Invader Tak (DATR)

Chapter 13

After they finished the science project, Tak and Dib were walking through the school when they passed some flyers on the walls that said, "Prom night tonight! Bring your special someone with you to the dance floor." The flyers were scattered throughout the hallway as the long, tiring school day finally came to an end.

"What is prom night?" Tak asked as she held Dib's hand, walking out of the school with him. He turned to her, smiling as he replied.

"Prom night is basically a special event where you bring someone important to you, like a partner or someone you're really close to—someone you care deeply about—and you take them somewhere nice."

Tak nodded, blushing, and leaned her head on his shoulder as they walked.

"I was actually thinking of taking you, if you're not busy tonight?" Dib asked shyly. Her heart pounded with love as she thought about him wanting to take her out.

"I'd love to go to prom night with you, but can I stop at my house first? You can walk me home, and then we'll meet back at the school later tonight," Tak said.

Dib agreed and walked her home. When they arrived, they exchanged "I love you's" and shared hugs and kisses. Dib then headed back to his house, pumping his fist in the air with excitement at the thought of going out that night. Once he got home, he ran upstairs, tossed his backpack onto his bed, and then hurried back downstairs. As he was about to sit on the couch, he noticed his sister, Gaz, playing her usual GameSlave.

"What's got you so excited this time?" Gaz asked bluntly.

"Move over; I've got something to tell you." Dib sat down on the empty space beside her, continuing, "Me and Tak... we're more than just friends. We're boyfriend and girlfriend now!"

Gaz paused her game, looking at her brother in shock. She hadn't expected Dib to find a partner, especially at the age of 12. While she thought he had better things to do, she was happy for him.

"Well, that's good to hear. Just don't annoy her with all your conspiracy theories and alien stuff. I'm sure Dad would want to hear about this... DAD!" she called out.

The door to the basement swung open, and their father, Professor Membrane, appeared. "Yes, daughter, what's going on? I'm in the middle of science!" he said, clearly eager to get back to his work.

"Dib has a girlfriend!" Gaz blurted out, causing Dib's face to turn red with embarrassment.

Professor Membrane walked over, looking pleased. "Well, I never realized my son had found a girlfriend already. And who is the lucky lady?"

Dib gulped and replied, "Tak."

Professor Membrane's expression brightened, though he soon shifted to a more serious tone. "Son, I think it's time we had a talk. Gaz, go to your room. I need to have a father-son discussion."

Gaz nodded and went to her room, taking her GameSlave with her. Alone with Dib, Professor Membrane continued, "I'm happy for you, son. But remember, you're still young—both of you are, right?"

Dib nodded in agreement.

"Alright, so just be prepared for whatever the future may bring. You're 12, and it's important to be cautious in relationships. I'm not saying Tak will take advantage of you, but I just want you to be aware. It's good to be careful."

Dib nodded, understanding. "I get it, Dad. I know we're both young, and dating in middle school is a bit unusual, but love is love. I really care about Tak, and I'd do anything to protect her. She's been so kind to me since she transferred to our school. She even helped me with self-defense and took care of me after I was hospitalized when I was stabbed by my bully. Speaking of which, I'm not sure what his punishment is yet, but we'll figure that out later. Anyway, I wanted to ask if I could take Tak to prom tonight. There's nothing much else going on, and I'd like to take her if it's okay with you."

Professor Membrane smiled, pleased with his son's maturity. "Sure, you can take her to prom, but don't stay out too late. Remember, it's a school night."

Dib hugged his dad. "Thanks, Dad!"

"Anytime, son. Now, back to science! I was mixing chemicals in the basement. Science, I'm coming!" Professor Membrane shouted as he rushed back downstairs.

Dib went up to his room and called Tak. She answered quickly.

"Hey, Tak. I'm going to pick you up in a few minutes, just have to finish a couple of things," he said.

"Alright, just call me when you're ready. I love you," Tak responded.

"I love you too," Dib replied before ending the call.

Back at Tak's house, she was doing research about human prom nights on her computer. She learned that girls typically wore fancy dresses and makeup for these events. "Interesting," she thought. "Human females wear these elaborate outfits, but I think I'll try something different." Deciding to tweak her disguise, she deactivated it, revealing her true Irken form, since she was safe in her house. As she continued researching, her companion Mimi approached her.

"What are you doing now, mistress? Any progress on your mission?" Mimi asked.

Tak shook her head, still focused on the screen. "No, but I'll get to it soon."

Mimi sighed. "Look, I know you care deeply for this human boy, but the more distracted you get, the more I worry. I'm not against you being with him, but I'm just trying to protect you."

Tak glanced at her, irritated. "Mimi, I've heard this before. But guess what? I have good news—Dib and I are in a relationship!" she said, smiling.

Mimi's concern deepened. "Mistress, you can't be serious. You've developed feelings for this human boy? What happens if he finds out you're an Irken invader trying to take over his planet? He might capture you and dissect you! Do you want that?" Mimi's voice was filled with agitation.

Tak turned to her, clearly annoyed. "Mimi, enough. The Tallest will never find out. This will stay a secret. You've been pestering me about this for too long. I understand you're looking out for me, but this has to stop. Leave me alone for now—that's an order."

Without another word, Mimi left the room.