Fades to Static.

Chapter Three : Change In Plans.

(A/N: I'm sorry for the weird lighting in the drawing, I just... went with the flow I guess lol. It looks okay-ish. I mean, it's fine for a sketch. Ok. I'll leave you alone now-)

You sighed in utter exasperation as you fiddled with the key in your hand. Why were doors always so hard to unlock? Liza and Ducky giggled a bit at your struggles behind you, and you turned to glare at them momentarily before going back to the stubborn silver knob that gleamed dully in the poorly-lit hallway.

You let out a small noise of triumph as you finally got the door to unlock, and both Ducky and Liza congratulated you jokingly. The dweebs. You really couldn't get the key out of the lock though, simply scoffing at it before going to your room to kick off your shoes. Liza could take care of that.

You draped your messenger bag over your chair by your computer, and placed your shoes in the hang-on cubby you hooked to the inside of your closet door. Giving your room a once-over, you left back into the living room where Liza sat with her bag and Ducky next to her. You plopped down with a loud 'oomph' when the couch dipped a bit. Your poor, poor old couch. You didn't really have the heart to get rid of it though- fond memories of sitting on it with old pets, friends, and family weren't something that could be replaced if you dared to get a new one.

Thing 1 and Thing 2 were gushing over the clothing that they'd bought, showing it to you- to which you gave small grunts and nods of disinterest at every tiny article of clothing. Invader Zim was far more interesting than talking about small clothes and how cute they'll look on the skeleton that sat happily in your friend's lap.

Only when it was quiet did they finally pull you from your stupor, and you looked over to find them both with shocked expressions on display- which would have been hilarious were it not for the fact they were gaping at the two small, pointed light blue ears that were peeking from Liza's bag.

You arched a brow at the ears, exhaling a little louder than was natural, and you noted that they twitched in your direction before whatever it was made itself properly known.

A small, furry skeleton in a funny little outfit made his way out of the bag sheepishly- tail puffing out behind him. You blinked a few times. Then blinked again. This was real life? Did a bitty really sneak itself into Liza's bag before you left, and how had Ducky not seen them?

The duo in question shook their heads simultaneously before bombarding the fluffy skeleton with questions. He puffed out a bit before making eye contact with you, his posture changing substantially, and he didn't seem as anxious anymore.

You'd be lying if you said you hadn't zoned out, and it took Liza snapping her fingers in-front of your face to bring you back to Earth, space cadet.

"You okay, dude? Did'ja hear what I said?"

You shook your head, apologizing. She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck.

"We kinda gotta bring this little Teacup back. Even IF he snuck in my bag, that doesn't mean we can't have Viv pressin' charges for theft."

Though you didn't know him well, you doubted the monster would have done something like that- regardless of if you had stolen the Teacup or not. That train of thought ended abruptly as the Teacup puffed out as much as his short hair allowed, and made his way over to you, curling protectively against your arm that you had casually laying on the couch. He looked up at Liza, clearly nervous, but defiant.

"N-no! You can't take me back there! This is my human!"

It was a rather adorable display, but a bit possessive and creepy. His ears drooped and tail tucked closer to himself when you moved your arm away, offering the softest smile your socially awkward body could muster, while Liza looked at you both in confusion.