#he needs to like. NEVER leave niall's band

[ifellforittwice]

Niall letting Jake Curran say thank you to the Wembley Arena crowd ♡

[gilbertscurls]

Everywhere ➵ Chris Sturniolo

The late afternoon sun bathed the street in a warm golden hue as you strolled toward the park, your thoughts drifting aimlessly. It had been one of those quiet days, the kind where time seemed to stretch out endlessly, leaving you too much space to think. You smiled to yourself, recalling the latest video Chris and his brothers had uploaded to their wildly popular YouTube channel.

Even though you’d known the trio for years—Chris, Nick, and Matt had been your friends since high school—it still amazed you to see how far they’d come. Their videos were blowing up, and the world was finally seeing what you’d known all along: the Sturniolo brothers were something special. But it wasn’t their success that had your head in the clouds today.

It was Chris.

He had always been the life of the group, the one who could make you laugh until your sides hurt. But somewhere along the way, the feeling you got when you were around him changed. It had become more intense, harder to ignore, and now… He was everywhere.

Every time you opened her phone, he was there—his smile, his laugh, his playful antics with Nick and Matt. Even when you weren’t scrolling through social media, something reminded you of him. A song on the radio, a phrase someone said in passing—everything seemed to lead back to Chris.

You reached the park and found your usual spot beneath a sprawling oak tree. Chris had texted you earlier, asking if you wanted to hang out, just the two of you. It wasn’t unusual, but today, there was a nervous energy buzzing under your skin. You didn’t know why.

Maybe it was because of that stupid dream you’d had the other night, where he’d leaned in close, his hand brushing your cheek as he whispered your name. You had woken up in a daze, the feeling of his touch lingering even after you opened her eyes. Ever since then, you couldn’t shake the thought of what it would be like if Chris saw you the same way you saw him.

Before you could dive too deeply into your thoughts, you heard his voice.

“Hey!”

You turned and saw Chris jogging toward you, his face lit up in that familiar grin that always made your heart skip a beat. He wore a faded band tee and baggy jeans, his hair tousled from the wind, and as always, he looked effortlessly good. You waved as he approached, your pulse quickening.

"Hey," you greeted him as he flopped down on the grass beside you, his usual carefree energy radiating off him.

You sat in comfortable silence for a while, just watching the world go by. Chris was always easy to be around—you never had to force conversation or feel like she needed to entertain you. He was like a constant presence, always there, even when words weren’t.

“You’ve been quiet today,” Chris said after a while, glancing over at you.

You shrugged, trying to play it off. “Just thinking.”

“About what?” He leaned back on his hands, his eyes studying you in that way that made it impossible for you to lie.

You bit her lip. “Just… Stuff.”

Chris raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “Stuff, huh? You’re gonna have to be more specific than that.”

You laughed, pushing his shoulder lightly. “Fine. Thinking about you. Happy?”

His grin faltered for a split second, but it was so quick you almost missed it. He sat up straighter, his voice softer now. “Thinking about me? Why?”

You felt her cheeks heat up. “I don’t know. You’ve just been… Everywhere lately. On my phone, on my mind.” You forced a laugh, trying to downplay it. “It’s like I can’t escape you.”

Chris didn’t laugh like you thought he would. Instead, he stared at you, his eyes narrowing slightly as if he were trying to figure something out. The silence stretched between you, and for the first time, it felt a little heavy, like there was something unsaid hanging in the air.

“Is that a bad thing?” he asked, his tone more serious than usual.

You blinked, caught off guard by his question. “No, it’s not bad. It’s just… I don’t know. I guess I’ve just been thinking about us.”

His expression softened, and he leaned in a little closer, his voice low. “What about us?”

You hesitated, suddenly feeling vulnerable. This wasn’t how you had imagined this conversation going. You hadn’t planned on telling him, hadn’t even planned on confronting these feelings, but now that the moment was here, it felt impossible to hold back.

“I don’t know how to explain it,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper. “But lately, I just… I can’t stop thinking about you.”

Chris was silent for a moment, and for the first time, you noticed the shift in his expression. There was no teasing grin, no playful glint in his eyes. Instead, he looked at you with an intensity that made your stomach flip.

“Y/N,” he started, his voice soft but steady, “I’ve been thinking about you too. For a long time.”

Your heart stopped. “What do you mean?”

He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture you recognized. “I mean… It’s not just you who’s been seeing me everywhere. I can’t stop thinking about you either. Every time we hang out, every time I see you, it’s like you’re all I can focus on. It’s driving me crazy.”

Your breath caught in your throat. You hadn’t expected this. You hadn’t expected him to feel the same way.

“I thought I was imagining things,” you admitted, your voice shaky. “I didn’t think you felt that way.”

Chris let out a short laugh, shaking his head. “Are you kidding me? I’ve been trying to hide it for months.”

The vulnerability in his voice was something you weren’t used to hearing from him. Chris was always so carefree, so lighthearted, but now there was a weight to his words that made your heart ache.

“So, what do we do?” you asked quietly, your eyes searching his.

He reached out, his hand finding yours, and for a moment, everything around you seemed to fade away—the noise of the city, the buzz of the world. It was just you, sitting under the oak tree, with years of friendship and something more finally coming to the surface.

“Maybe we stop pretending we don’t feel what we feel,” he said, his voice soft but sure. “And see what happens.”

You looked down at your hands, your thumb brushing against his. “What if it changes everything?”

Chris smiled, and this time, it wasn’t teasing. It was warm, genuine. “Maybe it will. But maybe that’s okay.”

You looked up at him, your heart pounding in your chest. The weight of the moment hung between them, heavy with possibility and uncertainty. But as Chris leaned in, his lips brushing yours in a soft, tentative kiss, all the fears, all the questions melted away.

In that moment, it didn’t matter what might change, what risks you were taking. All that mattered was the way he felt—everywhere.

tag list: @stuwniolo, @sturnobsessedwh0re, @matts-myloverboy, @imjusthereforthesturniolosmut, @lizzymacdonald06

[allwaswell16]

A One Direction fic rec of fics that deal with mental illness in some way as requested in this ask. If you enjoy the fics, please leave kudos and comments. You can find my other recs here.

- Louis / Harry -

✧ rather be sad with you (than anywhere away from you) by ohsailor

(E, 145k, uni) Louis, Niall, and Liam have already been living together for four years when they get a new roommate. Harry’s in pre-med and Louis is struggling to graduate and fulfill his family’s hope of him becoming an esteemed lawyer while battling his mental health.

✧ My Lights Stay Up, But Your City Sleeps by PearlyDewdrops

(E, 108k, fwb) Louis has trouble sleeping, Harry has a habit of wrapping himself around Louis during the nights, and a mutual agreement to engage in a fun and simple thing quickly turns into something perhaps not so fun, and certainly not simple.

✧ another dream but always you by you_explode / @nobodymoves

(M, 66k, superpower) Harry is a Dreamwalker; he has the ability to visit people in their dreams and help put them on the right path. He's assigned to Louis, who's struggling after the break-up of his band. 

✧ From This Moment On by therogueskimo / @bravetemptation

(NR, 52k, famous/not famous) Louis Tomlinson needs a tour photographer, and he thinks he's found the one in the mysterious H on Instagram. Harry Styles swore he'd never do tour photography again - that is, until he did.

✧ knives don't have your back by @turnyourankle

(M, 51k, uni) The lone survivor of an on campus massacre that claimed the lives of his four housemates, Harry is urged to take a sabbatical or transfer. Instead, he chooses to stay in school, move into the dorms, and overcome his fears.

✧ we should open up (before it's all too much) by @disgruntledkittenface

(M, 43k, vampire Louis) Struggling with grieving and depression since his dad died, Harry has never felt so alone. It’s too much to cope with on his own, but he feels like a burden when he tries to open up with people. Then he meets Louis.

✧ there now, steady love (so few come and don't go) by we_are_the_same / @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed

(M, 42k, supernatural) It becomes just another fact of life. The sky is blue. The grass is green. Louis sees when people are about to die.

✧ Here (In Your Arms) by @afangirlfantasy

(G, 42k, enemies to lovers) College AU where Louis is the upperclassman frat boy with problems too deep for alcohol to drown out, and Harry is the stereotypical freshman with plans to figure out who he is.

✧ You and Me by delsicle / @eeveedel

(E, 36k, Dunkirk) Alex goes to war. He comes back and everything is the same -- his hometown, his flat, the boy with the bad heart he left behind. Everything is same. Except for him.

✧ Lead Butterfly by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup

(M, 32k, pirates) When the ship Harry lives on is boarded and overtaken by the crew of The Lady Charlotte, he thinks it’s going to be the end of the line. What he’s not expecting is to be brought onto the ship and provided safe passage. At least, as long as no one finds they’ve mistaken a common pirate for a noble.

✧ To Give You a Hand to Hold by gettingaphdinlarry

(NR, 26k, military) Marine Louis Tomlinson is medically discharged when an IED explodes in Afghanistan. Months later, he's reunited Stateside with his Navy medic Harry Styles. The two of them shelter each other even as they refuse to admit they're in the throes of PTSD, until one night nearly destroys them.

✧ With These Arms Folded by @taggiecb

(NR, 21k, famous/not famous) Harry Styles is living a peaceful existence in California as a very successful songwriter. That is until he receives a curious email one sunny summer morning, and his life almost immediately gets turned upside down

✧ You're A Universe by Jiksa / @jiksax

(E, 15k, kid fic) Louis’s a stay-at-home dad in London and Harry’s a business expat in Qatar. Louis doesn’t know how much longer their marriage can survive the distance.

✧ the colors that i can't change by bravestyles / @bravestylesao3

(NR, 15k, hurt/comfort) Harry has Dissociative Identity Disorder, and Louis tries his best to understand.

✧ You're a Habit Hard to Break by LiveLaughLoveLarry / @loveislarryislove

(T, 11k, exes) Everyone deals with breakups differently. Louis feels everything all at once -- hurt, anger, sadness. Harry feels nothing at all. They're two broken people, but they don't know how to fix themselves alone.

✧ your best fake smile by YesIsAWorld / @louandhazaf

(G, 6k, first date) Harry reluctantly agrees to a first date with Louis at Coney Island.

✧ You've Got A New Life (Am I Bothering you?) by LilyBlue28

(NR, 5k, omegaverse)  the one where Louis is an omega who suffers from PTSD and is triggered one day. He doesn't know how to ask for help from his doting alpha, doesn't think he deserves it, and tries to handle it on his own.

✧ I'm Falling Again by @jaerie

(M, 3k, canon) Just like the last three times, his call went straight to voicemail, driving home the fact of just how badly he’d fucked up.

- Rare Pairs -

✧ You Don't Care About Me (One More Night) by @lululawrence

(NR, 60k, Louis/Nick Grimshaw) the one where Louis pines for Harry and Nick helps ease his way into figuring himself out through a friends with benefits sort of arrangement. Things quickly turn complicated.

✧ Lost Coastlines by pukeandcry

(T, 21k, Harry/Nick Grimshaw) It's been a year since Harry and Niall died in a plane crash – only it turns out they didn't, because they've just been rescued from the island they've been stranded on, and Harry is suddenly back in Nick's life, not quite good as new.

[twopoppies]

Gina, everybody keeps saying that Louis' career is going downhill and he's also losing a lot of followers lately. People are leaving the fandom too. I'm pretty new. I want to know if something like this had happened when bbg started or with previous stunts or is it the first time? Also, will he bounce back when his album drops or will it be hard to retrieve the fans?

Thank you Gina❤️

I don’t think everyone is saying that, love. He’s not on tour and doesn’t have any new music out right now so it’s pretty normal (IME) to have a dip in things like monthly followers etc. Harry’s had a big dip, too.

Louis lost a huge number of fans when babygate dropped, but that was a drop for the band as a whole because people just left the fandom altogether. It shook us all up really badly. Lots of larries decided they had broken up or Louis had cheated and had a baby. None of which made any sense to me, but it was the first big fracture we’d had (Zayn leaving was really different).

As for his beards, Eleanor coming back in 2017 made a bunch of people leave. But, in general, Louis’ “girlfriends” never really caused an uproar because the bulk of fandom believed that he was gay, so it being fake was always so obvious. This one is, too, but there are a lot of new fans who think he’s straight now, and this one is the first time it really seems for something other than bearding (maybe because so many fans think he’s straight?).

I’d say bringing Freddie back as constant content and F’s inclusion in AOTV lost him a lot of fans. But, at the same time, he seemed to be getting a lot of new ones. Every time he did a Larry denial, more larries showed up. Harry’s name becoming more well known also brought Louis (and the other guys) more fans. Same with Niall.

I’m not in PR, so I don’t know what the deal is, but nothing Louis has done so far has really made that kind of big dent he needs to really grow his fan base. Niall being on The Voice moved him into a different level of fame with the GP, so his tour to promote The Show was much bigger than the one he did for Flicker. Maybe Louis needs something along those lines? He had such good press when he was a judge on XFactor. But Simon still had his foot on Louis’ head, so it didn’t really go anywhere. Obviously not exactly the same, but something that allows more people to see how charming and funny and gorgeous he is.

Anyway, in theory, yes, Louis’ monthly listeners, social listening numbers, etc. should jump up as he drops new music. Although he still has the issue of not getting radio play (maybe that will change 🙏🏻), but hopefully his team has some plans for promoting LT3 in a way that will really move him forward and grow his fan base.

[1dmonthlyficroundup]

— 1D Monthly Fic Roundup —

Hi, and welcome to the 1D Monthly Fic Roundup for March 2025! Below you’ll find 1D fics that were all published this month. We hope you’ll check out these new fics! If you would like to submit your own fic, please check this post on how to submit or visit our blog @1dmonthlyficroundup​. You can find all our other posts here.

Happy reading!

＊ In Alleyways and Fire-escapes by yourdelicatepov / @harrysmaison [M, 25k, Louis/Harry]

“Shut the fuck up, Zayn,” Louis mutters, not having the energy to even speak louder.

“I’m just saying, you should’ve heard him out. He probably had a good reason to act like that–”

Louis raises his head from the cushion to glare at Zayn. “Are you seriously taking his side right now? When he literally tried to accuse you?”

“I’m not siding with him, Louis,” Zayn says calmly. “I’m just saying that no normal person acts like that unless he’s either gone mad or really scared.”

