Chapter 40: Stay

"Lizzy!" Jane squealed, running over to embrace her sister in a gargantuan hug.

Elizabeth returned the sentiment with equal vigor, her sister's blond hair flying as she pulled her tight. "Jane, it is so great to see you. How was your flight?"

Jane blushed slightly and looked up at Charlie. "It was fine. I had good company."

"Lizzy," Charlie leaned over and gave her a warm squeeze. "How are you? How are you enjoying London?"

"It's beautiful. A little cold, actually," she quirked her face in a playful grimace, "but really great all the same. I finally got to have my UK experience yesterday when Will showed me around some."

"Oh, really?" Jane asked, her voice tainted with a note of suggestion.

Lizzy tried to shoot her sister a pleading look to tone it down some. "Yes, it was very nice." She playfully elbowed him in the side. "He's a great guide."

The smile that brightened his eyes was unchecked as he looked down at her. He then addressed her sister as he continued, "Oh, it was nothing. Just a helicopter tour, pulled a few strings at Westminster...that kind of thing."

Jane's eyes bulged out of her head as Charlie chuckled lightly to himself.

"Wow, Lizzy... That sounds amazing." Jane was unable to hide her smile.

"It...was. Very enjoyable. Thank you Will." Lizzy tried to hide the pink flame that had spread across her cheeks. Although it had seemed so friendly yesterday, the way Will shared the recap made it sound more like the ultimate romantic outing. She knew her reaction wasn't helping matters any. Had she just convinced herself that it wasn't anything more when it really was after all?

Jane seemed unwilling to let the subject slide, and quickly reached forward to link arms with her sister. They were exiting the airport now, and Will and Charlie had outpaced them by some distance already.

"Lizzy," she hissed in a rushed whisper, "tell me everything!"

"Uh...Jane...there's nothing to tell."

The look of disbelief that Jane shot at her sister was impossible to ignore. Suddenly, realization dawned on her face. "Wait. You haven't told him yet, have you?"

Lizzy looked down in shame. "Uh, no...not yet."

"Liz Biz, what are you waiting for? That man is crazy about you. Trust me...I..." Suddenly Jane was distracted by a magazine rack near the exit of the airport. "OH MY GOODNESS! Lizzy! You're famous!"

By this time, Lizzy's head was buried somewhere in her chest, hair falling completely over her eyes with no attempt to brush it away. "Yea...about that... Only sort of...you know? Not really..."

"Lizzy, you're on the cover of a magazine." Jane's voice was dryer than a saltine cracker.

"And?..."

She pointed dramatically to the cover. "And? You better hope mom doesn't see this."

Lizzy rolled her eyes. "Oh, I know. According to her I'd be engaged within the week."

Jane laughed. "Well, who really cares what mom tells the neighbors?" Jane looked back down at the picture, a dreamy look appearing in her eye. "Here look. Do you see that? How he's looking at you?"

"Jane, he's feeding me a messy bite of lamb."

"Exactly, he's feeding you even!"

Lizzy just arched her brows at the blonde exclaiming loudly in the airport lobby. Maybe the passersby who had stopped to stare at the outburst would simply assume she was a little unstable.

Jane lowered her voice and continued. "You can see that he still loves you just from this photo! Why do you think it's travelling around London? The perpetually unattached Will Darcy...head over heels? It's probably a national crisis or something."

Lizzy could only look at her sister with a sharp questioning look.

Jane looked at her sister innocently. "What? Charlie and I have had the chance to exchange notes. I didn't realize how much attention Will gets over here. It's huge, Lizzy."

Lizzy rolled her eyes and addressed her sister's previous question. "Listen, I plan on telling him today. The opportunity just hasn't come up yet."

It was Jane's turn to raise her eyebrows. "You spent an entire day with him yesterday and the opportunity didn't come up? Not once?"

"No. Well...not the one I wanted anyway. But I'm determined. It's happening today. I promise." Her lips curled into a small, hopeful smile.

"You better. If only I could see you as happy, Lizzy."

"Well, according to you, my happiness is practically guaranteed."

