8. Belief Is A Beautiful Armor

Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews, guys. I really, really appreciate them.

So, I'm in Las Vegas for my 21st birthday, sitting in a hotel room eating ice cream in bed, waiting for my friend to finish getting ready so we can go exploring. Instead of watching TV or bugging her, I thought I'd try to get this chapter out to you now. That's how much I love you all. :]

Sorry the chapter took a while to get out. My beta and I have both been busy. Stupid school. Anyway, enjoy the chapter. My birthday's on Sunday. Leave me reviews for my birthday?

Closer by everymonday

Chapter Eight: Belief Is A Beautiful Armor

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January 31; 11:22PM"Are you sure, Lizzie? That just doesn't sound like something Will would do," Jane said after listening to Lizzie's summary of what Will had done to George. She picked up another slice of pizza and stared at it, trying to decide if she wanted to eat it.

Lizzie rolled her eyes. "Of course you'd say that, Jane. You're determined to see the best in everyone."

"And you're determined to see the worst," Jane replied, putting the slice back and closing the box. "Will's a really nice guy, you know." She picked up the box and walked to the kitchen.

"You say that about everyone." Lizzie picked up the napkins and plates strewn on the coffee table to help her sister tidy up.

The blonde shook her head. "Not everyone. Will really is a nice guy. He saved your leg."

Lizzie rolled her eyes again. "Okay, fine. He saved my leg. That doesn't mean he's not a jerk sometimes."

"You just don't like him because he said that stuff about you at the party before Christmas." After putting the pizza box in the fridge, her sister grabbed a carton of milk out.

"I suppose I would be able to forgive his pride if he hadn't wounded mine," Lizzie admitted defensively.

Jane smiled triumphantly, pouring herself a glass of milk. "You barely even know George, Lizzie. I know you think he's attractive, but that doesn't mean he's telling the truth."

"Why would he make this up though?" she asked, understanding that she had not heard both sides of the story, but still not wanting to admit her sister was right just yet.

"I don't know," Jane said with a shrug. "It just doesn't seem like he's telling the truth though. People have a lot more reasons to lie than to tell the truth. You should ask Will at the party next week."

Lizzie frowned. "He's coming?"

"Of course. He's Charlie's best friend, and he saved my sister's leg. Why wouldn't I invite him?"

"Jane, technically, he didn't save my leg. That other doctor did. Why didn't you invite him?"

"Don't be cheeky," Jane said, taking a sip of her milk, and then offering the glass to Lizzie.

Lizzie shook her head. "I can't help it."

"I know," the older Bennet laughed. "I just don't want you to put all of your faith in George."

"I'm not putting all of my faith in him. I just like him more than I like Will," Lizzie said, leaning on the counter.

Jane finished off her glass of milk. "That clouds your judgment."

"I suppose it does make me bias."

"You can't fault the guy for being awkward, Lizzie. It's hardly Will's fault."

"Whose is it then?" Lizzie asked. "Whose fault is it that he judged me before he even knew me?"

"Why do you care what he said about you anyway? You usually never care. Plus, he said it before he even knew you. He apologized for saying it, didn't he?"

"No," she protested emphatically. "He said sorry that I heard it, not sorry for saying it."

"Maybe it means the same thing to him," Jane tried. "He likes you now."

"How do you know that?" Lizzie demanded.

Jane shrugged, a small, mischievous smile playing on her lips. "He asks about you sometimes."

"He does?" She was unconvinced.

Her sister nodded. "Sometimes."

"What does he ask?"

Jane gave her another triumphant smile. "Why so curious, little sister?"

"I want to know what he asks about me." Lizzie knew it'd probably be nothing good.

The blonde shrugged. "He usually asks how you are, if your leg's healing, how your physical therapy is going."

"That doesn't count," Lizzie scoffed. "Those are all medical things. He sees me as an investment or something. He put all that time into sewing my leg, so he wants to make sure it works."

"How is that an investment?" Jane asked, confused. "An investment is when you put money into something and hope you get a bunch more back."

"Technicality, Jane. You know what I meant." She began walking to her new, temporary bedroom.

Jane laughed and followed her. "You're so weird. He asked if you had a boyfriend once."

Lizzie stopped so abruptly that Jane bumped into her. She turned around to face her sister. "You're joking."

"No," Her sister took a step back and smiled ruefully. Then she thought about it. "Well, Caroline asked if you had a boyfriend, and I said no, but Will was interested the whole time. He also looked really pleased when I said you didn't."

Lizzie rolled her eyes. "You are so ridiculous, Jane."

