Basic recap of the last 29 chapters:
Darcy fixed things between Bing and Jane. Gigi invited Lizzie to her house. Lizzie was tricked into spending time with Darcy during her stay (watching DVDs together, falling asleep on the couch together, playing tennis). Lizzie was tricked into spending time with Darcy during their tour of San Fran. Lizzie and Darcy had fun during her 'corporate interview' where he made her laugh by impersonating Fitz. Darcy gathered up the courage to ask Lizzie on a date and she agreed. With the help of wine, Lizzie and Darcy loosened up and had intercourse with faulty contraception. They were separated by Lydia's situation the next day. Darcy bought Novelty Exposures and got the video taken down. Lizzie and Darcy tracked down George together because he threatened to blackmail Lydia. They began an official relationship right after but kept it on the down-low. Jane and Bing left for NY. Lizzie returned to San Fran with Lydia. During another stay at the Darcy's, Lizzie fainted and found out she was pregnant. Lizzie and Darcy visited the doctor together and were both happy with the idea of a baby. Everyone was supportive of Lizzie and Darcy's surprise pregnancy and their new relationship.
Charlotte was one of the last ones to find out and she got even by uploading Lizzie's video (the one where Darcy asked her out on a date). Lizzie and Darcy were forced to reveal their relationship to the internet. Lizzie agreed to move in with Darcy for the remainder of her independent study and until graduation. Lizzie shared her ideas about her new show with Darcy and he was supportive. Lizzie and Charlotte spent their birthday together at Pemberley's Charity Event but Caroline and Aunt Catherine almost ruined it. Lizzie had some uterine pain and feared the worst but it turned out to be nothing. Aunt Catherine made a surprise appearance at Pemberley to ask Lizzie and Gigi out to lunch. Aunt Catherine and Lizzie made up and Aunt Catherine offered to rent her a building as her show's headquarters.
Lizzie and Darcy traveled to Lizzie's town a few days before Lizzie's graduation. Lizzie walked across the stage and was congratulated by her family and Charlotte surprised her. Darcy also surprised her with a black jewelry box that Lizzie feared was going to be a ring, but it was just a charm bracelet. She and Darcy made a video announcing her pregnancy to the internet. Lizzie did some introspecting to figure out why she'd been scared of the jewelry box earlier and discovered that her life was changing too rapidly and marriage freaked her out right. She and Darcy had a proper talk about getting engaged and decided that their lives weren't prepared for marriage right now. Charlotte uploaded the pregnancy video and the couple was congratulated by a lot of people, even Caroline.
Lizzie decided to find out the birth of the baby with her mother and Lydia instead of waiting to return to San Fran. Lizzie decided on the name Isabella and gave her Anne as a middle name in honor of Darcy's mother. The couple spent the rest of the week hanging out around town. Lizzie packed up the majority of her stuff to have it shipped to San Fran. She had officially moved to Darcy's house. Lizzie finally met her co-producer, Aaron Fields, and they went out to interview people for the show. Lizzie tweeted about it and Caroline was in the area, so she decided to apologize to Lizzie and Darcy on camera.
Lizzie made an update video which shared her due date in November and the fact that she'd officially moved in with Darcy. Darcy had bad news at work and lashed out at Gigi. Lizzie got pissed and stormed out. The next day, Darcy tried to make amends. In addition to apologizing, he presented her with a car. Lizzie rejected it and expressed her feelings about expensive gifts and came to terms with the fact that she wasn't really mad at him after all. Darcy's bad news turned to good news but he had to travel to Japan. They missed each other ardently in their weekend apart. Lizzie learned that Ricky Collins went back to Canada and Charlotte was now the boss at C&C. Lizzie uploaded her pilot episode and got a great response. She and Darcy were offered booths at VidCon next month. Darcy returned.
Wow. When I was summarizing it, it didn't really feel like much went on. Yet, I had almost 100K words lol. Crazy.
