something else, for once." He huffs, crossing his arms and looking back to everyone else. But even in this odd lighting I can see the faint blue across his high cheekbones.

"I could but, you look cute." I reply, smirking because, I mean, he does but also I know it'll push his buttons which I haven't done in a while. Well, purposely anyway.

"If you think I'm anything but a mendacious lethal weapon, you're either crazy, stupid, or both." He replies annoyed and I shrug.

"I mean, that really makes it worse. If you think about it."

"Explain."

"You're deceptively cute. Which makes you even more of a threat." I explain, trying to be serious but still cracking a small smile. He thinks it over for a minute before nodding.

"You're correct. I accept that. And you're deceptive as well, human."

"What? Me? How?"

"Because underneath all that surface stupidity, there's an actual brain." He replies followed by a pointy smile and how could I even get upset at the insult when my heart is still racing?

The well dressed server Suittie returns to the table but I'm taken aback at just how he's carrying all of our food because he's suddenly sporting a second set of arms. He places down five plates off of the platters as well as two very tall crystal looking glasses full of a glittering pink liquid, a silver canister and two shorter empty glasses. After I thank him (for both of us) the second set of arms seems to retract and he leaves so I'm just staring at all the food. I'm not sure what I was expecting. I thought it would be absolutely gross looking but it looks amazing and the aroma is even better. The plate near the center of the table has six green cups sitting in a circle. Each one has white filling, green garnish, and something else sticking out and hanging over the side. It's weird but it's pretty. And one of the plates right in front of me has what looks like some kind of flat round piece of bread in the middle of it, red sauce drizzled around the edges, and a mountain of… maybe vegetables in the center? And the last plate has one single piece of food on it that definitely looks like a pastry. That's probably what smells so good. It's folded over into this half circle shape with three cuts in the top that are overflowing with something that smells like spices and fruit and it's drizzled with an amber colored sauce.

"Is there any way I can figure out if I can actually eat any of this? Because I really want to." I say, still gaping at all the food.

"The only thing that looks even slightly appetizing is that thing." Zim points to (of course) the pastry in front of him. "But I do have my scanner." He says, extending it from his PAK and dropping it into his hand. "So. You want to know what will kill you or what will make you sick?" He asks.

"Uh. Both."

"Alright." He says, setting to work. It takes a while actually and when he's done he puts it away. "I wouldn't eat that if I were you." He points to the bread dish.

"Okay." I reply, sliding it away.

"And the weird sparkly drink is fine but the pitcher is not" he continues.

"Okay." I repeat, turning my empty glass over and he squints at me.

"And you can't eat that." He declares pointing to the pastry.

"Aw. I actually really wanted that. Would it just make me sick? Because I could just try a tiny bit."

"It wouldn't make you sick. It wouldn't do anything to you actually. But I'm taking it."

"What!? You have your own!" I complain, pulling the dessert closer to me.

"Yes but that's the only thing that I can eat and I want both." He replies as if I should have known better.

"No."

"Alright well. That's why I lied about what you can and can't eat." He shrugs.

"Wait really?"

"I don't know, I can't really remember."

"Zim, stop that!" I scold. "Besides, I don't believe you would let me eat poison."

"That's your own ignorance. And even if I wouldn't, I definitely would let you get food poisoning."

"Okay fine, just take it." I huff and roll my eyes, sliding the plate forward and he perks up immediately. "So what can I-"

"Eat the weird appetizer thing. And drink the pink drink." He replies quickly before tearing into the dessert which actually does make me laugh.

"Is that really the only thing you can eat?" I inquire, still staring at him.

"No. I can eat all of this except for the bread thing. I just don't want any of it." He shrugs and then thinks for a second. "Actually, I'll have the pink drink with you. Now start eating. We're leaving soon."

"Okay okay." I reply quickly, the appetizer dish is interesting, it reminds me of sushi which I do like, the only thing is that I can't tell what is hanging off the side of it. It looked like a tentacle but had the texture of something fried and had somewhat of a salty taste that paired well with the filling. "What's the pastry taste like?"

"Sugar." He deadpans and I roll my eyes.

