Chapter Text
Louis and Harry are part of the biggest boy band; One Direction. They have been staying together from two years. Out of all the band members, the two were closest to each other. But now, circumstances have drastically changed, so has their relationship. It started when fans started calling them Larry Stylinson. Initially, they were both thrilled and embraced it. They were even proud that their solid friendship had that impact on people. They were smug about it and wore matching outfits to let people make more stories. However, one night's incident changed everything for Louis.
x_____x_____x
Louis and Harry were getting ready to leave for an award ceremony. The band had to reach their stylist few hours before the ceremony, to get dressed. Louis Tomlinson was in his room grabbing his keys, wallet and other things. He was working in automatic mode until he came across a stuffed teddy bear. He froze in his place and kept staring at it. The bear held a heart in his hand which read 'Louis'. It was a present from his Hazza from a year back, when things were alright. When there was no pressure, when everyone was just....happy. What Louis would give to have that time and that innocence back. Everything was going well, Louis and Harry were so close, inseparable. They would make funny gestures during the concert. They were so comfortable in each other's presence, they would jokingly flirt with each other. That's how Harry had gotten this teddy bear to him as a present on valentine's and said 'A bear for my boo bear'. Louis felt guilty, he felt a strong sensation in his gut. It's funny how your emotions can start to physically hurt you. But Louis was helpless. He remembers that night clearly...the night when Modest called him in after their show. Louis brushed these thoughts off and covered the bear with a towel and shut his cupboard. He didn't want to look at it. He couldn't handle the stir it caused. He wasn't ready to face his demons, let alone fight them.
"Louis...you ready? I have been waiting from 10 minutes" .. called Harry from the living room.
"Yeah sorry..couldn't find my wallet" Louis said while rushing out of his bedroom towards him. Still lost in his thoughts, he chose not to meet Harry's eyes.
"You got the keys?" asked Harry while looking at him.. He noticed Louis kept staring at the floor
"Yeah..let's go" said Louis quickening his pace towards the main door.
"Are you alright?" asked Harry
"What?" Louis turned around briefly to look at Harry. He was still surprised at how easily Harry could discern his mood, just by looking at him. Just from a shrug of shoulders, but he knew he had no answer. "Yeah yeah..let's go" he said and hurried out.
Harry followed but he knew Louis seemed off. Nowadays, he always did. Harry knew something was not right with him. it had been 6 months since he last saw old Louis who would jump around and was always cheeky. He had confronted Louis about his changed behavior. But Louis maintained that nothing happened, he said he is just "Growing up, and cannot keep acting like a kid anymore". It broke Harry's heart. He knew he was younger but now Louis made it a point to bring this fact up in all their confrontations. Time and again he kept saying "you wouldn't understand, you're too young". Harry didn't know what he can do to make Louis talk, make him 'share' again. He had written him cards, sent tweets, but Louis had stopped replying to him, especially publically. He was professional in their meetings and tours but ignored Harry completely. He would avoid Harry's gazes and comments. When they were alone back home, either Louis would step out to meet Eleanor; his girl friend or be in his room. On weekends too, he started going away saying that he is going to out with Eleanor. Harry couldn't help but feel jealous. He knew that friends act different once they start dating but he never thought his Lou would act like this. He associated Louis' behavioral change since Eleanor's entry in his life. But nothing seemed to add up. It all happened too fast. He thought about asking Louis what the deal with Eleanor's sudden importance in his life was, but he couldn't. Maybe it would be inappropriate. Best friends don't question each other about their diversion of attention to their girlfriends..do they?
The chauffer was already at their driveway. Both Louis and Harry climbed into the backseat of the car. They kept looking outside each of their windows. No one spoke. Louis started back to the time when he was being driven in a similar vehicle in the middle of the night to the management. That was 6 months ago.
