The one and only Batdz Angel

Is Proud to present

A Daria Alternate Universe Fanfiction

© Copyrighted 1997 to 2002, Daria is the property of MTV (Music Television) and the property of its creators. I am in no way affiliated with either and this is merely for entertainment purposes. Any and all songs that are used are the rightful property of their owners unless otherwise noted. The notation being that all original lyrics will be in italics, while lyrics by actual bands will be in normal print. I don't dabble in the lyrics business often so bare with me.

If you would like to borrow some of my original lyrics please send an email to me, Batdz Angel, at Chelita777@aol.com with details as to what the lyrics will be used for and such. Also, if you would like to draw any fanart, please let me know what of and where it shall be posted. Thanks!

This takes place after the events in Esteemers, except that Daria was not sent to the self-esteem class as shown in the actual episode. You'll see what I mean.

Enjoy the story. I know I did writing it.

Summary: What if Daria had met Trent first instead of Jane that first day in Lawndale? How would that affect the lives of everyone in Lawndale? My take on what life would have been like for Daria if she had met our favorite musician instead of his artsy sister.

Aadi

Sixteen-year-old Daria Aderyn Morgendorffer sighed and leaned back against the sofa, eyeing the boxes scattered around the living room. Shaking her head, the auburn-haired girl stood up and went into the kitchen, her combat boots making a thumping sound in the otherwise empty house.

Daria quickly fixed herself a simple supper of toast and orange juice, sitting at the empty dining room table with another sigh. She frowned at her plate and shook her head again as she contemplated the days events.

She had finally arrived in Lawndale, Connecticut and as she'd expected, the place blew. Suburban homes, shallow teenagers, and a sports happy high school to match. Daria snorted and chewed absently on her toast as she went over where her family was.

Her mother, Helen Morgendorffer, was still at her new job at the law firm. Apparently unpacking had to take a backseat to her work at Vitale, Davis, Horowitz, Riordan, Schrecter, Schrecter, and Schrecter. Daria wasn't surprised considering her mother had always spent more time at work than at home.

Her dad, Jake Morgendorffer, was also at work but this time it was for a valid reason. Being a freelance business consultant wasn't the best of careers but Jake's cheerful attitude had the right mix. He was busy trying to finish as much of his new accounts as possible and Daria didn't mind…

Much.

Then, lastly, there was her younger sister. Quinn Elizabeth Morgendorffer had immediately been accepted at Lawndale High while Daria had been ostracized. Considering that Quinn was beautiful, with her waist-length strawberry-blonde hair and clear blue eyes, Daria wasn't hurt by the rejection. She had grown past that a long time ago when she was a child. Quinn was at a meeting concerning something called the Fashion Club, a group of girls that were shallow and narrow-minded.

Daria thought Quinn would do perfectly well in that group.

Running a hand through her reddish-brown hair, Daria muttered, "Screw this." before throwing her plate away and grabbing her green military jacket. Throwing it on, Daria scribbled her parents a quick note, stating that Quinn was with friends and that she would be home around ten at the latest.

Daria had heard around the school that there was a place called the Zen, where bands played and some college students hung out. She had searched on the Internet and found the address, along with a bus route.

After stepping out onto Dega Street, Daria snorted at the sight of the tattoo-slash-piercing parlor and shook her head, muttering, "God. I hate this town all ready and I've only been here a day."

Shoving her hands into her pockets, Daria trudged down the sidewalk towards the Zen, mulling over the days events. The school psychologist had 'evaluated' her and normally, Daria would take advantage of someone who worked in that profession but she had felt exhausted from the move. She had answered with the answers a "normal" teenage girl her age would give and left feeling more exasperated than anything else. Couldn't the woman tell she was being sarcastic about the cheerleader tryouts?

Apparently, Lawndale High preferred mindless, vapid drones as their students.

Daria glanced up and paused at the sight of the dress in the window. She eyed it for a moment, an uncharacteristic smile tugging at her lips. The dress was a two-piece outfit with an orange skirt and checked top. Beside it lay a pair of white goo-goo boots and a matching silver bracelet.

She had never really bothered with her appearance. Daria knew she wasn't a great beauty and she had been told that she should take care of herself more. With shoulder-length auburn hair and gray eyes that she kept behind a pair of thick black frames, Daria was as plain as plain could get. Hell, Daria was perfectly content in her combat boots, black flared skirt, orange shirt, and green jacket. But that dress just grabbed her attention.

