Pandemic Lovers

Chapter 2

Authors note: the italics are a flashback, which will take up half of this chapter! Some things may be altered for the background.

July 23, 2010

Five names were called. Harry's name was one of the five, his breath hitching in his throat. He was unsure of what news he would be receiving. It was clear the judges weren't sure on his performance. Could this be that they were being sent home? Instead of publicly embarrassing them, they'd tell them in private?

They were taken to a room, they looked at one another. You could sense not only the tension but also the confusion. Each of them with their quirks, giving away that they were nervous. He noticed his eyes lingering on one of them longer than the other. His hair fell in his eyes, his outfit appeared to be picked out by his mom, but he was quiet. He was reserved. He showed barley any signs of being nervous. He looked up, locking eyes with Harry. Harry's heart skipped a beat, quickly looking down, a blush creeping up his neck.

A man enters the room. They all snap their heads in his direction, it was Simon. He looked at them. Calling their names one by one. He went on a longish speech, keeping the boys on the edge of their seats. Harry barely could pay attention, feeling the others eyes on him briefly, Louis. That was his name.

"I've decided you all have a talent. You're all diverse in what your voices can do. Instead of advancing you guys as solo artists, I'd like to form a band. The five of you, if you agree, will continue in the competition as 'One Direction'."

Simon looked at them. The boys waited a moment before each of them decided that at least they'd be continuing. Even if it meant with four other strangers, they had a shot. So they agreed.

That may have been the best decision. The audience and internet loved them. They quickly took up popularity and they all grew close. From video diaries to performing. Unfortunately, they placed second. They thought for sure that was it. That was the end of the road. Until, Simon agreed to sign them. As a band.

Present Day

Harry awoke the next morning. He yawned and stretched, heading straight for the shower. After completing his morning routine and work out, he decided to cook himself some food. Nothing extravagant, as he wasnt really that hungry. He opened the balcony door and sat outside to eat and drink. He looked out over his view. Los Angeles was beautiful, a home away from home. But he knew he'd have to fly home to England before he was trapped. He had an early flight the next morning.

His eyes landed upon his phone. Thrown to the side of his bedside table, still on the charger. He went in and picked it up. He remembered that he had yet to text Louis back, and decided that he left enough room.

To: Louis T.
11:30AM PST

Hey, my apologies for not responding last night. I fell asleep, exhausted from the day of meetings. I hope that youre now stress free. Its okay that you didnt text much last year, i had a busy year myself and barley responded to people. I'm always here if you need, i know we ended on bad terms. - H xx

Again, his finger lingered. He hit send anyways and decided to pack his bags for his flight. He responded to important emails and texts, jumping on conference calls, while keeping an eye on the fans reactions. Since there wasnt a timeline for the virus, they couldnt start rescheduling, not wanting to get the fans hopes up only to crush them again if they had to cancel or push back the tour more.

Harry couldn't focus. His mind wondered several times and he kept checking his phone with every ding! That came from it. Hoping one of them might be his old lover.

"How could you?! How could you betray me like that, Harry? You think i didnt fucking notice?" Louis spit out. Anger lacing his words, venomous like a snake that just bit its prey.

Harry sighed, his chest heavy. He knew Louis wasnt going to take easy to the news that he'd have to leave again after promising that he'd take time off. Harry knew he had been distant in the relationship and neglected Louis at times.

"I'm not trying to come off as toxic, but you promised. Promised, Harry! All you had to do was take a few weeks off. We had plans."

Louis had a quiver in his voice. He was hurt, angry, and maybe lashing out didnt fix things, maybe he needed to take a step back, but he was hurt. Harry barley found time for them now that the band had split. He went in a year later and started writing for his first album, then a tour, then award shows, and again its like Harry became a stranger. He was swept away in the flashing lights, leaving Louis behind at home. Louis was patient, but noticed Harry slowly disappearing from his sight. His heart ached.

"I'm sorry, Lou.. I — there isnt an excuse. I know, we had plans. But... things happen." Harry sighed out.

He knew Louis had a right to be angry. Surely Harry could've pushed back a few things and started the second album after his few weeks off to mend his relationship. He wasnt hurting for money and the fans would be understanding of his break. However, they never confirmed a relationship to the public. Everything was still a secret.

"I cant do this anymore, Harry. The empty promises, the hope that this relationship will be public, the waiting for you to call me when i know it wont happen. I cant do this. We have to end things."

And they did. That was it. The last exchange before Louis moved out. He packed his things, tearful eyes and a tightness in his chest. Louis went on to write his own album, it wasnt as successful as Harry's, but he had to let it out. He had a strong support system. Harry listened to it, but didnt send anything to him. Still unsure of where they stood. But he missed him.

Harry remembered that night fondly, only finding himself to blame. He wanted to reach out, he couldnt though. He knew it was too soon and that Louis may still be hurt. His heart dropped when he didnt receive a message from Louis. It was well into evening now, he knew he should be asleep. However, his brain was full of memories, memories he couldnt change no matter how much he wanted.

He hoped that this could turn into something. He missed his bestfriend.