It's You [H.S.]

4.5 | You with me

30th September 2015

The boys do it all again, for the sixth time in seven days, for their last London gig.

When their rowdy friends are escorted backstage from the VIP pen at the front of the main stage during the last song of the encore, Eloise hangs back, waiting out to hear Harry's runs at the end of Drag Me Down.

The exasperated security guard tugs at her arm as soon as Harry lowers his mic.

At his brisk pace, she catches up with the others just as the boys burst through the stage door at a sprint, whooping and hollering. Tonight is firmly celebratory. They'll save bittersweet for their last show.

Leading the charge, Harry runs down the hallway, slapping everyone's hands as he passes. When he reaches Eloise at the end, he barely slows up before sweeping her off her feet for a sweaty kiss. Spinning her around, he sets her back down and smoothly follows the boys to the dressing room to shower and change.

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The crowd waiting for them in the green room is more than up for it.  With heavy traffic nearby, they've been advised to wait it out at the venue, so they settle in, crank up the music and crack open the drinks.

Ed and Jack pour a long line of shots. Gemma's perched on Michal's lap, chatting with Sophia and Lottie. Alexa, Kate and Kelly gossip huddled in the corner. Lou and Rita are wrestling for control of the Sonos as Nick, Eloise and Rosie laugh at their antics. Niall and Louis' various friends sit chatting on the sofas nearby, eyeing the recognisable faces keenly.

"Oi, oi!", they all cheer when the boys head in, jostling each other in the doorway.

Harry scans the crowded room quickly, smiling brighter when he finds Eloise, immediately heading over.

Having made a point of speaking to everyone before the show, he doesn't feel bad honing straight in on her. Her tireless dancing and high energy had kept him entertained throughout the show and he's keen to show his appreciation.

He pulls his damp hair into a bun, off the shoulders of his half unbuttoned pale blue silk shirt. Black skinnies and grey boots complete the look. Tossing his leather jacket on the seat behind her, he slings an arm around her shoulders.

"Well, this spells trouble... I couldn't name a deadlier trio", Harry laughs at her, Rosie and Nick. "Rita, that wasn't an invitation", he deadpans as she whirls around.

Spotting the flush to Eloise's cheeks, he can guess Nick was plying them with his infamously strong G&Ts throughout the show. Perfect. He'd swerved booze all week to protect his voice, so is feeling more than ready to make amends and let loose. "Ed, mate, make mine a double please!", he shouts across the room with a laugh.

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When they're given the all clear to head out just after 11pm, Harry admits he's not feeling crowds or paps or central London traffic for the sake of going to a club, so volunteers to host an afterparty at his.

They peel off into groups, taking separate vans.

Heading to Cirque Le Soir in the West End: Liam, Sophia. Lottie. Louis and his friends. Niall and his mates.

Heading to Hampstead: Harry, Eloise, Rosie, Gemma, Michal, Lou, Nick and Rita. They take Alexa, Kate and Kelly too, but drop them off at home in Highgate en route.

Ed and Jack make their own way, heading to other parties.

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Eloise, Gemma and Michal bundle out at the supermarket near Harry's to stock up on supplies whilst the others wait in the vans.