Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Esteem... a teen. They don't really rhyme, do they? The sounds don't quite mesh. And that, in fact, is often the case when it comes to a teen and esteem. The two just don't seem to go together. But we are here to begin realizing your actuality..." Mr. O'Neill explained to the class.

Daria who was taking notes, stops and frowns in confusion, then raises her hand

" ...and when we do, each and every one of you will be able to stand proudly and proclaim, "I am." Now, before we..." 

 "Excuse me. I have a question." Daria said interrupting Mr. O'Neill.

 "Sorry, question and answer time is later." Mr. O'Neill answered 

"I want to know what 'realizing your actuality' means." Daria questioned

"It means... look, just let me get through this part, okay? Then there'll be a video!  Before we unlock your potential..." Mr. O'Neill said ignoring her question

A black-haired girl, clothed in black with a red jacket, leans forward to speak to Daria.

"He doesn't know what it means. He's got the speech memorized. Just enjoy the nice man's soothing voice." 

"How am I supposed to follow him if I don't know what he's talking about?" Daria answered 

"I can fill you in later. I've taken this course six times."

After class, Jane and Daria walked home together.

"So, then, after the role-playing, next class they put the girls and the guys in separate rooms and a female counselor talks to us about body image." Jane explained.

"What do they talk to the boys about?"

"A classroom full of guys and a male teacher?"

Both girls stop walking

"Nocturnal emissions." They both said at the same time 

They keep walking

"I don't get it, Jane. You've got the entire course memorized. How come you can't pass the test to get out?" Daria asked

"I could pass the test, but I like having low self-esteem. It makes me feel special." Jane answered.

Daria had just made an acquaintance and she didn't even had to humiliate herself, nor lose her dignity. She was actually doing something right. Odd experience.

The next day Daria and Jane walked home together from school.

"Wanna come over at my house? We could watch Sick, Sad World" Jane asked.

"Sure" Daria replied

This was Daria's first time finding herself willingly visiting someone. Someone she actually liked at least.

Jane's house was big, almost the same size as Daria's, maybe with an extra room or two.

They both walked inside, Jane led her upstairs towards her room.

"Cool room" Daria said

"Yeah, I like painting, and occasionally crafting" 

"Anyway, wanna watch tv?" Jane asked while sitting down on the edge of her bed, daria following her.

"Sure" 

After a while watching tv they both started hearing music coming from the basement 

"What's with the music?" Daria said pausing the TV

"Oh right, forgot to tell you, that's my brother Trent, he goes to our school too, he's a junior, but also has this annoying band so called 'Mystik Spiral'." Jane explained

"Interesting. Wanna complain?"

"Of course, always good to have an alibi"

"Hey Trent!" Jane yelled through the music blaring 

No response from Trent.

"Trent!"

The music stops

"Oh hey Janey, who's your friend?"

"Trent, this is Daria, Daria this is Trent"

"Hey Daria, cool name"

"Uhh, thanks" Daria replied, getting slightly flushed at the comment

'what is wrong with you? Who is this guy and why does it feel different?'

Daria wondered 

"Trent, daria is in my grade, we have the same classes together" Jane added

"Cool" Trent answered 

"What are you guys working on? You're so loud we can't even watch TV in peace" Jane questioned sitting down at the couch in front the stairs 

"We're rehearsing for the alternapalooza" Jesse replied 

"Yeah, we're going next weekend" Nick added

"Wanna tag along? We still have some space in the back of the van" Trent offered readjusting his guitar chords 

"Boringgg, we probably have someth-" Jane said before getting cut off by Daria

"Cool, we'll be there"

"Cool" Trent replied going back to his guitar

Chapter Text

"What was that about?" Jane asked while painting an abstract flower 

"What was what about?" Daria answered 

"You know what I mean Daria, I'm no Brittany Taylor."

"I never said you were." Daria replied 

"I mean I know you like Trent" Jane said

"I don't." Daria stated 

"Puh-lease it's obvious! Stop hiding from the inevitable truth!" Jane scowled 

"Whatever. I should get going anyway I don't think I wanna face my mother's lecture on why I shouldn't walk alone at this hour" Daria explained 

"Sure, whatever you say" Jane replied 

"Mooooom! Say something to Daria! She's trying to steal my spotlight at alternapalooza!" Quinn whined 

"1. There's is no spotlight to steal. 2. Why would I want to steal your nonexistent spotlight from you?" Daria firmly stated while sitting down at the table

"Ughhhh! This is what I'm talking about!"

"What do you mean Quinn?" Helen asked while serving herself some lasagna 

"Daria's going to alternapalooza with her weird friend and her brother's hippie band this weekend! When the fashion club had specifically reserved this weekend for our investigation!" Quinn complained 

"What kind of investigation? Report all kinds of fashion crimes during a Spice Girls concert?" Daria asked

"No! Nobody even listens to Spice girls anymore!" Quinn replied 

"Oh what a joy Daria! You're finally making some friends!" Helen exclaimed 

"Mom! Did you even listen to what I just said?! She's stealing my spotlight!" Quinn complained once again, getting up from her seat 

"Quinn maybe it's time you let your sister have the spotlight for a while" Helen said

"Ughhhh!" Quinn whined leaving the kitchen 

'Drama Quinn is more like it.' Daria thought 

"Hey Daria, cool clothes" Trent greeted opening the back door of the van 

"Hey Trent" Daria answered while sitting down next to Jane in the back of the van

"Finally! You were taking forever!" Jane said 

"I had a... Situation with my sister" Daria replied 

"Whatever. We should get going, or traffic's gonna kill us" Jesse said 

"I thought Nick and Max were tagging along?" Jane questioned 

"Eh, Max had to go to his cousin's wedding, and Nick had a fight with his girlfriend." Trent replied, buckling up his seatbelt.

"Sounds like lame excuses" Jane said 

"Definitely" Jesse added 

"Is anyone else hungry? 'Cause I'm starving here" Jane whined 

"I could eat something" Jesse replied 

"Cool. There's a gas station right next turn. Honestly I'm not that hungry. You guys go grab something to eat. I'll watch the van." Trent explained pulling up in the gas station's parking lot.

"Uhh, I'm not that hungry either, I'll stay" Daria replied 

"Okay then, Jesse let's go" Jane said while giving Daria a mischievous look while getting off the van 

"Shit. I should get some gas now that we're here" Trent said getting off the van 

"You got cash?" Daria asked getting off the van too.

"Fuck. No, I don't." Trent confessed

"Here. You pay me later." Daria said handing Trent a hundred dollar bill.

"Thanks Daria"

"Sure, no problem" Daria replied 

"Can I ask you something?" Trent questioned 

"Uhh sure I guess" Daria said 

"Do you ever feel lost?" Trent asked

"Coming from a musician that's kind of concerning. Y'know that's how many suicidal musicians started." Daria replied 

Trent laughed, then coughed.

"I meant if you ever felt worthless, useless, not enough." Trent corrected, leaning on the side of the van

"Still. Same answer. That's concerning. If you're thinking about yourself that way I'd have to admit you're quite dexterous with the guitar. Which is not that common, if you compare the odds." Daria answered 

"Hmm... Dexterous, huh? I don't think I had seen it that way. Still, you haven't formally answered my question" Trent stated, in that rasp, deep voice that intrigued Daria so much— tempting her even more to keep the conversation, just for his voice.

"Hmm... I suppose you're right. The logic answer would be yes. Since it's –unfortunately, part of the human experience. Though, emotionally I wouldn't have a concrete answer. It's just pure uncertainty." Daria stated, looking at Trent.

"Deep answer. I like it. And I also get it. Good to know I'm not the only one" Trent said 

"Reasonably, we're never the 'only ones'. It's just a crappy concept" Daria explained 

"Interesting. You're good at this" Trent replied, tilting his head a little 

Daria blushed at the comment 

"Umm... " Daria trailed off, being interrupted by Jesse 

"Hey guys! We found some burritos! We bought 2 more, just in case you guys get hungry later" Jesse said walking towards the van next to Jane 

"Cool. Just make sure to eat them in the back. The passenger seat is the only decent part left of the van"

"Sure, whatever you say boss" Jane said getting inside the back of the van, Jesse following her.

"Seems like there was a massive car crash in the main avenue, they're trying to get ambulances on the road, so the next highways are closed. So looks like we're stuck here" Trent explained while getting off the van 

"Come on! This was going to be our big break!" Jesse whined 

"You've been saying that the last 1 year and a half, and let me just ask, when has this 'big break' happened exactly?" Jane questioned getting off the van along with Daria 

"Uhhh..." Jesse replied 

"Exactly. So stop saying it!" Jane said 

"And how long is this going to take?" Daria asked 

"The radio said around an hour or two" Trent said

"Heck no, I'm not staying here for two hours straight, I'm leaving! I'm gonna go look for some kind of civilization" Jane said walking away 

"I better go behind her, plus I need to explain the 'big break' situation" Jesse said following Jane 

"Well, I've been working on a cover, wanna hear it?" Trent asked sitting in the grass with his guitar in hand. 

"Sure" Daria answered. 

"It's called 'Teenage Dirtbag', by Wheatus"

'Her name is Noelle

I have a dream about her, she rings my bell

I got gym class in half an hour

Oh, how she rocks

In Keds and tube socks

But she doesn't know who I am

And she doesn't give a damn about me

'Cause I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby

Yeah, I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby

Listen to Iron Maiden, baby, with me

Oh, oh, ooh

Her boyfriend's a dick

He brings a gun to school

And he'd simply kick

My ass if he knew the truth

He lives on my block

He drives an Iroc

But he doesn't know who I am

And he doesn't give a damn about me

'Cause I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby

Yeah, I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby

Listen to iron maiden baby with me

Oh, oh, ooh

Oh, yeah, dirtbag

No, she doesn't know what she's missing

Oh, yeah, dirtbag

No, she doesn't know what she's missing

Man, I feel like mold

It's prom night and I am lonely

Lo and behold, she's walking over to me

This must be fake

My lip starts to shake

How does she know who I am?

And why does she give a damn about me?

I've got two tickets to Iron Maiden, baby

Come with me Friday, don't say: Maybe

I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby, like you

Oh, oh, ooh

Oh, yeah, dirtbag

No, she doesn't know what she's missing

Oh, yeah, dirtbag

No, she doesn't know what she's missing'

"If you allow me to, let me just say, that completely proved your dexterity with the guitar. Bravo, Mr. Lane. You have proved your capacity to give your own scent to a regular song" Daria stated, slightly bowing down in front Trent. 

