So ! The rehearsal ! Hope you like it. And, the next chapter is already ready to be posted, probably in a few days. We are reaching the end of this story, I hope I can wrap everything up before christmas. I had already hoped I could finish before the summer holidays, so I'm not going to be too strict on the deadline. By the way, happy halloween !

Those thirty minutes were hands down the longest in Lizzie's entire life. And that included the time when, as a kid, she got stuck in a hole while trying to crawl to her twin sisters' bedroom in order to scare them to death. Work had been carried out outside her parents' house, a big hole had been dug in order to repair she couldn't rememberer what. Anyway, it had not been that big, for she got stuck, head inside and bottom in the open air. It had taken her father a good hour to free her, and her mother's scowling lasted just as long. Still, her muddy hole-time had not seemed as long as those damn thirty minutes. In fact, she had not managed to wait half an hour. She was the first in the stadium, bass in hand and mic plugged. She was playing and singing when Charles and Richard arrived. Thank God, they were not the fashionably late kind of guys. Her heart pondered so hard in her ears, she almost didn't hear herself greet them, so eager was she to see the third member arrive. But he didn't. You got to be kidding me. Of all days, today was the day he chose to be late. Or skip rehearsal altogether ? Her breath caught in her throat. Oh please no. This dreaded option distracted her so much, she couldn't avoid Richard's big hand as it landed painfully on her shoulder.

- What's up, Lizzie ?

- Having my shoulder replaced pretty soon, I guess ? she answered, massaging her sore limb.

Charles' laugh brought a smile to her lips.

- Hey ! Talking about non functional body parts, he exclaimed, the doctor said I could play again pretty soon ! Maybe in a week or so.

He wiggled his wrist, as if to prove his point.

- That's great ! Lizzie congratulated him. You must be looking forward to it.

- You still know how to do that ? Richard teased.

Charles' enthusiasm didn't fade.

- We'll see !

Another five minutes passed in happy chit chat. Lizzie couldn't take it any longer.

- Isn't Will coming to rehearsal ?

That sounded like a totally casual question, right ?

- He is, Richard said, flipping his sticks. He is probably running late because of his lunch with G. Well, he better not be too late, otherwise Lizzie's eagerness to see him would turn into anger. Couldn't he feel she had something important to tell him ? If she started yelling at him that she loved his song and that he better kiss her right now, she might confuse him. A bit. She started playing again, hoping it would ease her nerves. A quarter of an hour later, a door banged somewhere in the arena, and Will and Georgiana appeared on stage.

- Sorry I'm late, Will started.

About time ! That's what she would have said if her mouth was still useful, but right now, all it could do was stretch into an awkward smile. Get a grip girl !

The rehearsal went smoothly. It was more of a warming up than anything else, the gig practically played itself. As if fate was answering her craving to speak to Darcy alone, everybody lingered around him after the rehearsal. How could such a stern looking guy attract so many people ? This was infuriating. If this little game went on any further, she was going to explode. What was the polite way to shoo away three people she liked but really had no desire to see right now ? The discussion went on, as animated as ever, but Lizzie couldn't even grasp the subject. It was no use. She breathed out, a little too heavily for, unknown to her, Richard noticed and his gaze followed her as she headed to the instrument area. Maybe she could talk to Darcy before the concert ? Or after, if he was still encircled by this friend and family. How was she going to survive that long ? Patience had never been her forte. If only Jane could give her a little of this quality, she seemed to have quite an amount to spare. Lizzie's bass was now stored away, ready for the coming show. Maybe she was going to play until the concert, what other activity could calm her mind anyway ? They had all probably left the stage by now, it must be peacefully empty, except for the crew members preparing tonight's show. The perfect place to ease her boiling nerves. Walking back to the stage, the fog of her thoughts wrapped her so completely that she didn't notice a figure coming in her direction. A collision was unavoidable.

- Oh sorry ! she exclaimed with a small laugh, coming out of her misted mind, I was…

The rest of her sentence remained on her tongue. The obstacle was wearing a pair of well known blue eyes and the sexiest smile she had ever seen. She was not sorry anymore. A grin of her own bloomed on her face.

- Thanks again. For the flash drive, she clarified after a pause.

Like she expected him to, Will kept looking at her intently, before uttering a word. She had gotten used to the way he took his time to answer when addressed to, and kind of liked it now.

- You're welcome.

His smile didn't stretch but his eyes shone brighter.

- I listened to the song you saved on it.

Her voice was lower, a sudden anxiety that he was not the one who had recorded this song gripped her throat. Or maybe its meaning was different than what she had made of it. His silence fuelled her disquiet. When his smile vanished, she down right started to panic. No, it was his voice, she was positive. She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. Time to be brave. Her eyes pinned in his.

- I like it, she paused. A lot.

Ever so slowly, his impossible smile grew back on his face, making him irresistible. If he started sweet-talking to her right now, her knees would turn liquid.

- You do ?