"Okay, try the drink with me." I say picking up the skinny glass that has to be at least a foot and a half tall. The pink ocean of glitter swirls around at the movement and Zim picks his glass up too. "Hey, cheers me first!"

"What for?" He asks, confused.

"Just do it." I groan but he does and the drink tastes so good. The texture is like a smoothie but a bit thinner and it almost has, like a sweet melon taste to it. "This might be my new favorite drink." I marvel and Zim scoffs.

"It's sour!" He complains.

"What are you talking about, it's not sour at all." I say, drinking mine down.

"Don't drink it so fast! I won't be cleaning up any of your vomit." He scolds, snatching the drink from me and setting it down.

"Wait, what!? I thought you said it wouldn't make me sick!"

"I said there isn't anything dangerous to your pathetic body in it but it isn't meant to be consumed that way. It's… it's like red cup drinks." He says and I'm just looking at him with wide eyes as he gingerly sips his own.

"You're telling me this is alcohol? Liquor?"

"Right! Like earthen poison."

"But I'm underage!" I exclaim and he sits his drink down to give me a serious look.

"Where, Dib. Where are you underage?"

"I'm American! I have to be 21 to drink."

"I thought you were Mexican." He says thoughtfully.

"But I live- wait you remember that?" I ask and he's thoughtful for a second.

"Touché?"

"Nope. Doesn't work here." I reply and he rolls his eyes.

"Anyway, it doesn't even matter. We're not on earth, they aren't treating you like a baby so stop acting like one." He says and I guess he's right. Still, I definitely slow down on the drink. I have very limited experience with any sort of alcohol.

"So you've had liquor before?" I inquire even though he's made it clear that he doesn't much care for the drink.

"It's really just a drink. There isn't anything that special about it on most planets I've been to. Earth humans make it especially poisonous because you all take anything good and corrupt it." He replies.

"What…" I ask and he just shakes his head.

"Nothing." He says back, sipping his drink thoughtfully. That was an interesting comment. I haven't heard many of his thoughts aside from how dirty and inferior earth is so what he just said definitely didn't sound like nothing. "Are you ready to go back to the ship?" He asks and I look around the big room again.

The Suittie are nothing like what I've heard about Irk. They actually remind me of humans. Maybe a long time ago. Between all the high class looking food and decorations, the fancy attire and the weird obsession with manners, I could almost believe I was still on earth, just sometime in the past. The only thing that reminds me that I'm not is the way the people on Suittie look. Most of the tables are empty now and I just noticed the lighting from the chandeliers is slightly dimmer as they're all pairing up. It's actually quite a sight. I spot Ti further across the room talking with another person wearing a tux except the bow tie is the same gray color as Ti's gown. They're each holding one of the small children from earlier, who appear to be fast asleep on their shoulders as their parents sway together. The sight makes me smile because they look like such a sweet family. I'm sure every family has its own issues, even extraterrestrial ones, but still, there isn't a single moment in my life that I can pinpoint that would equate to the moment they're sharing right now. It seems so small but it's so special. They aren't the only ones, there are plenty of couples and other parents with children, but this family is easily my favorite.

"Dib…?" Zim calls cautiously and when I turn back towards him he seems confused.

"Huh?"

"We should go." He says back and I nod so we start getting up. As he's walking around the side of the table, I look around the huge ballroom again and grab hold of his hand.

"Wait. Come here." I say, steering him towards the open center of the room near everyone else. I don't even know why or what I'm doing because the music is super formal and I haven't been to a formal dance in years. But the atmosphere is so warm and inviting, it feels so lighthearted. Like open arms you just throw yourself into and never pull away from.

"What are you doing!?" He protests.

"We can leave right after, but I want to dance with you first." I say and he snatches his hand away.

"Absolutely not!" He screeches and I look around but no ones really paying us any mind.

"Come on, please?" I ask.

"No." He says, crossing his arms and glaring at me.

"Why not?"

"Because it's time for us to go."

"We will, after this." I reply and he rolls his eyes.

"We leave now, or you clean up whatever mess GIR has made on your own." He hisses and his expression darkens even more when I laugh.

