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Unexpected Surprise

London July 6th 

After Glastonbury life had returned to normal quite quickly in the Styles household; Harry was working on music though there was no definite release date no matter how much the media tried to spin it, as Louis thought back on the blissful few days he'd managed to spend with his husband all alone standing in a field watching The Script 15 years later and he still couldn't believe he and Harry had been at that concert at the same time only to meet and fall in love a year later. In a few days time he would be back on stage and he knew their fans were going to go wild after everything they'd seen on X. His mind wandered back to that first day, when he'd been so vulnerable his husband had made love to him. It wasn't often he showed his emotions that openly however with Harry he knew he could be anything he wanted. His thoughts were broken by another wave of nausea, something that had been happening every morning for the last few weeks. 

Padding into the bathroom he left the door open knowing that there was no use in closing it, he didn't hide anything from his husband he'd recognised there was something wrong that very first morning when he'd found him hunched over the toilet emptying his stomach contents. Taking a deep breath out, he knelt down pulling up the toilet seat as he vomited, resting his head against his arms as he waited for the next round of nausea to hit. Before he could call out for Harry he felt his husband's hand rubbing soothing circles on his back just as another round of vomiting started. This was definitely more than the stomach flu. His eyes widened in realisation as he pulled the toilet seat down flushing the chain. He knew Harry had seen something had crossed his mind as he felt his hair being pushed away from his eyes.

"What is it Lou?" Harry asked quietly knowing that something had just gone through his husband's head. It wasn't like Lou to get sick he knew that much, the last time had been when they were recording their fourth One Direction album with Ed. By the look of pure shock on Louis' face he had thought of something.

"We ... we ... we made love two weeks ago. We were so caught up in each other we didn't use anything." Louis said quietly, taking small breaths out as his stomach turned. "I think I'm pregnant." he whispered quietly leaning into his husband as he felt his strong arms wrap around his waist. 

"Why didn't I think of that sooner?" Harry asked softly reaching into his travel bag pulling out a pregnancy test box, he smiled sheepishly as his husband turned his head to look at him with his eyebrow raised. "I nabbed it out of Lottie's stash from when she was pregnant with Flossie." 

"And she doesn't know? My sister always knows when things have been taken." Louis whispered taking the box from his husband with shaking hands, standing slowly as he read over the instructions before filling a cup with urine dipping the pregnancy test tip into the fresh sample."We are going to be doing a lot of hiding when I'm not promoting the record." he whispered quietly. "The way I feel there's no way I'm not." 

"We've wanted to start a family for years Lou, we've played by their rules since we were teenagers it's time we took back control." Harry whispered quietly wrapping his arms gently around his husband's waist setting the timer on his phone for three minutes.

"You're right, I mean you always are." Louis whispered leaning in to kiss his husband rubbing his queasy stomach. "Don't feel good." he sighed softly keeping his head resting against Harry's terrified to look at the result but absolutely ready to start their family at the same time. "How long left?" 

"Not long baby I promise." Harry whispered quietly rubbing his hand through Louis' fluffy hair. "We aren't kids anymore Lou we were bound to start a family eventually." Harry said quietly smiling softly as he watched the seconds count down before his phone timer went off. "Are you ready to look?" he asked softly.

"Mmhm." Louis said quietly pulling away from his husband picking up the pregnancy test with shaking hands. His smiled widened as he saw the results. "We're having a baby." he announced his voice cloaked with emotion as he felt tears falling. "We're going to have a busy few months." he sighed softly remembering the three festivals he had to do this month before releasing the first single in September. 

"I'll be right by your side backstage." Harry said softly holding his husband close. "We can get to Athens a little earlier than we planned, then you can relax before showtime." he whispered rubbing Louis' unsettled stomach gently. "I love you both so much."

"Love you too Haz." Louis whispered softly checking the clock knowing that they were meant to travel to Athens later on that night. "I know you aren't a fan of flying first class but it would give us our privacy if I need to vomit." he said quietly looking at their bags already packed. "I just want to get out there before them then they won't find out." 

"I'll call ahead and ask them to change the tickets, anything that makes you feel more comfortable as for our management; they can deal with it they've messed around with our lives too many times." Harry said softly helping his husband back into the bedroom. "Or I can let Gem know what's going on and she can handle everything?" 

"Get Gem to do it, it wouldn't be the first time we've travelled earlier than management." Louis whispered quietly laying on the bed as he watched his husband gather together the final toiletries that they'd need. "If she asks why you can tell her but I want to wait to tell everyone." he said softly watching Harry grab his phone to call his sister. Gemma had already been on their side, the name Larry Stylinson coming from her originally. The one part about their situation was having to lie to their fans. "We can't hide a baby, nor do I want to. Our fans fight for us daily even when they're being attacked." he whispered quietly his emotions showing through again.

"Then we come up with a plan to start revealing things, even if its small." Harry said softly running his free hand against his husband's back, his focus solely on him even if he was waiting to talk to his sister. "The words to Golden have never been more relevant for this situation." he whispered softly hearing Gemma's voice.

"Harry what's going on?" Gemma's voice coming through the phone allowing Louis to hear everything. 

"We need to alter our flight plans, instead of economy we need to get an upgrade. But only our tickets, management can stay in economy but not for the same time as us." Harry explained softly hoping his sister wouldn't ask many questions but he knew that was inevitable.

"I can do that, is everything okay with Lou?" Gemma asked knowing that there must be a reason for the change especially as they weren't talking about this with their management. "You can trust me H you know that right?"

"I'm okay Gem, we've just found out some news. Huge news and we need to keep everything quiet until we are out of the country. Or at least for the next month or so." Louis said softly grimacing as his stomach churning. "You're going to be an auntie in 9 months time." he said softly.  

