Hey hey ! Sorry for the delay, my kids are on holiday, my proofreader was on holiday. Summertime is quite sweet and idle here ! The next chapter is already finished and only lacks editing. I'll be sure to send it to my proofreader before she goes back on holiday again so I can publish it here before I go on holiday. Tough time isn't it ? I hope you are enjoying your summer. Thank you so much for reading, it means a lot to me !


Damn. Lizzie made a face when she felt a string of her bass guitar snap and get all floppy. Her impromptu playing was brought to an end. This new song of hers would have to wait. Well, better break a string now than during the show. She still had time to have it fixed. As the former and future drum tech, she had no clue where Rory kept the extra strings. Her instrument strapped in her back, she exited the dressing room she had been haunting, and made her way towards the stage, where he and the other technicians were already getting everything set for the evening.

- We have a casualty, she cheerfully told Rory, holding her bass in front of her.

- What did you do to the poor thing ? his laughing voice asked Lizzie when he reached her. I still have a few spare strings, he mumbled to himself after taking a closer look.

The guitar changed hands, and she followed him backstage.

- Last weeks of playing onstage, he told her while fussing in a case full of spare parts for various types of instruments.

He found what he was looking for, and sat down with Lizzie's bass on his lap.

- You know I can do this myself, she nodded towards the guitar.

His smile told her he was going to take care of it.

- And you do know I'll still be there when I'm done replacing Charles, she added.

The corner of her mouth turned slightly upwards. Rory turned a smiling face to her.

- But you'll be on the other side of the curtain again.

Her feelings concerning that moment were too contrasting, so she had been doing the only reasonable thing and had avoided thinking about it altogether. Being away from Darcy, as 'away' as one could be during a tour, was going to be a relief. She couldn't keep on like this, having him so close yet completely out of her reach. It was devastating. Every time she passed him in a corridor or took a glimpse of him, which, against her better judgment, she did quite often, their fight, their kiss and their dance came rushing back to her mind. Not necessarily in that order, but the Holy Trinity was always there. And then, there was the blond girl. Those memories sent her lungs ablaze like a burning wind. And every single time, she felt so stupid all over again. At least, she took a little comfort in knowing she was not quite the same woman she was a few weeks ago. She had learnt. Or so she hoped. But at the same time, she was going to miss Darcy, all three of them, actually. She wasn't so naive as to think that the applause that accompanied her entrance on stage were for her, but she was going to miss playing with them. It was so fun, and they were very nice. It felt like she had gained a couple of brothers, this may even be quite literal in a certain future, and one… one what ? One world class heartbreak ? Somehow, she knew no other man would ever compare to him. She snorted, and Rory's face turned clueless. Nothing had even happened between them ! Well, not exactly nothing but… heck ! Why was it so complicated ? She shook her head, Rory's eyes crested. Oh yeah, she was supposed to say something.

- I'm happy I could help them, and I'm happy to be back to my job.

It was the truth, yet her heart pinched a little. Rory's stare was still on her.

- I am ! she insisted. It was fun while it lasted, but I'm happy to be back working with you.

She hoped her tone was doing a better job at convincing him than it was with herself.

- Besides, I started playing for them because of you, remember ? she crossed her arms in front of her, chin held higher and lips twitching.

The guitar tech laughed.

- I see fame has not changed you, he shook his head.

- I am not famous, she waved away.

But I do hope I have changed.

He was about to add something when Richard's voice interrupted them.

- There you are ! he exclaimed from behind Lizzie's back. Hiding ? he gently hit her on the shoulder.

This habit was not going to change, she had made her peace with it. At least he was hitting her less hard now. Or maybe she had just gotten used to it.

- Oh, hey, Rory ! Richard added when he spotted him, still sitting on the case.

- Hey, Richard.

- Nursing a wounded, Lizzie nodded towards the bass Rory was now tuning.

- You're going to need it. There was a lot of online talk after yesterday's radio interview. So, we decided to fuel the fire and add a new song to tonight's show, one from our next album.

Lizzie's mischievous smile matched Richard's.

- Great idea, she congratulated him. So, rehearsal, I suppose.

He theatrically gestured for her to lead the way to the scene. She curtsied, both to him and to Rory who was handing her her bass back, and started walking.

- I'm going with you, Rory said, looks like there's work to be done.