"I've been cleaning up after GIR since the moment we left earth!" It's true. I really have. All the spilled sodas, heaps of popcorn, wads of gum, pizza crusts, and Zim never lifts a single finger. Come to think of it, I'm sure Minimoose could help me clean up as well but he doesn't. "Come on, what's the real reason you don't want to?" I ask and he growls, scanning the crowd. "This isn't a test, you know. I won't grade you." I continue holding out my right hand. He lets out a super dramatic sigh but finally drops his arms and I take his hand. "Do you want to lead?"

"No." He glowers.

"Wow, that's a first." I reply.

"And a last. I have no idea how to dance so we won't be doing it anymore after this."

"Sure." I roll my eyes. "So hold this hand up, and put this one on my shoulder, you can rest your arm on mine." I instruct positioning us like a lot of the other dancing Suittie. "Just follow me."

"What does this dancing mean?" He asks, not taking any of my cues.

"It's just something people do, I guess. Hey, when I push your hand, it means you step back."

"That doesn't make any sense!" He hisses.

"Okay, calm down. This is how it goes. Step, slide, turn. Look at them." I nod towards the couple standing next to us. The woman's golden gown billows with their movements as her dance partner in a matching suit effortlessly guides her across the floor. He watches them curiously and I explain it again and, unsurprisingly, he gets the hang of it pretty easily so we're able to move about the room in a pretty basic waltz.

"This… isn't so bad." He says.

"See? And you would have never known. You've got to try new things sometimes." I say back and he drops his gaze for a few beats.

"Why are you good at this?" He asks, squinting up at me.

"I've been to quite a bit of banquets and formal parties."

"With someone else?" He asks and even though he's pretty calm, it sounds like a threat to me.

"No? No. Well I mean, with my dad. He's a keynote speaker a lot of times and my sister and I have attended a few of those long events."

"Keynote?"

"Yeah, like a guest speaker. They give a speech. Remember the keynote he gave for Peace Day?"

"Oh…" He says thoughtfully. "Like Dib-Thing's Valedictorian speech?"

"Exactly." I reply, feeling a smile start to form.

"This is… Kind of… fun." He says, sounding like he hates to admit it and he probably does. "I can see why humans - and apparently Suittie - enjoy it."

"Well," I laugh, "This isn't the kind of dancing that most humans would call fun anymore but… I'm glad you like it."

"I'm not surprised. Humans never seem to know a good thing." He mumbles.

"Let me guess. There's no form of dancing on Irk."

"Wrong." He replies smugly. "But parties are only for the Tallests and the aristocracy. Therefore, I have no experience with it."

"Their loss. You're clearly a party animal. I mean, liquor and dancing? You're out of control." I say and he gives me this blank stare.

"Sarcasm." He nods and I laugh. The song we were dancing to starts to fade out and a different song comes on that's a bit quicker in pace.

"Now we can go." I state, dropping my left arm and letting his right return to his side but keeping his other hand in mine. He's watching everyone else communicate and the atmosphere has picked up a bit when I feel someone tap on my shoulder. I turn around and see another well dressed server Suittie. "Um. Hi."

"Fair evening, the Elle have requested your presence in the royal observatory." The Suittie says in a deep voice after bowing.

"Oh… The royal family…?" I say in confusion and look over at Zim. "We were just leaving. Right?"

"Actually we have a few minutes to spare. Take us to them." Zim replies and I'm stunned. The Suittie nods and starts leading us away from the main party. He's walking just ahead of us and while I'm nervous, Zim's strides couldn't be more confident. His hand is still in mine though and I tug on it, lowering my voice.

"Is this a good idea?" I ask.

"Of course it is."

"How do you know that?" I ask as the three of us are walking down a long hallway.

"They aren't violent and we've been here for hours. If they were going to do something, they'd have done it by now."

"Yeah but instead of taking a chance on finding out, we should just go."

"Are you crazy? They're royalty." He whispers. The Suittie leads us to an elevator and types something in before leaving us to board alone.

"Royalty? What does that matter to you?" I ask and he scoffs at me as the glass doors slide shut.

"Always make connections with powerful people." He replies.

"You're so calculating." I say, looking out the crystal doors as the elevator starts its ascent. It's moving pretty slowly and after about two minutes, I can even see the party on the first level.

