William Darcy was an angry man. His rock band had managed to find an new opening act after the previous one had left - again. They had even found a good one. The girls were marvellous on stage, beautiful, talented, everything was perfect. And now that. What was it with tours that they can never go as planned ? Why couldn't Pemberley just finish one ? He sighted with exasperation. While they were on week end, Charles Bingley, the frontman, had wanted to show off on his jet sky to impress Jane Bennet, the pretty singer of their opening act, The Meryton Assembly. As if he needed to. The girl had « I love you » written all over her beautiful face, and so did he. What a stupid way to break one's wrist. Will shook his head. Sure, he could still sing, and now he had Jane cooing all over him, which he was quite happy about he supposed, but he couldn't play the bass guitare any more. Even if Darcy was a prodigy, he couldn't play two instruments at the same time, unfortunately. He sighted. Fuck. Were he the violent kind of guy, he would now storm into Charles's room and shake him as hard as he could all the while screaming at him to think more with his head and less with his pants. The idea made him smile, or at least raise a little the corners of his mouth. He would probably be interrupting something. But that wasn't him. Instead, when Charles had looked at him with his puppy eyes saying he thought his wrist was broken, Darcy had just flared his nostrils while inside, he was boiling with rage. And desperation. He sighted again and raked his hand through his hair. Now it was up to him to find a solution and a solution he would find, of that he was sure, but could things go smoothly from now on ? Please ?

He kept walking until he reached the backstage of the concert hall where they were supposed to play in two days. They could still cancel, but Darcy wanted to avoid that. The plan was to ask one of the technicians to play Charles' part. Rory could do it, surely. The guy had been working with them for several years, preparing the guitars, taking care of them, maybe he could play the bass guitare too. And he knew the songs by now. That sounded good. What didn't sound good at all was the horrible din coming from the stage. What was happening ? It sounded like a child was hitting a barrel with a stick as hard as he could. What the heck ? He heard people laughing while he was pushing the heavy curtain. On the stage, a few techniciens and tour members were gathered around the drum kit. Behind it was a girl playing so badly Darcy thought his ears would start bleeding any minute.

-Admit it, you lost ! This is horrible ! said Willy, one of the security guy. His arms were crossed in front of him, his head tilted on the side, all his body shaking from laughing.

The girl playing the drums looked at him with a huge smile on her face. Her wavy hair were wild on her shoulders.

-I don't know why you are saying that, I'm pretty damned good ! You just don't understand art. She arched a brow and everybody started laughing again. Rory was standing next to Willy, his hand on the other guy's shoulder in a relaxed pause. The two were chatting and teasing the girl. Who was she anyway ? Darcy would have to ask, her face wasn't familiar. But he couldn't remember everyone, there were so many people working with them on tour. Besides, he had more important things on his mind.

When Rory noticed Darcy, his body tensed a little, a sudden serious expression on his face. Darcy's jaw tightened. He had this effect on people. They just seem to be tense around him. For the thousandth time, he wondered why. Richard and Charles didn't affect people like that. They were casual and people liked them. Ah well, when you need people to do things for you, you need to be a little though he supposed. At least, that was the only way he knew. A sign of the head and Rory approached.

- Hi Darcy, we were just…

Will waved his explanation away, that was no concern of his. He had more urgent business right now.

- We have a problem. Charles broke his wrist.

Rory was surprised.

- Oh ! Is he all right ? What about the shows ?

- That's what I wanted to talk to you about. He can sing but he can't play. We need to find someone to play the bass guitare. Can you play his parts ?

Rory started scratching the back of his head.

- I can play, but I'm not the best bass guitar player here. I think you should ask Elizabeth, she is very talented.

That was not the answer Darcy expected. He was one ladder up on the anger scale.

- Who is Elizabeth ? he asked, unable not to sound annoyed.

Rory turned his head towards the stage where the commotion had finally stoped. The drum girl was know talking with Willy and two other team members. She was wearing a Pemberley crew t-shirt, so she was definitely part of the team. He quickly wondered who had hired her and more importantly, what her job was. Not playing drums, obviously. Darcy looked Rory in the eye and arched a brow. Really ? Did his head guitare tech really wanted him to put this girl, who had just been slaughtering this drum kit, on stage with them ? Them, Pemberley, one of the biggest bands right now ? Rory was uncomfortable under Darcy's intense blue stare. He cleared his throat and shrugged. Darcy rolled his eyes. That was all the confirmation Rory needed.