Tearing herself away from the window, Daria saw the Zen up ahead and quickened her pace, thankful that the sun had just finished disappearing. The bouncer glanced at her and stepped aside, saying, "Go on in." surprising Daria for a moment before she entered.

Daria glanced around the dimly lit area and claimed a table for herself after ordering a Coke. Sipping her drink, she watched the people trickle in and rolled her eyes as a girl with heavily applied makeup entered, wearing tight black pants and a gray shirt. She was obviously an addict, considering her eyes looked ready to pop out of her head.

Daria kept her face blank as some more faces entered and propped her chin up on her hand, Daria watching as the band appeared on stage, a tall, lean guy with black hair and a goatee saying into the mike, "Hey. We're Mystik Spiral but we're thinking of changing the name."

At that, Daria rolled her eyes and thought disdainfully, < Sounds like one of those Doors cover bands… > before tuning in to the music.

She winced as the first strands of a song apparently called "IceBox Woman" sliced into her eardrums. Forget it, they weren't good enough to be a Doors cover band. The way that guy was screaming into the mike reminded Daria of someone about to pop an artery…

She shook her head to clear out the ringing of her ears and went back to sipping her Coke. Might as well make the most of a dead night. It wasn't like she would become friends with anyone while in Lawndale…

***

Trent Lane was pretty much unshakeable. He had lived most of his life in a dysfunctional family until they all ran away from Lawndale leaving him to practically raise Janey all on his own. So, nothing in this town he had called home for twenty years was new to him and nothing that happened was surprising.

After Mystik Spiral finished their fist set, Trent went to the bar to get himself a drink and raised a slight eyebrow at the girl in front of him. She was a tiny little thing, barely reaching his chin as she waited for the bartender to be free. He could only see the back of her head but so far, the rear view he liked.

She wore a green military jacket, the kind he'd seen once at the Salvation Army, and a black pleated skirt that showed a pair of nicely shaped legs covered by large combat boots. His eyebrows almost disappeared at the sight of the boots since the only girl he knew that wore combat boots was Jane.

Maybe they knew each other…

He glanced at the stage and sighed inwardly. His throat was sore from singing and he just knew that at some point those two losers he called bandmates were going to fight. Suddenly, he realized that the girl was up and listened as she spoke.

"Another Coke," she said her voice calm, cool, and if Trent wasn't so good at recognizing pitch, around an alto. She was trying to hide the pleasant sound by speaking in a monotone but Trent knew that this girl had talent…

She turned and he caught her gaze, seeing a pair of dark gray eyes behind thick frames. Her eyes widened slightly and Trent flashed her a smile, saying, "Hey. I'm Trent."

The girl's eyebrows raised a centimeter and she said flatly, "Hello Trent. I'm Leaving."

He laughed appreciatively and said, "Nice one. What's your name?"

The girl looked calm and then said, "How do I know you aren't a serial killer? You might be on the lookout for new prey." Trent shrugged and said easily, "Well if I was a serial killer I'd be asking you how old you are and stuff like that. But all I want is a name. So?"

Amusement flickered in her eyes and she said, "Daria Morgendorffer. I'm new in town."

< Ah, there's a bit of information, > Trent thought but said, "Really? You in high school?"

"Sadly yes," Daria shrugged. "But I survived the first day so I figure I'll be fine."

He chuckled and said, "Be careful. Lawndale High can leave behind some pretty awful scars. I would know." Daria's lip moved up slightly at the corner and she said, "I figured that out today in O'Neal's English Class. Sad that a grown man cries so easily when someone asks a simple question."

"Oh man, O'Neal," Trent shook his head in bemusement. "He is such a wimp. I was completely ready to transfer classes just to get away." Daria shrugged and said, "Hey, well at least he's interesting. Gives me something to appreciate in school."

"True," Trent gave Daria a glance. "So, why did you come to Lawndale?"

"Family move," Daria said flatly. "Parental units thought it would be good to expose my sister and me to a new town. Personally, I couldn't care less as long as I don't need to go back to where we used to live."

"Where was that?"

"Highland, Texas. The town of uranium drinking water and two moronic beasts that can't be human."

"Whoa," Trent ran a hand through his hair. "I heard about that on the news. So you lived there?"

Daria nodded crisply, fingers tightening around the cup in her hand. "Yep. For a very long period of time and I'm glad we left. All though I'm not surprised that this is where we ended up."

"Hmm," Trent then glanced over at the stage and saw that it was almost time to start the second set. "Listen, are you going to hang around? I've got a second set to start and I want to keep talking."

