Operation: Incentive - Invader Zim fanfic (ZADF)

Goodbyes

Dib marched to his house.

He had stayed Zim's base overnight for a good night's sleep, and gotten changed into what he considered to be his new favourite outfit: the Irken clothing was comfy, yet practical. And best of all, it still felt like him.

Dib was neither Irken nor Human, and he wouldn't fully be either ever again, but he had accepted his fate, and just maybe Zim could turn out to be a truly nice guy.

Truth be told, Dib still had his doubts about the vertically challenged Irken, but still he couldn't help but trust him. In his own way, he knew Zim cared for him, just like he cared for his SIR unit, Gir. He just didn't wear his emotions on his sleeve like Dib did.

Dib nearly fainted at the sight of the Membrane household. He was still fond of the place, but it felt...different to him now. Nonetheless, he wasn't the same either.

He hadn't been back to his house in days. In fear of Gaz and his father seeing him, he had been sleeping on the street for nearly a week.

Dib took a deep breath, and entered.

"Dad? Gaz?" he called. "I'm home!"

"So the little alien's returned, has he?" Gaz's familiar voice called back. She rounded the corner and entered the living room, facing Dib with her arms crossed.

"Gaz, I- uh-" Dib started, but Gaz was no fool. She cut to the chase straight away.

"When are you leaving?" she asked, looking away.

"Gaz. Come with us! You could pilot our ships! You were always great at the Game Slave..." Dib protested.

"Dib. My weirdo brother. Your destiny is up there," Gaz stated, pointing upwards. "But mine is here, with Dad. Maybe one day I'll follow you, but not now. And I think you know that. Say hi to him before you leave, will you? He'll miss you, you know. We all will." She gave him a hug, punched him in the arm and ran off.

Dib's eyes were misty now; although he had been expecting this, it felt horrible. He lifted his new goggles and wiped away the moisture before continuing.

He strode into his father's lab.

"Dad?" he questioned the seemingly empty room.

Professor Membrane jumped out from behind a pile of cardboard boxes.

"Boy-child? My son! My only son has returned!" he cried, running and enveloping Dib in a hug, before remembering himself and letting go.
"Humph. Well. Look at you, all grown up! Your little friend came over yesterday night, you know."

Dib came out of his shock, and asked, "Zim?"

Membrane paused, then said, "Yes, him. He told me everything. His disguise was really quite poor, now I think of it. Is it true then? Are you leaving us, son?"

Dib looked away.

"I'm sorry Dad, but yes. I never wanted to disappoint you, but-"

"Disappoint?" interrupted Membrane. "By Gosh, son, why would you think that? No, you've made me proud. You've done more than Membrane Labs ever could. I told you that you'd change the world one day, and you will. Just...not this one."

Dib jumped up and enveloped his father in a hug.

"I love you, Dad."

"I love you too, son," Membrane answered.

"Come back and visit sometime. You're always welcome."