A/N: Why hello there! How is everyone? Welcome to the next chapter, finally!

A billion million hugs and thank yous to everyone who favorited, followed and reviews. Its you guys that inspire me to write more! AND I guess I have over a HUNDRED followers now? Like what? I know that may not be that much...but really is to me! YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING! Thank you so much.

So sorry this chapter took an eternity to write:( As I've mentioned, lacrosse started up and BAM! just like that my free time was gone. So I found myself desperately squeezing in small amounts of writing each day. And then I had one story halfway done, and it was cannonballed. So sad. But hopefully things will settle down again, so bare with me here. This chapter is kinda iffy to me but whatever. It's a companion with 'Bedroom Bases'.

Enjoy!

She leaned over my desk, reaching to pick up a framed photograph. Gigi had taken the photo when we had shown her San Francisco. It was one of my favorites, and I denied it for a long time, but you could tell there was something more in the way we were talking. Something in our eyes, while we were unaware of the camera focused on us. It was nice being able to see things like that now. She smiled widely as she looked it over, and set the photo back down where it had sat before.

When she looked up at me, I returned her warm grin. She quickly pecked me on the lips before walking from my desk to plop into the chair she had dragged over so she could sit next to me.

"So," She began, "I have a proposal for this weekend."

I raised my eyebrows, my curiosity piqued. "You do?"

"Yes. And I'm afraid it isn't a great one," she admitted in reply.

"Oh no," I groaned. "I can only imagine what it is." She could tell I wasn't seriously exasperated. I was only joking lightly, something she would have never recognized a month ago.

Lizzie ran a hand through the length of her hair, and crossed her legs. "I don't even want to go, but my mother insisted. She wants to have you over for dinner."

I didn't speak at first, thinking through what she had said. "I think it's a good idea." I said finally.

The look on her face was incredulous. "You're kidding, right? You think dinner with my mom is a good idea?"

"I do," I responded pointedly.

"You've got to be crazy, Will," she cried. "She hated you until she figured out we were dating, and that you had a...significant amount of money."

"But she doesn't hate me now, correct? So why not?" at this, Lizzie held my gaze for a minute, her eyes wide, and somewhat pleading.

She slumped back into her chair with a sigh. "I'm sure you will regret this when it's all over with."

"No I won't." I assured her. "I can have Christine book a flight when I see her next."

She rolled her eyes. "Another reason we shouldn't go. Planes are excessive and expensive."

Anything for you. I bit back the words as soon as they came into my head. "Not at all, Lizzie. Don't worry about that."

She seemed to be scrambling for another excuse. "And Gigi will be all alone!" she finally exclaimed.

"Oh, Gigi will be fine. She has friends and has been home for weeks on her own. She's nearly twenty-two."

"Well...still," She groaned loudly. "I just don't want to have to deal with her. All her questions and her comments. She will practically serve me up on a silver platter. And she will grill you with stupid intrusive questions."

"It's going to have to happen sometime. It is all a part of being with you." I explained. I really doubted that anything her mother would say would phase me. She may be...blunt, but I knew what to expect.

"You're nuts," she said, but her tone wasn't criticizing. It was sweet and admiring. My stomach did a little flip.

I shrugged and gave her a look as if to say 'what can I do?'.

Just then, there was a sharp little rap at the closed door of my office. "Yes?" I called.

"Excuse me Mr. Darcy, I don't mean to interrupt, but Jessica Greene is here from editing for her meeting with you." My secretary, Christine, informed me.

I sighed, unhappy that Mrs. Greene had arrived early for her meeting and my time with Lizzie was cut short. "Fine, give me five minutes to wrap this up, and then send her in."

With a word of agreement, she left, closing the door again behind her.

I turned to Lizzie again. "Sorry," I said apologetically.

"It's fine, I know you're busy, being a C.E.O. and all." She shook her head and smiled.

"Okay, well I'll have Christine book our flight when as soon as possible." I replied.

