fic: quick, before lizzie takes this video down! (LBD, lizzie/darcy)
title: quick, before lizzie takes this video down!
pairing: lizzie/darcy (the lizzie bennet diaries)
spoilers: all aired episodes of the LBD and the plot of Pride & Prejudice
summary: this is my take on how they might deal with Darcy's admission of his unwanted feels
INT. CHARLOTTE’S OFFICE - COLLINS AND COLLINS INTERIOR - LATE AFTERNOON
LIZZIE, a weary twenty-something sitting in front of the screen on a desk chair, medium close up. She is wearing a comfy-looking knit sweater with her hair half-hazardly pinned up and a mug in her hand.
LIZZIE:
You guys are not going to believe what just happened. I barely believe it happened. If it weren't accidentally recorded, I’d swear that I was hallucinating. And after talking it over with Charlotte, we decided that posting the entire video would be wrong since Bing at least knew he was on camera when he was with Jane. But I’m still reeling from the whole ordeal and I need some perspective and perhaps you, the viewers, can provide.
LIZZIE takes a deep breath, sending a pleading look at the camera.
LIZZIE:
This is Lizzie Bennet......and I need to lie down.
THEME MUSIC plays while TITLE SEQUENCE is shown.
CUT TO:
INT. CHARLOTTE’S OFFICE - COLLINS AND COLLINS INTERIOR - EARLIER THAT DAY
LIZZIE is wearing a purple dress with her hair down, a smile on her face.
LIZZIE:
Hey, Jane. Everyone’s gone off to brunch and I can’t stand another meal with certain people, even if it means abandoning Charlotte to the wolves. I thought I’d take a break and fight off my potential headache by talking to you.
DARCY: (O.S.)
Elizabeth? Are you feeling well?
LIZZIE, at first startled, gives an exaggerated frown to the camera once she realizes who is approaching her.
LIZZIE: (mutters to the camera)
Seriously?
DARCY, a sharp-dressed male in his late twenties enters through the door. He is wearing a pressed polo shirt and his hair has recently been combed.
DARCY:
I heard you were sick and I wanted to make sure it wasn’t food poisoning from your dinner with Fitz last night. He can be....irresponsible after three saki bombs.
LIZZIE:
No, the sushi was fine, if a bit new to my tastes. But, unlike some people, I don’t mind trying new things.
DARCY:
Well, good. That’s...that’s good then. Uh, I’d hate to think of you...um, inconvenienced when I could have prevented it.
LIZZIE:
Thanks? But, seriously, it’s just a headache. I thought I’d just record a message for Jane and wait for it to fade.
DARCY:
Uh...is there anything I can...do?
LIZZIE:
Nope. I'm sorry you missed the lunch for nothing, but you could probably still catch them if you left. Now.
LIZZIE is clearly hopeful that he’ll take the hint.
DARCY:
Leave? I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to talk to you for two weeks!
LIZZIE:
Unless it's to apologize about Jane, I'd really rather not talk to you.
DARCY:
Your sister? What could she---
LIZZIE: (interrupts)
Fitz told me that you broke her and Bing up! That you thought she was only in it for the money! I knew something was fishy last week when she said she got desperate and emailed you of all people after getting no where with Bing and Caroline. She said she never got the failed message delivery notice she got from them, but you still ignored it.
DARCY covers his face with his hand to cover-up his exasperation. Clearly, this is not going as he’d hoped.
DARCY:
I get hundreds of emails a day, I can’t read them all. I have an assistant to filter out unimportant messages.
LIZZIE is getting agitated and turns in her seat to face him so she can poke him in the chest with each point she makes.
LIZZIE:
That's not even the point! Would it have been polite to answer her email and let her know that you three hadn't disappeared off the face of the Earth? Yeah. That would have helped. But it wouldn't excuse the fact that the only reason Bing disappeared was because of you! How you could think she was after Bing's money is absurd! Especially when she was your biggest advocate! Wasn't she nice to you when you didn't know anyone in town? Don’t you want to see Bing happy?
