[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!

"And while our bloods still young

It's so young

It runs

And we won't stop til it's over

Won't stop to surrender" - The Temper Trap

SEVEN

February '14

“Ok then, Niall where’s the box with the glass?” Liam asked as he took a look at the notebook on his hands.

“It’s on the truck!” Niall immediately answered roughly while trying to hold onto a big box. “Where should I put this one?”

“What is that for?” Louis suddenly appeared to check which box he was talking about and to help.

“Err - Awards!”

“We didn’t really decide about this one. Just take to the car, it goes to my place.” He touched Niall’s shoulder and the boy left, still a little clumsy due to the weight in his hands. Louis proudly took another gulp of his beer; he was definitely the cleverest and smartest one to keep pretending to be busy with something, so he wouldn’t need to do any hard labor.

“So, we’re pretty much done.” Liam checked his notebook and showed it to Louis as a look of satisfaction appeared on his face. “How is that? Helpful?” He couldn’t be more proud of his work. Being known as the “daddy” over the lads always gave Liam a lot of responsibility and, of course, managing everything for the moving day would be a piece of cake for him. This was just a way to make sure everyone would be fine with his arrangements and everything would certainly be in his favor.

“You’re the man!” Louis hugged his friend and offered him his beer. “Thanks a lot, it wouldn’t be that well done if it wasn’t for you, daddy.”

“I’m sure about that. You know you’re the messiest one and you could never, ever, in this life, deal with all this shit you have stuck in your closet.” He stole the beer from Louis’ hand, not even taking the insulted expression from his friend for real.

“How’s it going? Can we go now?” Zayn showed up at the front door shirtless, dirty, and looking really tired.

“You sexy nasty boy, I love your tattoos! What about making out?” Louis touched his own lips, in a not-so-seductive way, staring at his friend in the doorway as Zayn looked at him with disgust. “And yes, we’re done!”

“Don’t rush things, Lou,” Harry said showing up in the doorway. “We still have plenty of papers, documents and those fucking things to go through.” He came into the room with a stack of paper boxes covering his face and soon dropped everything on the floor. The tiredness was obvious in his tone and his looks, just like the sweat shining over his skin.

“Can we do that later?” A look of disappointment showed on Louis’ face.

“No, we can’t. Otherwise you will mess everything up or keep it forever in a box.”

Liam came over to take a look. “Yeah, just do it now, it’ll be better.”

“Maybe you guys should go, it’s getting late. Everything should be inside before the sun goes down.” Harry showed his concern and looked straight at Liam. “Do you mind?”

“Not at all!” He nodded his head and smiled back to his friend, knowing that Harry would be glad and relieved if he could help.

“Yeah, we’ll go and do the rough part. You guys can go later; the worst part is organizing everything. Just take your time.” Zayn came up with that good option and Harry held his jaw for a kiss on his cheek.

“You’re amazing! Could I love you more?” Harry gave Zayn a dirty look and all of they laughed.

“I’ve been abused here! I’ll leave before you eat me alive. Let’s go, Liam!” Zayn gripped Liam’s arm and leaded him to the door.

“Just call us if you-.” He left just as his voice faded through the building’s corridor.

“So now it’s the two of us and all these things.” Louis looked to the floor and scratched the back of his head. He had no idea where to start, but Harry was faster and some pictures were already in his hands; Polaroid pictures that have been taken at some special moments they shared together in that flat.

“Do you remember this one? That’s the-.” Harry began but was cut off.

“The first party we had here!” Louis took the photo from his hands to look closer as he had no glasses. “Dude, that was crazy!” Harry laughed remembering that crazy night and took out some other pictures.

“Look, this is when your mum came to cook, and you almost set the whole building on fire.” Louis didn't look at him but smiled at the memories that flooded his mind. As he looked to the pic, he saw a boy with a long fringe covering his face who once promised to never get any tattoo, and a genuine smile on his face, whilst was held by his mum and his best friend. He could barely recognize the teenagers they used to be.

“This is the,” Louis stared at the paper his has on his hands, “the contract for this flat!” Harry comes closer and starts reading the statement.

“Being 17 and not being able to sign that shit was priceless, dude! Thanks, Simon, for all the signatures!" Both laughed after his statement.

Harry moved around in his seat to get more comfortable and glanced to his friend before getting a gulp of his beer. He never realized how all of those years passed by so fast, yet it still looked they had just hit the place for the first time ever. “I’ll miss this place.”

“Yeah, so many things happened here.” A soft sigh came from Louis’ mouth as he looked around the empty room they were in.

That was their flat. After signing the contract with Simon and Syco, all the boys moved to London and got their own places, except for Louis and Harry who decided to live together. They never believed they could make it living alone in London, with its huge, crazy, and busy lifestyle they felt it would make them feel lonely.

