I think I'm Dumb or Maybe Just Happy (Invader Zim x Reader)

7: The Sound of Love's Marching Band, How They Hold You Like a Gun

Hi! Quick trigger warning before the chapter; there is some mention of self-harm. Nothing actually happens nor have any of the characters done that but (Y/N) explains it to Zim briefly.

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You struggled to put your thights on your leg while standing on only one. You had chosen one of your favorite outfits to wear. There were some mixed feelings about this date that you could set apart. Zim had looked so enthusiastic at the thought of this yesterday. You couldn't say no to him. But this was your first date, you were kind of anxious, yet excited.

Failure was scary, to say the least. It's not like you needed to succeed at this, Zim thought Tak's torture towards him was affection. It'd be hard to cause so much of a disaster that even Zim might start suspecting something. Even then, the thought of doing something of the sort with someone you didn't truly love wasn't very endearing.

You moved to wear the rest of your clothes. Over your black tights were some fancy striped shorts in black and white that were reminiscent of ancient Greek sculptures, especially with the design on the side. It was made to look more like a skirt, all with the elegant zipper running down its front. And the fabric that appeared outwardly covering the shorts' part underneath it.

You tucked in it a striped shirt to match, and a black band shirt to add both contrast and balance. Over that, you had a blue jean jacket that you had previously decorated with pins and some patches. You were particularly fond of that jacket since you chose and made every detail in its customization. Adding to the sentimental value, you wore a matching necklace that your friends had bought for the entire group.

You accessorized a bit more with some simple jewelry and an eyeliner technique that you learned on the internet. You didn't usually put so much effort into your looks but you figured this was a chance to both look cool and express yourself. Besides, first impressions are important, even if you'd already introduced yourself and this was just your first date.

Finally leaving your bathroom, after looking at your reflection in the mirror, you decided on what to bring. It could get boring and awkward very quickly when you had nothing to do or talk about. So much so, that it only takes about 4 seconds for silence to become awkward. That's barely enough time to think, so you'd have to think now. You took your phone, keys, money and your earphones.

You figured you could introduce him to some good music. It would be a lot easier to do something fun (without him questioning you) if you played it off as being part of your culture, which it was. You quickly wrote down potential conversation topics on your phone's note app and shoved some snacks into your bag. You searched for any Latino restaurants in the area, they always served the best food. Also, you wanted açaí.

You sincerely hoped Zim wouldn't be allergic to it. You brought a water bottle, making sure to filter it in case you accidentally spilled it on him. You were quite clumsy. You went on a walk after leaving his house the other day and looked for pretty areas in the town. Those were, as it seems, a bit hard to come by here, but you found some regardless.

It wasn't exactly clear in your mind why you even cared so much about this in the first place. That was probably more strange. You always prided yourself on understanding your thoughts and feelings.

You checked the time again. This was probably the 6th time you did that since you finished getting ready. You didn't understand either, what you were so worried about. You planned everything out, which you never do. Everything except for the fun parts, of course. Those were best when allowed to be spontaneous. You put on your boots and ran over the details in your mind, hoping you hadn't missed anything.

You found nothing missing but you still felt unprepared. As if there was something you'd forgotten. You shrugged off the thought. Even if there was something, you didn't remember. And your mind never cooperates so easily. There was nothing else, to your knowledge, that you could do now. So you did the next best thing and left the apartment room.