"Just calm down." He says. A few minutes later, the elevator finally comes to a stop and the doors open up to a crystal pathway completely covered in flowers, greenery, and Snow White trees that appear to be housing a million flecks of glitter. Of course I don't get much time to marvel at anything because Zim is just focused on getting wherever we're going and my hand is still in his. This entire upper floor seems like it's a one big glass balcony and after a few moments of walking, we come to another section where three Suittie are seated at their own neon pink glowing table. They're conversing and watching the party unfold below them which I can't look at for long because we are way too high up. "Are you the Elle?" Zim asks harshly, drawing their attention so they all turn their bright white eyes on us.

The man, the king I guess, is a muscular looking Suittie wearing, again, a pretty classic tux with a dark blue bow tie and he's on the shorter side, compared to his Queen who is a bit taller than me and wearing a dark blue off the shoulder gown that flares out around her knees. She flashes a smile and stands up which is when I notice a super small bundle nestled in her right arm.

"Our surprise guests! It is so wonderful to meet you both." She says and I'm feeling nervous because I'm not sure if I'm supposed to bow or something. She doesn't seem very bothered though. "I am Elle Vashti, you may call me Vashti. This is Elle Orif, our first born Elle Geraridin, and our younger bairn Elle Enos." She gestures to each person. "Please, sit down. Join us, what shall we call you?" She asks, resettling in her chair between Orif and Geraridin.

"Um… Dib." I reply as the two of us take a seat. Zim is next to Orif and I'm next to Geraridin. As soon as we're seated it's like more Suittie servers come from nowhere and place more tall glasses down in front of us, all five are filled with that glittery pink drink.

"Fascinating name! Quite unique, don't you agree?" Vashti asks and Orif nods in agreement.

"Yes, dear." He says.

"What about you? What are you called?" Vashti asks, looking over at Zim.

"Zim." He answers, not even hiding the fact that he's just carefully observing them all.

"Equally exotic. Just lovely." She smiles.

"Have you been enjoying the festivities?" Orif asks, sipping his drink, and I nod.

"Definitely." I reply, slightly uncomfortable with the holes Geraridin is trying to stare into me.

"Apologies for whisking you away, we just had to meet the two of you. We don't typically see any Irkens aside from our annual armada briefings." Vashti says, adjusting her small, sleeping child on her lap.

"Armada briefings?" Zim asks, an antenna perked now that he's finally interested in what's being said.

"Of course. As an ally planet we get information about the progress of OID. But I'm sure you know that, you're both invaders as evidenced by your attire." Orif replies.

"Of course. So what's the last you heard of OID? I could probably fill in some blanks for you." Zim replies. Only he would take an opportunity to meet actual royalty just to manipulate them. It's a gift.

My gaze drifts back over to the other party goers as I start to remember sitting at tables just like this with Gaz and my dad as he discussed the latest scientific advances in other countries with various important figures from around the globe. Whatever Zim is talking about with Orif and Vashti fades out until Vashti stands up.

"Geri, take him, I must excuse myself." She says and Geraridin begrudgingly obliges. Zim and Orif are still engaged in conversation and I'm just staring at Enos as he blinks his eyes open. I'm shocked to see that they're completely black in color but look like marbles. Other than that, he's got the same oddly shaped head and blue skin but he's got to be the only suittie here that isn't dressed in fancy attire. He's wearing a regular white one piece, just like what a lot of babies on earth wear.

"Do you want to hold him or just keep staring?" Geraridin asks.

"Sorry." I say quickly, refocusing on my drink.

"No seriously, here. Young bairns aren't my strong suit." He says, handing Enos over anyway and my anxiety skyrockets.

"They- they aren't mine either!" I protest but he places the infant Suittie in my arms anyway who looks at me equally confused. "Uh. Hi, Enos…" I say which does successfully earn me a laugh from him.

"Looks like you're handling it well, to me." Geraridin says. "Which is surprising. I don't expect any Irkens to know how to be nurturing."

"Oh. Right." I reply, looking down at my Invader uniform.

"So you definitely weren't born here but I get the feeling you weren't born on Irk either."

