Worth Fighting For

Chapter Twenty-One

A/N - I just needed to post something. Wanted to. This election is stressing me the fuck out. I'm literally having a nervous breakdown and have been all day. I don't know what this is. I didn't actually proof this. Like at all. So yeah. Hope it's alright :)

ALSO if anyone wants to proof a (DARK) oneshot I'm working on, it would be GREATLY appreciated. Let me know in the comments below or dm me on insta, @multi._.au

They wrapped up production on their third album, Midnight Memories, and released it at the end of November, nearly two months after their wedding. This album, like the last, is chock full of hidden lyrics, songs meant to be sung to one another and for one another. Harry got a few songs in, but Louis was incredible, writing or contributing to over half the album.

Harry and Louis are practically giddy. They made it. Three years. They did it. They all did. Because yes, maybe management is homophobic and cruel towards Harry and Louis, but the other boys aren't exactly making it through unscathed. They've all been bullied and pushed down. Restricted. They have different ways of coping, of fighting back. Zayn and Louis smoke. Liam shaved his head. Harry's still growing his hair. None of the boys are sure how Niall has managed to retain his bubbly and bright persona, but he's a source of light for the group when they're feeling dark.

In all honesty, Zayn might have it worst of them all. He's not allowed to do anything- his songs are constantly and firmly rejected, he was told under no uncertain terms he was absolutely in no way allowed to dye his hair. So he smokes. He got himself a beautiful girlfriend. He continues to comfort and be there for his brothers, like they try to be for him. They just don't quite get it, and the sad thing is they might never. Zayn didn't want to be in a boyband. And yes, he loves the lads, but it doesn't change the fact that deep down he doesn't want this. But he bears it. For them.

And he does enjoy it, playing music with his closest mates. It's just the constant rejection and repression from management that slowly starts to wear him down.

So when the time rolls around to discuss the contract renewal, everyone is ready to walk away. Well, everyone but Niall. Because Niall, with his pure heart and boundless love for the boys and what they do, never wants to stop. When he told them this, they assured him they wouldn't be over, they'd just look for better management. Zayn hadn't said a word.

Turns out, they still have a lot to learn. They're still the naive, wide-eyed, hopeful little boys they were the first time. They truly thought they could be free. That Simon would let them be free. They should've known better.

"Where are they?" Liam mutters, pacing back and forth. "We've been here like an hour." It's true, they arrived at the building and were directed to the conference room where they remain almost a full hour ago. Harry and Louis are directly beside each other, hands intertwined and ankles hooked together. Touching each other in every way they can while staying in their own seats. Harry's free hand picks at his bottom lip until Louis notices and, frowning, takes the hand in his own, settling them over their already intertwined fingers on the armrest of Harry's chair.

"Are they just not gonna come?" Liam rakes a hand back through his hair and Harry's frown deepens. Louis notices and fixes Liam with a glare.

"Li, would you sit the hell down?" he snaps, eyes flashing. Harry flinches, just a bundle of nervous energy at this point. Louis strokes a thumb over his knuckles soothingly. "You're freaking Haz out."

"Well, I'm sorry but I think all of us are a bit unnerved right now," Liam snips, nerves making him harsher than usual.

"Liam," Zayn says softly. "Just sit down. They'll be here in a bit." Liam huffs but does as he's told, plopping into a seat next to the Bradford boy. His leg starts bouncing almost immediately and Louis rolls his eyes, shifting his focus to Harry.