Hey ! I'm back from my (exhausting) holidays ! Hope you guys are enjoying summer time. I look forward to having more time to work on this story again, right now chapter 24 looks like a thin, sad skeleton. But we'll get there ! Thank you so much for reading !


On top of having to fetch other drinks, they also needed to get dried and to prepare for the evening. Except for Charles, who had been satisfied to just laugh and watch the raging battle while being hydrated from the inside. To Lizzie's great disappointment, Richard didn't wear the now legendary shirt that night. He decided to go for his usual concert outfit - bare chested - stating that he would be too hot under the lights and that he wouldn't disappoint the audience by covering up. The question of where that shirt was, and whether the monstrosity still existed could not be answered. His lips were sealed.

The Meryton Assembly was coming back from the stage, radiating with satisfaction. The audience was now screaming their name and singing along some of their songs. It was even better than in their dreams. As soon as they were backstage, Jane flew into Charles' arms, Charlotte disappeared in Richard's shirtless embrace, and Maria threw Darcy a terrified look, afraid he would complete the bands' pairing and cuddle her too. He stiffened. Lizzie's laugh was covered by the still cheering crowd. In a dramatic gesture, she opened her arms for Charlotte's sister, who smiled her relief and hugged her. The backstage pairing was usually not this passionate, but the atmosphere that night was particularly cheerful. Both girls giggled when Maria stepped back from Lizzie's hug. With two couples busy whispering sweet words and caressing their loved ones' hands or faces in her immediate environment, Maria's embarrassed gaze didn't know where to focus when it left Lizzie's face. After carefully examining her shoes and the floor, she raised her eyes again. The mere hint of a smile from Darcy was enough to turn her cheeks bright red.

Pemberley's instruments were ready, it was time for them to go on stage. The audience's howl was calling them. The couples separated, and Lizzie and the boys entered the dazzling scene. In the blinding lights, Darcy, who was walking behind Lizzie, saw it. Her shorts. His breathing slowed and then accelerated. These were not the shapeless garments he had gotten used to. These ones were flattering. Very much so, in fact. Shorter, tighter, very enjoyable. Lizzie turned around with a mischievous smile, only to see his eyes glued to her rear. Will's comment about her shorts that afternoon had not left her mind, so when the time came to change, she made sure to choose a shorter and more fitting one. A good choice apparently. His reaction wasn't what she expected, but it was not unwelcome. His eyes finally traveled all the way up to her face where a delicious eyebrow was arched. His mouth almost touched her ear when he leaned and whispered.

- No song for these ones.

The vibrations of his deep voice turned her insides into liquid. She shivered. Even without physical contact, she could feel his electric touch.

- And I thought I had a hit, she replied, winded.

His face was hard and closed when he joined his side of the stage to grab his guitar. The shorts were primarily supposed to be a banter. But then, the longer Will's comment about it lingered on her mind, the more it took another meaning. Sure, he had been joking when he had talked about her shorts, but it was true, her misshapen garments were ugly. Oh, she didn't mind at all, they were comfy enough to work, which was all she needed. When she was a tech. But maybe she could have made an effort when she was with the band on stage in front of thousands of people. In a way, she represented Pemberley when she played for them, and she should have altered her appearance to do them justice. Nothing dramatic, she knew the boys wouldn't have asked it from her - indeed, they had not - but just enough to fit the part more, out of respect for them. The thought had been gnawing at her all afternoon. Even if it was late, she meant to do it now and for the few remaining performances.

Was she trying to drive him mad with these damn shorts ? Because she pretty much was. Will frowned. Paired with her delightfully sparkling eyes, the combination was nearly irresistible. And don't get him started on the fact that she was wearing a shirt with his band's name on it. His primal and possessive side found that down right arousing. And her voice, when she had answered him. He groaned, not that anyone would hear him over the raging crowd, they were on fire even though Pemberley still had to play a note. If Richard still had any ice cold water to throw at him, now would be the right time to do so. Thank goodness for his guitar. He sent his bandmates a hard stare to check if everyone was ready. Richard was fussing with his sticks, Lizzie nodded at him and Charles turned to him with a bright smile.

