V. WE'RE GONNA START BY DRINKING OLD CHEAP BOTTLES OF WINE, SHIT TALKING UP ALL NIGHT, SAYING THINGS WE HAVEN'T FOR A WHILE.

Harry ran his hands through his hair as he made his way back to the tour bus. There was no high like the stage; no thrill like seeing thousands of fans screaming your own lyrics back at you. Sure, the squealing girls and paparazzi camera flashes were tiresome, but he could take all that if it meant he could keep this high for the rest of his life. Harry climbed aboard the bus, lit one of his favorite Dyptique candles, and laid in his bunk.
"Hey, mate, how's your knee?" Liam asked as he boarded the bus alongside him, "That fall looked pretty wild."
"Ah, nothing major," Harry shook his head at the memory of falling up a set of stairs on stage that night, "I'm exhausted, though."
"Yeah, I hear that." Liam kicked his sneakers off and traded his jeans for a pair of cotton sweats. He climbed into the bunk across from Harry and pulled the curtain, "G'night."
"Night, Liam." Harry shed his tight jeans and climbed beneath the comforter, relishing the feeling of cool cotton sheets against his bare legs. He tossed his age-old Rolling Stones tee to the floor and rolled onto his side, facing the wall. He lifted his iPhone and found one new message.

INCOMING TEXT MESSAGE: REGINA PHELANGE
Have fun tonight!

Harry smiled. In four years, he had spent more nights than he could count on stage, and on a few occasions he poured himself into bed after the show to chat with whomever, but none of the other messages he'd ever received gave him the same warm feeling as the message from Ella. Niall and Louis had both teased him during soundcheck for checking his phone between every song but he couldn't help it - he couldn't explain what he felt around Ella and he didn't want to try. He just wanted to enjoy it. He knew it was only a matter of time before she would leave him.

REPLY: Show went great. I fell.

Harry hit send and wondered what Saturday night in Indiana looked like for Ella. Maybe she was at a party, half-cut and slurring to her girlfriends about her celebrity encounter. Doubtful. Maybe she was already in bed. Harry felt a rush of panic at the thought: what if she was in bed with her boyfriend? He didn't want to cause trouble by being the other man texting her after dark.

INCOMING TEXT MESSAGE: REGINA PHELANGE
I know. It's already on YouTube. Directioners are dedicated!

Harry smiled.

REPLY: Up late YouTubing me are we?

INCOMING TEXT MESSAGE: REGINA PHELANGE
Maaaaaaybe.

REPLY: Boyfriend is?

INCOMING TEXT MESSAGE: REGINA PHELANGE
Having a fire in the backyard with the guys. I always come in early. Perfect opportunity to watch chick flicks on Netflix in peace :)

REPLY: That sounds lovely.

"Harry," Liam groaned, "Use silent if you're going to text Ella all night, yeah?"
Harry laughed, "Yeah, mate. Sorry."

REPLY: Liam got mad at me for texting you. Bad influence!

INCOMING TEXT MESSAGE: REGINA PHELANGE
Sorry! I will leave you alone. Don't want you to get in trouble!

REPLY: Don't you dare.

INCOMING TEXT MESSAGE: REGINA PHELANGE
The Notebook or Pretty in Pink?

REPLY: I'd have to say The Notebook. I've never seen Pretty in Pink. Although even if I had it would be bad for my reputation to admit it...

INCOMING TEXT MESSAGE: REGINA PHELANGE
Bad for your reputation as a member of a boy band?

REPLY: Ouch!

INCOMING TEXT MESSAGE: REGINA PHELANGE
I kid! I kid! :)

REPLY: Cheeky little bugger, aren't ya?

INCOMING TEXT MESSAGE: REGINA PHELANGE
That is what they call me on the streets. Are you tired?

REPLY: Kind of. I get this strange high after performing - like I can't wait to go to sleep but at the same time I can't contain my energy. I usually just lie in bed with my headphones in until I fall asleep.

INCOMING TEXT MESSAGE: REGINA PHELANGE
What are you listening to?

REPLY: Sending file: The Script - For the First Time

INCOMING TEXT MESSAGE: REGINA PHELANGE
I love that song. Haven't heard it in ages... thanks :)

Harry yawned and blinked slowly, his exhaustion overtaking his desire to talk to Ella until the sun rose again.

REPLY: I'm sleeeeeepy.

INCOMING TEXT MESSAGE: REGINA PHELANGE
Go to sleep silly! You have another show tomorrow, right?

REPLY: Pittsburg round two. Come.

INCOMING TEXT MESSAGE: REGINA PHELANGE
I think you know how badly I wish I could. Goodnight, Harry. REPLY: Just wanted to hear (er, see) you say it. Goodnight Ella.

Notes

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