Daria shrugged. "Whatever. I'm not Miss Popularity."

"I can drive you home," Trent offered and was surprised when he did. He had come in his own car true but he wasn't the type to offer rides to strangers…

Still Daria was cool. He could tell.

Daria was silent and then said, "That's fine. I won't have to take the bus then. Less danger."

"Cool," he said than added, "I'll talk to you in a bit…" before going towards the stage.

Daria fingered her jacket and wondered briefly what had just happened.

Apparently, she had made a friend. A male friend and wouldn't it just be perfect for Quinn to see her drive up tonight? And then when she told her sister that her good-looking male friend was a musician…

Daria smirked and thought, < I can't wait to get home… >

***

Later, Trent ushered Daria into his car, saying, "I'd introduce you to the band but they're all pretty much wasted so they wouldn't remember you anyway."

"Ah, the wonders of alcohol right?" Daria smirked and Trent grinned slightly as he started up the car. Maneuvering into the street, he drove and said, "So, what's your family like?"

"Dysfunctional," came the sarcastic reply. "My dad's prone to cursing his father during conversation and my mother never gets off the phone. Plus, my younger sister called me her cousin today at school. Twice."

"Why?"

Daria shrugged. "Quinn's popular. I'm not. She seems to think being related to me is a curse." Daria glanced out the open window and continued, saying, "She's just the opposite of me. Damn genetics."

Trent shook his head and said, "Why anyone would act like that to their sister is beyond me."

"You've got a sister?"

"Three. Two older and one younger. Along with an older brother," Trent said. "Janey's your age actually. You might see her around school. Black hair, blue eyes, red shirt, smart-ass attitude…"

"Hmm," Daria mused. "Turn here. I don't know, maybe." Trent turned left and after a few more minutes of idle conversation with Daria directing him to her home, he pulled up in front of a two-story brick house and said, "Well, here's where I drop you off."

"Thanks Trent," Daria said as she unbuckled her seatbelt. "I appreciate the ride."

"No problem," Trent shrugged. "It's hard to find cool people in this town. Glad I met you." Daria flashed him a small smirk and said, "Right. Well, I'll see you around?"

"Sure," Trent watched as she climbed out of the car and then added, "Hey Daria?"

She glanced back at him, eyebrow raised. "Yeah?"

"Listen, how about I pick you up tomorrow night? We could go to the Zen again or just cruise around."

Daria flashed him another smirk and nodded. "Sure Trent. What time?"

Trent thought for a moment and said, "I'll call you. I'm prone to sleeping late. How about your number?"

"Give me yours," Daria answered easily. "I'm too tired to remember it right now."

"Sure," Trent scribbled his house number on a piece of cardboard lying on the dashboard. "There. Talk to you tomorrow?"

"Yeah. See you later Trent."

The door slammed.

Trent grinned and waited until Daria had entered the house before pulling away from the curb. Humming to himself, he tapped the steering wheel as he sang and said, "Whoa. I'm getting inspired…"

Grabbing another piece of leftover cardboard, Trent jotted down the lyrics with one hand, saying, "Man, this is great. I've got some material here…"

Tossing his pen down, Trent maneuvered towards his house.

The streetlights gleamed on the freshly written words. Scrawled in Trent's messy handwriting, the words: She's got clear gray eyes/ that gleam like the moon/ makes me remember/ that life ends far too soon…[1]

Grinning, Trent entered his house and thought to himself, < This girl is definitely going to make life interesting… >

***

Daria yawned and finished washing her face in the bathroom. Drying her face off, she toddled to her bedroom and glanced up as her mother's voice whispered, "Daria? Is that you?"

"Yeah Mom," Daria paused as Helen stepped out of the master bedroom, wearing a simple pink nightgown. "Sorry I woke you. I didn't mean to get home this late." Helen smiled at her eldest daughter tiredly and said, "That's okay sweetheart. Where did you go?"

"This club on Dega Street," Daria shrugged. "I met someone there. He seemed nice."

Helen blinked and said, "He?"

Daria flashed her mom a small, barely visible smile. "Yeah Mom. He. His name's Trent Lane and he's in a band. He drove me home when it got late. What time is it anyway?" Helen glanced over her shoulder at the clock and said, "Ten-thirty. Go to sleep Daria. We can talk in the morning."

