SATR

Summary: An Invader Zim one-shot, part of a series of unusual pairings. Skoodge needs somewhere to stay for a while.

"Let me guess. Zim kick you out again?"

The small "boy" on her doorstep shifted uncomfortably. "No. I mean---not exactly. He's just…kinda mad."

The "girl" rolled her eyes, leaning against the door frame of her palatial abode, examining him with her arms crossed over her chest. His red wig, the only covering he had from the burning rain that fell from this planet's skies, was hanging down over his burnt face in sopping tangles---he hadn't even had time to grab his holographic projector, she noted, but had had to risk running down the street with green skin and red eyes visible. Zim must have been truly furious with him. She smirked a little at the thought; Skoodge had probably destroyed whatever his newest stupid invention was. That would save her the trouble, at least.

"So let me guess," Tak said, her voice still mocking. "You want me to let you stay here until he calms down a bit?"

"Um…w-well…yes?"

"Hmm." Tak held her claw out from her, disinterestedly examining her illusionary fingernails. "But now, Skoodge, why should I do that? Considering you refuse to betray any of Zim's secrets to me, and are getting increasingly better at not letting them slip out by mistake, what would be the tactical advantage of me allowing you, a known ally to my greatest foe, come into my base to rest and eat rather than leaving you out here to burn to death in the rain?"

Skoodge's face fell. His stuttered for a moment, trying to come up with an answer; then he simply looked up at her, smiling hopefully.

"Please?"

Tak stared for a moment. Then she sighed, opening the door wider. "Fine."

Skoodge's smile brightened; he jumped up, wrapping her legs and abdomen in a hug. "Thank you, Tak!"

"......Don't touch me."

"Er, right, sorry."