DARCY:
Of course I want my best friend happy! It’s why I made him move!
LIZZIE:
So, you admit it? You're not going to even try to deny it? Tell me it's not true?
DARCY:
You may think me manipulative but I am not duplicitous. I won't lie to you about my actions. In fact, I'm happy to say that I've been a better friend to him than I have been advisor to my own heart. It seems that you ruin all self-control I once had over my own emotions--
LIZZIE:
And you did this without feeling even a twinge of guilt over ruining two people's happiness?
DARCY:
Please, can you resist adding your commentary until I’m completely finished? I didn’t come here to talk to you about your family. I came to tell you how I feel!
LIZZIE:
Feel?
CUT TO:
INT. CHARLOTTE’S OFFICE - COLLINS AND COLLINS INTERIOR - NIGHT
CHARLOTTE, a business-minded woman is leaning toward the camera conspiratorially. She looks over her shoulder before speaking to the camera.
CHARLOTTE: (whispers)
So, exciting times, right? Now, our dear Lizzie would like me to end the vlog here and edit out the rest, but I feel that to completely end the video here would be a disservice to all the loyal fans out there. Which is why I’m not going to cut out what happened next. (raised eyebrow) Enjoy!
CUT TO:
INT. CHARLOTTE’S OFFICE - COLLINS AND COLLINS INTERIOR - EARLIER THAT DAY
DARCY:
Surely, you notice the change that overtakes me when you’re around? I can’t think or speak. I feel flustered and not at all myself. I think about you all the time, to the point of distraction! My work has suffered as a result and as such I cannot ignore these alterations to my behaviour. I can’t think of what else to do!
DARCY fidgets in his seat, eyes not quite keeping contact with LIZZIE.
DARCY:
At first I was put off by your mother, but now that you won’t be going to school so close to home, we can spend time apart from your family.
DARCY looks up from his feet to smile at LIZZIE.
DARCY:
I know the situation is not ideal, but you can’t really choose who you fall for, right? (laughs) I certainly never would have guessed that I’d be in this situation with you if I had a say in the matter.
LIZZIE:
Me neither. This is a....big shock.
DARCY:
But a happy one. I can take you to the best parties for networking, open up opportunities for your career that no-one else could give you. I’m sure we’ll find something useful that you can do with your degree once your schooling is finished.
LIZZIE:
Excuse me?
DARCY:
Obviously I want to make you happy, Lizzie. I want to provide you with a rewarding career and I know that your interest in social media is important to you, but you must admit that it’s not like you have many options with a degree and no experience. I honestly can't see you happy doing nothing all day except shopping. Of course, a few purchases here and there to add to your wardrobe will be necessary because of the black-tie functions we will be attending.
LIZZIE:
Erk.
DARCY:
So, what do you think? Obviously it's a bit early to talk about pre-nuptial agreements, but I think you can agree how I would want one after your mother's behaviour and--
LIZZIE: (quiet, barely restrained fury):
I think you should leave.
DARCY:
Why?
LIZZIE stands up, out of the frame, leaving only her midsection in view.
LIZZIE:
Gee, hard to know where to start, really. I mean, do I address the part where you said I was a distraction that you wished to get over? Do I attempt to tell you how you devastated Jane with your selfish little ploy? Or do I focus on how you insulted me and my family? Not just with your snobbish opinions, but your assumption that you’d have to be protected from my greedy, middle-class, money-grubbing hands? I can't believe that you have any idea what real love feels like and you certainly don't feel it for me.
DARCY stands up to join her, we can only see them from the elbows down but their body language is clear - they are both angry and insulted.
DARCY:
I think you misunderstood my point--
LIZZIE:
No, I understood just fine! And I don’t need you or any other man to tell me how to think!
Footage is visibly sped up with the audio off, DARCY and LIZZIE are seen gesticulating with their arms and moving around the office as they yell at each other. A caption pops up that reads “the fighting went on for awhile - charlotte”.