- Hi guys ! the frontman yelled in the mic.

The audience's answer was deafening. And off they went. The joyful energy of the afternoon had followed them on stage. A concert had never been this fun. The crowd was screaming their lungs out and jumping so hard the place was almost shaking. Lizzie couldn't stop grinning at the band's antics and moving with the music. Usually, she kept to her place on stage, she didn't want to attract attention, but tonight she couldn't help it. She felt part of it. She had to agree with Richard, who was energetically hitting his drums, that he would have been too hot with a shirt on. Charles was taking up all of the stage, jumping, running, dancing. After a few songs, his hair was dripping with sweat. Darcy had never been this playful. He kept lip singing to her and fussing with Richard and Charles. Clearly, he was enjoying himself. The audience could feel their bond and shouted louder.

The last measures of 'Green Me' disappeared in the public's applause. A small white light flickered in front of Charles. John's cue to squeeze the new song in. Darcy turned to his bandmates and slowly slipped a finger underneath the collar of his shirt. He tugged at it a little to enhance John's signal. Richard's obscene gesture to Darcy was proof that he got the message. Will sent Lizzie an amused glance, to which she replied with laughter. She really needed to see this shirt.

The crowd and the band seemed reluctant to part at the end of the show. It had been an incredible experience. But all good things must come to an end, and after waving goodbye a final time, they left the stage. An average concert would fuel them with a lot of positive energy to burn. After this exceptional show, Lizzie was so forceful, she felt like she could have lit a light bulb just by holding it. The others must have felt that way too, for Jane and Charlotte vanished instantly when Charles and Richard reached the back stage area. It seemed that they had their own idea about how to use that excitement. Lizzie sighed. This particular post-concert sex must be incredible. Maybe Maria would be in to go dancing in some club ? She turned around, ready to begin her search for her friend in the web of the backstage when she spotted Darcy, standing at the end of the corridor. Lizzie froze. A girl was in his arms. Long black hair and a nice summer dress. Her back was turned to Lizzie, but she was probably young and beautiful. Another one. Lizzie's heart went to her throat, where it tried to choke her, and then stopped beating. Too soon. Oh fuck, it hurt just as much as the first time. How many more were there going to be ? Was he now going to go through women like tissues ? At least, she was not blonde, that was a change. Maybe Lizzie should just ripe her heart out of her chest with a little spoon and throw it in the trash. It would be less painful. Her breathing accelerated. Oh no, was she going to cry ? She couldn't even tell, she felt like she had lost control of her body. Darcy and the new girl were a few feet ahead, was there still enough time to turn around and pretend she had not seen them ? To do so, she would have to tear her gaze away from his face. Happiness was transforming it altogether. Some very strong invisible arms were hugging Lizzie until she could scarcely breath. Darcy was beautiful when he was happy. And it was not merely physical beauty, he was glowing, oozing kindness and, oh shit he was watching her. So much for pretending she had not seen them. Great, now what ?

- Ana, dear ! Caroline's shrill voice resonated in her ears as she passed Lizzie.

Her high heals clicked in rhythm when she ran baby steps towards Darcy and the girl she apparently knew, her arms in the air. The girl did not seem to share the excitement that was propelling Caroline to them. The muscles in her back tensed and she slowly turned around with an expression that suggested she was to face doom's day rather than a long time no see friend. Lizzie couldn't help but smile and feel sorry for this girl, who looked rather young, didn't she ? Well, at least Caroline had given her an excuse to leave them alone. There was an unspoken but always observed social rule that stated that one must leave friends to their reunion, isn't there ? Lizzie levelled her gaze in front of her and was prepared to walk pass them when she hardly heard the girl's voice correct Caroline.

- Hello, Caroline. I prefer Georgiana, she whispered, her cheeks brightening.