One thing X Factor did for the five was it bonded them together in a trustful friendship; soon enough they become brothers from different mothers, so living together seemed to be a pleasant idea.

But after three years living together, it was time to move on. It wasn’t an easy decision, especially since they weren’t the ones who came into it; management suggested them. Louis and Harry took a long time thinking and they finally decided for their best. Maybe that was the moment to go on a life of their own.

“I will miss you, Boobear.” Harry looked to his best friend with that lovely smile that only he could have and stood up to hug him. He would definitely miss Louis; all of his best moments were shared with him. If there was any place in this world where he could protect himself from anything, even just a bad day, it was in their flat. Louis was always there for everything; even if he didn’t need to be, he would be there anyway. Everything would just be great if his best mate was around to cheer him up.

“Me too, Curly,” Louis says still hugging his mate. It was probably the most special hug they have ever had. Only they knew how living together made them even closer. Moving was a step ahead, but they knew how strong their bond was and nothing in this world could put them apart from each other. With time comes changes, and they would work hard to preserve their friendship, no matter what it would take.

“That’s memorable, boys,” a voice came from the door after a few moments.

“Simon! Here to check on the move?” Harry welcomed him with a handshake and asked him to come inside. Even if he tried to hide, Simon looked out of his comfort zone, and the boys soon realized that.

“Actually no, just to talk. Wow.” He seemed lost by the look in his eyes and somewhat worried, something they would never expect from Simon. “That’s a huge twist for you, right?” The boys didn't answer, they just shared a smile as an agreement. A look around and Simon realized the emptiness of the flat, except for the amount of old photos and papers over the floor. “And where are the others? They should be here, right?”

“Yep, but they’ve just left with the truck,” Harry explained.

“So it’s only the two of you. Ok, I’ll sit right here.” Simon seated on the floor and the boys followed him. “I was supposed to talk to all of you at the same time, but I don’t think it can wait.”

“What? Is everything ok?” Louis looked at him with concern written on his face. Simon never did that; if he really needed to do talk to them, there would be an appointment for that. Being that impulsive and ruining his plans of talking to the five of them would never be an option.

 “Is it something important? I can call them to come back.”

“That’s ok, you just tell them after this. Actually, I don’t really know why I’m so bothered about that, but maybe is something good for you to know and to handle.”

“So just bring it on!”

“I talked to Sylvia before coming here and- well, that’s the reason why I came.” They were trying to read Simon’s expression. “I hate to say that, but there’s a chance I’ve made a mistake.”

“Which is?” Louis asked, confused.

“Pairing you guys together in this tour.”

Both of the boys looked concerned and confused about what Simon was talking. No, he would not be this humble to look back and to admit any fault he committed.

“I don’t understand. I mean, you’ve been always so happy about her and keep saying she does deserve this position.” Harry couldn't understand why Simon was saying that, especially because he would never regret anything.

“No doubt about that. But she had a tough break down today.” Harry and Louis didn't say a word, but they definitely seem surprised. “Sean called this morning-”

“Her ex-boyfriend? The one we met at the Brits, right?” Harry cut him off.

“That’s him. But the point is, he’s one of the producers of her upcoming record.”

“That’s not good,” Harry said as they start to get Simon’s point.

“It was supposed to be good. Anyway, I’m not telling you the whole story, she will probably make it clear for you soon. The thing is, their relationship was kind of her everything. They were really close and now they have basically nothing but this record. He was the one who trusted her first and put some spots in so I could see Sylvia-.”

“He really did this? That’s great. I mean, at least it sounds great.” Louis wasn't sure about his words and the mess in his head was even bigger.

“It used to be. I don’t really think Sylvia would be here if it wasn’t for him, but it’s hard for her to admit it after the break up and the whole drama. What concerns me the most is she’s now lost in this huge music industry ocean, her biggest support doesn’t give a shit to her and she can barely trust her talent anymore.”

“How did they come to it?”

“I dunno, she never spoke about that. Probably because I have this professional agreement with Sean and she doesn’t feel comfortable enough to speak with me about it. Everything is just so painful for her.”

“And what made them talk today?”

“Sean called her to ask about some promotional and recording stuff and she told him about the tour. I’m not sure about what was said, but briefly, he said she cannot handle all of this on her own.”

“Fuck! What a jerk!” Both of them seemed really shocked. Harry could kill this guy for saying that to her. He knew she could do it on her own; even if she couldn’t, the five of them would be by her side the whole way.

“I know, I know. Maybe she just overreacted.”

“Overreacted? Are you really saying that, Simon? You’re the first one to stand up for her! It’s not an overreaction, it’s just frustration.” It was Louis’ time to defend her. “And honestly, everyone knows she can. Just- just look at her.”

“Would you imagine stepping onto the stage in front of thousands of people and not even believing in yourself, Louis? That’s what she feels right now and I can’t judge her for that.”

