[A/N] If you're here to catch up with your reading, I wanna thank you for that :) But you should know I've added a prologue to the book and it would be great if you could read that before going through the chapters! To access the Prologue, just click on the EXTERNAL LINK and there you are!

"Looks like I'm 'a do everything myself. Maybe I could use some help, but hell, you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself" - Limp Bizkit

TEN 

The rehearsals were going beyond perfect. It had been a couple weeks since they all had begun to warm up for the best tour ever. They couldn’t be more excited. Every little detail was planned to give the audience a breath taking experience. The boys knew they had such a huge responsibility; to stand and sing in front of more than 50 thousand people. A random thought of being in the center of the earth whilst the fans would be there looking at them and singing their songs, amused them in a way they could never imagine. And it was almost the time to hit the road.

But that day would be different. No rehearsals for them, only for the girl who quickly made their stage her place to be. Allowed to get to the venue a few hours later for Modest’s announcement, Liam got there even earlier that just to watch a sneak peak of Sylvia’s performance. He was so proud of her; she certainly did something right and her improvement was clearer every day. She shone on the stage, making everything her own and causing everyone’s heart to skip a beat with every song she sang her heart out.

As he arrived at the venue, Liam was welcomed with surprised eyes from people who would never imagine seeing him there that soon. Everyone was pretty much used to all of them being late, but the grin he was wearing told them that being earlier wasn’t a big deal for him. Sylvia was there for some hours, she would be happy to have some support. The sound of the piano was filling the air. As it got louder, Liam could not help but notice how the girl grew up while seated in front of the piano. He leaned back on the sound mixer after greeting the techs and his eyes quickly glued on the girl in front of him.

It was curiou to think how things had started for her and how Simon was putting all his coins on this girl. Giving her the chance to be the opening act for a world stadium tour was huge; Simon had the right to be afraid of how she would handle everything. But like Liam and boys said at the beginning of the rehearsals, they would work hard to make her proud of her job well done and about sharing the tour with them. Besides, after all the days they had already spent together, having a new member of their family was a pleasure for them; they definitely fit together.

He was surprised by the way she dominated the scene; surely she wasn’t a freshman and her confidence was taking over the stage. The microphone in her hands seemed so small compared to how far her voice could reach; making Liam wonder what it would be like to have Zayn and Sylvia battle and find out who could go higher. His eyes followed all her moves and he couldn’t help the smile on his lips when she realized his presence. She blew him a kiss and they stared each other for a while until she got back to that serious rehearsal expression.

Liam would never deny how gorgeous she was. Sylvia didn’t even need too much to look even better; her unique features were enough to tell him how troubled all of them would be for having her around for such a long time. Five lads and that only girl would make a mess. A hot mess, if he could think right.

“Through which space are you flying that high, dude?!” He never realized Niall was there until he heard the Irish accent.

“Just- thinking a little,” He chuckled as his eyes never moved from the girl, but he felt Niall getting more comfortable as he leaned by his side. “Fell from the bed?”

“Not really, I just thought it would be good to get here earlier.” Finally Liam met his friend’s gaze and Niall pointed his head to Sylvia. “She would be happy to see us around.” They both shared a smile but soon they were interrupted by a much known voice.

“So it seems everyone had an earlier wakeup call today!” Harry got closer to them as his messy curls were waving under his hat with his walk, followed by Zayn and Louis who were just on his back.

“I guess you forgot to fix your hair, Hazza!” Liam laughed to his friend after welcoming him with a tight hug.

“Never, this is my charming secret,” he answered with a wink, curling a strand of hair around his finger and soon greeted all the boys around.

“So what brings you all here today? You all are always the late ones.” Niall crossed his arms over his chest and gave them a daring look, right before poking Louis’ arm. “Even Louis is here!”

“It’s not fair to have a couple more hours of sleep when she has to be here by herself that early,” Louis answered as he covered his yawn, trying to hide how sleepy he still was.

“Besides, she would love to see us supporting her.” It was Zayn’s turns to say what all of them already knew. They smiled to each other after seeing it was the same reason that brought them all together at that moment. Sylvia was certainly doing something to those boys and agreeing about it was the only thing left for them. 

“So it seems I have a VIP audience of hot lads. Should I fangirl right now or should I wait?” The girl’s voice echoed through the speakers as she saw the group watching her. She waved to all of them for a quick instant, but in a matter of seconds got back to her mic and her band. The boys found their places close to the mixer and soon they were all hooked by her addictive voice.

Looks like a girl but she’s a flame, so bright she burns her eyes.