The month-long wait for VidCon flew by for our favorite couple and the weekend of July 19 finally arrived. Darcy was busy with Pemberley Digital, as always, and Lizzie was busy filming as many interviews as she could before Isabella arrived. She hadn't uploaded another episode since the pilot, as she was waiting until after VidCon to start her one-episode-per-week schedule.
On Thursday night, Lizzie and Darcy flew to Anaheim, California and checked into their hotel room near the convention center where VidCon would take place for the next three days. Darcy had thought about making their first night in a hotel together a romantic scene, but that failed because both he and Lizzie were tired and just wanted to sleep. They ordered room service dinner and knocked out.
Friday morning, Darcy's alarm woke them and he groaned with dread. He was really nervous about meeting all those people. Lizzie, on the other hand, was excited to meet the people that have been supporting her videos for the past year.
"Don't be a grump about it, babe.", Lizzie said as she laid a kiss upon his cheek.
They were brushing their teeth when Lizzie asked, "Do you mind if I shower first? I'm probably gonna take a little longer to get ready because of my hair. Remind me to schedule an appointment for a haircut." Her hair had grown several inches since she left to San Francisco and she never got around to cutting it. Jane used to do it but now, she'd have to go to a proper salon.
"I do not mind. Go right ahead, my love."
When Lizzie was out of the shower, she opened the door to let Darcy know she was done.
"Thank you.", Darcy said to someone in the hotel corridor. He reentered the room with a big bowl of fruit. "I thought you might be hungry, so I ordered something light before we go down for breakfast."
Lizzie picked up a pineapple slice and smiled. "Thank you! I was kind of craving pineapple."
Lizzie wanted to look good for VidCon because she knew people were going to want pictures, so she decided to go all out. She had to style her hair and do her makeup, so she hogged up all the counter space in the bathroom while Darcy showered. She had makeup and hair stuff all over, and also the bowl of fruit which was almost empty. She donned a towel around her body and a towel wrapped around her head as she put the finishing touches on her face. "Whoever invented contouring is a genius!", she thought as she finished up her cheeks. Her face was noticeably fuller as a result of her pregnancy and she was using make up to make herself look a little less round.
"Could you move over a little, my love? I need to shave.", he asked as he wrapped a towel around his waist.
"Sorry!", she said before making space for Darcy at the sink. She began putting away some materials but stopped shortly after to relieve Darcy of his razor.
"I cannot go meet people with half my face shaved, Lizzie."
"Listen, I know you're anxious about having to socialize with all those people, but that's no reason to perform self-mutilation.", she said as she put pieces of toilet paper on a few nicks on his jaw. Darcy's hands were shaky from his nervousness and he wasn't shaving properly.
"This is not something that happens often, I promise you. The last time I was this shaky was right before I decided to tell you I loved you last year. No- when I asked you out to the theater. It's a bad habit, but it doesn't happen unless I'm extremely worked up."
"Well then, allow me. I've never shaved my face, but I have lots of practice shaving my legs. Same difference, right?"
"I suppose."
"Sit upon the porcelain throne, my good sir.", Lizzie said with a posh English accent while gesturing extravagantly towards the toilet.
Darcy chuckled and sat on the toilet while Lizzie went into barber mode. She gently covered his face with shaving cream and went to work. He had to keep his head very still, but his hands were very active in bothering Lizzie. He would poke her belly playfully and tickle her, all while keeping a very serious expression on his face.
"William Darcy, if you do not keep your hands to yourself, I swear I will go all Sweeny Todd on you.", she said seriously as she shaved close to his neck. A brief smile betrayed her serious tone, however. She smiled because she knew he would get the reference. She was slowly but surely opening Darcy's mind to movies, books, and music he would never have bothered to try before because they were too mainstream or ridiculous.
"A little morbid for so early in the morning, don't you think?", he replied with one last poke. Darcy actually enjoyed this little moment of intimacy. Who else would he feel comfortable enough with to let them shave his face as he sat half naked on a hotel toilet? No one but his lovely Elizabeth Bennet.