"What?" Jane asked, acting as if Lizzie calling her ridiculous had been uncalled for.

"Stop trying to get me to like Will Darcy. I don't like him."

"You said he was attractive once," Jane pointed out.

"Yeah, I don't deny that, but didn't you just tell me not to trust someone based on his looks?"

This time Jane rolled her eyes. "You're ridiculous." Then she had a mischievous smile again. "Who's more attractive? Will or George?"

Lizzie considered her sister's question. George had rugged good looks, golden brown hair, and gorgeous blue eyes that reminded her of oceans and skies and all those other clichés. He was charming, always smiling at her with adorable dimples and making her laugh. Will was more of a tall, dark, and handsome type. His dark hair fell over his smoldering slate gray eyes in a captivating manner. He had thick dark lashes that framed his eyes beautifully. His nose was perfect, and even if his lips were always shaped in a disapproving frown when he talked to her, they were nice looking. Will's attractiveness came from finely sculpted features and hard lines.

"George," she lied, because what matters is what's on the inside. George's insides were nicer than Will's. "Without a doubt."

February 8; 9:49PMWill Darcy was always early. He had been raised by a father who insisted that if you weren't ten minutes early, you were late. It was for this reason, and this reason alone, that he stood at Jane Bennet's door a good ten minutes before the party even started.

Jane answered the door with a smile, of course. "Oh!" she said, surprised. "Will! You're here early."

He winced. "Yes," he replied.

"Come on in, there are a few other people here already too."

He breathed a sigh of relief as he looked around the room and saw more than ten people conversing under the low lighting of the apartment. Jane introduced them, but he forgot all their names as soon as she said them. He smiled as politely as he could and then moved to where Charlie was standing.

"Why are you here so early?" Charlie asked. "I would have thought you'd come as late as possible and then leave as quickly as possible."

Will scowled. "Would I really do that?"

Charlie laughed. "Yes, you hate parties."

His friend knew him too well. He did hate parties. He had no reason, except for his compulsive need to be on time, to explain why he was here early. "I hate being rude."

Charlie laughed again. "No, you don't."

His scowl deepened. "Well, would you like me to be rude to your girlfriend, Charlie?"

Before Charlie could answer, a redhead wrapped her arms around Will tightly. Will tried to suck in air, but all he got was a big whiff of Caroline's toxic perfume.

"Hello, Will," Caroline purred.

Will quickly untangled himself from her and took a few steps back to get away from the wretched smell of artificially musky flowers. "Hello, Caroline."

"You look so handsome tonight, Will," Caroline said, looking him up and down hungrily.

He cringed. "Thanks."

The doorbell rang again, and Caroline looked to see if it was anyone interesting. When it wasn't, she sighed. "This party's dreary."

"It's just started, Caroline," Charlie pointed out.

Caroline pouted. "Not for me. You made me come here super early."

"You said you wanted to help," Charlie argued.

"Well, I thought it'd be more than just you, me, Jane, and Jane's two friends." She eyed Will accusingly.

He simply looked around to avoid her eyes. Jane had a rather nice apartment, he noted. It was spacious, well decorated, and tidy. There were pictures all over the walls, and unlike Caroline's room where the pictures were of her, Jane's pictures were of other people. There were a lot of Elizabeth. He refused to look around for her, so he was stuck looking at Caroline again.

"Would you like me to get you a drink, Will?" Caroline asked sweetly.

Will pondered if it was childish and paranoid to be worried she might drug his drink. "I'll get it myself, Caroline," he replied, glad for an excuse to get away.

Walking to the kitchen, he found it full of people. He backed out, deciding he didn't need a drink right now if it came with the unnecessary burden of conversing with people he didn't know or care to know.

Caroline and Charlie had disappeared from their spot, so Will wasn't sure what to do. Before he could give it much thought, Elizabeth emerged.

February 8; 10:12PMLizzie was uncomfortable. She hated the feeling, but couldn't shake it at all. Perhaps it was the solid black tights she was wearing to cover up her scar or the idea that she was actually hiding something. She had wanted to wear jeans or pants, but Jane insisted she wear the dress she'd been planning to wear to the Gala. Lizzie conceded because she always conceded to Jane, but couldn't find it in herself to wear her beautiful white evening gown. She had purchased it specifically for the Gala and it felt wrong to wear it for a party instead. Instead, she wore a short halter dress. It was a lovely royal blue color with a gold empire waistband bow. The skirt of it was a bubble hem and shorter than she usually wore, but showed off her long legs magnificently. The matching black pumps probably helped too. Too bad right now her legs were the last things she wanted to be showing off, her right leg specifically.