“We need to make her confident,” Louis replied as his eyes met Harry. It was their chance to show Sylvia how to deal with her new life and to help her trust herself.

“That’s why I came. Maybe you guys can get along with her and make this girl feel comfortable in this position.”

“Like role models?” Harry and Louis looked to each other in agreement and with some sassy expression.

“Sort of.” Simon rolled his eyes but he would certainly agree with the ‘role model’ thing.

“Sorry for telling you that Simon, but this is the first time that I’ve seen you this-,” Harry began.

“Vulnerable, right?” Louis completed his sentence, causing Simon to laugh.

“You’re right." Simons scratched his jawline. They were pretty much right; people never had the chance to see this side of him. "Well it’s just that we have this bond, she’s really a sweet girl and I want to protect her over every little thing. I honestly think she can be huge.”

“But she is the one who needs to realize that.” Harry’s mind started to churn.

“Desperately! I’m not saying she needs to fill up that spot which belonged to Sean, but she has to believe people trust her.”

“We have a tour ahead, sir, we can definitely make her stronger,” Louis said confidently.

“And protect her, as you and I would like to.” Simon looked to them with relieved. Louis and Harry could be these pranksters that everyone had heard about, but when it came to supporting someone they cared about, they would rip their own hearts out for someone else not to bleed.

“You guys have no idea how proud I am because of that,” he smiled and they finally saw Simon losing his tension, “I’m sure this tour will be fantastic and you guys will be the best remedy she may have after all.”

“We’ll do our best, sir,” Harry smiled. "We will take care of her."

“We promise you that,” Louis added, nodding.

“I know you will,” he nodded back, checking his watch.

“Can I just ask you something, sir?” Harry asked. He doesn’t answer, but gives him the silent allowance to go through his speech. “Why do you care so much about her?” Simon chuckled whilst thinking for a good explanation, yet lost in his own words.

“I wish I could explain and I’m sure I’ll get to it someday, but she’s special. You guys will have the opportunity to meet the amazing soul she is and then you will quickly understand what I’m talking about. Anyway, I need to get going; I have to manage something before my flight. Do you guys need anything from me?”

“Not at all. You, need your favorite gentlemen for anything else?” Louis asked and they posed, pretending they were models.

“Oh god,” Simon sighed, “I hope this moving is for the best. See ya around.” He disappeared from the door but quickly came back. “One last thing, talk to the others about it, but don’t let her know anything about what was said here, deal?” Simon turned to his back but, again, his eyes were set over Louis and Harry.

“I hope you guys never forget what this flat made to you guys. After all, the bond that brings you guys together is what really matter.” They all shared a genuine smile and soon the boys understood what Simon was talking about.

__________

 There was some sadness in the air that she couldn’t avoid. The last days had been really tough; all of the settings for the records promotional tour was taking her to the very last edge, making her wonder if she could handle the long tour that is about to come. That day she had a not-so-wanted conversation with Sean that definitely made her think about everything: the record, the tour, Simon, him, their past relationship. How could she just accept this life without even knowing more about it? Was she strong enough to handle everything that would come? She moved on from her past, but somehow she couldn't help herself from missing her biggest support. She just missed him so bad.

After a shower, that happened to be one filled with tears, Sylvia came to her room and sits on the bed trying to dry her hair. Her iPhone had a SMS alert over it; maybe it would be him saying sorry for the words, just like she wished.

Just saw some pictures of the first stage setting! I don’t know about you, but I’m extremely excited for it to come! We’re waiting you in London, please come soon! xx

A smile full of expectations covered her face. It was crazy how people she barely knew could make everything just feel fine. She knew somewhere in her heart that this tour would be unforgettable.

-----+-----

Wassup, dudes!

Well, this chapter feels like a filler for me... Anyway, I couldn't just let this one go because it can give you some sense in a little while, as soon as some events happen.

But it has a great personal meaning for me. I've already lived with more than 25 people and in more than 9 different places, and one thing that I've learnt from all these experiences is how we change after every little soul that crosses our lives. Doesn't matter if it's for a long or short space of time, you just change. I was blessed for meeting and recognizing some of my best friends as I moved from one place to another. Now we don't have the day-by-day and face-to-face touch anymore, but, in the end, it doesn't really matter; life has its own way to put people together when they need to.

There's no clear message I want you guys to get from it, but what I do want to share is: people is made by experiences and changes. Changes may mean getting out of your comfort zone, but, after all, experiences, changes and learning how to deal with new things always make us better people. So never be afraid of facing a new reality; perhaps it can surprise you :)

This chapter is dedicated to the lovely @LyricallyStella because The Temper Trap is Australian band just like her (she she's a great writer, dude!). And if you don't know this awesome band, check it out on the right bar! AND you guys should also check her amazing book "The Girl In The Orange Dress". Just saying.

Don't forget to VOTE and to leave me a lovely COMMENT, ok?! :P

cheers xx