LIZZIE:
Even if you’d talked to me like a decent human being, like we were equals instead of me being your inferior - even then, I’d be unable to return your feelings. We’re just too different. See, I have actual principles, manners and an awareness of other people's feelings.
DARCY:
Right. You have made yourself clear. I won’t bother you any further. Goodbye.
DARCY sighs when he realises that LIZZIE won’t give him a response. He exits.
LIZZIE breathes deeply, runs her hands over her hair.
LIZZIE:(to the camera)
Can you believe him? What an arrogant, self-righteous, stuck-up ass! What gives him the right to---
LIZZIE stops at the sound of approaching footsteps.
DARCY: (O.S.)
Before you get any ideas, I just want you to know that I simply forgot my phone--
DARCY enters, awkwardly.
LIZZIE points off screen, eyes never leaving the camera, refusing to look at DARCY.
LIZZIE:
Over there.
DARCY:
Thank you, I--was the camera on the entire time?
LIZZIE:
You don't have to worry, I'll delete everything. Wouldn't want to be sued for defamation of character - or can someone only sue if it's a lie? In which case I'd be perfectly safe.
DARCY:
No need to trouble yourself on my account. I have no regrets regarding my actions. Am I to correctly assume this is the mysterious hobby that you use as an excuse to avoid people you dislike?
LIZZIE:
Like you’re one to talk! You bail on things all the time if they involve anyone out of your precious social circle. God forbid you hang out with people not on the prestigious list of People Darcy Approves Of; although having met George, I think I'm okay with being taken off the list.
DARCY:
George? Right, I remember seeing you with him. Well, I suppose I know better than anyone how charming and persuasive he can be when he wants to be. Obviously I was not thinking clearly or I would have realized that you would not have the intellect to see through his lies.
LIZZIE:
At the moment I'm more inclined to trust the person who isn't insulting me!
DARCY:
So is that the typical substance of one of your videos? I had thought better of you than to run a gossip and scandal vlog. Of course, I should have known that you'd meddle like your mother or expose yourself like your younger sister. Make no mistake, I will not be confused about your integrity in the future.
LIZZIE:
How dare you speak about my family like that! I guess I should have known that you'd get petty and mean when everyone isn't falling at your feet in worship!
Footage is sped up again, DARCY and LIZZIE are seen yelling without audio . Another caption pops up in the middle of the screen that reads “this fight was nastier and neither really showcased their best self, i thought it was kinder to fast forward through their juvenile behaviour - charlotte”.
LIZZIE:
Fine!
DARCY:
Fine!
LIZZIE:
Good!
DARCY:
Great!
LIZZIE stomps out of the office.
DARCY sits back down with a huff, shoulders slumped in defeat and self-loathing. He knows he's gone too far and rubs at his eyes with the heel of his palms. When he finally looks up again he notices the camera is still set up on it’s tripod and sit up straight to better face it.
DARCY:
I owe you an apology. A hundred thousand apologies. My temper--When I get--I am not as skilled with--It's just that you fluster me so---
Elizabeth, I realize that I acted out of line and that I should have listened to you earlier. I should also not have said those horrible things. I don't expect you to ever return my feelings, in fact, I will do my best to hide them from now on.
I feel as though I'm unworthy of your forgiveness, but I'd like to attempt to clear my name regarding one point. I can only hope that you’ll be more likely to actually listen to my side of the story when you can’t interrupt me with your absurd accusations.
With regard to Jane and Bing or my own preconceptions about your family I have no excuse, but in the case of George, I need to set the record straight. His lies have gone on long enough.
CUT TO:
INT. CHARLOTTE’S OFFICE - COLLINS AND COLLINS INTERIOR - NIGHT
CHARLOTTE: (still whispering)
Okay, so Darcy revealed something very personal about his family and while this vlog may be free with sharing all the drama of the Bennet family, I actually felt this was a bit too personal to be broadcasted to all of our viewers. Just....trust me that Darcy’s story checks out, okay?
