A/N : Thank you so much for your comments on the previous chapter ! I so like to read them. This one's a big one.


Now Lizzie understood how Darcy managed to slip in and out of her room unnoticed. The guy was incredibly sneaky. After the previous' night's concert was canceled, he was nowhere to be seen. Her search for him the following day was equally fruitless. Did the dude just disappeared at his own convenience ? Maybe years of escaping Caroline Bingley had turned him into some kind of ninja. How was she supposed to apologise if she couldn't find him ? Ugh, was this frustrating.

Darcy was not that far, in fact. He had not left his hotel room the whole day, nursing one more hangover and a persisting heartbreak. He knew for a fact Richard did, as well. The two of them were sending each other messages, both ill and avoiding a certain woman. Pathetic. Lizzie possessed Will's mind to such a degree, he had thought he heard her knock on his door and call his name, early in the morning. Impossible, of course. Thank you very much, alcohol for this kind of false hope. The day went by, and he didn't even try to leave his bed. Their fight was replaying in his mind, over and over again, like it had just happened the day before. Every detail was carved in his head. It was painful. He kept scratching this scar, preventing its healing, making it raw and bleeding again and again. Now, he was less and less sure that he had been right. His anger slowly changed its target and focused solely on himself. What a dick. How could he have said such things ? He had been angry at her for not putting herself in his shoes, but he had done just the same. Now that he did, the picture was twisted. His eyes closed. Her family was… what it was, but he didn't need to point it out. And she was not responsible for her sisters' behaviour. As far as he saw, she was rather embarrassed herself. And she was extremely talented. Why had he not told her so ? Or how beautiful he found her ? How incredible and captivating her eyes were ? How his brain turned into jelly every time she entered a room ? Had he said so ? No, of course not. No wonder she hated him. Where had he left his copy of 'How to charm a woman for dummies' ? He was the epitome of idiocy. And contempt. She was right. And for the kiss, he'd rather not think about it. It was both too exciting and painful at the same time. It had been better than what he had imagined, and he had done a lot of imagining. It was … perfect. He opened his eyes. He needed to apologise. She probably did not even want to hear that, but that may prove her - and himself - that he was a decent person. A little slow, maybe. And while he was at it, he could also be nicer to The Meryton Assembly. They were colleagues and a great addition to their tour. He rolled on his stomach. Almost time to go to the arena. Where he would see her. And talk to her. He could do that. And after that, he would leave her alone.

The Meryton Assembly was performing its last song before existing the stage. The crowd was responding, happy with the band's vibe, and eager to see the other band whose name was on their ticket. Lizzie was still looking for Darcy in the backstage. And still, he was nowhere to be found. This was starting to be ridiculous. A frustrated sigh emptied her lungs. Well, in the worse case, he was going to be there in a few minutes for their set. She retraced her steps to join her usual spot, just behind the curtains, where she could listen to her friends and sister. They were getting better and better with each gig. As she approached her favourite area, a tall, dark figure was standing there, arms crossed, looking towards the scene. Butterflies battled in her stomach. How could someone be attractive from behind, in near darkness ? She took a fortifying breath and stood next to him. She could do this.

- Hey, she addressed him with a small smile.

He turned his head in her direction and nodded silently at her. Was he angry ? She realised then that they had not talked since that fight, and words failed her for a few seconds. The best thing to do was to blurt out her speech and get over with all this.

- Listen, hum… she blew out heavily. I'm sorry for what I said the other day. I was a bitch, I'm ashamed of myself, her gaze fixed the floor where her right foot was tracing circles. It was insensitive and uncalled for, and

- No, his deep voice interrupted.

Her head jerked up with fear. Was he rejecting her apology ?

- I should be the one asking for forgiveness.

What ? His intense ocean blue eyes were pinned on hers. That's not how she had pictured it. She thought he would be cold and angry. Instead, he looked hurt and so sad, her heart ached. She could barely stop her hand from rising to cup his cheek.

- I regret everything I said. My behaviour was unacceptable, he recognised.

Her heart contracted so much it was a wonder she could still breathed. No-one could doubt his honesty. Did he mean he regretted kissing her ? She did not.

