A simple on syllable word but such a labyrinth of emotion hidden behind it. Zim had never been one to read emotions; it had never before been a necessity. But in that one, otherwise meaningless word, he saw a story played before him. A story of pain and loneliness, a story that reminded him so much of his life he almost fell over. Was this Dibs story? Was this what was held behind the thick glasses and the horribly unkept hair? But it was so familiar.

"Dib," Zim replied feeling his lips move and hearing his voice, but never having to think of it. It was like a dream, so uncannily like a dream he felt if he pinched his arm he would find himself curled up on the warm cushioned armchair that sat in his lab. He felt no control whatsoever over his body. And still they floated in this dream like purgatory, everything gone, blurred by emotion until it was rival against rival.

He wanted to know, why was Dib crying? He wanted to know why his eyes were open letting Zim stare right into his soul. He wanted to know why they weren't fighting and swearing and trying to tear each other to bits. A sudden shocking wave of curiosity mixed with confusion washed over Zim, only hours before he had looked the same. Was it he wasn't as alien as he thought? What was he talking about? He wasn't human; certainly not! But then again, he wasn't Irken either.

Again the misty haze started to engulf Zim as he was shot back into the harsh reality that he lived in. His eyes were open and never again would he be able to close them short of contracting amnesia. He glanced around himself, for the first time taking in the surroundings of the limbo he was in. It was black, not black like the night, or black like under the bathroom sink. It was the bone chilling black that no light could penetrate and it surrounded him on every side. He was alone; standing on a platform made of broken rock, and blurred images floated across the black.

Visions of Irkens and of humans, visions of the stars and of the two moons that orbited him 'home planet.' An unmistakable pang of loneliness shot from Zims insides and made its icy way through his veins all around his body. Who was he? He had lost himself in the battle for his emotions and he couldn't remember. Where did he belong? Was there any place he could call home? He had lost his Irk, his home, his refuge, his pride and his joy. And now here he was, standing confused with images and questions revolving around him like a ghost in a dream his heart pounding furiously in his ears and an icy terror streaking through his veins. He was alone - no he wasn't just alone, he was lost.

"What are you doing here Zim?"

The question came, startling Zim back to the world of color where the setting sun reflected off Dibs eyes turning them and unearthly red hue. But that failed to bother Zim; it was the question that made his body shudder and small goose pimples to crawl up his legs and arms. Such a simple question but no simple answer made it to Zims mind. 'What are you doing here?' What was he doing here? His purpose on this planet had long past its expiry date and now he was just a ghost, a drifter desperately trying to find a final destination.


"I don't know..." Zim whispered to himself, drawing a confused stare from Dib. Dib! Zim had almost forgotten about Dib. He looked back up into Dibs questioning eyes, the pit of emotion now slowly closing itself. Every trace of tears had vanished and his head was now cocked slightly to one side. But why had he been crying? Could it be...

"You don't know why you're here" Dib stated, a hint of a smile playing across his lips, but disappearing as soon as it had come.

Was it possible Dib had been crying for the same reason he had been? Was it possible he was just as alone as him? Of course it was possible! But was it true? He had seen his eyes; he had seen his soul. Now he remembered where he had seen them before! He thought back to when he had glanced into his own eyes in the bathroom and everything suddenly became crystal clear. It was his eyes, it was his life, Dib was the same as him, and he was the same as Dib. The loneliness, the neglect, the pain; they had been the same before, but never as similar as this! It was like they had lived the same life under different circumstances. Zim felt a ghost of a smile tug at his lips, maybe he wasn't as alone as he had first thought.

"Uhm I wanted to say..." Zim started catching a glimpse of Dibs expecting glance. He trailed off into silence, words failing him for the moment. This received another smile from Dib, but this time it lasted longer.

"Do you want to come in?"

I can take you to a star made out of crystal
I can show you a sky made out of golden leaves

Dib sniffed again, wiping his eyes and nose with the back of his hand. He glanced up at his father, and then down at Gaz; who was, of course, engulfed in her game. Not a tear reached either of their eyes, nor a sob to their throats, what was wrong with them? Or was there something wrong with him? It was normal to grieve ones mothers' death wasn't it? He shook his head furiously. What was he thinking, of course it was normal! They were the uncaring, soulless monsters. How could his father, of all people, not even grieve his own wives' death? Then that theory popped into his head, did he even notice?

