Glitter & Crimson [COMPLETED]

9

As the final chords of the encore faded and the crowd's cheers roared through the stadium, the band filed offstage, still buzzing with the energy of the night. Louis hung back, leaning against the wall and catching his breath. A slight smile played on his lips as he watched his bandmates laugh and jostle each other, their adrenaline still thrumming.

"I'm gonna head to the bus, call my mum," Louis finally said, his voice soft but carrying enough for the others to hear.

The others looked over, nodding with quiet understanding. "Tell her we say hi," Harry added with a grin, giving Louis a quick pat on the shoulder as he passed.

Niall shot Louis a thumbs-up, while Liam just smiled, eyes warm with a knowing look. Zayn was the last to catch his gaze, a silent connection flickering between them as he gave Louis a small nod.

Slipping away from the group, Louis managed to sneak past the crowds of fans gathered outside, who were still chanting the band's name, blissfully unaware that one of their idols was already out of sight. Once he was inside the familiar quiet of the tour bus, he felt the weight of the night's performance settle over him. He moved to his bunk, kicked off his shoes, and lay back, the soft hum of the bus a comforting backdrop. He pulled out his phone and dialed his mum's number, a sense of calm washing over him as he waited for her to pick up.

After the third ring, her sleepy voice answered, warming him instantly. "Lou?" she murmured, a yawn softening her voice. "Everything alright, love?"

Louis smiled, feeling a mix of relief and nostalgia flood over him. He closed his eyes, his fingers brushing against the frayed edge of his blanket as he settled deeper into his bunk. "Yeah, everything's fine, Mum," he said softly. "I just... I missed you."

"Oh, sweetheart," she replied gently, her tone laced with affection and a bit of worry. "Tour must be wearing you down if you're calling me after a show."

Louis chuckled, his voice warm. "You know me—show's over, and I suddenly need my mum like I'm ten again. Maybe a bit of grounding."

"You're doing amazing, Lou," she said, her voice soft but sure, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Every time I see you up there, or hear from someone about how far you've come, I just feel so proud."

Louis sighed, a little of the weight lifting from his chest. "It's just... a lot sometimes. I love it, you know I do. But sometimes it's like I forget what I'm even doing all this for, and it feels like I'm on autopilot."

"That's understandable," she replied, voice patient and steady. "But don't lose sight of why you started, Lou. Remember, you're out there because you love it. And you've got so many people around you who love you, too."

As she spoke, Louis could almost picture her standing in their kitchen back home, leaning against the counter, her expression both proud and a little sad at how fast everything had changed. There were moments he ached to just walk through the front door, smell the familiar scent of his mum's cooking, and escape from the madness of his life, even if only for a day.

They talked for a few more minutes, the conversation slipping into familiar comfort, catching up on family news, funny little stories about his sisters, and the latest neighborhood gossip. Louis felt his heartbeat slow, his shoulders relaxing as he sank deeper into his bunk, losing himself in her familiar voice.

Eventually, a yawn snuck up on him, and he stretched, still reluctant to hang up. "Alright, Mum, I should let you get back to sleep," he murmured, though a part of him hated to end the call.

"Alright, love," she replied, her voice gentle. "And Louis? Don't let the fame change who you are. You'll always be my little boy."

Louis smiled, his eyes prickling with an unexpected hint of tears. "Promise," he whispered. "Love you, Mum."