"What makes you think that?" I ask and he stands up to go to the railing and look at the festivities so I follow him away from the table where Zim and Orif are still animatedly discussing OID. I stand next to Geraridin and try to calm my fear of falling as I watch people, many of whom are seated and enjoying a few more drinks and Enos is babbling in my ear. It doesn't even sound like the strange Suittie language I heard so much downstairs. It sounds like he really can't speak yet.

"It's obvious your friend was born or created on Irk. But you seem different. Not born here clearly because you stick out like a sore thumb in that outfit. Not to mention your manners are terrible." He says and I start to try and apologize but he stops me. "It's refreshing. I like to meet new people. You know, people who aren't all exactly the same."

"Okay."

"And I like your name. So, where is Irken Invader Dib really from." He inquires, white eyes almost glowing as he's looking me over.

"Um…" I try to stall by adjusting Enos in my arms.

"Don't want to tell me?" He asks, smiling.

"It's just, the inhabitants of the planet I'm from don't really have any contact with anyone who isn't from there. Most of them don't even know that so many other planets are out there." I explain and he furrows his hairless brows.

"I've heard of a place like that. Almost half a century ago. Mother told me that about two or three centuries before I was born, she had sent some Suittie there."

"What was the planet called?" I ask, politely removing Enos' hand from around my antenna.

"Earn? Eon? I can't really recall. I was pretty young at the time."

"Really? I didn't even exist at the time." I say without thinking.

"Seriously? How old are you?" He inquires, sipping from his tall glass.

"I'm… 19 on Irk."

"That's… you'll have to forgive me, I'm pretty rusty on my Irken Suittie conversions." He laughs.

"Yeah I'm not so good at it either." I chuckle, turning away from the ledge to observe the conversation Zim is having. He's nodding intently at something Orif is explaining and he just looks so in his element. Bright scarlet eyes narrowed and antennas perked, hands clasped and resting on the table. I actually prefer staring at him while he discusses OID than watching all these Suittie or staring into all these different light structures.

"So, if I may be so bold as to push all these manners aside for a moment, just mine since you don't have any, I have a question to ask." Geraridin states which draws my attention again because it genuinely makes me laugh. He's got to be the least formal Suittie I've met tonight.

"Ask away." I reply, turning Enos around so he can see the party below and stop yanking my antennas and pulling on my necklace. Geraridin answers me quietly.

"Is this other Irken your primary?"

"I… don't know what that means." I reply, getting slightly flustered at the fact that Enos is the squirmiest baby I've ever held. Maybe that's because he's the only baby I've ever held.

"Like… My parents?" He offers. I see what he's getting at.

"Oh." I reply.

"I don't mean to pry, I've just never seen or even heard of any Irkens having primaries. Or even going to parties. We were slightly wary when the two of you arrived. Mostly just because we expected some unplanned debrief to put a damper on things but you two just kind of hung out." He replies. He finishes off his drink and sits it on the ledge. Immediately a server comes and takes the empty glass and replaces it with a full one.

"Yeah we were just exploring a bit. We're on our way to Irk but we've never been here before and we wanted to check it out."

"Well you picked a fine night for exploring."

"Right! This whole party is to celebrate Enos, isn't it?"

"Correct. He's three merits today. It's the best age to celebrate arrivals because both he and my mom are fully recovered. She couldn't get out of bed for a long while."

"I think he's adorable." I reply, watching the party. "So when does he get fitted for his own tuxedo?"

"His what?" Geri asks.

"His suit? Like the one you're wearing? Unless he dresses like your mom in which case I'm sorry I assumed-"

"I don't know what a tuxedo is… Are you… you're talking about our shell?" He asks and I feel my face getting hot.

"This is… This is part of you? Like it doesn't come off?"

"It doesn't." He laughs lightly.

"Oh wow… I'm sorry I just thought that-"

"Oh, it's okay. I forgot that Irkens actually put things over their outer shell. We don't do that here."

"So what about Enos?" I inquire.

"It's still developing. We have no way of knowing what his shell will be like once he's fully grown."

"Wow… Sorry for staring, it's just… People on the planet I come from cover up too, so this is pretty new to me." I say back, silently wishing I had something to write observations down in. I even wish I could snap a picture but that seems a little rude and I haven't seen anyone else taking photos at the palace. I definitely don't want to upset the royal family of a planet I've only been on for a hot second. Even if they all seem pretty calm and friendly.

