Ponytail Dib AU: Dib crashed way too hard this time.
(WARNING: dub-con themes and content ahead)
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No response. Zim sighs softly, plopping down on the floor next to the couch and poking a sleeping Dib on the arm with a finger. Heâs been like this for five hours so far and Zim knows he will be late to his human job, but he had come in last night looking especially battered and crashed shortly after arriving, not even giving Zim a chance to smuggle in a sandwich into his hand andâŚfrankly⌠even Zim can see the man needs his rest.
Even more so Dib seems to agree: he wouldnât move under the covers, breathing even and body limp. He more resembled a sack of potatoes haphazardly tossed into his couch than a human at this point.
Zim observes for a while. Thereâs a strange peace in the way humans slept, he has to admit. They let themselves drift into unconsciousness like the world wasnât out to get them, and expect to get out alive every time. It was a brave thing to do, even if also very stupid. Zim finds it weirdly alluring to watch them do it, too⌠or at least watching Dib do it is enjoyable.
Thereâs something else he couldnât pinpoint, some other strange feeling arising at the sight of his nemesis resting, so vulnerable, in front of him. Like a missing piece of something very dear to him laid right there, occupying the same space as the sleeping figure, yet he couldnât really recover it. It feels almost like longing, like wanting to go back home, but to a home heâs never had.
Still, he mustnât dwell. He knows how much getting fired from another job would affect Dib, and he doesnât want it to happen again so soon if he can help it. Antennae perking up, he pokes the man on the side.
âDib-thing! It is time for you to awake!!! GET UP!!â
Nothing. Dib remains still, unperturbed. Zim frowns a little, prodding Dib in several places, trying to elicit a response. A sudden, chilling idea makes Zim tense up, his antennae immediately closing up onto Dibâs mouth, focusing on the sound of his deep breaths.
âHeâs not dead, justâŚasleep.â Zim says, wanting to ease his own worry. He ponders for a second. âIs this what deep sleep is?â
His computer comes alive, not wanting to leave him without a response.
âAccording to my research, some humans are prone to fall into deep slumber after withstanding a lot of stress and having consumed large quantities of alcohol. It can be difficult to wake them up in this state.â
âButâŚhe will wake up, correct? Eventually?â Zim inquires, trying not to let the panic overtake his voice. Itâs never good when he lets the impulsive feelings guide him; he learned that a long time ago.
âEventually, yes. Just not for a good while,â the computer answers. Zim ponders some more.
âHumans donât⌠normally have any memory of what happens around them when they sleep.â
âThey donât.â It isnât a question, but the computer confirms it still.
Zim nods to himself. Something inside him tosses and turns, eager. His eyes blow wide, however, as he remembers.
âComputer, where is GIR?â
âIn the pig room. Doing inventory of his rubber pig collection.â
âGonna keep him entertained for a good while. Heâs just started.â
âAnd⌠computer, are you recording right now?â
âGood. Turn recording off. And⌠leave this area until I call for you again.â