A huge smile spread across Jane's face. "You've got me there. You're right, I think it is." She glanced ahead, spotting Charlie and Will waiting patiently and holding the doors open for them. The corners of her mouth quirked up in a pleased smile. "Come on," her sparkling blue eyes addressed her sister, "let's go catch up to our guys."

Lizzy watched out of the window as the limo slowly glided down the narrow London streets. Stealing another glance at Will, she once again caught sight of the mischievous and secretive smile that he had been trying all day to hide. She had first noticed it at lunch with Charlie and Jane, but he had done a good enough job passing it off as enjoyment from seeing his best friend after a long absence. However, while viewing the beauty of the city from the spectacular sights of the London Eye just before parting ways with the happy couple, Lizzy had once again seen the heavily guarded look of delight attempting to burst from his every feature. He looked pleased with himself, and Lizzy could barely contain her curiosity to discover what secret seemed to have him floating on air. Besides, his smug little grin made his eyes twinkle in the twilight, and she wanted to enjoy their levity for as long as possible.

She attempted to break through his internal reverie. "Are you sure you can't tell me where we're going?"

He turned to her, the already upturned corners of his mouth quickly transforming into a wide grin. "Now, where would be the fun in that?"

"I don't know. Maybe so I can be excited with you? You're practically gloating over there."

Will's hand covered his mouth, while a highly entertained smile continued to radiate from his eyes. He offered no further information.

"I'm glad you find me amusing. I will have you know that I hate surprises. I don't even know if I'm dressed appropriately for wherever we are going."

He grew slightly more serious then, not hesitating to capture her eyes with his own. "I've already told you, you're perfect. Why do you feel the need to question it?"

Lizzy wasn't sure if he was referring to her outfit or herself, but the familiar warmth that spread in her chest made her hope that it was the latter.

Suddenly, the limo rolled to a stop. Before Will could get to her door, Lizzy leapt out of the vehicle to take in her new surroundings. She stared up at a quaint looking pub called Ye Olde Mitre.

"So, you're trying to get me drunk. You know, I can see right through this dastardly plan of yours."

He chuckled. "Well...not just you. This is Bingley's favorite bar, actually."

Before Lizzy could fully process the information, the front door of the bar swung wide and a blue-eyed woman with golden hair ran out and threw her arms around Will. A taller gentleman with wavy brunette hair followed close behind her.

"It's so good to see you, William!" she exclaimed.

Will laughed at the greeting, making sure to take a moment to extend his hand to the gentleman as well. "Emma, George, it's really great to see you both. This is Elizabeth Bennet, Jane's sister."

"Well, you can call me Lizzy," she smiled and gave a small wave.

Emma's attention immediately turned to herself. "Lizzy! Will told us all about you. Isn't a wedding so exciting? I love it when people get together and fall in love...It's just so romantic!"

Emma's energy was infectious, and Lizzy couldn't help but chuckle as she responded, "Yes, it is wonderful. I am beyond happy for my sister." She lowered her voice to a whisper and continued, "Em...uh, can I call you that?" The blonde smiled and nodded in response, so Lizzy continued, "would you happen to know what we're doing here?"

Emma whipped her head around to find Will, while her shocked and stern tone immediately grabbed his attention away from George. "William! You didn't tell her yet?"

Will seemed completely un-phased by the unexpected verbal assault. "I wanted Lizzy to be surprised too. You can tell her now, if you want." He shifted his line of sight from Emma to her own, his earnest eyes appraising her a moment longer than necessary before returning to his previous conversation.

"It's a surprise engagement party for Bingley and Jane!" Emma squealed, almost unable to contain her excitement. "George hasn't seen Charlie or Will in almost a year. We didn't know Bingley had gotten serious about someone, but I am so glad he met your sister. He was definitely a guy who shouldn't be single." She rolled her eyes and continued, "Will's another one actually...but, he's more of a hopeless case, I think. I've tried many times to set him up without any success."

Lizzy arched an eyebrow at Emma's observation. "How do they all know each other?"

Actually, Charlie and George got jobs at Darcy Motors when they first graduated college. Although the positions didn't really work out, the unexpected friendship they found has lasted ever since."

"So, Will planned all of this? For Charlie?"

