We’re In This Together by Nine Inch Nails starts playing in the background, Daria looks up from the book she’s reading on Jane’s bed, and over at her friend, who’s painting away.

“Weren’t we supposed to be doing something?” She asks, and Jane doesn’t look away from her painting and replies,

“Oh? Like what?”

“That’s just it, I can’t remember…” Daria replies, and puts her book on the bed, and resumes the “something’s eating my soul” position on Jane’s bed.

“You know, people always say that when they’re supposed to be doing something important.” Jane says, as she stops painting and looks over at her friend of four years.

“That’s what worries me…” Daria said, and got off of Jane’s bed. Little did they know, Trent had paused in front of Jane’s door, not meaning to ease drop, but doing so anyway.

“Maybe it had something to do with your feelings for Trent?” Jane chided.

“God Damnit Jane Lane. When are you going to give up this whole Yenta act?” Daria replied angrily. Trent looks shocked, had he really been that oblivious?

“When you stop resisting and become my sister-in-law.” Jane replied.

“Well if he doesn’t know I have feelings for him by now, then he’s either oblivious, or he knows and he’s trying to ignore it. I don’t think he cares for his kid sister’s best friend.” Daria argues, while picking up her book and pacing the room. Trent gasps, ‘I really am that oblivious…’

“Did you hear that?” Jane asks.

“Hear what?” Daria asks slowly, afraid it’s one of Jane’s pranks. And usually she had good reason to.

“I heard something… right…” Jane quietly walks over to the door and flings it open to show a surprised Trent with his ear to where the door had once been. “HERE!” Jane shouts, practically knocking Trent over.

“I uh…” Trent was speechless; he didn’t know what to say.

“As usual, you’ve stolen his eloquence.” Daria snickered, blushing red.

“This is Trent we’re talking about. I don’t think he ever had any… So big brother, what brings you to my humble abode?”

“I uh…” Trent ran a hand through his hair and laugh-coughed.

“Heard us talking?” Jane asked, raising an eyebrow. Trent blushed and laugh-coughed again, “So you DID hear us talking?”

“Yeah.” He drawled.

“What all did you hear Trent?” Daria asked, her blush having subsided.

“Just stuff.”

“What kind of stuff?” Jane pressed.

“I gotta pick up some strings, you have any cash?” He asked, clearly trying to change the subject.

“He heard, Oh god.” Daria said, putting her hand to her forehead and picking up her back pack.

“Where do you think you’re going Cinderella?” Jane asked, pointing to Trent. “I think it’s time you two had a talk.”

“I really should get home; we’re having one of the family dinners…” Daria finished lamely.

“No, no. I don’t think so. It’s been how many years since you two have been hiding from each other?” Jane said, yanking her brother into her room and standing in front of the door way. “Four? How many more years is it gonna be before you get guts, and you,” She said, turning to Trent. “Stop being oblivious? Stop being shy Daria, he knows. You’re not going to avoid my house, and you’re not gonna avoid Trent.” Jane finished, shutting the door behind her. “Don’t bother trying to get out… I’m staying right here.” She said from the other side of the door.

Trent and Daria just stared at each other, wide eyed and embarrassed.