Dib angrily picked at the tissue that was crumpled up in his hand; grabbing a small piece off it then rolling it up in his fingers and throwing it on the ground before his feet. He was angry, that was obvious; she didn't care, just like everyone else! If she didn't care then who did? Was his darkness winning? Maybe she did care but he was so blinded by the stupid darkness to hear her. But then how did that explain everyone else? He could see and hear them clearly; it was quite obvious they resented him. Then, on cue, the sadness slowly crept in.

It had been like this ever since his visit, the whole way home. First he would be confused, asking himself unanswerable questions. Where was she? Did she care? Why didn't they cry? Then he would get mad because he couldn't answer them; it was so frustrating. And then the depression; like a ten-ton weight in his stomach it would come. And the tears would only too soon follow. And right now, the tears were coming, he could feel them prick at the corner of his eyes, could see his vision start to blur. And he did nothing to stop them.

He stopped for a second, stifling a sob. He didn't want to be crying, but the tears came. It was hopeless to stop them, his emotions were at their peak, like every year, but this year was particularly painful. He ran his tongue across his dry lips, his hands shaking while picking apart the tissue. Every year, every year so far he had heard her voice, why not now? Why not this year when everyone else was so far away? When he needed her the most, why didn't she come? The questions again, soon the anger; it would soon be complete.

But his circle of emotions was stopped abruptly when he glanced up at the path ahead of him, only to lock eyes with the familiar, fake, sky blue irises that belonged to Zim. He sniffed sharply blocking a sob and hastily wiping his eyes with his hand. What was Zim doing here? How long ago had he followed Zim home, only to find him in the same state he was in? Crying like a child. It had only been a few hours ago, but here he was; dry eyed, and probably looking for a fight. All of Dibs other questions were pushed aside to make room for the dominant one, Why had Zim been crying? He had asked himself that same question before, but still his mind drew a blank.

What did it matter anyway? It's not like Zim cared, and it wasn't like he cared about Zim either. He was probably here for the same reason as everyone else, to tell him how much of a loser he was and throw something at him. But one glance in Zims eyes told him otherwise. It was such a confused look, like what he imagined his eyes looked like right now. Confused and... lost? Dib thought back to their encounter on Zims doorstep. He had looked lost then too, lost and scared, and alone; so much like what he felt now. Their similarities were amazing; this wasn't the first time he had noticed this.

Without even noticing it, Dibs world seemed to crumble around him leaving him standing there, in the middle of this stark blackness on a slab of ground only big enough for him. It was him and Zim, standing, staring, neither speaking, neither moving. It was unnerving, the silence, he needed to break it, but was scared of what would happen. It was deafening, and Zims eyes bore into his open soul. He needed to get away, but he wasn't sure how.

"Zim..." He whispered satisfied at the result it had. The blackness faded and stars like the night sky started to appear. But Zims eyes refused to move, staring so deep into his it was hypnotizing; he didn't dare look away.

"Dib..." Zim replied in a monotone so unlike him. And so many emotions passed over his face. First he looked confused, his head cocking slightly to one side as if he wanted to ask Dib a question but didn't know how to put it. Then his forehead furrowed in anger, as if Dibs lack of response angered him. Then, like the circle that had so recently engulfed Dib, his face softened and his eyes became so sad, and lost. Exactly as they had been only hours before, on the doorstep near the unkept garden and lawn gnomes that guarded his house.

Dib furiously shook his head, blinking himself back to the world of color. He didn't like it there, in that limbo of silence and darkness. It reminded him of the loneliness that he suffered everyday. But Zim still seemed to be trapped there, alone. His eyes were glazed and had a far off look in them, but his face was contorted slightly with terror, like he was having a nightmare in the middle of the afternoon, in the middle of the streets, just outside of Dibs house.

"What are you doing here Zim?"

The question came, he hadn't even meant to say it, but it had done its job. Zim blinked and his eyes were focused but still confused. He blinked a few times, but never once removed his gaze from Dibs. He seemed to be contemplating the question as if Dib had just asked him the meaning of life.