When they reached the scene, Charles and Will were already there, talking to John, the light operator. The show needed some rearrangements to fit this extra song. Charles was listening to him, his arms crossed in front of him, excitement brightening his face. Will was intently looking at John, his hands tucked in the pockets of his perfectly fitting jeans. The posture looked casual on Richard or Charles, yet on Darcy, it seemed like strength was leaking from every pore of his body. The air around him seemed loaded with power and calm. There was no questioning who was in charge.

- Hey, Lizzie ! Nice to see you ! Charles greeted her from a distance in his usual overly friendly manner that always felt like they had not seen each other for weeks, when in fact they had had lunch together this very day.

Sweet Charles, even the darkest of souls couldn't be angry with him, there was not one bad bone in this guy. Were he not in the middle of a conversation right now, she was sure he would have come and hugged her. Lizzie addressed him a heartfelt smile.

- Hey, Charles.

Before she could consciously think about it, her gaze turned to the man standing next to him. Her smile started fading before she saw his kind mien. Then, her heart, as well as her eyes, softened. Unlike for Charles, a smile was in no danger of slipping Darcy's face into two, but he looked happy to see her.

- Hey, Will.

If her tone was less vivacious, it was coated with more emotions.

- Hi.

His economy of words had her smile to herself. He was never going to be the talkative type. Oh man, did smiling suit him. Even the tiniest of movement from his lips put him one ladder up on the scale of male beauty. She shook her head and greeted John.

Rory joined him as the light operator left Charles and Will, and both technicians headed backstage.

- So ! Charles exclaimed when Lizzie and Richard reached them.

He was rubbing his hands together so fast he could have started a fire.

- We are going to play our new 'Black to Red' between 'Green Me' and 'Wild', he informed them with obvious enthusiasm.

- Why not play it at the end of the set ? Lizzie genuinely asked.

- We like to finish on a song the audience really enjoys, Darcy explained, so it leaves a good taste in their mouth when the show is over. The evening ends on a good note, even if the audience doesn't like the new song. They didn't come to hear this one in particular after all.

- I see, clever, Lizzie agreed.

- Darcy's idea, of course, Charles clapped an annoyed-looking Will on the shoulder.

His reasoning was sound. Lizzie's own idea would have been to play the new song last, to tickle the interest of the audience for the album to come, but his way was better. Their new album was going to sell anyway, there was no need for that. Darcy was right, people were coming to their shows to hear their biggest hits. And see them because they were uncommonly handsome, as Charlotte had rightfully stated. They knew this was one of the reasons, didn't they ? Maybe someone should tell them that writing new songs wasn't that necessary. They might as well sing lullabies, it would sent the very female crowd screaming just as loud. For a second, Lizzie wondered how 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star' would sound with Richard's savage beat and Charles' voice. Hopefully, clearing her throat hid her giggles well.

- John was briefed to give us a little warning when the time comes, Darcy kept on, so we don't forget to squeeze 'Black to Red' into the set. We've played this show so many times, we might be tempted to play automatically one song after the other in the order we know. John, Will tilted his head towards the control room, will flash a light at us.

Again, clever. Caroline may have fawned over him if she had been there, and she wouldn't have been wrong. Another clearing of her throat. Richard casted her a side long glance.

- Are you ok ?

Her mirth only intensified.

- I'm good.

Darcy's intense stare was on her, making her skin feel hotter and her merriment vanish.

- Let's get started on this rehearsal, shall we ? she suggested. I only have a few hours to learn this new song.

- That's not going to be a problem for you, Will said as he firmly grabbed his guitar.

Were his arms always that big ? She was pretty sure they had way more muscles than the average arm.

Thanks to the crew's effectiveness, the scene was already ready. Will had been right, Lizzie got the song pretty fast. It was easy to learn and it's lively melody was a real treat to play. A couple of hours of rehearsal were enough. Outside, the summer weather gave no sign of changing, and just like the previous days, this one was a hot one. The heat slowly invaded the inside of the concert venue. A break and cold drinks were becoming essential.

- Man, I'm so thirsty, Charles moaned. Come on Richard, let's go get some drinks.

The two of them were getting off the stage before anyone could say a word. Darcy glared at his friend's back. That looked like a scheme to leave him and Lizzie alone for a few moments. But it could also be a simple coincidence, it was easier to have an extra pair of hands to carry the drinks. One could never be sure with Charles, he always looked as honest as a puppy. Maybe Darcy was over thinking this.