Plus, Will Darcy had been staring at her since she came out of her room. She bit her lip and wrung her hands for a moment, but reminded herself that besides the scar, she looked good. She'd spent longer on her hair than usual, giving it an elegant twist and letting a few wispy tendrils fall around her face. Her bangs had just been trimmed this morning, so she brushed them to the side a bit, but she could tell they were going to be falling in her eyes all night. Charlotte had begged to do her make up, and Lizzie had let her. She gave Lizzie a smoky, dark look around her eyes. It was more make up than she usually wore too.

She told herself that it wasn't to impress George.

"You look so gorgeous," Charlotte said when Lizzie approached her.

Lizzie smiled. "Thanks." Then, she noticed who was next to Charlotte, holding her hand.

"Hello, Miss Eliza. You do look lovely," Collin complimented, though he barely spared her a glance. His eyes were on Charlotte's chest.

"Who invited you?" Lizzie asked before she could stop herself.

"He's my date, Lizzie," Charlotte explained quietly. Lizzie looked between the both of them to make sure they weren't joking. It didn't seem like they were, but that was the only explanation for this, wasn't it? Lizzie opened her mouth to ask why, but Charlotte cut her off. "Will's been looking at you."

She glanced at him again, and he quickly looked away, scowling, of course.

"Will Darcy?" Collin asked, staring in Will's direction.

"Yes." Lizzie wondered if Collin was stalking him too.

"I must go and say hello. He is the nephew of the esteemed Catherine De Bourgh," he said excitedly, untangling his hand from Charlotte's and walking away without another word.

"Collin Perry, Char? Really?" Lizzie asked as soon as he was out of earshot.

"Want to go get something to drink?" Charlotte asked, already walking away.

"Don't avoid this, Charlotte," Lizzie warned, following her friend.

"I think he's nice, Lizzie."

"Nice?" Lizzie asked incredulously. "If by nice you mean weird and creepy."

"Yeah, sure, he's weird and creepy," Charlotte admitted with a shrug. "It's not so bad once you get used to it. He has a lot of money."

Lizzie was flabbergasted. "What?"

"I mean, we have fun together because he can pay for a lot of stuff. He took me to Hawaii last week."

"Hawaii? I didn't even know he had that much money."

"He got a bonus recently and has always wanted to go to Hawaii."

"You just tagged along?"

"Well, really, it was only a plane ticket he was paying for," Charlotte reasoned. "I paid for my own food and stuff."

It didn't escape Lizzie that Charlotte didn't mention anything about a separate hotel room. "I can't believe you went to Hawaii with a creeper."

"Stop calling him that," Charlotte said, sounding annoyed as she pushed open the kitchen door.

"Why? Let's call a spade a spade here, Charlotte."

"It's not a big deal, Lizzie. We just have fun together." Charlotte picked up two cups and handed one to her. "What should we drink?"

Lizzie narrowed her eyes. "What are you trying to pull?"

"I'm just trying to figure out what to drink, Lizzie." The older brunette laughed.

"Stop playing dumb," Lizzie snapped.

"Don't worry, Lizzie. He is weird. I'm just having fun with him."

Lizzie searched her friend's face, but it was difficult, since Charlotte kept moving around, avoiding her gaze, under the premise of deciding between liquors. She sighed. "Fine, Char."

Charlotte gave her a brilliant smile. "It's nothing serious, Lizzie. Think of it like you and George. Collin's just someone I enjoy talking to and having fun with. Now, what should I get drunk on? I'm going to need it if I'm going to deal with Collin all night."

Lizzie was unconvinced. Something didn't add up, but she smiled back at her friend anyway.

February 8; 10:59PMWill was uncomfortable. Jane's apartment was officially packed. Will hated crowds. He hated conversing with Caroline. He hated awkward small talk with random girls who believed themselves to be something he might desire. He hated whiskey. Unfortunately, that was what his night was composed of. He took a sip of his Crown and Coke without really tasting it.

A few girls had tried to approach him, but Caroline had scared them off with a well-practiced withering glare. Then there had been that short man with small, eager eyes. He'd come up to Will, and not even Caroline could deter him. He insisted that they were friends just because they had a mutual contact: Catherine de Bourgh. After a lot of praises from the man and a lot of silence from Will, Caroline grew bored and took his arm to lead him away from the strange man. Caroline was now giving him her opinion on the dreadful party. He couldn't help but agree with some of it, though he said nothing.

Elizabeth's laugh stole his attention from Caroline. She was standing about three feet from him, and aside from the short glance his way at the beginning, she hadn't acknowledged his presence. That was another thing he hated: being ignored.