Lizzie stuck her tongue out at him and continued. When she was finished, she wiped the excess shaving cream off with a wet cloth and then placed a kiss on each cheek. "Mmm, nice and soft."
Darcy got up and looked in the mirror to inspect her work. "I am impressed. Thank you."
She smiled in response and then sighed. "Now, to deal with all of this." , she said referring to the damp heap of hair.
"Maybe I can be of some assistance. It is only fair that I return the favor.", he replied while undid the towel on Lizzie's head.
"Yes, please.", she said, handing him a comb. They tackled Lizzie's mane together and she found it adorable how gentle he was with her hair in order to avoid causing her any discomfort.
The pair came out of the bathroom looking spiffy. All that was missing was their clothes. Lizzie decided to wear her most comfortable wedge heels and a yellow sundress with a little braided belt to show off her 24-week belly. Darcy forewent the suit jacket but wore a bowtie, as requested.
Darcy dressed quickly and sat on the bed to watch as Lizzie finished getting ready. This had become a custom of theirs in the four short months of their relationship. In the early stages, Lizzie would always wonder why the hell he just sat there and stared. It felt very intimidating, especially with the intensity in his eyes. But now, she just figured he was admiring his conquest and she felt flattered. It always came in handy to have him around while she dressed; he was an expert at fastening jewelry. Today, she needed help with the ends of that bowtie necklace Gigi had given her.
Down in the hotel's restaurant, Darcy was still nervous about the fast-approaching ambush of fans, so Lizzie pulled a waiter aside for a special request.
"I know it's a little early, but is there any way you could fill this glass half-way with scotch? No ice."
"Sure, ma'am."
"Lizzie, what are you doing?"
"It's not for me. It's for you. Or rather, for your poor nerves. My mom's go-to remedy when she's having a fit. It'll act as liquid courage for you.", Lizzie informed him.
"I don't know, Lizzie…"
The waiter returned promptly with the drink.
"Oh, come on! I would join you but I don't think our daughter would appreciate it. Quickly now; we have to be at our booths soon."
Darcy sighed in defeat and downed the drink in one go.
Lizzie's booth had the titles Lizzie Bennet Diaries and Lizzie B.'s Costume Party displayed on it and she was so excited. Darcy had made arrangements for Pemberley Digital's Domino Application booth to be situated right next to Lizzie's so they could be together.
Aaron joined Lizzie at her booth looking absolutely giddy shortly after she'd arrived. Darcy and Lizzie shared a knowing look. "Caroline!", Lizzie mouthed to Darcy and he snickered and nodded in agreement. "Oh the fun we'll have teasing him at lunch…", Lizzie thought mischievously.
"Hey, Will? Can you take a picture of Aaron and I? We've gotta promote our booth."
Lizzie uploaded their picture to Twitter: "At VidCon with TheAaronFields ! Come visit our booth!"
Then she asked Aaron to take a picture of her with Darcy and posted it to Twitter as well: " williamdarcy has a booth too! Right next to mine. How convenient."
Soon enough, the crowds entered the large room and immediately a line formed at Lizzie and Darcy's booths. People were freaking out, like Lizzie expected. The majority of people asked to touch the belly and Lizzie was very obliging. Darcy had loosened up quite nicely as well. He was being very pleasant with the people who wanted to speak to him and he even allowed his picture to be taken with everyone who asked.
"See?! I told you this would be fun!", Lizzie gloated when their fans had scattered.
"Yes. This isn't at all what I expected."
Lizzie was really proud of Darcy's progress. She knew he wasn't the best person in social situations and that even though with her he'd gotten better, he was only used to interacting in business settings and with their families. But this was a major improvement. Lizzie was glad she could help him improve upon something he had trouble with. Isn't that what relationships are supposed to do? Help you grow and become a better person?
"Good job, Will.", she praised.
"Thank you, my darling.", he replied earnestly. He closed the gap between them with a couple of strides and tilted her head up by her chin. He kissed her tenderly for just a moment, but that was all that was needed for a nearby fan to snap a picture and upload it to the internet. That candid photo got more play than the picture Lizzie posted herself.