“Scared? What the fuck would he be scared of?”

Zayn shrugs, looking away. “I don’t know,” he says but he very much looks like he does know.

Louis's life has been a drag since Harry left him. He's stuck between uni and his part-time bar job, occasionally hooking up here and there. He hates Harry for leaving, and the fact that he can't forget him. But at least he's got Zayn- his flatmate and only real friend who's also the least problematic person ever. Louis wishes he could just move on and find joy, but, spoiler alert, things are about to get real messed up. Part 1 of��Hearts at Stake

＊ Even the stars in the skies, they are wrong by flamboyo / @riverswater [M, 14k, Louis & Zayn]

“I feel like,” Zayn starts again, after another long pause. “I feel like I was given something beautiful, but that is also a ticking bomb. And it’s gonna go off soon, and it’s gonna destroy me. So I know I should destroy it first.” He hides his face in his hands, and Louis refrains from offering him a cuddle. He’s finally talking. “But I don’t know if I have the guts to. I don’t know if I really want to. Because it’s so beautiful and rare, and I’ve wanted it for so long. But now that I have it, it’s corroding me. And I don’t know how long I can keep going like this.”

It’s May 2014, and the Where We Are tour just started in South America. The boys are buzzing with excitement, but Zayn can't take it anymore. He is ready to leave the band.

Louis knows that no reasoning will ever convince him to stay.

＊ It'll Never Change, Baby by Worldsofdreamers / @defences-down [M, 1k, Zayn/Niall]

Ten years have passed, and so much has changed in the time since.

Or a look into the 25th of March 2025

＊ Not Without My Muse by Worldsofdreamers / @defences-down [E, 34k, Zayn/Niall]

Life continues as it always does at a relentless pace. Touring, moving across the country and familial responsibilities keep everyone busy. But never too busy to spend time together. A How It Found Us Sequel

＊ Lover Be Good To Me by Worldsofdreamers / @defences-down [E, 3k, Zayn/Niall]

A long weekend calls for a trip up north.

The fact that it's their anniversary is icing on the cake.

＊ 23 and Me by yeah_alright / @uhoh-but-yeah-alright [E, 315 words, Louis/everyone]

Louis only works for about 30 minutes on March 15 each year, just enough time for his short but intense Ides of March special: Impale Caesar! 60 people surround him, 23 of whom have paid extra for the honor of stabbing their dicks into one of his holes. Part 13 of Glory Hole-idays

＊ Out of Our Systems: Part 5 by Rearviewdreamer / @all-these-larrythings [E, 13k, Harry/Zayn/Louis]

After two and a half years into their relationship filled with fun, laughter, and love, the only thing they need a little more of is time. Part 5 of Out of Our Systems

＊ The Tokyo Surprise by @srldesigns6277 [E, 8k, Harry/Louis]

Harry surprised his fans by running the Tokyo Marathon, so Louis surprised him in return.

[mego211]

I needed to go Tumblr. As soon as I heard that Liam Payne had died, I was thrown back into the teenager I was. I remember listening to the first album and watching the video diaries. I remember falling in love with these five idiots and waiting for the next song to get me through the day. I remember scrolling through this site for leaks, for drama and for everything in between. I remember heading to OTR concert and excited to finally see the boys that made life a little less shitty. I remember finding out that Zayn leaving the band and remembering when they released an album without him. Then I remember them going on hiatus and wondering how my life would go on. Then they all slowly released music in their own and realized that life was now split into 5. I remember when my mom won tickets to get to hear Liam’s first solo first, and finally meeting one of my idols face to face. I remember growing up and slowly loosing touch with 1D. Then it’s 10 years later, and I start to relisten to all of the albums. I remember being a teen. That came in ebbs and flows for a while. Then I see that Harry and Liam attend a Niall concert, and I start to listen to my favorite 1D songs. Two days ago, only 2, I was listening to FOUR and loving every second. I randomly start singing Strip that Down in the kitchen and life is a little at peace, at least it transports me back to simpler times. Times when I was worried if one of the boys was seeing someone because they would for sure go out with me. And there was hope in my heart that maybe someday, I would see One Direction reunited with all of them. And then I’m driving home humming to Angel. And then my friend messaged me that Liam is dead. But how? Wasn’t he just at a Niall concert and wasn’t I just thinking about how 1D could reunite some day and that would be the best thing ever! But no, Liam Payne is dead. I never really expected to have a celebrity hit me like this. There were a few that shook me to my core but I think I’m still in denial that Liam is dead. Payno is gone. A part of my teenage youth is gone. A big chunk of my life is gone. A part that I thought I could lock away and never get hurt, is truly gone. Worst part is listening to Spaces and Moments and realizing the true heartbreak of this. Warning: Moments will get you. It will 100% get you. Be prepared to cry and wonder how our Payno was feeling in the final moments. Rest east Liam 💕

[areasontoismile]

This is me reliving my tumblr so I can get some feelings off of my chest

I’m 12 years old. A family member is sitting on a computer desk and calls me to watch this performance of five boys singing so nicely. “The blonde one is so cute!” they say. I have no idea who they are but the blonde one is in fact cute.

13. My life kinda sucks right now because everything is changing too fast and I can��t handle it. The only thing that helps me cope with life is coming home from school and watching every single video, interview, performance and learn lyrics to their songs - and I don’t even understand what they’re saying most of the time.

Now I’m 14. It’s a hot day and we’re celebrating Mother’s Day in my country. My mom drives me to the stadium and my heart is so heavy with excitement I can’t contain myself. I stand there from 10 am till midnight, no food, not using the restroom, sun on my head and I’ve never been happier. I see them, I’m so close to them I can see how in between the vocals Harry is thanking everyone for coming to see them - all that off mic. I can see Louis making funny faces for us, I see zayn picking my friend’s flag and lifting it up. I can see Niall smiling and enchanting everyone. I see Liam being the nicest human being ever - always on center, like the north of the band. Harry dedicates the concert for all the mothers for letting us go see them. I leave and hug my mom so hard, it’s the best day of my life and I’m terribly thankful to her for letting me be there.

I’m 16. I’m logging on my Facebook after school and my heart drops: zayn is leaving the band. I could see that coming but why is it so sad? I hope everyone is ok.

I’m 17. They’re taking a break. It’s ok, I guess. They need to rest. Can’t wait to hear their solo songs.

I’m 18. I’m sitting on the bus on my way to college and my face can’t hide the giant smile on my face while listening to all the solo song from the guys. They’re so good they should be in a band.

I’m 21. I become an orphan due to Covid. Life is not worth living. I can’t listen to music anymore because it feels like I’m betraying my parents by doing something good for me. I deserve to suffer. Hey, liam is doing a live on Instagram and Niall is joining him! I can’t believe they’re still close. It makes me happy. Maybe I deserve to numb the pain sometimes. Maybe my parents would like to see me happy.

I’m 25. It’s a sunny day and the day before I had to go to the cemetery wich always makes me emotional. I think today it’s gonna be better. I open Instagram. My heart stops for a second. What do you mean Liam died? What? That must be fake. No way. But what about his baby? What about his family? My heart is so broken it doesn’t make sense - he didn’t even know me. I feel like part of my childhood is gone.

[daintydreamer1d]

they would’ve never reunited. louis and zayn are way too jealous of harry and bitter that their careers are nothing compared to his (no hate, just facts). niall’s probably glad to be out of that toxic group (and by that I mean louis, zayn and to an extent liam) where he was bullied relentlessly. harry has zero reason to reunite as 1d. try naming one.

Alright, maybe they would've never reunited but atleast they were never jealous of eachother! Everyone of them supported eachother one way or another, and let me clear that the band wasn't toxic but the management was! Liam always supported the boys, Louis always loved them and supported them through the socials, Niall always said that he would leave everything behind if they ever get reunited, Harry too supported the boys and he would never ever agree with this 'they were jealous of him' and talking about zayn he never had a bad intentions for anyone them, the leaving of them band portrayed him like he was at the fault when he wasn't, it was too much for him and he just needed this there's nothing wrong if he had thought about himself. The fact is there's nothing wrong with the boys or the band but with the management!

[he4dlin3]

Part two.

Louis Tomlinson x Fem!Oc

“Desire isn’t a destination—it’s the relentless chase that leaves you breathless, longing for what you never thought you’d need.”

Material List | series material list

word count ; 4k

════════════════════════════════════════

2013

   The after-party for the BRITs was held in an exclusive, dimly lit venue in central London. The air was thick with smoke, perfume, and the hum of hushed conversations—everyone had something to celebrate, wheather they liked it or not, and the drinks were flowing freely. Louis was enjoying the rare moments of peace, the band mingling and catching up with friends, but his mind kept returning to one thing. Or rather, one person.

Tatum Vale.

Her performance had blown him away, no doubt about it. There was a raw intensity to her voice, a kind of quiet defiance that made every word she sang feel like a battle cry. He'd been caught off guard by the way she silently demanded the attention of everyone in the room, commanding the stage, but even more so by the way she'd looked at him afterward. Her gaze, sharp and unreadable, lingered for just a moment too long.

He knew it was nothing. She probably saw him as just another member of the crowd, another face in the industry she had no interest in. But there had been something... something different about the way she'd looked at him. Something that made him question the casual indifference she'd shown him in the past.

"You're not listening, mate," Harry's voice broke through Louis' thoughts, his grin too wide for it to be anything but teasing.

Louis snapped out of his daze. "What?"

Harry raised an eyebrow, his gaze flickering over Louis' shoulder to where Tatum was standing by the bar, deep in conversation with a few other guests. "I said, you're looking a bit too... interested in Tatum Vale. A lot more than you should be. You sure you're not going to give me a run for my money, eh?"

Louis scowled, his face flushing in embarrassment at the fact that he had been caught, looking at Tatum of all people. "Shut up, Haz."

Niall, ever the troublemaker, smirked. "It's a bit late for that, don't you think? You've been eyeing her all night, suprised you haven't burned a hole into the back of her head."

Louis huffed, trying to feign indifference, though the heat in his cheeks and the quickening in his chest betrayed him. "I'm not eyeing her. Just, well ya know... thinking."

"Thinking about what exactly?" Liam urged, leaning in, a mischievous glint in his eye. "About how she looks like she wants to throw you off of a cliff?"

Louis rolled his eyes. "No. Just... it's hard not to notice her, alright? She's got this—" he gestured vaguely, hands moving in an exaggerated fashion trying to find the right words, "—this pull about her. It's not even about her looks, it's more about the... way she is. Her presence I guess is what I'm trying to say."

There was a brief silence, and then Zayn spoke up, his voice unusually serious. "She's intense. I get it. But you're not the first guy to fall into that trap."

Louis narrowed his eyes, thinking back to the first time he'd met Tatum. It was the summer of 2011, she'd been younger then, just starting to make waves as an up and coming solo artist. They had both been at a press event in London, awkwardly smiling for the cameras as the media hyped up the "newest stars" of the industry. He had tried to make small talk, like he would with anyone else. But she'd shut him down, cold. Her eyes, those damn eyes, had flickered with barely concealed annoyance as she shot him a look that said, 'Don't bother me.'

Since then, every time their paths crossed, it had been the same: cool, indifferent, and sometimes downright wicked.

Tonight had been different, though. Tonight, something had shifted, he could feel it and Louis couldn't stop thinking about it.

"You should go talk to her," Zayn said, his tone playful but knowing.

Louis laughed, though it wasn't quite genuine. "Right. Sure, I'll just go up and—what? Talk about the weather? 'Hey Tatum, the weather sure is wheathery today huh, oh by the way, do you still want my eyes gouged out and served to you on a gold platter, or is silver more to your liking?'"

"Hey," Niall said, nudging him with an elbow, "you never know. Maybe she's just waiting for someone to make the first move."

"Yeah, and I'm sure she's waiting for it to be me," Louis muttered, tone dripping with sarcasm, rolling his eyes. But the thought stuck with him, gnawing at the edges of his mind. Maybe Zayn was right. Maybe this wasn't as one-sided as he thought.

But as the conversation carried on, Louis couldn't help but steal glances at Tatum, who was still at the bar, laughing with a group of other musicians. She was effortlessly captivating—her laughter ringing through the room, yet it still carried an edge. A confidence that Louis couldn't help but envy. The way she moved, the way she commanded attention without even trying, was unlike anyone else in the room.

He'd always been jealous of people like her. The kind of people who were so effortlessly confident, the kind that drew im attention anywhere they went. So put together.

And then, as if fate had decided to play its hand, Tatum's eyes met his once again. This time, she didn't look away. No, instead, she held his gaze, a flicker of something unreadable passing between them. Her lips curled ever so slightly into a smirk, one that ever so slightly mirrored the cheshire cats', a challenge. Or maybe it was just a game to her. But whatever it was, it sent a pulse of energy through Louis that he couldn't ignore.

Before he could think twice, before the logical part of his brain could stop him, Louis found himself standing up from the table. He wasn't sure what he was going to say, maybe he actually would have to talk about the weather, or if she even wanted to hear it, but for the first time since he'd met her, he felt the need to approach her. To see if this time, things might be different.

࿎࿎࿎࿎࿎

The music from the after-party thudded in the background, a pulsating rhythm that blended with the chatter and clinking of glasses. Tatum was sitting by the bar, her arms crossed tightly across her chest as she took in the scene around her. It was the usual crowd—industry types, musicians, and various hangers-on—but it all felt like a blur to her.

Tatum had felt the weight of Louis' gaze all night. It had been hard to ignore the piercing gaze of his sharp blue eyes—the way he seemed to watch her with a mix of curiosity and something else. Something she couldn't quite place her finger on. There was an intensity behind those eyes of his, a kind of quiet challenge that mirrored her own.

She wasn't sure what she expected when she saw him earlier, but she knew he'd be like this. Louis Tomlinson was impossible to ignore, whether you liked him or not. He was a knat, and she didn't like him, not one bit.

But when she saw him rise from the table and make his way toward her, her stomach twisted in an uneasy way. It wasn't because she was nervous— no of course not, Tatum Vale didn't get nervous. But there was something about Louis that always seemed to catch her off guard, and it frustrated her. She had spent so many years perfecting her carefully curated persona—unapproachable, detached, a little mysterious, wicked even—and Louis? Louis Tomlinson had a way of making that feel like a flimsy front.