"I don't mind you staring." He says in a lower voice and I just clear my throat glancing over at Zim who's still fully engrossed in his conversation. "You have very fascinating eyes." Geraridin blurts out so both Enos and I stare at him.

"Oh… Thank you." I reply with a nod. That was just a normal complement, right?

"You're welcome. They remind me of the moon." He replies, watching me over his glass as he lifts it to his face again.

"That's funny, your eyes kind of remind me of the moon on earth." I reply.

"Earth! That's where you're from!" He says quickly.

"Shhh!" I insist, looking over at the table to find Zim squinting at me as Orif gives some instructions to a server.

"Don't worry. I'm good with secrets. There have actually been a handful of Suittie on earth for thousands of years. That's a secret, by the way."

"I'm good with secrets too. But that's impossible. Earth inhabitants don't respond well to extraterrestrials." I state, thankful that Enos has settled down a bit and is enjoying biting my arm. Trying to, anyway since apparently he's toothless and now I'm wondering if maybe the Suittie could fit in on earth based on all these similarities.

"Everyone knows that. That's why my mother sent them there to observe and monitor. They've been doing quite well, last I heard."

"Monitor for what?"

"Possible ally planet. The usual. My mom is pretty much known for being the most protective peacemaking Elle in all of Suittie history. She's good at what she does as you can probably tell since even Irk came to an agreement with her."

"I can't imagine what Suittie would be like if Irk had managed to take over all those years ago." I say thoughtfully.

"So you like it here?" He asks.

"Of course."

"You could visit more often. I could show you around. There may not be a party every evening but there are other tourist attractions around. We're pretty well known for our intergalactic garden. It's near the center point and it's filled with different varieties of plant life from tons of planets. I'm sure there are a few from earth. I could show you how we recreated the climate to keep them alive." He says and my face is heating up. Of course it'd be easier for me to make friends on a planet that isn't earth. Why couldn't it have ever been this easy there?

"That sounds nice but remember, we're headed back to Irk. I'm not sure when we'll get to do this again. To be honest, I'm pretty sure Zim included this trip because he thought I was getting restless on the ship."

"Sounds like a good primary."

"I never said that."

"So he isn't?" He asks, watching me closely. Is he just asking just to ask or… I don't know what to say. See this is exactly why Zim and I should have had that conversation. Not only do I not know what we are but I also have no idea if he's even okay with other people knowing. Based on his reaction to Gaz knowing, I'd say he definitely is not. Ugh. Are situationships ever a good idea?

"I, uh, I didn't know Suittie had primaries."

"Are there none on earth?"

"There are. But there aren't any on Irk. It's all pretty complicated." I reply, propping Enos up over my shoulder when he starts to get fussy. Complicated. The loaded traditional word for all situationships. How did you get here, Dib?

"Complicated." He repeats thoughtfully then sighs. "Well, it's definitely clear that you're not really from Irk. You're better at handling young bairns than a lot of Suittie I know."

"Well on earth, they're called babies."

"Bay…bees?" He asks.

"Yeah." I reply just as Vashti comes back to the balcony carrying an oddly shaped bottle and walking over to us.

"Geri, I asked you to watch him!" She scolds and Geraridin smirks at me. "I hope he wasn't too much trouble." She says, turning to me and holding her arms out. Enos doesn't waste any time scrambling away from me. "Both of them." She says, narrowing her eyes at Geraridin.

"Actually, we bonded pretty well. Right, Enos?" I ask, holding out my drool covered arm.

"He does seem pretty happy." Vashti smiles. "Maybe you can teach a thing or two to Geri."

"I think so, too." Geraridin chimes, still looking at me. Alright. This guy is shamelessly flirting with me in front of the Royal lady. In front of his mom! And worse than that, right in front of Zim, who apparently has perfect hearing when he feels like it.

Vashti keeps her smile and walks back over to the table to sit next to Orif and start feeding Enos but now Zim is glaring daggers at me. I'm really not interested in finding out how poorly jealousy mixes with an alien who's got violent tendencies so I need an out. Any out.