Now I just need to get Lizzie to watch his confession.
FADE TO BLACK.
pairing: lizzie/darcy (the lizzie bennet diaries)
spoilers: all aired episodes of the LBD and the plot of Pride & Prejudice
summary: this is my take on how they might deal with Darcy's admission of his unwanted feels
INT. CHARLOTTE’S OFFICE - COLLINS AND COLLINS INTERIOR - LATE AFTERNOON
LIZZIE, a weary twenty-something sitting in front of the screen on a desk chair, medium close up. She is wearing a comfy-looking knit sweater with her hair half-hazardly pinned up and a mug in her hand.
LIZZIE:
You guys are not going to believe what just happened. I barely believe it happened. If it weren't accidentally recorded, I’d swear that I was hallucinating. And after talking it over with Charlotte, we decided that posting the entire video would be wrong since Bing at least knew he was on camera when he was with Jane. But I’m still reeling from the whole ordeal and I need some perspective and perhaps you, the viewers, can provide.
LIZZIE takes a deep breath, sending a pleading look at the camera.
LIZZIE:
This is Lizzie Bennet......and I need to lie down.
THEME MUSIC plays while TITLE SEQUENCE is shown.
CUT TO:
INT. CHARLOTTE’S OFFICE - COLLINS AND COLLINS INTERIOR - EARLIER THAT DAY
LIZZIE is wearing a purple dress with her hair down, a smile on her face.
LIZZIE:
Hey, Jane. Everyone’s gone off to brunch and I can’t stand another meal with certain people, even if it means abandoning Charlotte to the wolves. I thought I’d take a break and fight off my potential headache by talking to you.
DARCY: (O.S.)
Elizabeth? Are you feeling well?
LIZZIE, at first startled, gives an exaggerated frown to the camera once she realizes who is approaching her.
LIZZIE: (mutters to the camera)
Seriously?
DARCY, a sharp-dressed male in his late twenties enters through the door. He is wearing a pressed polo shirt and his hair has recently been combed.
DARCY:
I heard you were sick and I wanted to make sure it wasn’t food poisoning from your dinner with Fitz last night. He can be....irresponsible after three saki bombs.
LIZZIE:
No, the sushi was fine, if a bit new to my tastes. But, unlike some people, I don’t mind trying new things.
DARCY:
Well, good. That’s...that’s good then. Uh, I’d hate to think of you...um, inconvenienced when I could have prevented it.
LIZZIE:
Thanks? But, seriously, it’s just a headache. I thought I’d just record a message for Jane and wait for it to fade.
DARCY:
Uh...is there anything I can...do?
LIZZIE:
Nope. I'm sorry you missed the lunch for nothing, but you could probably still catch them if you left. Now.
LIZZIE is clearly hopeful that he’ll take the hint.
DARCY:
Leave? I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to talk to you for two weeks!
LIZZIE:
Unless it's to apologize about Jane, I'd really rather not talk to you.
DARCY:
Your sister? What could she---
LIZZIE: (interrupts)
Fitz told me that you broke her and Bing up! That you thought she was only in it for the money! I knew something was fishy last week when she said she got desperate and emailed you of all people after getting no where with Bing and Caroline. She said she never got the failed message delivery notice she got from them, but you still ignored it.
DARCY covers his face with his hand to cover-up his exasperation. Clearly, this is not going as he’d hoped.
DARCY:
I get hundreds of emails a day, I can’t read them all. I have an assistant to filter out unimportant messages.
LIZZIE is getting agitated and turns in her seat to face him so she can poke him in the chest with each point she makes.
LIZZIE:
That's not even the point! Would it have been polite to answer her email and let her know that you three hadn't disappeared off the face of the Earth? Yeah. That would have helped. But it wouldn't excuse the fact that the only reason Bing disappeared was because of you! How you could think she was after Bing's money is absurd! Especially when she was your biggest advocate! Wasn't she nice to you when you didn't know anyone in town? Don’t you want to see Bing happy?