"And Jane. From what I understand, they should be here any minute. He got Charlie's older sister to drive them over."

Lizzy glanced back over to Will and observed him as he conversed with his long-time friend. Every line in his face was relaxed, his posture more casual, and Lizzy couldn't help but feel that he looked happier than she had ever seen him before. It was moments like these where she felt the pain of their past most keenly; her spirit rebelled at the idea that he wasn't actually hers, that she couldn't just snatch him away from his companion to find a quiet corner and enjoy each other's presence. Her stomach twisted in knots as she wondered if she would ever again be given the chance to experience the sensation of his arms gripping her tightly to him, his lips eagerly devouring her own.

Shaking her head to clear away the funk she quickly found herself settling in, Lizzy looked down at the glittering ring and band on Emma's left hand. "George is your husband?"

The stars in her eyes were so bright that Lizzy couldn't help but be happy for her. "Yeah...childhood friends and high school sweethearts. He's great, but it took me awhile to realize that I even felt that way for him. This might sound crazy, but I think it's because I was so used to always getting along with him that I didn't realize what I was really experiencing was love."

Lizzy smiled to herself as she thought about her relationship with Will. Although she wouldn't really describe their beginning as getting along, she could absolutely understand falling in love in spite of yourself. "That's actually a really good way to describe it. I hate to say it, but I think I can relate."

Emma looked about to respond, but a car pulled up before she had a chance to vocalize her thought. Emma's eyes lit up in recognition. "Catherine! Henry! Come meet Lizzy Bennet, Charlie's fiance's sister!" She waved them over energetically.

Fifteen minutes and 6 more couples later, the entire group waited inside the bar for the guests of honor to arrive. Lizzy stood slightly apart from the scene, taking it all in. The whole group seemed ready and willing to not only welcome her sister with open arms, but her as well. There was a natural gaiety and companionship exuded by the group that had quickly enveloped her and lightened her heart in response. A warm arm grazed hers as a quiet companion approached to stand at her side.

"Thank you," she said quietly, looking up to meet his eyes. "This is incredible. I can't wait to see my sister's face."

"It's nothing. When you told me that they were coming in, I knew I had to do something. With you in London it was too perfect of an opportunity to pass up."

She eyed him warily, "Are you saying that you planned this all in one day?"

"Yeah. It wasn't as difficult as you might think. I know the pub owner and Bingley's friends are all very loyal to him. All I had to do was name the day and location."

"But we were together all day yesterday."

He peered down at her in confusion, "Um...yes?"

"I think what I'm trying to say is that I'm amazed that you found the time to even consider doing this...much less actually plan it. I have to say, I'm impressed." She paused for a moment, then continued, "It's like how I told you on the beach, just when I think I have you figured out..."

"I throw you for a loop?"

She looked down bashfully, "Yea, something like that."

"It's good to know that I can keep you guessing."

Lizzy looked up to find him looking at her in earnest. He seemed to be searching her eyes intently for permission to say more, and Lizzy realized that now was as good a time as any to confess what she had really sought him out to say.

"Will, I actually wante..."

"CONGRATULATIONS!" the entire group shouted loudly to the blushing couple that had just entered the front door. Jane's face was flushed and Bingley's smile stretched from ear to ear.

After a moment of recovering from the shock, Bingley addressed the room. "Well, hello everyone! Wow... It's good to see you all!" He dramatically cleared his throat and continued, "May I present the woman of my dreams and future wife, Jane Bennet!"

The entire room whooped and jeered, and Jane turned tomato red from the attention.

Giving Lizzy an apologetic parting glance, Will approached his friends' side and took his hand in a firm grip, handing him a pint in his other hand. "Bingley, I am honored to call you my friend, and couldn't be happier for you both. I think I speak for everyone here when I say, 'It took you bloody long enough!'"

The entire group laughed then, so after waiting a moment, he continued, "...but it was entirely worth the wait. You both are perfect for each other. It's an honor for all of us to be here and celebrate with you."

Bingley's face attempted to remain calm, but you could see in his eyes that he was touched. He jokingly punched his friend's shoulder, "Now don't go getting all sappy on me, Darce. I, uh...well, anyway...I think we have a party to get started!"

