Chapter Text
The first time Lizzie noticed, she was shadowing at Pemberley.
She and Darcy were walking through the corridors towards one of the many breackrooms and she was once again amazed at how well they got along.
She hated that she loved it so much here and she stayed puzzled at Darcy's behaviour. It was quite the revelation, to see him at ease, confident in his work but nothing like the unsufferable snob agoraphobic lobster. Fitz really had something going on with that comparison.
Anyway, Lizzie was confused but she tried her best not to show it and to keep herself engaged in the conversation with the CEO of Pemberley Digital. She needed to stay focus, if only for her independant studies. Nonetheless Lizzie was completely lost in her thoughts.
And this is how she failed to notice the silhouette at the end of a side aisle. However Darcy did. He stopped walking abruptly and put his hand lightly on her wrist.
"If you will excuse me Lizzie, I'll be back in a minute."
And as soon as he touched her, he went away, leaving her frowning slightly at her wrist. She shook herself and looked at where he went.
Blinking in surprise she saw Darcy helping someone to sit on the floor, gently taking them by their elbows. She started walking toward them but stopped in her pace realising she would be of no use here.
However she could not help herself eavesdroping, frozen on her spot.
As soon as who she supposed was an employee was safely sitting on the floor, Darcy dropped his hands to his sides but stayed crouched, speaking softly. A panick attack she realised. It was the first time in her stay that she witnessed someone working at Pemberley not being alright. But she knew better now that to assume it was because of the CEO's tyrannic management.
Especially when said CEO was currently helping the employee.
She wondered how many CEOs would stop for a mere worker and if, perhaps, Darcy was doing it because she was there. But it wasn't like she had her camera with her and Darcy didn't spare a single glance at her, entirely focused on the person in front of him.
"I am going to touch your shoulder, is that alright with you ? Don't try to speak if it's too much right now, nod or shake your head. Alright, I'm touching you now."
Darcy rearranged himself and just sat on the floor, cross-legged, like a child whispering to a friend.
Lizzie knew, she knew, she shouldn't be watching, but it was oddly mesmerizing to see Darcy as a comforting figure.
"We will try to breath together, alright? Follow my lead."
And he took exagerated breaths reminding Lizzie that she, herself, should breathe if she wanted to stay aware of her surroundings.
After the employee started shakingly to breathe normally, Darcy smiled and congratulated them. The employee could not help but smile in return though it was barely visible. Then Darcy, dropping his arm once again, began to talk about anything, from how one of the head employees thought an armless caterpillar was the beginning of a colony, or the day he had to chase a too energetic dog out of the offices, and no one knew where the dog came from.
Silly storie were told, one after the other, bringing a steadier smile and an actual chuckle from the employee. Gently, Darcy asked :
"Are you feeling better now ?"
"Yes thank you."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"It's nothing, just a bit of stress."
"Just a bit of stress would still be valid you know."
"I'm sorry I took so much of your time, I'm making a fool of myself."
Darcy tilted his head.
"No, not at all. I'm glad if I can help."
"Thank you sir..."
At that the employee actually looked at the man and seemed to realise who he was. Lizzie could see their eyes widening as panick stroke them again. Darcy put his hands on their shoulders.
"Hey, hey, it's alright. Everything's fine don't worry."
"I'm sorry Sir, I didn't realise who you were. I wouldn't have taken so much of your time"
"It doesn't matter who I am, you should take as much time as you need to take care of yourself."
"But..."
"No, you might be my employee but you still are your first priority. Is that clear?" Darcy interrupted gently yet with authority.
"Yes sir."
"Good. Now, I want you to listen carefully : if you need a day off because of unexpected circumstances or because you feel like it's too much for you right now, then you take a day off. You are always free to use a napping pod if you need it. You are more important than your work. Understood ?"
Even several feet apart, Lizzie could see the relief overtaking the employee.
"Yes sir, thank you so much."
There was so much respect and amazement in their voice, but Lizzie found that she felt the same.
"Not at all. Will you be fine on your own ?"
"I think so. Yes I will."
"Then I hope the rest of your day will be fine." Darcy said with a soft smile.
Darcy stood and helped the employee do the same. He took their hand in his owns and declared, comically raising an eyebrow:
"I trust you to take care of yourself, alright ?"
"Aye sir, I will."
Satisfied with the lightness of their tone, Darcy nodded one more time and went back to Lizzie.
Lizzie tried to look as if she wasn't watching everything since the begining but she fooled no one. The employee disappeared at the end of the corridor with a soft smile and Darcy came in front of her with impassible seriousness.
"I apologize for the delay, you shouldn't have waited for me."
Lizzie startled at the professionalism and self-effacement.
"No, you needn't apologize. It was very kind of you to help them as you did."
Awkwardness seemed to come back to him as he stuttered to find an answer.
"If I can help somehow" he finally settled for.
"You did help, a lot I'm sure. It is not everyday we see the big boss of a firm such as this one telling silly stories to employees."
Darcy slightly pulled his chin in his neck and looked away.
"You seem to know how to deal with panick attacks." Lizzie ventured.
"My sister... she used to have them and even sometimes Bing or occasionally Fitz. I mean, life happens and if I can help then..."
"I get it. Jane is often the one helping the others with it, but I hope if she needs it, I will be able to help her."
"I'm sure you will. Especially considering the fact that she is a loved one for you."
Lizzie was surprised by the honesty in his tone.
"I hope your right."
Darcy didn't reply and looked away probably not knowing what to say. Lizzie took pity and changed the subject.
"Do you think there is still time to have coffee while I keep pestering you on an endless interview ?"
He chuckled and with great flourish, moved his hand to indicate the corridor in an inviting gesture.
"Do lead the way Miss Bennet."
Mission accomplished, Lizzie thought.
"Of course Mr Darcy, or you might get lost."
Darcy snorted and resumed their walking.