DARCY:
Of course I want my best friend happy! It’s why I made him move!
LIZZIE:
So, you admit it? You're not going to even try to deny it? Tell me it's not true?
DARCY:
You may think me manipulative but I am not duplicitous. I won't lie to you about my actions. In fact, I'm happy to say that I've been a better friend to him than I have been advisor to my own heart. It seems that you ruin all self-control I once had over my own emotions--
LIZZIE:
And you did this without feeling even a twinge of guilt over ruining two people's happiness?
DARCY:
Please, can you resist adding your commentary until I’m completely finished? I didn’t come here to talk to you about your family. I came to tell you how I feel!
LIZZIE:
Feel?
CUT TO:
INT. CHARLOTTE’S OFFICE - COLLINS AND COLLINS INTERIOR - NIGHT
CHARLOTTE, a business-minded woman is leaning toward the camera conspiratorially. She looks over her shoulder before speaking to the camera.
CHARLOTTE: (whispers)
So, exciting times, right? Now, our dear Lizzie would like me to end the vlog here and edit out the rest, but I feel that to completely end the video here would be a disservice to all the loyal fans out there. Which is why I’m not going to cut out what happened next. (raised eyebrow) Enjoy!
CUT TO:
INT. CHARLOTTE’S OFFICE - COLLINS AND COLLINS INTERIOR - EARLIER THAT DAY
DARCY:
Surely, you notice the change that overtakes me when you’re around? I can’t think or speak. I feel flustered and not at all myself. I think about you all the time, to the point of distraction! My work has suffered as a result and as such I cannot ignore these alterations to my behaviour. I can’t think of what else to do!
DARCY fidgets in his seat, eyes not quite keeping contact with LIZZIE.
DARCY:
At first I was put off by your mother, but now that you won’t be going to school so close to home, we can spend time apart from your family.
DARCY looks up from his feet to smile at LIZZIE.
DARCY:
I know the situation is not ideal, but you can’t really choose who you fall for, right? (laughs) I certainly never would have guessed that I’d be in this situation with you if I had a say in the matter.
LIZZIE:
Me neither. This is a....big shock.
DARCY:
But a happy one. I can take you to the best parties for networking, open up opportunities for your career that no-one else could give you. I’m sure we’ll find something useful that you can do with your degree once your schooling is finished.
LIZZIE:
Excuse me?
DARCY:
Obviously I want to make you happy, Lizzie. I want to provide you with a rewarding career and I know that your interest in social media is important to you, but you must admit that it’s not like you have many options with a degree and no experience. I honestly can't see you happy doing nothing all day except shopping. Of course, a few purchases here and there to add to your wardrobe will be necessary because of the black-tie functions we will be attending.
LIZZIE:
Erk.
DARCY:
So, what do you think? Obviously it's a bit early to talk about pre-nuptial agreements, but I think you can agree how I would want one after your mother's behaviour and--
LIZZIE: (quiet, barely restrained fury):
I think you should leave.
DARCY:
Why?
LIZZIE stands up, out of the frame, leaving only her midsection in view.
LIZZIE:
Gee, hard to know where to start, really. I mean, do I address the part where you said I was a distraction that you wished to get over? Do I attempt to tell you how you devastated Jane with your selfish little ploy? Or do I focus on how you insulted me and my family? Not just with your snobbish opinions, but your assumption that you’d have to be protected from my greedy, middle-class, money-grubbing hands? I can't believe that you have any idea what real love feels like and you certainly don't feel it for me.
DARCY stands up to join her, we can only see them from the elbows down but their body language is clear - they are both angry and insulted.
DARCY:
I think you misunderstood my point--
LIZZIE:
No, I understood just fine! And I don’t need you or any other man to tell me how to think!
Footage is visibly sped up with the audio off, DARCY and LIZZIE are seen gesticulating with their arms and moving around the office as they yell at each other. A caption pops up that reads “the fighting went on for awhile - charlotte”.
