Restricted

Chapter 19

The weeks leading up to the gala were uneventful for Louis. He spent the days avoiding Eleanor's texts and visits and the nights wishing he hadn't thrown away his old phone so he could still go through pictures and texts of him and Harry.

Liam was also not helping, dropping hints all the time about how Louis wasn't there for Harry in his time of need and how it sucks to lose someone doesn't it? Louis was about two more remarks from kicking Liam right in the dick. At least Liam didn't know about Anne. Knowing she was better calmed the incredible urge Louis felt to run back to Holmes Chapel.

The night of the gala arrived and as he, Liam and Eleanor made their way out to the car, Liam pulled Eleanor aside. Louis only caught bits of the conversation but it was enough to have him burning with curiosity.

"...picked them up at noon...." He'd caught. "...wanted to see him..." "...doesn't know about the switch..." "...tell him no..." "...I'll be happy El..."

What. The. Fuck.

"Yeah so whatcha guys on about?" Louis butted in. "You're shat at whispering Leeyum" Louis mocked.

"Fuck of Louis. Get in the car."

Eleanor scolded Liam for being so rude to Louis. He almost wished she wouldn't, she was so goddamn clingy and annoying. He truly believed she still didn't think he was gay. Even after his confession.

More importantly though, Louis wanted to know what they'd been talking about. Could it be Harry? Was he here? Louis didn't know if he was okay with that. His reasons for leaving were unchanged.

They arrived at the gala a little before Louis was set to perform so he set off to find a bathroom and warmup for the show.

After gargling a thousand times and singing a thousand more scales Louis faced facts. He was nervous. It'd been so long since he performed, he supposed it was natural. Still, he couldn't help but wish Harry was there at least to tell him he was being daft and to get it over with. Not that Harry even would, he was far too generous for that.

Mike knocked on the door, letting Louis know he had two minutes to show time. Louis took a deep breath and exited the bathroom, walking towards the stage. After his mic guy had him hooked up he peered around the curtain.

"Small crowd, easy enough. Right mate?" Louis clapped his hand on the back of the nearest person to him and realized, after hearing a scoff that he'd clapped Liam's shoulder. "Well fuck." He said and stepped out into the light.

After a moments adjusting to the lights, Louis found himself in his element. This is what he lived for, this is what he worked for, breathed for, survived for. This was him, and he'd be okay.

Just as the opening chords of a cover he sang at almost every show began, he searched the faces of those in the crowd. Not entirely sure why he was doing it, he almost stopped until two green eyes met his own.

Louis stuttered in the song but his guitar man covered him, he continued with the set, never leaving the green eyes out in the crowd, fuck. He was here. Louis found himself getting way to excited and knew he'd never be able to let Harry leave now that he'd seen him again. They're eyes stayed connected until someone pulled Harry's from view. Louis squinted and saw someone dragging him toward a side room as Harry threw glances back towards the stage and at the ground, trying not to trip over himself.

Louis still had three more songs until he was set to be done, but as soon as he finished he ran offstage just as the applause began.

He searched every room and table, every guests face and mini bar. He scoured the building until he bumped into an usher and asked frantically,

"Have you seen... A boy. A boy with... Brown curls and.. Green. Eyes?" Louis managed

The man looked annoyed and confused but said, "yeah think there was some curly bloke stormed out muttering somethin like shoulda never come or whateva not certain though"

Louis cursed loudly then thanked the man, apologizing for his profanity and ran out into the night

Louis looked up and down the street repeatedly before collapsing onto the pavement, burying his face in his hands, before Eleanor's voice came from behind him,

"He's gone Lou. He's not coming back."