"Thanks Mom," Daria yawned. "Good night…"

Helen watched as Daria entered her room and then sighed, shaking her head. Suddenly, she let a smile slip over her face as she remembered the look on Daria's features. Daria had always been closed off emotionally, a trait that was reminiscent of her younger sister Amy. While Quinn excelled at socialization, Daria excelled at academics.

Helen vowed to show pride when her eldest shared something with her. Moments with Daria were far and few between…

Sighing, she turned and entered her bedroom, exhausted from the day's events.

***

The day dawned bright and slightly chilly as Daria dressed for her second day of school. After tying her boots, she went downstairs with her backpack and sat down at her usual spot after making herself some toast.

Helen came downstairs a few seconds later, briefcase in hand. She smiled and said, "Good Morning sweetheart! Did you sleep well?"

"Like a log," Daria replied before biting into her toast. "I guess the time change caught up to me. How did you sleep?" Helen shrugged and sipped t her coffee she spoke, "Fine. It's disheartening to think that I won't be able to unpack anything until the weekend." She sighed and said, "Well. That's what I get for taking on such a vicious job load."

"Yeah. I can do some unpacking this afternoon. I won't be doing anything but homework anyway…" Daria trailed off, adding, "Um…Mom? I might go out again tonight. I'm not sure though so I'll let you know before I leave…"

"Sure honey," Helen smiled at Daria. "Well, I better get to work…"

"I better get to school," Daria stood up and grabbed her backpack as her father came into the kitchen. "Bye Mom, Bye Dad." Jake beamed at his daughter, saying, "Bye kiddo!" before turning to Helen.

Daria passed Quinn on her way to the front door and rolled her eyes as Quinn said, "Daria, listen, you can't talk to me at school. At all. Everyone thinks that I'm like, an only child or whatever."

Daria snorted and said frostily, "Don't worry about it Quinn. I won't talk to you unless I absolutely have too."

"Great!" Quinn said enthusiastically. "By the way, what time did you get home last night? I came in at ten and Mom almost grounded me! What, are you trying to make me look bad?"

"I was out Quinn," Daria said testily. "With a friend."

"Oh c'mon Daria," Quinn simpered. "You don't have friends."

Daria stared at her for a moment and then turned, slamming the door shut behind her. Quinn shrugged and then turned, darting into the kitchen for a quick breakfast. She was riding with those nice boys, Joey, Jeffy, and Jamal this morning after all.

***

Daria walked rapidly towards school, her temper flaring around her like a beacon. She clenched her fists and then relaxed them, inhaling slowly. Rubbing her temples, Daria muttered, "Damn it. I hate it when she gets to me like that…"

Shaking her head, Daria entered the school and went straight to her locker, groaning at the sight of Kevin Thompson, the resident Quarterback, and Brittany Taylor, the resident head cheerleader, plastered against it. Pulling out her whistle, she blew and smirked as Kevin went flying down the hall, Brittany chasing after him, calling, "Kevvie! It's not a real game whistle! Ooooh!!"

"Nice one Morgendorffer," Daria murmured to herself as she got her books and slammed her locker shut before going to homeroom. Sitting down in her desk, Daria glanced up as a few more students trickled in and went back to reading A Tale of Two Cities, tapping her pencil against her notebook absently.

Unseen, a girl with short black hair entered the room dressed in a red camp shirt over a black blouse with white trim, gray shorts, black leggings, and gray motorcycle boots. She had three earrings in her left ear and clear blue eyes that gleamed with intelligence. She scanned the room and shrugged, taking the seat beside Daria's.

Daria glanced up, saw the girl, and went back to reading.

She didn't notice when the name Lane, Jane was called and merely lifted a hand in recognition to her own being called. Therefore Daria missed the slightly surprised expression that crossed Jane's features.

Jane Lane studied the girl out of the corner of her eye as she sketched her profile in her notebook absentmindedly. The girl was definitely attractive; she had a straight nose and full mouth that Jane knew her brother probably noticed after checking out her legs. Smirking at that thought, Jane finished the sketch and decided to make friends later…

She wanted to add some details to this masterpiece…

Stretching, Jane listened to the prattle of the other students and rolled her eyes slightly as Brittany's voice said shrilly, "Why you jerk! How dare you look at another girl!"

"Oh, they're fighting," the bespectacled girl said softly as if to herself. "See me fall apart into pieces."

Jane snickered and said, "Yeah. Everyone's going to be devastated if they break up."

The girl glanced at her and smirked, her gray eyes filled with amusement. "Yeah. High school's such a great thing isn't it? I'm Daria."

