Chapter Text
It was early in the morning, Dib sat on the dock with his legs crossed, watching the blue jay’s glide by.
The dew still lingered in on the bare tree branches , the snow had melted away, turning to slush. Making way for the spring flowers.
Dib had a smile on his face as he glanced down at the salty, blue water, sipping some apple juice.
Zim was taking a morning walk, Gir and Minimoose beside him, he was going to go get something to drink from the convince store.
Skoodge was one his way to Keef’s house to go get him.
Zim walked inside, grabbing his new favorite drink. Strawberry juice.
Ever since it’d first tried strawberries about a year ago, it became obsessed.
Zim payed for its drink and headed to the dock’s, sometimes Dib was there around this time.
Zim made xyr way to the docks, xe noticed Dib sitting on the edge.
Zim walked up to him, “Hey Dibby.” Xe purred, sitting beside him. “Hi Spaceboy” Dib smiled, “how are you feeling?” Zim asked, placing an arm on Dib’s shoulder.
“Good! I feel a lot better after getting that off my chest! I’m also not in as much pain anymore so that’s good!” Dib answered with a smile, taking a sip of his juice.
“I’m glad, Dib fish.” Zim grinned, giving Dib a smooch on the cheek.
“It was a great early birthday present!” Dib said, Zim just smiled in response.
“Do you wanna go somewhere? Like the bakery or something? My aunt sent me some birthday money.” Dib asked, “Sure!” Zim replied, the two getting up and heading to the local bakery, holding hands.
Zim and Dib walked through the streets until they reached the bakery.
The two walked inside, “What can I get for you to lovebirds today?” The baker asked, they were wearing a white shirt and a red tie, they also were wearing shiny black shoes and brown khakis.
“We’ll get two croissants” Dib said, “with extra chocolate!” Zim chimed in.
The baker handed the croissants to them, Dib payed afterwards and them and Zim headed to Skool, munching on their croissants.
Dib and Zim walked inside, the two shoving their belongings in their lockers.
Keef and Skoodge stood nearby, “Hey guys!” Keef greeted, he glanced at Dib, “How did your surgery go?” He asked, “Great!” Dib answered with a smile.
“What surgery?” Ms Bitters questioned, “I got top surgery!” Dib smiled, “Oh uh. Good for you I guess.” Ms Bitters grumbled, heading to class.
No wonder they were absent for so long. Ms Bitters thought to herself as she made her way inside the class room.
Dib and others went to class to, sitting down at their desks.
Tak and Tenn walked inside. Tenn walked up to Dib, “Hey Dib! How did your surgery go?” They asked, “Great!” Dib answered. “That’s good, I’m glad you recovered just fine!” She adds, “Me too, and you have Zim to thank.” Dib smiled, glancing at Zim, who was sitting on the other side of the room, “Get yourselves in a room.” Ms Bitters remarked, writing something on the chalkboard.
Soon, class began after the other students arrived.
Dib stared at the chalkboard as Ms Bitters lectured them about salmon, Zim was also glancing at the chalkboard too, with his feet propped up on the desk.
Ms Bitters noticed, “Zim, get your disgusting ass feet off the desk, NOW.” She demanded, Zim flinched, taking his feet off the desk and sitting like a “normal human worm-baby” would.
After some hours of Ms Bitters lecturing the class, the lunch bell rang.
Zim and Dib sprang up from their seats, running to the Cafeteria.
The two sat down at their usual table, Keef, Skoodge, Gaz, Tak and Tenn joining them.
Tak and Gaz held hands as they proofread Tak’s poetry, making sure to fix any grammar errors. Dib and Zim sat there, staring lovingly into each other’s eyes, while Keef, Tenn and Skoodge sat there chatting.
“Hey Dib, is there anything you want for your birthday?” Keef asked, “Oh um.. maybe a Mother Mother cd or something like that?” Dib replied, glancing at Keef. “Gotcha!” Keef replied back, sipping their grape juice.
