Chapter Text
There was a school dance coming up at TAHE. One that Anna was very nervous about. For one thing, what was she going to wear? For another, how was she going to ask Jake to go with her? But the thing she was most worried about, was the fact that she did not know how to dance. How was she supposed to go to a school dance when she didn't know how to dance? She didn't know how to solve that problem, but maybe she knew how to solve the clothing problem. She spotted Naseko leaving the assembly that had announced the dance and hurried after her. If she could make armor out of a giant bug creature, then a dress shouldn't be too hard for her… right? Either way, she could ask.
“Hey Naseko,” Anna called, catching up to her. Naseko looked over her shoulder and slowed down,
“Yes, Friend Anna?” She asked when Anna walked up next to her.
“Are you, um, going to the dance?” Anna asked, figuring she should cover her bases first.
“I am, I'm making myself a dress based on a scarab beetle.” Naseko replied.
“Oh wow, that sounds beautiful.” Anna breathed.
“It will be.” Naseko deadpanned.
“So, um, you can make dresses?” Anna asked, avoiding the question she wanted to ask. Naseko answered it anyway,
“Yes, I will make you a dress for the dance, Friend Anna. What do you want it to look like?”
“Oh! Oh, um,” Anna stammered,
“I didn't think that far ahead.”
“That's ok. We have time to plan.” Naseko assured her. Anna felt herself blush in embarrassment,
“Thanks Naseko,” Naseko nodded and grabbed Anna's hand. She pulled the confused fish girl to her tiny home, where there were two people waiting for them.
“Sooooo Seki, how much are you charging us?” Sammy Slazar asked, standing up from where he was leaning against Naseko’s wall.
“How much are you offering?” Naseko asked back without skipping a beat.
“Well, obviously I offer my services in drawing the blueprints,” Sammy started,
“Those are accepted and appreciated,” Naseko nodded.
“And, I offer to get and fill out your homework while you are working.” Sammy finished.
“Hmm, your offer is pending.” Naseko replied much less enthusiastically.
“Oh come on, I know you don't like doing homework, and I'm really good at forging your handwriting.” Sammy appealed.
“Yes, but you're shit at filling it out correctly, and I would like to maintain my perfect score.” Naseko pointed out.
“I could, get, he-lp.” Sammy said with difficulty. Naseko studied him for a minute,
“You will bring it in for review before I turn it in.” Naseko finally agreed.
“Yas!” Sammy cheered.
“What do you offer?” Naseko asked, turning to Vinda who was leaning against the wall on the other side of Naseko's door.
“You can dissect me.” Vinda grinned smugly.
“When?” Naseko demanded.
“When I get my augments in. Daddy said it’s ok as long as you listen to the doctors about how to do it safely.” Vinda explained.
“That sounds fair.” Naseko agreed.
“Also, you can't crack my exoskeleton, that tool needs to be used by a professional.” Vinda added.
“Fine.” Naseko grumbled.
“Oh no, I didn't even think about payment!” Anna murmured.
“Oh, hey squishy fishy,” Sammy waved at her.
“I'm not squishy!” Anna softly defended herself.
“You got boobs doncha?” Sammy waved at her chest.
“Wha- I- I,” Anna stammered, completely unsure of how to answer that. She yelped as Vinda walked up and squeezed her arm,
“See- oh, no she's right. There's a lot of muscle here, impressive.” Anna didn't know how to react to that either. Luckily, Naseko did,
“Back off guys, you don't know her well enough to do that yet.” Surprisingly, they did back off. They even muttered stuff along the lines of, ‘oh yeah,’ and ‘sorry,’ much to Anna's surprise. Naseko opened the door and ushered them all inside. Once they were inside she said,
“Sammy, Anna doesn't know what she wants for her outfit yet.” Sammy looked her up and down,
“Yellow.”
“Obviously.” Naseko deadpanned,
“Help her find a style.”
“Alright,” Sammy agreed, rubbing his hand together excitedly,
“Let's do this!”