"Jane," Jane nodded her head slightly. "You met my brother yesterday."

Daria's eyes widened slightly behind her glasses and she said, "Oh, so you're Trent's sister? He told me that he had a sister who went here. I didn't think I'd meet you this soon."

Jane shrugged and said, "Trent mentioned that he met a girl last night, told me your name, and I decided to keep an eye out. Anyone who can make Trent stay awake before four in the morning is someone I have to meet."

Daria raised an eyebrow and said, "Hmm."

***

Daria skirted a few of the other students as she walked towards the street. Jane had sat with her at lunch and they had talked about their families. Daria hadn't pegged Jane as an artist and was surprised by the sketch Jane had done of her in homeroom. Jane had shrugged and said, "You've got an interesting face. I just draw what interests me."

Daria hitched up her bag and groaned as a voice said, "Well, if it isn't the mysterious Daria Morgendorffer. Can I interest you in a private session of history?"

"Beat it Upchuck," Daria said flatly as she kept walking, the boy keeping pace behind her.

Charles Ruttheimer III, otherwise known as Upchuck, smirked and said, "Well, if you have the tendency, I could…"

Daria turned, narrowing her gaze, and said, "Listen creep. I am not interested in you. I will never be interested in you. That would only happen if I became utterly desperate, got it?"

"Grrrr! Feisty!" Upchuck wiggled his eyebrows. Daria glowered and opened her mouth to dish out some more when a honk sounded, causing both of them to turn their heads to the street. A blue Plymouth was coming down the street and Daria smirked as Trent pulled up alongside, saying, "Hey Daria. Need a ride?"

"Thanks Trent," Daria said going around to the passenger side. Upchuck gaped at the car and stammered, "How, why…?" as Trent narrowed his gaze at him and said, "Don't mess with her. I'll crush you like a bug."

Daria sneered at Upchuck, wiggling her fingers in a goodbye, saying, "Later Upchuck…" before Trent drove away with a squeal of the tires. Shaking his head, Upchuck watched the car disappear around a corner and sighed, saying, "Well. There goes the Unattainable One…" before focusing on a very attractive redhead that passed by.

"Well, then, sweetie, would you like to have an incredible experience?"

"Go away freak."

"Grrrr! Feisty!"

***

Trent glanced at Daria and said, "Met Upchuck Huh?"

"Disgustingly, yes," Daria made a face. "I almost had to physically harm him earlier. He was bugging me between classes. He's such a jerk."

"Yeah. Janey's been complaining about him forever…"

"I met her today," Daria said glancing at Trent. "In homeroom. She said you told her about me?"

"Yeah," Trent flashed her a quick smile. "Want to go hang out? We could at my house."

"Let's go to mine," Daria said an evil smirk appearing on her features. "You need to meet my sister. She's there with her little friends. It'll be a blast."

"Sure," Trent shrugged. "Whatever."

Daria smirked again and leaned back in her seat, arms behind her head. This would be priceless…

Trent parked in front of the house behind a yellow convertible and they both got out. Daria trudged up to the door and unlocked the house with her key, saying, "C'mon. We should be able to get something good on the satellite."

"Hey, is Sick Sad World on?" Trent asked as he entered the house behind Daria. "I love that show. It rocks."

"I don't-oh! Hi Quinn," Daria smirked as her sister's face became pale and she floundered for an explanation. "I didn't know you would be here this afternoon."

"Um, uh…" Quinn stammered, trying to figure out how to explain the fact that her "cousin" was standing in the living room with a guy. A hot guy…

"Quinn. Why is this girl here?" Sandi Griffin, the president of the Fashion Club, asked snottily. She eyed the guy behind the girl and thought, < Not bad. Get rid of the tattoos and those clothes, and he'd be gorgeous… >

"Um, I-"

"This is Trent," Daria said. "He's in a band. We met yesterday at the Zen."

"Yo." Trent said raising an eyebrow slightly. "Daria's sister and…people."

"My name is Quinn," Quinn said with an inward frown. "And this is the Fashion Club. We're the most popular girls in school."

"That's right," Sandi said straightening up. "We get like, respect from our peers."

"More like distaste," Daria muttered under her breath causing Trent to chuckle inwardly. "Let's go into the kitchen. I suddenly feel ill." Trent followed and immediately, the girls began to whisper about the hot guy that came in with Quinn's "cousin"…

Daria handed Trent a soda and said, "Quinn should be coming in a few seconds…"

Sure enough, Quinn stormed into the kitchen and hissed, "Daria. You knew I was having the Fashion Club over today! How could you?"