"I was expecting a 'you're good' or 'wow, amazing' but what you said is a thousand times better" Trent replied, putting his guitar aside 

"Well, what can I say? I'm not like most people. Whether it's a good thing or not. However you see it. I see it as a sign that I'll probably end up in a mental health hospital." Daria answered 

Trent laughed at the comment, then briefly coughed.

"Well, if you were like other people, we wouldn't have met" Trent said

"Interesting way to play with the idea of fate." Daria remarked 

"Yeah well, I'm a musician, I base myself on fate" Trent explained 

"Fair enough" Daria replied 

"Where have you been? It's 8:30 pm! I'm supposed to bring everyone home by 10!" Trent exclaimed, slamming the van door shut

"We... Got lost" Jesse confessed

"Yeah... We thought we had it but everything looked the same and we walked in the circles for hours, until we recognized the convenience store we drove by, and found our way back" Jane added. 

"It's okay, we can still make it. But we have to hurry. And Jesse will have to walk a few blocks" Trent explained

"What?! Why?!" Jesse questioned, throwing his hands in the air

"Well your house is first on the list, but you're 2 neighborhoods away from our neighborhood. And I'm worried about daria's parents, in the other hand I know your parents, so that's okay" Trent said

"Suspiciously organized plan I must admit" Daria stated

"Yeah, since when do you think?" Jane joked, getting in the back of the van

"In that case I guess I have no option" Jesse said, defeated. 

"Good, everyone in the van, we only have an hour and a half to get back to Lawndale" Trent ordered, getting in his seat. 

9:45 P.M.

"Well, it was a good day after all wasn't it?" Jane said, getting out the van with Daria

"Eh, I've had worse days to be honest"Daria answered, turning towards Trent 

"Oh yeah, good day for sure" Trent said

"Well, I'll see you Monday" Daria replied 

"Let me walk you, I need to explain to your mom anyway" Trent added, getting out of his seat

"Uhhh... It's not— Whatever" Daria said, watching Trent walking in front of her, towards the door

"Daria! Finally! I thought something had happened to you!" Helen exclaimed, pulling Daria in a tight hug 

"Mom, you don't have to—  ...hug me." Daria muttered 

"You must be Jane's brother" Helen said 

"Uhh, yes. I'm Trent, nice to meet you Mrs. Morgendorffer " Trent said, shaking her hand

"Nice to meet you too Trent. Should I be concerned for the reason you were this late?"

"There was an accident in the main avenue that blocked all roads, it took around two hours to get back on the road" Trent explained

"Ah, that's about right. Well, thank you for driving Daria home, I hope you and Jane can come some time for dinner!" Helen said

"It was no problem Mrs. Morgendorffer. We'd be pleased to come over for dinner anytime"

"Oh please! Call me Helen. We'll be in contact"

"Of course! Good night Daria, Helen"

"Good night! Drive safe!" Helen said waving farewell 

'who would've thought he knows how to mom talk?' Daria thought 

Chapter Text

-'This, and more anticipated funerals on Sick, Sad World'

"Well, at least I'll know where to call right before I tragically die" Jane said sitting criss crossed on her bed, turning off the TV 

"What a great way to die" Daria said standing up from Jane's bed

"Is Trent here?" Daria asked picking up her backpack 

"Why? You wanna confess your undying love to my brother?" Jane replied

"You know I can always call the line to reserve your early-death funeral." Daria stated

"I don't know, he was hanging out with this girl... Monica? Or was it Monique...? I don't remember her name, but he met her at a bar, maybe he's there"

"Where is this bar?"

"I think it's in the next street after the crappy restaurant we always pass by"

"Good. Also, he owes me 100 dollars. I just want my money back before the end of the week." Daria explained, stopping at the door frame and then walking away.

"This place couldn't reek more of social pressure and cigarettes" Daria muttered before entering the building

Daria walked through the crowds, until she saw Trent talking with a girl. Tall, brunette, tattooed, had somewhat of a 'rocker' style. She didn't look more than 20.

"Daria? I didn't take you as the night bar kind of girl" Trent said turning towards her

"Yeah, me neither. I just wanted to ask when you could pay me back the hundred dollar bill"

"Oh, yeah, I think by Thursday I get my check. I'll pay you then." Trent stated

"Cool, I'll see you later"

"Yeah" Trent said turning back to Monique

Daria walked away

"Great conversation back there." Daria muttered to herself— doubting if that was all she wanted to talk about with him. Did she really was just interested in her money? Or did she just wanted an excuse to talk to him? 

"Did you talk to Trent?" Jane asked, closing her locker

"Yes. He told me he would pay me on Thursday" Daria answered

"Okay then" Jane said, slightly off tone 

"What?" Daria questioned

"Nothing." Jane replied looking away

"There's something. Tell me." Daria said

"It's just that I don't believe you walked 12 blocks back and forth just to ask Trent when he would pay you back"

"Well, I did." Daria replied, walking faster and entering Mr. O'Neill's class.

"I will get to the bottom of this." Jane muttered walking to Mr. DeMartino's class.

"Hey Daria" Trent said, leaning on the locker next to hers

"Hey Trent. What are you doing here?" Daria asked, getting some of her books out of her locker

"I just wanted to pay you back, turns out they give me my check on Tuesdays" Trent said pulling out a hundred dollar bill from his pocket, and handing out to Daria

"Oh. Thanks, Trent"

"Sure no problem, see you around?" Trent said walking away

"Yeah" Daria replied, closing her locker. 

She had been pondering on the thought of desiring to talk to Trent— which was weird considering how often it happened to her. 

"Are you going to talk to me at some point, at least in this dimension?"

Jane asked walking home next to Daria

"I suppose I should." Daria admitted

"I'm sorry I kept bothering you with Trent stuff. It's just that, he's my brother— the only one I can stand at least. And I care about him."

"Yeah well, we all make mistakes" Daria stated

"I saw Brittany kissing with some guy from the football team." Jane said changing the conversation. 

"Are you going to tell smartass Kevin Thompson?" Daria asked

"No, but Brittany will for me" Jane said, a smirk coming up her face

"Genius. Tell me more" Daria said, intrigued in the plan. 

Maybe, having a friend like Jane wasn't so bad after all.

Chapter Text

"Look there she goes!" Jane says pointing at Brittany Taylor while her and Daria are walking through the halls of LHS 

"Kevin I'm so sorry! I promise I will never do it again! Please it was just a kiss!" Brittany said standing in front of Kevin 

"What are you talking about babe? Wait... Are you cheating on me??" Kevin said closing his locker

"I have to admit I thought it wouldn't work. Who would've thought Kevin the QB had a brain?" Daria said walking by Kevin and Brittany, who were, obviously, yelling.

"Hmm, to be honest I thought Brittany would forget what I told her. Still, it was a decent show." Jane said, stopping at her locker.

"I've seen better." Daria said, getting her books out of her locker 

"Definitely. Anyway, gotta go see Ms. Barch she has this crazy idea I wanna take advantage of, catch you later?" Jane said leaving the lockers

Daria closed her locker and walked to Mr. O'Neill's class 

Daria bumped into Trent and dropped her book.

"Shit. Sorry Daria" Trent said kneeling down 

"Uhh, it's okay. It's not like we're in a shallow romantic movie and suddenly I've found the love of my life anyway"

Trent laughed at her response 

"Maybe you should be a writer, it fits you" Trent said standing up

"And become a millionaire just to write what people wanna hear? Or to break down the sharp and hurtful truth people are scared to read about?"

"You can always do both. Pseudonyms exist, y'know?"

"Ah, the classic "authors look like what they write" degrading move"

"You can see it that way too." Trent said

"Oh sh- I'm late for class, I don't want another parent- principal meeting. Walk together after school with Janey?" Trent asked, walking backwards 

"Uhh, yeah, sure" Daria replied watching Trent turn around and walk away

'What is he doing to you?' Daria thought sitting down in Mr. O'Neill's class 

"So... You're telling me Jane Lane preferred hanging out with our science teacher over us?" Daria asked Trent while walking back home

"Yeah, well, I guess she needed some adult guidance"

"Really? Adult guidance?"

"I don't know, she barely got to know our parents. They left when she was 5."

"I don't think that's it... She said something about Ms. Barch 'having a great idea she wanted to take advantage of'. " Daria explained 

"That sounds... Dangerous?"

"Reasonably. Yes."

"Anyway, the Spiral's having a concert tonight at the bar downtown. I was hoping you and Janey could come along" Trent said stopping at Daria's porch

"...Sure, yeah, I'll be there" Daria answered, a little hesitant.

"Cool. See you there" Trent said leaving Daria's porch.

"Mooooom! Daria has a boyfriend!" Quinn yelled peeking through the door

'Oh come on!' Daria thought entering the house.

"Is that true Daria?" Helen asked standing up from the couch

"No. Trent is Jane's brother. He goes to the same school. I was supposed to walk with Jane, but she had a teacher meeting." Daria explained 

"I see. And you aren't interested in this guy Trent?" Helen asked

"No." Daria firmly stated 

"Okay then, I suppose you're responsible enough to... Manage, this kind of situations." Helen said, walking towards the kitchen

"Ughhhh! Why couldn't you just say he's your boyfrienddddd! That way they wouldn't have remembered I'm grounded! And I have a date tonight!" Quinn whined, aggressively running to her room and slamming the door behind her.

'i guess nobody's on their 5 senses today' Daria thought, walking to her room

"Why did you say yes to Trent? I thought you said they sounded like a cheap version of 'The Doors'?" Jane asked through the phone

"I don't know. I guess I thought it would be cool." Daria vaguely answered 

"And exactly since when do you wanna be 'cool'?" Jane asked once again, sounding a little irritated 

"I don't know." Daria replied, pondering on the thought— she really didn't know why she agreed to assist.

"Hello? Daria are you there?" Jane questioned, since Daria had been silent for a while.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I'll meet you at your house in 5" Daria answered 

"Ok" Jane replied and finished the call

"I'm going over to Jane's." Daria announced, reaching the doorknob.

"This late?" Helen asked, walking into the living room 

"Yes. We have a project we ought to finish at home, though we realized it wasn't possible. And it's due tomorrow."

