Running Out Of Time - Completed.

Chapter 9

"Okay, in a way I understand why you did it. But that doesn't excuse the fact of how much money you've lost. You still have to pay all the crew and stadium workers. Basically, your next concert you will be doing it for free. And even then, you'll still have the wages and contractors to pay."

"We understand that," Louis answered.

Simon pursed his lips. "I don't understand why the four of you couldn't perform without Harry tonight."

"No, you wouldn't," Liam answered. "As you seem to know zero about our band and vocal techniques, let me explain something to you. Each vocalist has their own part to sing, harmonies, and a certain key."

Simon folded his arms. "Yes, Liam, I know this."

"Yes, but what you fail to realise is for someone to cover Harry's vocals they would need to rehearse, learn the words and melodies which is impossible for us to do in such a short time. We don't know each other's pitch or melodies. We only know what we sing. To learn Harry's part is a big task for anyone. Especially with only a few hours notice. And without Harry's melodies, the songs would not work."

Niall coughed to gain attention. "Oh, and in case you've forgotten, the Dr has also put Louis on bed rest as well. Or would you prefer one of us to have a complete mental breakdown before you do something about it."

Simon nodded his head and then gestured to a middle-aged woman sitting next to him. "This is Amanda, she will be heading up your management from now on. Amanda, what is being said around social media?"

Amanda smiled at each of the boys and then looked down at her iPad. "#Respect1D and #PrayersforHarry are trending on Twitter. Videos and Gifs of Louis running up the hotel stairs are all over Instagram, Pinterest and Tumblr. It seems the fans are doing exactly what you wanted, Louis. Word has spread about Harry and how sorry the band are about having to cancel the concert. We have the media putting their spin on things, but it looks like this hasn't caused as much damage as it could have. The fans have been in the news giving their account of what they saw. Whatever you said to them Louis, worked."

Amanda smiled at him, before tapping on her iPad again. "75% of ticket holders are disappointed but understand. 20% said they wouldn't be able to make a rescheduled concert. 5% said they would never buy tickets to a 1D concert again."

Simon tilted his head and looked at Louis. " Only 5%. You got lucky."

"Okay," Louis said leaning forward. "Make sure to send something to the 20% that can't go to the rescheduled concert."

Louis stared at Simon waiting for a response. But there was silence and so Louis continued. "Ticketmaster has their email addresses, yeah? Send them some photos, backstage footage, something exclusive to them."

Simon nodded his head. "Yes, we can do that. Now, we have to talk about you and Harry."

They still weren't allowed to come out as a couple as the record company was worried they would lose their female fans and ultimately record sales. Louis and Harry never believed that, but they were still under contract and to break it could mean then getting sued and lose everything or even put in jail. However, this time there was a compromise. There would be no more beards.  They would have to be papped with a girl now and again but nothing so serious as a girlfriend. Louis readily agreed to that, remembering how upset Harry was when Louis had to stay overnight or take his beard on holiday. And when Harry wasn't happy, Louis wasn't happy.

"I want me and Harry to share a room when we stay in hotels. It's not right that we should be separated. I don't care what you think about our sexual preferences. "

Simon nodded his head. "I will allow that for one of every two hotel stays. I assume you will be staying on the bus the other time?"

Louis nodded his head. Simon smiled.

"Okay, then that's agreed."

Louis knew he could always sneak into Harry's room. He'd done it before. Although it was normally Harry that did the sneaking. Those memories made him smiled, which he quickly covered up with his hand.

There wasn't to be any affection in public, but what they did behind closed doors was their business and no longer managed. If they were asked about Larry, they were to deny it or go around the question. Louis knew that Harry would never deny their relationship and although he was a terrible liar, he was very good at dodging questions.

"You should know that Harry and I are buying a place in LA. And you needn't worry, we know how to move around without being seen. We've been doing this for the last three years."

Amanda then spoke up. "I have talked with Dr Benz and he has recommended that complete stress-free bedrest is needed for Harry and Louis. So, under these circumstances, I feel it's best if the band and musicians are given the week off to recharge and then come back fresh and energised to perform the rescheduled concert. However, there will be a lot of catching up to do when you return. All the promos you've missed will need to be rescheduled and so you'll be working hard."

"No way!" Louis argued, "I don't care how you do it, but these promos need to be cut down. Harry – we can't cope anymore. I won't allow you to make him sick again, understand?"

Amanda nodded.

"Another thing that has to change,' Liam interrupted. "We've been in this business long enough to know our way around so you will no longer treat us like puppets. You want something from us, you ask, not demand or use blackmail." All the boys voiced their agreements.

Louis phone rang. "Yep," he answered. "Really? – yeah, I'm on my way." Louis looked at Simon. "That was Ian. Harry's awake I have to go."

Without waiting for an answer, Louis stood up to leave.

"Oh, and by the way, Anne is flying in tomorrow morning make sure to have a room booked for her and I think you owe her an apology." He then left the room with the rest of the boys following.

Louis rushed up the stairs to his room not caring about the flashes of cameras behind the hotel lobby's window. He quickly made it into the suite and then took a deep breath before opening his bedroom door. Ian was sitting in the same chair, reading the same magazine and Harry was still sleeping and hadn't looked like he'd moved.

"He wakes up for a minute or so and then goes back to sleep," Ian told him. "How did it go?"

"It went," Louis answered, and then smiled tightly. "Thanks, Ian."

Ian stood up to leave. "He's going to be fine, Louis. Both of you are fighters. You need me to hang around?"

"Nah, I'm free for the rest of the day. Actually, I'm off for the week. We all are."

"Good." Ian grinned. "It's about time they looked after your welfare. I'm here for you if you need me. Just pick up the phone."

"Thanks, man. I appreciate it."