"I don't know..." Zim replied drawing a confused glance from Dib

He wasn't here to fight? He wasn't here to swear? He wasn't here to reign doom down upon the earth? Something was definitely wrong with Zim, and it wasn't just his eyes. His attitude, his demeanor, they had changed so suddenly, only a few days ago he had been plotting doom, well maybe not, but he had certainly been more Zimmy than he was now. Maybe it was a ploy, a play on his emotions. No Zim wasn't that smart, and it wouldn't have lasted this long. And his voice wouldn't be so quiet, and there were a lot of things that told Dib other wise, he didn't spend all year watching the alien for nothing. But he couldn't shake the feeling of foreboding that pricked at the back of his neck.

"You don't know what you're doing here?" He asked a small smile tugging at his lips. But it vanished as soon as it had come. Zim really was confused. If that wasn't enough to set him off on a long speech about how he would doom mankind, then as far as Dibs knowledge went he was innocent. Zim opened his mouth as if to speak, but closed it quickly giving Dib a confused look. What was going through his brain? So many questions ran through Dibs brain he could barely get a hold of one! But the main one was; could this be his chance? Finally after so long he could tell Zim, he could ask Zim about the stars.

"Uhm I was going to say..." Zim started, yes he was innocent. When words fail Zim something is definitely wrong, this was his chance. He felt a small smile creep to his lips in spite of himself. Maybe today wasn't as bad as he first thought.

"Do you want to come in?"

I can find you anything you wish to be found
If you just take this chance and follow me.

Zim followed Dib into the double story house, glancing around in wonder at the unruly front lawn, compared to the perfectly mowed and cut grass of the neighbors. Dib stood holding the front door open, a small but pleasant smile gracing his lips. It wasn't like Dib to look so calm around him, it was slightly unnerving but at the same time, comforting. He smiled back feeling it come out a little awkward but satisfied at the overall effect. Dibs cheeks turned a light shade of pink and he diverted his eyes following Zim inside and closing the door.

"Dib why is Zim here?" Zim glanced over at Dibs younger sister, she seemed confused and slightly annoyed, the little toy she always carried around balanced in her hands and a piece of pizza dangling out of her mouth. Zim watched Dib as he shifted his gaze from Gaz to him then back again. He shrugged and grabbed Zims arm pulling him up the stairs to a door with posters of UFOs and other abnormal things plastered all over it.

Zim couldn't say anything, his mind reeling with questions and thoughts. What was he doing here inside the enemies house? But how long ago had he stopped calling him enemy? The change had been so sudden; he didn't even realize it. One moment he was Zim; the next someone else. And the same for Dib, when had he stopped wanting to 'expose' him? Was this another of Dibs plots to reveal his secret? No, Dib wasn't that smart. And he wouldn't have been able to keep the act up this long.

"This is my room" Dib said opening the door to reveal a sea of clothes and paper. It didn't look like anything at the moment; all sorts of gadgets lay strew across the floor, and, Zim noticed, several pictures of him with and without his disguise. It was creepy, but at the same time... charming. He didn't know where that word had come from, it seemed appropriate though. Dib rushed in before Zim and threw some things off what he presumed was a bed, and motioned for him to sit.

'Uh sorry it's a bit messy," Dib apologized crawling up the ladder to his 'bed' and sitting cross-legged on it.

"A bit messy?" Zim mumbled to himself as he picked his way around the odd bits of stuff and climbed up the ladder. Zim couldn't help but keep shifting in the uncomfortable silence that hung over both of them. He could tell Dib was feeling just as out of place as he was. He scanned his brain for something, anything to say, but nothing came. He had never been this tongue tied before, at least around Dib; there was always something to say, usually too much. He bit down hard on his bottom lip; there were so many questions he had wanted to ask Dib, but now they seemed to fly out of his head.

"Uh do you want something to drink?" Dib asked nervously biting his bottom lip. Then obviously remembering Zims dislike for human food, brought his hands up to cover his mouth.

"No I'm fine." Zim replied softly.

The silence was deafening. It was crushing him like a ten thousand-ton weight. He couldn't bare it, it suffocated him; he was drowning in it, the dead silence that filled the messy room. He needed to break it, he had to say something, do something; but still his mind drew a blank. He glanced up into Dibs eyes; it was obvious he was just as uncomfortable with the silence. It was strange to think about it, but for some reason when he looked into Dibs eyes, like he was just now, his insides would go all light and funny, like someone had taken all the gravity out of his organs and they were floating happily inside him. And the silence didn't seem to bother him anymore.