This was really uncomfortable. Didn't he feel it ? They have not been alone together since their quarrel, and now here they were, standing together on this empty stage. The air was thick with uneasiness, and Lizzie felt like, for want of leaving beings, the walls and the floor were watching them in anticipation of what might happen. Some movement could perhaps break the tension. Putting her bass down, she walked to the edge of the scene and sat down, her legs dangling over the pit. A few feet from her, Will was standing still, his gaze unfocused in front of him. Thirsty or not, he was going to strangle Bingley when he came back. How was this supposed to help ? He couldn't leave now, that would shatter all the efforts they were both making. He should say something, but what ? He silently sighed, he definitely didn't shine during that kind of situations. Damn !

He was not going to talk. His embarrassment was almost palpable. Say something ! She needed to say something. Something not awkward. Her mind raced for a safe subject.

- You're doing a great job with this new song, his deep voice complimented her.

Surprise froze her dancing legs. His unexpected praise warmed her and for a second, she was speechless. He was reaching out.

She was not answering. Oh no, did he manage to say the wrong thing again ? He meant to pay her a compliment. Did he imply that she was doing a bad job with the other songs ? Did he sound condescending ? Maybe 'good job' wasn't enough, she was excellent after all. He needed to correct the situation. As he opened his mouth to shift focus, she turned a dazzling smile to him.

- Thank you. I like it, it's catchy.

A sigh of relief emptied his lungs. She was not she was smiling at him, again. My God, was she beautiful. Her rich brown hair, left untammed, was bouncing over her shoulders with every movement of her legs. Her legs, which were bare up until mid-thigh, thanks to those shapeless shorts she kept wearing. Better not think about her legs. Or any other part of her that would be naked. He swallowed hard and looked away.

Quick, add something ! No relapse in awkward silent ! Her brain resumed its quest for a neutral subject of conversation. Seconds passed.

- Is it about 'The Red And The Black' ? The French novel by Stendhal ? she blurted out the first thing that popped in her mind.

Before he realised what he was doing, he was sitting down beside her, drawn to her by the sound of her voice.

- I wish it was that intelligent and profound, but the truth is less culturally loaded, he bent his smiling head down.

A lock of dark disheveled hair fell on his forehead. Her heart beat faster. He was so desirable when he looked this relaxed, less guarded. This side of him was so precious, her hand needed to be reminded it was not allowed to cup his cheek.

- Charles and I wrote this song one night, he turned his face to her again and pinned his ocean blue eyes in hers.

The sparkle of cheekiness she saw in his stare was unusual but not unwelcome. Hello there, funny Darcy.

- About a very hideous black and red shirt Richard was wearing, he finished.

The words took a moment to sink in. Head slightly tilted to the side, she was waiting for him to add something. Surely, he was jesting. But he remained silent, so she bursted out laughing.

- Really ? she managed to ask in between hiccups.

He slowly shook his head, infected by her hilarity. The music of her unrestrained laughter was resonating in the empty venue, tears were running down her cheeks. Oh, the happiness of being able to make her laugh this freely. His face surely displayed the stupidest grin but he didn't care.

- Had you guys been drinking ? she asked when she could form a sentence again.

- No need for that, he assured her, that thing was disgusting.

She wiped her tears away with the tip of her fingers. He longed to do that.

- And there I was, looking for a deep meaning, a metaphor of some sort.

The deep rumble of his laughter warmed her.

- Next time I write a song, I'll make sure to go through my wardrobe for inspiration, she teased, her shoulders still shaking with mirth.

- You could start with your shorts, they are quite awful, he offered, his tone serious.

He was pointedly looking at her garment. Her head snapped in his direction, eyes wide with wonder. Was he serious ? But there was no mistaking the curve of his lips. He was teasing her. The sparkle in his eyes intensified when she started laughing again. Oh, she liked his playful mode !

- Is this a dare ? she raised her chin.

Her incredible eyes were shining so bright his breath caught, and for a second, he was at loss of words. She liked to be challenged, and so he obliged, in a way that would be impossible for her to resist. He raised a brow. Her eyes narrowed, and he knew she was going to do it. And their eyes held.

So, she could have a pleasant conversation with him. That was a nice discovery. Much better than snapping at one another. And definitely better than ignoring one another. An enjoyable improvement. Maybe they could even become friends. A pity it was to happen at the end of the tour. Suddenly, the smiles vanished, the air shifted and their joy turned into something else, something that always dyed every interaction they had had. Fire. Desire. Yearning. Her body was calling him. She should look away, but she couldn't. Thank God her hands were holding the edge of the scene, or else she might have fallen into the pit, so struck she was by the heat of his gaze. The flecks of gold and dark green that dusted her eyes utterly captivated him. He couldn't have looked way if his life had depended on it. And there was something else he saw in them, something different from hatred, though he dared not read too much. A door banged loudly at the other side of the pit, breaking the moment. Lizzie focused on her shoes, and tried to even her irregular breathing.

