The X Factor

Chapter 4-Week 1

"We're singing Viva la Vida by Coldplay." Liam informed them.

"That could work." Niall said and the rest of them agreed. It was not like they had a choice anyhow. Simon picked the songs.

It was their first week in the live shows. They had moved into the x-factor house with the other contestants and shared a room with just the five of them. Harry had once more claimed the single bed and the rest of them didn't mind sleeping in a bunk bed. It felt like summer camp. Louis slept in Harry's bed anyhow.

Harry was beyond nervous. He was absolutely petrified. This would be seen live and if he messed up he would not only destroy everything for all of them, it would also be broadcasted all over the country. Talk about pressure!

They worked hard rehearsing. Harry's voice kept breaking because of nerves and it stressed him out. The first live show was getting closer and closer and he had to get this right. Damn it!
"Hey! Don't push yourself so hard. You'll be great out there. I know it." Louis tried to encourage and Harry gave him a small smile in return.

They sang the song again and Harry could feel the air leave his lungs and his voice cracked again.
"Come on Harry, you need to get it together. We only have one chance!" Liam said with an irritated sigh.

Harry teared up immediately. He felt a pressure over his chest and he couldn't breathe. He didn't want to let the guys down. It would be all his fault if they didn't make it to the next round.
"Back the fuck off, Liam. He's trying!" Louis growled.

"I know, but..." Liam started off but Louis' glare made him shut up. It looked like Louis was about to murder him.

Harry was hyperventilating by now and Louis put his arm around him and pushed his head between his legs.
"Breathe Harry."

"What's wrong with him?" Niall questioned.

Harry burst out crying.
"Can you leave? I need some time alone with Harry." Louis said and the three other boys hurried out of the room after throwing Harry a worried glance. 

Louis turned his focus to the crying boy beside him as soon as they were left alone. He wrapped his arms around him and hugged him close.
"I need you to breathe for me, baby. You're amazing Harry in every possible way. You won't mess it up."

"Y...you d-don't know t-t-that." Harry managed to get out.

"I do. You'll do great and we're all there for each other. I'll have your back. Always. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. This is supposed to be fun. You love performing and I'll be right by your side the whole time."

Harry took a couple of deep breaths and wiped his eyes. He wasn't ready to let go of Louis yet and hugged him hard. Louis just kept his arms around him, drawing soothing circles on his back while he mumbled encouraging words in his ear. Harry calmed down. What would he do without Louis?
"Thanks, I think I'm okay now."

"Yeah?" Louis made no indication that he wanted to pull away from the hug.

They sat like that for a while longer until Louis finally let go. He examined Harry's face closely and wiped his cheeks with his thumbs before he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss on his cheek.
"I hate to see you so upset."

Harry's brain was having a shortcut. He found himself wishing that Louis had kissed him on the lips instead. That was a whole new level of crazy. Geez, he was really a mess.
"I'm sorry I'm such a mess." He said and blushed, feeling embarrassed over his breakdown.

"None of that. You don't need to apologize and never for a second feel embarrassed for showing emotions, Hazza." Louis said softly and smiled.

"M'Kay." Harry agreed and chuckled, still feeling a little embarrassed but Louis had made him feel so much better. 

The boys poked their heads inside.
"Can we come back?" Zayn asked hesitatingly.

"Yes." Louis confirmed without breaking eye contact with Harry.

"I'm so sorry, Harry. I shouldn't have talked to you like that. I'm stressed out about the performance but that doesn't give me the right to be a dick." Liam apologized sincerely.

"It's okay, Liam." Harry answered with a smile.

"It's not but you're forgiven." Louis huffed.

They continued rehearsal and Louis kept a close watch on Harry to make sure that he wouldn't break down again but he held it together.

Louis had decided to surprise Harry with an outing. He needed a break from it all. He had flirted with the kitchen staff to make him a picnic basket and when it was time for dinner he took Harry's hand and took him up on the roof where he had set up a picnic area.

Harry's face broke out in a blissed-out smile. He turned his gaze to Louis and the smaller boy felt like the air was knocked out of his lungs. Harry was absolutely breathtaking. From his beautiful, curly hair and green eyes that were sparkling, to his cute little nose and plump lips. He also had a great personality. He knew that you weren't supposed to think like that about your platonic best friend and that made him confused. 

Harry was beaming the whole time. They stayed on the roof long enough to count the stars. When they finally went to bed Harry gave Louis a hug.
"Thank you, Lou. I needed that."

The next day it was finally time for the first live show. It did sound really cool when their band name was called out and it was their turn to perform. Harry was so nervous and he was afraid that he would blackout and forget the song lyrics altogether. The rest of the boys were also nervous.

His hands were shaking but he managed to sing his parts. There were so many people in the audience. He was glad that he was in a band. He would have never been able to do this by himself.

They were through to the next round.
Harry cheered and hugged the guys and then Louis was there with his arms around him. They were all really happy and relieved.