Fine. (Louis Tomlinson)

Chapter 14

"Alright guys, first we will be rehearsing a couple of oldies. Easy stuff for today..." I hear one of our tour managers speaking to the boys as I quietly stand outside of the room. I accidentally showed up a few minutes later than they were expecting, at-least that is my excuse anyways. Honestly, I'm not sure if I'm ready to go back in there and face everyone. I will get the same questions that Harry bothered me with just two days ago. Even if I put on the best act possible, I just know they will see through it.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. If I've gotten this far, I can keep going. I open the door and hear the familiar tune of Midnight Memories. The boys instantly stop singing once they notice me.

"Louis! We didn't think you were showing up today." Niall beams and brings me in for a hug. "How are ya, mate? It's been a while."

"I'm pretty good. Getting along." I say.

"Here," Liam says handing me a few pieces of paper. "It's the Setlist for the tour and all of those details. You've missed a bit, it's quite strange not having you around." I listen to him while scanning over the information. Everything seems pretty simple to remember.

"Oh, it looks like there's a typo." I announce. Zayn glances over my shoulder and slightly chuckles.

"Nah mate, that's right." This has to be a joke.

"Why would you change it? We weren't supposed to be starting tour until next week... Tomorrow night? Bloody hell." I ramble, more to myself than anyone else. Everyone's attention was on me now.
"Lou you had three months off, you should be fine with it." Liam firmly states. He must be in one of those moods today.

I smile weakly. "Yeah, yeah. You're right. I'm sorry, I just wasn't expecting it, is all." I play it off as best I can. The boys seem to think nothing of it and stand behind their microphones once again. Harry gives me a wary glance, not buying any of it. I simply smile back and get ready to rehearse the next songs. It's going to be a long day.
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"That's a wrap for today! See you guys tomorrow." Our tour manager informs as everyone starts putting away the stage and instrument equipment for tomorrow. Tomorrow. I still can't believe that. I know it's my fault and I did it to myself, but I am not ready to go out in front of a huge crowd.

"Louis," Niall calls as I head for the door. "What're you up to tonight?"

"I don't know, probably going to look over the setlist and stuff. We leave for the hotel early in the afternoon..."

"Oh. Well, we were wondering if you wanted to go out for a bit, to catch up." He shrugs.

"I don't know, mate. We shouldn't be drinking the night before a show." I reply, hoping he gets the hint that I just want to stay home.

"C'mon! It's not like we're going to get smashed. Let's go, it will be fun. We never go out anymore." I sigh under my breath but nod in agreement.

About twenty minutes later, we were seated at the restaurant. I sat next to Liam while Harry, Niall, and Zayn sat across from us. Apparently Niall made reservations already and had our side of the place cleared out. I can't remember the last time we did something like this as a group-it's been ages.

"So what else did I miss?" I ask, trying to make conversation somehow.

"Not much. Just a couple of photoshoots and one interview that management wouldn't let us pass up. You know how they are." He slightly laughs to lighten the mood. I nod.

"So are you excited about tomorrow?" Niall beams, "I can't wait to get out there. I think the fans are gonna love the set this year."

"Yeah." I reply as the waitress approaches our table to take our drink orders. The guys all get some kind of alcohol except me. I know that I will want more than one, especially on a day like today.

"Louis can I talk to you for a moment?" Harry asks expressionless as he gets up from his chair. I nervously follow him away from the others, after getting suspicious looks from Niall and Liam.

"Look," he begins. "I know there's something going on. You look no better than you did the other day and you're totally freaking out about tomorrow. If you've been drinking again, please tell me." His voice is tired and worrisome as he speaks.

"No, I haven't." I lie.

Harry stares at me, "Louis..." He warns, seeing right through me.

"Yes, I have." I mumble, "But you can't tell the others! You know they would cancel the tour and headlines everywhere would blow up even worse. And the fans, think about them. You can't say a damn thing and you know it." I bite. He frowns and runs his hand through his hair.

"You're right. But I can't handle seeing you like you were at the end of last tour. I know I only confronted you a few months ago, but it was quite impossible not for me to notice sooner. Remember how you were so tired that I had to sing your solos? When you couldn't remember your lines? Remember when Niall almost started questioning why you were away from us all the time but I stood up for you?" He questions bitterly. I remain silent and avoid eye contact.

"I won't say a word. But when this comes crashing down, I don't know if I'll be able to save you."

A/N: sorry it took me so long to update! This is a massive filler... I apologize.

Votes and comments are welcome! Thanks loves. Xx