The whole weekend was a wonderful experience. Lizzie and Darcy got to meet a lot of cool people, they networked, and most importantly they promoted their products. Lizzie had a burst of new subscriptions to both her YouTube channels and Darcy's Domino app got a lot of downloads over the weekend.
Sunday night, Lizzie and Darcy returned home from their successful weekend.
"Home, sweet home!", Lizzie exclaimed as they walked through the door. A hotel suite will never compare to the Darcy estate.
The next day, she and Aaron were in the process of interviewing applicants. She really wanted to have as much material as possible before she gave birth because she had no idea how long it would be before she started back up again. More cogs in the Lizzie Bennet Enterprises machine would definitely be useful towards that goal.
She was having a quick rest when her phone rang. The caller ID showed a weird area code and she was hesitant to answer, but thought it might be important so she answered anyway.
"Hello?"
"Elizabeth Bennet! How are you doing?!"
"Ricky?"
"Yes, indeed, it is I, Ricky Collins, calling you all the way from Winnipeg, Manitoba!"
"Wow. To what do I owe this honor?", Lizzie said wile rolling her eyes.
"The honor is all mine, Miss Bennet. I am calling to congratulate you and Mr. Darcy on your baby! I had you both in my thoughts but never got around to contacting you."
"Thank you, Mr. Collins. That's very kind of you. I'm actually kinda busy right now…"
"Oh! Of course. Well, aside from my congratulations, I had to personally call you to inform you of my wedding. I am getting married to my fiancée Jamie in September. We are having the wedding back in our old town, Lizzie, so I was hoping you and Mr. Darcy could make it."
"She was real?! I mean, yes, of course. We'd love to go, Ricky. Congratulations!"
"Thank you, Miss Bennet. It seems we are all moving on to bigger and better things."
"Yeah, I guess we are. Thanks for the phone call."
"It was my pleasure. Your official invitation should arrive in the mail soon."
"How do you know our address?"
"Why, Miss DeBourgh, of course."
"Oh, okay. Well, see you and your fiancée in September!"
"Yes. Goodbye, Miss Bennet!"
Lizzie couldn't believe it. She immediately called Darcy and filled him in.
"I would really like to meet the woman who could put with him...", Darcy commented.
"William!"
"I'm just saying what I'm sure everyone will be thinking when they receive their invitations..."
Lizzie laughed because she knew it was true. Ricky was a nice guy, but he could be really annoying sometimes. Only certain people were patient enough to deal with him. Like Miss Charlotte Lu.
She texted Charlotte but Charlotte already knew. She'd promised not to tell anyone.
Char: Yeah I know. He's getting married on Saturday September 21.
Lizzie: How could you not tell me that this mystery woman was real?!
Char: Ha ha. I had my doubts too. But she exists. Apparently they got together because of some matchmaker. And she's coordinating the wedding.
Lizzie: Matchmaker? Figures.
Char: Yup. So you and Darcy better put on your dancing shoes and practice. We don't want a repeat of the last time you guys danced at a wedding…
Lizzie: OMG.
Lizzie cringed. Last time was really bad. They needed to practice ASAP.
So next chapter Darcy and prego Lizzie get a second chance at dancing at a wedding. Hopefully it's not as awkward as last time… And OoOoOh I wonder who that matchmaker that found Ricky Collins a wife could be?… And she may or may not be the one who handles Lizzie and Darcy's wedding… 0.o Lol. ;)
I spent the majority of this weekend finishing up this chapter and going back and rereading/combing for typos. Wow. I didn't know this story was so freakin' long. I feel like the chapter when Izzy is born has to be like the best chapter ever or else the dragged out-ness of this fic will have been for nothing lol. But before that there must be a baby shower amiright?! Lol. And a nursery... Ahhh. This fic will definitely spill over into 2014. It'll be done in January probably. Just thoughts, though. Nothing is certain.