- Lizzy ! Come here please, he called her, while Darcy was slowly shaking his head.

She immediately recognised the man standing next to Rory. Who wouldn't ? She swallowed. Besides being her boss, he was one of the most famous and talented guitare player in the industry. And he was incredibly good-looking. And he was rich. And according to the press, he had other qualities women enjoyed. She smiled. Not that she read those magazines. No. Absolutely not. Nope. Life wasn't fair, you're supposed to pick one card, right ? Why did some people have it all ? Herself for instance. She was rather short and brown haired. Nothing to do with her all-legs and baby blond/blue eyes sister Jane Bennet. Who, on top of that, was the sweetest girl in the world. And sang beautifully. Some people definitely have it all. She waved the other guys goodbye, and her legs started moving towards Rory and Darcy. Thank goodness, those limbs were still working. She needed to control herself, she had pass him several times backstage during the few months she had been working on the tour, but they never talked and they were never officially introduced. Although, now that she thought about it, she doubted staff members were ever officially introduced to a rock god. The idea made her giggle. That could be a great show though. All the techcs gathered in a concert hall screaming while a loud voice would roar 'HAVE YOU MET THE ROCK GODS ?' and then the curtain would drop and the band would be on display on stage, striking a pose like a greek statue. More screams would follow. Maybe a fainting or two. They were famous after all. And greek statues were naked, so… Oh no, now she started being silly. The more she approached them, the handsomer he was becoming. Was it even possible ? A few more steps and he would be in the middle of a ring of divine light. With angels singing beside him. Oh god, this guy was the embodiment of tall, dark and handsome. How a guitar player could have such broad shoulders was beyond her. Some people definitely have it all. She let out a sight and prayed she wouldn't say something stupid. Or drool. That would be embarrassing, especially if he wanted to… wait, why did he even want to talk to her ? Maybe he wanted drum lessons. She giggled again but then she froze. Maybe he didn't appreciate her little show and wanted her to know. Maybe he had a giant stick up his ass. After all, she didn't know him at all, and according to the rumours, he wasn't exactly Mister Fun. Well, anyway, as the drum technician, she knew the chopsticks she saved after her last Japanese take out, during which the boys dared her to play with a pair, wouldn't damage the drum set. Had there been any damage, which there wasn't, she may have to stress that point, she would be the one taking care of it anyway.

Rory and Darcy were still talking, although still far from them, their body langage was telling her there was a problem. No drum lessons then. She could hear some of their words.

- … her job on the team ? I don't remember seeing her, Darcy's deep voice stated.

Ouch. That stung a little. Even though she did not expect the rock stars to befriend her, she never thought she could be invisible for months. She had worked on other tours, and the musicians were at leat polite. Meaning, they knew she existed. The singer Charles Bingley knew her, due to the fact that he was joined to the hip with Jane, and was always nice. She was happy for her sister, she had managed to find one of the only good guy in the industry. The band's drummer, Richard Fitzwilliam, was also always friendly with her. And he knew her name. Well, never mind. She squared her shoulders and kept walking. She couldn't make out Rory's answer, but what Darcy said next was quite clear, for he made no attempt to lower his voice.

- Drums ? Are you kidding me ? Does she even know what a drum kit is ? I thought we hired only highly competent people ! Were we that short on staff ? And you tell me she's more proficient with a bass guitar than you are ? I highly doubt that.

He crossed his arms over his chest. Well, he could also spit on her while he was at it. She kept walking as if she hadn't heard anything. What a fucking arrogant prick ! Famous musicians, they're all the same. So full of themselves they despise everybody else. She snorted. She flexed and unflexed her hands several times, she needed to calm down. She was now only a few feets away from them, it wouldn't be a good thing to reach them in a volcano-rage state. She needed this job if she wanted to stay with Jane and Charlotte on the tour. Some people don't have it all, after all. She smiled again.