"Uh Zim..." Zim blinked, startled, yet relieved at the noise that now filled the room.

Dib looked down, picking nervously at the sheets, his hands obviously shaking. Again the feeling of anti gravity filled Zims belly and he felt his face flush. What was wrong with him? Why did these strange things keep happening to him? It was almost the same as when he had found that paper clip in the hallway. But now it was deeper, more meaningful. He had a sudden urge to reach out and grab Dibs hand, to stop the violent shaking that now coursed through it, but he restrained himself. What would he think if all of a sudden they had contact? But why did that bother him anyway?

"I've been wanting to ask you... um..." Dib continued his eyes darting around the room nervously, everywhere but at Zim.

"Yes..." Zim prodded. Dib looked up surprised at Zims voice, hadn't he expected him to talk? His hand was shaking even worse then before and he had to clench it into a fist to stop. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Dib made eye contact and it was the most bizarre thing Zim had seen. Through all his travels, through all his years, he had never soon something so- so... he didn't know how to put it. Beautiful?

"Uhm I wanted to ask you." He started again his sentence stopping abruptly half way through and his mouth hanging open slightly. And, if it were possible, Zims belly lightened even more.

"What's- what's it like in the stars?" He choked out, his face flushing a deep shade of crimson.

The stars? Why did he want to know that? What's it like in the stars? It's beautiful, it's amazing; it's perfect, it's everything that earth isn't. It's everything and nothing; it's huge, it's dark; it's terrifying. It's nothing and everything, why did it matter? He can see the stars from here; it's the same, but everywhere. You're engulfed in the stars; they surround you on every side. You're drowning in a see of stars, and there's nothing to stop you succumbing to insanity, nothing but the knowledge that the stars aren't everything. And if you're not careful you'll find yourself lost in those same droplets of crystal that bewitch you with their beauty. But why were the stars important?

"Why?"

There's not a lot of time to talk about it
the sky beyond is not going away, but this earth is and soon

"Why?"

Why? Why not? The stars were all he had ever wanted; they had been his escape, his release, his dreams, they had kept him from thinking of her. They had given him refuge from the sorrows and hardships of the days, and sprinkled their crystal beauty over the darkness that engulfed his heart. The stars were everything to him; they were the only things that kept him alive through the grieving and the loneliness. They held his past and his future in their twinkling hands. It was only natural he would want to know.

Dib glanced up at Zim feeling his face flush with embarrassment. Where did that come from? His heart skipped a beat at the thought that forced its way into his head. Was he in love with Zim? No that couldn't be it, Zim was an alien; Zim was his enemy. But how long had it been since he stopped calling him enemy? He was here now, sitting on his bed, his eyes, not angry or sadistic or malicious like they should be. But waiting, patient, no he wasn't his enemy anymore. But that didn't mean he loved him, then what was that funny pricking feeling in his chest? What was that squirming in his stomach? It wasn't the cafeteria food, he hadn't eaten anything since breakfast, so then why did he feel so... funny?

"The stars?" Zim, asked but it was more of a statement that a question. His gloved hand was resting on his chin and his face contorted in thought.

Dib couldn't say anything as another wave of... funny, washed through him. How he wished it was his hand that rested so perfectly on Zims' chin. Dib blinked at the thought, careful not to show too many of these feeling through. What was his thinking; his hand on Zims' chin? That wasn't right. He removed his eyes from Zim, looking around, trying to find anything to distract his thoughts. But everywhere he looked it would link back to Zim. All the photos, the gadgets, even his clothes reminded him somehow of Zim. So he settled his eyes on his lap, as his shaking hands picked at the bed sheets.

"Well I don't really know..." Zim finished suddenly making Dib jump slightly. He must have caught that movement and was now staring questioningly at him, one invisible eyebrow raised. Dib coughed nervously trying anything to get Zim to stop staring. It was making him uncomfortable, well anymore uncomfortable than he already was. It almost felt like Zim was undressing him with his eyes. Dibs eyes widened and he mentally slapped himself at the thought. No! This wasn't right, these feelings, these thoughts, they were so very wrong.