LIZZIE:
Even if you’d talked to me like a decent human being, like we were equals instead of me being your inferior - even then, I’d be unable to return your feelings. We’re just too different. See, I have actual principles, manners and an awareness of other people's feelings.
DARCY:
Right. You have made yourself clear. I won’t bother you any further. Goodbye.
DARCY sighs when he realises that LIZZIE won’t give him a response. He exits.
LIZZIE breathes deeply, runs her hands over her hair.
LIZZIE:(to the camera)
Can you believe him? What an arrogant, self-righteous, stuck-up ass! What gives him the right to---
LIZZIE stops at the sound of approaching footsteps.
DARCY: (O.S.)
Before you get any ideas, I just want you to know that I simply forgot my phone--
DARCY enters, awkwardly.
LIZZIE points off screen, eyes never leaving the camera, refusing to look at DARCY.
LIZZIE:
Over there.
DARCY:
Thank you, I--was the camera on the entire time?
LIZZIE:
You don't have to worry, I'll delete everything. Wouldn't want to be sued for defamation of character - or can someone only sue if it's a lie? In which case I'd be perfectly safe.
DARCY:
No need to trouble yourself on my account. I have no regrets regarding my actions. Am I to correctly assume this is the mysterious hobby that you use as an excuse to avoid people you dislike?
LIZZIE:
Like you’re one to talk! You bail on things all the time if they involve anyone out of your precious social circle. God forbid you hang out with people not on the prestigious list of People Darcy Approves Of; although having met George, I think I'm okay with being taken off the list.
DARCY:
George? Right, I remember seeing you with him. Well, I suppose I know better than anyone how charming and persuasive he can be when he wants to be. Obviously I was not thinking clearly or I would have realized that you would not have the intellect to see through his lies.
LIZZIE:
At the moment I'm more inclined to trust the person who isn't insulting me!
DARCY:
So is that the typical substance of one of your videos? I had thought better of you than to run a gossip and scandal vlog. Of course, I should have known that you'd meddle like your mother or expose yourself like your younger sister. Make no mistake, I will not be confused about your integrity in the future.
LIZZIE:
How dare you speak about my family like that! I guess I should have known that you'd get petty and mean when everyone isn't falling at your feet in worship!
Footage is sped up again, DARCY and LIZZIE are seen yelling without audio . Another caption pops up in the middle of the screen that reads “this fight was nastier and neither really showcased their best self, i thought it was kinder to fast forward through their juvenile behaviour - charlotte”.
LIZZIE:
Fine!
DARCY:
Fine!
LIZZIE:
Good!
DARCY:
Great!
LIZZIE stomps out of the office.
DARCY sits back down with a huff, shoulders slumped in defeat and self-loathing. He knows he's gone too far and rubs at his eyes with the heel of his palms. When he finally looks up again he notices the camera is still set up on it’s tripod and sit up straight to better face it.
DARCY:
I owe you an apology. A hundred thousand apologies. My temper--When I get--I am not as skilled with--It's just that you fluster me so---
Elizabeth, I realize that I acted out of line and that I should have listened to you earlier. I should also not have said those horrible things. I don't expect you to ever return my feelings, in fact, I will do my best to hide them from now on.
I feel as though I'm unworthy of your forgiveness, but I'd like to attempt to clear my name regarding one point. I can only hope that you’ll be more likely to actually listen to my side of the story when you can’t interrupt me with your absurd accusations.
With regard to Jane and Bing or my own preconceptions about your family I have no excuse, but in the case of George, I need to set the record straight. His lies have gone on long enough.
CUT TO:
INT. CHARLOTTE’S OFFICE - COLLINS AND COLLINS INTERIOR - NIGHT
CHARLOTTE: (still whispering)
Okay, so Darcy revealed something very personal about his family and while this vlog may be free with sharing all the drama of the Bennet family, I actually felt this was a bit too personal to be broadcasted to all of our viewers. Just....trust me that Darcy’s story checks out, okay?
Now I just need to get Lizzie to watch his confession.
FADE TO BLACK.