Tatum took a sip of her drink, preparing herself for whatever came next. He was coming closer now, his presence undeniable. She could already feel the tension building between them, the weight of unfinished business hanging in the air.

"Well, well," Tatum spoke, her voice smooth but laced with an edge, "did you finally decide to come over and say something, start up a friendly conversation perhaps? Or are you just going to stare from afar?" She tilted her head to the side, her eyes gazed up at him from her spot on the stool, waiting for an answer.

Louis smirked, standing just a foot away from her, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. "I thought I'd try something new."

"Something new, huh?" Tatum raised an eyebrow, challenging him with her gaze. "And what exactly does that look like?"

Louis chuckled softly, leaning slightly forward. "Maybe... asking why you've been avoiding me for the last few months."

Tatum's breath caught in her throat at the directness of the question. She had hoped to avoid this very confrontation, but there he was, standing right in front of her in all his annoying glory, that teasing glint in his eyes that made it impossible to ignore him.

"I haven't been avoiding you," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I've been... busy." She shrugged carelessly, raising the glass to her lips, but kept her eyes on him.

Louis raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Busy, huh? I haven't seen you at any of the usual events. Haven't heard from you either. Thought you might've gone off the grid."

Tatum shifted uncomfortably, not wanting to get into the real reason why she'd been keeping her distance. She wasn't ready to explain everything to him—especially not now, with the night full of people who were watching them from a distance.

"I didn't think you'd miss me that much," she replied dryly, trying to deflect with humor, but the words felt hollow as they left her lips.

Louis's smile faltered for a moment, but he recovered quickly, his gaze softening just a little. "I don't miss you," he said, voice teasing again, but there was a harshness to it. "I'm just curious, Tatum. You're not the kind of person who runs from things. So what's got you running from me, hmm?"

Tatum swallowed, a familiar pang in her chest at the question. She had been running—from him, from whatever connection he thought they had—or maybe, just maybe, from what it could mean. But she wasn't ready to admit that. Not yet.

"I'm not running from you, Louis," her tone was harsh, spitting out his name like poison on her tounge, her voice more forceful now. "I just don't have time for you, or whatever game you're trying to play."

Louis's expression hardened for a second, the playful edge gone. "Game?" he repeated, his tone a little more serious. "You think I'm playing a game?"

Tatum blinked, suddenly unsure of where this conversation was going. She had expected him to keep things light, to tease her like he usually did. But now, there was a vulnerability creeping into his words, and it made her uncomfortable.

"I don't know what you're doing," she said quietly, eyebrows furrowing while she took a step back from the bar, trying to put some space between them. Her now empty glass placed on the counter where she was once sat. "One minute, you're mocking me, and the next, you're... I don't know. Trying to be something else. Something you're not."

Louis didn't move. He watched her carefully, his eyes intense. "Maybe you're the one who can't make up her mind, Tatum," he said softly. "Maybe you're the one who doesn't know what to do with this... whatever this is between us."

Tatum felt her heart race at his words. Was he talking about what she thought he was talking about? She didn't want to acknowledge it, didn't want to admit that there was anything between them, because there wasn't—especially not something that felt like a tug-of-war between two people who couldn't stand each other one minute, and found themselves caught in something else entirely the next.

"I'm not doing this with you right now, Louis. And for the record, there is nothing between us, and there never will be." she said, the words coming out harsher than she intended. But she had to get away before she said something she couldn't take back.

Louis's expression softened again, and for a moment, Tatum thought he might back off. But instead, he stepped closer to her, close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating off him.

"Why do you always run when things get real, Tatum?" he asked, his voice quieter now, almost a whisper. "What are you so scared of?"

Tatum's breath caught in her throat. She wanted to tell him that she wasn't scared of him, that she wasn't scared of anything. Especially not him. But the truth was, she was terrified. Terrified of the way he made her feel, terrified of how easily he could get under her skin and twist her up inside. And most of all, terrified that maybe, just maybe, she didn't want to be running anymore.

"I'm not scared," she replied, but the words were hollow, even to her own ears.

Louis studied her for a long moment, his gaze never leaving hers. Then, with a sigh, he pulled back slightly, giving her the space she was clearly craving.

"Fine," he said, voice laced with a mix of frustration and something else. "But you're not getting away that easily, Tatum."

Tatum felt her heart thud in her chest at his words. She didn't know what to make of it—whether he meant it as a challenge, or if he was genuinely calling her out on her avoidance. But whatever it was, it made her stomach twist in a way she couldn't ignore.

Before she could respond, Louis turned and walked away, leaving her standing by the bar, her mind spinning with everything that had just been said.

࿎࿎࿎࿎࿎

   The next few weeks after the BRIT Awards were a whirlwind. An idea had first been tossed around, the collaboration. Tatum's management team had been the first to float the idea, a conversation that started innocently enough during a meeting about her next album. The label had been pushing for something big, something that would grab attention. A big-name feature. A chart-topping collaboration that would get Tatum out of her indie box and onto a mainstream platform.

At first, Tatum had resisted. She wasn't the type to chase trends, and the thought of blending her raw, personal sound with a band as polished and mainstream as One Direction seemed... wrong. She wasn't just another pop starlet; she was someone who fought to keep her authenticity intact. But her management, seeing a chance for a big commercial win, was insistent.

Her manager, Chris, leaned back in his chair, adjusting his glasses. "Tatum, this could work," he said, a tone of persuasion in his voice. "One Direction's a global phenomenon. Their fans are huge. You could reach an audience you've never touched before. And they're incredibly talented, not just some band trying to cash in on their fame."

Tatum narrowed her eyes, skeptical. "And how exactly am I supposed to work with them? What kind of 'collaboration' are we talking about here?"

"Something organic," Chris continued. "Maybe a track that blends your sound with theirs. Your voice with Louis'... They could bring a different edge to your music, and vice versa. Imagine the contrast. It could be massive."

Tatum shifted uncomfortably in her chair. She'd worked so hard to carve out a unique space for herself in the music world, and she didn't want to risk losing that in a pursuit of fame. But Chris’ words lingered in her mind. It was true—One Direction was everywhere. She couldn't deny their influence. They dominated the charts, sold out arenas, and were the darlings of the music press. A collaboration could take her to new heights, but at what cost?

As if reading her thoughts, Chris leaned forward. "Listen, I get it. You don't want to be just another pop star. But this could be more than that. It could show that you're versatile, that you can collaborate without losing yourself. You're an artist, Tatum, not a brand. And this could give you more creative freedom than you think."

Tatum didn't respond immediately. The room was heavy with tension, the weight of the decision pressing on her chest. She wasn't one to cave easily, but Chria had a way of convincing her, of planting seeds that took root in her mind.

Before she could speak, one of her label executives, a sharply dressed woman named Claire, chimed in. "It's not just about music, though. Think about the marketing. The press. The entire angle. Fans love a good crossover. Tatum Vale with One Direction? That's a headline in itself. And the best part? You get to control it. You set the terms."

It was tempting.

Tatum glanced at Chris, then at Claire, before finally letting out a long, drawn-out sigh. "Fine. I'll meet with them. But I'm not making any promises."

The decision was made, but deep down, she still wasn't convinced. Her gut told her that mixing her style with One Direction's could end up being a disaster. Louis Tomlinson, in particular, was a name that had been floating around her mind more than she liked. The way their past interactions had always been... off, to say the least. He had a knack for rubbing her the wrong way.

A few days later, the collaborative meeting was set. Tatum stood backstage at an industry event, waiting for the moment to come. The buzz around her was a mix of excitement and uncertainty. One Direction was already one of the biggest acts in the world, and here she was, about to make herself vulnerable to their world.

Her manager Chris was there, walking her through the plan once again. "Remember, you're in control of this. If you don't like the idea or the direction they want to take, you can back out. No one can force you into something that doesn't feel right."

Tatum nodded, but she wasn't so sure. She didn't like how easily the decision had been made by her management. It was as if they were treating her as a product, and she wasn't sure she was okay with that.

The door to the meeting room opened, and in walked the One Direction team, followed by the boys themselves. There was Louis, his usual cocky grin plastered on his face, looking every bit the charming, confident frontman he was. Tatum couldn't help but roll her eyes internally. It was impossible to not notice him, even if she tried to ignore him.

Louis made eye contact with her the moment he stepped in, his smirk growing. "Ah, there she is. The woman of the hour," he said, walking over with that annoyingly effortless swagger.

Tatum resisted the urge to glare. "I didn't know I was the woman of the hour," she said flatly, her arms crossing defensively.

"Well, that's what you are to us, right?" Louis leaned in a bit, a teasing glint in his eyes. "The mysterious, edgy one."

Tatum couldn't help herself—she shot back, "Well, I didn't know I was part of a one-directional image makeover for you boys. Should I be flattered?"

Louis' grin widened. "Absolutely. We're going to make you shine, don't worry."

"Sure, sure." She forced a smile, though the sarcasm in her voice wasn't lost on him.

As the rest of the boys settled into the room, Harry Styles gave a friendly nod in her direction. "I think this could work," he said, his voice warm but thoughtful. "We've all been listening to your music for a while now. I think we could come up with something that blends our sounds without losing what makes you, well, you."

Tatum didn't reply immediately, her gaze flicking to each of them—Niall, Liam, Zayn—all smiling at her, but she couldn't shake the feeling that they were in this for the publicity as much as the music. Still, the offer lingered in her mind. It was an opportunity, one she'd have to carefully navigate.

The meeting went on for nearly an hour, with discussions flowing back and forth about song concepts, style, and the direction of the collaboration. At times, Tatum felt like she was the only one who cared about maintaining her identity. Louis and the others were discussing radio play and audience appeal, while she was focused on making sure her music didn't lose its edge. But slowly, she began to see the potential.

The boys were eager to explore new territory, and the idea of fusing their pop sensibilities with her more stripped-back, indie style had some merit. Still, Tatum couldn't shake the feeling that something was... off.

When it came time to wrap up, Simon stood, smoothing his suit. "Alright, so we'll follow up on the details later, and set up a meeting time, but this looks promising.“

Tatum stood as well, offering a quick nod to the boys, but the conversation felt incomplete. Was this just a commercial ploy for the labels? Was she risking too much?

And then, just before the meeting broke, Louis turned to her with that infuriating grin. "You know, Vale, I think we'll make a great team."

She met his gaze, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Yeah, well, I'm still waiting to see that, Tomlinson."

It wasn't the friendliest of goodbyes, but it was honest—something she didn't offer easily.

࿎࿎࿎࿎࿎

Tatum stood by the large window of the studio, watching the city lights twinkle as the evening settled in. She could feel the weight of the press and public's eyes on her, but this time, it wasn't about her music. It wasn't about the headlines she usually fought to avoid. No, this time, it was all about the growing tension between her and Louis Tomlinson. The media had already begun to speculate, their cameras and microphones turning every simple moment between them into something dramatic. Every time she stepped into a room, she felt the collective gaze of her colleagues, waiting for the inevitable fallout that the press was whispering about.

As much as she tried to ignore it, part of her couldn't help but notice the curious stares, the way everyone seemed to be looking for a sign that things between her and Louis were spiraling out of control. But Tatum wasn't one to give people the satisfaction of drama. She was no stranger to scrutiny, but this time—Louis Tomlinson wasn't going to be the one to define her story.

The decision had been made earlier that day. After multiple back-and-forth discussions between her management and One Direction's team, a collaboration was finally set. The details were still being worked out, but the fact that she was going to be sharing the stage with One Direction—of all people—was a concept that she couldn't quite wrap her head around.

Her manager, Chris, had been all for it. "It's a huge opportunity," he had said. "You're both at the top of your game, and people will want to see this. Think of the buzz, the excitement!" The last part of that sentence made her cringe because she knew, deep down, it wasn't about the music. It was about the spectacle.

But what she hadn't expected was the sudden, unexpected meeting with One Direction's management, scheduled for that same day. Tatum had walked into the room to find a mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces—One Direction's team had flown in from London, and there they were, sitting around a polished conference table, discussing plans for a collaboration.

The air was thick with anticipation when Louis walked in. She hadn't seen him in days, and though she had hoped to avoid any sort of confrontation, the universe had other plans. Their eyes met briefly before she forced her gaze down to her notes, hoping to push away any feelings of unease. His presence in the room made everything feel tighter, every glance from him carrying the weight of their unspoken tension.

"So, the collaboration is officially a go," Chris said, voice loud and confident, as he looked around the table. He turned to Tatum, giving her a smile that felt too bright. "You're going to be working with Louis on the lead track. He's already got ideas, right?"

Louis glanced over at Tatum, his smirk never wavering. "Right," he replied smoothly. "I think we've got a good foundation already." His tone was casual, but there was an underlying challenge in his words—one she didn't miss. Louis knew that working with him, collaborating with him, was going to be its own sort of test.

The room felt charged with a mixture of excitement and awkwardness. Everyone was too aware of the past months—the way the media had latched onto their every interaction. And the public's curiosity seemed only to fuel the tension.

Tatum shifted in her seat, tapping her pen against her notebook. She was trying to maintain composure, trying to ignore the fact that the whole room could feel the discomfort, the unspoken history between her and Louis.

"I think we're all on board for the direction we're going," One Direction's manager, Simon, chimed in, trying to steer the conversation forward. "This collaboration is a big deal for both your fanbases. But it's about more than just the music, Tatum. We're going to make it an event."

Her manager nodded eagerly, adding, "Exactly. We've got the perfect set-up. The track will be released as a surprise single, a major cross-promotion. And then, we'll have combined live performances to roll it out."

The idea of performing live alongside One Direction made her stomach twist. The media would eat it up, of course they would, one of the biggest boybands of the decade sharing a stage with a fiercely independent female artist. The attention, the spotlight—it was all so overwhelming.

But then Louis spoke again, his voice smooth, his gaze unyielding. "It's going to be fun, Vale. Trust me. We've got great chemistry. Haven't you noticed?"

Tatum nearly choked on her own breath at the implication, though she kept her cool on the surface. He was trying to get under her skin again—just like he always did. There it was: that smug, self-assured grin that made her blood boil. It was as if he knew exactly how to provoke her, knew the precise buttons to push.