Lizzie's heart resumed its beating so hard it ached. Georgiana. His sister. Not his next pillow-warmer. Relief blossomed in her chest and spread to her toes. Of course, Caroline wouldn't have been happy to see a woman in Will's arms. Lizzie couldn't help the little glance she stole in their direction, nor the stupid grin that broadened on her lips. How could she have missed their likeness ? Same raven hair and ocean blue eyes, their features were also very alike. He was the definition of male splendour, she was not far from being the female version of it. Her beauty lacked only a few years of ripeness to bloom. Darcy's intense stare was fixed on Lizzie for a few seconds. Even in the relative dimness of the corridor, he couldn't help but be mesmerised by her eyes.

- Georgiana, this is Lizzie Bennet. She is the tech who plays Charles' part. She is proficient with multiple instruments, I talked to you about her.

Both Caroline and Lizzie flinched, and for the first time, their thoughts were similar : he had talked to his sister about her ?! The sentence echoed with wonder for one woman's mind, and with disgust in the other's. This statement had the benefit of stunning Caroline speechless. Unfortunately, it had the same effect on Lizzie. Who would have thought that uttering a simple 'Hi' would prove challenging ? Hopefully, her mouth was not hanging agape like some out of the water fish trying to swallow some air. Her mouth finally managed to smile.

- This is my sister, Georgiana, Will said to Lizzie.

Pride was shining on his face. His audience's various struggles seemed to elude him.

- She is a violin prodigy, he continued.

The younger girl's cheeks coloured, her nose was pointing to the ground. Lizzie's heart pinched. This was the girl Wickham preyed on. A timid and anxious creature, who probably trusted a man she had known since she was a child. Anger started boiling in Lizzie's veins. Poor thing.

- I'm really happy to meet you, Lizzie answered joyfully. You know, I've been trying to teach myself to play the violin for months and it's a total disaster, she laughed. Maybe you can give me some tips.

Georgiana's head turned up a little. Her mouth slowly opened, but before she could say anything, Lizzie continued.

- I will beg, you know, she nicely teased.

Georgiana smiled. Boy, was the girl shy.

- I'm sure you're not as bad as you say, Georgiana whispered, her cheeks flushed at the audacity of talking to a near stranger. Will said you are a talented musician.

Laughter passed Lizzie's lips. Let's hope it was enough to hide her surprise. Did Darcy really say something positive about her to his sister ? After what had happened ? It must have been before that. She stole a glance in his direction. His eyes were on his sister. Lizzie would have murdered anyone to have him look at her the way he was looking at Georgiana right now. Her heart sighed.

- I am dreadful, believe me, she laughed. I'm going to have you hear me play and then, I'll watch as you struggle to politely say I sound awful.

The sound of Georgiana's chuckle was the sweetest music to Will's ears. Those few words exchanged made his heart swell so much with happiness it might burst. The two women he loved the most were giggling together. He had to school himself not to jump on Lizzie and kiss her. She was so sweet to his very shy sister. He was probably grinning from ear to ear like a fool. Until now this had only happened in his wildest dreams. Well, maybe not in his wildest. In those ones, one of these women, not his sister, had fewer clothes on. Like, not a single one. And there was much less talking done. Hey, why was his mind going that way ? 'Because, ' his penis started to answer. 'Oh, shut the fuck up, you ! he shouted to himself. Not now, they are still talking.' He hoped his inner turmoil was not obvious to everyone, that would be embarrassing.

- Ok then, I'll try and help you, Georgiana agreed with a smile.

- Awesome ! I knew you would have mercy on your own ears, Lizzie teased.

Now that Lizzie had broken her shell, conversation went on. Music was the main topic. Lizzie asked questions, paying attention not to push Georgiana too much. The young girl was still reserved, her voice was sometimes barely audible, but she answered the questions and even asked some of her own. By now, Lizzie was quite sure she was blushing out of pleasure.

Beside them, a totally marginalised Caroline was silently enraging. Music, ugh ! Do these people ever talk about anything else ? Like, something really interesting ? She repressed the urge to roll her eyes. How come they could talk like that after only a few minutes when she could barely get a couple of words from the girl after several years ? Her perfectly manicured fingers drummed on the arms she had crossed over her chest. Well, if speaking about music was all it took, she could do that too.

