Broken Together

Reminders

After an interesting weekend, we had to head back to school. Something Zim wasn't too fond of.

"Come on, Zim. I know you're scared, but everything is gonna be ok. You're an invader! Nothing scares them! Right?" I pleaded.

"Fine. I'll go to school." Zim sighed. Walking out of his house, he intwined his hand with mine.

"Plus, you've got me! I'm only a text away, no matter where you are. Unless I'm asleep, I guess. And I've got something else that might help as well."

"What is it?" Zim asked. I pulled the gift in question out of my backpack. I had made it in Zim's lair when he went out to walk GIR. It was a bracelet made out of black leather cords that I had found in my backpack. Why I had them in there, I'll never know, but they were there. They had been braided tightly together, and was dotted with random black and white beads I had found in my backpack as well. Honestly, I still to this day don't understand how those got there.

"Is the Dib trying to mark his territory?" Zim crooned. I blushed.

"No! I just, I thought that if for some reason I couldn't text you, or hold your hand, this would remind you that there's someone out there who loves you."

"You love me?" Zim asked. Crap, was that too soon? I wasn't even thinking about it. But I mean, I do... Just play it cool.

"Yeah. You got a problem with that?" I teased.

"No. I love you too, Dib. I just didn't know it was ok to say so now."

"Really?"

"Do you believe Zim would say that if he did not believe that?" Zim cried.

"Give Dib a break!" I mocked light-heartedly "He just was confirming it!"

Zim cracked a smile, and put on the bracelet. It fit perfectly. I was worried it would be too big. Thank goodness it wasn't.

Now on to another long day.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

I sat down in the cafeteria. So far, I hadn't gotten any texts from Zim. Which was good. Hopefully. I nibbled nervously on a slice of pizza while I waited.

Zim sat next to me, and opened a bag of Oreos and mini donuts . Zim has quite the sweet tooth doesn't he? I need to make note of that.

"Hey. How's your day been so far? Good, I assume?" I asked.

"Horrible. I forgot how many classes I share with her." Zim shuddered.

I pulled Zim into a hug. "Sorry dude. You could have texted me about it if you wanted to."

"Argh, I forgot about that! I'm so sorry, Dib." Zim cried.

"No need to apologize, Zim. You're not used to having someone who can support you. I completely understand. You don't even have to do it. You hear seemed so happy to know I could help you I figured everything was ok."

"The bracelet helped." Zim added. "And I made one for you!"

"Aww Zim," I blushed, "You didn't have to-"

"TAKE IT!" Zim yelled. I chuckled, and examined it. It was intricately made of wires, with resistors soldered into it in various parts.

"This is so cool!" I exclaimed, kissing Zim on the cheek.

"Of course it is. Zim made it!" Zim yelled. He then shuddered.

"What's wrong?" I asked, concern flowing through my voice.

"Do you ever get the feeling you're being watched?" Zim asked.

"Yeah... I think we're both pretty familiar with that feeling. Who do you think is watching you?"

Zim glanced around, then whispered in my ear; "At your five 'o clock." I didn't even know Zim knew that phrase.

I glanced over to my five 'o clock. Brooding there was a gloomy shadow of long fire-y red hair.

Sally.

"She's been doing that all day." Zim whispered.

"Well, it's only natural. You did break up with her. Just keep an eye on it. If it gets worse we might wanna get the school involved. Right now it seems fairly harmless, but it could escalate into something worse."

"Yes, you're right. Thank you, Dib." Zim sighed.

"You're welcome."

"You know, I realize you probably have it just as bad as me. That's why I made you your bracelet. To remind you that, just as you love me and are there for me, I will be there for you too, and love you too." Zim comforted.

"You know," I chuckled, "For an alien Hell-bent on destroying earth, you're pretty sweet."

"Yesss. Zim is sweet!"

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

A surge of anxiety filled my body as I headed for seventh period. I do not want to deal with this today.

I was reminded of the weight of Zim's bracelet on my wrist. It felt like an anchor pulling me out of my anxiety. I took a deep breath, and rubbed the bracelet. It's gonna be ok.

I walked into the classroom. She acted as though I didn't even exist, as though another poser loser had walked through the room. This shouldn't have bothered me, but it kinda did. I should have been relieved, but I felt worse. It felt worse because it confirmed my suspicions.

She never did love me, and I will never be more than an acquaintance.

You know, at least the person you loved still acknowledges your existence- D

Is Lizzy ignoring you?- Z

Yep.-D

That sucks. Actually makes me appreciate my situation more.-Z

It's like I'm just some stranger!-D

You're not. You're my Dib. Who cares what that inferior human thinks?-Z

Good point. Thanks, that helped a lot.-D

No problem. It's my job.-Z

I smiled. You know, I wouldn't mind spending the rest of my life with Zim.

Even if he does end up taking over the world.

Of course, that's not gonna happen. But that's aside the point.

What I'm trying to say is, I would be ok with following Zim throughout the cosmos.