"I'll do my part," she said, keeping her voice level, refusing to let him see how much he was affecting her. "But don't get any funny ideas, Tomlinson. I'm not here to entertain your ego."

Louis leaned back in his chair, his smirk widening. "You know, Tatum, you say that now, but we both know how this is going to go."

His words weren't harsh, but they stung. He wasn't wrong—something about their dynamic, their back-and-forth, always seemed to twist in a way that neither of them could predict. But it didn't mean she was ready to admit that, not to him, and certainly not in front of everyone else.

"I'm here to make good music," Tatum shot back. "And that's it. So if you can keep your mouth shut long enough for us to get through this without turning it into a circus, we'll be fine."

Louis leaned forward slightly, the quiet hum of the room thick with tension. His expression was still teasing, but there was something more in his eyes—a flicker of understanding, or perhaps a challenge. "Oh, I can keep quiet. But I'm not sure about you."

The rest of the room seemed to hold its breath, the moment thick with uncertainty. Chris, sensing the mounting tension, quickly changed the subject. "Great. We've got the rough details, then. We'll make sure everything's lined up in terms of timing. You'll meet up in London next week to start rehearsals."

But even as the conversation moved forward, Tatum couldn't shake the feeling that Louis's words had lodged themselves deep into her mind. The collaboration wasn't just about making music anymore—it was about something deeper, something neither of them were ready to acknowledge yet.

࿎࿎࿎࿎࿎

[daisyblog]

The Beginning Of The End

When We Were Young Masterlist Summary: Zayn announces he's leaving One Direction and YN and Louis break up.

YN and Louis had been bickering a lot lately, it started with small things but as the weeks went by it grew into more. Arguing about who was right, who was wrong, who did this, and who did that. It was getting worse as the weeks passed, it was starting to affect the other boys as they would avoid each other during rehearsals, not look at each other during interviews or even when they were on stage. It was becoming an issue. Management warned them that they needed to at least pretend they were getting on, or rethink being together for the sake of the band and their careers. What really broke the two was when Zayn announced he was leaving the band.

YN wished she could say she was shocked and it was the last thing she expected to leave Zayn's mouth as they both sat at the back of the tour bus drawing together, well attempting to draw in YN's case. She noticed how his whole approach and appearance had changed; his happy and mysterious ways turned into being quiet and withdrawn. Whilst the others would leave the stage and be on cloud nine, Zayn would hide away in his bunk or hotel room. YN knew Zayn's anxiety had worsened over the years, he didn't enjoy the spotlight and the lack of privacy that came with it. He just wasn't Zayn anymore and her heart broke for him.

As YN moved the pencil in her hand along the paper, she spoke "Hey..you don't have to talk if you don't want to..but..uh..are you okay?"

She noticed Zayn take a deep breath before the words stumbled passed his lip "I'm leaving the band", YN's hand stilled for a moment trying to digest the words. "You don't seem shocked?"

YN glanced at him with a shrug of her shoulders "I'm not...You haven't been enjoying it for so long...I was expecting it sooner"

"Do you hate me for it?" Zayn asked nervously.

YN was quick to turn and shake her head "I could never hate you Zayn...you're my brother..I just want you to be happy but it doesn't mean I'm not upset that you're leaving" and she pulled the Bradford boy into her arms, as they both shared a few tears together.

Zayn had asked management if he could tell his bandmates that he was leaving by himself without having them there watching their every move. So Zayn had text each member to meet at his hotel room a week before his last performance. It wasn't unusual for them all to meet some evenings in one of their rooms but it wasn't a regular occurrence anymore so the three boys were concerned reading the message, but YN just prayed they would take it well.

YN was last to arrive at the hotel room, Louis mumbling "Nice of you to turn up", which caused Harry to nudge his arm and Niall to look between the couple as he nervously chewed his fingernails.

"Shut up Lou" YN replied with a roll of her eyes before finding her sitting next to Niall on the floor with his back against the wall.

Zayn coughed grabbing everyone's attention "Uh..um..I've got something to tell you all"

"Everything okay mate?" Louis spoke, concerned about one of his best friends.

YN noticed how nervous Zayn was as he gulped "I'm..um..I'm..I'm leaving the band"

Silence took over the room and not a comfortable one. Niall continued to chew on his fingernails but with more urgency. Harry sat with arms leaning on his knees, biting at his bottom lip trying to hold back his tears. Liam and Louis stood looking at each other, then at Zayn and back at each other, almost like they were having a secret conversation. YN sat and observed each of their reactions, waiting for someone to speak.

"I'm sorry guys...I-I just can't keep doing this..It's not..just not for me anymore" Zayn broke the silence.

"Mate..you can't just leave" Louis began "We're a band..we're a family"

"I've got to Louis..It's making me ill..I had three panic attacks last week..I can't do it anymore" Zayn pleaded.

"THIS IS A FOOKIN' JOKE" Louis shouted into the room, making everyone jump.

"Don't start Lou-" YN began to speak before Louis interrupted her.

"NO DON'T TELL ME NOT TO FOOKIN' START...I'M ALLOWED TO BE ANGRY"

"Yeah and Zayn's allowed to feel what he does without anyone telling him he's wrong for it" YN calmly spoke.

Louis shook his head with a sarcastic chuckle "Of course you would defend him..anything to go against me these days" Louis accused.

"Mate-" Liam tried to intervene but Louis had pushed YN too far this time.

"Do you know what Lou not everything is about you...consider me and you done because I'm sick and tired of all of this..you're nothing but an arrogant son of a bitch" the fact that YN said that with a calm tone, scared the other boys to death. That's how they knew that she was serious. Harry and Niall's eyes met across the room, looking for some sort of comfort from each other.

YN got up from her position next to Niall and walked towards the door but not before saying "I'm sorry you had to hear that boys, it wasn't fair" before she continued to walk towards the door, not waiting for a reply.

"YN..Baby...wait" Louis panicked voice followed her, but before he could reach her YN abruptly turned around.

"Don't call me baby again..it's over"

One Direction After five incredible years, Zayn Malik has decided to leave One Direction. Niall, Harry, Liam, Louis and YN will continue as a five-piece and look forward to the forthcoming concerts of their world tour and recording their fifth album, due to be released later this year.

Zayn says: "My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I'd like to apologise to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart. I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. I know I have five friends for life in YN, Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world."

One Direction says: "We're really sad to see Zayn go, but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future. The past five years have been beyond amazing, we've gone through so much together, so we will always be friends. The five of us will now continue. We're looking forward to recording the new album and seeing all the fans on the next stage of the world tour."

Simon Cowell says: "I would like to say thank you to Zayn for everything he has done for One Direction. Since I first met Zayn in 2010, I have grown very, very fond - and immensely proud - of him. I have seen him grow in confidence and I am truly sorry to see him leave. As for One Direction, fans can rest assured that Niall, Liam, Harry, Louis and YN are hugely excited about the future of the band."

Tag List: (let me know if you would like to be added) @peterholland04 @werewolfbansheelove

[satelliteharryss]

Audition

Drummer Masterlist Summary: YN auditions to be One Direction's Drummer.

Genre: harry styles x tomlinsonsister!reader

Since a young age YN had always been one to make a rhythm from tapping on something. Like when she was a toddler, an aunt gifted her a musical instruments set and the only thing she wanted to play was the drum and sticks. She would spend hours sitting and tapping the sticks on top of the plastic toy. When she was sat at the kitchen table with her brother and sisters waiting for their dinner when they young children, she would annoy them by hitting her fingers against the wood of the table. 

For her 11th birthday she had been gifted a drum kit that lived in the garage next to the house, where she was able to make as much noise as she liked. Her Mum always knew she was talented but listening from her seat in the garden as she watched the younger girls play, she was stunned at how a young girl could play so well and sound like a professional.

So when her brother’s band, One Direction, needed a drummer because theirs had dropped out last minute before their Take Me Home Tour, Louis didn’t think twice to ask their management to consider his sister for the role. After some thought, they agreed that she could come for an audition. 

On the day of the audition, YN had travelled down from Doncaster to London, where her brother met her at the train station to take her to the studio where his management and the other boys were waiting.

As Louis pulled into the car park, he noticed his sister bouncing her leg up and down, a nervous tick she had. Reaching over he placed his hand over her knee. “Hey, calm down, you’ll be fine”.

Her leg remained still now, but she still couldn’t shake off her nerves. “I’m just nervous Lou, I don’t want to embarrass you-“.

“Embarrass me, you could never embarrass me, plus I’ve been bragging you up because you’re a badass on the drums”. Louis complimented, causing YN to laugh at his words. She was even more determined not to leave her brother down. 

Entering the studio where the audition was being held, Louis noticed his sister hands trembling slightly. He continued to lead the way until they were outside the audition room. 

“Ready?”. Louis asked YN once more, when YN nodded he led her through the black doors.

The four other boys were sat on a long grey sofa in the corner of the room, with a few of members from the boys management sat behind a table with papers and a laptop on front of them. 

Once YN had introduced herself and Louis and the boys wished her luck, she found herself sat with her trusty sticks in her hand behind the drum kit. 

For the audition, they were asked to play one of the bands songs. So with a little hint from Louis, YN chose Up All Night knowing that it was going to be their opening song for the shows.

Not wasting time YN repositioned her sticks in her hand, and within seconds they were hitting the drum kit in front of her. 

Niall was amazed at how someone so calm and quiet could make so much noise on the drums, and make it sound so good without any other instruments.

Zayn’s foot tapped to the beat of the drums, and whispered to Niall “how sick is she”.

Liam was moving his arms to each beat that YN would make, and pretended that he was actually playing the drums.

Harry, well he was mesmerised. Not only from the way YN played the drums but how beautiful she was too. He’d heard from Louis how amazing she was but to see her play right in front of him, he was speechless. 

Louis wanted YN to land this role more than anything, so although he knew how good she was, she needed to prove it to the people sat behind the table. He kept trying ti read their expressions as his sister played but it was hard to tell what they were really thinking. 

As YN finished playing the song, she took a deep breath, one that she had been holding since her sticks hit the first beat. “Thank you.” she spoke to the three people in front of her.

The man in the middle of the table broke the silence. “YN, that was something else…for once I am speechless.”.

“You are a very talented young lady.”. The woman at the end of table complimented her.

The three of them all had a silent conversation with their eyes, and a few head nods here and there. Before one spoke “YN, you’ve got the job!”.

YN was stunned, she couldn’t move from her spot. But before she knew it, five arms were around her in one big group hug, as they jumped up and down in excitement, congratulating her. 

“Welcome to the band sis!”. 

Tag List: @theekyliepage

[niallerspayno]

Between the Lines - Chapter One

Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Author's note: The start of a new series! Let me know what you think!

...

You’ve known Niall Horan for as long as you can remember. Back when your biggest worry was who’d get the last piece of cake at his mum’s house, before the world knew his name, before the lights of a stage ever blinded him. You were the two kids who spent hours dreaming up crazy ideas for the future, never thinking the world would change around you. Niall leaving for The X Factor at just sixteen was supposed to be a brief detour—a gap year of sorts—until he was back, and everything would return to normal. But things didn’t go as planned.

He made it into One Direction, and the dream they’d all built together quickly turned into a worldwide phenomenon. Niall’s life went from normal to completely chaotic overnight, and suddenly, you were the one trying to catch up with his whirlwind.

Now, years later, you’ve finished university, and Niall’s become more of a global superstar than the goofy kid you used to tease. But even with everything that’s changed, you’ve stayed close. The late-night phone calls, the random texts about nothing in particular, the inside jokes that only the two of you get—those things never changed.

Still, as much as you love Niall, you’ve been ready for your own chapter. You’ve just graduated with a degree in journalism and writing, and after months of searching for something meaningful to dive into, you’ve finally started to feel the pull of something more. Your dream of being a writer is no longer just a pipe dream. You’re excited for what comes next, but you also can’t help feeling a little apprehensive about what’s waiting for you beyond your comfort zone.

Then, your phone buzzes on the kitchen counter. It’s Niall.

“Hey!” His voice bursts through the speaker like it always does, upbeat and full of energy. You can already hear the smile in his tone. “So, I’ve got an idea.”

You smile, leaning against the counter, feeling a rush of affection for him. “What’s up?”

“How would you like to come on tour with us?” he asks, not skipping a beat. “We’re leaving in a couple weeks, and we need someone to write a book about all of it. The real behind-the-scenes stuff. The band, the fans, the drama, the life on the road—everything.”

You laugh, thinking it’s a joke. “Wait, what? You’re serious?”

“Dead serious,” he responds, his voice full of excitement. “You’ve got the skills, and you know us better than anyone. I want you to do it. You’ll travel with us, document everything, and I’ll bet it’ll be the best damn book about a boyband anyone’s ever written. What do you think?”

For a moment, you don’t know what to say. It’s overwhelming, but in the best way possible. You’ve always wanted to write, to tell stories, but this? This is massive. The opportunity of a lifetime. And yet, part of you hesitates. You’ve never met the other boys before, and the thought of traveling with a group of strangers—no matter how famous they are—makes your stomach flip.

“Are you sure about this?” you finally ask, trying to mask the excitement and nerves creeping into your voice. “It sounds like a lot of work. And what if I mess it up?”

“Come on,” Niall says with that laugh of his, the one that’s always put you at ease. “You’re perfect for this. Plus, it’s not like we’re strangers. It’ll be fun. We get to relive some old memories, and you get to see it all firsthand. You in?”

You close your eyes, letting the weight of the decision settle. You know what this means: the band, the tour, the chance to finally write something meaningful. But more than that, you know what it means for you and Niall. The old dynamic, the comfort of being around him, that part of your life you never quite let go of.

You take a deep breath. “Okay. I’m in.”

“I knew you would be!” Niall says, clearly relieved. “It’s going to be epic. Pack your bags, get ready. We’ll leave in a couple of weeks. I’ll send you all the details. Trust me, it’s going to be amazing.”

After you hang up, you sit in silence for a moment, your heart racing. You’ve just said yes to the adventure of a lifetime—and the reality of it all begins to sink in. But as excited as you are about the possibilities, you can’t ignore the odd twist of unease in your stomach.

It’s been years since you last got to spend day-to-day with Niall, and things are bound to be different now. You’ve never met the other band members, and while you know the names and faces, the thought of getting to know them on a personal level, of living in such close quarters, makes you nervous in a way you hadn’t expected.

