In the Eyes of the Other
This is a redone version of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. So if you love the book and don't want to see it changed, then don't read. This was done by R.D.K and me, Setsuna X.
Disclaimer: This was made solely for the purpose of entertainment and we are receiving nothing from this book.
Summary:Darcy and Bingley have been friends for a long time and know one another quite well. They are extremely close, but when the Bennet sisters and other prospects begin to show up, things become hectic and love becomes a mess.
Previous Chapter:
Elizabeth simply bowed her head a bit and gave Bingley a smile. Darcy, before he could stop himself, let out a small growl of jealousy, who it was directed at he wasn't sure himself, and that frightened him even more and made him go on the offensive. He stood up, face pink with anger, embarrassment, and topped off with a hint of self-loathing. He opted to stalk out of the room and got to his sleeping quarters.
"I apologize for his behavior" chuckled Bingley, a bit embarrassed at his friends' behavior.
"Think nothing of it," replied Jane as her and Elizabeth went to their prepared rooms for the night.
Chapter 6Bingley remained in the library, sitting on the couch opposite the warm, blazing fire in the hearth. The dancing flames bathed the room in a glowing orange, giving off the effect of a sunrise in the room. The gold bindings on the books glowed the most, causing sparkles to erupt fro, the shelves.
He just sat there watching the embers slowly die from the used up wood and calculating his emotions. He wasn't like Darcy, able to hide his emotions behind a mask; rather, he wore his emotions on his sleeves. He knew that everyone would be able to see what he was feeling with one look upon his visage, but he liked it that way. He felt that by hiding his emotions he would be lying to people, and he absolutely loathed lying. It was something that his mother had pounded into his head when he was younger; never tell a lie, because if you do, it will come and haunt you.
He really believed this to be true. Nothing good can come from lies. The truth would eventually surface, and then where would he be?
The churning feeling in his stomach returned with a vengeance, not allowing him a moment of peace. He was just so… so… confused! Very confused indeed. He was now sober enough to admit that he had enjoyed that heated kiss with Darcy. Darcy, the man with broad shoulders and dashing ebony locks. But, he had to admit to himself that Jane was a very pretty maiden, and with a personality much like his own.
He knew that if he took the time and gave her a chance then he could grow to love her in time. He poured himself a cup of brandy and was content enough to simply sit there and drink the night away, but he knew he couldn't do that. He wouldn't even be in this situation if it weren't for alcohol in the first place, and he'd have a pounding headache the next morning. That was the last thing he needed atop of all the emotional turmoil going on in his heart and head.
He decided to place his cup down and dragged himself off to his bedroom, ready to lay on his soft, warm cotton sheets and doze off into the land of nod.
After storming off, most rudely, to his room for the night Darcy flopped gracefully onto his bed. He rubbed his weary face with his reddened hands. After having his fingers clench tightly to his palms, their surface had gained a rosier shade. How had he managed to land himself into this situation? The alcohol had made him kiss Bingley. No, that wasn't right. The alcohol merely gave him the courage to do something that he secretly had wanted to do. A secret that he himself, didn't even know that he held. Possibly.
But yet the more preposterous thing is that Bingley had kissed him back. He didn't shove him, or push him away. If anything, he gripped harder, dragging him against himself. Bingley hadn't even bothered to deny that the whole episode had even happened.
That was the thing that was the most furiously annoying!
And besides, what was Bingley playing at? Kissing him in the carriage first and now, mere moments ago, ignoring him all the while doting on that lower class, Jane Bennet. Miss Bennet was a well enough person. Pleasant in conversation and polite too, but what made her so interesting as to cause Bingley to spend an hour talking to her about. Now this was quite annoying as well.
And another thing: Elizabeth.
That woman, with her expressive, shining eyes; they were so full of confidence and pride. She upheld her woman nature, but posed as something more than that. She seemed strong and unwilling to bend to any ones wish. She danced to her own tune, and was proud of it. That was the most intriguing woman he had ever came across.
He had to admit that she peaked his interest. She had a sort of fire burning inside of her, allowing herself to hold her head high wherever she went, and in the presence of anyone.
Darcy rose from the bed that he had so graciously thrown himself on. He had too many things on his mind, too many to keep him still on the bed. He paced around the burgundy-carpeted room, thinking of the night and its events.
His thoughts clamped up and everything felt cluttered in his head. His pacing increased. He had never felt this way before. The impulses, the excitement, coursing through him were new and frightening. All his life things had been a bit simple, regardless of his sisters past, and everything was smooth.
Never had he faced such a situation. He held feelings for his best friend, and a man no less, but at the same time new feelings were burning in his chest regarding the enigma that is Elizabeth Bennet.
Yet Bingley's kiss was still burning upon his lips, embedding itself upon them.
A/N: Finally, the end of this chapter! It's actually pretty lengthy, compared to the rest. I would have continued writing, but this seemed like a good place to stop. I still got a few more chapters written out, and then after that I'm going to have to re-read P&P, which might take me a while b/c I'm currently reading Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles, which are very long and is a long series, but I'll see what I could do. Anyway, thanks to everyone who is reading this story. Lemme know what you think regarding rewriting the first 4 chapters. Thanks.