"Meet me at my office when you're done?" asked Lizzie. I smiled. We always met at her office before I drove her back to her apartment.

"As usual," I said.

She stood up to leave and replaced her chair. Before she walked out, she came up to me. I stood up, and pulled her close, just so our bodies lightly touched. She pressed her lips to mine in a brain-numbing kiss. I responded eagerly, wishing we had more time so I could deepen it. Nevertheless, it made my heart pound. We broke apart, and said goodbye one more time before she walked out and headed back to her office.

I straightened my tie and flattened my hair, trying to appear focused for my meeting, but I wasn't. My mind was on the girl who had just left my office and what a dinner with her mother may bring.

Lizzie's house was small, but in a quaint way. I could imagine the three redheaded sisters running around on the green lawn, and jumping off the swing set in the backyard. The windows glowed yellow in the dimming light of late afternoon, making it seem inviting.

Lizzie stood beside me, and threw her duffle bag over her shoulder with a huff. "Prepare yourself, Will," she warned.

I simply rolled my eyes, slamming the trunk. "What are you waiting for?" I asked.

"For you to realize that you are literally walking to your death." Her tone was flat and serious, but I laughed. As always, she was being dramatic.

With a quick kiss, she took my hand and lead me to the door.

Before Lizzie even raised her fist to knock, her mother tore the door open with a delighted squeal.

"Elizabeth! And Oh! Darcy himself! So good to see you again. I'm so very happy you and dear Lizzie are together. I always had my doubts, you see. I never wanted to see her settle for someone who couldn't...ahem, provide for her."

"Mom," Lizzie said sternly to get her attention. "You're letting in bugs. Let us go and sit down for something."

"Oh, gosh! Forgive me, Darcy, you both must be exhausted from your flight. And surely you're used to being picked up from the airport by a driver. It's such a shame you had to drive in Lizzie's old car. If dear Jane were here, she could've picked you two up, but, as you know, she and Bing Lee are off in New York, and we just have poor little Lydia left. She had plans with a few of her many friends and could only drop off the car in the parking lot. Such a shame, indeed. And Lizzie's junky Volvo must pale in comparison to your vehicle back in San Francisco. And you must be positively famished as well!" Mrs. Bennet said all this as she lead us into the living room, and once we arrived, she practically forced me to sit down.

"Thank you Mrs. Bennet, but I assure you I'm fine. Please call me William," I said, trying to keep myself from tucking in my chin. I sat on the edge of the worn couch, feeling slightly out of place. I was unsure of what to do with my hands, and whether I should hold Lizzie's or not. Instead I placed them lightly on my knees.

"Oh, I'll be right back with some cheese and crackers and lemonade for you two. Just sit tight for a few moments, yes?" And she walked out as quickly as she came.

I remained still, and when Lizzie's hand crept up onto my back gently, I jumped. My eyes darted to where she was.

"Will." Her voice was soft, and filled with amusement. "Relax. You don't have to put on a show for my mother."

"But I do," I replied. I really wanted to change Mrs. Bennet's opinion of me. I understood it was not the best upon her first meeting of me.

Lizzie shook her head, and pulled her feet up on the couch. "No you don't. Honestly, she's probably just happy I'm in some sort of relationship."

I didn't reply right away, and just shrugged. "Maybe."

"Really, Will. Relax." She pulled me back to lounge next to her, and tilted her head so it rested on my shoulder. She laced her fingers with mine in my lap, and I had to fight the urge to tip her head up and kiss her.

No. That would be extremely inappropriate.

She moved to whisper in my ear, and her sweet breath tickled my ear. "You know, later we can go up to see my room in a while, if you want."

I gulped. I knew what she was suggesting. "O-okay," was all I could manage.

A while later, I sat at the dinner table, staring at my plate awkwardly. Mr. Bennet had yet to come out of his study, and Mrs. Bennet had called Lydia and Lizzie into the kitchen to help bring out the food, so I sat alone.

I could hear what was going on in the kitchen.

"Mom! I can't just leave Will out there alone! That's awkward!" Lizzie cried.