He finally turned his head to look at her. She was a few steps away from them, gracefully walking towards them, hands in her pockets, her dark and wavy hair dancing around her head. She was quite cute in her own way, he supposed. He snorted. She must spend hours styling her hair in this faux-wild way. Why was she smirking like that ? Was she proud of her incompetence ? She was positively dreadful with the drums. Darcy pinched the bridge of his nose. He knew that kind of girl, the groupie who could play two notes of music and manage to get herself hired. Oh god, would he have to fire her tonight because she was not up to the job ? Would he have to replace two persons instead of one ? He couldn't wait for this day to be over.

- You wanted to talk to me ? she said to both men, smiling.

She turned her gaze to Darcy and for a moment, he was struck by her eyes. He had never seen hazel eyes with gold flecks. Their colour was so warm, it made the brown of her hair appear even richer, chocolate-like.

Why was he staring at her like that ? He hadn't even said anything and it was already a bad start. Yes, talk, that was what he was supposed to do. By the time he had figured out what to say, Rory filled in.

- Lizzie, have you met Darcy ? Rory asked.

- Not officially. She smirked again, remembering the introduction she had had in mind juste a few moments before.

Darcy rolled his eyes, great, another basic fan. Let's just hope she is not going to throw herself at him. An other good reason not to put her on stage with the band. He opened his mouth to speak but she cut him.

- We passed each other a couple of times in the corridors, that's kind of an introduction I suppose, she said looking Darcy straight in the eye.

He squinted a little. Her tone was light and she was smiling, yet her eyes told him he had just been slapped in the face. Who did she think she was ? Did she really think he had the time to chit chat with every crew member ? Did she wanted to get fired ? He used his best business tone, the one that set everybody to work.

- We need to find a replacement for Charles, he is not going to be able to play during the next few weeks.

- So his wrist really is broken.

That comment took Darcy by surprise. He knew news traveled fast in their fish bowl but that was ridiculously fast. The only person he broke the news to was Rory, and that happened only a few minutes ago.

- Lizzie is Jane Bennet's sister, Rory explained, seeing the confusing on Darcy's face.

She repressed the urge to ask him if he knew who Jane Bennet was. Better not provoke him too much. At least, not right now. That also took Darcy by surprise. The two women literally had noting in common, at least physically. Rather short, brown hair and hazel eyes versus tall, blond hair and clear blue eyes. His eyes traveled up and down her body. He couldn't make out her figure under the wide Pemberley shirt and the shapeless shorts, but he bet she had nothing to do with slim and toned Jane. And not as musical as her sister, surely, or else, she would be in the band with her and not merely a technician. Well, that explained why she knew about Charles' wrist. He kept talking in the same tone.

- Rory told me you are a good bass guitar player.

His arms were still crossed on his chest. What a nice and inviting way to ask someone for a favour. Did he really think this was a good way to get people to do what you want ? This may be the biggest condescending cunt she had ever met. Her smile widened.

- He is right.

She wasn't going to make things easy for him. He breathed in, he was visibly annoyed. Good. She kept looking at him innocently and smiling like she didn't understand where he was going. Surely he thought she would jump at such an opportunity. Playing on stage with a world famous band was a lot of musicians' dream. Experience the thrill of the stage, maybe get noticed by someone of the industry to get one's career started. That wasn't her goal. She loved playing instruments, writing songs but she didn't want to become a star. That life just wasn't for her. All those ups and downs, the pressure of the fans, the absence of privacy, she didn't want that. She was happy in the shadows as a technician. The music without the disadvantages. That was the reason why she had refused to be in Jane and Charlotte's band. They were talented, she knew they would eventually make it. And she had been right, they were now Pemberley's opening act, their music was turning on the national radios. But she didn't want that for herself. Instead, she chose to follow them by getting hired on the same tour. They had had so much fun these past few months. As a tech, when things got boring, she could just quite and find an other tour or work for a studio. She was free. And she cherished that freedom. Besides, a lot of musicians were huge cunts. Just like the one standing in front of her.

He raked his hand through his hair, leaving them disheveled in the most sexy way possible. That was not going like he pictured it. At all. Didn't she understand the great opportunity he was offering her ? Any musician would murder for this kind of chance. Maybe she was mentally challenged. That would explain why she was hired in the first place. He breathed out slowly and counted until 5. Being tactful wasn't exactly his strong suit. He wasn't going to beg her.

