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

You took him to the Latino place and got yourself an açaí. You let him taste it so that you wouldn't have to waste money and food if he was allergic. He wasn't, the fact accentuated by how he tried to steal yours. You laughed as you wrestled it off him. He pouted until you assured him that you were going to buy him one too. The moment the staff member placed the cup in his hands Zim's face opened into a wide smile. It almost seemed to you as if his eyes were shining.

You thanked them for the food. Zim copied your actions but referred to them as a "food drone" after which you urged him out of the restaurant in front of you. Zim was either incredibly oblivious or too focused on his drink to notice your embarrassment.

The sky was getting a little darker now and you led him in the direction of your favorite place so far. As you walked and brought spoonfuls of the thick liquid into your faces, you took your phone out of your jacket's inner pocket. You figured neither of you would be too interested in talking when you had such amazing food to busy your mouths with. Instead, you offered to show him some music you liked.

As you clicked on the songs you liked, you couldn't help but explain the grunge movement through your ecstasy. Zim devotedly listened to every word just as he'd done when you'd complimented him. You explained your fondness for the music, style, and almost everything concerning it. He, in turn, seemed awed at the knowledge you spoke with, even if you didn't have the most fluent phrasing.

You played one song after another. The first two or three continued relevant to the style but as you listened, you thought of other songs you wanted to show. You clarified once you'd changed to another music genre that it wasn't grunge anymore. Turns out you didn't need the earphones at all. He listened to every your beloved songs with the same attitude as with your words. At some point, you both finished your drinks.

The sky was now a soft teal which mixed with shades of yellow at the bottom, lined with fluffy pink and white clouds. You brought him up the stairs of your apartment building, going much further than your room, to the top of the building. You had taken the freedom to decorate it seeing as, from what you knew, no one came here. You bought plants of all shapes and sizes so that it almost seemed like your mother's balcony.

The view was especially stunning from this seeming elevated forest. The houses and buildings darkened beneath you and small yellow lights were visible from their windows. Your building now seemed darker and, as the two sat by the border, the windows in it were bright and warm in their light.

You had been the first to approach the edge. Zim was a bit hesitant, seemingly still suspicious. You playfully swung your legs and patted the space beside you. Of course, with a gentle, welcoming smile as you turned to look at him from behind you. He looked from your eyes and smile to his designated seat by your side before taking a step in its direction. You slightly widened your smile and turned back, not wanting to miss the view. You felt him carefully place himself next to you.

He, amazingly, seemed more engaged by the sight of you than of the scenery. He stared for a while with a blank, open-eyed expression. You glanced at him from the corner of your eye and he swiftly faced ahead. You chuckled and took his hand in yours. His body stiffened at the gesture. He looked back to you as quickly as he had turned away. You simply watched as the sky very gradually faded into a sunset.

"Eh- Why did you take me here?"

"I thought the view was nice. Don't you think?"

"Yes. I suppose it is..."

You were fully aware that he hadn't watched the view at all. It felt sappy yet flattering to hear him agree when he'd only stared at you. He glanced down at your intertwined hands before turning to genuinely watch the soon-to-be sunset.