The band played along the song as she followed her tune with eyes closed, but still careful to the piano under her hands. The sweetness of her voice was perfect for that harmony; easily everyone noticed how suitable those words were for her. Standing from the small seat, she walked across the stage whilst her voice was hitting inside their minds.

Everybody stands as she goes by, ‘cause they can the flame that’s in her eyes.

None of the boys could move their eyes from her; there was something that attached them so hard to that girl, yet they would never understand what it was. She was on fire. They didn’t know why and how, but that flaming brunette was little by little reaching each one of them.

“Dude,” Niall interrupted their gaze on her and all moved towards the blonde, who chuckled as his hand squeezed his own face. “This girl- she’s seriously-”

“She’s fucking hot,” Louis added what his friend was going to say, as his eyes followed the girl all around in front of them.

“Who had this incredible idea of bringing her on our tour?” Liam’s eyes followed her as his finger traced his lips, still mesmerized by the girl in front of them.

“I guess someone may have trouble at home because of that.” They all laughed at Zayn, who barely moved his gaze from her, addicted to her moves, but soon nodding to them and joining their laughter.

“You have no idea, mate,” he slapped Harry who literally rolled over the ground, lying his body over the concrete and placing the hat over his face.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if any of us hook up with her before the end of the tour,” Harry said with his hat covering his mouth; they couldn’t help but agree with him.

“I guess it would certainly be a pleasure,” Louis chuckled and got hit by Niall, who joined him in an amusing laugh.

Their laughter filled the venue right at the moment Sylvia ended rehearsal. In a hurry she left the stage and ran toward the boys, and soon Niall’s arms embraced her.

“What are you guys laughing about?!” Her eyes darted around as she got rid of his arms, waiting for any one of them to clear her curiosity.

“Nothing you should care about,” Harry let go a little chuckle but the girl shot him bold eyes. She knew they were probably talking about her; the silly way they were trying to fake their features didn’t lie to her.

“Actually we were talking about the great weather outside, don’t you agree?” Zayn’s eyebrow quickly went up and down whilst he played with his fingers.

“Don’t lie to her, Malik! To be honest, we were just saying how-,” Louis scanned her body, pressing his lips and nodding his head in a playful way but Niall broke his words.

“How funny it- it is we all came her earlier for that same reason.” Niall got confused with his own words and all of them shared the same snigger.

“So? What is it about?” A frown covered Sylvia’s expression as she gave them a silly threatening look and crossed her arms.

“So we all got here earlier to give you some support and that’s how you show us your appreciation? Not cool, Miss.” Louis leaned towards the girl, as a frown appeared and his arms crossed like she had just done. 

A soft warm feeling took over her body as she listened to his words; she was glad to know that only a short amount of time was enough to make her close to the group. Sylvia bit her bottom lip in an attempt to hide the huge grin that was threatening to cover her face after seeing they really did care about her. Niall approached her as soon as he realized her actions and held her from behind.

“That’s the truth; we were supposed to cheer you up if you’d ever felt lonely while rehearsing in this huge venue all by yourself.” He quickly pecked her cheek and the feeling of belonging to them and starting a great friendship took over her, just as the previous hidden grin covered her features. She couldn’t deny how easily effected she was by their contagious presence; she could only hope to make their newborn bond.

“What a surprise!” Jay made his way towards the group. The joy was clear as his body seemed to dance whilst he walked. “I wasn’t expecting to see you guys here this early!”

“Wanna know why they got here that early?” Sylvia placed her hands by the side of her waist after being released by Niall and bit the bottom lip of her grin, leaning her body towards her manager in a childish way. She would never deny how happy she was by knowing the real reason why they were there.

“And there she goes being all snooty. I knew it was a mistake to tell you that,” Liam was in her back and took her hands off of her hips as he rested his chin on her shoulder.

“You better get your hands off her,” Niall pinched Liam’s arm which resulted him leaning back from her, causing them all to laugh of how jealous Niall was becoming.

“Sometimes I really forget how old you are. So silly for 20’s!” Jay rubbed his face after bursting into laughs and asked for their attention. “Listen, Henry and Richard are already here, so I guess we can start this meeting like, now.”

Soon the boys and Sylvia made their way to the makeshift meeting room the management set up at the venue. The fancy Modest style was there even between all the wires and tech equipment occupying pretty much all the space available. Right after greeting the heads of Modest, they all found their spot around the huge black circle glass table, facing the big screen ahead connected to something that seemed to be a teleconference booth.

