A/N: Thanks to all the well wishers! Year 12 is going okay so far, but I have just finished my trail exams (hence my hiatus) and now I have a few big tests/assignments coming up. Hopefully I'll keep up with my posting schedule in the future as I sure as hell haven't been doing that so far. Your reviews have been much appreciated, especially since they are -mostly- nice!

The sun was shining brightly, or at least Lizzy assumed it was as it was covered by so many dark storm clouds that she couldn't quite tell. The blistering cold wind battered against Lizzy as she stood perched on the school stairs looking to the distance for the school bus which was 20 minutes late and still yet to arrive. Charlotte chuckled at Lizzy's appearance; layers of scarves and gloves adoring her school uniform and thought it highly likely that her friend was sporting two layers of stockings also. Lizzy rolled her eyes at Charlotte's affectionate judgement, she couldn't help it that she was especially susceptible to the cold - and catching a cold. Lizzy had taken preventative measures as soon as the forecast slipped below 20°C. Her class milled in clusters and groups along the steps, waiting impatiently for the bus that was to transport them on their Modern History class excursion to the State Museum.
Lizzy breathed a sigh of relief as she observed the bus round the corner and pass through the school gates; she then huffed in irritation when she saw her sigh fog the air ahead of her. She truly hated the cold.
'Alright, we all know the drill. Two to a seat on the bus, no eating or drinking and try to be respectful of the uniform while we are in the Museum; you are representing the school to the public at large, yadda, yadda, yadda...' Mr Blighty droned as inattentive students piled onto the bus. Lizzy and Charlotte wearily climbed the stairs and began the search for seats. Charlotte seemed to notice something, and turned back to Lizzy with a mischievous glint in her eyes before placing herself in the nearest seat available, the counterpart of which was occupied. Lizzy frowned, confused, and glanced around for any other available seats. Ah, there was one, she thought and began her approach before taking in the dark well groomed hair, serious, brooding expression and soulful, provoking eyes. Shit. Lizzy inwardly cursed Charlotte Lucas, wishing she had never lent her that crayon in kindy [kindergarten] that had sparked their friendship.

Will Darcy raised his head suddenly, as if realising he was being observed. Lizzy attempted a feeble smile and, casting one fleeting look for any other seats, slunk over and sat down. Will stiffened at first, dreading another confrontation, before deciding to make the best of the situation. He searched his mind for something to say and at a loss; blurted out the first thing that came to mind:
'Bloody cold weather today, isn't it?'
Lizzy couldn't help but smile at this. He was obviously trying to make peace after their previous tense interaction. She spoke her assent; conveying her acceptance of his silent apology. For the remainder of the forty minute drive they spoke of their favourite novels, and had a teasing debate about the film remake vs. book of the Great Gatsby; Lizzy was all for it, while Will felt it didn't do the story justice; neglected the subtle metaphors and symbolism that were so well crafted in the novel.

~~
The museum hall was practically deserted and Lizzy revelled in the isolation. She had slipped away just as her class had neared the Indigenous Culture exhibit, itching to check out the aquarium. She gazed into the depths of the water, mesmerised by the progress of a clown fish darting along the bottom of the tank. Her attention was drawn, however, when a throat was cleared behind her. The sudden noise startled her and she stifled a scream as she jerked up to face the culprit. Placing a hand on her chest to calm her racing heart, Lizzy's eyes met those of Will Darcy. She mentally flinched and corrected herself. Mr Darcy, she thought, Mr Bloody Darcy.

She had tried and tried in vain to get over her crush, but to no avail. Now, seeing him after their conversation on the bus, she felt her resolve slipping. Why did she have to get over him? Wouldn't it be more fun to get with him, her inner voice whispered enticingly. The Darcy that faced her now was alit by the glowing blue light of the aquarium tank, making his eyes appear endless and his jaw line more pronounced. His hands were stuffed into his pockets, and his hair looked scruffy; as if his hands had been combing through it as they did when he was nervous or agitated. His face betrayed nothing of his inner turmoil, and his attempt at speech was thwarted at first; his mouth opened and closed again causing Lizzy to draw similarities between him and the fish she had observed earlier. He was silent for a moment before startling her again, this time with speech.

'Lizzy, I- I feel that I have mislead you. I know our interactions have been... weird... since we first met and I said and did those things. And what communication we have had has all been underlined by certain... allusions. And I- I can't take any more of this frustration. I don't mean to be so blunt- or rather, I do and I apologise for it. But you're driving me mad. From the moment I saw you, sitting in that little stairwell I have been infatuated. And it's killing me. I know it's wrong; we both know it is... But I find my resolve slipping more and more every time I see you.'

His voice had started off quiet, but grew in volume and speed before he finished. Lizzy stared at him briefly, noticing his agitation, and knew with certainty the sincerity behind his words; however ineloquent they were. She reached up tentatively, and placed a hand on his cheek, turning his face to hers. She raised herself on tippy toes and slipped her other arm behind his neck, drawing his face closer and closer. There, in the aquarium room illuminated by the glowing blue light of a fish tank; Lizzy Bennet kissed Will Darcy for the first time.

The kiss was slow at first, their lips moving together building in heat as Will's arms encased her waist and drew her closer to him. Lizzy felt light headed and exhilarated. She knew at that moment it wasn't just the attraction of a forbidden romance. It was something more than that; something real. And the thought terrified her.