"Well, in that case, be safe, and try to come back before 11:30" Helen said heading back to the kitchen 

"Hey, there you are! I was about to leave by myself" Jane said 

"You wouldn't have." Daria answered 

"Don't underestimate me" Jane replied 

"Oh, I would never do such thing" 

"Let's go, Trent is waiting for us anyway" Jane said, leading the way

"Hey Daria! You came along!" Trent said, slightly smiling

"Well, I could never miss such an important event, especially when your 'big break' is coming soon" Daria stated

"Talking about big breaks, where's Jesse?" Jane asked

"Uhh, I think he was talking with Nick about his break up" Trent replied, pointing to the backstage 

"Cool. I gotta talk to him" Jane said, walking towards the backstage 

"So... Are you nervous for your presentation? That could be your so called 'big break'?" Daria asked, sitting on a steel stool at the bar

"I'd say nervousness is a state of mind, kind of an illusion. If you don't believe there's nervousness, then there isn't" Trent replied, sitting next to her

"Ah, I see. So you believe there isn't nervousness inside you?"

"Technically, yes"

"Not even in the slightest?" Daria asked, trying to keep the conversation going

"Nope." Trent answered, a smirk coming to his face

"Well, then I suppose I should try your flawless technique to find out if it actually works"

Trent briefly laughed, then coughed

"I gotta go, I have to check on Max, he hasn't mastered my technique yet" Trent said standing up 

"I'll see you after the show?" Trent added

"Uhh, sure" Daria replied, watching Trent walk away

'Y'know, maybe you will end up in a mental health hospital a lot earlier if you keep saying yes to Trent. You never go out, especially to bars, you don't even like their band! Why do you keep agreeing to everything he says?'

Daria wondered looking at the empty stage in front of her.

Chapter Text

"Great show back there" Daria said standing in front of Trent at the backstage 

"Yeah, I mean, Nick could've been way better if he was emotionally stable... And if Jesse had practiced like I told him to... Or if Max actually came to rehearsal. But sure I guess."

"Pretty much sounds like you're missing a lot of communication. Or perhaps a new whole band." Daria replied 

"Maybe... Though I don't think I'd found someone new so easily, nor find a whole band to accept me"

"True. Maybe you should just quit and become a part of the system"

"Mmm... And live in misery because I don't get paid enough?"

"Exactly."

"Hey, have you seen Janey by the way?" Trent asked, looking around for her

"Uhh, yeah... She left with this guy... I think Tom was it. I couldn't stop her, but she said he'd give her a ride home." Daria replied 

"Oh god. That's kinda worrying don't you think?" 

"Oh definitely, but I gave her my extra pepper spray. I think she'll be fine." Daria replied leaning on the wall

"If you say so. But wait. Wasn't she walking you home?" Trent said, packing up his guitar 

"I don't need anyone to walk me home." Daria stated

"Okay then, can you walk me home?" Trent asked

"Is this a trap where you make me believe I'm walking you home but in reality you're walking me home?" Daria questioned, tilting her head and crossing her arms

"Perhaps."

"I have my own pepper spray too. In my case, that's all I need."

"I have to leave anyway. I'll leave the guys solve their shit on their own. Plus, I need to find Janey alive."

"I suppose you're right."

"So... Are you going to take my advice and turn into a writer?" Trent asked

"Oh, yeah, in fact my pseudonym will be Silvia O'Malley." Daria replied, in an obvious sarcastic tone 

Trent laughed. 

"Well then I guess I'll have to-" Trent said, getting cut off as a guy with a grey hoodie came up to them. 

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Trent lane I'm seeing here i'd say my eyes are lying"

"Wha- Who are you??" Trent asked, stepping up in front Daria

"Don't you recognize me Lane? I'm hurt"

"If I knew who you were we wouldn't be having this conversation in the first place" Trent replied

"Well, bad for you. 'Cause I'd hate to not know who killed me" the guy said pulling out a switch blade

"Yeah, sucks to be you" Trent replied, also (to Daria's surprise) pulling out a switch blade

"You sure you don't want to give up now?" The guy said

"I'm fine thank you" Trent said attacking the guy, pointing to the hand that held his switch blade

Trent almost missed, but he got cut his hand enough to weaken him 

"Fuck!" "But you know it'll take much more than that to take me down" the guy added

The guy pointed to Trent's chest, but he missed— multiple times

Trent dodged every single attack the guy threw. 

The guy took off the hood, revealing who he was. 

Trent's eyes widened.

"David Lynn?!" Trent exclaimed

"Actually, it's Smiths now." David replied with a smirk on his face

"Oh yeah?" Trent replied, pointing another way—no switch blade required.

Trent kicked David... Well y'know... Where it hurts the most.

'No. Way.' Daria thought, wondering why she hadn't ran away from the moment switch blades were involved. 

"Oh—god!" "What the fuck is your problem dude?!" David yelled in pain

"What is my problem?! What is yours?!" Trent replied, feeling over the edge. 

"Listen, I was just going to knife-fight you! Maybe mug you, you fucking kicked me!" David exclaimed 

"Uhh, hey Daria, you still have that pepper spray?" Trent muttered to Daria

"Uhh, yeah?"

"Cool, can I borrow it for a sec?" Trent asked

"Yeah, here" Daria said, handing the pepper spray to Trent.

"Thanks"

"Hey David!"

"You want a rebound? Come get it!" David said

"Oh yeah? Take this!" Trent said as he pepper sprayed David 

"Oww! What the fuck is that!?" David whimpered as he tried to clear his eyes

"Come on, let's make it for the run" Trent said grabbing Daria's hand and running towards Trent's car 

"Okay. I'm gonna need some kind of explanation for what happened back there" Daria said, buckling her seatbelt 

"Yeah, I figured. To make it a long story short, he was a classmate of mine in my freshman year, he was this criminal that did knife fights, occasionally drugs, sold fake IDs, and the kind of guy who knew where to bury a body." Trent replied, buckling his seatbelt and starting the car

"Did he work at a shitty bar downtown too?" Daria asked 

"Ironically, yes."

"Oh wow"

"Yeah, and I made the mistake of befriending him. He taught me how to knife fight. Because of him I met a bunch of these guys and got in a lot of shit. Until I decide I didn't wanna become a criminal like them, so I sabotaged him, and a bunch of his friends, they were arrested. And from what I knew, they were in prison."

"Oh god. Does Jane know about this?" Daria asked

"Well, not really. I think she was suspicious, she probably knows something but she won't tell me" Trent answered, briefly looking at Daria

"Are you going to tell her?"

"I've been thinking about it. Though I think she'll be extremely mad at me"

"Is she? I mean it was like 3 years ago?"

"You're probably right, she was still in 8th grade at the time"

"So...?"

"I guess I will tell her... If you come with me" Trent stated, parking in front the Lane's house

"Fine. But, I'm only doing this for Jane's sake"

"Fine by me" Trent said, getting out the car

"Janey? Are you here?" Trent asked, entering the house

"Hey! You took forever to come back!" Jane replied, as she got off the couch

"Yeah, we had an... Incident" Daria replied

"Really? What happened?"

"Some old friend of Trent's tried to kill us with a switch blade" Daria answered 

Trent looked at Daria in utter disbelief.

"What?! Trent?!" Jane exclaimed looking directly at Trent

"Uhhh... Yeah... I uhh... Do you remember David Lynn?"

"No. Fucking. Way. Psycho Lynn?! I thought he was in prison!" Jane said

"Wait, you knew him??" Trent questioned

"Duh! I'm not blind! I knew you were friends with him. Plus, you once brought him and his friends over and one of them tried to sell me drugs"

"What?!" Trent exclaimed

"Not the point! How did you get out of it?

"He pepper sprayed him" Daria replied

Jane laughed

"I thought you would do something worse!" Jane answered, still cackling 

Trent side eyed Daria

"But we're here right now aren't we?"

"I guess" Jane replied, sitting back on the couch

"What about that guy you went out with?" Daria asked

"Eh. He was kind of cool, now we're dating" Jane vaguely replied, yawning.

"Anyway, I'm knocked out. I'm going to bed. See ya" Jane said, stretching and walking upstairs 

Trent and Daria were speechless. 

"She knew about David." Daria said

"And she found herself a boyfriend in 3 hours." Trent added

Chapter Text

“I suppose you don't have enough time to spend with me now that you have this wonderful, handsome, charismatic male companion of yours” Daria stated, talking through the phone with Jane. 

“You will understand it once you get under the illusion of love” Jane replied

“So what am I supposed to do now? Do you forget you're the only person I get along with enough to hang out with?” Daria scowled.

“No. You're supposed to go find someone else to hang out with.” Jane replied

“I should have figured you would abandon me at some point.”

“Cry all you want. Tom's here. See you at school.” Jane farewelled, hanging up

“But-” Daria said, getting cut off by the beep.

“Great, just great.” Daria muttered to herself, walking out the door. 

Daria walked for a while, stopping at a vinyl store. 

‘Maybe here I'll find someone interesting enough to still listen to vinyls’ Daria thought, entering the store

“Daria?” Trent said, surprised to see Daria at his workplace. 

‘And you couldn't have picked any other place, now could you?’ Daria thought, processing what to say.

“Uhh… Hey Trent”

“What're you doing here?”

“I… Didn't know you worked here. I've been coming to this place for a while now”

“Ohh, so you're a vinyl lover? Good to know. I started working here like, a month ago, though I only do half time, ‘cause of the Spiral” Trent replied, getting out a box and displaying a few vinyls

“That could explain the reason why I hadn't found you around here”

There was some awkward silence, as Daria looked at some vinyls.

“I thought you were hanging out with Janey?” Trent said, finally breaking the utter silence. 

“She ditched me for her precious, loving, perfect, boyfriend Tom” Daria scowled 

“I would have expected that… if you were Penny— or Wind after his 2nd divorce. But not if it was you, I mean, you're like the only friend she's kept for real” Trent said, looking up at Daria

“I guess it's true friendships aren't forever”

“I wouldn't talk so fast if I was you. That guy looks like some kind of a private school hooligan.”

“Ohh, believe me he is most definitely is a hooligan” Daria replied, her lips slightly forming a curve. 

Trent smiled. 

“Well, looks like I only have 30 minutes before I check out”

“Are you implying we plot revenge against Jane after your shift ends?” Daria suggested

“I was thinking we could get our revenge… In another way…” Trent trailed off, walking slowly towards Daria

Daria tried to step back, but there was a box behind her. She tripped back.

Daria closed her eyes, feeling an arm around her waist. Trent had caught her. Effortlessly, to clarify. 

“Are you okay?” Trent asked, grabbing her hand to help her get back on her feet. 

Daria flushed, like she had never before. 

“I uhh… I'm okay” Daria replied, noticing Trent's arm was still around her waist. 