"Are you okay?" Zim asked moving his head closer to Dibs and peering into his averted eyes.

Dib felt his heart tighten then start beating faster than it ever had. Zim was too close, so close; it was driving him insane. He wanted to reach over and press his lips against his. Dib flinched at the thought, his movement obviously being caught by Zim. He glanced up but refused to make eye contact. Zim looked scared. No, not scared, worried. Out of the corner of his eye Dib could make him out, scrutinizing him, picking him apart with his sky blue lenses. Why was he being tormented like this? All he wanted to know was what was in the stars. Where had this, this... attraction come from? It had just appeared and now it was torturing him.

"Dib?" Dib flicked his eyes over to Zims but immediately regretting it, "What's wrong? Do you have one of those Earth viruses or something?"

You could call it that; yes that was a perfect word. But it wasn't an earth virus; it was a... what did Zim call it again? An Irken virus. Zim had given him a virus, one that squished his stomach around and made his heart thump frantically in his chest; because he certainly wasn't in love with the alien. He had only loved one thing in his life, and he would never make that mistake again. Then a thought popped into his head. Out of no where it came but it seemed like a good idea.

"Zim..." Dib started, his eyes never once leaving Zims, "Can you, can you take your disguise off?"

Zim seemed baffled by the question, his eyes darting around the room nervously. Did he suspect something? He again locked eyes with Dib (the virus kicking in again) his mouth moving, opening and closing, but no words coming out. Maybe that wasn't the best question; maybe he should have stuck to the stars. He had only just, a few minuets ago, hopefully, gained Zims trust, did he just blow it all in that one stupid question?

"You- you don't have to," Dib tried waving his hands frantically, "I-I was just curious, I'm not going to take photos or anything, I-I just want to see..."

Zim blinked a few times, his teeth showing over his bottom lip as he chewed it thoughtfully.

"Okay..."

Dib gasped (much to Zims amusement) and sat back, his eyes wide with shock. He was really going to do it. Dib waited with baited breath, his heart a jackhammer in his chest. Slowly, too slowly, Zim reached up and removed his wig. Dib had seen it before, he had photos of Zim without his disguise, but now he was so close. Before Dib knew it, Zims toupee was off and two thin antennae were uncurling themselves. Dib stared; he couldn't do anything else. He managed to unlock his gaze from the antenna and bring his eyes down to Zims.

"Can- can I touch them?" He asked nervously

Zim seemed to be pondering the question as he reached his hands up to massage the appendages. He furrowed his brow, then looked down and Dib and gave a wordless nod. Dib couldn't contain his excitement, this was better than photos, this was better than drawings; this was the real thing. He reached his shaking hand up and gently stroked one of the long black antennae. Zims body shook slightly, Dib noticed, and his eyes shut tightly. He forced all of the bizarre thoughts out of his head, intent on this being none more than an encounter with an alien. He removed his hand from the antenna and Zims body relaxed slightly, his jaw and his fists unclenching. And despite all his efforts Dib couldn't help but think that that was a show of intimacy in Zims race.

Without Dib even having to ask, Zim reached up and started pulling off the contacts that blocked his real eyes from the world. With a sickening slurp, one of the contacts peeled off revealing a river of thick sticky looking goo; almost like paste, and one large magenta orb. Every one of Dibs limbs went numb with shock, his mouth hanging open slightly. If this were the case a few days ago he would be frantically taking pictures yelling at Zim how he would finally expose him for the alien he so is. But now, he could barely breathe. With the adrenaline gone there was nothing stopping him from realizing how amazing Zims eyes really were. The other lens was off with as much grace as the other one, and staring back at him were not the fake blue eyes Zim had dubbed as his own; but two large ruby jewels, unlike anything Dib had seen before. It was breathtaking.

Not to rush, but you should come while you still have the chance
We could watch it all or feast our eyes on something new

Zim smiled smugly as he watched Dibs eyes flick from his antennae to his eyes and back again. He didn't know why it was so, but seeing this childish delight in Dibs eyes brought him a sense of being. He was still a little wary, he knew he shouldn't trust Dib, how many times had he tried to kill him or expose him? But what did he have to lose? It wasn't as if he could fail his mission anymore, it wasn't as if it really mattered if he got off this rock in one piece or several. And plus Dib looked so... cute like that.