It was after their show. Louis had had a few drinks before that concert. He was extremely happy and chirpy. During the show he walked up to Harry multiple times to sing to him, to hug him or to playfully pull his cheeks. Then during Zayn's solo, Harry walked up to Louis and kissed him on the cheek. Louis won't forget the sensation. It felt wonderful... he attributed this sensation to the drinks he had. And yet, he was happy about his rapport with his best friend. Louis had fun, he was on the top of the world. He made plans with the boys to watch a horror movie that night. He went to his dressing room to change and head out when he was suddenly called in by the management. It was past 1:00 AM, they drove him to their office. Throughout the drive Louis kept feeling anxiety building up. He knew something was wrong, but didn't know what. Was he going to be removed? What was going to happen? He entered the building and reached the board room where the head of department was sitting cross legged. He gesticulated Louis to take the seat opposite to him.
Louis sat. They both occupied the only two seats out of the huge round table in the room.
"Do you know why you are here?" asked Simon.
"To be frank not really.. Do you need an autograph?" said Louis with a faint chuckle, trying to defuse the tension.
Simon rolled his eyes and continued... "This...this very behavior is what's going to land you in trouble, Tomlinson. You are always trying to be the funny one..the cool one..You don't care about the impact your actions have on other band members"
"What are you talking about?" Louis asked, seriosuly. His buzz from earlier was suddenly gone, he was offended by Simon's tone. But at the same time his hands and feet were turning cold and sweaty.
"Louis, for starters, start acting your age. We need you to be more responsible if you want to be in this arrangement. And secondly, I have to ask, what's going on between you and Harry Styles?" shot Simon.
"What?...I...I don't think I need to discuss that with you" replied Louis. While Harry and Louis were just great friends, he felt like he didn't owe this man any explanation. Also, somewhere, Louis could not bring himself to say that nothing was going on. Nothing felt like a strong word with such negative connotations. Doesn't it?
"Louis, how many successful people in this industry do you know who are homosexual? I want you to name a few.." said Simon
Louis did not answer. He felt his head was getting lighter with each passing minute. He most definitely could answer but his mind just blanked out. The very aura coming off of Simon was extremely hostile and it paralyzed Louis. He felt trapped.
"It's funny. You know this world. While everyone now claims to accept LGBTQ folks and claim to be liberal, do you know what homosexual actors are cast as in movies? The side, best-friend character...That's all they are good enough for. Do you want to be that person Louis? Do you want to be a side character all your life? Do you have any idea of the demographic of your band's fan following?"
"I am sorry to say but you are crossing the line Simon" said louis after building up some courage. Even though he knew he isn't really homosexual, he just didn't like the way Simon was phrasing these sentences in front of him. It was extremely disrespectful.
"Louis...I hope you know..I consider your vocals to be weakest in the band. But I am not saying that's wrong. You do have a very raw pick which is why you are a part of the team. Don't get me wrong, you are important, you are one of the fruit bearing branches. But the tree can remain standing without the branches..I hope you know that" said Simon and glared at Louis. Louis shifted in his seat uncomfortably, feeling the hair on his neck stand up.
"You know..If you have such a special bond with Harry. I would assume you would care about at least his career. He has a massive fan following. Most of them are young girls. They are crazy about him. Every time you decide to go up to him in public and make some obscene gesture, he for sure loses a fan.. He looses an opportunity" said Simon, in a very composed tone. He leaned forward and tapped on the back of Louis' hand which rested on the table.
"He deserves more don't you think? If you play all the right cards, you can be next to him to see this band, see him, rise up to success. I think you have the potential to be one of the greatest bands. I am sure you want to be a part of it. Obviously you are a very important resource to us, otherwise we would not be having this conversation. But if you'd like to take your chances somewhere else I am more than happy to let you go.."
"I have never said tha...."
"I know, just clearing the air.. You can take your chances but our management has a no poach with other organizations as well. This is just how the industry works. And the finances it will take for you to start up your own company.. perhaps. You could give it a shot. What's your qualification by the way?" said Simon while continuing to glare at Louis.
Louis felt choked. He didn't understand anything. His breathing was uneven. he couldn't think. He would never jeopardize his band mate's career. he would never jeopardize Harry's career, singing was his passion. He knew he had nowhere to go. He never wanted to leave the band. There was nothing between them anyway. Was there going to be? No..No..he is straight. Harry is straight. He just wanted some time to think this through.
"So..what do you think?" asked Simon tapping Louis' hand again?