The hope and happiness that tinged his deep voice made her heart swell. Every function in her body seemed to suddenly soar. Her heart raced, her breathing bolted, her limbs shook lightly, her stomach was attacked by aggressively happy butterflies. Bliss dazed her, she had not read too much in his song after all. Her answer to his question came in the form of a nod, for it took all her remaining senses only to stand up. Fluid bones really are of little use. He took a step closer. Oh my, the temperature just rose, didn't it ? Her heart hammered in her chest, making her lungs' work quite difficult. His attractive smile still in place, Will slowly lifted his arm. The touch of his hand on hers was featherlike and electrifying at the same time. As they made their way up to her shoulder, his fingers left a trail of fire on her skin. She was burning and he was in no hurry. His warm hand reached her neck, and it was the sweetest sensation ever. Suddenly, a thought hit her.

- I'm sorry for my songs, she apologised.

Those were never meant for his ears. She had been so mean to him already, he didn't need that. Her lower lip got caught between her teeth, Will repressed the urge to groan. He couldn't understand why this simple gesture was so appealing, but damn it was.

- Don't be. If anything, I am thankful. Otherwise I would never have understood.

His voice sounded husky. Combined with his fingers, entwined with her hair, it robbed Lizzie of any intelligent or funny or even coherent respond she could have spoken. He lightly cocked his head. His eyes caressed more and more often her lips. Lizzie's lower lip was freed. Her slow and erratic breathing was proof of how unbearable the heat of his fingers on the back of her neck was. She was catching fire. Eyes still holding, he leaned closer. His scent engulfed her. The effect was calming, a reminiscent of the peaceful nights they had shared. He smelled like home. His gaze slipped to her lips and rested on her neck.

- Do you have any idea how beautiful you are ? he whispered, his lips almost touching her ear.

With every word, his hot breath send goosebumps on her sensitive neck. When had his other hand taken possession of her back ? Ah, no matter, it was more than welcome.

- Please, do explain. Throw in as many details as possible.

His smile widened against her skin, even more so when her voice started shaking mid-sentence when he kissed that delicate spot, under her ear. Slowly, his lips exquisitely stroked the pale column of her neck. One of his hands was still tangled in her wild hair, while the other was holding her against him. It's heat was burning her back through the fabric of her shirt. Her body had given up, this was just too delightful. This was heaven. He knew what to do to her. She had not expected such a delicious out come when she had decided to talk to him. Her hands traveled all the way up to his very muscular shoulders. Oh man, was there something about this guy that wasn't perfect ? Not his body, that's for sure. Anticipation built within her when she felt his lips unhurriedly kissing their way up to her jaw, then nibbling at her cheek. More, please. At last, his lips touched relief that washed over her was immense. A sight of contentment preceded her moan of pleasure. Once again, she was proven that he could kiss. Oh my, she would be more than happy if he wished to demonstrate very often. Their tongues danced and spared in perfect harmony. Judging by the groan that reverberated in his throat, he was enjoying it as much as she was. Her hands slipped through his hair. Damn, it was silky as hell. It then explored his neck and struck his torso in a slow down movement. When her arms found their way around his waist, he broke the kiss.

Had he known it would have this effect, he would have written a love song to her a long time ago. He definitely expressed himself better through songs than by talking. And right now, while looking in those magnificent golden eyes, he was scanning his brain not to say the wrong thing again. He had already been in this situation with her, and he had messed it up quite prodigiously. This was his second chance, he was not going to waste it. Her smile and the expression in her eyes was the softest he had ever seen on her face. And he had spent a lot of time watching her. His heart sighed with contentment. This is where he wanted to be. For ever. He should probably not tell her that though, that could frighten her to death, but he had never been so sure of anything in his life. His hand gradually left her hair for her cheek where his thumb stroke her soft skin in small circles. She leaned in his palm and closed her eyes.

- Open your eyes, he asked almost as a prayer. They are breathtaking. I love to see them.

She complied. In the dim light of the corridor, the golden flecks shone with a coppery glow. He was lost. He kissed her again, more hungrily this time, nibbling at her lower lip and tongue the way he knew she liked. She responded with more moans that set his brain on fire. Their bodies pressed against one another. Oh fucking Jesus, she was exquisite. His hands roamed over her back and her hips. She took one and placed it firmly on her ass. Was she aware of what she was doing ? His lust threatened to get out of control. Sneakily, one of her hand squeezed his butt. He groaned. She smiled against his lips. The edge of his shirt was tucked out of his shorts. Both her warm hands burned his back. He broke the kiss at once. Lizzie held her breath. His eyes were tempestuous, as dark as a menacing sky, his countenance rough. Was he angry with her ? Had she done something bad ? He exhaled deeply and pinned her against the wall. The way he kissed her now was even hotter, greedy. Nope, everything was more than fine. It was his extremely turned on face, apparently. Oh, she liked it. A lot. She resumed her exploration of his back, since it seemed to send him on the edge and that's exactly where she wanted him. Her plan backfired when his mouth left hers for her neck and the collar bone he revealed when he pulled her shirt aside. How did he know ? All those clothes were so annoying. By the time one of his hands squeezed her breast, she didn't remember her name. Did she have one ? An unpleasant and shrill sound put an end to her questioning. Caroline Bingley was standing a few feet away, watching them with pure horror written all over her face. One of her hand was frozen mid movement as it was about to cover her open mouth. Her huge and unblinking eyes went from Darcy to Lizzie, and although the corridor was rather dusky, Lizzie was sure Caroline's face had lost a few shades of colour. Lizzie now counted on the same dimness to hide her laughing expression. Darcy, on the other hand, failed to see the humour in the situation. If eyes could have killed, his would have murdered Caroline right were she was standing. Maybe that was the merciful thing to do, she looked positively horror-stricken, she may never recover from the shock. He turned the same murderous glare to Lizzie, which only increased her hilarity, opened the door closest to them and dragged Lizzie by the hand inside. The door slammed on a still petrified Caroline. Darcy grunted and racked a hand through his hair. Now was the worst time to be interrupted. Caroline really was a pest. Lizzie's soft giggle attracted his attention. She placed the hand that was still holding hers on the small of her back and pressed herself against him.