"Morning sickness already?" Gemma asked hearing a change in her brother in law's voice. She remembered that feeling like it was yesterday. "I can meet you over there or send Mum. I know she's been missing you both." 

"Mm you could say that." Louis sighed rubbing his stomach gently as he breathed out trying to not end up hunched over the toilet bowl again. "We've missed her too, even if we've seen each other it hasn't been as much as I'd have liked." Louis whispered softly looking at his husband smiling slightly. The downside to promo was the crap they had to endure surrounding it. "The way I'm feeling I just want to be with family, H is coming with me. Ask if she'll come." he managed to get out before his stomach turned. "Gonna be sick." he groaned attempting to head into the bathroom before feeling a trash can be placed under his chin bolting over it as he vomited. "Ugh." 

"I'll talk to Mum, change everything around for us and explain the changes to Oli privately." Gemma said quietly hearing her brother in law throw up. "See you soon Harry it's time to start living your life for you. Even if that means putting noses out of joint. Your fans are on your side." 

"Thanks Gem, Athens was going to be a challenge with the heat before this. I'll see what I can do about getting Chamomile tea on stage for him. I'll work on changing his interview schedule from in studio to video link as much as I can." Harry said softly pulling out his ipad pulling up the promo list for Lemonade & Palaces. "Radio Interviews I can be with him but off to one side." 

"See you soon Harry. Congratulations. Morning sickness is rare this early but it can happen just give him as many fluids as you can. I'll get onto Mum now."  Gemma said softly before hanging up. 

Taking small breaths out Louis waited until the wave of nausea had passed before setting the trash can on the floor next to him. Crawling to the edge of the bed he rested his head against Harry's shoulder looking at the schedule they'd laid down. There were so many interviews, by the time Palaces was due to be released he'd be four months pregnant. He'd have to rethink his current style, his jeans would only be available to him for a short space of time. Biting his tongue he tried to figure out some changes, his husband had always been the one to organise everything when they were still in the band, he'd been more of the deal with Simon guy. Resting his hand over his queasy stomach he sighed softly thinking about those who were missing. Liam would have been so excited for them. 

Without needing words he felt Harry's hand come to run through his hair, they'd never needed words to communicate managing to come up with sign language early on in their relationship. Something that had only gotten stronger as the years went by and they were forced apart so much. They just didn't handle being apart well, every time Harry had been forced to Italy or Germany they'd made sure that he would be able to travel two weeks later. It had always been that way. Rubbing his stomach gently he rested his cheek against his husband's closing his eyes for a moment enjoying the feel of Harry's hands in his hair starting to relax. 

"What if we travel to New York for the initial Lemonade promo, then instead of being interviewed in Times Square we can offer the fans a chance to listen to a snippet of the song, just the chorus. I can do the interview from our apartment. Then we can book a hotel room to do the other interviews?" he suggested watching Harry smile softly altering the list of where they needed to be. "We can work on Palaces promo once we get there. Flying isn't going to be fun." he said quietly looking at the time. "We should get to the airport." he whispered softly.

"The main interviews can be done via a live-stream, then radio interviews I'll be with you. Just look in my direction if you start to feel sick." he whispered softly saving the changes on his Ipad and sliding it into his suitcase once more pulling his husband into his arms. "Maybe we can sleep on the plane."

"Sounds like a good idea to me, I never like doing interviews without you there. At least the flight is only a couple of hours away." Louis whispered quietly "I know I need to eat but the thought of it isn't pleasant." 

"I'll take some saltines with me, then when we get there something light maybe porridge." Harry whispered softly grabbing their luggage before wrapping his free arm around his husband. "Everything will be okay I promise." he whispered softly kissing his Louis' forehead gently as he felt the small nod against his shoulder. 

➤➤➤➤

Harry knew that their journey to Athens was going to be a challenge, he only hoped he had remembered to pack everything his nauseous husband would need whilst onstage. Ginger ale and Chamomile tea was on hand next to his mic stand. By the time they were at the airport he could tell Louis wasn't feeling well, hearing his phone ding with a text message, he pulled it out smiling softly as he saw his sister had managed to pull everything together for them. Making sure they had everything and their car was secure, he grabbed their luggage with one hand, wrapping his arm around Louis' waist leading them through the private entrance to their plane. Finding their seats quickly he made sure Louis had the seat closest to the bathroom getting settled in the window seat. Once he was certain he had everything he would need to help his nauseous husband throughout the journey to Athens he began to relax running his hand through Louis' hair. 

Looking toward his husband he smiled softly, thankful that for now at least his morning sickness seemed to be easing off a little, though not completely he realised as Louis grimaced. Leaning over he kissed his husband's forehead gently, feeling the weight against his shoulder as Louis rested against him. The outside world could think what they wanted, as long as they had each other, their families and friends support and the support of their fans that's all that would ever matter to both of them. From what he'd seen on his burner account their fans were as beside them as they'd always been even if there were a select few who were determined to beat them down. With Louis distracted he felt the plane take off, knowing that this was only start of their journey; as soon as Athens was done they'd be travelling to Zurich. His thoughts were broken by a feather light touch against his hand.

"Penny for your thoughts." Louis whispered smiling softly at his husband. "I don't think I've ever seen you this quiet as we prepare to take off anywhere." he said quietly keeping his head resting against Harry's shoulder.

"Just thinking about how supportive our fans are, despite those who don't want to believe the truth trying their hardest to beat them into submission." Harry whispered softly pulling out his phone as he checked in on their fans. "We've not been able to protect them as much as they continuously protect us." 

"Then we show them we see them, we might not be able to tell them ourselves but there are other ways we can." Louis whispered softly rubbing his queasy stomach thankful the plane journey wasn't a long one. "They know I've been singing I love him, I've not exactly been subtle about it." he said softly smiling as he thought about the first time he brought Back To You back into his set-list. 

