A long way

chapter 3

Zim was frustrated beyond belief. Not because he was working on anything, but because he wasn't working on anything. He'd just spent the last week spending every minute of his free time trying to contact the Massive. The Tallest had told him that he was banished on Earth and then broke all lines of communication.

Zim hadn't bothered going back to class, instead spiraling into depression as he spent his time either recharing his PAK, trying to call the Massive, or just laying sprawled on his console trying not to cry his eyes out. How could he be torn from his people after all the years of dedicated sevice? How could they throw him away like...like he was nothing?

"Alert. There's someone at the front door," the Computer spoke up.

Zim was still face down in his crossed arms, moping. "I don't care," he mumbled.

"It's the Dib human," the Computer clarified.

Zim groaned. "What is he doing here?"

It wasn't really a question directed towards the Computer, but still it responded. "He doesn't look like he's going to try anything. He's not even trying to sneak in. He's just standing at the front door,"

Zim's lekku perked at that, confused. "He's not? But...I've been gone from class so long..." Zim's face fell even more. "Maybe he's realized my uselessness as well. Like the Tallest have,"

"Only one way to find out,"

Zim nodded, trying to compose himself as he stood. He took several deep breaths as he rode the platform up, not willing to let Dib see him weak. Even if he no longer had a mission, he had his pride. That was all he had left. It was far too quick for him to reach the front door. He ignored Gir running around screaming about the Scary Monkey show and opened the front door, his disguise in place. "Dib-beast. What are you doing here? Planning to rip my organs out as you've boasted so many times before?" No point in saying he'd welcome that at this point.

Dib shook his head, a smile on his face. It wasn't arrogant, though, as it used to be. It was genuine. "No. Actually I just wanted to come and see if you'd be willing to come with me somewhere,"

"Go somewhere with you?"

"Yeah. I won't say what or where, but it's important,"

Zim bit the inside of his cheek, vaugely hearing Gir continuing to scream in the livingroom behind him. "Important for you or for me?" His voice sounded dull even to him.

Dib caught the tone and became confused. "Ah...both of us..." What's with him? First he bails on school and now this?

Zim was silent for what seemed forever, his fake violet eyes staring into Dib's. Finally he nodded, solemn. "Fine then. Lead the way," He shut the door behind him, waiting for Dib to make his move.

The young raven-haired teen looked at Zim confused again before deciding to keep his mouth shut, leading Zim to his dad's lab.

oooo

So I was right. Here it is: the walk of shame to the autopsy table. Zim held back a sob torn between relief and fear and he walked alongside Dib, seeing the nervous glances the boy gave him. Go ahead. Gloat. There's no way you could make me feel worse than I do. Once they were inside and in the lower levels, Zim sighed, breaking the silence between them. "So? What is it? What is so important?"

"It's hard to explain," Dib replied, "but I think it's something you'll like,"

"What is that supposed to mean?" Dib didn't reply. He just grinned like an idiot and pulled Zim in front of a large window leading into a room past the large metal hall they stood in. Zim scowled but looked in as Dib gestured for him to do. Okay, so Membrane, another scientist, and... Zim's eyes shot open. And...

Dib looked to see Zim's reaction, expecting Zim to deny the figure on the other side of the window. He didn't expect the look on Zim's face to be so...horrified. "Zim? Are you okay?"

Zim felt his cardiac-spooch pound madly. His vision blurred and his breath quickened to pants. Unable to respond, his fake violet eyes rolled back and he fell to the ground, barely aware of Dib yelling his name as he faded into darkness.

oo

Membrane perked up hearing his son's voice. "Dib?"

Spork looked to the window as Membrane did, recognizing the black-furred post-smeet alien. The Dib-alien, however, wasn't looking back at them. He was trying to keep someone from falling to the floor. Someone dressed in a very recognizible uniform...

"Dib!" Membrane rushed to the hall, not noticing Spork trailing behind him.

Dib was panicking. "Dad! He just...He fainted!"

"Move aside," Membrane went to help lower Zim to the ground, making sure to be careful of his neck.

Spork's eyes shot open as he saw the face of the one on the ground. "Zim!"

Dib jolted, turning to Spork. "So...he is the Irken you were looking for,"

Spork rushed to Zim's side, not answering. "Zim?" He moved to stroke Zim's cheek in a soothing gesture. "Zim..." He smiled at the sight of the smaller Irken before him, even if the other was unconscience. "Please wake up...I need you to open your eyes,"

Dib gave his father a questioning look to see if he'd heard the alien speaking his native tounge, too. Membrane shrugged in response and pulled away from Zim's form, gesturing for Dib to do the same. Quietly they watched at the taller one continued to try and urge the other awake.

Dib watched carefully. It seemed like such a weird display...Like Spork had genuine affection for Zim. All his years of spying on Zim and his conversations with his leaders, Dib had never seen Zim given this kind of attention. He frowned as he tried to think of why Spork was being so careful. Spork then picked Zim up into his arms, bridal style, and carried the smaller one into the room, placing Zim on the platform that had been used by Spork as a sort of bed since he had arrived. Dib stepped closer as Spork carefully removed Zim's wig. "Um...Spork?"

"Hm?" Spork's eyes stayed on Zim, running a thumb just beside one of Zim's lekku.

"Are you...like...Zim's parent or something?"

Spork chuckled. "No...Actually I'm his lover,"

_____________________
I would have updated the other day but meh