They all new by far why there were there; great news about the tour had come earlier than they expected and Henry and Richard were supposed to give there more information about the tour that was becoming even more huge.

“Let me just-.” Richard was having a hard time trying to connect the cable at the receiver, but he suddenly stepped back as soon as the big boss’ shape showed up on the screen.

“Don’t fall down, Jay! Just get used to all the tech crap,” Simon said between his big grin. The boys seemed overwhelmed by the image of their own image appearing on the corner of the screen. “I’m proud to know that this little creepy thing over here will allow me to watch my puppies that close during the tour.” They all laughed by Simon’s words. He was never tired of playing the stubborn dad over them. “Shall we start now? Los Angeles is amazing today; I don’t want waste my time here in this room.”

Richard slowly scanned all the faces in the room and took a seat at the table as Henry handed them some papers and his glasses. “So, guys,” a little smiled played over his lips when he glanced at Sylvia, “and, now, girl. Simon, Henry, and I are here to tell a little bit more about the tour-.”

“Which will start in one week.” Henry crossed his arms over his fancy suit and tie and had a serious look on his face. He was the head boss at Modest who everyone was afraid of, but all the hardest and most delicate topics about any boys’ job was ran by him first, so they knew they were in good and trustful hands. “As you all know by now, South America was added to the tour and it’s gonna be your first leg. Since we’re facing a new market and this massive fandom, we have worked on a special program to ensure everything will be well and safe as we’ve been planning.”

“And what is it about?” Zayn asked and turned to his mates, already knowing and worrying for what it would be about.

Henry and Richard shared a gaze before telling them the news they knew by far wouldn’t be much appreciated. “Security protocol,” Simon’s voice echoed before Henry could answer. The disappointment was clear on everyone’s face, yet Sylvia was confused by not knowing what that was about.

“That’s a-,” Liam’s eyes dropped to the glass but Louis cut him off.

“That’s bullshit.” The frustration on his tone was his way to show his disapproval. “It’s-”

“First time we go to South America and-,” Harry tried to add but Richard forced the boy to stop talking. Harry knew he wouldn’t be the transgressor one in that meeting.

“The point here is you don’t know what you will face and we work hard to keep you all safe.” Richard slowly walked around the room, with his hands in his front pockets, not daring to move his eyes from the boys. He needed to show them how serious the topic was. “My twenty years of experience running this business can only tell me no risks will be taken. You guys would be much more than mobbed, just like all the major artists that tour over there. We are arranging the world’s best security to protect you and-”

“Bullshit.” Louis raised his voice and Richard and Henry turned to face the boy, annoyance all written over both of their faces. “What do you guys think we are? Prisoning us inside all those hotels will not make it easier and you know that.”

“Lou,” Liam placed his hand over Louis shoulder and tried to soothe his friend, “let them speak, calm-”

“I’M NOT CALMING DOWN, LIAM.” He shoved Liam’s hand, not diverting his eyes from the Modest crew and shaking his head in disbelief. He tried to control his voice tone but soon it got louder as soon as he started speaking again. “We all agreed this tour would be different but it doesn’t fucking matter, it seems that you want us to be your sick fucking puppies.”

Louis couldn’t believe what he was listening to. The last tour wasn’t easy and being under severe control got on his nerves. He would never understand why they keep insisting on this when they were all grown enough to take care of themselves. Besides, he knew that all the fans insane actions were a result of management control; the more security, the more people would be there to see what was going on. Even if they would never know it was about One Direction.

“Louis, could you please show us a little respect and listen to what Henry and Richard have to say?” Simon raised his voice to the level of Louis’, but the boy laughed back at the screen.

“That’s why you wanna watch us that close, right, Simon? So then you can be sure we’re following every damn step you guys tell us to take.” He pretended to move from his chair but Richard came from his back and slammed his hand on the table in front of him.

“STOP BEING SO STUBBORN, LOUIS!” Richard snapped back the boy and pointed his finger to his face as the next words came from his mouth. “We thought you were over your childish ways, but we may be wrong. You better keep your ass seated and listen to us.”

“So tell us, Henry, don’t be that negligent,” Louis avoided Richard’s gaze as he frowned and moved towards Henry, who was pretty much silent, only watching Simon and Richard talking. “What does this fucking security protocol mean?” He asked with a silly voice as his fingers faked quotation marks in the air.

“Louis, stop with that, we already know what it’s all about.” Harry squeezed his face and shook his head, disagreeing with Louis’ behavior.