"Mm I think that's a good idea, I'll be right there by the stage." Harry said softly showing his husband his phone screen. "They're already planning to camp out in that heat." he whispered softly. "Usually I'd be happy about it but in that heat." 

"We can provide silver blankets to offset the heat, water coolers." Louis whispered softly looking at his husband's phone screen. "We got lucky with our fans, they share everything with each other especially live-streams." he said quietly watching Harry start to take notes on his phone, resting his head against his husband's shoulder. "I feel so sick." 

"We'll be there soon baby I promise, then you can rest." Harry whispered watching out the window as he saw their destination come into focus. He could see just how hot it was going to be and they weren't on the ground yet. "Issac and Michael will have ginger ale or Chamomile tea by your mic stand for you." he said softly. 

"They're going to notice straight away." Louis whispered softly rubbing his rolling stomach as their plane started to land. "They always notice everything." he said softly knowing that drinking tea would get their fans curious. At this point he didn't care, all he wanted was to be a family. The fact it was happening this way was perfect.

"If they do then we can reveal little parts of it, we have our burner pages for a reason." Harry said softly helping his husband to his feet and leading them from the plane. After grabbing their luggage he helped Louis to their waiting car, thankful they had spoken to Gemma before travelling. "I love you." 

"I love you too Haz." Louis whispered softly closing his eyes for a moment; gathering his thoughts as the car came to a stop outside of their apartment. The next few weeks were going to be challenging now, but he wouldn't let his fans down no matter how sick he felt.

➤➤➤➤

Athens July 9

It took a few days for them to get settled in their apartment, Louis made a mental note to thank his sister-in-law when they got home; the apartment had the privacy they needed allowing them to get to the festival without being seen. He'd never felt the need to shut himself away before, however finding out that he was carrying their first baby had changed everything. Being able to relax two days before he was due to perform had been much needed. Leaving the bedroom, he made his way downstairs hearing Harry's voice coming from the living room; padding quietly into the room he came up behind his husband resting his head against his shoulder noticing for the first time who he had been talking to. Smiling softly he knew their friends would find out their secret before everyone else and Oli was one of his oldest friends, if anyone could help them move around unnoticed should he need to rush off stage it was him.

Rubbing his stomach gently he sighed softly swallowing thickly as the nausea set in again, it was definitely going to be an interesting performance. He knew they'd eventually have to tell their management about everything but for right now he was protecting his family, their baby. Taking small breaths out he felt Harry wrap his arms around his waist from behind, very much like he'd held him during a tour diary when they'd first played the 02 arena. Opening his eyes he looked toward his best friend seeing the complete acceptance on his face; this moment had been a long time coming. 

"Gem called you?" he asked softly keeping his head resting against his husband's shoulder enjoying the calm before the festival. Once he was on stage there would be no way for him to leave unless he separated the set into two parts. "When do we need to be there?" 

"She did and then I called your sisters they're waiting at the venue for you. Mark is looking after Olive, Flossie and Lucky." Oli said softly watching his oldest friend carefully. "Separating the show into two parts would be a good idea. Give you a chance to get a breather. I've already suggested it to management and they agree, no they aren't aware of whats going on yet that's not my place."

"Are you sure you can't read my mind?" Louis asked rubbing his stomach gently tapping Harry's arm letting him know he needed to be free. Sighing softly he felt his husband's arms loosen from around his waist before feather light fingers touched his side. "I'm okay just nauseous." he reassured Harry.

"The venue is in walking distance." Harry whispered softly running his hand through his husband's hair. "Do you need to be sick? he asked knowing how quickly Louis had been feeling sick. "We have plenty of time." 

"Not right now just nauseous, I promise I'll let you know if I do." Louis whispered softly resting his head against Harry's shoulder as they prepared to leave the apartment. "Soundcheck should be getting started." he said quietly taking the bottle of ginger ale from his husband taking a sip. "Our fans will support us so will our family and friends. Management could go either way." 

"We'll deal with it baby I promise. They've dictated what we can and can't do for years." Harry said softly leading his husband from the apartment, letting Oli lock up for them. "They won't stop us from starting a family otherwise they'll never get another album out of me." 

Louis looked at his husband in shock, Harry's break had been a long time coming after a three year tour; he knew how much their fans meant to Harry. How much their fans were missing hearing new music from his soulmate. "You'd do that?" he asked quietly." 

"I'd do anything for you." Harry whispered softly wrapping his arms around Louis' waist. 

"I love you too." Louis whispered. 

Resting his head against Harry's shoulder he saw the venue come into view, the soundcheck was well underway, he smiled softly as the sound of Drag Me Down started. One of their final singles as a band and a way to thank their fans all in one. Lifting his head from Harry's shoulder he heard their fans over the fence start to sing, their fifth album had been left without a tour and a sixth had been planned out but never used. He was well aware of the talk going around X about his set-list. No one was going to stop him singing them, even if he had to say something beforehand. Closing his eyes for a moment he grimaced feeling his stomach turn. Taking a small breath out he approached the mic stand which stood in the middle, Michael and Issac standing beside him. 

Looking down at the song list in front of him he smiled softly seeing the lyrics to Where Do Broken Hearts Go, their fans knew exactly who wrote this song. And the very reason why he had been singing it. Before he could speak up he felt Harry's hand in his giving it a small squeeze of reassurance. Nodding his head slightly he took another breath out hoping his rolling stomach would ease off enough that he could get through the show, though going by the way he was feeling he wasn't hopeful. Looking toward the fans currently queuing hearing their support, he knew that this song would make them happy. 

"Let's give them a preview of what's to come." he whispered softly. 

