Pierce Me

“Pierce Me” was the twelfth episode of the second season of Daria (episode number 212). It first aired on MTV on July 27, 1998.

It was written by Neena Beber.

Summary
This episode highlighted Daria's attraction to Trent. Trent persuades Daria to help find a birthday present for Jane (it doesn't take much). "I'll pick you up tomorrow," Trent tells her. "Early. Or late.  I don't know.  Actually let's just leave it loose." Largely due to Trent's random thought processes, Daria ends up getting her navel pierced at Axl's Piercing Parlor, largely it seems to impress Trent.

The usual hilarity ensues.

“Pierce Me” and Fanfic
The obvious crush Daria has on Trent was at the forefront in this episode and subsequently helped fuel the shipper movement in early fanfic.

Alternate Universe Versions of “Pierce Me”
In the John Lane story Ring of Champions, Daria goes with Trent to get a present for John, and gets the piercing for him. Because of the the different situation and motivations, she keeps the piercing.

On “Pierce Me” the Episode

 * “Pierce Me” summary at Outpost Daria
 * “Pierce Me” transcript at Outpost Daria