As Lizzy was witnessing the antics up front, a bartender was quickly handing out drinks to the crowd. She was pleasantly surprised to find that she was now the owner of a perfectly blended Tequila Sunrise.

A man named Henry raised his glass in salute. "Three cheers for the happy couple!" A chorus of "Hip Hip, Hooray" and happy cheering greeted the request, smiles abounding on the faces of every guest present.

Bingley's friends were loud, pleasantly boisterous, and quickly proving their penchant for having a hilariously good time. Two hours into the event and everyone was talking and laughing like they had known each other for years. Music had been put on, and couples found themselves weaving on and off the dance floor whenever a song they cared for began to blare out of the speakers. The guys had even put on a show when Bon Jovi's Living on a Prayer came on, singing along in a slightly slurred manner while gripping each other's shoulders' and pumping the air with their fists when the chorus came on. Bingley had even found Jane at one point during the song and serenaded her on bended knee in front of the group.

For the most part, Lizzy decided to enjoy the Tequila Sunrises that never seemed to stop coming and stood back. The entire situation felt so comfortable, almost as if she were back home with all of her closest friends instead of a room full of practically strangers. What gripped her most, however, was the sheer joy on Jane's face. It was apparent to everyone, but particularly to Lizzy, that her sister could not be happier or more in love. It was more than she had ever hoped to ask for, and it could not have happened to a more deserving person.

Lizzy slowly became aware of a hand entwining with her own and guiding her onto the dance floor. Glancing up, Will smiled at her before placing his hand on the small of her back and pulling her close. The familiar scent of the cologne that had intoxicated her in the DR quickly surrounded her and further heightened her senses to his presence.

She felt his breath tickle the top of her ear. "I was worried I wasn't going to be able to get away for a second. How are you enjoying yourself?"

She laughed into his chest. "It's amazing. I've been having a blast. And you certainly seem to be enjoying yourself...that was quite a show you all put on earlier."

He looked down in embarrassment. "I don't think I've ever been part of a kickline before that moment."

Lizzy could only burst out laughing at his honesty. "Well, it was impressive. You should have tried it sooner. You've been depriving the rest of us."

He chuckled lightly. "Glad to know you approve."

"It's hard not to."

The music must have drowned out her words. "Pardon?" He leaned down to angle his ear towards her mouth.

"Will." A shorter woman with overly plucked brows walked over and looped her arm through his own, drawing out the L's in his name as she addressed him. "My sister is going to be devastated to have missed this! You know how she loves a good party."

Will's face looked equal parts pained and annoyed. "Louisa, let me introduce Elizabeth Bennet to you, Jane's sister. Lizzy, this is Louisa Bingley."

"Hurst, darling. Remember?" She raised a hand with a rock that covered the distance between her two knuckles on her ring finger. "Since August."

Her haughty air was almost double what Lizzy had ever witnessed from Caro herself. "Congratulations." Lizzy muttered.

"Thank you dear. Now, Will darling, come with me to talk my brother down off that table." She began pulling Will in the opposite direction, and Will gave Lizzy an apologetic glance as he was unable to escape Louisa's death grip.

It was an entire hour later before the event finally began to wind down. Lizzy stood outside, hugging Jane tightly one last time before letting her go off and experience the rest of her vacation abroad. Aside from this day spent together, they would be apart for almost five weeks - the longest they had ever gone without seeing each other since college.

Jane pushed herself back while still clinging tightly to Lizzy's shoulders. "Promise me you'll tell him? I think he just needs to hear it."

"Of course! Well, that's the plan anyway. Wish me luck."

"Trust me, you don't need it." Jane glanced over to Will, whose eyes were locked onto their side conversation.

At the glance, Will gave a soft smile and addressed Lizzy, "Ready to go and leave these two lovebirds to their vacation?"

Lizzy gave a final parting sigh and smiled. "I guess I am."

Will extended his hand to Bingley, who was standing just to his side. "Enjoy yourself brother. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Bingley just laughed and clapped his friend on the back. "That shouldn't be too hard. Thanks for tonight. It was great."

"No problem. Have a good night Jane."