“You sure?, you look… kinda red”

‘Say something, do something! Anything!’ Daria thought

“I'm fine” Daria replied, moving away from Trent

“I gotta close the store. Are you still plotting revenge against Janey?” Trent asked, walking towards the counter

“I think I should go back home. The parental units will most likely arrive soon.”

Daria stated, trying to get her confidence back.

“Okay then. I'll see you at school?” Trent replied

“Yeah.” Daria farewelled, walking out the store. 

‘I do not believe what just happened, and I do not believe how I reacted. What do you have against me dear universe?’ Daria pondered, walking inside her room. 

“Daria! I need your help!” Quinn said, storming into Daria's room

“Is it about boys, romance, drama, clothes, colors, or cheesy TV?” Daria replied, sitting up in her bed

“No! Well… Do you count friends’ advice as drama…?” Quinn questioned 

“Fine. Sit. And close the door.” Daria said, leaving space for Quinn to sit on. 

“The thing is that Tiffany is mad at me because I copied her outfit, and almost stole her boyfriend, and now the fashion club is mad at me!”

“Let me see… that counts as clothes, drama and boys, sorry. No can do.” Daria replied, standing up and opening the door, implying Quinn to leave her room

“Daria please! I don't have anyone else to talk to!” Quinn whined

“I know someone you can talk to. Look for Brittany Taylor. She must be at football practice. Just tell her what you told me. She'll have advice for you.” Daria answered, scribbling down the address and name. 

“Thanks Daria,” Quinn said, leaving Daria's room. 

Daria fell back on her bed, relieved— until the phone rang. 

‘Who could it possibly be?’ Daria thought, reaching the phone

“Hello?” Daria said in the phone

“Hello? Daria? It's Trent.”

‘Of course it had to be Trent’ Daria thought

“Umm… hey Trent” she replied

“I just… Wanted to apologize for earlier, I didn't want to make it awkward”

“Oh. It's okay. Happens all the time” Daria replied in a sarcastic tone 

Trent briefly laughed

“I don't know if I just suck at this but, do you still want to hang out?”

‘Trent wants to hang out…? With me…?’ Daria pondered

“Yeah, sure,” she replied. 

Who knew what was next? Maybe next time she'll be agreeing to hike up Mount Everest with Trent. 

“Cool, wanna come over?” Trent casually asked

“Uhh… okay” Daria answered

“See you in a bit” Trent hung up

‘Dear goodness! Get a fucking grip Morgendorffer!’ Daria thought to herself.

“Hey” Trent greeted, opening the door, leaving space for Daria to walk in. 

“Hey” she replied back, walking inside the house.

“Want a drink?” Trent asked, moving to the kitchen. 

“Sure” Daria replied

“Uhh, we have cherry coke, mountain dew, and… sprite”

“Cherry Coke is okay”

“Here” Trent said handing the can to Daria

“Thanks” she replied

“No problem. Wanna watch something on TV?” he asked

“Meanwhile it's not cheesy nor unrealistic, it's fine by me” 

“Cool. What about Sick, Sad World’s reruns?”

“Sure”

Trent and Daria watched the reruns, commented on some of them and slightly small-talked— without any commitment or forced interactions. Even when it was silent it was comfortable silence.

It was so comfortable to the point they both fell asleep. Daria leaning her head on Trent's shoulder.

Jane arrived home around 1am and to her surprise— found her brother and closest friend fell asleep on the couch as the TV played Sick, Sad World's reruns.

Jane had the urge to wake the both of them to demand answers. Quickly. 

She didn't though. Instead, as the great sister and friend she was, put a blanket over them, and turned off the TV. 

Not to mention she stayed a fraction longer than needed, just looking at the both of them peacefully asleep.

‘They’re so in love it's infuriating they’re so oblivious about it’ Jane thought, walking upstairs to her room.

Of course, Daria had lied earlier about her parents being home. They were away for the week. Because of their anniversary. Which also meant, Quinn was going feral about it. Planning a whole week of parties. 

This wasn't going to be an easy week for Daria.

Chapter Text

“My so-called sister is having an oddly long party week. I need to find a place to stay.” Daria stated, walking out Mr. O'Neill's class with Jane

“Well, mi casa, es tu casa” Jane replied, walking to her locker

“Thanks” Daria vaguely replied

“What are friends for?”

“Oh please don't start with the cheesy sayings” 

“Too late, you already unlocked my corny side” Jane said, opening her locker

“I'm walking away now.”

“Just a reminder we'll be sharing a bathroom for a week! I will get my revenge!” Jane yelled back as Daria was already walking away

“I'm just gonna warn you. You'll clean whatever mess you make at the end of the week. No. Matter. What. Remember, I can always blackmail you.” Daria farewelled, as she picked up a duffel bag and left the house. 

“Yeah, yeah, whatever” Quinn replied before Daria walked out

‘I wished I had thought this through…’ Daria thought, knocking on the door

“Welcome to the Casa Lane!” Jane greeted Daria into the house. 

“Hey Daria!” Trent welcomed, plopping down on the couch

“Hey Trent” Daria replied

“Come on, I'll lead you to your temporary room” Jane said, walking upstairs 

“I'm so important I have my own room? I'm honored.” Daria answered, saying the last part sarcastically

“Well, you're lucky there were 4 of us. This was Penny's room”

“That explains it.” Daria said, looking around the room

“Get used to it, as best as you can at least” Jane said, leaving the room and closing the door behind her

‘Okay then’ Daria thought while unpacking a few clothes and a pajama

The door knocked. 

“Hey, are you decent?” Trent asked through the door

“Uhh, literally talking— yes. Figuratively talking— I've never been decent.” Daria answered, sitting down at the edge of the bed

Trent opened the door. 

“I'd say, you're decent in general. However, that girl that lives with you it's not decent nor cool enough to live with you.” Trent stated, sitting next to Daria 

‘Someone who doesn't acknowledge Quinn's existence? And prefers to keep it that way? Am I in heaven?’ 

Daria thought, not noticing she had been glancing at Trent the whole time.

“You don't know Quinn?” Daria asked, knowing damn well she wanted to say a lot more.

“Uhh… Should I?” Trent questioned, tilting his head at Daria

“No. Please don't. You shouldn't.”

“Okay…” Trent blankly said, still slightly confused

There was a small moment where they both looked deeply at each other. Where it seemed like there was something more— hidden to the naked eye (or their eyes to be fair, it was obvious to everyone else).

It felt somewhat idyllic— ethereal, intimate. Even though all they did was look at each other for no longer than 3 minutes. 

“I- uhh… I should go look for Jane.”

Daria finally said, breaking whatever was going on with them.

“Uhh, yeah, I'm… going back downstairs anyway” Trent said, standing up and rubbing the back of his neck

“Yeah” Daria replied, walking out the room

Daria stormed into Jane's room. Seething.

“Where were you?!” Daria exclaimed, trying to keep her voice down so Trent wouldn't hear. 

“Uhh, painting?? Where else would I be?” Jane replied, showing Daria her new painting, it was an abstract version of a futuristic city (?) it was kind of hard to make out what it was.

“You know what I mean.” Daria scowled. 

“No I do not?? Seriously, have you finally gone crazy??” Jane replied

Daria frowned at the comment. 

“You goddamn left me alone with your brother!”

“No I didn't. He just came crawling back to you.”

“Don't.”

“Do. Daria don't you realize?? He likes you!” Jane finally said, abruptly standing up from her seat

“... What're you talking about?” Daria questioned, genuinely confused.

“He's been into you since we went to alternapalooza! I do not know what the hell you told him but you got him head over heels”

“What about Monique…?”

“They've been in an on and off relationship since he was a sophomore”

“Perhaps they're ‘on’ right now…”

“They are not. Daria you are seriously living in oblivion”

“I need some water.” Daria simply stated, while walking out the door and closing the door behind her. 

‘He can not be in love with me. Can he…? I mean… we've only met for like 8 months…?’ Daria kept pondering, while serving herself a glass of water 

Daria went back up upstairs, hoping to not bump into Trent on the way. 

She didn't.

Daria plopped down on the bed, facing down— If Trent walked in, at least she wouldn't see him. 

Jane walked by to check on Daria. She walked in and sat on the edge of the bed.

“That's only what I think though.” Jane confessed, fidgeting with her hands.

Daria looked up. 

“Don't kid with me, Lane.”

“I'm not. I don't actually know if he likes you that way… I only said it ‘cause I thought you liked him too.”

“Ugh! I hate myself for many things— but this is definitely the worst reason why… I do like him.” Daria blurted, sitting up. 

“I knew it! I knew you did!” Jane jabbered

Daria side-eyed Jane. 

“The point is, why don't you tell him?”

“Are you insane?”

“Maybe.”

“I won't do it. End of discussion.”

“So you'll just repress your feelings until they suddenly disappear?”

“Uh huh”

“I don't believe this Daria.”

“Well, you should.”

“What if he likes you too?”

“He'd have to say it first.”

“But if I asked him and then told you, wouldn't that count?”

“It'd need to be him. Coming directly from him.”

“Gosh! You're so complicated!”

“And so are you.” Daria finished, walking away, leaving Jane all alone.

“Hey Daria, Trent and I are going to the supermarket. Can you make sure the house doesn't get robbed while we're away?” Jane asked, peeking through Penny's door 

“I can't make any promises.”

“Eh. I'll take it. See you!” Jane farewelled

“Maybe there's something decent on the TV” Daria questioned, walking downstairs to the living room. 

“Sick, Sad World is okay.” Daria said to herself

About 30 minutes had passed by when suddenly the door knocked. 

‘If it's some kind of seller, I will leave immediately’ Daria thought, answering the door

Oh she wished it had been a crappy deodorant seller…

“Tom?” Daria exclaimed

“Daria? I thought Jane was at home today?” Tom answered, checking his fancy ass watch

“She and Trent went out shopping.” Daria replied

“What about you? You certainly don't have what it takes to be an official Lane family member”

“I'm only staying for the week. And you're here because…?” Daria asked crossing her arms and leaning on the doorframe

“I was supposed to take Jane on a date tonight”

“Ahhh, she ditched you!”

“No… She just forgot… I guess”

“You can come back later Tom” Daria replied, slowly closing the door. 

“Wait! Can I stay here until she comes back?”

“Why would you?”

“Because you're kinda cool too…?”

“Not a good enough reason. Plus it's not true.”

“It is true though.” Tom said leaning down to kiss her 

“What are you doing?!” Daria said pushing Tom away 

“Uhh… kissing you?” He replied

“You asshole! You're Jane's boyfriend!”

“And?”

“Well, fuck you!”

Daria slammed the door in Tom's face.