"Are you okay? You look pale." Issac asked tilting his head knowing it wasn't often Louis got sick.

"We're expecting, it's still early but I'm really not feeling good, Haz has everything under control." he admitted knowing that his team would need to know eventually but he wanted to hide it for as long as possible. "I'm not telling management yet." 

"We've got your back. Let's give the fans a sneak peak." Michael said softly.

"Three hours to go." Harry said softly. "They'll know I'm here straight away not that I'm going to hide it anymore." he said softly

Counted all my mistakes and there's only one
Standin' out from the list of the things I want

Mind is runnin' in circles of you and me
Anyone in-between is the enemy

So, I built you a house from a broken home
Then I wrote you a song with the words you spoke
Yeah, it took me some time, but I figured out
How to fix up a heart that I let down

Harry watched his husband sing his song; he knew the moment their fans heard the lyric changes everything would make sense; changing the lyrics to songs had been the only way they could say "I love you" whilst onstage. A small portion of control could be taken back. In the distance he could hear their fans singing along. He might have written the song during a time when their future together seemed so far away. Now as they were beginning their family; he felt tears in his eyes as he realised they had made it. Against all the odds they had survived the storms, created a safe space for themselves. He knew showing the fans even a glimpse used to scare his husband. but now; now they were screaming from the rooftops as stunt season was in control again. 

He wasn't ashamed to admit the idea of getting more of his husband and less time with her was a huge bonus in finding out Louis was pregnant. His thoughts were broken by the band starting to pack away, he had a feeling when management eventually did find out they would finally realise that what their fans had been saying all along was the truth. You didn't need a blonde on an arm to sell records or tours, their fans had been with them since day one. Wrapping his arms around Louis' waist he smiled softly leaning into a kiss. 

"You're going to drive them crazy baby." Harry whispered softly seeing his husband's cheeks tinge red. "How are you feeling?"

"They know my setlist well, they know I won't change anything I don't want to. Complaining about the setlist will only make me change it less." Louis whispered leaning against Harry's shoulder. "Like I could throw up at any moment." he admitted honestly sipping on the ginger ale. "Let's get backstage and wait for them to start coming through the doors." he whispered allowing Harry to guide him behind the stage.

"I was wondering when you'd get back here." Phoebe said softly smiling at her big brother.

"When did you get here." Louis asked bringing his little sisters and Lottie into hugs. "How's the reception out there?" he asked biting the bottom of his lip nervously.

"The reception is amazing, they have been queuing up since early this morning." Lottie said softly seeing how happy her brother looked. Gently resting her hand against his flat stomach. "This is definitely a different way to start your family." she whispered.

"Something I'm thankful for, despite how sick I feel." Louis whispered softly closing his eyes for a minute as Harry's hand replaced his sisters against his stomach. "I'm not going to be doing as many obligated things than they want me to do." he admitted. "And Harry's already started to rearrange interviews. It's not going to be long before management finds out even if I don't want to tell them." 

"That's why we're here Lou, we're your sisters." Daisy said softly watching the interaction between her brother and his husband. "Harry and you have been apart for too long already, we protect each other Lou, we're going to take on the stuff you can't do." 

"How exactly do I get this past management its not as though I can force myself to not throw up." Louis asked quietly rubbing his stomach as he heard a noise behind the stage curtain. "Unless they spy on our conversations." he sighed softly motioning to the noise. "Can't we just keep one thing private?" 

"We needed to know." Chris said defensively.

"No you didn't. When we start our family has nothing to do with you, it's been fifteen years." Louis said quietly moulding himself to Harry as he saw his sisters close rank around them. "I'm not doing pap walks anymore or be around her more than needs to." he said quietly. "Harry won't be forced to be around the other one either, we're married. We're expecting a baby, if this gets out to the press I'll know who to fire." 

"Bare minimum." Lottie said firmly folding her arms together. "He deserves to be happy and none of you will  take that away from him. And if you've brought her then you can leave her in the sound department away from all of us. Or get your wife to babysit because we aren't doing it."

"I'll add you to what needs to be done." Chris said softly turning to leave.

"Our fans see the truth, they always will. You won't turn them away from us." Louis said quietly swallowing. "They've grown up with us or have you not figured that out yet."

"I'm sorry." Chris said before leaving.

"Well that was unexpected." Louis said softly grabbing the nearest trash can as he vomited. "My stomach is in knots." he admitted quietly feeling the trash can being moved out of his hand by a member of the crew to be washed out. "I owe you." he whispered looking toward his sisters.

"No you don't. We protect each other it's what family does." Lottie said softly checking her watch. "Are you ready?" 

"As I'll ever be." Louis said softly looking into Harry's eyes. "Stay in eye line with me."

"Always." Harry whispered. "You can do this baby I promise." 

"Love you." Louis whispered.

"Love you too baby." Harry whispered. "I'll be beside the stage as close as possible." 

An hour to go. His biggest journey was only just beginning he could handle this. He already planned to sign up for this festival again, though next year was out due to the tour.

➤➤➤➤

9:50pm

Just before heading onstage Louis picked up his phone opening X to check in on fans, he smiled softly seeing the excitement on his timeline. Resting against his husband he pulled up the post section determined to show his fans that he saw them. Though he was limited in what he could say, once he was onstage he had full control. With final reassurances Louis was ready to perform, he could hear their fans singing No Control, if there was one song that could speak volumes about his relationship with Harry it was No Control. He had a plan for the song but he wasn't going to let that out of the bag just yet. Taking a deep breath he checked the time. A minute to go and he'd be on stage.