"Thanks Will, you too!"

Charlie goofily ran around Will and grabbed Lizzy up in a big bear hug. "It was so good to see you on this side of the pond Lizzy. Have a safe trip tomorrow."

"Thanks Charlie. It was good to see you too. Have a good night."

After one more round of unwilling good-bye's, Will and Lizzy finally sat in the limo, simultaneously releasing one long breath at the wild ride of a good time they had just experienced. Everything had gone perfectly; everyone had had a fantastic time, the music had kept the energy up, and the abundance of alcohol had only added to the general merriment. Hearing their mutual sigh of contentment, their eyes connected; but what could have been a mere chuckle at their timing turned into an impassioned and frenzied entanglement of lips and limbs. His arms wrapped firmly around her as she shifted closer to him, practically in his lap. He left her mouth for a torturous second to tell his driver to drive to her hotel, but the moment quickly passed; Lizzy decided to ensure it didn't happen again by firmly locking her fingers through his hair. He was responding to her in a way that couldn't be ignored, and as her heart pummeled its way out of her chest, Lizzy decided that ignoring it was the last thing she wanted to do.

When they arrived at her hotel, Will was relieved to discover that Lizzy seemed eager to continue what they had started in the back seat. Entwining her fingers through his own, she seductively led him across the hotel lobby and towards her second floor chamber.

Crossing the threshold was the moment it became real. Each stared at the other, seeking the other's consent; in an instant the distance between them closed, and once again bodies pressed together in an urgent need to be closer, frenzied kisses coupled with a burning desire to know each other entirely and intimately.

At first, Will was only vaguely aware of soft and slender hands that had slid up his sides and brought his shirt along with it. Ducking his head, a swift pull from Lizzy lifted it clear, and Will urgently captured her face and mouth as her nails began tracing tantalizing lines over his biceps and chest. It was stimulating, and Will barely had time to consider his own actions before his hand had found its way under her silky blouse, cupping her bust to discover a pair of downy soft, supple breasts. He groaned, a pressing need to immediately have her rising from the core of his being and searing throughout his body; it wasn't long before her top and bra had joined his shirt on the floor.

Time had slowed, the discovery of her body becoming his singular focus. He traced the curve of her spine as his hand descended down her back. Her fingers continued to press into his flesh, gripping him closer, inviting him to join her and continue their sensual efforts. He savored the sensation of the velvet smooth feel of her shoulders, the salty taste of her skin, and the allure of her plump and teasing lips.

He wasn't sure when, but at some point her jeans had been slid down her curvaceous legs and her only clothing that remained was a delightful little pair of black lace panties. She continued to nibble at his neck while working at the button of his jeans, but started laughing at herself when she realized she was having trouble. Taking a step back, she seemed to be assessing the situation.

"I think I may have drunk more than I thought tonight. Is this button sewn down or something?"

The foggy euphoria that had cascaded over Will's brain receded slightly, but not enough to take him out of the moment. "Of course not, do you want my help?" He eyed her playfully.

"No, no…I've got it." She came at him again, but what should have been a small step forward turned into an off balance lunge that almost ended as a tumble onto the bed. Reaching out to catch her, Lizzy laughed at herself again before reclaiming his mouth and attempting the button once more.

The intoxicated lunge had done it. Will grimaced as he attempted to settle the heat now radiating from the center of his body. "Lizzy, Lizzy…stop. I don't want to be doing anything you're going to regret tomorrow. You're not yourself."

Their eyes connected and he hoped she couldn't see the pain behind his. How did I fail to notice her inebriation sooner? And how does she always manage to bring me to the brink…

Elizabeth leapt back into his arms, locking her pert and delicate mouth with his own while once again fumbling to locate the button on his jeans. "It's ok," she mumbled into their kiss. "I love you."

Instantly, the room took on an almost Matrix-like feel where everything moved in slow motion. I must have misheard her. Or maybe she's more drunk than she seems. She couldn't….could she?

Placing his hands squarely on her shoulders, he pushed her far enough away from him so that he could look her in the face. "What was that?"

Lizzy had pouted her lower lip due to the fact that he had once again put distance between their breathless bodies. "I love you, Will. I want this. Please, just…come here."