Either way, you know this is just the beginning of something far bigger than you ever imagined.

...

You stand in front of your door, suitcase in hand, your heart pounding in your chest. It still feels surreal. You’re about to board a plane and fly across the world with Niall and the rest of One Direction. But before you can get too lost in your thoughts, your phone buzzes in your pocket.

It’s a message from Niall.

Niall: Can’t believe you’re actually coming. See you soon, bestie!

You smile at the screen, tapping out a quick reply.

You: Can’t wait! Been way too long!

You quickly double-check your bags—laptop, notebook, camera gear, clothes for a few weeks on tour. Satisfied, you sling the strap of your bag over your shoulder, step out, and lock the door behind you.

...

The airport’s bustling, but Niall’s the only one you’re looking for. As you scan the crowd, your eyes land on him. He’s standing near a gate, grinning as he waves at you, his familiar blonde hair unmistakable. His smile only widens when he spots you.

Your heart leaps in your chest, and before you can think twice, you break into a sprint, rushing to close the distance between the two of you.

"Niall!" you call, a huge grin spreading across your face as he opens his arms wide in anticipation.

You collide with him, and he wraps you in a tight, familiar hug. His laugh fills your ears, and you feel the weight of the last few months melt away as you press your cheek against his shoulder.

“I’ve missed you so much,” Niall says, his voice muffled in your hair. His arms tighten around you, holding you like he never wants to let go.

“I missed you too,” you reply, your voice slightly shaky as the reunion hits you harder than you expected. The last time you saw each other in person feels like a lifetime ago, even if you’ve kept in touch over calls and texts. This moment feels like it’s been building for years.

He pulls back slightly, his hands still resting on your shoulders, eyes scanning your face as if checking to make sure you’re really here. You wipe a tear from your cheek, not realizing it had escaped.

“Hey, hey, none of that,” Niall says, his tone soft but teasing as he brushes away the tear. “We’re about to have the time of our lives. You’re on tour with me now.”

“I can’t believe this is real,” you admit, laughing through the slight ache in your chest. “It’s crazy.”

“Well, we’ve got plenty of time for all the crazy stuff. Come on, let me introduce you to the lads.”

You follow Niall through the bustling terminal, your heart still racing, the excitement of finally being here mixed with the overwhelming feeling of being part of something bigger than you ever imagined. He leads you toward a small group of people standing by a gate.

“Everyone, this is my best friend,” Niall says, his arm draping around your shoulders as he gestures toward you. "The one I’ve been telling you all about."

You smile, a bit nervous, and wave. The first to step forward is Paul, the band’s security and tour manager. You’ve heard plenty of stories about him from Niall, and now you can see why Niall always speaks so highly of him. Paul offers you a warm handshake with a friendly grin.

“Nice to finally meet you, love,” Paul says, his voice as kind as his smile. “Niall’s said plenty about you. Glad you’re joining us.”

“Nice to meet you too,” you reply, feeling a little more at ease.

Niall then turns to introduce the rest of the group. First, he motions toward Zayn, who’s leaning back against the wall with his arms crossed. His eyes are calm, but there’s an edge of mystery to him that you immediately notice.

“Zayn,” Niall says with a grin. “Zayn, this is Y/N. My childhood best friend.”

Zayn gives you a small nod, a quiet, reserved smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Nice to meet you,” he says softly, and you get the sense that’s as much as he’ll say for now.

Next is Harry, who’s standing a bit apart from the group, talking to someone on his phone. As soon as he spots you, though, his face lights up with a cheeky grin, and he waves dramatically.

“Niall’s childhood best friend, huh? It’s about time we met!” Harry says with a wink, clearly full of energy. You can’t help but smile at his playful nature.

“Nice to meet you, Harry,” you reply, feeling a little more relaxed now. Harry’s charm is undeniable.

And then, Liam. He’s standing a bit farther back, his arms crossed in a casual but steady manner, his warm brown eyes studying you with a quiet curiosity. When his eyes meet yours, he gives you a soft, welcoming smile that immediately makes you feel at ease. His calm demeanor is a sharp contrast to the others, and you find yourself drawn to his steadiness.

“Liam,” Niall says, clapping his friend on the back. “Liam’s the responsible one, but we’re all glad to have him around.”

Liam chuckles at Niall’s teasing, but his gaze softens as he turns to you. “It’s great to meet you, Y/N. I’ve heard a lot of good things from Niall.”

“Nice to meet you too,” you reply, smiling back at him. There’s something reassuring about Liam’s presence, his easy smile and calming aura making you feel like you’ve known him longer than you really have.

And then, your eyes lock with Louis.

He’s standing next to Harry, a playful smirk on his face, looking like he’s in the middle of some joke, but when his eyes meet yours, it’s like the rest of the world fades. For a moment, you forget to breathe.

He’s got that undeniable charm. His mischievous grin, the twinkle in his eye—it’s as if he’s daring you to figure him out, to get caught up in whatever chaos he’s about to stir up. There’s something magnetic about him. And when he sees your reaction, his smirk only deepens.

“Well, look what we have here,” Louis says, his voice smooth and teasing. “Niall’s childhood friend, huh? You’re already trouble, I can tell.”

You feel your cheeks flush under his gaze, but there’s a thrill in your stomach you can’t deny.

“Maybe,” you reply, trying to match his teasing tone. “But only if you’re lucky.”

Louis raises an eyebrow, clearly impressed by your confidence. “I like her already,” he mutters to Niall, who looks between the two of you, clearly sensing the spark.

Niall clears his throat. “Alright, alright, we’ll all have plenty of time to get to know each other,” he says, pulling you back into the fold as Paul motions for the group to start heading toward the private jet. “This tour’s gonna be a blast.”

You follow along, your mind still spinning from the brief exchange with Louis. There’s something about him that’s impossible to ignore. And as you glance back at Niall, you can’t shake the feeling that this trip might change more than just your career.

The private jet feels surreal as you board, the spacious interior a far cry from the cramped flight you’re used to. As you settle into your seat, Louis’ eyes flicker to you across the cabin, his gaze lingering just a little longer than necessary. The playful tension between you both is palpable, and you can’t help but wonder where this connection might go.

Liam sits nearby, glancing over at you and offering a kind smile. He gives off an air of calmness that’s almost reassuring as you glance at him, trying to calm the butterflies Louis stirred up in you.

You’ve only just arrived, but it feels like everything has already shifted.

....

You sink into your seat on the private jet, still trying to wrap your head around everything. It feels surreal that you’re actually here, on a jet with One Direction, about to fly off on tour. Niall is in the seat next to you, but the others are scattered around, chatting amongst themselves. You pull out your notebook and start jotting down a few initial thoughts—first impressions, really—trying to capture the feeling of this moment.

You glance up when Harry, always the first to stir up conversation, leans over from across the aisle, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

“So, what’s the plan for your book, then? Gonna write about how we’re all secretly really serious, no fun whatsoever?” Harry asks, his grin making it clear he’s teasing.

You chuckle and shake your head, tapping your pen against the notebook.

“Not quite. I think the fun side is more interesting, honestly. I mean, from what Niall’s told me, it’s like you guys are constantly in chaos.”

“I resemble that remark,” Niall says with a smirk, nudging your shoulder with his. “You haven’t seen anything yet.”

You turn to him, raising an eyebrow. “Is that a warning or a promise?”

“A little of both,” Niall replies, his grin widening. He leans back in his seat, clearly enjoying the banter.

“Keep an eye on Niall, yeah?” Louis pipes up from behind, his voice laced with playful concern. You turn to look at him, and he’s lounging with his feet up, giving Niall a teasing look. “He’s trouble. You’ll see soon enough.”

Niall shoots Louis a playful glare. “Says the guy who’s always starting pranks.”

Louis shrugs dramatically, but there’s a mischievous twinkle in his eyes as he holds your gaze for a moment longer than necessary. It sends a flutter through you. He’s effortlessly charming, and you can’t help but wonder if he knows exactly what he’s doing.

“I’ll try to behave,” you say, a grin tugging at your lips. You’re definitely not one to shy away from a bit of trouble.

Louis raises an eyebrow. “Behave? That’s cute.”

The banter continues, with the boys throwing in their own jokes and stories, and you find yourself starting to relax into the rhythm of it all. But there’s something about Louis that keeps drawing your attention. He’s clearly the most mischievous of the bunch, his carefree attitude infectious, and it’s hard to ignore the chemistry between you two. Every time you meet his eyes, it feels like there’s a new spark, one you didn’t expect but can’t deny.

You glance over at Niall, who's watching you with a small smile, but his eyes seem a little… protective. It’s subtle, but you catch it, the way he’s positioning himself between you and Louis, as if he wants to make sure things stay friendly. It makes your stomach twist with confusion. Niall’s your best friend, but lately, you’ve been noticing a strange tension in the air between you two.

“So, Y/N,” Zayn speaks up from across the cabin, pulling you out of your thoughts. “What’s your plan for this book of yours? You just gonna follow us around for the entire tour, jotting down everything we do?”

You shrug, making a face as you lean back in your seat. “Pretty much. I’m going to document the chaos, the funny moments, the behind-the-scenes stuff, and everything in between. I want it to feel real. Like, people can see the actual journey, not just the polished version they get on stage.”

“That sounds cool,” Liam adds, looking up from his phone. He seems a bit quieter than the rest, but his calm demeanor makes him someone you can easily talk to. “Are you worried about how the boys are gonna come across? I mean, we're kind of a mess sometimes.”

You smile, thinking for a moment. “No. If anything, it’ll make the book more interesting, right? The mess is what makes the story. No one wants to read a perfect band’s journey. They want the drama, the fun, and all the weird, awkward stuff that happens on the way.”

Liam chuckles, clearly approving of your honesty. “Fair enough.”

Your eyes flicker over to Louis again, only to find him already looking at you, a sly grin on his lips. “You think we’re all a mess now?” he asks, his voice playful but with a hint of something more. “You’ve seen nothing yet, love.”

You roll your eyes, trying to play it cool, but his words stir something in you. It’s easy to see why Niall warned you about Louis—he’s trouble, sure, but there’s something magnetic about him. Something that pulls you in every time he looks at you like that.

Before you can respond, Niall shifts in his seat, leaning a little closer to you. “Don’t listen to him, Y/N,” he says in a low voice that only you can hear. “Louis gets people in trouble. Just focus on your book and stay out of his pranks, yeah?”

You glance at Niall, surprised by the sudden protectiveness in his tone. He’s always been the carefree one, but there’s something different about the way he’s acting now. It’s like he doesn’t want you to get too close to Louis… or maybe he doesn’t want you getting too close to anyone.

“I’ll be fine, Niall,” you say, your voice light but with a hint of teasing. “I’m not a damsel in distress.”

Niall smiles, but you see the flicker of something else in his eyes—something deeper. “I know, but I’ll always have your back,” he says, nudging your shoulder again. You can feel the weight of his words, and it makes you wonder if maybe there’s more to Niall’s feelings for you than he’s letting on.

Louis, seemingly sensing the shift, doesn’t miss a beat. “Aww, Niall, so protective. You do know we’re all in this together, right?” he teases, flashing a grin that makes your heart skip.

“I’m fine, Louis,” you respond, though you can’t help but notice the playful glint in his eyes. “But I appreciate the warning.”

You glance between Niall and Louis, the air thick with a tension you didn’t expect. Both of them are watching you in their own way—Niall with a quiet protectiveness, Louis with that teasing spark that you know will only get more intense as the tour goes on. And you’re stuck somewhere in between, trying to figure out how to navigate the growing feelings you’re developing for both of them.

As the jet speeds toward its first stop, you lean back in your seat, scribbling in your notebook, trying to focus on the book that’s supposed to be your main priority. But deep down, you know this tour is going to be about more than just writing.

It’s about figuring out what’s really going on between you and Niall—and maybe, just maybe, exploring whatever it is that’s growing between you and Louis.

...

The wheels of the private jet touch down, and your stomach flips with a mix of nerves and excitement. You glance out the window at the unfamiliar skyline, your notebook open in your lap. There’s something about this moment—the rush of landing, the anticipation of stepping into a world you’ve only ever heard about—that makes your fingers itch to jot down every fleeting thought.

“First stop,” Niall says, grinning as he nudges you. “Ready for the madness?”

You glance at him, raising an eyebrow. “Define madness.”

Before Niall can respond, the plane’s door opens, and the roar of fans outside fills the cabin. You peek out the window and see a sea of people, some waving banners, others holding cameras. A lump forms in your throat as you realise this is their life—chaotic, relentless, and larger than anything you could’ve imagined.

“Madness,” Niall says simply, gesturing toward the crowd.

The boys start gathering their things, the energy in the cabin shifting into something more purposeful. You grab your notebook, scribbling furiously as you try to capture the moment: the thunderous cheers, the palpable excitement, the way the boys seem to transform—effortlessly stepping into their roles as superstars.

But as you’re writing, Louis saunters by, plopping into the seat across from you with a cheeky grin. “Taking notes already, love? What are you writing about me? The Handsome, Witty One?”

You roll your eyes, trying to suppress a grin. “More like ‘The Distracting One.’”

Louis gasps dramatically, clutching his chest as if wounded. “Distracting? Me? I’m just trying to help you with your little book. It’d be a shame if you missed the most charming member of the band.”

“You’re impossible,” you mutter, but there’s no heat in your words.

“Careful, Y/N,” Niall warns from behind, giving Louis a pointed look. “You might not survive this tour if you let him get to you.”

“Good thing I’m resilient,” you shoot back, earning a laugh from Niall and an exaggerated wink from Louis.

The group moves toward the terminal, where Paul is already coordinating with security. The boys are unfazed by the noise and chaos around them, chatting amongst themselves as if this is just another day. You, however, feel the weight of a hundred eyes on you as you trail behind, your notebook clutched tightly in your hand.

The fans outside scream even louder as the boys step into view, and you can’t help but watch in awe as they wave and smile, effortlessly charming the crowd. You scribble a note: Magnetic. The energy shifts when they’re together. They’re not just people—they’re a phenomenon.

“Careful you don’t trip while you’re writing,” Louis says, appearing at your side and startling you. He leans in closer, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. “Unless you want me to catch you.”