Typing out a quick message he showed Harry what he'd typed gaining a kiss in the process. The hoops they had to jump through just to travel together had been worth it, and he would do it again. Taking a deep breath he read over the tweet again "So excited to be onstage in a few minutes. Who's travelled with me?" with Harry's approval he pressed send, hearing the squeals from their fans. Taking a deep breath he sipped his chamomile tea feeling Harry's hand against his waist before heading out onto stage behind his band. His nerves started to settle the minute their fans cheers reached him. Looking out to their fans he knew that they would forever have his back. Even when they didn't fully understand what was going on. His thoughts were broken by the first song starting. The Greatest couldn't be more relevant right now.

Together we're the greatest
We'll never be that cold again
No fallin' all to pieces
We're the greatest
It's you and me until the end
Life for us is never over

Tell you I'm on my way
Nothing can make me late
Said I had a plan for us
Time had came and changed it all
We had to disappear
'Cause nothing gets through here
Through that circle 'round my heart
Where the best of me should start

"Sing." he screamed hearing their fans begin to sing the start of the chorus.

I said you know me
Alone, we're only
Just as good as the rest

Live Shows were the reason he continued to do this, seeing how much every single person had been touched by his lyrics. The sea of pride flags gave him a lump in his throat. They'd grown up together, he saw everything they'd been put through on social media. Somehow he'd find a way to thank them for their continued support. They understood him on a level no one did and that's why he continued to sing the songs he did. Every single song had a memory attached to them.

Together we're the greatest
We'll never be that cold again
No fallin' all to pieces
We're the greatest
It's you and me until the end
Life for us is never over

"Hello Athens." he said softly taking breath out as he started to feel sick, looking backstage he smiled a little seeing Harry watching him. He wished more than anything that he could bring him onstage. Leaning down he took a sip from his Chamomile tea closing his eyes for a moment before pulling himself back to the present. They'd get there even if they had to go against everyone he would find a way to let their fans know the truth.

The way you know somethin'
Your face reminding me
Of a love you cannot hide
But don't need to tell me why
Back dancin' in the dark
Back to the very start
Findin' pieces that can fit
We can hope for what we miss

I said you know me
Alone, we're only
Just as good as the rest

Together we're the greatest
We'll never be that cold again
No fallin' all to pieces
We're the greatest
It's you and me until the end
Life for us is never over

Greatest
We'll never be that cold again
No fallin' all to pieces
We're the greatest
It's you and me until the end
Life for us is never over

Greatest (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh)
Greatest (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh)

He'd made it through the first song, that had been his goal. Looking out at their fans he smiled softly seeing them freely supporting both of them. They knew that Harry was hiding backstage, they always managed to figure everything out, he'd joked that they were the FBI but in truth that's exactly what they were, and they would be there no matter what. He felt his eyes prick with tears as he thought about how much had gone on in such a short space of time and yet here they were still supporting him. Reaching down he took a breath out taking a big drink of his Chamomile Tea, his stomach settling a little. He was definitely going to have to take a break midway through. Looking toward the edge of the stage he grimaced letting his husband know how he was feeling without words. 

Two songs in and he had to get more Chamomile Tea, not wanting to draw attention to it though unable to think about anything but how sick he was feeling. He managed to hold off until after the last few notes of Face The Music before the nausea became more intense. "Don't go anywhere I'll be right back." he said softly before rushing to the side of the stage taking the fresh Chamomile Tea and Ginger Ale from his husband. Resting his head against Harry's shoulder he felt soft kisses against his forehead. "Going to be sick." he whispered softly crouching down with a bucket throwing up. "They're going to guess what's going on but they'll keep it hidden for us." he whispered softly in between bouts of nausea. Suddenly he heard No Control being sung loudly. "The show must go on." he whispered softly sipping the ginger ale. 

"We can go back to the apartment as soon as you're done I promise." Harry said softly watching Louis make his way back onstage. They'd been so used to performing whilst feeling sick it was second nature to his husband to fight through how he was feeling. Leaning against the wall he watched his husband introduce Drag Me Down. He'd never understand the way some reacted to his husband singing their songs. His thoughts were broken as his husband started singing.

I've got fire for a heart
I'm not scared of the dark
You've never seen it look so easy
I got a river for a soul
And baby, you're a boat
Baby, you're my only reason

f I didn't have you, there would be nothing left
The shell of a man that could never be his best
If I didn't have you, I'd never see the sun
You taught me how to be someone, yeah

As the chorus started Louis bit his lip looking toward Harry, unable to sing the words that had been Liam's for fourteen years, instead he decided to just let the fans sing it. Seeing Harry nod he took a breath out, never before had he been more grateful that they'd managed to develop their own sign language. Swiping the tears from his eyes he held the microphone toward their fans smiling brightly as he saw the pure excitement and joy in their eyes. And this was why he still sang One Direction songs, they'd developed a bond with their fans like no other; one that was completely genuine. 

"GO!"

All my life, you stood by me
When no one else was ever behind me
All these lights, they can't blind me
With your love, nobody can drag me down

Watching their fans sing the chorus without him made him emotional. they'd come a long way in the last ten years since they'd released the song. Their first album without Zayn had been challenging none of them had wanted to leave him behind. But unlike the public narrative they had never been estranged, they'd been talking throughout the years slowly fixing their bond as brothers in private. Even their fans knew that Zayn hadn't been well. The stress of touring bringing up an eating disorder. Pulling his thoughts away from the past he started to sing alongside their fans again.  

