Worth Fighting For

Chapter Four

"Matt Cardle!" Louis' heart dropped. It was between them and Rebecca. They had made it so far, surely it couldn't be over. He glanced at Harry. The boy looked terrified. He had placed himself as far from Simon as he could, still uncomfortable with the man. Liam had his hand on his shoulder and Louis is grateful that he's comforting Harry since Louis can't.

Fans had started to pick up on what was going on between the two of them, fondly nicknaming them 'Larry Stylinson'. Louis and Harry loved it. Simon... didn't. He told them it wasn't good for the band's image, that they should try to distance themselves a little bit. They hadn't. Simon told them they had to. Then he stopped making it a choice.

So Louis couldn't take Harry's hand, couldn't make sure he was alright. The announcer was still talking about how one act would be going home, and Harry couldn't take it. He lowered his head, pinching the bridge of his nose and taking a deep breath, likely holding back tears. Louis couldn't help it- he reached over to tap Harry's hip reassuringly. It seems to help, because Harry looks up.

"Rebecca." That's it. It's over. They lost. Louis looks to Harry immediately. The boy has put on a brave face, refusing like the rest of them to cry. He claps for Rebecca. Louis just stands there, feeling numb. Then Matt comes over and the boys congratulate him before all going over to Rebecca. It's over for them. But maybe now he and Harry can be just that- him and Harry. They can go on dates, hold hands in public. Maybe it's for the best.

-

It's not over. One Direction isn't done yet. Simon had offered them a contract, and after barely even skimming over it, the boys had signed. They have a contract! They just spent a month in LA recording an album, and now they're finishing up the X-Factor Live Tour. They are far from over. They're three months into the tour and loving it. Sure it's insane, what with the screaming fans and flashing lights, but the boys are loving it, every second of it. Louis and Harry have, if possible grown even closer.

Some couples might grow tired of each other after three months of being together 24/7 but nothe Louis and Harry. They fall deeper in love with the other every day, though neither of them thought that was possible. The boys tease and grumble, but support their friends in every sense of the word. It's perfect, it's all perfect. Until they mess everything up in one night.

They're plastered. Well, Louis is plastered. Harry is slightly buzzed, the other three varying levels of drunkenness. But Louis is absolutely shitfaced. And yet he's still amazing. To be fair, he's always amazing to Harry. But here Louis is, piss-drunk, and performing like a god. They're throwing cake at each other, laughing, and loving every second of it. Harry can't stop smiling and laughing at his boyfriend. His inhibitions lowered, he looks so free, so happy, so himself. His eyes are sparkling and his cheeks are pink. So when Harry trips and falls during 'What Makes You Beautiful' he doesn't object as Louis picks him up off the floor and slings an arm around his shoulders. They sing the song to each other, not a care in the world. They see only each other, feel only the burning love in their hearts. It's a good night. If only they knew the consequences it would have.

-

"Turn it off!" Harry groans, shoving at his boyfriend's shoulder. "For god's sake Lou turn it off!" Louis sighs and opens his eyes, rolling over and grabbing the rudely ringing phone. It's 8 am and Simon's name flashes across the screen. Louis sighs heavily and sits up. "Louis Tomlinson don't you dare take that call."

"Haz, I gotta, it's Simon. Now shut up," he grumbles. Harry just flips him over and rolls onto his stomach, burying his face in the pillow. Louis answers the call, running a hand through Harry's curls as he holds the phone up to his ear.

"Morning Simon," Louis yawns into the phone.

"Louis. We need to talk." Simon's voice is cold and Louis freezes, pulling his hand from Harry's head. Harry notices and looks over at his boyfriend with a frown. He sees the expression on Louis' face and sits up, rubbing Louis' arm gently.