Disclaimer: None of the Daria characters belong to me, they belong to the delightful people at MTV. No suing required.
A/N: My first Daria fanfic, so don't expect something spectacular! Happy Reading!
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The Masks We Hide Behind
Chapter 1
"C'mon, we're going shopping." Jane Lane said as she greeted her best friend at the front door of Casa Lane.
"Uh." For once, Daria was speechless. She had arrived at Jane's house expecting to hang out, watch her paint, catch up on missed episodes of Sick Sad World. Or something of the like.
Jane smirked. "Don't worry, I'm not turning into one of the Fashion Victims. We've got to get some stuff for that masquerade party on Friday."
"Huh?" Daria was still confused.
"The one that Trent's band is playing at." Jane emphasised her brother's name. Daria didn't miss the jibe.
"And you just assumed I'd say yes to going?"
"Wrong! I knew you would say yes."
Daria couldn't deny that. Just the mention of Trent's name already cemented her going, although she didn't know why she was still so drawn to him. Damn.
"Okay, so I say yes. But a masquerade party? Since when did we attend lame, themed soirees?"
"For your information, this isn't like your average party. It happens to be hosted by one of Trent's band buddies from way back. I heard he's turned kinda gothic, so it's no surprise he's making this some sort of vampire-centric affair."
"Great, I've always wanted to resemble a member of the living dead. Wait, I think I already do to most people."
Just then Trent appeared behind Jane, minus his shirt, and looking like he was still in the last stages of sleep. Jane grinned broadly at Daria as she saw a red flush slowly creep over her friend's face.
"Yo, Trent."
"Hm?" Trent jumped a little at Jane's voice. "Oh, hey Janey."
"Look who's here." Jane stood out of the way, giving Trent a clear view of a very embarrassed Daria. Trent shook his head, trying to clear the cobwebs, and squinted against the bright light of the day outside.
"Hey Daria." There was a bit of a catch in his voice.
"Hi Trent."
"We're going out. Need to grab a couple of things for Krono's party."
"Yeah, I guess I should get the guys to shop for costumes and masks too."
"Well, get a move on. You've got today and tomorrow left. We're going to get a head start."
"Okay. I'll see you later. Bye Daria."
"Bye Trent."
Jane and Daria stepped outside and shut the door behind them.
"Gee Daria, it wouldn't hurt you to say more than, oh, four words when my brother appears in the room."
"Shut up."