The stage was set for what was going to be the most epic ending of a tour the world would ever see. It would be the show that made every other show fail in comparison, at least that was the plan.

Microphones, vocals and dance techniques were done and the last thing they needed to do before the show was wardrobe fittings. That would have to be done later as the clothing for rent was still not there and there was a bit of a conflict between management and the clothing place. It was promised to be solved before the show.

“What are we doing today?” Niall asked taking a swig of his water bottle and looking at his friends for confirmation.

“Performing?” Harry remarked sarcastically, his eyebrow quipped up in a fashion that would suggest Niall had asked a stupid question.

Niall rolled his eyes.

“No I meant before. What’s everyone’s plans? I was going to head down a few streets, there’s a mall that looked relatively interesting. I want to see what it’s about. It’s called Rooted Wood – or something like that. Wanted to see if you all wanted to come with?”

Harry shrugged indifferent. “I’ll tag.”

Zayn looked at them like they were both nuts.

“You do know where we are right? We step out of this building and we’ll be eaten alive.”

“It’s Billings Montana, USA, and the last stop this year on the tour. I want to see something that’s not four walls, a stage and a roof.” Harry said decidedly before he and Niall left Zayn, Louis and Liam to their devices to go and find Alan. He was always up for a tag along and a bit of fresh air would make way to better focus on the performance.

The arena was huge but a few questions and tag backs of “Has anyone seen Alan?” he was finally discovered – although his look seemed somewhat troubled.

“What’s wrong man? You look a bit wrecked.” Harry asked in a small bit of concern when the man had hung up his phone at the approaching two band mates.

“Nothing’s wrong.” Alan smiled while putting his poker face on. It was one thing Harry noticed about Alan when something was deeply troubling him. The ability to put a wall between his emotions and his character. Harry almost envied him for that ability.

“You’re lying, I saw your eyes contract. They always contract when you put your wall up.” Harry chuckled, seeing Alan frown.

“Really that obvious huh?”

Harry nodded as Niall agreed.

“We’re setting up a perimeter, the crowds outside have gotten a bit unruly but nothing too serious right now.” He assured the boys with a smile.

Harry chuckled.

“Well, we have the best security so I doubt anything is going to happen.” He told Alan, giving Niall the heads up to explain where he wanted to go.

“Alan, Harry and I were going down a few streets to Rooted Wood – there was a store I wanted to check out there. You want to tag along with us?” Niall asked as Alan gave him the same Zayn had.

“You do know the whole building is surrounded, right? Going out will be nearly impossible without turning a few heads, I just don’t think it’s a good idea,” Alan frowned, watching the two step back and start whispering. It took a few moments but they both came to an agreement almost instantly after and the smile on Harry’s face was far too familiar for his liking. Alan remembered the last time he wore that smile, it had nearly cost him his job – all because they snuck off to a beach without notifying anyone.

From then on he tagged along just to make sure his ass wouldn’t get in trouble and to keep theirs out of it-which also proved to be pointless.

“How long have you been with us Alan?” Niall asked, the curve of his lips lifted in a small, almost invisible smile.

“Too long.” Alan answered with a small growl, knowing this was going exactly in the direction he didn’t like.

“Since the XFactory days I believe, yes?”

Alan nodded.

“Well, you know the last time you let us go our merry way, we snuck off to the beach. We’re in a town we’ve never toured before. You also know that we’re creative getting out when we don’t want to be seen. So in short, are you coming with us or not? Because when they discovered you let us slip out again-“

Niall didn’t get to finish, Alan knew the boys and also knew what it involved if he didn’t listen but his eyes gave way to something odd – something so subtle that both Niall and Harry had missed it and that would be their gravest mistake.

Harry laughed triumphantly and followed behind Alan, knowing they had won.

“Don’t be so smug Harry, I’m only going because I value my job. I just don’t know how you’re getting out of here with a crowd ready to tear your clothes off at a moment’s notice. There’s thousands of them outside and there’s one of me. So how’s about you two lead and for once, I’ll follow?” He asked hopefully knowing he wasn’t getting off that easily.

“I’m afraid you have the degree in crucial thinking, Alan. We’re gonna have to make it a team effort.” Harry replied, the smartass smirk still playing on his lips.

Alan nodded and motioned them forward, taking them away from the safety of the stage and the security around it, leading them down a separated hallway before turning around and making sure they were alone.

“There’s one exit that leads out into an alley but the problem is we won’t know if it’s secure until we get out there or if we can even get back in the same way. This is a risk I would advise against if I were you two but since I also know you’re going to do it with or without me, I will figure out the back in part when we cross it.

“You’re the best Alan. We just want to get out for a few hours, that’s it.” Harry sighed, almost in relief that they’d be able to go for a walk and not be trapped in a large arena just waiting for the night to be over to have to fly home. It was probably the worst part about touring.

Alan nodded in understanding before giving another look around and going further down the hall. It was then the lights began to flicker.

Niall stopped short, Harry following his lead. Alan seemed unbothered by it and motioned them forward, if not somewhat impatiently.

Harry and Niall followed a little closer only to stop short of the exit, waiting for Alan to check it out.

Alan motioned again and they ventured closer, this time coming to the door.

“Ok, let me give a quick step outside. Keep the door open for me, understand? Do not close it unless I tell you to.”

“Sure, no problem.” Niall promised, watching him open the door and step outside.

Harry held his body weight up against the door so it remained opened a crack while Alan scoped out the area.

Niall hit his head after a moment, frowning.

“Dude, I forgot something, I forgot to grab my ID and wallet. I left it on the stage. Tell Alan to hold up just a second and I’ll be right back.” Niall promised as he turned tail to run back to get his wallet.

Harry rolled his eyes.

“You’d forget your head if it wasn’t attached to your body.” He mumbled but smiled regardless, he couldn’t deny that he was grateful for Niall’s friendship.

“Hey guys, come on out. I checked, everything’s in the clear.” Alan called after a minute of silence.

When Harry walked out the door to explain to Alan about Niall’s situation he was shocked to find the alleyway occupied. He stopped short, his hand still on the safety of the door handle.

“What’s going on?” Harry asked in confusion seeing Alan a foot from him with the calmest of expression.

Alan cocked his head in confusion.

“Nothing’s wrong Harry, nothing at all.”

And that’s exactly the next thing Harry saw when he blinked. Nothing.

Notes

Enjoy, chapter 2 will be the real start of what's going on. I'm trying not to skip time too fast, I want to let the story develop naturally. I just needed to see how I was going to make it happen. Hope it came out ok, chapter 2 to be posted soon!