Stranded/ Larry Stylinson

Chapter 1

Updated: 12.06.2024

Lou POV
I paced back and forth in the dimly lit backstage area, my mind racing with the enormity of what I was about to do. The echoes of our last rehearsal still rang in my ears, but they felt distant and unimportant compared to the task at hand. I clenched my fists, trying to steady my nerves. This was the right decision, I reminded myself, even if it felt like tearing my own heart out.

„Hazza, would you please come here for a second?" I called out, my voice trembling with barely suppressed emotion. The words felt foreign on my tongue, like they belonged to someone else. Our concert was set to start in just a few minutes, but this couldn't wait. If I didn't do it now, management would step in and make everything even worse. They'd twist the narrative, and it would be unbearable for both of us.

„I can't believe I have to do this," I muttered under my breath, the weight of the moment pressing down on me. Every fiber of my being wanted to delay, to find a way out, but I knew there was no other option. This decision had been tormenting me for days and it had reached a breaking point.

Harry turned to me, his expression full of concern. "Yeah, of course, Lou. What's up?" His voice was gentle, caring. It only made what I had to do even more painful. I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze, instead staring at the ground as if it might somehow offer an escape.

I remembered the endless nights lying awake, thinking about us. Our moments together replayed in my mind: the laughter, the shared dreams, the quiet whispers in the dark. How could I bring myself to destroy something so precious? But the pressure from management had become unbearable. They were convinced that our relationship was a liability, a distraction. They had given me an ultimatum, and now here I was, standing on the precipice of heartbreak.

Haz POV
„Yeah of course Lou. What's up?" I asked, trying to decipher the sadness in his eyes. Lou's face was etched with sorrow, and he wouldn't look at me. My heart pounded with unease. Had I done something wrong? What could possibly be going on?

„We have to break up..." he said, his voice cracking as tears began to stream down his face. The words hit me like a sledgehammer. "Wait, what?" I stammered, my heart sinking. I looked into his eyes searching for answers, but found only pain and regret. Tears welled up in my own eyes, disbelief washing over me. Break up? Why? Everything between us seemed perfect, and now he wanted to end it?

Questions flooded my mind, but before I could say anything, Lou turned and walked away. I stood there, paralyzed by shock and heartbreak. My feet felt rooted to the ground as tears rolled down my cheeks. I watched helplessly as he disappeared around the corner, the pain of his departure cutting through me like a knife.

Lou's POV:
As I watched Haz's reaction, my heart shattered into a million pieces. I never wanted to hurt him, but I knew this was the right decision for both of us before it ends bad. Seeing the pain in his eyes only made it harder to bear. „I'm sorry, Haz," I managed to choke out before turning away, unable to face him any longer. I had to leave before I completely fall apart.

As I made my way through the backstage area, my steps felt heavy with the weight of my decision. I couldn't beat to look back, knowing if I did, I might crumble under the guilt and pain. Breaking up with Haz was the hardest thing I had ever done but I kneel deep down that it was necessary.

But despite knowing it was the right choice, the ache in my chest refused to subside. Haz was my best friend, and boyfriend and the thought of not having him by my side now was almost unbearable. I wanted to reach out to him, to explain everything, but I knew
that I couldn't do that and all because of that letter...

As I reached my dressing room, I collapsed onto the couch, burying my face in my hands. The sound of the crowd outside grew louder, a constant reminder of the show that awaited us any moment. But right now, all I could think about was Haz and the shattered pieces of our once beautiful relationship. I hope I can fix it one day when all of this is over...

Haz POV:

Numb with shock, I stood rooted to the spot, unable to move or think. The backstage chaos faded into the background as I struggled to comprehend what had just happened. Why did Lou want to break up? Was it something I did? Was he unhappy?

Eventually, I forced myself to move, needing to escape the stifling atmosphere of the backstage area. The distant roar of the crowd was a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me.

I wandered through the maze of corridors, my mind replaying Lou's tear-streaked face and the heartbreaking words he'd spoken. Each step felt like a leaden weight dragging me deeper into despair. How had everything fallen apart so suddenly?

Amidst the chaos of my thoughts, one thing became clear: I couldn't let this break me. I had to find a way to pick up the pieces and move forward, even if my world felt shattered. Taking a deep breath, I wiped away my tears and resolved to face whatever came next, no matter how hard it might be.

The show was about to begin, and I couldn't be seen like this. Just as I was about to head back, someone called my name. For a split second, I thought it was Lou, but it was Niall. His face filled with concern as he took in my tear-streaked face.

"What happened?" he asked, his voice full of worry.

"I'll tell you later," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. Niall nodded uncertainly and told me we had to go on stage now. I took a moment to check myself in the mirror, then followed him.

Microphone in hand, I scanned the area for Louis. Where was he? The show was starting any second. Just as I was about to ask someone, Louis appeared around the corner, avoiding eye contact with everyone. His presence was a bittersweet relief – he was here, but he was also so distant.

I don't know how I can survive this show

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It will get better!
All the love Pauline x