Dib directed their attention back to Zim, hugging him tight, Zim let out a purr, wrapping his arms around Dib, placing its chin on top of Dib’s head.
Zim sniffed Dib’s hair. “Ew Dib-thing! You should really wash that hair of yours! It’s greasy!” Zim spat. “Yeah I should- I just keep forgetting.” Dib sighed.
“Make sure to use shampoo.” Tak chimed in, glancing up from her notebook, looking at the two directly in the eyes.
“I would. But Zim keeps drinking it!” Dib jeered, “It tastes so good though!” Zim replied, “It tastes like fruit!” Xe adds.
“Then get your own shampoo Zim!” Dib proposed, “where does Zim find this “shampoo” stuff?” Zim asked, “uh… Ugly Mart sells it I think.” Skoodge answered.
“Okay fine! Zim will go there and get some. And stop drinking the Dib-fish’s shampoo.” Zim sighed. “There, problem solved!” Skoodge smiled.
Zim and Dib then began to bicker about who was cuter like an old married couple, Gaz and Tak started paying in their Gameslave’s with Tenn, and Keef and Skoodge started chatting about musicals and marine biology.
•••
The next day.
Dib awoke to the sound of Touch Tone Telephone by Lemon Demon blaring from his alarm.
He sat up and slammed his hand against to top to make it shut up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and letting out a yawn.
He grabbed his glasses off the nightstand.
It was a warm day in mid April, they glanced up at the calendar.
April 15th.
Oh! It’s my birthday! Dib thought excitedly, springing out of bed, trying to find something to wear.
Dib chose a Cavetown shirt with Lemon Boy’s album cover and some denim pants, slapping on some alien socks.
They went downstairs, greeted by their father.
“Happy birthday son! You can now officially sing “Teenage Dirtbag” without feeling stupid!” He smiled, “Thanks Dad.” Dib smiled, “Happy birthday Dib.” Gaz said, giving Dib a fist bump.
Dib thanked her before sitting down at the breakfast table, however he was alarmed by the sound of the window opening, only to realize it was Zim.
“Happy birthday Dib-fish!” He smiled, he was holding something in his hands, but it then fell on the floor.
Dib sprang up from his seat and rushed over to Zim. “Are you okay?” He questioned, “yeah I’m fine.” Zim grumbled as Dib helped it up.
“Wanna eat with us?” Dib questioned, Zim nodded, joining them at the table.
Dib ate their chocolate muffin as Zim munched on some strawberries. “How are you feeling?” Zim asked, “Great!” Dib answered “I got you something!!” Zim smiled “Awe.. You didn’t have to do that! The top surgery was already a great gift!” Dib assured, “Well I wanted to get you something other then that… I hope you like it.” Zim replied.
Dib ripped the wrapping paper off of the box, then opening it, removing the tissue paper.
A very cute mothman plushie with button eyes laid inside, it looked much like a rosy maple moth.
A large grin appeared on Dib’s face, “I made it myself.” Zim said. “Aww! It’s so cute and soft! Thank you!” Dib smiled, “I’m glad you like it. I did research on moths for it.” Zim smiled back.
Dib pulled Zim into a hug, giving him a kiss on the cheek, “Is there any where you’d like to go for your birthday dinner son?” Professor Membrane questioned, “Yeah. How about Grape Garden.” Dib said, “alright, sounds good!” Professor Membrane smiled.
Professor Membrane went to go grab something, “I got you these. I hope you like them.” He said, handing Dib two Lemon Demon cds, one of them was View Monster, the other was Damn Skippy.
A huge grin appeared on Dib’s face at the sight.
“Thanks Dad!” Dib smiled, hugging their dad, “You’re welcome kiddo!” Professor Membrane replied, patting Dib’s head.
Dib then took a seat on couch, Zim cuddled up beside them, purring like a lawn mower. Dib placed their arm on Zim’s shoulder, then kissing his cheek.
The two watched some Rocko’s Modern Life, a show Gaz had introduced to Dib, Dib was laughing his ass off, Zim glanced at Dib in confusion.