"Sorry..about what? Asked Louis. He was lost in is thoughts.
"You need to sign this contract. We are going to introduce you to Eleanor. She is going to appear as your girlfriend in public. You must go out with her every weekend. It's just a part of routine. It's very common in this industry believe it or not"
"What? Why? I can just date someone..for real? I don't think this is required"
"Louis...we need damage control. You have spilled enough drama anyway. Eleanor will act as per our directions. We can't wait, we need to take immediate actions"
"What's the contract about?"
"You cannot comment about your sexuality and you will never come out as a gay man until your rights with Modest remain. Which is at least 10 years"
"What? And also, what makes you think I am...you know what. never mind" Louis thought he was straight so this contract meant nothing. And a fake girlfriend can be replaced with a real one eventually. He reached for the contract and began reading it. But he felt his senses leave the room the more he read.
"What?! It says I can't publicly hang out with Harry unless in a group..I cannot be seen holding his hand etc.. What is this nonsense?"
"Nonsense is it?" said Simon and stood up with a jolt. Louis genuinely felt scared and his heart skipped a beat. "I don't think you have any bargaining power in this, Tomlinson. If you want the band to grow, you will sign this. Or, you can walk out right NOW"
"I...I need some time to think" pleaded Louis.
"You have none. You will sign this right away" said Simon.
Louis had no choice. He felt his soul was being ripped away. This was a point of no return. he couldn't exit the band. his parents, family everyone was so proud of him....he had finally made it. He had fans.. or so he thought. Maybe they were all Harry, Zayn, Liam and Niall fans. Maybe Simon was right. He couldn't financially afford to make it on his own either. But whatever, he couldn't leave the band. he couldn't leave Harry. His hands were shaking. He felt like he was cheating on Harry, even though he was his best friend. He wanted to run to him and tell him everything. He couldn't. He just took the pen and signed the contract with a heavy heart.
"See...I knew you are the most mature one. You just lose your step sometimes. It's time you start taking solid decisions boy. You have made the right choice. You are free to do whatever you want in your personal life. Don't think we are trying to control you. These contracts are common knowledge in the industry. You name a singer and I can.......
Simon continued talking but his voice faded in Louis' head. He just felt hollow. Empty.. He didn't understand the gravity of what he had just done. He was 19, he doesn't know about this stuff. He wants to call and ask people but he has not been given a chance. Every time he thinks of Harry, he feels a stab in his heart. As if, he had disappointed him.
"I hope you have the sense to not discuss this with others"
"Sure" said Louis and got up to leave. Simon called from behind to wish him luck and goodnight. He didn't respond. He felt heavy. His legs and hands were shaking. He needed to breath. He rushed to the car and sat inside. The chauffer started driving. Louis couldn't take it, his head was spinning.
"Mate could you please stop the car for a minute here...please quickly". He asked. He jumped out of the car on the side of the a busy highway. He couldn't breath. He took out his phone, there was one missed call from his mom and Liam, and 7 from Harry. He sat on the side of the road and started sobbing. This was the first time he had a panic attack. He started taking deep breaths in order to come back to his senses. This was the worst feeling. It was like something heavy was sitting on his chest.
He continued to cry for several minutes until the chauffer walked up to him and said 'You cannot be doing that here. Someone will see you. I have been asked to drop you directly to the hotel".
Louis looked at the man in disbelief and he just shrugged his shoulders and walked away muttering 'kids'. Louis got up and walked to the vehicle. This was the reality check about how everything had changed already. His freedom had been taken away from him. He must oblige..for Harry. His best friend. His career, his dreams. At least this way he will get to witness his glory. He decided he will not utter a word about this to anyone. He knew Harry would be shattered if he finds out. He must keep this to himself. He will just tell the boys he went to an after party where he has met this wonderful new girl called 'Eleanor'.
"You're here. Head to room number 12" said the chauffer while stopping the car in front of the studio. Louis came back to the present. His hands were shaking again. He got out of the car and put his hands in his pockets.
Harry came around the car to walk next to him. Louis noticed cameras so he fastened his pace away from Harry and entered the building. But he continued to feel Harry's gaze, even from the back of his head. He knew he was looking at him.