- Where were we ? she whispered as her arms snaked around his neck.

Those three words made his skin tingle. This interruption had not killed the mood, what a relief !

- I was about to tell you how attractive you are.

His hot smile was back in full force. Lizzie's breathing itched. That was enough.

- Let's leave all the talking for later, shall we ? she offered, her eyes shinning with mischief and something else.

Their grins matched as their lips collided once more.

All the venues they were playing at had this in common that the couches in the dressing rooms were extremely comfortable. Lizzie was lying on her tummy, the tip of her fingers playing absent-mindedly with Will's chest hairs. He had just the right amount of it. The rocking motion of his torso moving up and down with every breath was soothing. She felt so comfortable lying on him. The slow pattern Will's stroking hand was drawing on her back added to her wellbeing. Everything was perfect. Usually, things were never perfect after sex. There was always this awkward moment that grew, after a few minutes of cuddling. Should she leave, should she stay, did she want to, did he want her to, and the mattress or whatever they were lying on had turned from the perfect spot for their activity to some highly uncomfortable place. She didn't like the after. But right now, she was having none of this. She wouldn't have moved a muscle unless the whole building was on fire, and she knew Will didn't want her to go anywhere. Never in her life had she been lying in a more cosy position, on him, warmed by the heat of his body, surrounded by his homy scent that was already hers. She could have fallen asleep and would have been deliriously thrilled to wake up by his side. The stupidly happy smile that split her face into two might never disappear. Will's was more discreet, but something in his countenance betrayed his happiness.

- Do you think she's still outside the door ?

Lizzie felt as much as she heard his words. Her hand froze and she burst out laughing. She turned her head up to meet his merry eyes.

- We should do it again then, she replied, exaggeratedly wiggling her brows.

His deep chuckle threatened to make her lose her balance. He held her shoulders, brought her up for a kiss and hugged her tight against him. She sighed. She was ridiculously happy.

- I'm serious, you know, his voice reverberated through her.

What was it about this worry for Caroline ? She knew they didn't come into this room to paint the ceiling. Why did it matter if she had heard something?

- About us, he added.

Oh. Ok. His tone was more solemn. Oh fuck, what she feared and hopes for at the same time, was about to happen. The talk. Slowly, she rose on her elbows, her eyes scanning his face.

- I'm happy to hear that, she whispered before kissing him. I am too.

His grin spread, enraging the butterflies in her stomach. Was she ever going to get used to his beauty ? He looked so happy, and she was the reason for it. She could get drunk on that feeling. His warm hands clutched her back and he reverted to a sitting position, still holding her against him. His eyes drowned in her beautiful hazel ones. Slowly, he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. What did he want ? To set her on fire ? Her arms circled his neck and she kissed him again.

Darcy and Lizzie didn't notice the few pairs of eyebrows that were raised and the glances that were exchanged when they arrived at the edge of the stage. They had just made it on time to cheer on The Meryton Assembly as they went to start their part. Pemberley's set after that was out of this world, or more precisely, Darcy and Lizzie were. They played together, for each other and enjoyed this concert more than any other. That it pleased the audience was an additional plus, but truth be told, they barely noticed anyone was there.

The next days, Darcy and Lizzie's pink love cloud floated even higher than Jane and Charles'. Even in the absence of public display of affection, and although the news was not officially announced to anyone, Darcy and Lizzie's body language betrayed them. Their smiles had never been brighter, their gazes were sending each other little hearts. Their bodies seemed drawn to each other. But more obviously, they talked to each other and laughed, often. Their was no questioning what was happening at night after the shows, or in the empty corridors. Or in the dressing rooms. Or occasionally in the bus. No one was fooled. Caroline perhaps even less than anybody else, for she had not quite recovered from the time she had caught them in the hallway. That loathsome image lived rent free in her head. And now this attitude so full of sweetness her teeth hurt ? Maybe it was time for her to go back to New York. Charlotte and Jane didn't press Lizzie for confidence. They simply wished her a goodnight with a very pointed smirk when Lizzie left their shared room after the concerts, not to be seen until the next morning. This was bliss like neither Lizzie or Darcy had ever experienced before. The physical connection was obviously wondrous, but the emotional and intellectual one was just as deep and satisfying.