Daria went inside and closed the door. When she turned around Quinn was standing right in front of her.

"Eeep," Daria said. She thought, 'That was certainly a profound statement.'

Quinn had her hands on her hips and looking at Daria said, "So, how was your date? Did anything interesting happen?"

"Is that really your business Quinn?" Daria responded with annoyance in her voice.

In a really direct tone Quinn said to Daria, "You bet it is. Ever since we agreed that we would look out for each other it has been my business. I care about you sis. Tom has taken up a whole lot of your time this summer and you have not had a date with anyone else. Not even that goofball from the library who keeps sniffing around you like a dog at a fire hydrant."

"Jerry is a nice guy. He means well, but he is just not my type," Daria replied. "Besides, Tom and I have only met for pizza four times this summer. It is not like we were attached at the hip the whole time."

"That's not counting the two dozen phone calls. I'll bet he emailed you even more. I know guys, Daria. So, what happened tonight?"

"What makes you think anything happened, Quinn? We went for pizza and then a walk."

Shaking her head Quinn stated, "Daria, Daria. I know you. The look on your face gives it away. Even though you are the least expressive person I know I am still your sister and I can read you! Now let's go over to the couch and sit down so that you can spill the beans to me. Otherwise I will have to bug you until you can't take it anymore. Mom and Dad are upstairs, so they won't hear anything. Besides I think they are now both half deaf anyway."

"Wow, Quinn. You are so persuasive!" Daria said in total deadpan as she walked over and sat down on the couch facing the TV.

Quinn sat on the adjacent couch and looked at her sister. "So tell me now about your date."

Continuing in total deadpan, Daria said, "It wasn't a date, well at least at the start. We did talk a lot. Then we went for a walk in the park. We sat on a park bench and decided to get back together as a couple. So, I guess what started as meeting for pizza wound up being a date after all was said and done."

"Thus the big smooch at the front door," Quinn said.

Daria knitted her eyebrows and replied simply, "Yes. I didn't know you were watching."

"I think it is great you two are back together. You two do make a good couple you know."

"Thanks, I guess," Daria responded.

"Seriously, you are both smart. You talk about all that deep stuff. Now if you two would learn how to dress you would be a really cute couple as well."

Daria looked at her sister and commented, "That is really shallow, Quinn. What difference does it make?"

"You need to trust me on this, Daria. You taught me to use my mind. That is why I am majoring in finance and dating an Academic All-American. He plays football, but is smart, too. Now you need to learn a little from me. Cute couples get extra attention and perks. You two can be that cute couple."

"We will see, Quinn. Are we done? I want to go up to my room."

"Sure. We're done and congratulations. I have thought all along that you and Tom belong together. This is the right thing."

"Don't read too much into this, Quinn. It's not like we are engaged or anything." Daria got up and walked quietly up the stairs.

Quinn just sat and watched her sister go up to her room. She thought to herself, 'Just wait Daria. Just wait and for goodness sake let the poor man into your fortress.' Quinn's phone started vibrating. She could see the caller's name on the outside display. She flipped it open and said, "Hi there Tyler."

…..

Tom walked into the house and dropped his key in the basket by the back door. The light was on in the kitchen. He walked over and stuck his head in the door. Kay was reading the country club newsletter and looked up.

"So how was 'just pizza'?" She asked.

Tom decided that his mother needed some shaking up after her behavior earlier. "The pizza was fair as usual. Daria and I decided to get back together as a couple."

Still looking at the newsletter Kay said, "I told you earlier that would be a mistake. If she amuses you, then have a nice fling but then move on. Just don't take too long. There are other girls out there that are a better fit."

Tom nearly spat out his reply, "I'll be the judge of that mother. Be careful what you say. She could be your daughter-in-law one day."

"I hope not sweetie," Kay stated while turning a page of the newsletter.

Tom turned on his heel and headed up to his room.

...

Daria silently went into her room and closed the door. Flipping open her phone she hit the speed dial for Jane.

"Hey Daria," Jane answered. "What' up?"

"Tom and I are back together. We decided this evening to give things another try."

There was a momentary pause and Jane said, "Finally."

"What do you mean 'Finally?'" Daria asked.

"Well it doesn't take a genius to see that Tom has wanted you back virtually since the day you broke up with him," Jane answered. "I won't call him a love sick puppy, but he has followed you around for years. That is hardly a show of disinterest."

"We were just friends. We would talk on the phone now and then and when we were in town just get some pizza together. You and I do that!"

Jane sighed, "Yes, but I am not a guy, much less a guy that is head over heels for you."

"I think you are stretching it Lane," Daria said.

"Don't be so sure, Daria. You have a really good guy there who cares for you. Don't mess this up. Be nice to him and listen to him. You have the power to crush him like a bug. That would not be a good thing to do."

"I'm not going to crush anyone. We are trying this out. First and foremost Tom is my friend. We've just chosen to go farther with our relationship – again."

"Right," Jane said. "I am happy for both of you. Now I have to go. Owen is waiting for me downstairs. We are going to try a new club tonight."

"There is so much more to do in Boston than here. Have fun Jane. Bye," Daria said as she flipped her phone shut ending the call.

Daria changed into a night shirt and slipped into bed. Her parents liked the air conditioning on the cold side, but that made it easier to sleep. As she lay there in the bed her mind drifted toward Tom. Her last thought before sleep was, "Now where are we going?"

...

Usual disclaimer: Daria is the property of MTV and is used here without permission. This story is a work of fan fiction and is purely for the enjoyment of the author and those who choose to read it. No income is to be derived from it.