Sometimes the most epic loves of all time begin in a place of fear and danger. This is one of those times.
It was a rainy Sunday in London when they realized things were changing. There was a shift in the crowd outside their hotel, and sure, that was normal. They didn't mind the grabby hands on their coats. In fact, they'd become somewhat used to the way the various sizes of hands clawed their fingers across their stomachs desperately. They'd learned to wear clothes that weren't so easy to get a hold on, especially on these days when they had to shuffle through crowds, resisting the urge to elbow and shove their ways to the other end.
And when they collapsed into the car, and it smelt a bit more like smoke and less like air fresheners and energy drinks, they might've been surprised, but didn't think much of it. Maybe somebody forgot to roll down a window-- that happened sometimes. But, when Niall went to shut the door behind him, and instead a tall man with thin limbs and a beer belly shut it forcefully before he could even reach the handle-- yeah, that was weird. Maybe Harry glanced fearfully at Liam, because Liam was the kind of person you could share your irrational fears with, and expect a serious and thoughtful response.
"Um," Louis had questioned, sounding already impatient. "Are we going to drive or what?"
The man in the driver's seat simply cleared his throat, adjusting his shades on his nose. He glanced at the boys in his rear view mirror, expression blank and impossible to read. It made Liam's skin crawl, the way the air seemed to shift as the man with the beer belly entered the passenger's seat and promptly locked the doors after him. He didn't even bother with his seat belt before he gave a curt nod, sending them off at an alarming speed.
Niall cleared his throat. "Uh, actually, I think the venue is east from here."
No reply.
Harry tried next, sparing Liam a wary glance. "Excuse me, I thought Angela and Patty were driving us today?"
The men shifted in their seats, but still did not reply.
Obviously uncomfortable, Louis reached forward to turn on the radio, but the man in the passenger seat swatted his hand away with a slap that sounded genuinely painful. Louis hissed, but didn't spare any words for the man, obviously aware of something the other boys hadn't yet put together.
Zayn could feel it too, Liam noticed, noting the way his shoulders were tensed up, arms crossed as he looked out the window apprehensively. Liam's first instinct was take out his phone and check for a text from Angela or Patty about the change of plans-- but oh that was weird. Liam's phone wouldn't even turn on. Wordlessly, he reached into Harry's pocket and pulled out his phone. Although Harry eyed him curiously, he barely reacted to Liam's hand being so close to his crotch.
As Liam feared, Harry's phone also wouldn't turn on. A lump formed in his throat, his stomach dropping with what he thought must've been an audible thud. Harry noticed Liam's reaction and reached slowly to his left, to unlock his door. The lock wouldn't even budge, so Harry rubbed his palms across his jeans and then folded his hands in his lap, looking desperately at Liam, as if to ask, what now?
"I have to use the toilet," Niall said, less keen on staying calm. He seemed to just choke out the words, as though he was about ready to chunder all over Louis and Zayn, who moved away, as though they could sense the sick rising in his throat.
Again, no response from the men. Louis, apparently unable to take it anymore, reached over and tugged senselessly at his door as the car rumbled towards the highway. Liam felt his breath becoming shallow, unsure of what to do next. What was he supposed to even say or do in this situation?
