One At Last?

Chapter 9 - Steps

One week before the breakup article

Louis' week is filled with meetings and preparation for the breakup article. Louis and Eleanor have been together for ten years, and a story about a long-term relationship ending is breaking news. There will be repercussions, and his former management will be in hot water if word gets out that this was a stunt. He'll show the world what he had to go through to get here, sooner or later. He has also been working to start his own record label, where no one is forced, harassed, or mistreated, like he was when he was younger. He understands how the music industry works and wants to improve and protect young and emerging musicians.

January 16th: The day of the breakup article

It's the day that the breakup article is going to be published, and Louis is tense and trying to remain calm. He understands what may happen, but he feels a little better since his management is better and he knows they support him. He hasn't informed Lottie about this yet, so he calls her.

"How are things going, Lots?" His voice has a noticeable amount of stress in it.

"I'm alright, Lou, but you don't sound good. What's the matter?"

"No, um- fine, everything's everything's fine. It'll be alright," he says, his voice trembling, his breath loud and sluggish.

"Lou, what's going on? It seems like you're trying to convince yourself that everything is alright, rather than me," Lottie notices. "Would you like me to come over? I can get there in about one hour?"

"No -um... I mean, if you want, I'd appreciate that," he replies. He is not fine; he is terrified and has no clue if everything will be alright. He needs someone, and while he doesn't want to involve Lottie in this, he doesn't have an option because he can't see Harry, hug, or kiss him.

"I'll be there in an hour, ok? Meanwhile, tell me what's wrong, Lou," Lottie attempts to comfort him, but she knows he needs her there; she recalls him telling her he's going to do something important. She's been thinking about it for a while; she knows Louis doesn't like involving her in things like this, but she wants to be there for him.

"You, -um, do you recall I told you I was going to do something?" he asks.

"Mhmm, yes," she responds, concerned.

"Well, yes, ugh, I don't know whether I should have done it Lots," he says, burying his face in his hands. "Um- I- I ended the stunt. I ended the stunt, Lottie. It's over, Eleanor and me, the article will be published today at 4 PM," tears streaming down his cheeks, voice shaking and quivering.

"Oh my gosh, Lou, isn't that good, you've wanted it for so long and now it's happening," she exhales. "Yes, it is good, it's it's very good, but I am scared," he says, wiping his tears and sniffling.

"It will be okay, don't worry about it, Lou, I'll be there soon, and we can talk alright? Would you like me to get lunch?" Lottie inquires, trying to soothe Louis.

"Yes, I'd like that, Lots," he responds.

"Alright, be there in a bit," Lottie hangs up and gets in her car, she takes Lucky with her knowing Louis would like to see him. She packs some sandwiches and is now on her way to Louis' place.

Louis is restless; he wants to tell the world everything, to show off his gorgeous boyfriend and how much he adores him. This is only the first step toward their freedom and exposing to the rest of the world how they were treated. The first of many steps they must take. He considered calling Harry, but he does not. He knows that if Harry hears his panicked voice, he'll rush over and violate the contract, which is a bad idea. It's not long until there's a knock at the door; Louis knows it's Lottie, who was on her way to see him, but she arrived earlier than planned. When he rushes to open the door, he is startled to find Zayn. "Zayn?!! It's nice to see you, but I'm confused."