All my life, you stood by me
When no one else was ever behind me
All these lights, they can't blind me
With your love, nobody can drag me down

I got fire for a heart
I'm not scared of the dark
You've never seen it look so easy
I got a river for a soul
And baby, you're a boat
Baby, you're my only reason

Nobody, nobody (hey)
Nobody can drag me down
Nobody, nobody (hey)
Nobody can drag me down

If I didn't have you there would be nothing left (nothing left)
The shell of a man who could never be his best (be his best)
If I didn't have you, I'd never see the sun (see the sun)
You taught me how to be someone, yeah

Making his way down the B Stage he watched every single fan singing, the shades he had quickly shoved on to hide how sick he was feeling. Though he had a feeling they wouldn't be staying on for very much longer. He didn't want to hide from the fans who had been by his side since he was a teenager. Glancing toward the side of the stage he wished more than anything Harry was by his side. The nerves returning alongside the queasiness wasn't a fun experience. Pushing the feeling to the back of his head he started singing the chorus again. 

All my life, you stood by me
When no one else was ever behind me
All these lights, they can't blind me
With your love, nobody can drag me down

Nobody, nobody (hey)
Nobody can drag me down (yeah)
Nobody, nobody (hey)
Nobody can drag me down
Nobody, nobody (hey)
Nobody can drag me down
Nobody, nobody (hey)
Nobody can drag me down

As his set continued the nausea got more and more overpowering, once Silver Tongues had come to an end and he'd managed to still do barricade though a little differently than last time. Ben keeping hold of him tightly until it was time to get down. As the canons went off he made his way back onto the stage, trying to hold it together until he got into Harry's waiting arms. He knew the arrangement for the song inside out, however this time his band surprised him by changing the arrangement to give him an out earlier than usual. Grabbing the ginger ale by his feet he took a sip rubbing the side of his unsettled stomach gently. "Athens you've been amazing. Goodnight." setting the microphone down as he made his way to the edge of the stage, giving Matt a look from the corner of his eye.

Once he was backstage he flopped into Harry's arms his nausea overwhelming him as he watched Matt and Chris approach him, he sighed softly not feeling well enough for the conversation he knew would be about to happen. He wasn't going to be seen with her here, not when Harry was with him and he was feeling so sick. He could hear their fans singing No Control again as they left the venue. Tonight wasn't about anything else other than celebrating their news with their sisters. He knew Gemma would have tried to fly out as quickly as she could if it was possible. Taking a deep breath he curled into Harry ignoring his managers. 

"Don't even think about asking." Harry said quietly holding Louis in his arms. He could hear how unsettled Louis' stomach was. "We've done everything anyone has asked for fifteen years, we are starting our own family, we are going to be travelling together at all times." he said firmly running his hand over his husband's queasy stomach. 

"She's already here." Matt said quietly making sure no one was listening. "And I think some of them have seen her." 

"I took a break from my own career because I was being overworked, we lost Liam not even a year ago and you're already shoving us away from each other. The answer is no." Harry said firmly looking toward his sister in laws.

"You heard him, they've been through enough. Leave them alone if you need babysitters then we'll do it." Lottie interrupted the meeting seeing how pale her brother looked. "Did you not see how he's feeling?" she asked seeing the twins nod in agreement.

"Fine, we'll walk through the venue with her." Matt said quietly looking toward his client noticing the pale skin. "We can alter the interviews for September."

"Gemma is already on it." Louis said quietly pulling his face away from Harry's shoulder swallowing thickly. "Yes I trust my sister in law more than anyone else right now." he said quietly seeing the complete shock on Chris' face. "Who do you think changed our flight details." 

"I didn't know you felt this strongly." Chris said softly pulling out the schedule for the next few months noticing the changes. 

"How could we not. We found our soulmate as teenagers and have been to forced to hide from the very fans who still to this day get hated because they see the truth. They grew up with us Chris they deserve to know the truth, that we aren't apart all the time. They know the reason why I brought Back To You out of retirement, they know the reason why I sing Night Changes. But instead of supporting us in our grief you've made everything a million times worse. Instead of grieving Liam together we're forced back into hiding. Instead of being able to be seen together we're forced to go undercover for 24 hours. Though given the outcome I won't say that I'm going to ever regret that. The fans we grew up with aren't going anywhere so stop trying." he said quietly swallowing thickly inhaling Harry's scent. "I'm going to be sick." he said quietly feeling a trash can being placed under his chin as he lost the battle with his stomach vomiting.

"Are you happy now? You've done enough, if you actually sat down and thought about it, you'd help us end it." Harry said quietly rubbing his husband's back. "Find us a way out, before you have the same thing happen to you that happened to my manager. He forced a three year tour on me, to the point of exhaustion. The entire reason the band broke up was because we were overworked, it almost destroyed us." he whispered softly feeling a stray tear falling. "Our fans will never be swayed away from us, like my husband said we've grown up with them. Push him too far and you'll not like the outcome. I won't hesitate to leave Sony and ask Zayn for help. We aren't teenagers anymore Matthew." 

"We'll work on the break up announcements, it'll take some time but he won't have to be seen with her unless its one or two photos. If all of his sisters are willing to take on the rest of it." Chris said softly. "What about Gem.."

"Don't even think about it." Louis said quietly in between bouts of vomiting scooting onto Harry's lap leaning his head back against his shoulder. "It's bad enough you have my sisters and Dad involved you'll leave Anne and Gem out of it. Take me home." he whispered quietly." 

"As you wish baby." Harry said softly looking toward Daisy. "Thank you I owe you." he said softly picking his husband up thankful the journey back to the apartments was short. 

"No you don't." Daisy whispered. "It's what family does." 

"I know you'll need to get home sooner than us. The apartment has extra bedrooms if you'd like to stay." Harry whispered quietly.

"We can't travel to Zurich with you but I think we can celebrate our newest addition before we go." Phoebe said softly standing up to follow her brother in law away from the venue. 

"Good luck with your pap opportunity I believe most of the fans are already celebrating." Harry said firmly carrying Louis away from his managers. "I'll start trusting you again when you get him some breathing room. Until then I'll be asking my sister to help us. Goodnight." 