- So was mine. No one deserves such a set down, she said with a small voice. Please, forgive me.

Two pairs of pleading eyes stared at each other for a few moments. Cheers and applauses were coming from the scene. The Meryton Assembly was waving at the crowd. Will was still silent.

- Are we going to argue on who's the more to blame here ? she finally teased.

A slight smile tugged at Will's mouth. That's what she wanted to see. He was so unbelievably handsome when he smiled. And she liked to be the cause of his joy. Wait, why was that ?

- We both have solid arguments, he replied, eyes sparkling.

She grinned.

Jane, Charlotte and Maria came from the stage, glowing with excitement.

- Well done ladies, that was awesome, Will greeted them with a smile.

Lizzie turned a baffled face to him. First apologies and now compliments ? What was happening ?

- Close your mouth, it's embarrassing, he told her, expressionless.

The annoyed look she sent him was contradicted by the chuckles she couldn't control. Oh, hello there, dry sense of humour. Your are most welcome.

What an unexpected outcome. Will was still unsure of what was happening there, but he was willing to go with the flow. Why she thought she needed to apologise was beyond him. She had not turned him down, she had listened to him, heck ! She was even the one to seek him out. And now, they were laughing together. This was extraordinary. His heart felt like it started to beat again after days of being useless. She may not be in love with him, but they could talk. That was more than he could ask for. The audience was roaring like a formidable machine. Time to start. Charles, Caroline and Richard came from their dressing rooms.

- Let's go ! a beaming Charles exclaimed after soundly kissing Jane.

Richard clapped Lizzie on the shoulder and winked at her. When his gaze traveled between his cousin and her, she understood that he was silently asking her if she had talked to Will. A smiley nod was her reply. Her hand then went to her sore shoulder.

- Can you please stop doing that ? she playfully asked him. It actually hurts ! I'm not a piece of your drum set.

- You do make a nice sound, though, Richard grinned back while walking with her to the scene.

Lizzie punched him back on the arm. Richard only laughed harder.

Charlotte's gaze followed Richard and Lizzie reaching the centre of the stage. Over his shoulder, he sent Charlotte a shy glance, one more. She recognised those caution peeks. He had looked at her that way a few times before and after her set tonight. But he had made no move to come and talk to her. What he had to tell her better be life changing, because she was already putting up with to much of his shit. Maybe that explanation would never come, despite Lizzie's conviction. She frowned and walked towards her dressing room.

- They get along well, Caroline commented.

In a furtive movement, she had taken Lizzie's place by Will's side while his mic was being plugged in. Will was silent. Nothing Caroline would say could mar his spirits. Her vile tongue would not affect him. He had been so depressed these past days, he was going to cling to the little light he had found.

- It's no surprise I imagine, she theatrically sighed, that intimacy bloomed after the week end they spent together.

No, still all right.

- A whole day and a night in his room, he is resistant, she sent Will a side long glance.

And touchdown. Will was motionless as Rory plugged his mic. The way his guitar tech pretended not to hear anything told him everything he needed to know : it was a well-known story. Rory and Lizzie were friends, had it been untrue, Rory would have told Will so. Slowly, Will put his hands in the pockets of his jean's. He didn't want Caroline to see the way they slightly shook. Funny that the outside symptom was so flimsy when he felt like screaming and throwing up at the same time. Her words cut him through. She smirked and walked away. That should take care of whatever feeling he had for her.

Will had thought he was brokenhearted before, but now he was utterly miserable. His jealousy came rushing back to him. Early on, he had already noticed Lizzie and Richard's familiarity. And he had hated it right away. But now, he was not even angry with Richard, it was his own doing. He was the one who had fled. Besides, had he expressed an interest in Lizzie, he knew Richard wouldn't have touched her. But his pride wouldn't let him. He stupidly hid his feelings and now, not only did she have a poor opinion of him, but she had slept with his cousin. He deserved it, he supposed. But he couldn't get over the small amount of hope her apology had given him. Like handing a thirsty guy a glass, only to discover it was empty. No, he had read more to the situation than there was. She had just wanted to set things right, because she was a good person. There was nothing more. That they were in close company was pure torture. Almost every night, he had to hear her play and sing with that incredible voice of hers. The worst part was that she fitted so well with Pemberley. It was her right place. He was in agony. His barely mended heart was crushed again to ashes. Nothing was left, there was a hole in his chest. That was it. He needed to do something. He needed to get her out of his head, for good.