“How is that funny?” He questioned, “It’s human humor Zim- Human adult humor to be specific.” Dib clarified. “Wait is this for adult humans?” Zim questioned, “No, it’s not specifically for adults, it’s actually a kids show but people of all ages enjoy it because of it’s adult jokes and how it discusses mature themes. Like getting your appendix removed.” Dib answered.
“What’s an “appendix?” Zim asked, “It’s a human organ. I’m not sure if Irkens have them-“ Dib answered.
“Oh. Okay.” Zim replied, then paying attention to the tv.
“You’re watching Rocko’s Modern Life without me!” Gaz frowned, “Sorry-“ Dib apologized, “You can join us.” Dib adds.
Gaz took a seat on the couch, her and Dib wheezing at a scene in the episode, Rocko was on the phone repeating “Oh Baby, oh baby, oh baby.”
Zim glanced the two in confusion, “I- I don’t get it?” It remarked.
Clembrane zoomed by, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON!” He grinned, “Thanks Dad.” Dib smiled, “IM MAKIN’ YOU SOME CAKE!” Clembrane proclaimed, “AND PUDDIN’!” He adds.
Dib thanked Clembrane as he headed to the kitchen.
Soon. The door bell rang, Professor Membrane walked to the door and opened it. Keef, Tenn, Skoodge, and Tak stood there.
“We came here to wish Dib a happy birthday!” Keef grinned, Professor Membrane welcomed them in.
“Hi Keef!” Dib greeted, “I got this for you! I hope you like it!” Keef said, handing Dib a small box, Dib ripped off the wrapping paper, scraps of it falling onto the floor.
He then carefully opened the box, it had sparkly red tissue paper inside, he tossed the tissue paper onto the floor, underneath it was a Mother Mother cd.
“Thanks Keef!” Dib beamed, “Your welcome!” Keef replied, giving Dib a hug.
Tak handed Dib a book, “I got you this. I know that you like the Loch Ness Monster and I spotted this at a bookstore when me and Gaz went there on a date. I thought you’d like it.” She said.
It was a book about a person who befriended the Loch Ness Monster.
“Thank you so much! I’ll have a blast reading this!” Dib smiled.
“And we got you this!” Skoodge and Tenn said in unison, handing Dib a very cute and silly looking Chupacabra plushie.
“Aww thanks!” Dib smiled, hugging the two.
“Thanks everyone! I really appreciate it!” Dib said, “You’re welcome!” Everyone said in unison.
Soon, Clembrane pulled out the cake from the fridge.
“Happy birthday son!” He smiled as he placed it on the table, “It’s your favorite! Confetti cake!” He adds.
Dib thanked Clembrane as he light the candles.
Gaz started playing the melody on her guitar.
“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Dib! Happy birthday to you!” Everyone sang in unison,
Dib then blew out the candles and everyone started to dig in.
Once everyone finished they placed their dishes in the sink, and they headed to the living room. “Well son, we’re not going to be going anywhere for a few more hours, is there anything you’d like to do in the meantime?” Professor Membrane asked, “Yeah. How about we watch a movie or something?” Dib answered, Professor Membrane nodded in approval.
Dib crawled towards the tv stand and rummaged through the dvd’s, trying to find the perfect movie.
Dib eventually found one about the Loch Ness Monster, “Aha!” He exclaimed, grabbing the dvd, “Found one!” They proclaimed, holding the dvd in their hand.
“Oh god…” Professor Membrane remarked as Dib insert the dvd into the dvd player, Dib sat down on the couch, Zim resting xyr head on their shoulder, munching on some popcorn with white chocolate drizzle.
•••
Later that evening
Professor Membrane, Dib, Gaz, Zim and Tak arrived home from the Italian restaurant, Grape Garden.
“I should be going, Mimi is probably worried..” Tak sighed with a frown. “Alright then, bye love.” Gaz said, giving Tak a kiss on the cheek, Tak giving her a kiss on the cheek back.