- The song is good, she said.

To her surprise, her voice didn't quiver. Maybe if she went back to their discussion, he would think she didn't feel that tension. He cleared his throat.

- Thank you, his voice sounded huskier than usual. I'm happy some beauty came out of this ugliness.

- Ah ! There is the philosophical meaning I was looking for ! she teased, relieved to be back on a safer field. My curiosity has risen beyond measures, I need to see this shirt, she stated playfully.

His face lit up with a gorgeous smile. Her heart skipped a beat.

- Are you ready for your eyes to bleed ? he asked in a fake-concerned tone.

Oh no, how was she to remain calm when he was being so incredibly sexy and funny ? And close ? No, they could never be friends.

- Here are your drinks, Richard interrupted before Lizzie could say anything.

He had been crossing the pit as slowly as possible, arms loaded with bottles of water, when he had heard laughter coming from the scene. Candid Charles had not realised what he was doing when he had left the pair together, nevertheless, Richard had been more than willing to follow him. They needed to be alone together at one point. However, he wasn't sure what to expect upon returning to the stage. Blood everywhere or both of them savagely making out ? This was a happy alternative, he supposed. He handed Will an icy bottle of water.

- Lizzie wants you to wear that shirt for tonight's show, Darcy stated matter-of-factly as he reached for his drink.

There was no need to clarify to what shirt he was referring to. The mouthful of water Lizzie had taken from the bottle Charles had given her went down the wrong pipe.

- I didn't say… she managed after much coughing and an equal amount of fearing Richard would pat her back.

- Didn't you burn this thing ? Charles interrupted, brows knitted.

Caroline may be the expert on fashion, but he knew that 1 belonged in the fires of hell.

- We could do it, Darcy turned to Bingley. A sacrifice to good taste. That would require some kind of witches' Sabbath.

The contracted muscles of Will's jaws was the only evidence of the mirth he was trying to conceal.

- A witch party ! Charles exclaimed, hell yeah ! Let's do this !

He was oblivious to the dark stare Richard was sending Will.

- Bastard ! Richard hissed.

In a swift movement, he uncapped his bottle and drenched his cousin. There was nothing Darcy could do to avoid the first spurt. Rivulets of water were dripped from his hair and face, darkening his shirt. But he did manage to dodge the second one, and retaliated by soaking Richard. Lizzie's eyes grew wide and she caught her breath. That was not the reaction she expected from haughty super star Darcy, but she liked it. She couldn't help the laughter that bubbled from her stomach at the sight of the two of them playing with water. Unfortunately, Richard was not the type to take it lying down. Soon, water was flying everywhere. The two cousins were now fighting and running around the place, laughing freely like children. Lizzie could easily picture them playing together as boys.

One more time, they passed before her to grab a new weapon, but this time, Richard stopped. Instinctively, Lizzie took a few steps back. In vain. He didn't miss his target. She screamed. A useless reflex had brought her hands in front of her in an attempt to shield herself. The water was ice cold. By now, her shirt was clinging to her body, and her hair stuck to her face. Her inarticulate cry finally transformed into a sentence.

- What the fuck ! Why ? she inquired.

- Because it was your idea ! Richard was laughing at her.

And rightly so, she must look a fright.

- No it wasn't ! she yelled back, disgusted by the injustice done to her. Darcy, tell him ! she turned to Will.

- It was totally her idea, he assured Richard, a hand on his cousin's shoulder.

They were watching her with matching grins. Lizzie's eyes narrowed as she opened her own bottle.

- You are going to regret this !

She immediately threw herself at Will, frantically shaking her bottle with the aim of causing as much damage as possible. But reality was against her. He was taller and ran faster, so she only managed to spay a few drops on his already wet shirt. He could even have run faster if he wasn't laughing so hard. Already empty ?! With a frustrated cry, she threw her hollow bottle at Will. Her only comfort was that it hit him in the back of the head. The consolation was short-lived when she heard his laughter redouble.

- Great, now we have to go back get some other drinks, Richard groaned like he wasn't the troublemaker.

He was slowly shaking his bottle and what little water remained in it splashed against the plastic.

- Look at the bright side, Lizzie offered, trying hopelessly to handle her wet hair, we may be thirsty, but we feel less hot.

Richard's mien was serious as he looked at her. Then, without a word, he poured the rest of his water on top of a blasé-looking Lizzie's head.