After the first song ended, Lizzie sensed that something was wrong. Not one look passed between Darcy and her. His face was closed, his gazes, for the crowd or his guitar only. Not one funny lip singing in sight. Everything seemed fine when she had entered the stage. What the hell could have happened within the space of a few feet ? She was puzzled. Should she apologise again ? Whatever for ? Didn't he take her excuses seriously ? Maybe she shouldn't have jested. A bad habit. More importantly, why did she care so much ? Her speech was delivered, case closed. So why did her chest feel like it was being squeezed by iron bands ? She had to try hard to stop staring at him, but her eyes always went back to him. Had she been playing the drums, she would have been tempted to throw one stick at him, just to have him look at her. Obviously, she couldn't throw her bass at him. He looked so withdrawn, she didn't like that. If only his face could glow with a smile again, like it had backstage, a smile she had put there. Oh my, was this gig long.

As soon as she was out of the stage, Lizzie searched for Darcy. Was this her life now, constantly looking for him ? She would laugh if she didn't feel so, well, worried. She walked a few steps towards Richard who was already backstage, to ask him about Will's whereabouts, but stopped on her tracks when she saw him approach Charlotte. Lizzie sighed with relief. About damn time. When asked, Charles, Jane and Maria had not seen Will either. Distress was eating Lizzie's guts. She did not want this situation to fester. Again. She had been so happy about their reconciliation. Maybe he didn't want to be friends with her. Maybe she misunderstood his amicable behaviour before the concert. The iron bands around her waist tightened. That must be it. Surely, he only wanted to maintain a cordial atmosphere until the tour was over. And then, they would go their separate ways. A lump formed in her throat.

With each step Richard took in Charlotte's direction, his heart crush harder against his ribcage. When he finally stood in front of her, he was sure she could hear his heart hammering in his chest. She was staring at him hard, with that unreadable expression, arms crossed in front of her. His anxiety was visible in the way his hand rubbed his neck. He knew that with every second that passed, his speech would be more difficult to utter, yet his lips were sealed. She was not helping him, and rightly so. He only hoped she wouldn't lose patience and walk away before he could say something, anything. Around them, the technicians were clearing the stage, buzzing with activity.

- Hey, he finally said.

She nodded. Oh man, was this hard. He cleared his throat.

- I… he stopped and chuckled. I don't know how to start, he admitted, shaking his head.

- 'Hey' was a good start, she stated, her mien unchanged.

A sigh emptied his lungs. Enough shuffle along, time to jump.

- I'm in love with you, he blurted out. And that scares me, because I've never been in love with anyone before, and I don't know what to do, or what to say, or how to act. I feel bare, and it's strange, and I don't know how you feel and that terrifies me even more.

There, everything was said. Charlotte's demeanour was unchanged. His heart crashed against his ribs. Was she feeling nothing ? His inner turmoil was barely held in, and she looked like his words had not reached her. The contrast was striking in the most hurtful way. Even if it was not a romantic love declaration, he had hoped he would touch her heart. But Charlotte, the ever rational creature, must have taken his words for what they were : an explanation of his behaviour of the last weeks. Thus, the slap she stuck him with was unexpected. Maybe he should have anticipated such a reaction. But he didn't.

- You're an idiot, she calmly declared.

Absentmindedly, he rubbed his cheek, although his ego was more bruised than his face. She closed the space between them in a few steps and moved his hand aside so that she could frame his face with her hands. Then she kissed him, long and hard. Well, that was another unexpected move. This woman sure was unpredictable. Once the initial shock faded, his hands found their place around her waist and he gently brought her to him. The weight he had been carrying around these last days disappeared, at last. He could breath again. Her lips were the sweetest thing he had ever tasted. Her hands were stroking his hair, eliciting grunts of pleasure. He had missed her so. She broke the kiss and watched him in the eyes.

- I don't sleep around.

- It would be inappropriate of me to judge people who do, he replied.