Your heart skips a beat, and you quickly shove the notebook into your bag. “I think I’ll manage, thanks.”

The car ride to the hotel is brief but no less chaotic. Fans line the streets, chasing the cars as security keeps them at bay. You try to take it all in, jotting down snippets of conversation and quick observations about the boys: Harry’s calm amidst the chaos, Zayn’s quiet focus, Liam’s subtle leadership, Niall’s easy laughter. And then there’s Louis, who seems to go out of his way to keep your attention on him, cracking jokes and leaning over to comment on whatever you’re writing.

“Don’t forget to mention my great hair,” he says, ruffling it dramatically.

“Your hair looks fine,” you reply, not looking up.

“Fine?” Louis echoes, his tone mock-offended. “You wound me, Y/N.”

By the time you arrive at the hotel, your notebook is a jumble of half-finished thoughts and fragmented sentences. The boys pile out of the car, and you follow, your eyes widening at the massive crowd gathered outside the hotel.

Security ushers you inside quickly, but not before you catch a glimpse of the fans pressed against the barricades, their faces full of excitement and hope. You can’t help but wonder what it must be like to be on the other side of that line—to have people scream your name and hang on your every word.

Once inside, Paul hands out room keys and gives everyone a quick rundown of the schedule. You’re still trying to process everything when Louis sidles up next to you again, a keycard dangling from his fingers.

“You look overwhelmed,” he says, his tone surprisingly soft.

“I’m fine,” you reply, though you’re not sure it’s entirely true.

Louis studies you for a moment, then grins. “Don’t worry, love. You’ll get used to it. And if you don’t, well… I’ll be here to make it worse.”

Before you can respond, Niall appears at your other side, his hand lightly brushing your arm. “Come on,” he says, his voice steady and reassuring. “I’ll show you to your room.”

You nod, grateful for the grounding presence of your best friend as he leads you away from the chaos. But as you follow him, you can’t help but glance back at Louis, who’s watching you with that same playful glint in his eyes.

Your heart races, and you remind yourself that you’re here to write a book—not to get swept up in the whirlwind that is Louis Tomlinson.

Or at least, that’s what you tell yourself.

...

Next chapter

[wellthatwasaletdown]

he was right about not wanting to exhaust the fanbase. // this anon’s been drinking from the zot3 hate blog’s teat. It’s the weakest excuse for why Harry went solo I’ve ever heard. If he hadn’t gone solo they could have had a break and then come back refreshed. But Harry was too disloyal. He was networking in search of a solo career from 2012. He was most honest about it when whined about having to share solos on songs he wrote. He just never likes to share the spotlight. Louis was obviously in a bit of denial. I’m sure he realised Harry was leaving when he didn’t want to sign on to tour MITAM. That’s why he said he felt like the band was ending when Zayn left. He knew they wouldn’t be able to tour as a three piece. Also I suggest your anon takes a good look at Niall’s face at the end of their last performance of history. That’s not the face of a man relishing his freedom from the band. Niall wanted to tour so he (like Louis) took the opportunity to go solo when it was presented to him and his management and label pushed to have him release as soon as possible. Zayn and Niall releasing music first doesn’t change the fact that Harry was planning for his solo career almost from the start. It’s fine for Harry to want a solo career but one of the consequences of leaving a band to go solo is that people who liked the band, including fans and other band mates might not like it and get to say so. Harry is a grown man. Harries need to stop babying him.

.

[allwaswell16]

A fic rec of One Direction fics in which the characters are close to the age they are now in 2024 as requested in this ask. If you enjoy the fics, please leave kudos and comments for the writers! You can find my other fic recs here. Happy reading!

- Louis/Harry -

💠 The Greatest Thing by @infinitelymint

(E, 168k, canon) Harry and Louis haven’t spoken since the band broke up when a dangerous combination of Niall Horan, tequila, and an ordained Elvis impersonator means that the two of them have to embark on their biggest publicity stunt to date - together.

💠  And What If I Were You by jacaranda_bloom / @jacaranda-bloom

(E, 109k, famous/not famous) For Louis, will losing his sight give him the clarity to realise what is right in front of him? For Harry, will losing the love of his life give him the strength to finally open his heart? And can they find their way back, before they lose each other forever?

💠 Desires for Woolgatherings by isolated

(E, 86k, Maniac au) In the midst of his second world tour, Louis Tomlinson receives the devastating news that his former bandmate, Harry Styles, is in critical condition after an unfortunate accident. 

💠 When the Lights Go Out by thelarenttrap / @antidotetogo

(E, 79k, F1 au) In its near eighty years of existence, Formula 1 has never had an out gay driver. In 2017, Harry Styles signs a contract with Scuderia AlphaTauri alongside his childhood friend and competitor, Louis Tomlinson. The next decade of their careers is some of the most tumultuous press--on and off the track--Formula 1 has ever seen.

💠 another dream but always you by you_explode / @nobodymoves

(M, 60k, superpowers) Harry is a Dreamwalker; he has the ability to visit people in their dreams and help put them on the right path. He's assigned to Louis, who's struggling after the break-up of his band.

💠  you were in my dream by staybeautiful / @harruandlou

(E, 60k, acquaintances to lovers) Louis woke up after having a sexy dream about his best friend’s boyfriend’s best friend resolved to never think about it again. He hardly knew Harry, so what difference would it make? But when they are thrown together only a few days later, Louis had to admit, his subconscious might have been onto something.

💠 I Really Like Your Styles: The Baking Advent-ure by @homosociallyyours

(T, 35k, coffee shop) Louis isn't much for frills, and the coffee shop he co-owns with his best friend Liam is evidence of that. Yes, it's got a decent sized, well-kept industrial kitchen, but Louis insists that people come to coffee shops for coffee, not mediocre pastry and plastic wrapped cookies. 

💠 If I had no love to give (I wouldn't give it to you) by @kingsofeverything

(E, 30k, restaurant au) Small town restaurateur Louis Tomlinson needs someone competent to work in his kitchen. Chef Harry Styles needs a job.

💠 Bitter Ends Turn Sweet by @allwaswell16

(E, 30k, songfic) It had been four years since Harry first heard the song his ex wrote about him and far longer since they broke up. He forgave Louis long ago, and now his life was focused on his career, his family, and especially his son, Max. But Louis was back in Chicago, after all this time, and he’s not an easy man to ignore.

💠 signs and wonders by @scrunchyharry

(E, 29k, cheating) On the surface, it looks like Louis Tomlinson has the perfect life; after all, he has the whole package: a white picket fence house (well, his doesn’t technically have a white picket fence, but work with him), a wife, a daughter and a dog. He has it all and he’s not even 30, yet.

💠 Somebody's Got Your Trainers On (It's You) by bluegreenish / @greenblueish

(E, 28k, hospital au) the one where, after two years, paediatrician Harry returns to Silver Street Hospital and with it to paediatric nurse Louis' life.

💠 what's left of my halo's black by LiveLaughLoveLarry / @loveislarryislove

(E, 22k, fwb) A year after a devastating breakup, Louis is still trying to put himself back together - but getting over a breakup is hard when you work as a wedding planner. Thankfully, his coworker Harry is the most supportive friend Louis could ask for.

💠 Rolling Stone UK Awards AU (series) by INnenaHeart / @thechavier

(M, 15k, canon divergence) Harry started walking away from him and he felt like he was missing the moment, if he let him go like this he would lose on something. Something great. Something beautiful.

💠 Seems You Cannot Be Replaced by QuickedWeen / @becomeawendybird

(M, 5k, time jump) Harry and the popular boy in school, Louis Tomlinson, share a tension-filled night together when they're young. Fifteen years later they see each other again.

💠 Tuca Tuca (ILikeYouILikeYouILikeYou) by @persephoneflouwers

(E, 4k, canon) The San Francisco getaway AU, where Harry is needy and Louis has a flight to LA in a few hours.

💠 Let Me Taste Your Silhouette by LetTheMusicMoveYou / @letthemusicmoveyou28

(E, 4k, pwp) the one where Harry accidentally posts a picture to his main Instagram story instead of only to his close friends, and he just happens to be wearing a 28 Official Programme shirt. Louis happens to notice

💠 Jealousy Looks Good On You, Baby by cigarettesbeforesex

(M, 4k, pwp) A flirtatious stranger wanted to entice Louis by buying him a drink from the bar. The handsome 29-year-old tavern manager with curly hair, who Louis (often) flirts with, is currently working on shift...Poor Curly, because he's the one that has to deliver the drink to him.

💠 spring in your eyes by @nouies

(NR, 3k, fake relationship) “Just Go with It” inspired AU where plastic surgeon Harry pretends to be married to his assistant Louis to avoid unwanted attention.

💠 From the Dining Table by @littleroverlouis

(E, 3k, established relationship) Harry's thirtieth birthday hasn't gone as expected. Things start looking up from the dining table.

- Rare Pairs -

💠 Live a Thousand Lifetimes by Layne Faire / @laynefaire

(E, 57k, Zayn/Liam) With the whirlwind about to begin again, Liam re-evaluates the last ten years - the fame, the money, the people who changed his life forever - and the person who walked away.

💠 Eight Days by LadyAJ_13 / @ladyaj-13

(T, 22k, Liam/Louis)  Louis and Liam got hitched in Vegas, completely forgot about it for more than a decade, and it comes back to bite them. Sort of.

[foxes-that-run]

2012 Haylor timeline

Timeline Tag, or years 2011

3 - 26 January - Up all Night UK tour dates

3 January - Harry's answer to are you single is inaudible, the band answers for him on Nova, this happens again on the 13th with another station.

4 January - Harry Birmingham

6 January - Harry said to RRMB he has a few days off before his birthday and will spend it at home with his family.

12 January - Taylor seen for first time in the year in Nashville. When asked if they are single Harry said "I'm Harry!! and I'm Hi!... then whispers single". This interview looks to be 12th Jan. After this, Liam starts answering this question for the whole band with variations of "Louis and I have GFs the others are up for grabs" so Harry doesn't have to, that keeps up for most of the year. Recorded 11 Jan

13 January - 1D arrive Glasgow

14 January - one direction cover Kings of Leon Use Somebody in Glasgow, later 23 June Harry says it’s his favourite song. First show after Taylor seen in NY about being lonely and missing your lover on the road.

16 January - Taylor said to Vogue that "“There’s just been this earth-shattering, not recent, but absolute crash-and-burn heartbreak,” she says, “and that will turn out to be what the next album is about. The only way that I can feel better about myself—pull myself out of that awful pain of losing someone—is writing songs about it to get some sort of clarity.”

? January - Scott Borchetta said he thought the album (Red) was done in January "During Speak Now, when I went to (label head) Scott Borchetta and said, 'The album's finished,' he said, 'No, it's not -- you need to keep writing.' With Red, he came to me in January and said, 'I think the album's finished.' This time, I said, 'No, it's not -- I need to keep writing." Taylor is encouraged to work with other producers and hires Max Martin.

20 January - Taylor at Sundance in Utah with Ethel Kennedy at Ethel's invitation. Taylor's Vogue cover, KK Your kitchen or mine tweet. Not seen for 3 days then in London. 1D Kings Cross Station

21 - 26 January - Taylor "holidays" in London, first seen 23rd hotel no engagements, she she had spend months there the last year. Papped walking alone in the Zoo and with Swans at the Princess Diana memorial on days One Direction had shows. Papped alone in London, 26 January in London. Zayn says to Mark Michaels Show that they have a week off after LA.

24 January - 1D Dublin

22-26 January One Direction UK shows.

27 January - One Direction leave London for LA to film iCarly.  Taylor also returns LA on the same day. Harry tweets that he 'didn't dump' Caroline, he never said they were more than friends. Niall says Harry was playing guitar (9)

28 January - One Direction LA photoshoot

29 January - 1D hotel LA

30 January - 1D six flags, then by hotel pool,

31 January - photoshoot Santa Monica

1 February - One direction seen at LA Airport on Harry's 18th Birthday. Harry gets first tattoo (star) Taylor in LA. Whole band at Tesco on 2nd, wearing the same clothes as LAX.

1 - 7 February - Taylor MIA for a week. Band have the week off, Louis seen with Eleanor, Niall at BBC, but Harry MIA. To RMBD Harry say they are all virgins, they laugh. He says honestly. Louis says he went to Ibiza for a night on a break “2 weeks ago”.

7 February - Taylor first seen in LA., Harry Manchester nightclub

8 February - Taylor says about The Lorax "It's just this really cute crush that he has on an older girl."

9 February - Harry celebrates his birthday with his parents in London, a week after they were at LAX.

12 February - Taylor performs Mean at Grammy's in LA and sings "One day I'll be singing this at the Grammy's"

13 February - 1D Sweden, 14 Paris & London, 18 London.

February - Taylor writes Holy Ground and works with Jeff Bhasker, because she likes what he did with Fun (Jack) Jeff is later one of Harry’s main solo collaborators.

20 February - 1D on Eurostar train from part before Brit awards, Harry tweets photos of the band sleeping 

22, 23 February - Harry London, leaving Nick G's flat, heathrow

24 February - 10 March: One Direction supported Big Time Rush in their US dates. Reports parts of the crowd left when 1D finished. Harry sheepishly agrees with the Edge NZ that he's available to Kiwi girls when they come there soon. 🤦‍♂️

25 February - reports Harry moved out of 1D flat, soon on market

26 February - One Direction in Toronto. On 17 August 2022 Harry told a crowd (2.30) he met Jeff Azoff in Toronto 2012, likely around this show.

8 March - One Direction NY, 26 - Canada, 28 - LA

2 - 18 March - Speak Now, last tour dates in Australia and NZ.

17 March - Taylor plays Eyes Open 3 days early in Auckland. She releases the re-record on 17 March 2023.

2 March - Lover Journal March 2, 2012, Perth, says she wrote "nothing new" on the plane, mentions 'a case of you' and getting older, Knowing everything at 18 and nothing at 22. (she was 22, Harry was 18)

8 March 1D asked in Nashville if their sad TS not there. The 4 other boys all turn their heads sharply when they hear her name and Harry who jokingly hits his knee. They clearly had not only met, but the band knew Harry and Taylor were connected.

