Glitter & Crimson [COMPLETED]

6

It was their first show since the incident, and the tension backstage was palpable. What should have been just another night on tour had suddenly turned into something far more complicated, and no one was quite sure what to expect. The atmosphere in the dressing room felt thick, almost suffocating, with each member of the band moving about quietly, their expressions betraying the anxiety that lingered in the air. All eyes were on Louis and Zayn, the unspoken weight of recent events hanging heavily between them.

Louis was perched on Zayn's lap, his arms resting loosely around Zayn's neck as he leaned back, trying to lose himself in the moment. Outside, the thunderous sound of fans chanting filled the air, their voices a tidal wave of excitement that echoed through the walls. It was surreal; the crowd was already screaming as if the band was about to step on stage any second, even though they still had a good five minutes left. Five minutes felt like a lifetime, like a ticking clock counting down to a moment that could change everything.

Zayn's hands moved softly over Louis's back, tracing small circles and shapes as he held him close, his arms draped protectively around him. Occasionally, Zayn's gaze swept over the rest of the band, almost as if daring any of them to comment on their newfound closeness. It was a silent standoff, a clear message in his stare: Say something if you want, but I'm not letting him go.

Niall, who sat across from them, finally broke the silence, leaning forward with a thoughtful expression. "You know," he began, his voice careful but warm, "we were thinking... maybe tonight, the two of you could sing They Don't Know About Us together. Just the two of you."

Louis blinked in surprise, raising an eyebrow at Niall. The song had always held a special meaning for him—its lyrics spoke of a love that thrived in secrecy, a connection that defied expectations and validation. The tug at his chest was undeniable, a reminder of why he loved performing that song and how relevant it felt tonight.

He hummed in approval, a slight smile creeping onto his lips as he considered the idea. "You really think the fans would be okay with that?" he asked, his voice softer than usual, almost vulnerable.

Niall nodded, his eyes warm with understanding. "I think they'd love it," he replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Liam chimed in, glancing between Louis and Zayn with a smirk. "Honestly, you two already look like the song was written for you tonight."

The warmth of Zayn's arms tightened just slightly around Louis, and he returned Zayn's gaze with a quick, almost secretive smile. It was moments like these that made everything feel real, even if it had started as an act, even if it was all supposed to be for show. The lines were blurring more than he was willing to admit, even to himself.

Just then, a soft knock on the door announced the stage manager. "One minute, guys," she called, her voice snapping them back into reality. The band members rose to their feet, and Louis slid off Zayn's lap, standing beside him as they exchanged a final glance filled with unspoken words.

"Ready?" Zayn asked, his voice low, meant only for Louis.

Louis nodded, his heart pounding with anticipation as he took a deep breath. "Let's give them a show they'll never forget."

As they walked out onto the stage together, side by side, the roar of the fans hit them like a wave, filling every corner of the stadium with an electric energy. The lights flickered to life, the music surged, and as the first notes of Best Song Ever played, the atmosphere shifted, excitement rippling through the crowd. The moment felt monumental, as if the universe had aligned just for them.

As the show progressed, the audience grew even more animated, their cheers rising to a fever pitch. Liam took center stage, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "We have a special piece for you all tonight!" he announced, his voice carrying over the din. "We request quite a bit of your attention!" The other three band members stepped back, finding their places on the stage, sitting on the platforms that were part of their elaborate set. The lights darkened briefly, setting the scene as the opening chords of They Don't Know About Us began to play.