Society's Casualty

chapter 1, part 1

(In this fanfiction 5 Seconds Of Summer never toured with One Direction, they made it themselves into

the music industry without a small amount of help from the other boys. They are still friends with them in this fic though, also Hi Or Hey Records do not exist yet but will further into the fic, enjoy guys.)

It was one split decision and it was done. One ball pen to paper, a slick signature from each member and their lives would be changed forever. Living a dream and doing what they love, travelling around the world with their names in lights with "SOLD OUT" pasted onto the wall underneath it, in big bold white writing with a red painted background. It was all they wanted. It was all they needed. Yet none of them saw the darker side to the dream filled industry. It was a danger to their health. Something that no one would see, everything going on behind the stage lights, the exposure of their lives making front page news. Dirty little secrets hidden by every single person and even though they were tied at the hip, as close as brothers, those secrets would tear them to pieces.

Slowly, the sheet of paper was slid across the desk by the boys soon-to-be managers large and boney like hands. He sat with a wide grin, yet the dollars signs were obvious in his eyes. If you played instruments, had a quirky personality, were attractive to your audience then you were worth so much to your record label. Each boy took time to read the sheet of paper, over and over. It was like the terms and conditions of an online game, and when you pressed start you would enter a world completely different to the one you stood in now. The drummer was the first to reach for the pen with his shaky, large hand. The pen felt heavy in his fingers, sweat beading in the pours on his forehead. He glanced back at his bandmates for the go ahead and all of them hesitantly nodded one after the other. He went ahead and signed the papers, one he was to use for the next for years on album covers and merchandise for competitions.

As he finished of his signature, the others followed, passing the pen along in a line. Michael Clifford was next, nobel to his guitar playing and snagged most of the amazing guitar solos in their masterpiece of songs. Next, was Calum Hood, who was also nobel to his guitar and adored singing, he sung along side his soulmate, Luke, who was already framed as the "lead singer" of the band. He took the pen next, and before they knew it the manager hogged the paper back with his toothy grin getting wider. "Congratulations guys, welcome to the music industry."

A smile grew on every boys face until their cheeks hurt, they remained professional and thanked their now manager, Nicholas, before slowly wandering out the doors of his expensive office into the hallway. As soon as they did they gave out a small cheer out and hugged each other so tightly.

"Is it done?" A voice peeped up from the corner, and all the boys turned towards a row of seats sat to the left side of the corridor, where four girls with wide smiles on their faces.

You see, that was another thing about the music industry, NO GIRLS. And if you did, damn you had to keep it a tight secret until you were given permission to let it out.

"Its done." Michael announced, never looking so happy in his life before his girlfriend, Kylie sprung from her seat and ran towards him, hugging him tightly. "God I've never been so proud of you." She whispered into his chest. It was all like one big group cuddle, Mallory, Luke's girlfriend was not for letting go, almost suffocating the poor boy along with Taylor, who appeared to be having a snogging session with Calum. Last but no least, Ashton had... Well, Ashton. Oh the complications, but Ashton's girlfriend just called him Ash for short.. It made things so much easier. He currently had her by the waist, staring down into her eyes "Hey maybe you could be the vocal coach? Teach us some of your tips and tricks to that beautiful voice of yours." He complimented, making Ashton chuckle "We'll see about that." She muttered before all four couple wandered from the studio hand in hand.

Everything may not be what it seems.