Her mother scoffed loudly. "Nonsense, dear. Now take this salad and put down by your father's seat."

Suddenly, there was a tremendous shattering sound.

"Elizabeth Marie Bennet!" Mrs. Bennet's voice took on a harsh, scolding tone. "Careful where you step, darling Lydia. Now Lizzie, you pick up all this mess you and your clumsy feet created."

Lizzie began to protest in her defense. "But Mom! Lydia was the one who knocked into me because she was too busy spinning around on her socks!"

"Don't hate on the sock slide Lizzie," Lydia cried in response.

Mrs. Bennet sighed angrily. "Elizabeth, go get the dustpan and clean this up now."

"Well shouldn't Lydia help? She practically knocked it out of my hands!"

"No I did not!"

"You did too! You should help me pick this up!"

"No way! It's your own fault, and nobody else's."

And with that, Lizzie came stomping out of the kitchen. She walked right past me without saying a word and pulled a broom and dustpan from a closet down the hall.

When she returned I looked at her curiously.

"I broke the salad bowl," she explained. Her voice was tight and I knew she was embarrassed.

Without asking for her permission, I got up and went to help her.

"Oh, William, you don't have to help her! She should do it on her own." Mrs. Bennet chastised.

"That's alright, I don't mind," I replied as I tossed the shards of glass in the trash.

The glance Lizzie cast me was meaningful, and eternally grateful for when her mother did not respond.

Dinner was a welcome break from the earlier chaos that was Lizzie's mother. She was quiet, and listened attentively as Mr. Bennet peppered me with questions about Pemberley. It was over dessert- a lovely tiramisu- when Mrs. Bennet lived up to Lizzie's portrayals.

"So, William," the way she said my name implied there was something interesting to follow, as if there was gossip surrounding it. "Tell me about you and Lizzie. Is she behaving herself?"

I stiffened. This was not a conversation I wanted to participate in. "Things are well," I said somewhat curtly.

Mrs. Bennet's head cocked to the side in curiosity. "Oh? Pray tell, William, is there something going on? I do hope it doesn't revolve around your jobs, because we all know how devastating it would be if you especially got into some sort of scuffle in your business, because of your overwhelming success."

"Mrs. Bennet, I assure you, things are well. I keep my work and personal life separate." I tried to loosen my words, to make them seem less cold, but I could tell it wasn't working as well as I had hoped. I had to try not to laugh when Lizzie's eyebrows raised at the mention of keeping work and personal things separate. I knew she was thinking of the most recent lunch break we had taken together- one that had involved a lot of things, but hardly any lunch was eaten.

"Well you certainly seem to be hiding something. I know Lizzie's manners are not as well groomed as dear Jane's, or her good looks, but I assure you she can always improve," she drawled excitedly. Her words made me uncomfortable and shy. I didn't know what to say.

Thankfully Lydia saved the day. "Enough, Mom. I'm sure Lizzie and Darcy are just fine. He just doesn't want to share personal things."

"But Lydia, he must have something to say! Don't stifle him, dear."

"Mom, really. Let it go. He and Lizzie would agree that they don't want to share details of their relationship," Lydia insisted. I caught Lizzie giving her a relived look, and she mouthed a quick thank you. Lydia only gave us a small smile in response.

At this, Mrs. Bennet threw her head into her hands. "Oh lord," she wailed. "Poor Mr. Darcy must think we are such savages. Between our daughter's manners, and the mess in the kitchen, he must think we are terrible! And not to mention the sub-par meal, I'm sure it doesn't compare to the filet mingnon he must eat. Oh Mr. Bennet! He will now want to leave Lizzie for sure, as if her actions haven't lead him to that already! What will we do?" Her voice was high and distraught.

My stomach seemed to have leaped up into my throat. I had witnessed what Lizzie had always acted out in costume theatre, and I realized she hadn't exaggerated much. I was clueless of what to do. I wasn't entirely fond of her quite yet, with her assumptions and endless questions, but I didn't want to completely turn her away from me as I did before. I was sure Lizzie wouldn't appreciate that, either.