Daria felt numb afterwards, she didn't know how to feel. She decided it was better to just lock herself in Penny's room and let herself cry, scream, whatever she needed to do before Jane got back. 

Daria sat down on the floor at the foot of the bed. Knees against her chest. 

Her door opened.

Seriously, people had to stop doing that to Daria. It's obnoxious.

“Daria?” Trent asked, closing the door behind him

“Trent? I thought you were with Jane?”

“Yeah, she found Tom on the way back so I took advantage” Trent said, sitting down next to her

“Care to tell me what happened?” He asked

“Only if you promise not to tell Jane”

“Tough request. But I'll take it.”

“Well… Tom dropped by a while ago… And we talked… Then he tried to… Kiss me…” Daria explained

“He fucking did WHAT?!” Trent exclaimed as he abruptly stood up and walked towards the door

“Trent! Where are you going?”

“I'm making some phone calls.”

‘What the heck is that supposed to mean?’ Daria thought as she followed Trent to his room

“Hey Luigi. It's Trent Lane. I need a favor.”

“Aha! Lane! My boy! Tell me, what do you need?”

“I need you to look for Tom Sloane”

“Ah, I see. What's going on between you and the Sloane's?”

“Tom tried to cheat on my sister, with her best friend.”

“I see, I see. Let me check. I think I have a guy that can track him down. Do you need to kill him? Almost-kill him? Hurt him?”

“I'd say deeply hurt him”

“I can arrange that. Do you need a specific date?”

“Anytime soon it's alright”

“How about tomorrow midnight?”

“I owe you one Luigi”

“Anything! My boy!”

Daria's eyes widened. She had stayed out of Trent's room, just in case. Though she heard the entire conversation. She couldn't believe what she heard. 

“Daria? Come in” Trent said, leading her inside his room

“What was that Trent? I thought you said you didn't want to be a criminal like them!” Daria said

“I don't. But it's always good to keep the contacts and connections. Thanks to them I'm here.”

“Do you want to kill Tom?”

“Of course I do! God! This guy tried to cheat on Janey! Who knew what he could've done! Most importantly, he also tried to jeopardize you into his game!” Trent blurted, sounding exhausted.

“Do you really care that much to ’deeply hurt’ Tom?”

Trent sighed. 

“Daria…” Trent trailed off. “Janey's been my whole life since we're kids. I always had to stand up for her at school. I was always there when she needed me. I had to be the one to always be strong and take care of Jane. I know she doesn't really need me now, but I'd like to help.”

“Have you let her know this?” 

Daria simply asked. Though she had a lot in mind, she wanted to say as much as possible but that question was the only thing she could manage to say.

“No… I guess I should”

“Maybe then she'll tell you if she also wants to kill Tom”

“Thank you, Daria” Trent farewelled as went out to look for Jane

Who knew Daria was such a help in this kind of scenario? I mean, she possibly saved Tom's ass from getting killed even though he didn't deserve it. And she also got Trent to finally express his trouble to Jane. 

Maybe she was finally growing a heart. Or perhaps suffering from some kind of epiphany.

Chapter Text

“Hey guys-” Jane said, entering the Lane house, getting cut off by Trent

“Janey we have to tell you something…” Trent said, leading Jane to the couch

“Uhhh, okay?” Jane replied, a little bewildered 

“Jane,” Daria started. “Tom came by when you and Trent were at the supermarket… And… I told him you were out with Trent, so he could come back later… And he… Tried to… kiss me…” Daria stated

“He did what now?!” Jane exclaimed, abruptly standing up from the couch

“I am so gonna kill him.” Jane added, grabbing her coat and walking out the door

“Oh god” Trent said, rubbing his temples

“What are we going to do now? She's on the hunt for sure” Daria asked

“We should follow her”

“And what if she kills us for following her?”

Daria questioned, raising a brow at Trent

“She won't” Trent replied, grabbing his keys and walking out the door

“Here we go again” Daria muttered under her breath

“Don't you think we already lost track of her? She left like 10 minutes ago” Daria asked, buckling her seatbelt 

“I don't think so… There she is!” Trent replied, starting the car

“You have really good eyesight, did you know that?” Daria stated, briefly looking at Trent

“I wouldn't believe that, I just think I know my sister” Trent sarcastically replied

“Like a sister-radar? Really?” 

“Yeah, I actually think it could be just good genetics from my mom”

“I thought so.”

There was some silence afterwards. Jane had really walked all the way over to Tom's house. She was desperate to kick Tom's ass for almost-cheating on her with her best friend. And let's admit it, Tom always seemed like an asshole whether she liked it or not. It was just a matter of time for him to pull of his typical ‘my dad will make you pay’ rich kid move.

“What did his family do to pay for this kind of mansion?” Trent asked, glaring at the gigantic mansion in front of him. 

“His dad is in some kind of mafia. I think he would be called a mobster in the private school business. He's a CEO at one of the ‘most privileged schools in America’.” Daria stated, also staring at the immense mansion

“Should we knock?” Trent asked

“I believe so” Daria replied, walking towards the door

“Actually, I think rich people don't knock. They probably have a door bell that sounds like a 18th century opera” Trent said looking at Daria

“You're probably right. Nevertheless, I don't want to hear the 18th century doorbell” Daria answered, glaring at the door

“I guess we'll have to take the risk,” Trent said, shrugging it off

Daria sighed as she rang the doorbell, it was indeed, an 18th century opera doorbell. How original.

“It's even worse than I imagined. It sounds like someone is in utter massacre.” Daria stated

“I think it could be played during a horror movie and it would pass by unnoticed”

“Definitely.” Daria replied, her lips slightly forming a curve

The door opened. A butler answered the door. 

“Good afternoon. May I help you?” The butler politely asked

“Hello, yes, we're looking for Tom Sloane” Trent replied

“I'm afraid Mr. Sloane is busy with someone right now. Perhaps you want to come in and wait for him.” The butler stated, moving aside 

“Yes, we will wait.” Daria replied before Trent could even argue. 

“Please. Come in.” The butler guided them into what it seemed like a living room

“I'll let you know when Mr. Sloane is available again.” The butler said, disappearing into the kitchen (?) Everything was so confusing in such a big place.

“Looks like we're stuck here for a while” Trent said

“Unfortunate events happen everyday.”

“You're right.” Trent briefly replied

Trent stretched into the couch they were sitting at, slightly putting his arm behind Daria's back. Daria flushed. 

“Can I ask you something?” Trent asked Daria, sitting up straight, removing his arm from Daria's back. 

“Uhh, yeah” she replied

“How do you know so much about Tom's dad?”

“Well... One day, Tom was waiting for Jane in the kitchen, I was picking up the materials for our economy project and Tom started to tell me about his dad and stuff. Honestly it was very infuriating the way he talked about it. He's such a hypocrite. It certainly looked like he just wanted to small talk— even though it looked like it was his first time doing it.” Daria explained

“To me, it looks like he just hung out with Jane because of you. Otherwise, why would he even try to kiss you if he didn't like you from the start?” Trent replied 

“I… don't know… I don't believe any guy has really seen me that way before…” Daria trailed off as they started to hear yelling coming from upstairs. 

“You only hung out with me because my best friend wouldn't talk to you? Am I some kind of disposal to you?!” Jane exclaimed throwing her hands in the air and abruptly running down the stairs

“Jane, wait up! You don't get it!”

“I don't get it?! Are you out of your fucking mind?! Look if you sooo want to date my best friend, go ahead! I don't care!” Jane yelled, as she grabbed her coat and reached the door knob

“And don't fucking call me again!” Jane added as she stormed out of Tom's house 

“Daria? Trent? What are you doing here??” Tom asked walking towards them

“We were hoping to kick your ass, though I think you already got fucked up by Janey” Trent replied

“Look-” Tom said, getting cut off by Daria

“Tom. Fuck off. I would never in my motherfucking life date some kind of privileged-hypocrite-asshole that not only treated my closest real friend like shit, but tried to cheat on her?! You went so fucking low it's unbelievable Tom. So please don't ever try to reach out to any of us again.” Daria firmly stated as she grabbed her coat and stormed out, Trent following her. 

“I am speechless. You really hurt his ego with that statement.” Trent said, buckling his seatbelt and starting the car

“He better stay away for good.” Daria replied, looking out the window

“If he doesn't— there's always Luigi” Trent said

The comment made Daria slightly smile

“I always wondered how a real murder scene looked like” Daria replied 

“There's always a first time for everything” Trent said, smirking 

“We better find Jane. She's probably burning with rage. My dream could come true if we don't get there in time.”

“You're right. It's time to use my super-eyesight to locate Jane”

Daria and Trent wandered for a long 30 minutes, but they did find Jane. She was looking around for new art supplies at a mall downtown. They had to buy her some of the supplies she wanted. They really shouldn't mess with an angry Jane Lane.

Unfortunately, they also found Quinn and the fakers club at the mall. And to Daria's surprise they asked Trent for a ride home.

“I… uhhh… don't think… I can” Trent finally replied to the fashion club’s request

“Why not? You're here. We're here. We're all going back to Lawndale.” Quinn argued

“I figured you would be very busy with your amazing party week. What are you doing stranded at a mall downtown?” Daria asked, crossing her arms

“Stacy needed new shoes and purses, Tiffany wanted a new dress and Sandy wanted new glasses. So we just had to come shopping”

“And who exactly is paying for all this?” Daria questioned, pointing at their shopping bags and raising a brow at them. Especially Quinn. 

“Uhh… Dad’s credit card”

“Give me the card.” Daria demanded

“No! Why would I?” Quinn whined

“Because you're not in a good place with our parents right now and you could be grounded for weeks, maybe even months” Daria said, whispering the last part

“Fine!” Quinn surrendered

In the end, Daria convinced Trent to give them a ride home. Promising to kick them out of the car if they got too annoying. Which they did. Within the first 15 minutes inside the car. So they actually didn't know where the fakers ended up. 

Daria, Trent and Jane got back home safely. Jane actually calmed down on the way home, so when they arrived she was so tired she went straight to bed. 

On the other hand, Trent and Daria weren't as tired. So they took their chances at eating leftovers in the fridge as dinner and talked for a bit too.

Then, they still weren't sleepy enough to go to bed so they watched Sick, Sad World until Daria fell asleep and Trent decided to carry her to Penny's room while she was still asleep. Trent didn't wake her up, though he stayed a little longer to look at her. Sleeping. 

