Only a Heartbeat Away

Chapter 1

It has been almost a week since Sally Welsh had that conversation with Louis, that dreaded conversation that Louis refused to discuss under any circumstances, that conversation that led to an argument between the couple. Unfortunately, at that point of time Harry took a turn for the worse. The tickle that started in the back of his throat has progressed to an itch that then led to Harry sounding like someone poured lava down his vocal cords. Harry sighed as Sally booked them into yet another Hotel and demanded that the boys sleep in separate rooms. Naturally, Louis protested loudly which Sally simply ignored and had one the bodyguards physically carry Louis to the suite. As the bodyguard picked-up Louis, he yelled out.

"I'm doing this under duress!" all the lads laughed except Harry who just smiled fondly at his man-child of a husband. Finally, when Sally dismissed the rest of them Harry collapsed on the bed. At this point he was getting annoyed with the colour scheme and layout. It was always the bloody same. Bathroom... check, TV area... check, a user-friendly kitchen that held the basic cooking supplies... 100% check. Harry missed his kitchen and being able to make decent meals not the cheap, nasty stuff that was just too simple and quite frankly boring. As Harry laid there thinking about what meals he was going to cook when the boys got home, he realise just how awfully unwell he was feeling. He wished he could talk to Louis maybe even Niall or Liam or hell even Zayn at this point would be better than the silent hell that the room had become. Maybe I could sneak out of this room and happen to accidentally stumble into Louis' room. Harry smiled at his genius plan. Falling asleep to the 'Mission Impossible' theme song running through his head, he gave into the blackness of unconsciousness.

An hour later Harry was awoken by a knock on his door. When Harry made no effort to move let alone respond, the person knocked again and called out to him.

"Harry mate." Why couldn't it be Louis Harry whined to himself as Liam tried getting his attention again. "You need to get up buddy. We've got to go to this interview before we move on to the next venue. Please get up and put clothes on". Hahaha jokes on you Lima I didn't take anything off, Harry chuckled to himself as he proceed to do the exact opposite of Liam's request, he stripped off the clothes he had been wearing and went back to sleep. While the rest of 'One Direction' was waiting in the hotel's lobby for their transport vehicle. Niall spotted Liam walking towards them first.

"Where's Hazza?" he asked as he noticed Liam was alone.

"I don't know mate" when Liam replied it felt like the room's temperature drop.

"You don't know?" Liam gulped at Louis' suddenly deeper voice

"I don't know what to tell you Lou. I knocked he did not answer. I think he's asleep".

"Well go find out then. You know since I can't." Louis seethed. Liam quickly nodded and went to ask their main Bodyguard Paul Higgins for the spare key to Harry's room. Once he had retrieved the key Liam quickly rushed to back to Harry's room. Knocking again Liam got the same response as before... nothing. So, he pulled out the key and let himself in.

"Seriously Harry this isn't funny." He whispered as he notice the oppressive silence that has taken over the room. This is odd, Liam thought to himself as he made his way to the bedroom. "Alright Mr. Tomlinson" Liam huffed when he entered the bedroom saw the lump that was Harry underneath the white Hotel covers upon the bed. "Get up! We are going to be late and we're... going..." Liam suddenly stopped near the top end of Harry's bed only just seeing his chocolate curls spread out along the pillow but the reason he stopped was the wheezing he was hearing. As gently as he could Liam shook Harry awake. It took a little bit, but Harry eventually open his eyes. Green meeting Brown.

"Hey, are you feeling okay Harry?" Liam asked softly. Harry blinked a couple of times before answering him.

"Don't tell Boo please?" Harry finally spat out after swallowing thickly a couple of times.

"Why?"

"Management." was all Harry could state before bursting into a coughing fit that sounded like it was very wet and congested.

"Yeah, sorry H but that's not going to fly as he has all of your medications." Harry rolled his eyes and sighed heavily knowing full well there was no point in arguing with Liam. After that Liam went to go ask more questions about Harry's health only to realise the curly headed lad had fallen asleep again. Stewing slightly, Liam tucked Harry back in the covers that he had removed earlier in order to see Harry's face and left the room.