With those final words uttered Harry turned to leave knowing his sister-in-laws would follow without hesitation. They had their back unconditionally, the same unconditional support their fans had been giving them for fifteen years. His sole focus now was getting Louis back to the apartment and settled enough to rest.He could feel the sting of tears behind his eyes as he thought about their lost brother, the brother they hadn't been able to grieve properly because they'd been forced to be seen with others when no one was going to believe it anymore. Not that their fans ever had done. They'd been their constant support since they were teenagers though the few who tried to bully he would love to be able to correct. He had his family to think about now and getting them home safe was all that mattered.

➤➤➤➤

Louis knew when they were home, he felt the door gently being pushed open, his husband's scent keeping his still churning stomach at ease for the moment. His mind was a whirl of emotions as he went over everything that had been said, how fiercely protective his sun had gotten. The emotions that had been simmering all night came to the forefront of his thoughts as tears filled his eyes; Harry had been right when he told his managers that any more of the charade and he'd walk away from them, from BMG. They'd had enough of being constantly forced apart when a part of their heart was missing. Taking a breath out he tried to reach his phone switching it back on as a million beeps went off with text messages from friends and family. 

Once he was settled on the couch with his feet up he dared to look at his phone, the look of shock must have been evident of his face as he read how many messages were coming in; the hashtag AlwaysOnYourSideLouis was already trending at Number 1 on X. Rubbing his unsettled stomach he reached out one hand for the ginger ale giving Harry a small smiled trying to show him that he was okay. Losing Liam would never go away, his loss was felt by their fans globally, the main reason he had decided to keep Night Changes on his setlist after witnessing them singing the song in tribute to their idol. 

"I don't feel safe anymore Haz, travelling used to be adventurous, now we have to sneak around even more than we have done for the last fifteen years." Louis admitted quietly sipping on the ginger ale his husband handed over. "Maybe we should ask your mum and Gem to start travelling with us." he suggested looking toward his sisters. "I'd have you all with me but I know you can't travel for long periods of time."

"You never have to ask us we'll be there in a heartbeat." Phoebe said softly sitting by her brother. "They'd be so proud of you." she whispered softly taking hold of his hand. "Phone Zayn see what he thinks, the public have been fed a bad split between you two for far too long." 

"When did you get so smart." Louis teased his sister.

"I've always been this smart I'm good at hiding it." Phoebe admitted quietly watching her brother dial Zayn's number as Harry texted his sister. "We would do anything for you." she whispered softly 

"Love you too." Louis said quietly waiting for Zayn to answer. The nerves mixed with morning sickness were making him feel super nauseous. 

Waiting for Zayn to answer felt like the longest minute of his life when in reality it had only been a few minutes. So much had been written about the reasons why their brother would leave the band as quickly as he had done; at the time it was a lot to take in, they had been in the middle of a tour. However now when he looked back on their time in the band he realised that it was something that needed to happen. Zayn showed them that it was possible to take back control. Watching his family gather around them he smiled softly seeing Gemma sneak into their apartment. It wasn't often they put their foot down with management but this time they had someone other than themselves to look after.

Resting his head against Harry's shoulder, he set the phone to be hands free so everyone would be able to hear the conversation. There weren't secrets between them anymore, keeping secrets had been a huge stumbling block to overcome, even as brothers. Taking a breath out he grimaced taking a sip of his ginger ale. His thoughts were broken as the ringing stopped and Zayn's voice replaced the ring. Breathing in Harry's scent as he tried to fight the battle with his stomach. 

"Louis what's wrong?" Zayn said softly the concern clear in his question. Their bond had never been as fractured as the media made out, losing Liam had brought them all closer, they'd just gotten a lot better at hiding when they met up.

"Management are forcing me through another performance." Louis said quietly closing his eyes as his nausea started to overwhelm him. "We've also had some news that changes everything, in 9 months time you're going to be an uncle again. I'm pregnant."

"They haven't fooled anyone but the ones who refuse to pay attention. I've been keeping an eye on you." Zayn said softly wishing he could be with his brothers. "Congratulations, its about time you were able to start your own family. I'm guessing there's a third reason you're calling?"

"I'm close to leaving BMG if they continue to push her on me." Louis admitted quietly. "Harry pretty much said he'd stop recording completely if they didn't leave us alone. Then my sisters decided to step in so I don't have to do much. I was hoping we could meet up, show them that we aren't going to stay hidden for much longer. Harry was seen at Glastonbury just after Lottie and I were photographed. The media ban needs to end."

"You've been put through way more than any of us Lou. I'd be shocked if you didn't say no." Zayn said softly. "I'll be on the next flight out. You're in Zurich next right? We can meet up there." 

"Mm we fly out again soon, Gem just arrived to help us. She managed to get us here a few days before management tried to shove her on me. I feel too sick to deal with her." he admitted quietly rubbing his stomach gently.  

"I know it's a lot to handle, try not to stress yourself out too much. I promise I'll be there. I'm already looking up flights." Zayn said softly knowing that the year so far had been a loud one. Even by their standards they had been bolder than ever before. "You deserve to show how you feel Lou, our fans see that, they have always seen the truth."

"I know and its because of that reason I'm able to be this way. Four years later and I'm being more open." Louis said softly hearing his husband chuckle. "I guess our songs are not exactly the most subtle."

"When have you ever been subtle Lou." Zayn asked chuckling. "We can do this together, we aren't kids anymore." 

"Thank you, I'll see you soon. I think Niall is filming but we can send him a message." Louis said softly swallowing thickly. "Can you talk to H for a bit?" he asked softly shifting from his comfortable position on Harry's lap.

"Sure go let it out Lou." Zayn said quietly having heard the change in his brother's voice. "You never could hide anything from me Tommo. Or is it Styles?"