It wouldn’t the first time the boys would be under security’s control and even though they hated that, they knew that was needed for their own good. But they all knew Louis’ temper about being stuck and following strict rules, yet they could never imagine him treating Modest the way he was treating them right now.

“We do, but Sylvia doesn’t. Right sweetie?” He gave the girl a fake smile, but soon got his eyes back to Richard who was in front of them all, trying to calm his nerves by taking a deep breath. He knew that if he couldn’t control that, things would go a little further than he expected. “And I guess we should all be clear and fair about what this crap is about because I cannot see a good start from here.”

A rough sigh came from Richard’s mouth and Henry squeezed the corner of his eyes with his thumbs, nodding his head. They knew they would have a hard time telling the boys, but Louis was somehow working hard to be a pain in their asses and making things even harder.

“So what we’re talking about is,” Henry placed his glasses on his eyes and started reading the papers on his hands, “the whole hotel shut for the crew, different hotels if needed, blocked floors, security on the hotel’s circumference, national army support if necessary.” The boys’ eyes grew wider whilst Louis’ laugh filled the room. They would never have imagined how intense and harsh everything would be; the fact the army would be involved didn’t tell them that it would be good, as they were surprised, yet scared, about it.

“No meet and greets,” Simon completed the speech as he felt the nerves taking control of everyone in the room. “No external interviews, no sightseeing, no night out’s and- twenty security guards to each one of you.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Louis said between his sarcastic laugh, not even considering controlling his nerves this time. “You guys are seriously working hard to give us the worst tour ever. That is what all this shit seems like to me!” Henry’s head dropped as he shook it and Richard was not even trying to hide how furious he was.

“Ok Louis, we’re so done with it and your bad temper. I honestly think-”

“I DON’T FUCKING CARE TO WHAT YOU THINK!” The boy yelled back to all of them; it was Louis’ turn to stand from his seat and show them how angry he was after the great news they had just heard. “You’re imprisoning us inside those fucking hotels and I hope you don’t expect us to be happy about it. I am not willing to follow all these stupid rules because I’m sick of you all.” His voice raised by the end of his line as his eyes were shooting daggers to the crew.

“Louis, seriously,” Niall stood and grabbed Louis arms in an attempt to grab him back to his place. “We’re not-”

“Don’t you even try, Niall.” Louis closed his eyes and there came another deep breath, but nothing seemed to help him to relax. “I’m sick of this management and they need to know it by now. I can’t fucking take-”

“ENOUGH, LOUIS!” Richard lost control and screamed at the boy. Furiousness took over him and soon his face flushed, as he could feel his blood boiling inside his body after that unexpected blow up. “I’m not here to listen you complaining-”

‘I DON’T GIVE A FUCK WHAT YOU’RE HERE FOR, RICHARD!” Louis got closer to him and screamed out loud, straight his face. “Why even spend your fucking time to come here and tell us all this bullshit? I don’t care how many security guards I’ll have up my ass, I just want you all to let us be for a second, for God’s sake.”

There were only a few inches separating both of them and no one was ready for the argument to get worse, because they were sure it would go really far. Liam and Harry grabbed Louis, trying to get him back to his previous spot.

“GET OFF OF ME!” He yelled once again to the boys and got rid of their grip. “It’s fine for me if you guys wanna go for that, but I’m not even sorry to say I don’t agree with any of this shit.” Louis gave all of them his back and began to walk out.

“Don’t you even try to leave this room, Louis,” Henry demanded, but got no reaction back from the boy. “LOUIS!”

Louis simply and slowly stepped around the room as he felt all eyes on him, as Henry tried to get his attention and everyone was left speechless and shocked. As soon as he got closer to Sylvia, he placed both arms around her and leaned closer to the girl’s ear.

“Welcome to hell, sweetheart.”

---

[A/N]

First: Hi.

Second: Firstly I give you the facts; then I give the reasons. Keep it in mind.

Third: That's the first time I name the title after two songs and I hope it went well. Two super opposite vibes, but, well, lol. Just let me know if it worked, ok?! By the way, no, it's not Alicia Keys, but the one and only real Sylvia Yacoub! How cool is that to actually listen to her singing?! :D

Fourth: How is it so far?! Enjoying the reading?! All the lovely comments I've got so far warms my heart and I cannot help the huge smile that happend to my face every time I get a new comment. Thank you very much for all the support, you guys are truly the best!

By the way, Richard and Louis on the side bar. They may be back. Or not. MUAH-HA.

Don't forget to VOTE and to COMMENT! Never forget to keep the good vibe! cheers xx