Double Crossed (Invader Zim)

Chapter 3

Until the final five minutes of the episode, neither of us says anything. I wish I'd recorded this one, because I've missed half of it. Zim seems to have finally settled back into watching it, though he hasn't moved back to the other side of the couch. I take this as a good sign. Quietly, I take a deep breath.

"Zim," I begin, though I keep my head facing the TV.

"Yes, Dib-stink?"

"Uh... so about yesterday..." I start awkwardly, "I've been thinking."

I can feel Zim tense up. I finally turn my head, and so does he. "What of it?" he asks. His voice sounds strained, and his cheeks are still blue. I'm convinced now that he's in denial about the cold thing, but I ignore it. If I mention it, we'll just start arguing.

"Listen. I know we've been enemies for awhile now." And if this goes wrong, we'll still be. "But y'know, after yesterday, I was... I was thinking. Maybe we could just... cool down a bit. Maybe be... I dunno, something like..." I trail off, aware of how stupid I sound.

"Friends?" Zim asks. His voice has it's usual edge to it.

At least I didn't have to say it first. "Yeah. I mean, if something happens and one of us disappears... well, you saw what happened last time."

Zim seems to mull this over. it takes him a few moments, but he finally turns back to me. "This 'friendship' thing doesn't seem like a terrible idea, at least. I have decided to accept your offer." He looks composed on the outside, but here's a tint of almost relief in his voice. Was he thinking this too? He's very proud, maybe he was waiting for me to say it first.

As the ending credits of Mysterious Mysteries are playing, Zim scootches over to sit right next to me. "I wish to stay for another." It's phrased almost like a question, but his tone makes it sound like a command.

"You don't need to ask," I say. "Stay as long as you like. That's what friends do."

He'd never admit it if I asked, but I could have sworn I saw the edges of Zim's mouth curve up just the slightest bit.

An uncomfortable feeling sweeps over me, almost as if someone is watching us without our knowledge. I turn around to look around the room, but no one's there. I shrug internally and turn back to the TV.

"Now that we're 'friends', I feel it is appropriate to share that your home is horribly frigid," Zim says, leaning back onto the cushion behind him.

"So you finally admit that you're cold." Zim rolls his eyes but nods. "Well there's some blankets I can-"

"I can fetch them myself, thank you," Zim interrupts, pushing himself up. I almost ask if he knows where they are, but he wouldn't want directions anyways. Friends or no, Zim will be Zim. At least he finally said thank you for once. He turns the corner into the kitchen and I hear him walking up the stairs.

Suddenly, the door slams open, followed by a very angry, very roughed up Zim. He's not wearing a shirt and I fight to keep my eyes away from the scar running up his stomach and chest.

"You," he growls. I back up to the other side of the couch.

"Zim, what are you-"

"You filthy human liar!" Zim lunges towards me, grabbing for my neck. I push my hands against his, keeping the sharp claws from puncturing my throat.

"Dib? Is there someone here?" Zim calls from upstairs.

"No, Zim, it's okay! Just... Keep looking!" How are there two Zims?