- We have a two-days break until our next concert, I plan to use that time to test a few bass guitar players to see who could play with us on stage until Charles' wrist has healed.

She was still silently smiling at him, like all of this didn't concern her at all. The girl was irritating.

Come on pretty boy, you're almost there, she thought. How long has it been since he last asked something to someone ? Politely ? Too long apparently. And how she hated the look on his face, like his was sure she was going to say yes, kiss his feets and cry a little maybe. That look made her want to refuse. She didn't own him anything after all, but that bastard would fire her, she was 100% sure of that. Well, maybe more like 70%. Still, that was a huge risk, she really wanted to stay near Jane and Charlotte. She was pondering all of this when she felt Rory kick her with his elbow. He made a face. She didn't want him to be in trouble because of her, he was really fun and hard working. She turned her gaze to Darcy again.

- Ok, I'll do it.

He nodded and stood a little taller, his eyes down on her.

- You have to understand, that if you play for us, it will only be temporary. Once Charles can play again, you will be back to being a simple technician.

Her eyes widened. She couldn't believe her ears. The nerves of the guy ! Like he was going to show her a world full of lilies and unicorns and then deny it to her. Who did he think he was ? Jesus ? Incredible. It took her all she had not to burst out laughing.

- I think I can survive, she answered, smiling. It may appear strange to some people (she paused a little and arched a brow, yes I'm talking to you mister beautiful on the outside but all garbage on the inside), but I'm perfectly happy were I am. The last think I want is to be famous.

If he lifted his brows any higher, they would disappear into his hair line. The girl was in total denial. Everybody wanted to be famous. At least, once. She was no exception. She just wanted to sound different. He snorted.

- Good then. About your actual job, maybe we could find something that would suit your .. skills better.

She immediately sobered.

- Is Richard Fitwilliam unsatisfied with my work ?

- He didn't say anything.

That was true, he didn't say a word. At all. In fact, Darcy couldn't remember Richard mentioning her. Now that he thought about it, it seemed strange, since Richard would try to put any girl in his bed. Did he try with her ? He frowned. She tilted her head on the side and threw him a piercing look.

- You already have a guitar tech, I don't think you need a piano tech since Jane is the only keyboard player and she doesn't use it in every song, there is no cello on this tour and I'm still learning the violin. Unless you have an urgent need of a crochet blanket, I think my skills are used as they should be.

Darcy uncrossed his arms a little. Another slap in the face. If this girl could really play all those instruments, he felt like an idiot. If she couldn't, that was pretty daring. Anyway, she was witty. It appeared he had misjudge her. A little. A slow smile grew on his face, while he lightly shook his head no, his eyes never leaving hers.

- I'm warm enough thank you.

Oh no. No no no. She couldn't keep hating him when he smiled like that. His face went from perfectly beautiful to devastatedly charming. Remember, no drooling. Very important. Rory looked her way with a little smirk. She threw him a hateful stare.

- Are you as talented with all those instruments as you are with drums ? Darcy asked her.

She was still holding the chopsticks in her left pocket. There were so many things she could do to him with these. Painful things.

- Only when I play with chopsticks. They emphasize my natural talent.

Will smirked. Definitely witty. He would have to be careful. Darcy nodded to both of them, turned around and left. They watched him going away.

- I'm relieved you didn't say anything stupid, Rory said when their boss wasn't within earshot anymore without watching her.

- I'm not the one who said stupid things, in case you didn't notice.

He smiled, his eyes still on Darcy's back and shook his head. Headstrong girl.

- Try to be nice when you play with them ok ? he asked, as a favour, a smile lingering on his lips. They're good guys.

- Who says I'm going to be the one playing with them ? Darcy said they are going to do some tests.

She finally turned her head in his direction. His brows levitated. Puzzled, she lifted her hands, palms up.

- He only said that because he didn't want to ask you directly.

Now she was the one raising her eyebrows. As big an asshole as he was handsome.

- Maybe I'll butcher my audition, she said, looking straight ahead again.

Rory laughed.

- No you won't. You're too stubborn. And I suspect you know half their set already, he answered, putting his hands in his pockets.

- Only half ? she teased.

He chuckled.

- Goodnight Lizzie, see you tomorrow.