12 March - One Direction on Today show, 1D have week off in NYC

19 March - Taylor back in LA from Australia

20 March - WMYB goes #1 in US, first UK group to do so. Liam, Niall and Harry in NY, go to NY Nick's game. Louis with Eleanor. Harry later says was returning a rental bike when he heard #1.

24 - 27 March - 1D in Dallas, Montreal, appearances interviews

29 March - One Direction arrive in LA for KCA

29-30 March - Kids Choice Award Rehearsals, Zayn tweets "If the love is real it will rise above all else ! :) x"

31 March - first seen same place at Kids Choice Awards. A source close to Taylor later said to Vanity Fair he had chased her for a year, that would indicate they met in London in March 2011.

2 April - Lunch in LA, 4 LA

4 April - Morgan Spurlock tweets photo of harry in bed in Ben's Attic while filming This is Us

8 April - Taylor and One Direction stay at the Bowery Hotel in NYC. Harry and Taylor seen at a museum. Harry's high school best friend talked about him dreaming of Taylor.

11 April - one direction is asked who will leave the band first. (3:38) Louis says Adam. The interviewer thinks they are being silly, I think they are speaking in code, Zayn looks annoyed, they’ve called Harry Susan (Boyle) since the dolls, is Adam (Lambert - Zayn?) Liam adds Andrew (Garfield - Louis?) or David (Beckham - Liam?) after, Louis adds or Susan Boyle (Harry). Later interviews have lines of “no one will leave” & “we’re stronger together” they also have names that rhyme with their names Harry/Barry, Zayn/Wayne (in Liam Logan Paul podcast 33) It’s an example the boys were salty with each other in interviews.

12 April - Harry asked if has been texting Taylor in Australia and is unprepared. He is taken aback and pauses before saying “we met in America and she’s very nice” (1:27)

13 April - Taylor writes 'Come back... be here' and Message in a Bottle.

13 - 22 April Up All Night Australia and NZ dates

23 April - Harry pictured kissing a girl in New Zealand, Taylor instagram story with infidelities song. Harry said in a NZ interview his fatal flaw was girls (11 mins).

23 April - Taylor wrote with Max Martin and Shellback. Max Martin discusses their first meeting in this interview (52:30 Mins) "Our first day was in Conway Studios. I was quite nervous, quite nervous. A guy from Maroon 5 shows up…" He tells the story about WANGBT. Trouble started as a sad piano ballad, in the Red Listening party it was started 'almost 6 months before'.

24 April - Harry back at Heathrow,

21-25 April Taylor wrote treacherous making Red. Then 24 April we are never getting back together. Taylor writes Babe. Honestly writing these songs if they met 3 weeks earlier would be unhinged.

27 April - Harry buys a £100k Audi A8. 28 Lunch with friend, 30 in Holmes Chapel

1 May - Harry back to LA, 9 Harry at Studio in London

May - Harry seen with Emily Atack in the UK (But I can't find a date?) the break up was announced a few days after Harry go to the US. In 2013 she confirmed they had a brief non BF/GF fling

20 May - Harry arrives LA, disappears, reemerges on 27th. Everything has changed and Run is written with Ed, Hi and A tattoo's. I love you by Alex and Sierra hints it was 20th. "Can I stay Tattoo" He was later asked about the A and said "Oh.. it's for me mum" and Louis shouts "no it's not! It's for a mystery blonde". Again unhinged behavior if they met 5 weeks earlier.

22 May - 1 July - Up all night US Tour dates

29 May - Everything has changed recorded with Ed, Gary light body has backing vocals. both Harry and Taylor then wrote Gary Lightbody, This is the Last time (Taylor) and Something Great (Harry) and an unreleased collaboration between them.

6 June Taylor says to New Orleans Magazine: “These days, I’ve been trying to classify my thoughts into two categories: “Things I can change” and “Things I can’t.” It seems to help me sort through what to really stress about. But there I go again, over-planning and over-organizing my over-thinking!

10 June -June 10, 2012, LA Lover Journal 'Trouble' & 22. Corporate event refers to Walmart, it’s the interview where a guy jokes about not knowing who she is. Taylor writes about loving song writing, and "God I've been having such a beautiful life lately. I can't believe it. It's like there's magic in the air". She said she had Friday off, went hiking and planned 'our' trip for 4th July.

12 June - Harry told YRV he was listening to the Fun Album (Jack Antonoff)

15 June -  Won't stop till we surrender Tattoo on anniversary of Taylor having the arm lyrics, the St Paul show Harry was Mia in a break for, remeeting up with the band in LA. Taylor had a lover journal that date. Something so unexpected and amazing happened recently... I’ve become blissfully happy with my life.

16 June - the Ex'pression Session, (21:30) a fan suggested Ed propose to Harry, Ed responded "Nah, he's taken", someone joked 'by Lous' and Ed laughed innit. Ed had just written everything has changed and Run with Taylor about Harry, he was well aware of Harry and Taylor's relationship. 1D at six flags

17 June - 1D and Taylor in California. Someone tweets Taylor saying they saw her getting froyo.

18 - 21 June - Neither Harry or Taylor seen, Liam and Niall do a twitcam, Louis seen with Eleanor in LA, Zayn seen leaving LA at airport. Liam later says 1D had a week off to record and played Simon the album. After this Harry kissed the heart area of his arm, cried in a radio station after the band said he is unlucky in love and Taylor dated Connor.

22 June - Harry says in an interview that every day they perform every day and fly at night. Coughing and wearing paper plane. Record Radio Disney when Harry kisses arm where Heart will be

23 June - One Direction in Dallas, interview where The band say Harry is the best wing man and has the least skills with ladies, Harry set Eleanor and Louis up. Harry wipes his eye. Liam calls him a lonely old man and Harry looks sad. Harry is over the interview and at first doesn’t answer then says “I want” is his favorite song on the album (about a girl who wants material things but he wants love) and that Use somebody by Kings of Leon is his favorite by other artists (about wanting someone to cuddle on tour) On the same day there is an interview where he moves to the heart tattoo area when a fan asks about a wild theory about beanie wearing.

26 June - Liam says they just had a week off touring to record Take Me Home and that SC had just heard it. He said they did not have much longer to record it. Louis also says it in interviews. 1D Bert Show interview where Harry says he dropped someone off when he got his license. On the same day Harry appears to be crying, in Atlanta.

1 July - end of 1D Up all night Tour, One Direction return to UK

3 July - Harry heathrow (returning)

4-8 July - Taylor meets Connor at 4th July party (CK Timeline)

9 July - Harry seen with Caggie Dunlop in London

13 July - (13+7) Taylor played 7 songs from her new album including We are Never Getting Back Together in London 'playback event'. Harry was seen in Holmes Chapel the day after, neither seen for 5 days before.

15, 16 July - Harry Holmes Chapel, 18 Sony London

25  July - Taylor and Connor have pizza, Harry golf Olly Murs, London nightclub.

27 July - "I Can't Change" Tattoo

28 July - Harry seen with Una Healy at a wedding

28 - 30 July - Taylor and Connor go sailing

31 July - 1D in recording studio in London

1 August - Harry buys Hampstead Health House. Niall told an interviewer they has spend 4-5 weeks recording flat out then have 10 days off, Harry spends them in London house hunting.

4 - 31 August - Harry London, 8th in Studio with Ed, 25 filmed live while young

12 August - 1D play Olympics closing ceremony London, Taylor and Connor Cape Cod.

13 August - Taylor bought Hyannis Port house, seen w/Connor

14 August - Taylor google plus hangout for red where she unveiled the cover. Said she was working on Red hidden messages now. Premiers WANGBT and jokes it’s a love song to her ex-boyfriend. Harry gets a childhood tattoo and a personal  (17 Black artist, Kevin Black, described him as having a sadness about him and referred to lou Teasdale and her BF and said he had 'a bit of a bad vibe' from them) and the padlock (Ed) Talk of half sleeve.

16 - 18 August - Connor and Taylor in Nashville.

17 August - Taylor kissed Connor, cape cod

18 August - Taylor asked to leave Connors aunt's wedding, Taylor later said it was a misunderstanding to Rolling Stone.

19 August - Taylor visited Connors mums grave with him and played volleyball. Not seen with Connor again.

20 August - Harry seen at Radio 1 to talk about the BBC Teen Awards with Nick Grimshaw. Harry hadn't been seen for 5 days and told a story about driving to London the day before.

21 August - Harry's friend Tom Atkin (Lou Teasdale's boyfriend) did the Never Gonna Dance tattoo on Harry's leg. A photo of him doing it was run in the Mirror.

23 August - 1D film Live While We're Young, 17 Black and the birdcage can be seen. Harry keeps ankles covered.

"Late August" - Taylor does the Rolling Stone cover interview for October where she crashes her car twice and shows the interviewer her Nashville Apartment with Koi Pond, birdcage and Wonderland vibes.

31 August - Harry leaves Nick Grimshaw radio show late at night in London then disappears till LA on the 4th. Taylors Rolling Stone shoot in NY, jacket is later in the London scene of End Game MV.

2 September - Louis buys and posts to Apple's Ping WANGBT

3 September - Taylor in LA

4 September - 1D at VMA rehearsals also LA.

5 September - Harry and Taylor hang out at VMAs rehearsals and get sushi in group.

6 September  - Harry smiles introducing her song on VMAs, Zayn whispers 'Taylor Swift' in Harry's ear when asked celebrity crush.

8 September - Gemma's name in Hebrew in LA

9 September - Birdcage, drama mask and SMCL tattoo

12 September - Harry sings Careless Whisper (Lyric - Never gonna dance again with Grimmy on his last night show and is really shy and doesn’t sing, Grimmy says “you have the lyrics to this song tattooed on your body you choose it”

15 September - Harry, Niall, Louis and Eleanor at James Corden's wedding in Leeds

17 September - Harry at London fashion week . Louis On Twitter: “Hows this , Larry is the biggest load of bullshit I've ever heard. I'm happy why can't you accept that.”

21 September - Taylor in Las Vegas for iHeartRadio then MIA till London 28th, 1D in London

23 September - audio of 'Zayn' giving girls instructions to hotel room and being impatient, uses Harry's name.

24 September - Harry tells Nick Grimshaw first of 3 days filming tour screens on Grimmy first morning show. Neither love or heart tattoo in the tour screens.

25 September - Harry gets Love Banner Tattoo (covered by the left sparrow in Nov). Presumed Heart also. and is in the IKYWT video. It’s not in the tour screens but is in the chart show interview.

26 September Harry's heart tattoo can be seen, either not filled or still healing. Seen in lots of interviews. Niall told Grimmy they has a press day this day. Also seen in Entertainment on demand that day too (first date they use it is 27th).

28 September - 1D in pre-taped interview chatty man then HS MIA. Taylor Marie Claire UK November shoot video in Nashville mia previous 6 days. Friday night, the rest of the band posts (Louis with Eleanor) and seen on weekend, but HS & TS silent and MIA.

29 September - Taylor has a sony all access fan event to talk about WANGBT in Nashville

30 September - Taylor films Begin Again MV in Paris. Harry posts Paris photo a week later, but he is in Ireland when posted.

1 October - Harry LA restaurant with Ed

5 October - Taylor and Harry in London for BBC1, Harry tweets about paper airplanes. Taylor wearing Harry's shirt. Both appear on Nick Grimshaw (28m) Nick asks Harry if he’d met Taylor then says old swiftie about 13 times and plays a bit of her interview. Harry choose Paris as the last track. Taylor tells Jonathan Ross she has a good looking boyfriend. Harry plays wangbt on radio

7 October - both Harry and Taylor at kids choice awards London. Taylor plays Red live for the first time, rather than any of Red's singles (WANGBT and Begin Again were new, IKYWT was the next single)

9 October - Sugarscope report Taylor invited member of 1D to dinner and cancelled when when leaked “"Taylor’s team whisked her off to Luton after the awards," a source told The Sun. "She had a private jet at Luton Airport ready to take her back to the US at 10pm. All her staff were told she was having a private dinner with one of the guys from One Direction. “It was all cancelled abruptly, and nothing more was said.””

12 October - H Ireland filming Late Late asked if TS asked them to dinner and they said 'you take this Harry', also said he also said he got things I change tattoos. Harry got Things I can / things I can't tattoo's, later covered Can with bible (Jan 14) and Can't with Eagle (Dec 15). Drama because 1D media list of banned questions immediately before Zayn interview. Interviewer ends interview immediately and airs it.

13 October -they go to Ed’s show in London.  Ed shares a tour diary on 1 Jan with a video of him laughing with Harry at (1:20) (they are referencing this Australian Project Interview, which is talking about Australian Sunrise.) Taylor can be heard laughing off screen. Ed got Red tattoo in the video also.

14 October - Taylor performs on X-factor UK

15 October - Taylor back in LA. Little Things MV shot 15-16 Oct, Kiss You is also directed by Vaughan Arnell and likely shot this week with Harry's heart and love banner tattoos. Kiss You filmed at Elstree Studios in North London, Little thing studio unknown. Harry at Ed's show

17 October - October 17, 2012, LA Lover Journal - This Love Lyrics, also performed Eyes Open at VH1 Storytellers event. Harry posts pink and blue heart tattoo photo, LDN, NY & LA tattoos. Harry lists Taylor as celebrity crush to seventeen

18 October - One Direction in London Studio.

19 October - Video on Taylor talking in Speak Now "I don't care if you have tattoos, I don't care if you have a dic-a gap between your teeth'?

22 October - Red released, official Connor BUA. Taylor on CityTV in Canada, the interviewer comments on Justin Bieber's tattoos in a leading way which Taylor avoids. Asked again about fans getting tattoos and says tattoos are a huge commitment 3 times (11:30).

25 October - Taylor says her favourite love song is Sweet Disposition which Harry had tattooed on the arm lyric anniversary and that Love Actually is her favourite film that makes her feel better and Taylor shyly says "there's this movie called about last night that Demi Moore and Rob Lowe back in the 80s and they like get back together, they break up and they spend all this time apart and then the end they get back together cuz they were really good together oh so I don't know I like that idea" and blushes.

Rolling Stone from earlier in year goes to print "Taylor in Wonderland" "She’s uncomfortable discussing a line from her new album – “I’ll do anything you say if you say it with your hands” – that seems to break new ground. “I don’t know if I’m interested in writing about, um, blatantly sexual things out of the context of how it affects a relationship,” she says, then pauses. “Oh, I should just totally say that Dan thought of it,” she adds, meaning co-writer Dan Wilson. “I could get myself off the hook so quick!" Swift loves the idea of long relationships, though she’s never really had one. “It usually lasts four and a half months, and then it all just disintegrates. Then I spend, like, a year and a half mourning the loss of it.”