- Indeed, a small smile lit her face. Next time, talk to me.

- Next time I fall in love with you ? It's going to be quite often, I fear.

Her smile stretched into a grin.

- You're being cheesy.

His smirk matched hers.

- It's all your fault. Have I told you how beautiful you are ? he asked with a fake concerned expression.

Her full laughter warmed him from inside. This was pure bliss. How could one go from sorrow to ecstasy in mere moments ? That was surreal. Her arms wrapped around his neck.

- You're definitely an idiot, she giggled. But please, do.

After the concert was over, a great number of fans gathered at the doors of the massive arena, hoping to catch a glimpse of the world famous Pemberley guys who had been on fire that night. As a result, a meeting was improvised when the musicians got out of their dressing rooms, ready to hop into the limo that was supposed to take them back to their hotel. The girls, being much less in demand, took advantage of this opportunity to escape and indulge into a well-deserved after-concert snack in a nearby and still open deli. Seeing that the meeting with the fans stretched - one of the down sides of touring with a world famous rock band - they rode back to the hotel on their own and sent the car back to the boys for when they would be over. The group of girls was navigating through the maze of corridors of the huge and luxurious hotel they were staying in. The concert was still on everybody's lips. Maria was jumping up and down.

- Did you see how those girls in the front row were dancing during « Take your time »? she said to Charlotte in a lively manner.

Charlotte grinned.

- Yeah, that was insane ! The crowd was on fire tonight.

- That's because your beat was sick ! her little sister replied.

Jane was listening to them, a fond smile illuminating her face, her eyes sparkling.

- Pemberley was incredible. You really fit in, Jane told her sister, obviously proud of her.

- Oh, I'm just a showcase for Charles to shine, Lizzie teased.

Jane lightly punched her on the arm.

- Hey ! Would you people please stop punching me ? I need those, she laughed. You were so good tonight, Lizzie told the three girls. « Choice is yours » was totally incredible ! I wish we could have recorded it.

No-one noticed that the rest of her sentence died in her throat. In front of them, Darcy was coming from another corridor. And he was not alone. He was talking to a gorgeous young woman, his arm on her shoulder in a possessive gesture. Her long shiny hair was cascading down her back, covering it with a thick golden blanket. Her green eyes were turned up to Darcy, full of admiration. His head was bend down and he was listening to her with on his sensual lips that smile that always melted Lizzie's knees. What was it with Pemberley and blonde girls ? Lizzie was positive, she was not part of the crew. It seemed Darcy had changed his mind on his « no-fan » policy. The group's loud chatter caught Darcy's attention and his smile disappeared when he spotted Lizzie. At that precise moment, she understood that she did not hate him. How her legs were still moving forward, she didn't know. Everything in her vision blurred, everything except him, this girl and the fact that they were heading to his room. How could this physically hurt ? She felt as if someone had punched her in her guts. Keep it casual. I will not crumble. Their eyes were still holding. His face was unreadable and she was trying not to show him that she was falling apart. She couldn't pretend she felt nothing, but the depth of her emotion, he never needed to know. After all, he hadn't promise her anything. As soon as this thought formed in her head, her heart rebelled against it. Of course he did ! He had said he wanted her ! He kissed her ! They had been cuddling for god's sake ! He willingly came to her bed. Cuddle wasn't like sex. Sex was a hunger, a basic need. Cuddle implied feelings, tenderness. That was totally different, you don't cuddle with anyone. That was worse. For a second, she wished they had only had sex. It would have been easier. She was still watching him in the eye, fiercely. She wasn't going to be the one to break eye contact. She wanted to make him feel how ugly this was. His stormy blue eyes were on her for a few more seconds, before turning back to his nighttime hobby. The girl had been totally oblivious to all that had transpired between the two of them.

Contrary to Jane and Charlotte, who didn't miss a beat. They looked at each other, puzzled. Lizzie's head was bent down, she couldn't wait to reach the room. She felt soiled, she needed a shower. That he was an asshole was no surprise.

Maria hopped in their room, entirely unaware of the swift in the mood. With a look and a nod, Jane and Charlotte framed Lizzie and followed her to her room where she dropped on her bed, head still down. She felt Jane's gentle touch on her arm and her nice words were almost her undoing. So much for hiding her emotions.