I was quiet as Mr. Bennet soothed his wife gently, and I mulled over my words carefully to make sure they were the right ones.

Finally I decided to speak up. My heart pounded in my chest, because this was very bold. Especially for me. Trying to calm down, I imagined that this was just another board meeting, and I was just arguing a new topic. Something I was good at. Unfortunately this was entirely different on a whole new level.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Bennet," she looked up at me with watery eyes. "I have to disagree with your statements. Lydia and Lizzie's manners are perfectly fine to me. I promise, I have seen much worse. Your daughters are well raised and I respect both of them greatly. Also, I must tell you, I am not royalty. I see messes every day, on account of my younger sister. We do not have a maid, or a cook, either. I wish to live a very normal lifestyle, and I do, to some extent. I loved your meal, and I thought it was delicious. It doesn't compare to the meals any restaurant can make, no matter how expensive it may be. I think no less of you and your family after this meal, and if anything I think more of you.

Lastly, I have no intentions whatsoever to split my relationship with Lizzie. I..care for her a great deal, and she has never done anything to lead me away from her. Trust me...the last thing I wish to do is hurt her."

All of this was said at barely above a murmur, while I looked down at my hands folded in my lap. I my cheeks felt hot as the table fell silent.

Lizzie grabbed my hand, squeezing it tightly, and I returned the gesture.

Mrs. Bennet's voice yet again broke into a wail. "Oh, William! You are such the gentleman. I'm so glad my Lizzie has found a man such as you. You really don't have to say those things, you flatter me too much." she fanned her face with delight.

I merely nodded, still feeling shy and unable to find my voice.

We lingered at the table for a while longer, returning back to small talk. A few stories from Lizzie's childhood were shared, and I laughed as Lizzie blushed furiously and looked away from my teasing gaze. Lydia also recounted a few wild tales, and I was happy to see her returning to her old self.

It really was nice to have dinner like this, and it reminded me of the days where my parents still ate dinner with Gigi and I.

Lizzie turned her head to whisper quietly in my ear. "We should probably escape before things get bad again. Plus it's getting late, I'll need to dive you to Netherfield."

"I guess so," I replied with a sigh. I wished I had given into her pleading when she wanted me to stay at her home in Jane's room. At the time I had felt uncomfortable, but now, Netherfield looked to be cold and rather lonely. Nevertheless, I would be back for breakfast upon Mrs. Bennet's request.

I was just happy I could borrow Bing's spare car so Lizzie wouldn't have to cart me around everywhere for the rest of the weekend.

We thanked her parents for dinner, Lizzie kissing each of them on the cheek lightly, and left the room hand in hand.

She pulled me through the hallways quickly, obviously with a good idea of where she was taking me.

"Are we going up to your room again?" I asked hopefully.

She laughed, and gave me a light shove. "No! I'm taking you somewhere else now."

I knit my eyebrows. "Where?"

"You will just have to see," she responded with a smirk that made my heart skip a beat.

She pulled me out through the back door and into the back yard. There, she immediately laid back, stretching back on the cool grass.

I looked down at her questioningly. "What are you doing?"

"Looking up at the stars," she responded. "Come on, lay with me."

"Oh Lizzie, I don't know...I'm wearing nice clothes and-"

She interrupted me quickly before I could continue. "Oh no, no, no, William Darcy. You are laying down with me. Don't be a snob. Get down before I tackle you."

I raised one eyebrow somewhat laughingly, imagining her taking me down.

"Oh please, Will. Who cares about your clothes?"

I groaned, but smiled and laid down nonetheless. Our fingers tangled together, and she scooted her body next to mine, so that our shoulders touched.

"See? It's the stars. If I miss one thing when I'm in San Francisco, it's being able to look up at night and see them."

"Mhmm," I agreed. "One of the many perks of living in the country. I never got to experience this when I was young, but I wish I would have."