"It's Styles Tomlinson actually." Louis said softly "Scuse me." he said quietly rushing into the downstairs bathroom to throw up, he could hear his sister in law follow behind him. And his husband start talking to their brother.

"Hey Z. I know it's been a lot of information to take in. As you can guess taking care of my family comes before music though I do have songs recorded now isn't the right time." Harry said softly torn between his brother and his husband though he knew with his sister by his side Lou would be safe.

"I completely understand H, we've been through a lot in the last year don't ever hesitate to call if you need me. I know Niall will say the same thing. I just booked my flight once we end the conversation I can get packing." Zayn said softly knowing how much Harry had wanted a family of his own.

"Thanks Zayn I know how much you being here will help. The media are twisting everything. Our fans are being bullied and we can't say anything." Harry said softly his voice filled with emotion and frustration.

"I know H, not being able to help has made me feel helpless. But we are adults now, we can meet up with each other as much as we want to." Zayn said firmly starting to get everything together. "So Styles Tomlinson?"

"Mmhm he insisted." Harry said softly looking toward the bathroom door. "We'll text you when we get there. Hopefully he'll sleep through the flight."

"See you soon Harry." Zayn said softly before ending the call. No one messed with his brothers even if Louis was older than him. 

➤➤➤➤

Louis heard the bathroom door open again, he could feel Gemma's hand against his back already so he knew that it was Harry coming to check on him. Bolting over the toilet he vomited again resting his head against his arm. This first few months were going to be a challenge, but as sick as he was feeling he wouldn't change a single thing. Turning to his right he smiled softly as he saw Harry kneel beside him letting Gemma continue to rub his back. Grimacing again he felt his stomach rebel vomiting once more before flushing the chain and leaning into Harry. 

He was suddenly thankful he hadn't booked many festivals, the way he was feeling he just wanted to curl up on a couch and sleep. With Harry's arm around his waist and his sister in law still rubbing his back he knew that he could get through anything. He hadn't realised how much his sisters had grown up until they'd stood up for him with his management, his eyes filled with tears his emotions all over the place. Once he was sure he wouldn't throw up again he gave Harry a small nod feeling Gemma's hand stop rubbing his back.

"Oli already packed everything for you." Gemma said softly watching how easily her little brother picked up his husband. "There's a car waiting to take you to the airport, though this time I've got a private one. I know H but you need the privacy." 

"Just this once." Harry agreed letting her know he meant after Zurich was alright. "As long as we get there undetected." 

"You will. At least after this you've got a few weeks to adjust at home." Gemma said softly following her brother out of the bathroom.

"I was thinking we could move base to our Cheshire home for a while it's closer to Doncaster." Harry suggested knowing how much his husband missed being able to see his family.

"I think that's a good idea." Louis agreed leaning against Harry's chest as he carried him to the car. "Why do they call it morning sickness?"

"I wish I knew. It should ease off after your third month." Gemma reassured her brother-in-law thankful the airport wasn't far away. "Zayn will be there waiting when we get there." she said softly knowing that this year had been a year of firsts without Liam, reconnecting with Zayn had happened years ago the media just liked to make everything bigger than it actually was.

"What would I do without the two of you." Louis said softly watching out the window as the airport came into view. "Zurich here we come." 

"Were you serious about me taking over for now?" Gemma asked smiling softly. "And I think the two have managed perfectly well so far. The protective shield around you from your fans is powerful." she said softly letting Harry help Louis out of the car before stepping out herself.

"Mm I was deadly serious I'm sick of them deciding everything so as of right now, you have control." Louis said softly getting comfortable in Harry's arms as he sat on the small couch. They didn't travel private often but when they did there was always a valid reason. "Can I rest on the couch baby." 

"Of course you can." Harry said softly helping his husband get comfortable as the pilot closed up the plane once he was sure they were settled. "So we're relocating to Homes Chapel again?" he asked trying not to show how happy it would make him.

"We are, I love living in London but we need to stay undercover for as long as possible." Louis agreed seeing the happiness radiate off his husband and sister in law. "Cheshire is home." 

"The radio interviews for September and November have been rearranged, they don't mind that some of them will be video chats. The only ones we couldn't change are the fan events." Gemma revealed feeling the plane moving before rising into the air on their journey to Zurich.

"I wouldn't want to cancel the fan events, they've given us so much already." Louis said softly thankful he wouldn't need to keep travelling so much. 

"They love you." Gemma said softly watching her brother in law starting to fall asleep. "We'll wake you when we get there." 

"Okay." Louis whispered letting his eyes close. 

Harry watched his husband fall asleep, thankful that he would get to rest for the next 2 hours. Suggesting they live in Cheshire had been merely a suggestion. He hadn't realised how much Louis thought of his hometown as home. Though they'd spent a lot of their early relationship there, with his mum and Robin. Louis had been family long before they'd gotten married and none of the background noise management tried to portray to the general public could change that. Pulling a blanket over his husband he smiled softly pulling out his songwriting journal, the next nearly 3 hours were spent writing songs about the recent events. His fourth album might be the most highly anticipated, however he knew that their fans understood, their fans who had been with them since the start. 

As the flight continued he managed to write three songs, checking on his sleeping husband every few minutes, the evened out breathing letting him know Louis was still sleeping soundly. They'd been travelling together secretly for the last ten years, even longer if you factored in the time in between tours whilst in One Direction. The next nine months were going to be the best nine months of their lives and he was going to be there by Louis' side even if it meant taking another year away from their fans. Resting his hand gently against Louis' still flat stomach he smiled softly as he thought about the little one currently nestled inside his or her daddy. Their lives were going to change but he wouldn't have it any other way. They'd waited fifteen years for this moment. 

Their little miracle.