- Well, Jane inquired nicely.

Lizzie breathed out slowly. It wouldn't do to have a shaky voice.

- Spit it out, Charlotte blurted after a few seconds.

Lizzie smiled. Her friend was right, it was high time she let everything out. A purge. She would feel so much better afterwards. Head high again, she started.

- Remember when I drove on their bus one night ? That's when it started.

The memory of that night knotted her stomach. Jane squeezed lightly her hand, encouraging her to continue.

- I had no idea I took his usual bed. Apparently, he had no idea I was already there. Surely, he didn't see me in the dark. So all in all, we spent the night together.

Her voice cracked a little. Just a little more, she needed to hold it just a little more.

- Did you have sex ? Charlotte asked, her brows knitted.

- No, she paused, just like she was going to confess something awful.

Out with it.

- We cuddled.

Jane sat straighter and Charlotte sucked in a breath. There, she had said it, the ugly word. She could go on now.

- After that, he joined me for a few nights.

- Just… to cuddle ?

Jane was all astonishment. Who could blame her ? No one expected a rock god to be in need of a cuddle buddy at night. Lizzie smiled, all of this seemed ridiculous now.

- Yes, just to cuddle.

A bitter laughter escaped her lips, she shook her head.

- You already know about the fight and the kiss. So, this is the whole situation. It's pathetic.

- Bastard, Charlotte hissed through gritted teeth.

Her reaction surprised Lizzie, who turned wide eyes to her friend.

- That's what he is, stated an angry but composed Charlotte. Sex is one thing, but cuddle ? No no no…she shook her head. That's intimacy. And then doing Blondy ? Without even trying to hide it ? And the kiss, and the fight. That's one some big prick, she stated like this was some scientific fact.

She crossed her arms. Jane was gently rubbing Lizzie's back.

- I'm sorry, Jane whispered.

Lizzie smiled sadly at her sister.

- Me too. I'm an idiot.

- Hey, don't say that, Jane sweetly admonished her.

- Oh but it's true. I shouldn't have let all of this happen.

Her heart, it shouldn't have been involved.

- It's not your fault, Jane reassured her.

- Maybe you should also bang some random dude. That would serve him fine.

Charlotte was clearly put out.

- She wouldn't do that ! Jane cried. She would only hurt herself.

Lizzie gave it a thought for a few seconds. Why not ? It had been so long… but, she would compare him to Darcy, she knew it, and she would feel awful afterwards. Plus, it wouldn't be fair to the poor guy. No, she wouldn't do that.

- Well, that depends on what she would do with the guy, Charlotte noted, a dreamy expression qualifying her face. Speaking of hurting people, Jane, do you still have my riding crop ?

- Yeah, do you want it back ? Thank you, by the way. Jane answered, her innocent expression still in place.

- No, you can still keep it. I was just checking, for a moment, I thought I lost it.

- Watching Jane and Charlotte talk about sex was like witnessing an angel and a devil realising they have something in common.

- Anyway, Lizzie sighed, I think we can all agree that he doesn't care at all.

What was left of her heart was crushed to dust. Both girls were silent and Lizzie watched them in turns, surprised. That was a fact right ?

- Judging by the way he looks at you, he does care, Charlotte explained, a serious expression on her face. He kind of said it himself.

An exasperated Lizzie threw her arms in the air.

- Then why did he do that ? All of that !

- Because he's a bastard, a prick, a dick, do you need more synonyms ? Charlotte flatly offered under Jane's scowl.

- I think he's struggling with his feelings for you.

Charlotte and Lizzie shared a smile. Too-nice-with-everyone-Jane was back.

- And fucking someone else would make everything crystal clear ? Lizzie teased.

- I never said he was dealing properly with his problem, Jane smiled.

- Well, my way of dealing with it is going to consist in writing a few angry songs, starting right now.

Lizzie breathed in. She refused to be out of sorts because of him. He was just a guy. An extremely attractive and disarmingly handsome guy. But still. What did they really have in common, except music, intellectually stimulating conversations and incredible chemistry ? Oh fuck…

- A few ? Charlotte winked at her. Are you going to send them to him ?

