The Tour

Epilogue

**Luke's POV**

A few days had passed, and it was now the last day of the tour. I watched Nicky from across the room, her laughter mixing with the noise of the venue as she said goodbye to a crew member. I hadn't spoken to her since the album release party, and truthfully I didn't know if I wanted to. Seeing her happy without me, moving on with Oli, it hurt more than I cared to admit.

The venue was chaotic, crew members rushing around packing last bits and bobs, the air thick with excitement and nostalgia. Everywhere I looked, I saw reminders of the past few months: half-packed cases, forgotten setlist's, and tired smiles that spoke of exhaustion and accomplishment. I could feel the weight of it pressing down on me, knowing this chapter of our lives were ending. I walked over to the boys and huddled into our annual end of tour backstage photo and couldn't help but notice Nicky admiring the same things I just had more than likely reminiscing on her own months here.

"Nicky, get over here" someone called pulling me from my thoughts. I turned to see Michael waving Nicky over with a grin as I stood with a fake smile with Calum and Ashton.

"Come on, one last photo with us" Michael said as she hesitated for a moment before smiling and walking over to us all.

Standing next to her felt... strange. She was right there, inches away but it felt like a world stretched between us. As the camera flashed, I stole a glance at her, and for a moment, I thought she did the same. The tension between us was thick, something unspoken hanging in the air.

"Okay, okay that's enough" she laughed nervously stepping away. The boys lingered for a moment before dispersing, and I felt her lightly touch my arm

"Can we talk?" She asked, her voice quieter than normal

I swallowed hard and nodded. We moved to a quieter corner of the room, the sounds of celebrations buzzing behind us. She shifted on her feet seeming uneasy as she took a deep breath before she spoke

"Look, I just wanted to say I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you at the party. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions like that" she said as I studied her for a moment trying to read between the lines but all I saw was sincerity allowing me to send a nod in response before I opened my own mouth

"I get it Nicky. It's all been... a lot. I don't blame you for being frustrated" I replied as a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Although her smile was beautiful it was like a punch to the gut. That smile used to be mine.

"Thank you for understanding. I just... I don't want things to end on a bad note" she said as I decided to shift closer to her

"I have to ask, just one last time..." I said my voice soft but firm "Will you give us another chance?" I asked as her face softened, but I already knew the answer before she spoke

"Luke... I'm happy with Oli" she said as I exhaled slowly nodding forcing a fake smile even though it felt like my chest was caving in

"Alright" I said firmly keeping my fake smile on my lips

"I just had to ask" I said before pulling her into a hug.

When I wrapped my arms around her it felt final in a way and I wasn't ready for it. She pulled away too soon, leaving me with nothing but the ghost of her touch. As I watched her walk away, I realised I wasn't just losing her. I was loosing a part of myself as well.

•

Later that night, I stood at the side of the stage watching her perform. The crowd roared in anticipation as she took the mic ready for her last song. Her presence commanding every inch of the stage.