February 8; 11:10PMLizzie was not having fun. George still hadn't shown up. Lizzie knew that she shouldn't feel like she'd been stood up. After all, it was still early, and it wasn't as if he'd officially agreed to come or anything. She finished off her second drink of the night, not even tasting the last gulps, only feeling the strong burn down her throat.

When she emerged from the kitchen with her third drink, a familiar, shrill laugh caught her attention and made her stomach drop. Mother.

Looking in the direction of the noise, she saw that it wasn't just her mother, but her twin sisters as well. She took a large gulp of her drink before weaving through the crowd. Her stomach sank even more when she saw that they were gathered around Jane, Charlie, Caroline, and Will. It was like the Christmas party all over again, except worse because the twins were here as well.

"Lizzie, dear," her mother said, smiling when she caught sight of her. "Where have you been hiding?"

Lizzie held up her cup, wishing she'd filled it with more alcohol.

Her mother clicked her tongue with disproval. "You shouldn't drink so much, Lizzie." She smiled adoringly up at Charlie. "Charlie here isn't drinking at all."

Lizzie smiled at Charlie as well, who blushed a bit. "Any reason for that Charlie?" she teased, remember his confession about being a lightweight.

He shook his head. "None that you need to share, Lizzie."

She laughed.

"What are you laughing at, Lizzie?" Lydia asked. She didn't appreciate being left out of a joke.

Before Lizzie could answer, Cathy asked Caroline, "So you're, like, a model like Jane?"

Caroline gave her a smug look before nodding.

Lydia asked Will, "You're, like, the only one that's not famous."

Will looked surprise by her comment, but simply shrugged.

"You're not famous either, Lydia," Lizzie reminded her.

Lydia grinned at Lizzie. "I will be soon."

"Me too!" Cathy exclaimed.

Lizzie rolled her eyes. "Okay, let me know when that's going to be."

"Soon. Like, real soon," Lydia said with as much smugness as she'd seen on Caroline.

"We got a contract to do a show on ABC Family," Cathy explained excitedly.

"We're going to be like the Olsen twins," Lydia continued, smacking her gum.

"Except, like, better!" Cathy grinned.

"Much better!" Lydia agreed, mirroring her twin.

Lizzie groaned and looked at Jane for confirmation. To her horror, her sister nodded.

"Yes, we're very proud of the girls," her mother said.

"When did this happen?" Lizzie asked.

"A few weeks after Christmas," Lydia answered.

"We were offered a deal before then," Cathy reminded her.

Lydia nodded. "We signed our contracts a few days ago though."

"We didn't mention it because we didn't want you to feel bad, Lizzie," Cathy told her.

"Cause you know, we're winning at, like, life," Lydia said, blowing a bubble with her gum.

Cathy smacked hers. "While you're, like, failing and stuff."

Despite herself, Lizzie felt a blush creep up on her face. She saw Caroline hide her smile behind her hand as she had when they'd first met.

"Cat, Lydia," Jane scolded softly.

"What?" they asked together, both smacking their gum now. Lizzie was ready to smack them.

"Now girls," their mother said. "Be nice to your sister. She'll find something else soon." She looked at Charlie again. "I'm so happy you and Jane are together in case something happens to tragic happens to her. It's too bad Lizzie doesn't have anyone."

Her blush deepened, but it was nothing compared to Jane's dark blush.

Not sure what to say, Charlie just smiled.

Her mother continued, giving Lizzie a sad look. "Ever since Andrew left her, I'm afraid she hasn't been able to find anyone else."

Lizzie scowled at her mom. "Really, Mom. Talk about unnecessary information."

"What?" her mother asked, using the same tone as the twins. "I just worry about you, dear. Jane's got Charlie now. She won't be able to take care of you forever."

She took another gulp her drink, then set her mouth to tell her mother she didn't need to be taken care of, but Will's tone stopped the words.

"How many drinks have you had?" he asked, frowning at her.

"I don't need you to nag me, Will. My mother is right here, in case you missed that," she answered scathingly.

"Lizzie!" her mother exclaimed. "You have to be nice to Dr. Darcy."

"Yeah," Lydia giggled.

"He's a doctor," Cathy added, as if the group didn't know already.

"I'm going outside," Lizzie announced, not able to take much more of her family.

"Oh, but Lizzie, what if George shows up?" Jane asked, biting her lip.

"George?" her mother asked, eyes wide with interest. "A boy?"

Lizzie winced. "Just tell him I'm on the balcony," she told Jane.