"Um… Where is the restroom? I - I need to uh, use it." I say to Geraridin.

"Oh, the washroom? There's one up here, I can-"

"He can use it on the ship because we're leaving now." Zim says walking over to us. Sigh. I tried to abandon ship and now it looks like I'm going down with it.

"It's late though, you could both stay here until the sun is up again." Geraridin suggests and Zim's antennas are now lying completely flat against his head while my hands start to sweat.

"No." He replies and I'm just looking between them trying to decide what to say but knowing Zim, I'd just set him off even quicker. It's probably in everyone's best interest if we leave, right now.

"Yeah but-" Geraridin starts, not taking the hint from my eyes that he should really stop talking.

"I said no." Zim hisses.

"Uh, thanks Geraridin. But we're actually on a schedule. We can't be late getting back to Irk, you know how they can be." I interject and he nods in understanding but Zim looks like he could choke me right here. That's fine, I can handle that because I know what to expect from him. This Suittie, however, does not. He might think he knows Irkens and sure, it's pretty cool that people here can speak the language fluently. But I don't think they've ever met anyone like Zim. Irken or not.

"How we can be?" Zim repeats.

"No, I meant-"

"Uptight? Militant?" Geraridin offers and I sigh.

"No!" I repeat but neither of them are paying anymore attention to me.

"At least we aren't stuffy and pretentious." Zim growls and I glance over our shoulders to make sure Vashti and Orif haven't noticed. Thank goodness for Enos and his sudden tantrum.

"Says the Irken who came here to talk shop with my dad." Geraridin replies aggressively. For a moment, Zim's eyes are narrowed and his teeth are bared as he stares up at him and then it's all replaced with a complete straight face and he turns to me.

"This balcony has a nice view." He says calmly.

"Uh… yeah I guess it does." I reply, exchanging a confused look with Geraridin.

"How high up should you say we are?" Zim inquires, looking directly at Geraridin.

"About 20 stories." He replies and Zim hums.

"Zim. We should go." I say.

"So, Geraridin, have you ever fallen that far?" Zim asks.

"What?!" He replies.

"Okay! I need both of you to stop!" I insist.

"Him first!" Zim growls.

"You threatened me!" Geraridin whispers. "Do you know what would happen if-"

"He didn't mean it." I say, moving to stand between them.

"Yes I did." Zim says from behind me and I roll my eyes.

"I could have your friend arrested." Geraridin says to me.

"I know, I get it, but-"

"You could try." Zim says.

"Would you shut up!" I whip around to look at him and then return to Geraridin. "I'm sorry. We really should be going now."

"I don't understand. I thought he wasn't your primary?" Geraridin says, crossing his arms. Zim shoves me aside, so I'm against the balcony railing, and stares at him.

"His what?!" Zim asks.

"Are you all okay over there?" Vashti calls out over Enos' crying.

"Perfect. We were just saying our goodbyes." Zim replies without looking away from Geraridin as he grabs the front of my tunic and throws me towards the elevator.

"Wait a minute." Geraridin says, grabbing my shoulder which Zim immediately responds by slapping his hand away.

"Keep your filthy hands to yourself!" He hisses.

"Zim. Stop." I say calmly and he just keeps glaring at Geraridin. I roll my eyes and approach the table again. It's quieting down because Vashti is rocking Enos as he drinks from the bottle, drifting off into sleep. "Thank you both so much for the hospitality. It was such a pleasure meeting you."

"It was a pleasure having you two here, as well. Thank you so much for accepting our smaller invitation." Vashti beams and Orif nods.

"It was only a pleasure having one of you here." Geraridin huffs, sitting back down in his chair.

"Geri!" Vashti gasps.

"Zim-" Geraridin starts and I'm just staring at him. He looks at me then his mom a few times before sighing. "It was a joke."

"In poor taste." Vashti scolds.

"No it's alright." I interject.

"Oh is it?" Zim asks beside me and I ignore him.

"Try to visit again sometime?" Geraridin asks, looking directly at me and I swallow hard. This experience turned super stressful super quickly.

"That would be lovely! We would adore hosting you again." Vashti says warmly, looking between us and then we're finally heading towards the elevator again.