‘I don't get how she's so… cool, and different, and how she does everything so… effortlessly…’

Trent pondered for while, until he came to the conclusion that he was falling asleep too, so he went back to his room only to realize the only thing he could think about was Daria…

Chapter Text

‘Should I knock…? Or maybe I should wait until she wakes up…’ Trent pondered, walking through the halls, specifically in front Penny's room. 

“Morning Trent” Jane greeted, closing her room’s door.

“Morning Janey” Trent replied, faking to go to the bathroom across the hall

“I'm going for a run. See you guys at lunch” Jane farewelled, rushing down the stairs. 

‘Well… it's almost 12 am… I think I should wake up Daria’ Trent thought, knocking on Penny's door

‘Huh? What time is it- Oh sh-’ Daria thought, standing up half dressed, and with messy hair. 

“Hey Trent, good morning” Daria said, yawning 

“Good morning Daria, uhh, are you hungry?” Trent blurted

‘Really subtle Trent, really subtle’ Trent thought, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“Umm, yeah, I suppose I should eat. Considering the time.” Daria replied

“Cool. Do you like scrambled eggs? I think it's the only thing we can cook” Trent added

“Yeah. Just… let me get dressed” Daria said, walking back into the room

“Oh yeah, yeah” Trent replied, walking back downstairs

‘Zero self control Trent. Disappointing.’ Trent thought, grabbing the ingredients to cook the eggs

“Can I help you with something?” Daria asked, standing in front of Trent, behind the kitchen countertop

“Uhh, yeah, you can start cracking the eggs into the bowl” Trent replied, putting the eggs and bowl on the countertop 

“Okay” 

Trent had been stealing some glances at Daria while she wasn't looking. Trent couldn't stop thinking about her. She just wasn't like the girls he had dated before. 

She wasn't as shallow, she didn't care about her appearance. She didn't care about what other people thought about her. She was bold. She was strong, independent, she had a mind of her own— and she wouldn't let anyone change that. She was… Different. 

Daria started to suspect when she noticed that Trent had poured half the oil bottle into the pan, almost causing an accident.

“Trent?” Daria asked. No response. 

“Trent!” Daria exclaimed, snatching the oil bottle away from him

“Huh? Wha- Oh shit” Trent finally said, shaking away his thoughts. 

“Fuck. I'm sorry, I got distracted” Trent added, putting back the oil and turning off the stove. 

“Distracted by what exactly?” Daria asked, making eye contact with him and crossing her arms

“...You.” Trent confessed. 

Daria remained silent. Though her eyes softened at the answer.

“...I was thinking about you.” Trent added, leaning on the countertop

“Don't kid with me, Lane.” Daria simply replied, breaking the eye contact

Trent took a step closer. Making them only inches away from each other.

“I'm not.” Trent replied in the deepest voice tone possible.

Daria started getting nervous, considering running away to Penny's room. 

“I- uh, have to…” Daria trailed off, running out of excuses to leave.

“...Call someone? Are you trying to give me an excuse to leave?” Trent asked, stepping away from Daria

“...No, it's just… I don't believe you.” Daria sighed, looking into Trent's eyes, like she was looking for answers. 

‘If I could just tell her…’ Trent thought.

“It's true Daria. You're not like the rest of girls. Sometimes I even feel dumb when I'm around you, you're just too smart. You're a lot more fun than the girls in my class. You're not like them. You're… You. And I love that.” Trent stated, tilting his head back. 

“I…Don't know what to say…” Daria briefly answered.

“You don't have to say anything.”

And with those words Daria fell back. She was feeling weirder than usual— her heart was oddly pounding, her mind was blank. 

She felt like she should say something— do something. 

Daria took a step closer. Their faces merely inches away.

“We shouldn't be doing this. It's not…Right…” Daria said, looking deeply at Trent

“What are you so worried about?”

“A very angry Jane Lane and my very own parents.”

“And so what? We have free will anyway. They can mind their own business.” Trent said, closing the gap in between them. 

Trent kissed Daria. She kissed back.

Trent grabbed Daria's waist as she put her arms around Trent's neck.

“What if Jane comes in?” Daria whispered into Trent's ear

“She can either accept it or deal with it.” Trent whispered back

Daria smiled. Genuinely. 

“Do you realize we've been here for an hour and we still haven't eaten anything?” Daria pointed

“Hmm… You're right” Trent sighed. “I suppose I will have to do it on my own. Since a very specific lady is distracting me from my essential labors” Trent added, letting go of Daria and putting on an apron.

“Am I just supposed to wait until you finally finish cooking? Or am I supposed to do something while I wait?” Daria sarcastically replied, glaring at Trent

“I don't know. You're the special lady. Perhaps there is something you could do in the meantime.” Trent suggested.

“Tell me. I'm intrigued. What do you have in mind?” Daria replied, sitting down at the countertop.

“Do you really think it will help Jane's utter teenage post-break-up depression?” Daria asked, looking at the living room that they had previously decorated and prepared for a TV marathon— and probably some awkward conversation here and there.

“Perhaps. It's just worth a try.” Trent replied, plopping down on the couch. Daria following

Trent put an arm around Daria's shoulders.

“This is an unexpectedly nice sensation.” Daria admitted, letting herself melt into Trent. 

“You should get used to it. It's not all that bad to let yourself enjoy a little”

“I have to say, I was skeptical about the idea of a male companion, though it feels…Oddly comforting” Daria confessed. 

“I'll always be there for you Daria. Even if you only need a simple glass of water.”

“Okay. I get it but that's a bit too corny.”

“Ohh, my bad.”

“It's alright, you just need to readjust.” 

“Hey guys, how was your- Wha- What is all this??” Jane said, a bit bamboozled. 

“We thought it would be nice to have a night off with some marathons and snacks,” Trent replied, smirking. 

“Woahhh, okay then. Let's have a night off!” Jane exclaimed, dropping her bag and coat on the floor.

The three of them enjoyed the night like they had never before. There was nothing that could ever compare to it. Jane had cooled off her break-up, calling it herself ‘emotional closure with a scent of sarcasm’ even though Daria and Trent didn't completely understand what it meant, they guessed it was a good sign. 

It had been fun for Daria to stay at the Lane household, she had really smiled more that night than in her 16 years of living. Though a certain part of it was just a blur— since there had been (some) alcohol involved, due to Trent's ‘connections’. 

According to Trent, Daria had gone crazy with Margaritas, to the point she danced on the kitchen countertop. Jane said there was a point where she just fell out and apparently doesn't remember anything of what happened around that time, so she was just as confused as Daria. 

Overall, the night off was indeed fun. Fulfilling its purpose. Flawlessly, to clarify. 

Then, Daria came to the realization of it being a Saturday morning, not knowing where her sister was located at the moment and their parents coming back tomorrow night.

Mayhem was approaching. Or very possibly karma finally getting back at her for… Who knows what?

Chapter Text

"Jane! Wake up!" Daria said, shaking Jane's shoulders

"What- What's up??” Jane said, sitting up on the sofa, where she had fallen asleep.

“Do you remember that we left my annoying sister and her fakers club stranded downtown?" Daria asked, sitting down next to Jane

“Uhh, yeah? What about it?" 

“Well, our parents come back from their trip tomorrow night! And we don't know where she is!" Daria explained, reasonably freaking out

“Gee, I didn't know you cared that much about that little brat” Jane scowled

"It's not that I care, if our parents get to know about it, I'll be completely, utterly, fucked until I leave for college!" 

"First of all, you won't be fucked. Second of all, I thought you were an all class rebel when it came to your parents?” Jane questioned

"I just don't like the way my parents try to ‘parent’ me. That's all." 

"Then why are you so worried about getting grounded?”

"It's useless and I can obviously, and very easily get out of it. Though I don't want to hear the same pointless, shitty lecture at every single family dinner. So we have to find Quinn. As much as I would love to leave her wherever she is— I don't want to go through all the trouble. She is not worth it.” Daria stated, standing up from the couch and leaving to go find Trent

“It's not ‘we’ by the way! I don't want to find your bitch-y sister!" Jane yelled, hoping Daria would hear her 

“Morning. I heard your conversation with Jane by the way. I'll help you." Trent said, running into Daria in the hall 

“Morning Trent, I appreciate your help. Though I'm not so sure we'll find Quinn so easily." She replied

“We'll find her. Plus, how hard can it be? I mean they literally ended up stranded because of shopping" 

“True, but still I think we should act fast" Daria said, going to the kitchen for the phone and dialing her home line

“Hello? Who is this?" Sandy answered in that shrieky voice Daria hated so much

‘You’ve got to be kidding me!’ Daria thought

“Sandy? What are you doing answering this number?" 

“I don't think you heard me. Who.Is.This?” Sandy replied 

Daria sighed. 

"It's…Daria, Quinn's…cousin" 

‘Cousin?’ Trent mouthed to Daria as he sat in front of her

Daria rolled her eyes at him. 

“Ewww! Why are you calling? Don't you have something else to do other than interrupting other people's lives?? Stop bothering Quinn!" Sandy whined, hanging up. 

“But-" 

Daria sighed, rubbing her temples.

"What'd she say?" Trent asked

“She hung up on me. I guess we'll have to go visit Sandy…that is apparently at our house.” Daria said, walking upstairs to change

“Be ready in 10.” Daria added

“Cool" 

“Oh god. You're going with her?" Jane asked

“Yeah well, how bad can it be? What's the possibly worst scenario?" Trent questioned

“Well, I'd say… Actually finding Quinn! She doesn't deserve to be found." Jane scowled

“Very probably she doesn't deserve it. But we will find her because it's important to Daria. And who am I to go against her?" 

“Uhh, nobody? Literally, you're just my brother. I don't really think she sees you as something more than an acquaintance." 

"Whatever. I see her as my friend, so I'm going to help her.” Trent stated, leaving to his room to go change. Slightly pondering on what Jane had said. Did she really just see him as an acquaintance...?

“So tell me, what's the plan?" Trent asked, walking beside Daria

“I suppose there isn't really a plan. Though I think we first gotta check our house to check if she's there— and also investigate the reason why Sandy was answering the phone." Daria explained

“Okay, but what if Quinn isn't home?" Trent questioned

“If she isn't home, I'd first have to interrogate the fakers, extract every sort of information they could possibly have. Then if they refused or just were too stupid to remember, we'd have to go check her favorite shops and malls. I really hope we don't have to reach that point though.” Daria stated 

"Scrupulously elaborated plan. I like it." Trent replied

“So I guess I do have a plan.”

“Here we are. So far there aren't any signs of murder, which is good. Though… I believe it looks messier than normal… Perhaps they did have some kind of party.” Daria said, reaching the porch of the Morgendorffer residence. 

