Calm after the Storm

Happy

I was stumbling
Looking in the dark
With an empty heart
But you say, you feel the same
Could we ever be enough?
Baby, we could be enough

And it's alright
Calling out for somebody to hold tonight
When you're lost, I'll find a way, and I'll be your light
You'll never feel like you're alone
I'll make this feel like home

(Home - One Direction)

[Louis]

„The police receive a 999 call every three minutes from a male victim. 1 in 6 men will experience domestic violence in their life. Every third victim of domestic violence is a man. Approximately 4 million men are affected every year by domestic violence. Practically the same percentage of men as women are victims of severe acts of domestic violence."

Louis watches over the monitor in the backstage area as Harry lists these facts with a serious look into the camera as the moderation of his show begins.

"Today's show is all about domestic violence. Women are more likely than men to experience multiple incidents of abuse, different types of domestic abuse and in particular sexual violence. But today we would also like to draw particular attention to violence against men. One of my guests today is my boyfriend Louis Tomlinson who's telling his story. Please give him a round of applause," Harry says, his face breaking into a smile as he utters the last words.

Louis takes a deep breath and nervously makes his way to Harry. Harry still only has a small audience on his show, but it's enough to make him sweat like he's run a marathon. He fears that not much of his makeup will be there by the end of the show.

Louis waves politely to the audience but otherwise keeps his gaze fixed on Harry, who has gotten up from his sofa and is waiting for him with an outstretched hand. When Louis puts his damp hand in Harry's and allows himself to sink into his eyes for a brief moment, his turbulent emotional world comes to a halt and the cramped smile from just before turns into a real one.

"May I kiss you?" Harry whispers so softly that only Louis hears. Louis nods shyly and the next moment he gets a little peck on his mouth that makes the audience coo.

Both of them giggle softly and sit down on the sofa with red cheeks at a little distance to be able to look at each other while speaking.

While Louis concentrates on one point in the studio, trying to keep his breath and facial expression under control, Harry continues to moderate and is completely in his element. "Today will be an interactive show. Whenever you have a question or want to share something yourself, please raise your hand and a member of staff will come to you with a microphone. Please don't be afraid, it's important that this topic gets more public attention."

On the big screen behind Harry and Louis, charts and facts are tabulated for the audience, as well as the domestic violence helpline is constantly on display.

"First of all we understand how difficult it can be if you are a man experiencing domestic abuse or other forms of violence. You might feel scared, isolated, and confused. Maybe you feel ashamed or afraid to tell anyone about your situation. But you are not alone, there is support available. Louis, would you tell us how you felt in your relationship with your ex-partner?"

Louis nods and kneads his hands, has to swallow a few times to open up in front of so many people. But he knows that he is doing something good with this, and discussed the show with his therapist in advance and she also encouraged him. But he was told over and over again that it's okay to break off if it got too much for him. No matter what time. And Harry and the production have also assured him that if he feels too overwhelmed to continue speaking, it's no problem that he can leave at any time.