- Dear Georgiana, you could delight us with some lovely violin piece ! Caroline interrupted. This way, Lizzie would see just how much you can teach her.

Her joined hands and carnivorous smile were proof that she found this idea and the insult exquisite. Of course she did, it was hers. She could picture them, in some remote corner of the very chic bar of the equally chic hotel they were staying in, listening in the penumbra to Georgiana performing for them. The darkness brings bodies together, and she sure would like to get near some particular male body. Georgiana would unquestionably be grateful for the opportunity to show off. Some producer might even notice her. Caroline's smile broadened. That would be nice, to have the girl indebted to her. Darcy would be pleased. And Caroline knew just how he could show her his gratitude.

Panic was whitening Georgiana's complexion and gripping her throat. Her heart sped up even though time seemed to slow down and stretch. Performing ? In front off people she knew ? That also happened to be an overly famous and talented rock band ? That sounded like her worst nightmare. How was she going to get out of this horrible situation ? Was there a hole somewhere she could crawl into ? Caroline was still looking expectantly at her. What was she supposed to say ? She had always had a hard time saying no. Her terrified eyes turned to her brother. Darcy's scowl deepened. His sister was visibly shrinking. A few more seconds and she would disappear altogether. Trust Caroline to say the wrong thing. Lizzie was internally berating her. How could anyone misinterpret the young girl's quiet ? She was freaking out. Darcy was about to argue that Georgiana had not brought her violin along, not that it could be true, when he heard Lizzie's voice.

- Music ? she asked in a bewildered voice. We've just had more than 2 hours of that, she waved her hand, dismissing the idea.

The curve of Caroline's lips went downward.

- How about we just quietly crash down ? Lizzie offered.

She turned to Georgiana and added on a gentle tone.

- You must be exhausted after your trip.

No-one needed to know that she had no idea where Darcy's sister traveled from. Hopefully, her smile would ease a little the scared girl. Now Will's pupils probably were heart shaped, so appreciative he was of Lizzie's gentleness towards his sister. Jane and Charlotte came upon them with their respective men, Maria in tow. Georgiana took advantage of their arrival to seek refuge in Richard's arms.

- Hi, Richard ! she almost exclaimed.

- Hey little one ! the drummer shouted. What a nice surprise !

He planted a kiss on her head and kept her in his embrace while introducing her to The Meryton Assembly. Both Darcy siblings needed shielding from Caroline, but this one in particular had difficulty fending for herself.

- I don't know about you guys, Lizzie continued, but I'm spent, she stretched. I'll take a shower and go to bed.

She was the exact opposite of worn out. The concert had fuelled her with so much good energy, she felt like she hardly needed to sleep that night. A black cloud was forming over Caroline's head.

- Four nights in a row is tiring, Jane commented while gently squeezing Charles' hand.

Hopefully, the gesture conveyed to him that she would sneak into his room later that night. Charlotte's discreet but piercing gaze scanned all the faces. Her eyes rested last on Richard, and the arm that still surrounded Georgiana's shoulder. Mischief was gleaming in his eyes.

- See you guys tomorrow, Charlotte concluded.

The four girls waved goodbye and headed towards the back exit of the building, leaving behind a relieved pair of Darcys, an enraged Caroline, a smirking Richard and a happy Charles.

- It's so nice to see you again Georgiana ! Charles shouted. I hope you can stay with us for a few days. Were you at the concert tonight ? Did you enjoy yourself ?

Georgiana had always liked Charles, he was so nice and warm. How he could be so different from his sibling would ever be confusing. She smiled back at him.

- Yeah, it was incredible, Georgiana very quietly answered.

Her eyes then set on the four retreating figures. She turned to her brother and mouthed 'I like her'. Will bit the inside of his mouth to repress the grin that threatened to split his face into two.

- What was that about ? Charlotte enquired once the girls were on the streets, nestled in the warm night.

A smooth wind was balancing the heat to the perfect temperature. The orange lights offered a beautiful contrast to the dark sky. A limo was parked there, ready to take them to their hotel.

- I have no idea, Jane replied, as she was climbing into the car. Caroline was obviously furious, so I was in, she calmly explained.