Tak then went back to mew’s base, meanwhile Zim was rambling about the minestrone, “Zim loves that “minestrone” thingy!” Zim beamed, Dib didn’t say anything, he just smiled in response.
“I’m glad you had a good time Zim.” He said, “Zim is glad to!” Zim replied with a grin.
“You should probably be getting home Zim. I wouldn’t want to leave Gir unattended for to long.” Dib advised, Zim then hugged Dib tight, “But I don’t want to leave you Fishboy!” Zim cried out dramatically, “it’s okay Zim, we’ll see each other again tomorrow!” Dib assured, stroking Zim’s back, giving xe a kiss on the forehead.
“Okay then, see you tomorrow, Fishboy~” Zim winked, “Oh shut it you!” Dib replied, affectionately, pretending to be annoyed, then giving Zim a kiss before he left.
•••
Later that night
Mimi snoozed on the carpet, Tak was downstairs in the laboratory, fixing a broken part on mew’s ship, Tenn was downstairs helping mew.
Mimi twitched in her sleep.
Mimi felt like something bad was going on, it could just feel its senses tingling.
“NOOOO!!” Mimi exclaimed as she watched the mysterious figure dragged Gaz out to their car. “You stop that!” She spat as she watched the ordeal, “YOU LET GO OF MY MASTER’S GIRLFRIEND! NOW!” She yowled, unsheathing her holographic claws, arching its spine.
“There’s nothing you can do, you stupid cat!!” The mysterious figure sneered maliciously, Mimi flattered its ears, “I’ll rip your eyeballs out and hang them on a rotary phone wire!” It threatened, hissing.
“Ha! I’d like to see you try!” The mysterious figure challenged.
Mimi shot up, exhaling deeply.
I need to go check on them! She decided, dashing towards the front door of the house and rushing outside, being sure to lock the front door before she left.
Mimi ran as fast as her legs could carry her, soon managing to reach the Membrane house.
Mimi watched in horror as she witnessed the man take the Professor Membrane, Dib and Gaz and throw them into a sack.
I need to do something! Mimi decided.
Mimi dashed over to Tak’s base, rushing inside and running down to the basement.
“Master! Tenn! I need to show you something!” Mimi urged, “It’s about Gaz!” she adds.
“Follow me!” She ordered, Tak and Tenn glanced at Mimi in confusion, but followed it anyway.
Mimi dashed over to the Membrane house, only to see the front door wide open, it flattened its ears as it stepped inside, Tak and Tenn following suit.
Tak glanced around, noticing the shattered window.
“I- were too late!” Mimi panicked, “what happened?” Tenn questioned, “There was this figure! It must’ve broke in through that window, I saw him go into the house! He kidnapped Professor Membrane, Dib and Gaz!” Mimi explained in a panic.
Rage boiled inside of Tak, “NO ONE KIDNAPPS MY GIRLFRIEND!” she shouted, Tenn was beginning to also feel a rage boil inside of them, “Why would they kidnap the Membrane’s of all people?” she questioned.
“Well to be fair, Membrane is a famous scientist, maybe they want something from him. However, that doesn’t explain why he’d kidnap Dib and Gaz.” Mimi pointed out.
“Maybe he’s seeking revenge.” Tenn speculated, Tak nodded. “Well, we need to figure out where they are and bring them back home. And I’m also going to give that barf bag of a kidnapper a piece of my mind while I’m at it.” Tak said, Tenn and Mimi nodded in agreement.
“Zim’s going to be a sobbing mess when we break the news to him…” Mimi frowned, “Mhm… just like when Dib was swept away by that current…” Tenn interjected.
“Well. I guess I’m going to have to work with him. This is going to be pants.” Tak remarked, Tenn glanced at Tak in confusion, “It’s a slang term for bad, usually used in Britain.” Mimi clarified.
Mimi, Tak and Tenn went on their way to Zim’s house, dreading its reaction to the horrible news.