31 October - Harry seen in London wearing Paper Plane

3 November - Harry Paris

4 November Harry says to cosmopolitan he’s seeing someone who is ambitious and it’s difficult if the papers picture him with someone

6 November - Taylor arrives in London no paper plane. Harry tweeted if I could fly 6 November 2015.

7 November - Both perform at Radio 1 Teen Choice Awards. Taylor wears Paper plane.

10 November - Taylor in Paris says her favorite song today is treacherous because love can be really dangerous but it’s worth it.

12 November - wearing airplane necklaces, Harry flys separate to 1D to see Taylor and watches her X-factor rehearsal. Taylor met Jack Antonoff. Harry got Swallow Tattoos to cover love banner & showed on Ellen.

14 November harry writes something great with jackknife lee

15 November - Taylor performs X-Factor US and Harry watches and carries her over his shoulder.

17 and 18 November - I knew you were trouble MV filmed in California (love already covered)

19 November - One Direction Royal Variety Show

23 November - Harry backstage at Robbie Williams O2 concert with Jack Whitehall and James Corden. In Reveal: "'Best you've ever been," says James Corden, after the third night's performance, which has been broadcast live around the world, as Rob puts his arms around him and Harry Styles. 'Genuinely. Rob looks at the homemade tattoo that Styles has done that he describes to Rob as 'really shit', and says, I'm going to do that, before leading Styles into the corner for a private chat." It's unclear what tattoo that would be, Harry saw Robbie on the 19th. Robbie also has two swallows (different to Harry's) but perhaps the covering of the (shit) love banner in October - however Robbie said he might do it so that doesn't fit. Robbie did get Hebrew letters years later and Harry's was a few months old, maybe.

2 December - Central Park

3 December - 1D MSG, Dancing in NY no shoes

5 December - Harry shot Teenage dirtbag video NYC.

6 December - Taylor leaving trump hotel where 1D staying

7 December - Jingle Ball, Taylor kisses Harry before going on stage, he dances and hugs her dad. He fly's in her plane to London not with 1D. Photos of her feet with his mum.

9 December - both return to London on Taylor's private jet. 1D Jingle Ball. Harry and Taylor holiday in the UK together until December 15th when Taylor leaves for France.

10 December - Video of them kissing backstage at Z100 Jingle Bell Ball. Pap video with all the 1D boys and Gfs that ends with 5 Haylor coming/going from hotels. Olly Murs calls Taylor “Harry’s Missus” in marry kiss kill

? December - Halsey posts "That Haylor Song" on Tumblr which went viral, it mocks I Knew You Were Trouble

12 December - they go to the Lakes District for her birthday

18 December - Taylor goes with Harry to get ship Tattoo. He is seen with Andrea and Taylor at their LA house

21 December - Ski trip, snowmobile accident

26 December - article Harry sent Taylor a singagram of a country version of WMYB for Christmas

30 December - Keep Driving: "Passports in Footwells" Harry leaves his passport in his mum's car and misses his flight to NY for:

31 December - NYE Kiss, insane crowd, kiss in lift of hotel

Continue to 2013

[cliperry]

“Basically we are all a mess”

The band is broken and so are they — nearly. As the four remaining members of One Direction come to the end of their gruelling UK tour, they talk to Louise Gannon about pies, Pilates and why they need a rest

Louise Gannon Sunday November 01 2015, The Sunday Times (x)

ON A miserably grey day in Caledonian Road, north London, large groups of teenage girls sit huddled on the pavement outside a brick-built warehouse.

Elise, a student from Krakow, is carrying a fake Chanel clutch. She believes this accessory may attract the attention of Harry Styles, 21, who arrived 11 minutes earlier in one of two black Range Rovers and entered the building, along with Liam Payne, 22, Niall Horan, 22, and Louis Tomlinson, 23. In other words: One Direction.

Elise and the rest of the fans will wait another eight hours for one more glimpse of the band as they exit the building. Nobody appears to be mourning the late-departed Zayn Malik, 22, who quit the band in March, claiming he wanted a “normal” life. “Zayn never happy,” shrugs Elise. “Now he gone.” They take selfies, note number plates, talk to drivers, send endless texts. Within hours, their number has trebled.

This is life for One Direction. They have millions in the bank (last year the band collectively earned £202,000 a day), travel in private jets and limos and own property portfolios. But they can’t step outside without hordes of fans following them. They have 24/7 security and are as familiar with travelling inside the boot of a car as they are on the white leather seats of a Learjet.

The last time I interviewed them was in Australia. Payne told me a story about the time he and Tomlinson drove to a remote beach outside Sydney at dawn to learn how to surf. As they pulled on their wetsuits, they spotted one person with a phone. Within 20 minutes, more than 100 people were on the sand. Less than an hour later, their security advised them to leave the beach. “Sometimes, it’s like living in that TV show 24,” he said.

You can see why Malik wanted out. But already the fans have forgotten him.

One Direction are not a conventional band: they are a social-media musical phenomenon. A creation of the pop Svengali Simon Cowell, they were assembled on The X Factor in 2010 and went on to break America with their laddish wit and unschooled charm, propelled by a huge Instagram and Twitter following. (Styles is the most popular man in the UK on Instagram, with 13.3m followers.) Five years in and they have just finished their fourth world tour and are set to release their fifth album, Made in the AM, in two weeks’ time.

We divide into two sides of a coin. The pie-and-pint boys and the protein-and-pilates

It’s been a giddy rollercoaster of superstardom, tainted recently by a deluge of negative press stories about cancelling their Belfast gig after Liam apparently had a last-minute “meltdown” due to the pressure of fame. This came on the back of Malik quitting and Tomlinson soon to be a babydaddy (he’s not with the mother, Briana Jungwirth, the American stylist, but they are “still good friends”). Most damaging of all are the rumours that the remaining four are about to split. Things didn’t improve when, in August, the band announced they were planning to take an “extended hiatus” next year. “We still haven’t found a time to actually say definitely when,” admits Payne.

Inside Big Sky Studios, the band is in the midst of a 10-hour schedule of 50 interviews with press from around the world. Slots are between 10 and 20 minutes. Style — the only British magazine to be included — is given 20. While we wait, we’re made to listen to three songs from the new album. They are all instantly catchy pop songs, co-written by professional songwriters.

At 5.45pm, in this vast warehouse studio, a producer announces: “The boys are eating lunch.” Breakfast was midday.

Finally, Harry Styles emerges from behind a huge TV light, limping, a bootcast strapped to his leg following a stage injury. A wounded pop god in his black skinny jeans, Liberty-print floral shirt and girlishly long “Harry hair”, he explains why he isn’t that hungry.

“Bullet coffee,” he says, in a broad Cheshire accent. “It’s black coffee with a spoonful of butter in it and a spoonful of coconut oil, all mixed up together. I’ve been on it for two days. You don’t get hungry.” His diet makes you wonder who is looking after the boys.

Much has been written about Styles, especially about his sex appeal: exes include Taylor Swift, Kylie Jenner and, notoriously, the TV presenter Caroline Flack, who dated him when he was 17 and she was 32. He looks taller than he does in photos, not quite so baby-faced, and has the relaxed, fluid grace of a cat. We talk about Mick Jagger and how much he likes the Rolling Stone’s clothes.

www.thetimes.com

Liam Payne chilling on a private jet “I was looking at a photograph of him and Bianca [Jagger] the other day and he was wearing this amazing yellow suit. I’m a massive fan and I like him a lot. I don’t know what he thinks of me.” I tell him Jagger still wears 28in waist jeans. He grins. “I wear 26in waist women’s jeans. Boom.”

There is no sign that Styles feels any pressure from this bizarre life he has led since he was 16, swapping his part-time bakery job for stadiums and screaming fans, with his every move covered on social media. “I do yoga, a bit of meditation, Pilates,” he says. “I’m reading a book about Buddhism.” He talks about books, films, custard ice cream in the American Midwest and how he buys NutriBullets for “any of my mates when they move into a flat”.

Every member of the band has put their money into property, buying at least one place for themselves, either in or just outside London. All have bought new houses for their parents — except Horan, who has so far paid off his mum’s mortgage, bought her a car and rents her a flat in London. Horan’s dad, who split from his mum, is reported to have politely turned down his son’s offer of a new house. Mostly, these millionaires don’t have time to spend their money, or even spend time in the houses they have bought.

After Styles bought his big house in north London “in about 2011”, he filled it with builders and ended up moving into the attic room of the producer Ben Winston (son of the genetic scientist, Robert) and his wife for 18 months. “That saved me,” he says. “I was only supposed to be with them for three weeks. Nobody knew where I was — that can actually, sometimes, be possible.”

They have drivers instead of cars, and stylists who shop for them, so they end up talking a lot about food. It represents the breaks in their jam-packed days and is something of an obsession. When Tomlinson enters the room a few seconds behind Payne and Horan, he says, as they arrange themselves on the sofa: “Sorry, it’s just I needed a bit of Greggs. Sausage roll and a steak bake. You can’t beat it.” A £2 lunch is what makes this pop star very happy.

Well trained, their phones are switched off and, bar the odd bit of nudging and pushing, they pay attention. They are all dressed in versions of skinny jeans and casually tight shirts. Like Styles, Horan also has one foot in a cast, a war wound from the tour.

We all need to go away, become mad old recluses, then come back again with giant beards

Like siblings, all four know each other’s habits intimately and settle into specific family roles. Tomlinson, from Doncaster, is the confident eldest, Payne, from Wolverhampton, is the responsible one: the only one whose long-term relationship — with his secondary-school sweetheart, Sophia Smith — has stayed the course. Styles is the easygoing and thoughtful diplomat, and Co Westmeath-born Horan the excitable extrovert.

Asked how they would describe each other, Horan says: “We divide into two sides of a coin. The pie and pint boys and the protein-and-Pilates. Harry is protein-and-Pilates. Liam and me flit between the two and Louis is all about the Greggs. Harry is superfit. He does 12 five-minute rounds of boxing every day and goes for runs. Except he can’t do it now because of his boot.”

But it is Payne who was recently voted sexiest man of the year by Attitude magazine and lauded for his rippling pecs and perfect thighs. “I’ve been letting all that slide,” he groans, admitting he didn’t go to sleep until 3am. He looks tired and pale, the dark shadows under his eyes emphasised by his black shirt and black jeans. In fact, he looks like he is coming down with flu - little wonder that two weeks laterm, he was the source of the cancelled gig. “Basically, we are all a mess.”

It could be the most prescient statement they make all day.

As a band, they rarely do interviews. With a profile built on social media, Snapchat and five-minute television appearances, they certainly don’t do “in-depth”. Like puppies, they were taken away from their families as teenagers by Cowell and set off on this bizarre, gruelling, money-making odyssey. It’s said that Payne’s mother bought a lifesized cut-out of her son to keep in the house, as she never sees him. Every second of every day is accounted for. They often wake up oblivious to which city they are in, generally unable to leave their hotel due to the fans.

Each of them says they have come to terms with the way they live their lives, but you wonder how they are really coping. They are well-versed in trotting out the lines about “the fans”. “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the fans,” says Payne. “You have to remember that. You can’t complain about it. And yes, it gets crazy, but it’s been all we know. Because of social media, we’re probably the first band to go through it like this. It’s intense, but you’ve got to be grateful for that. You’ve got to be grateful there are people screaming for you, standing outside your hotel room.”

Horan adds: “When things got tough for us this year [with Malik leaving], the fans stayed loyal. That’s a big one for us. They were there.”

“If we went back to before we were famous and told ourselves this would be what it was like,” says Tomlinson, “we wouldn’t even be able to prepare ourselves for it. There was no preparation for this, except to say roll with it, good and bad, keep rolling with it. It’s what you’ve got.”

As a band, they often travel separately for security reasons, or simply because they need a break from each other. There are two planes — a party one and a quiet one. Styles is generally on the quiet plane. “I read books, watch films, sleep.” Payne nods. “Sleep. None of us ever gets enough sleep.” Most of the year is spent travelling, touring or promoting, except January, when they get one whole month off. “Top banana,” nods Tomlinson.

I ask how they feel about Malik’s departure. According to psychologists, most of our communication is in our facial expressions. Tomlinson looks hurt, Styles looks sad, Horan looks away. Payne shrugs: “We sort of knew it was coming. We saw a lot of the signs, especially in a lot of the gigs abroad that we did. And it’s sad. Like with a football team, or when someone in your office goes. But the fans stuck around, they didn’t believe it was the end.”

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Louis Tomlinson smokes in a car

Tomlinson nods: “It was hard. I think maybe for me the most. But he wanted to be happy and he wasn’t. Everything had always been good and then something bad happens and you have to make decisions, you have to work out what you want, and it makes you really know what you want, and we all knew we wanted this. The good thing was, he left just before we made the album. It was like, ‘Right, let’s make it the best album.’ So we worked our backsides off because we want to show we are a band, we’re here, this is what we do.”

So why then immediately announce a break? Payne rolls his eyes. “It’s just a break. It’s not a split. We’re not going anywhere. In five years we’ve done four tours, five albums, we’ve done films. I’ve not even watched our films, because we are always running for the next thing. I’m really conscious that all this crazy stuff has happened to us and, you know, I haven’t even taken it in. We can’t ever answer questions properly because stuff hasn’t sunk in. I want to just sit still and let it sink in. We just want a little break. I don’t know if anyone’s noticed, but Katy Perry hasn’t done anything for a year…”

Horan adds: “Basically, this is where we are at with 1D. We’ve had five years of craziness. Now we all need to go away, become mad old recluses, then come back again with giant beards. That’s the plan.”

Outside, the temperature has dropped and the screens of 100 mobile phones glow in the darkness as the fans continue their vigil. Elise, sitting with her back against the wall, is merely a shadow in the gloom, the fake Chanel bag invisible. I warn them the band won’t be leaving for hours yet and a heavily made-up girl rolls her eyes. “We know that already,” she says. “We’re waiting.” The story of their lives.

Made in the AM is released on November 13