Daria shrugged and popped open the can. "I needed to come home. Trent picked me up at school. I'll leave in a couple of hours." Trent hid a smile as Quinn reddened and said, "You can't do this to me. Sandi wants to know who this guy is…"

"Uh, 'this guy' has ears you know," Trent supplied feeling slightly insulted. "And a name."

Quinn snorted and gave him a once over. "If you changed your look, I might consider dating you. But at this second, you look like a freak."

"Hey!" Daria's voice sliced through the air like a sword. "Quinn, don't insult my friends. I didn't do that in front of the Fashion Club did I? Would you rather I tell Mom that you're here and that you're going to unpack everything? I can on my way out…"

"Daria, you don't have friends," Quinn snapped. "This guy's probably someone you paid to pretend to be your friend."

"Hey," Trent said with a frown. "Don't talk to your sister like that. It's wrong man."

"She's not my sister," Quinn snarled. "Not when she's a freak anyway."

Daria shrugged. "Well, then, tough luck. Later Quinn. C'mon Trent, let me show you my room…"

Quinn fumed and then said, "If you ever want to see the cool sister, call me okay?"

Trent turned, walked over to Quinn and handed her his soda. "Not even if you were the last girl on Earth, Daria's sister," he said flatly before following Daria up the stairs. Quinn stared down at the can and shook with fury…

Daria was going to pay. And pay dearly.

***

As soon as he got to the end of the upper hallway, Trent snickered and said, "Man your sister's a head case." Daria snorted and opened a door, entering what was obviously her bedroom. "You have no idea…"

"Cool room," Trent eyed the padded walls, sawed off bars on the windows, and said, "What happened in here?"

"The former owner kept his schizophrenic aunt in here," Daria replied as she sat down on the bed, leaving the door open. "There's some pretty cool poetry on the closet walls. I think she used to be locked in there for discipline or something…"

"Cool."

Trent leaned back in a chair and said, "So apparently, Quinn's brainwashed everyone into thinking you're cousins?"

Daria shrugged. "She's been doing it since we were both old enough to be in the same school. It's no big deal…"

"Right," Trent said darkly. "Listen, you want to come and listen to the band rehearse? We're supposed to meet at my house before the Zen."

"Why not?" Daria stretched. "It's not like I've got anywhere else to be…"

Trent smirked, his eyes filled with bemusement.

***

As the weeks passed, Daria and Trent became each other's shadow. When one was around, the other wasn't too far behind unless Daria was in school. Daria began to take guitar lessons from Trent, just to stay out of her house and found she was getting to know the other guys in the band through music.

Jesse, the rhythm guitarist, was sweet if a little dense. He was very affectionate and treated Daria like his own younger sister, something Daria was immensely grateful for. Being an outcast in high school was hard on her, even though she would never admit it. It was nice to know that someone cared.

Max, the drummer, was the comic relief. He had an unhealthy obsession with his van, the Tank, a supposedly indestructible piece of auto-mechanics. The Tank was actually a beat up black van that Mystik Spiral used to get to gigs. Still, Daria knew that Max was a decent guy and they were both on fairly good terms.

Nick, the bassist, was the temperamental one. Daria had gotten into a numerous amount of arguments with him that resulted in his being acutely embarrassed since Daria had practically invented the verbal battle. He treated Daria like an annoying little sister and Daria gave the treatment back, word for word, pound for pound.

Jane and Daria also became friends but it was obvious whom Daria considered her best friend. Trent seemed to have an influence on her that made her relax and have a good time, having been able to get Daria to pierce her belly button at Axl's Tattoo Parlor a few months after moving to Lawndale.

Daria had kept it and was more in touch with her emotions when Trent was around. Of course, neither party seemed to realize that they were perfect for each other which frustrated Jane to no ends, being a person who wanted to see her brother happy.

Trent began to date a girl named Adrian and for a while there, things looked solid for the two of them. Daria approved of the small blonde and didn't take offense to Adrian's slight jealousy…

Then, one day it all hit the fan.

It was close to Trent's birthday and Daria was at the mall with Jesse, trying to find something to give him. Jesse was as helpful as a fruit but Daria felt comforted by his presence, considering Jesse was the brother she never had.