Lizzie was quiet for a moment while she thought. "In a way, it's sort of humbling. Knowing that out there is a huge universe of planets and stars and other galaxies, and you are just one person out of billions. One tiny speck, that will hardly make a dent in the world. It makes all my problems seem so insignificant."

"Yes, definitely. I like it though," I answered.

"Me too. Do you know any constellations?" asked Lizzie, turning her head to look me in the eyes.

I shook my head. "No."

"Well here, I'll show you. I know all these from my dad, he used to point them out all the time." She stuck her finger into the air, pointing at a few stars. "See that cluster of stars there? The ones near that really bright star?"

I followed her finger and agreed.

"Its called Leo. Its supposed to be a lion. And that really bright star is called Regulus," she explained. The way she was so sure of her words made my face feel warm. It was one of the things that I was initially drawn to about her.

"What else is there?" I wondered. I loved hearing her talk like this, and hearing her teach me something.

"Hmm," she murmured, her eyes scanning the sky carefully. "Oh! There's Virgo right there! Its a woman lying down, see?"

"Oh, I see it, but how is that a woman lying down?" I asked.

"It just is! You cant tell? See there's her arm reaching up, and theres her short legs."

I looked again, but still didn't see it. "Nope."

"Whatever. Its there. And if you look really close through a telescope on some days you can see galaxies near her arm. I've done it before, it's awesome. And it's supposed to represent all the powerful women in mythology, like Athena or Persephone."

"That's interesting, but I still can't see how its supposed to be a woman." I insisted. Lizzie looked at me and rolled her eyes.

We turned our heads back to the sky, and looked out quietly for a while. It really was beautiful, and I could see why she would miss it.

She was the first to break the silence. "I have a question."

"Yes?"

"Did you really mean all that stuff you said to my mother? You didn't have to say all that, you know."

I stared at the constellation of the lion she had shown me before as I spoke, "I did have to say it. I meant every single word, too. I would never lie to your family, Lizzie."

"But she was so awful and catty to you. You didn't have to be so nice," she responded indignantly.

I laughed. "Yes I did, she's your mother! And not to mention she hated me for a while."

I saw Lizzie's cheeks pink in the dim moonlight. "Still. You said a lot of nice things...and she will remember them. And probably repeat them when she talks about you. You sure you meant them?"

"Yes, of course. I respect your family a great deal. And most importantly, I will not leave you, Lizzie. I never want to cause you any pain or make you upset. If I lied about anything when I spoke to your mother- which I didn't- it would be anything but that."

She seemed to relax a little. "Good," she sighed. "I was afraid she would scare you off. I'm not sure what I would do without you if you left."

Unable to find the right words, I settled for kissing her. It was sweet and passionate, sending shivers down my spine. I moved a bit so my body was nearly on top of hers, allowing me to deepen the kiss.

My eyes shot open when the porch light turned on, and I jumped off of Lizzie as quickly as I could. My face seemed to be burning, and I was already fumbling for words of apology.

"Hey, losers!" Lydia called with a smile in her voice. "Just wanted to let you know you guys are giving Mom a show from her bedroom window!"

She returned inside, turning off the light as she went.

"Oh my god," moaned Lizzie, rubbing at her face.

I laughed, relaxing beside her again. As she moaned, I sighed. There was nothing I could do to erase it now.

So why not kiss her again?

I pulled her into another kiss, this one more searing then the last.

Let Mrs. Bennet have her fun now, because I wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

A/N: Like it? Love it? Hate it? Any words of advice? Any suggestions? LEAVE A REVIEW! I would really love it if you did :)

I have a feeling this might be a short authors note for once...only cause I don't have much to say.

Anyways, there won't be an upload till I get SIX reviews, cause I'm steppin up my game. But here's your motivation: next chapter will be part one of the engagement one-shots.

Exciting right?!

Don't forget to check out my story on wattpad, called The Summer of Healing, Hook-Ups and Holding On, under the name TwoVeryWittyGirls. Also, follow me on Tumblr (rosiececilia)!

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