She had not thought about it, but that would be quite cathartic.

- Why not ? More classy than a slap in the face, isn't it ?

- Or a knee in the balls, Charlotte laughed.

- Let us know if you need some back up musicians, Jane offered before kissing her cheek and heading to the door.

Lizzie called after her.

- Not a word to Charles. Or Richard, she added with a look in Charlotte's direction, OK?

Jane and Charlotte exchanged a glance. The angel and the demon silently agreed. Charles or Richard needed to know about this. And since Jane would never break her sister's confidence, Charlotte would deal with it. After all, she owed Lizzie that much.

- Please ? Lizzie insisted.

- All right, Charlotte conceded, her resolve far from being abandoned. Now come with me, she quickly changed the subject. We're going to hit some drums, hard. It'll do you some good. And then, we're going to get started on those hate songs, she said as she dragged Lizzie out of bed.

- We ? I'm the one who is heartbroken remember ? Lizzie laughed.

The word had slipped from her lips. That was the truth, her heart was crushed. Since when was it involved ? She had been so sure she hated him, yet if it had been true, she wouldn't feel so desperate right now. Now that it was too late, she recognised that feeling, even if she was not going to name it.

- Detail ! Charlotte called. Plus, we're pals, so if you want me to break his knees, or push him in the stairs, just say the word.

By the time they reached the door, they were laughing out loud. Charlotte did have a wild imagination when it came to torturing men that broke her friend's heart.

- Man, he has no idea what an enemy he just made, Lizzie pointed out.

Charlotte grinned devilishly.

Music echoed until very late that night. Lizzie was particularly inspired, and Charlotte provided her with her savage energy. Together, they composed two songs, and were beyond exhausted when they went back to bed, early in the morning.

That was exactly what he needed, Darcy told himself as he woke up the next morning. Some action. He had been living like a monk for too long. A gorgeous woman would cure him from his carnal lust. Because that's what it was, pure lust. She wasn't special and she was far from perfect. Contrary to the goddess that was lying beside him, her warm body pressed against him, her mouth on his throat. His hands had delighted in discovering her curves, her boobs that fitted perfectly in his hands and tasted so good, her belly, so soft, her delicious thighs, her exceptional ass, her voice when she moaned his name, her eyes full of admiration for him. But entirely deprived of that sparkle that thrilled him. That should have cured him. So why was he still feeling the same ? Crushed, miserable, sad. One of his hands covered his eyes and he could picture Lizzie's expression from the night before, when they had met in the corridor. The hurt was plainly written on her face. That intense expression. She had never been so beautiful. He had felt helpless. Why did she look so wounded ? She hated him, right ? She had said so. He should have gone to her. He should have taken her in his arms and brought her to his bed. He should have made love to her all night long. He lowered his hand and turned his head, checking if by any chance, the girl next to him had transformed into Lizzie. The girl stretched and sighted with satisfaction before purring into his neck like a kitten. Still the wrong woman. He looked at the ceiling again. The sex had been good, nothing exceptional, though. Surely not as passionate as it would be with Lizzie, of that he was certain. The sleep afterwards… The sleep had been bad. His body ached. The feeling of Lizzie came back to him. Their tangled limbs, the exquisite smell of her hair, the touch of her hands, everything washed over him like a hurricane. His skin was burned everywhere her warm hands had touched him. He was marked, cursed. He was hers. What was he to do ? She would never welcome him in her bed again. And she would be right. Did she even welcome him in the first place ? He had never asked. He had taken what he needed without a single thought for her feelings. And now ? He had crushed everything. Her untamed expression came back in his mind. He was such an idiot. He wanted to change his mind and he had somehow hurt her in the process. Why ? Why did she care ? He got out of bed. A shower, he needed a shower to wash away his whoring. As the water ran on him, he wondered what to do now. The sound of an opening door caught his attention. The girl from the night before, what was her name ? Did he even ask her ? What a conceited ass he was. She was standing in front of him, wearing just a smile.

- Mind if I join you ?

She was every bit delicious, yet he was unmoved.

- You should leave. I'm done. Take a shower and go.

He was an asshole, better play the part to its full extent.