Suddenly, Jesse swore and Daria looked up from her study of the rock CDs, saying, "What is it Jesse?" before a nauseating sight caught her eye. She gaped and blinked a few times, realizing that she wasn't hallucinating and that it was in fact Adrian who was standing out in front of the record shop, kissing Kevin Thompson of all people.

Jesse growled and said, "I'll kill her. Stupid bitch, cheating on Trent with that moron." Daria shook her head and said, "Oh my God. Trent's going to be completely devastated…"

Suddenly, a gasp sounded behind them and Daria spun to see a shocked Brittany Taylor standing behind them, her blue eyes narrowed with fury. The cheerleader was surprisingly dressed in regular clothes, instead of her staple cheerleader outfit. She wore a pair of blue jeans and green sweater underneath a black peacoat with boots, her hair pulled back into a simple braid.

"Oh, that bastard," Brittany hissed her eyes narrowed. "I keep him out of trouble and he goes back to her?"

"Brittany?" Daria queried, feeling hesitant. "Why do you seem…different?"

"I went to visit my aunt in New York," Brittany said without glancing at Daria. "She 'accidentally' dumped my pills down the drain. I've been high for almost six years Daria. It's been a rough break for me." She then focused her gaze Daria before going back to stare at Kevin and said, a tine of worry in her voice, "I hope he knows that she's HIV positive."

Daria felt a chill and Jesse stiffened, saying, "Are you serious?"

Brittany nodded, a blank expression on her features. "Yeah. I heard her talking about it once. Adrian isn't anything but a cheap whore. She'll sleep with anyone." Daria's throat felt dry and she looked up at Jesse, asking, "Did Trent…?"

Jesse shook his head, saying, "I don't think so Daria. But we should ask him. He needs to know that Adrian's been cheating on him and that she's been fucking someone else behind his back…"

"Damn," Daria said furiously. "I wasn't looking for this as a gift…"

Brittany smirked. "Payback is a bitch though isn't it?" she sneered. "And I intend to pay that asshole back. My father kept me high so he could have a mantelpiece, a statue. Kevin was just icing on the cake…"

"Hmm," Daria tapped her finger against her chin, her gray eyes narrowed in thought. "I need to talk to Trent. C'mon. We should go. If I look at them any longer, I'll be sick. Then again, it's not like I don't already feel sick…"

The other two nodded and they left the store, carefully staying out of sight of the couple.

***

Jane was busy with her latest painting when Daria entered her room, Brittany Taylor following her. Turning, Jane said, "Whoa! What's Little Miss Pom-Pom doing here?"

"Funny Lane," Brittany shot back. "I see you've taken up something besides laziness. Hear me clap for you." Jane raised an eyebrow and put down her brush, saying, "You are not the Brittany I know. What happened?"

Brittany shrugged and said, "Finally got taken off the drugs. My dad can't do anything since I've become clean and if he did-" her gaze darkened. "I'd sue his ass so quick he'd be out of the house before he knew it."

"I knew that something was wrong," Jane said with a growl. "You started acting funny when we were ten and then it was chirpy Brittany afterwards. I'll knock your dad a good one next time I see him."

"Be my guest," Brittany mumbled as she sat down on Jane's bed. "I'm tempted to knock him one too…"

A knock sounded and the three girls turned to see Trent standing in the door. Daria flashed him one of her patented half-smiles and said, "Hey. What's up?"

Trent shrugged and said, "I was wondering if you guys wanted to listen to Spiral's new song. Daria, you know which one."

"Addicted?" Daria said as she pulled off her jacket. "Sure, why not?"

Jane raised an eyebrow and said suspiciously, "This doesn't have a lot of ear-wrenching chords that'll destroy my eardrums does it? Because if it does, count me out."

Trent rolled his eyes and said, "No Janey. Anyway, are you coming or not?"

"Sure," Daria said as she tossed her jacket on the bed. "Let's go." Brittany and Jane followed the two down to the basement where the rest of Mystik Spiral was gathered. Jesse flashed Daria a concerned glance and Daria shook her head slightly, gray eyes filled with warning.

Trent picked up his guitar and said, "Now, this isn't the complete song. It's just a rough draft."

"So if it sucks, you can't be held accountable?" Daria smirked her eyes betraying the barb. Trent grinned at her and nodded, saying, "Yeah. All right. Let's go guys."

Immediately, the band started playing, Trent's guitar clear and Jesse beginning the back up with ease. Opening his mouth, Trent began to sing…

"Sleeping through the evening/

Trying to forget the sight I saw/

Of you and him, the new man/

Sitting together at that little café…

And it's hard to forget you/

It's hard to regret meeting you/

And I'm addicted to the sound of your voice…

Would you bleed for me?