Trent knocked

"Ughh! I thought I told you to stay away from Quinn!” Sandy whined, crossing her arms

"I thought I asked you why are you in our- in Quinn's house when her parents aren't home?" Daria shot back, glaring at Sandy. 

"What do you want?" Sandy asked

“Where is Quinn? Is she here?" Daria asked, trying to look behind Sandy 

“She is. But what do I get if I let you in?” Sandy said

"Let me think…" Daria said, pushing through Sandy, Trent following her. (We all knew Sandy wasn't very athletic) 

“Ughhhh!" Sandy whined, slamming the door shut.

"Quinn! Where are you?" Daria asked, looking through the kitchen and living room

“Daria? What are you doing here?!" Quinn questioned, coming down from upstairs, visibly mad.

“Look, our parents will come back tomorrow night. I just needed to know you were alive” Daria explained

"You just need to know that I was alive?! Daria we were wandering around for 12 goddamn hours!” Quinn scowled

“Geez! It wasn't even our fault! You were the ones stranded downtown in the first place— I don't even know how the hell you got there!" Daria shouted back at Quinn

"Yes. And you left us even more stranded!” Quinn argued

"No. We didn't. You and your fakers club are just too oblivious and self-centered to even notice what happens around you!” Daria finally said

Quinn loudly gasped and frowned at the comment

“Well if we're so oblivious to you, then you can leave! Forever!" Quinn shouted, running back upstairs and slamming the door. 

Daria frowned 

“Come on Trent, we're not welcome here." Daria said, referring to Sandy. 

“Well, you are not welcome here anymore”

Daria death-glared at Sandy, while walking out the house

“Well… that was most definitely… something” Trent said, as they walked back to the Lane's house

"She's just so… oblivious, self centered, ignorant, it physically hurts.” Daria replied

"You shouldn't worry about what she says, neither of them. Maybe you're better off without them.” Trent suggested, shrugging.

“I know that I'm better off without them, but she's my sister. My mother is a top class lawyer. She would never allow me to stay with you guys. And she would probably call Child Protection Services, and I don't want you to get in trouble just because of me.”

"She wouldn't be able to do much though. I'll turn 18 in 1 month and a half. Technically, it would be legal. And I could legally hire a lawyer too.” Trent stated, looking back at Daria

"Really? I thought you were younger?” Daria questioned

"Yeah, I actually started elementary 1 year later because of my parents’ traveling. So now I'll graduate high school at 19”

"Ohhh, that explains it. In that case I suppose I could just avoid my own house for a month and a half.” Daria replied, slightly smiling 

"Yeah, sounds like a solid plan to me.” Trent said, smirking

"Then I guess we have a plan".

Chapter Text

“But mooooom! Why do we have to get Daria back?! It's not like she's important or anything anyway!" Quinn whined, stomping on the Lane's porch.

“Quinn. We are not leaving her here! Especially when there is no adult supervision around here!” Helen shot back, abruptly knocking on the Lane's house door.

“Good afternoon Ms Morgendorffer! Good to see you again. How can I help you?" Jane politely greeted, doing her best to smile

“Hello Jane, I believe Daria has been staying here for quite a while. I'm worried about her, and I gotta take her home with me.” Helen stated, trying to peek behind Jane

"I don't know how I can help-” Jane trailed off as Helen pushed through her and stormed into the living room, finding Trent and Daria sitting on the countertop. 

"Daria, pack your things. We're leaving now." Helen said firmly. 

“Well hello to you too mother, I am fine thank you, how are you?" Daria sarcastically replied

"Daria, I am not kidding. Pack. Your. Things." Helen answered in a threatening tone

“I'm afraid that's not possible." Daria said, her lips slightly forming a curve.

“Daria, I don't have time for your little riddles. I have to be back at the office by 3:30 and it's 2:30 already.” Helen replied, anxiously checking her watch

Daria turned to Trent, who pulled out a folder with documents

“That's because I'm not playing." Daria stated, standing up, Trent following her. 

“Ms Morgendorffer, I believe there's something you should see." Trent said.

Helen snatched the folder from Trent and gasped, looking amused. 

"That's right. Trent is officially 18 years old, which means I now can legally stay here. As the law dictates, Trent is an adult. You can't do anything mother.” Daria stated, fully smirking and crossing her arms

"This… Can't be…" Helen trailed off

“Daria, do you really wanna run away? Leave our house? Live away from us? Moving away at 16? That's not you Daria…” Helen explained, her voice and eyes softening at each word.

Daria frowned. 

“Mother, this is my decision. I'll be 18 in 1 year and a half. You couldn't contain me in that house for any longer. And you know it.” Daria scowled

Helen froze. She looked like a train could've passed right by and she wouldn't have even noticed. 

Daria was right. Helen wouldn't have been able to keep her so close for long. Things had been rough with Helen's family. Creating a total hell during holidays. They would all fake they were all right with seeing each other when they weren't— Passive aggressiveness at its best.

It was all a blur for Daria. Not mentioning her dad's unemployment and the way that affected Helen's and Jake’s marriage. 

It was already a toxic, draining environment for Daria.

Helen was just living in denial.

Helen finally reacted. Putting all documents back inside the folder. 

“Daria, I just want what's best for you… Even if that means you'll have to live with the Lane's for the rest of high school. I'm not completely sure this is the best for you… Though I'll… be okay…” Helen said, walking back to the front door

Daria followed her

"Just… Please promise you'll be safe." Helen farewelled, walking back to the car

Daria just nodded in agreement as she saw Quinn getting into the car too and driving away.

“I thought I would have to call my lawyer. But oh well, it'll be next time then.” Trent said, leaning on the doorframe next to Daria

Daria smiled. Genuinely. 

"I can't believe I'm free. This has been my dream since I was 5” Daria replied, looking at Trent

“Well, they always say the 11th year is the year.”

Daria chuckled.

“You two love birds! I'm having a party so I need you to move away from the door!” Jane yelled from the kitchen

"What party? Aren't I supposed to be one celebrating my so-waited freedom my own way?” Daria asked, walking inside the house and sitting on the couch. 

“Nope. This is for the fact that Trent is now an adult and can excuse my absences at school! Not to mention the fact that we won't have to explain to the cops and the CPS anymore!” Jane explained, taking out a soda from the fridge

“You've been interrogated by the CPS?" Daria asked

“Many times. By our neighbors. Damn Ms. Brown.” Jane said

"How did you get out of it? That many times…?” Daria questioned

“We had to call Wind at a point, he pretended to be our 45 year old brother in charge of us. A friend of mine helped us create fake documents and birth certificates.” Trent explained, sitting down next to Daria

“Sounds like they should have a better protocol for teenagers living on their own— or security protocols in general.” Daria replied

"Yeah, if we had been in danger they wouldn't have noticed. We'd be kidnapped, probably on our way to a foreign country.” Jane said, shrugging it off

"Shit! It's already 3:00! Are you staying for the party? ‘Cause people are arriving in 30 minutes and I have no mercy over alcoholic teenagers” Jane said

"Perhaps if we stay just 15 minutes as a part of a social experiment” Daria suggested, turning to Trent

"Fine by me" Trent replied

“Then c'mon! We have a social experiment to organize!" Jane answered, enthusiastic about the idea of a party with Daria

“Why do you care about the looks? It's gonna end up vomited anyway. Plus, I'm pretty sure they only come here for the alcohol they can't get themselves." Daria stated, crossing her arms

“Duh! I know that, and that's exactly why I'm locking away mom's stuff and stuff that could be valuable in the future. Plus putting plastic wrap on the furniture. Just in case." Jane explained, getting out a big box full of plastic wrap and tape

“Huh. You actually had a plan." Daria replied, slightly surprised.

"It's never wrong to have a backup plan" Jane replied

“Ok, Daria you'll be in that corner making sure nobody tries to steal from us nor drinking too much” Jane said pointing to a corner near the kitchen

"And watch all those freshmen throw up in the kitchen sink? No thank you. I'll pass.” Daria replied, pointing out the window, where there was an intense amount of people lined up on the Lane's porch

“Do you want to do the bathroom vigilance?” Jane asked Daria raising a brow at her

"What if I bribe Upchuck to do it for me?” Daria asked, pulling out a hundred dollar bill

“Why do you always carry a hundred dollars with you? And how do you have so much money all the time?" Trent asked, turning to Daria and crossing his arms

“A magician never reveals its secret." Daria replied, smirking. 

"Whatever, I don't care who does it while we don't get toilet-paper-robbed. I know we're free and all but we're damn broke” Jane explained

Daria nodded

“What about me?" Trent asked Jane

“You… Will be on the opposite side of Daria, watching the couch and TV. And also try to keep an eye on the door just in case some murderer comes in." Jane answered, reaching the doorknob

“But-" Trent said, getting cut off by Jane

“EVERYONE TO THEIR PLACES" Jane yelled opening the door

Daria ran to her spot, along with Trent

How did Jane get half LHS students to come to her party? No fucking idea. 

Did it work? Abso-fucking-lutely.

Daria had been at the party for the past 30 minutes and she still couldn't find Jane. Though she did find a couple of freshmen to bribe and keep her and Trent's vigilance spot. So it was an advantage. 

Trent had been off promoting Mystik Spiral's performance at the new bar in their neighborhood, so Daria was all alone again. 

‘Oh fuck. What the fuck is he doing here??’ Daria thought, as she had just spotted Tom Sloane in the living room— And most probably he had spotted Daria too.

“Daria!" Tom yelled through the noise

Daria faked to not hear him whatsoever. 

"Daria! Please!" Tom yelled again until he reached for her wrist

“Get off me Tom!” Daria said. Pissed.

The music stopped, and suddenly everyone was looking at them

Yet, Tom hadn't let go of Daria

"I said get off me!" Daria yelled again, forcing Tom to let go. 

Daria walked away through the crowd.

“Daria come on!" Tom said, sounding certainly defeated. 

Daria had found her way back to Penny's room. Or so it seemed like it…

“Trent! Thank god!" Daria exclaimed, closing the door and noticing she had actually entered Trent's room instead of Penny's. 

“Daria? What happened? Are you okay?" Trent replied, standing up from his bed and walking towards her

“I saw Tom downstairs. And he grabbed my wrist and wouldn't let go." Daria explained, plopping down on Trent's bed

“Motherfucker" Trent cursed under his breath. 