February 8; 11:45PMWill was not having fun. Jane had gone off to mingle with guests, leaving him, Charlie, and Caroline at the mercy of her mother. Will wasn't even sure what to call the woman. Her maiden name? Mrs. Bennet? The name of that other guy she'd married? He told himself it was okay that he didn't know because it's not like he planned on addressing her anytime soon.

Charlie tried making conversation with her, but she didn't like to talk about much except her days as an actress, the twins' new contract, and the gown she was wearing. Vera Wang, in case you were wondering.

Will finished off his drink and excused himself, ignoring the desperate looks Caroline and Charlie gave him.

The apartment had become so crowded and the music was giving him a migraine. Or perhaps that was from Elizabeth's mother. He tried to make his way through the crowd without attracting attention. He wanted to go outside. He needed some air. It had nothing to do with the ballet dancer he knew would be there as well.

February 9; 12:00AMLizzie was annoyed. Will Darcy had apparently decided to come out to the balcony to stare at her. He just stared at her with a disapproving expression while she pretended she didn't notice. Finally, she couldn't take it anymore.

"Did you need something?" she asked, glaring at him.

He looked taken aback, but whether it was because of the question or the rude way she asked it, Lizzie wasn't sure. He ignored her question and asked her how her leg was.

"You know, you're going to have to come up with a better question to start out your conversations," she said, turning away from him.

"What would you suggest?" he asked, moving to the balcony railing next to her.

She shrugged. "You could say hello."

"Hello," he said.

Lizzie cast him a sidelong glance to see him still staring at her. She sighed. "Now, I suppose you can comment on the weather, and I'll say that it's rather cold, but I love cold weather. Then you can tell me your opinion on cold weather."

"Do you usually script your conversations?"

"Only when necessary," she replied.

When he remained silent, Lizzie turned her head to look at him. He was staring intently at her, looking like he wanted to say something.

"What?" Lizzie demanded.

"Are you wearing black stockings to cover your scar?" he asked bluntly.

"No," she lied through clenched teeth. "It goes with the dress."

"I see," Will said. He seemed to struggle with the next words for a few minutes, but then he asked, "Are you having a good time tonight?"

"A blast," Lizzie retorted, barely holding back a snort.

"Me as well," Will deadpanned. Lizzie wondered if he caught her sarcasm.

She sighed and turned to lean against the railing to watch the party. She groaned when she spotted Lydia and Cat dancing very provocatively together against the wall. "My sisters are wall dancing."

Will mirrored her actions and followed her gaze. "What exactly is wall dancing? What they're doing?"

"Yes," Lizzie replied. "Disgusting, isn't it?"

"I don't really get it," Will said, watching the girls dance with a confused expression.

"Just watch a Ciara video," she told him, wondering if she had the energy to go stop her sisters. Luckily, Jane came over to talk to them before Lizzie had to make a decision.

They watched in silence as Jane scolded the twins, her voice was drowned by distance and music but her arms waved wildly around and her face was red. Lizzie almost laughed at the situation.

"Would it be insensitive to ask if you'd like to dance?" Will asked quietly.

She scowled at him. "Yes."

He nodded, and said no more. After a few minutes of awkward silence, where Lizzie contemplated whether or not she should just go back inside, Will spoke. "When Jane asked about George coming earlier, she didn't mean George Wickham did she?"

Lizzie glared at him. "Why? Are you not a fan of George?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

"No," he said more truthfully than she'd expected. "I can't say I am."

"He's not a fan of you either," she muttered, going back to staring at the sky. "At least he has a good reason."

"A good reason?" Will asked incredulously.

"Yes," Lizzie replied simply.

"What did he tell you?" Will asked, his voice instantly harsh.

Surprised at his tone, she met his eyes. "Why do you care?"

"If he's spreading lies-"

"Lies? What makes you think they're lies?" Lizzie asked, temper flaring.

"All George Wickham does is spread lies!" Will exclaimed angrily.

"Really? Would you like to give me your side of the story?"

"What story?" he asked, moving in front of her and staring down at her. "What far fetched story did he feed you?"

Lizzie frowned at him. "He didn't feed me anything! He just told me that-"

"Lizzie!" Both Lizzie and Will turned to see her mother standing in the doorway. "You shouldn't talk to Dr. Darcy that way," her mother slurred.

Letting out an exasperated groan, she pushed away from the railing forcefully and walked past both her mother and Will Darcy. "I was done anyway." As she felt their eyes burn into her back as she walked back into the apartment and heard her mother apologize for her behavior, Lizzie couldn't help thinking that this party had been a total disappointment and a waste of a perfectly good dress.

Do I really have to tell you again that it's my birthday and you should review? ;]