Everything Has a Purpose, an Invader Zim x GN Reader

Valentine's Day

Nothing much really happens today at school so far. There's nothing to record for your mission. Overall just a boring d—

"CLASS!" Ms. Bitters screeches, immediately silencing the entire classroom. "The school has decided that you will be allowed to participate in the Valentine's Day tradition of exchanging meat. GO!"

Everyone suddenly produces meat from their bags or pockets. It absolutely reeks. You struggle not to vomit as everyone passes raw meat around. You turn to Dib for guidance but he also has meat now. He has given it to... Zim?

Said Zim recoils in disgust, and tosses the meat elsewhere— Dib returns to his seat in defeat. Seeing your questioning look, he sighs and explains.

"It's Valentine's Day. A day where everyone gives someone they like a piece of heart shaped meat. We used to give cards, but I don't know what happened to that."

"I've never heard of Valentine's Day... or giving... meat to others..." to muse to yourself. Dib is surprised.

"You never celebrated Valentine's Day at your old school?" he asks, shocked.

"No?"

"Hmph. Lucky you, then."

You stare at him as he sulks in his seat. He suddenly remembers something.

"Oh yeah, here" he hands you a heart shaped steak. Despite your genuine discomfort and disgust, you accept it happily. Gifts are very important in Irken society.

"So, Dib... you like me?" You say with a smile, he becomes flustered.

"Uh, well, yeah? I mean, we're best friends so uhm? Of course I like you? You like me too right hahaha oh god I'm being weird about this"

You accidentally tune out his flustered babbling whilst thinking to yourself. Does he... like Zim as well? Hmm...

"Hey, Dib..." you interrupt his rambling thoughts, and he immediately turns all his attention towards you. "You like Zim?"

His expression turns to horror, "Good god no! Why'd you EVER think that??"

"You gave him a steak."

"O-oh! That one was poisoned.." you suddenly become weary of your own steak, but Dib quickly reassures you that yours is fine. You don't notice Zim stalking up to your desk.

He slams a hand on the surface, causing you to jump.

"Greetings, (Y/N)!" he chirps, holding one of his hands behind his back, "how is my... companion doing?" You can tell he's struggling to be nice, but you're happy as long as he's not actively bullying you.

"I'm fine, Zim. You good?" you reply, slightly anxious.

"Peachy. ANY— wait, what happened to your eye? It's all dark and bruised..." He asks, now visibly and audibly concerned. He cups your face in his hands and examines your eye.

"Oh, it's just a black eye. It'll heal soon enough," you say nervously. He stares at you for a few seconds. He then starts looking at Dib accusingly, often switching his gaze to you for the 'okay' to punch him.

"No, Zim! He didn't do it, really. I'm fine." You pull his hands from your face.

He is still glaring at Dib, "... ANYWAY—" he says louder than he needs to, "accept this meat slab from the almighty Zim!!... please." he shyly holds out the meat in both of his hands, nervously averting his eyes.

"Aw, Zim! Thank you so much!" You accept the meat and pull him into a hug, almost immediately forgetting about your pain. He stands there starstruck, hesitantly patting your back; he regains his normal Zim demeanor once you let go. You can't see Dib's jealous expression, but good god is it ever present.