Would you give me that much?

Can't believe it's really over/

I long to feel your touch…

And it's hart to forget you/

It's hard to regret meeting you/

And I'm addicted to the smell of your skin…

Would you let me touch you tonight?

Would you let me hold you tight?

Would you dance with me again?

Even if it's in front of your friends?

And it's hard to forget you/

And it's hard to regret you/

And it's hard to deny that/

I'm addicted to you…"[2]

Jane and Brittany clapped loudly, cheering as the band finished playing with flourish. Daria was silent, her gray eyes filled with pride. Trent grinned and wiped the sweat off his brow, saying, "Well? What do you think?"

"That was good!" Jane exclaimed as she gave her brother a hug. "Wow, I'm really impressed!" Brittany nodded, a smile written on her features as she spoke, saying, "Yeah! You guys were great!"

Max's eyes widened slightly at the sight of the blonde and he coughed saying, "So you think we were decent?" Brittany rolled her eyes and said, "Decent? You guys were amazing! How come I've never heard you around in any of the clubs?"

"We play at the Zen every weekend," Nick replied calmly as he glanced over at Daria, who was quiet. "Jane and Daria go to check us out. You should come along." Brittany smirked and said, "Yeah, I think I might. Maybe. Listen, I should go Daria, Jane. I've got to get home…"

"Bye Brittany," Jane said with a smile and a wave from where she stood beside Jesse. "See ya tomorrow."

"Bye." Brittany turned and went towards the stairs, Max saying, "Hey, I'll walk you…" as he followed her. Jesse chuckled and glanced down at Jane, saying, "Hmm. Max likes the cheerleader apparently…"

Jane rolled her eyes and glanced over at Daria who was talking quietly with Trent. Trent was frowning, his dark eyes narrowed and then he turned, saying, "Thanks Daria…" in a curt manner. Daria flinched, hurt brimming in her eyes, but it disappeared quickly into her regular mask of no emotion.

"You're welcome," she said tonelessly. "I'm going home. See you tomorrow Jane. Bye guys…"

"Bye!" the others chorused.

Jesse watched Daria leave and then turned, saying, "Did she tell you-"

"That Adrian's screwing me around?" Trent cut him off. "Yeah. Listen. I need to think…" Trent left the basement, his hands in his pockets as Jane said, "What did he mean that Adrian's screwing him around? Jesse…"

Jesse sighed and started to explain, his voice filled with anger, "Daria and me were at the mall today…"

***

Daria looked up as Quinn came into the dining room, saying, "Mo-om! Tell Daria to have her friends stop calling here! I almost lost two important dates because they interrupted me!"

"Quinn, please," Helen said wearily. "I'm not going to argue with you about the phone. It's for everyone in this house to use, not just you."

Daria sneered at her sister, adding, "Besides, aren't you the one who had the phone bill up to five-hundred dollars last month? Tsk, tsk, Quinn. Really…"

"Mo-om!" Quinn wailed.

Helen rubbed her temples and said sharply, "Quinn. Stop it. I'm tired of your whining. I have a headache so please be quiet!"

"But-" Quinn began when Jake's voice cut her off.

"Your mother's not feeling well," he said firmly. "All right?"

"Oh!" Quinn frowned. "Everyone's against me!"

"Then let me be joyful," Daria deadpanned as she finished her lasagna. "I'm going to go upstairs and praise Allah that Quinn's life is in shambles."

"Mo-om!" Quinn wailed as Daria left the dining room/kitchen.

The sound of a fork clattering onto a plate made Daria smirk. "That's it Quinn! You're grounded for a week!"

"Helen!"

"Shut up Jake!"

"Eeep!"

Daria shook her head as she entered her room, pulling her books out to study. As she settled herself onto her bed, the phone rang. Picking it up, Daria said absently, "Hello?"

"Hey." Trent's voice was quiet and filled with sadness.

Daria felt worry slid over her and she said, "Hey. How are you doing?"

Trent sighed. "I'm pissed Daria," he said finally. "I mean, I thought she loved me…how could I have been so stupid?"

"You aren't stupid," Daria said firmly. "She just wasn't the right girl for you Trent. You'll find her someday…"

"I hope so," Trent mumbled. "It sucks. Breaking up with someone."

"I wouldn't know," Daria said dryly. "I've never been in a relationship."

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