There's Something Inside Your Head (Invader ZiM AU)

Monster Hunting In The Shadows With You

Since the death of Keef, there had been another known murder; two within the span of four days. Of course, once another one in a similar fashion to the first happened, people were now genuinely starting to get nervous. Sure, two wasn't a big number, but it just means since there was no grudge on just one person, the criminal clearly had plans. People were trying desperately to remain calm, but just couldn't with all their questions: who could actually be doing this, and could anyone be next? What should they do to survive? To keep safe? To stop asking so many questions? Ghost wanted to know the answer, and he was determined to figure it out.

On a date.

Dib knocked on the door to Carrie's house; it had paint chipping off it, and his knocks didn't seem to be pretty loud... so, he rang the doorbell. The door almost immediately swung open, the handle being gripped by a taller (though, not as tall as Professor Membrane) brown-haired man with a slight look of disgust on his face. "I heard you the first time."

Dib winced. "Oh, uh.. hi, Mr. Carrie... is Car— ehh, your daughter here?"

"Yes, what for?"

"Work-related things." Too vague. "We're going out to look for... stuff!" That's not much better, y'know.

Carrie's dad sighed and called her down; she confusedly (but happily) took the door handle and his place, and looked to Dib. "Hey!"

"...does your dad actually hate me?"

"Don't take it personally... he's one of the people who think you're insane."

"...oh." Dib sighed, feeling a bit pained. "Anyway. Carrie! Hi!" He waved for a bit too long. "Uh, hi, so..." he cleared his throat. "You! Ma'am! Would you like to... go... find monsters with me right now? Uh, like who could be killing people? Just us? And possible cryptids? Just us.. alone.. in possible darkness? With flashlights, of course, but... yeah?"

She smiled. "Wanna go on a date?"

"Yes." Dib sighed with relief. "Yes, that is what I'm asking."

"Dib, you asked me the other day; it's not like I'm gonna change my mind about you. Lemme go get my shit..." Carrie dashed off, leaving Dib rocking on his heels for a few more minutes. He was smiling uncontrollably, punching the air while laughing. He quickly composed himself when Carrie came back. "Alright! Got the flashlights... garlic... stakes..."

"Anything not for vampires?"

"Stakes are pretty useful."

"Fair point," Dib laughed, mimicking a stake stab. "...point. Haha. I'm not funny."

"God, I'm glad I like you. Now, let's go!" Carrie grabbed Dib's hand and closed the door, starting to run off (and dragging Dib behind her).

Dib picked up speed, running after his girlfriend; he got out of her grip and ran around her. She laughed and jabbed at his chest. Once they eventually slowed down, they discussed where they would first look. Their decision ultimately ended up being an empty field on some edge of down; it lead into a small forest, and there was bound to be some kind of creature there.

"A bit weird how it seems like only the forested area has a block of dark clouds around it, huh?" Dib would look back and forth from the field and forest.

"Huh. Never noticed that. 's like it's an evil place, eh?" Carrie rocked on her heels, twisting her ring.

"Then it's perfect!" Dib grinned, holding his hand back out for her. "Ah, but first, we should check this clear area..."

Carrie just scanned across the horizon. "Oh, well, looks like no one out of the ordinary is here. Guess it's time to go to the dark place!" Carrie took Dib's outstretched hand (finally). Dib's face heated up, just a little. "Flashlights out?"