Fireproof [l.t]

Chapter 13

We have a performance that night, and despite the same feeling of nervous butterflies in my stomach, it feels like there's something different tonight. I can't tell if it's good or bad, but I feel almost ... more relaxed.

We have our soundcheck, followed by a little bit of downtime and then we're back on stage again. I feel the nerves, but I also feel more comfortable on the stage than I ever could have been when we started the tour. There's a smile permanently on my face throughout our whole set, and even when we finish it's still there. Usually, we sit and watch the boys perform after we finish, or if it's been a big day, we might take a nap backstage. But tonight, we're rushing around to find the masks that we'd hidden earlier.

"This is going to be great." Michael says brushing his hair back out of his eyes as he slips the Liam mask over his face. "By far the best thing anyone has ever done on tour."

"Alright, relax." I say, rolling my eyes as I place my mask on top of my head, but not pulling it down yet. I see that the others have done the same as well. "Like it's good, but it's not that good. Chill."

"What's with the attitude, huh?" Luke asks mockingly, poking me in the side. "This is a great idea."

"Whatever." I say, but I can't help the smile. It's been easier to smile these days, there's not a lot that succeeds in bringing my mood down. I turn away from the boys and look on stage. It's always fun watching One Direction, they just fool around with each other, and I have to admit that their vocals are pretty good. Like the first time, I find myself watching Louis during their performance. Even now, while Zayn is hitting that high note in You and I, I can't seem to tear my eyes away from watching Louis, who's whispering to Harry and annoying Niall. The only reason I do in the end is because Ashton taps me on the shoulder.

I turn around to him quickly and blush as though I've been caught doing something I haven't. "Uh, hey." I stammer, as he watches me cautiously. "What's up?"

"Just checking in. How are you feeling?"

"Good. Great actually. No complaints." I say, genuinely meaning it. There's nothing I could complain about at this point, except maybe the sleepless nights. Otherwise, for the first time in a while, I've actually been enjoying myself the past few weeks.

"Good. You know I'm proud of you right?" He says quietly, after a brief pause. I smile softly in return, not knowing what to say, and feeling my throat close up. I never thought it would feel so nice to hear someone say those words. We're silent for a moment before I can think of anything to say.

"Why are you such a sap?" I say softly, wanting to change the subject before I reply

Ashton grins in reply and doesn't say anything. Then, with no prompt and no warning, I hug him. I can tell he's shocked because it takes him a moment to register the fact that I've got my arms wrapped around him before he reciprocates. It's nice for about a second, right up to when I hear Calum shout, "Wait we're hugging now?" and then all too quickly, not giving me enough time to escape, the rest of the boys all rush to jump in on the hug.

I let it happen for a moment because I find myself actually liking the way that their arms wrap around the both of us. It's stifling and awkward, but it's nice for a few seconds, and then the moment passes and my skin itches as I want to pull away.

"Okay, okay. Enough." I mumble, trying to be heard from where I am in the middle of the four boys.

They all move away, not needing to be asked twice, and then just kind of stand around not really sure what to do now, as though that was some sort of joint madness.

"Well, that was nice." Luke drawls out. "Different, but nice."

We laugh together, and then we hear the song winding down to an end and realise that it's almost time for us to execute our plan. I pull my mask over my face and then looking around through the little pin prick holes, try to get acquainted with my limited vision.

I see that the boys have done the same, and then all too soon, the sound of Best Song Ever rings through the arena, and then we're running on stage, filled with more nerves and excitement than when we do our own sets. I jog over to Louis, smiling as he looks at me in shock when he registers the fact that I have his face over mine. I quickly glance around, revelling in the similar looks that the rest of One Direction wear when they're met with their 5SOS counter parts.

Then we start singing, taking over from the boys, getting the lyrics wrong and in general just acting stupid. Louis watches me for a few seconds, before joining in with us in time for the chorus. As we sing, we both hold the microphone, leaning in closely, and for once, I don't feel uncomfortable at the proximity. Even as our hands brush while we both hold the stand, I don't flinch at the spark it sends down my spine, and I leave my hand there for much longer than I ever would have before.

We all hop around the stage, screaming out lyrics without really bothering to hit the right notes. Half of the time I'm too busy bent over laughing to even be able to breathe out any words. As I watch the boys practically grappling on stage, I realise that this is the hardest I've laughed and the most carefree fun I've had in a while, and I almost forget that we're in the middle of a concert.

All too soon, it seems, the song finishes and when the last few chords ring out, the crowd cheers and brings us back to reality.

"Thank you we've been One Direction." Harry says with a smile, almost having to yell over the noise even with his microphone.

"And we've also been One Direction." Ashton yells into the microphone with a smile and I laugh at him as I wave at the audience, lifting Louis' mask from my face. The four boys perform exaggerated bows and curtseys next to me as I continue to smile and wave to the crowd as I walk off. The stage lights turn off as we're ushered backstage, laughing and joking around. As always, I linger at the back and watch with a smile as the boys jostle their way through side-stage, unable to stop myself from thinking that things are looking up. That everything is great.