“How did he even know about the party? He doesn't even attend LHS." Trent questioned, sitting down on his desk chair and sitting in front of Daria

“I don't know! Maybe it's because he's some rich kid with lots, and I mean lots of connections and power over the authorities and most importantly, lots of corrupt people inside the government that help the Sloane's get whatever the fuck they want!” Daria blurted, throwing her hands in the air

“That's right. But we're most definitely better than that. We're better than them. In all ways. There's always going to be people like the Sloane's— There's always been people like the Sloane's everywhere goddamn it!” Trent blurted back, reclining on his chair. 

Daria didn't reply. She just let the silence speak for them. There wasn't much left to say— and if there was something left to say, it would take a lot more than just a few minutes. 

“Wait- Where's Janey??" Trent asked, abruptly standing up 

“Oh shit! I don't know i- I was going to look for her!" Daria replied, also standing up. 

"We have to be quick if we don't want to be spotted by Sloane” Trent said

"Got it.” Daria replied

Jane had been in the basement, surprisingly (to herself tho), talking to Jesse, who also ended up being a decent, funny guy. Who was also relatable at a point and a really good listener overall. 

"Janey?" Trent said, peeking through the basement’s door

“Trent, what are you doing here? I thought you were promoting the Spiral?” Jane questioned

"We've been looking for you everywhere!" Daria answered, peeking behind Trent

“What? Why didn't you just call me?" Jane asked, a little more calm

Daria and Trent exchanged a ‘why didn't I think of this?, or more importantly, why didn't you think of this?’ kind of look

Jane read their faces.

“You didn't even think about it, did you?” Jane asked, tilting her head

"Uhh… Nope." Trent confessed

“No." Daria vaguely answered

"Okay. But I'm in the middle of something right now, so…” Jane trailed off, slowly closing the door

"Now, where were we Jesse?" Jane asked, sitting next to Jesse on the basement's couch 

“We could've just called her." Trent said, utterly defeated.

“We went through this teenage jungle for absolutely nothing." Daria added, walking upstairs. 

"What exactly distracted us though? We would've usually figured out we could've just called a while ago.” Trent asked, opening his room’s door 

“I don't know… it could've been anything really, unless it was Tom… I don't really think so though…” Daria replied sitting down on Trent's bed

"What if it was… Us…?" Trent suggested, closing the door behind him

“What do you mean?" Daria asked 

“I mean we haven't talked about it since we kissed" Trent blurted

Daria slightly blushed. 

“I… just… I don't think I can make such a big commitment Trent…” Daria confessed, looking down at her hands

Trent sat beside her and held her hand.

“It doesn't need to be a commitment y'know? Perhaps it can just be kissing… or just talking if that's what you want. It doesn't need to have a label— at least not yet. You can always change your mind and I'll be there for it.” Trent explained, slightly squeezing her hand

Daria's eyes softened at his answer.

Daria grabbed Trent's hand, squeezed it and then kissed him— passionately but slowly. 

“See? It's as easy as that!" Trent whispered

Daria smiled at his comment

“Perhaps you're right." Daria admitted, kissing him again

This was a new chapter for Daria, she was now living with her 2 only best friends in the world (one of them also acting as her so-called boyfriend, which was an advantage) all while breaking free from her toxic family and household. 

The only thing keeping her awake at night now was the thought of Tom Sloane very probably plotting his revenge against them at the very moment she was sleeping— And to be honest, the fact that there was a murderer out there also plotting his revenge against her and Trent wasn't the best thing either.

So yeah, maybe everything wasn't all that good after all…

Chapter Text

“How are you so unworried all the time?" Daria asked Trent, as they were walking to the Lane residence after going grocery shopping 

“Do you mean in general…? ‘Cause I certainly wouldn't be able to answer it then.” Trent replied, looking at Daria 

"No. I mean about the fact that I've been living with you guys for 2 months now, and we still haven't heard anything about the 2 guys that wanted to murder us!” Daria exclaimed 

"Ohhh, yeah, I guess I just don't wanna live in such a frustrating mental state. I'd stress my brain out.” Trent replied, noticing Daria was having some trouble carrying her groceries, so he took one of her bags instead.

"Really? Is it that simple to you?” Daria questioned 

"Well, I don't believe we could do much anyway. Plus… if we actually reported them, who knows what could happen to you and Janey? The police would most probably take you back to your parents, and Janey with our parents… or to child foster…” Trent explained, taking out his key, as they were approaching the Lane's house 

“We have to find a solution Trent. This isn't over and we know it. The Sloane's almost have a golden spot inside the government. And I don't know about David… he seems unreliable and in the psycho-killer way.” Daria stated, opening the door and leaving the grocery bags on the kitchen countertop 

“Yes. In fact, he's a retired psycho-killer. Or at least I thought that was why he went to prison…” Trent said, starting to put the groceries they bought inside the fridge and cabinets

“How did you even get into this in the first place?!" Daria exclaimed, laying down on the couch, facing down.

“In my defense, I was a veryyy lonely 15 year old. And to be fair, being on the ‘bad guys’ good side would avoid me tons of bullying in the future…” Trent replied, sitting down on the couch and putting Daria's head on his lap

"You couldn't have been any worse than I was when I was a freshman.” Daria prompted, now facing up to look at Trent 

"Ohh believe me, I was." Trent replied, a smile coming up his face as he gently stroked Daria's hair

“I don't believe you. I'll need proof." Daria stated, standing up to go look inside Trent's room 

“No, no, no, no!" Trent exclaimed, as he went after her

Daria quickly entered Trent's room and locked the door behind her before Trent could reach her. 

“Daria! Don't you dare!" Trent yelled as he knocked on the door

Daria lurked through his stuff, over and over again, until she found her ultimate gem— a box full of his old hyper fixations, and niche interests, it screamed ‘geek!’ all over it.

“Ha! Too late! Found it!" Daria exclaimed in victory, as she tightly held the box in her arms and unlocked the door 

Trent sighed in defeat.

“Tell me… how fucked am I?” Trent sarcastically asked, as he leaned on the doorframe 

"Uhh… Counting how many indie rock bands, and suspiciously, Spiderman limited edition comics you have in here… I'd say… maybe just as fucked as I was” Daria joked, looking once again into the box

"Do you think if we had met back then you would've been friends with me?” Trent asked, taking the box out of Daria's arms to get a hold of her hand.

“Perhaps… perhaps not. I've never been quite the social butterfly” Daria confessed 

"And neither was I." Trent replied, looking hard into Daria's eyes

“There you go. I think I would've noticed you, probably studied over your schedule. Though… I would've never talked to you the same way you wouldn't have talked to me either.” Daria explained 

"So… you're telling me what we have right now is destiny, the universe, fate?" Trent questioned 

"If you wanna view it that way. I just think we'd all be very miserable if it had been otherwise.”

“I'd totally be frustrated about the fact that I couldn't kiss you. No matter what universe it was." Trent confessed, stepping closer to Daria 

Daria blushed harddd

“Is this your revenge? Or an odd way to ask for my permission to kiss me?" Daria replied sarcastically, narrowing her eyes at Trent 

“What if it's both?" Trent replied, grabbing her by the waist

“Mmm… Then, permission was granted.” Daria said, putting her arms around Trent's neck.

“Thank you very much your honor" Trent joked, slowly kissing her 

The door opened. It was Jane, as she came back earlier than usual.

(It's important to mention that Trent and Daria hadn't told Jane just yet. They did suspiciously good at hiding their relationship)

“Oh. My. God!" Jane exclaimed, as she covered her eyes with her hands

“What are you doing Trent!? Get off Daria!" Jane added, coming closer to them

Trent let go of her and raised his hands in the air in defense 

“Jane!? What are you doing here??" Daria asked, slightly walking away from Trent 

“I had some… trouble— That's not the point! Wait…” Jane trailed off to think about it 

"YOU GUYS ARE DATING!?" Jane loudly exclaimed 

Daria and Trent looked at each other and both of them confessed what had happened between them.

After around 15 minutes Jane was slightly calmer, though she was still in shock.

Jane pulled Daria by her arm, leading her into the bathroom.

Jane locked the door behind her and sighed before speaking again.

“I- I never thought you guys would actually date! I was just joking with you Daria!" Jane whisper-yelled, hoping Trent wouldn't hear 

"I. Don't. Joke. And you know it Jane!” Daria whisper-yelled back, pointing her index finger at her

“And you should've told me you were dating my brother!" 

Daria frowned

"I'm not having this conversation with you Jane. Come look for me when you're on your five senses again.” Daria stated, pushing through Jane and leaving the bathroom.

Daria went back to her room (or Penny's? She didn't have clear some things just yet)

Trent was sitting on her bed.

Daria looked relieved to see him

“Oh god. It was that bad. Wasn't it?” Trent asked, making up space for Daria to sit on 

Daria sighed, sitting next to Trent 

“Unfortunately, it indeed was that bad. I told you this wasn't right.” Daria confessed 

"It is right. Janey just needs to readjust. I promise.” Trent replied, holding her hand and reassuringly squeezing it.

Daria simply softened her eyes at him, and leaned her head on his shoulder.

They stayed silent once again, pondering on their own trouble.

The door knocked.

"Daria, please, can I come in? It's important.” Jane asked before opening the door 

"Yes Jane, come in” Daria replied

"It's about Tom… He followed me while I was doing my morning run" Jane confessed, sitting on Daria's desk chair

“So now he's a psycho killer but he's going after his ex?" Daria questioned 

"I don't-” Trent said, getting cut off by Daria

"But what if he's just using you as an excuse? What if there's something bigger, worse than just following you? I definitely don't believe he's doing this on his own. Plus, why would the Sloane's risk their only chance to manipulate the government just to please Tom and his utter desire for revenge?” Daria prompted, as she grabbed a notebook and started scribbling down her theories.

“Daria might just be right. There's definitely something behind Tom following you." Trent replied

“I guess so… Though I still feel like we're missing something…” Jane said 

"That's because there is something missing. The fact we have 2 murderers going after us!” Daria exclaimed, then took a deep breath. 

“I mean David, he's still out there." Daria added

"I bet we will find him. But first we have to get rid of the Sloane's if we want to get out of whatever shit they're planning at this very moment.” Jane explained 

"Okay. But we'll need a plan too.” Daria replied

"Way ahead of you” Trent said. Pulling out a notebook

Chapter Text

Dear readers,

I'm so sorry for not updating as often as I said I would. I've been taking longer than expected writing the last 2 chapters. They're both going to be around 2000-2500 words each, maybe a little more.

I promise it's going to be a good ending, I just ask for a little patience. 

I thank all of you that have stayed till the end of this story, and I thank you for the love and support this story has gotten so far.

Please stay tuned!!

Love y'all<33