Will's heart thumped against his chest like a gorilla attempting to break out of its cage. Of all the things for her to say. She couldn't know what it did to him. "Lizzy, I...I can't. Not like this. You're not thinking clearly. I could never live with myself if…" his voice trailed off.

Lizzy looked flustered, but attempted to raise her chin admirably and rectify the situation, her defiance steady to the last. "I might be a little drunk, Will, but I know what I feel. I wouldn't have brought you here if I didn't."

She looked ready to fight him if he didn't obey her command, but Will couldn't tame the swirling cloud of doubt that had quickly settled over his thoughts.

"Lizzy," he gulped, unsure of how to proceed, placing his hands on her shoulders and pushing her an arm's length away from him, unable to resist the temptation of resting his forehead against her own, "I would love to finish this…you have to know that…but I can't, not tonight. It doesn't feel right. I'm not entirely sober either and...well, I'd like to think that we both deserve better than a drunken first time together."

Lizzy sighed and sat on the edge of the mattress, flipping her head down in her hands, her tumble of brunette hair entirely covered her face. He couldn't be sure, but amidst her exasperated sigh he could have sworn he heard something muttered about being too good.

Will rubbed his temples and contemplated her declaration; he could hardly believe that the three simple words he had almost despaired of ever hearing from her had actually escaped her lips. Will wanted nothing more than to discover the delights of her tantalizing curves in the bed that stood just three feet from him, but he couldn't settle himself to the idea of having his first (and only?) night with Lizzy derive from a drunken stupor. Particularly now. If she means what she says, it won't be long before we are together. But if she doesn't...well, then this is for the best. He began to reach for his shirt, but her slender hand shot out and grabbed his wrist to stop him. Her luminescent hazel eyes demanded his attention and acquiescence, even when the rest of her seemed slumped in defeat. "Stay," was all she said.

Will Darcy had spent his entire life being strong. Strong for his parents…strong for his sister…strong for himself. His principles had guided him through life effortlessly and without question. But now, in her presence, he never felt more powerless; undeniably incapable of escaping his connection to her, and more happy than ever to finally let go and just be.

"Okay," he stated, scooping her into his arms and gently placing her under the covers. "I'll stay."

A/N:

Surprise! Two August Chapters! I wish I could tell you to get used to this pace, but alas...this was more a result of the last chapter turning into one humongous chapter that needed to be broken up.

As always, I reserve the right to make some edits over the next few days, but the content is exactly where I want it to be for this one.

Before I say anything else, I want to give a HUGE shout-out to Suziee24 for her recommendation to use Bon Jovi's Living on a Prayer as the song the guys sing in the bar!

Thank you for your patience, favorites, follows and reviews! I have a lot of comments and pms to respond to and they are next up on my to do list.

And we are officially shifting into the final part of the story. I can't believe it. Thank you my friends, old and new along the way, for sticking with Magnets and letting me know what you think!

Until next time. :)

10/20/2014 A/N: Oh, how I miss u guys! I'm sorry you haven't heard from me...the new job with the commute is just a big time suck. The next chapter is in progress, just not anywhere near completion yet. Thank you for hanging on with me. I promise to eventually reward your faithfulness with a completed story!

And to Beckirs- I owe you a nice, long message. It's coming soon. I miss our chats! :)

12/3/2014 A/N: I haven't forgotten you, but I haven't found any time to make much progress either. I am going to try to get a chapter up before or around Christmas, but it's going to be slow-going for the foreseeable future. As soon as something changes, I will let you know!

Fun random fact...I walked by Toshi's Penthouse the other day doing an errand for work. It was a little surreal, and it made me miss writing this story, and you all my wonderful readers, waaay too much.

Best (Holiday!) Wishes,

Coastercrazed

2/1/2015 A/N: Don't throw any rotting fruit at me please!

I know I missed Christmas. Life took some more unexpected (personal) turns. The story has been on the backburner I admit, but I hope not for much longer. Please stay with me...I have what I think is a fantastic finale planned!

I hope that you, my wonderful readers, have been fabulous in the interim.

Warm Wishes,

Coastercrazed