Time of Our Lives

*Dakota’s POV*

Wow, I’ve never been in a recording studio before, but I have seen pictures. This was right up there. Harry and Niall took a seat before the sound board that held a million buttons and switches. “We’re going to record the music first.” Niall said, looking over at me and Kariann.

I grabbed one of the chairs, pulling up close to the guys. “You think you can show me some of this stuff? I actually plan on going into recording arts at Full Sail.”

Niall smiled at me. “Seriously? Sure.”

Harry prepared the board for Liam to go in with the guitar. Niall explained to me what everything was for slowly, telling me what they were called and what each of them did. Liam went into the recording room and sat down on a stool before a microphone. “Alright.” Harry said in the intercom. “Ready whenever you are Liam.”

Liam gave a thumbs up and put on the headphones that laid before him. Niall reached over and pressed a button. “A beat meter is being played so he stays in tempo.” Harry explained to me.

Liam began to play. It was such a soft melody. The tune reminded me of their song of Little Things, but I could tell there was something different about it. It was slower, softer, filled with more tenderness. I looked over at Kariann who had her camera with her and was recording Liam through the window as he played the guitar.

That was actually our agreement with the video. She would mess with the filming and video while I was in charge of the audio. It was what we were going into for and we even received permission to do so. So if this video made it through, the two of us would receive that $25,000 scholarship. After a few minutes, Liam was done. “Alright. Once more.” Harry said.

“Um…” Kariann spoke up. “Is it okay if I go in and record him?”

“Yeah, go ahead.” Harry said and pressed the button. “Wait a moment, bud.”

Liam smiled when Kariann stepped in with her camera. “We make sure to do multiple takes of the song just in case.” Niall said to me as he started to mess with some of the stuff on the sound board.

Once Kariann was settled Harry gave Liam his cue. Liam began to play again.

Two guitars played in this and Niall was in charge of the second guitar. He headed inside, Kariann coming out to film once outside the room and once inside. The chords with his were different and more complex than Liam’s, but it sounded good, I could almost already hear the two melodies coming together. After Niall was done, Liam joined with him with another guitar. I caught on with the drift. They began to play the guitars together, Liam starting and Niall joining in soon afterwards. I was catching on to how the board worked by their first run and I was helping Harry during their second run.

It only took about a half hour to get the music down and I was watching as Harry put on headphones to listen to the melody a few times. He was smiling. “Hell yeah, it’s perfect. Alright, since the studio is only open for the next hour for us, we won’t have enough time to do singing one at a time. We already know our parts anyway so it’s not a big deal. Think you can handle the board? You just gotta listen to our pitching.”

I nodded at him and he and the guys all crowded in. Kariann was outside for the first shot of getting the guys to sing. They all put on their headphones, signaling to me that they were each ready. I cued the music.

I didn’t have time to really listen to the lyrics of the song since I was quite focused on the sound board, but either way, I could tell it sounded great. They guys did about three run-throughs before coming out to hear. Harry and Niall checked out the singing, nodding at each other and smiling, satisfied. Niall clapped me on the shoulder, “When you get your degree, you should come work for us.”

I grinned as Harry put in some final touches and played the song for all of us to hear. We all sat back, listening as the melody started. The song started, Liam singing first as usual.

Liam:
We were together, for so long
We fell apart, but came back strong
It was hard, but you’re the only one

Zayn:
Nobody believed, we would last
Never they said, but now that’s passed
It’s never easy, but you’re the only one

Liam and Zayn:
Thoughts of you, in my mind
Heartache every night, all the time
When I think to let go, you prove me wrong
Because you know, you’re the only one
You’re the only one

Niall:
Your voice was so lonely, so scared
I was the one who really cared
It’s a risk, but you’re the only one

Harry:
So many times, I thought you were mine
It’s so wrong, but ever so right
Our hearts falter, but you’re the only one

Harry and Niall:
Thoughts of you, in my mind
Heartache every night, all the time
When I think to let go, you prove me wrong
Because you know, you’re the only one
You’re the only one

Louis:
I thought I was dreaming, but I know what I need
You’re scared to love, so is it just me?
Will I be the only one?
The only one?

All:
Thoughts of you, in my mind
Heartache every night, all the time
When I think to let go, you prove me wrong
Because you know, you’re the only one
You’re the only one

All But Liam:
Oh
Liam:
Coming together and staying strong
All:
The only one

All But Zayn:
Oh
Zayn:
Forever we fight, forever on
All:
The only one

All But Niall:
Oh
Niall:
We can’t let go of each other
All:
The only one

All But Harry:
Oh
Harry:
Right or wrong, it’s now or never
All:
The only one

All But Louis:
Oh
Louis:
It’s like a dream

All:
But we carry on
‘Cause we know, we’re not the only ones
But for me, you’re the only one

Louis:
The only one

“You guys wrote this?” Danielle spoke, tears in her eyes.

Liam grabbed her hand, giving her one of his smiles. Zayn was smiling down at Perry. “For us?” Perry asked.

I looked over, seeing Bonnie smile up at Niall. She may have heard the song before, but with all the boys singing it probably held a higher meaning behind the words. I blinked. The meaning behind the words… so that mean the guys wrote these lyrics especially to each girl they liked, only to come together as one. It was so obvious who went with who, but what about Louis? The only person I could think of was Eleanor, but with his lyric, it didn’t seem that way. Did they break up?

“That…” I said, smiling at the guys. “It’s a beautiful song. Great job.”

“We’re done recording!” Niall exclaimed excitedly. “Burn that mo-fo right now, Hazza. We can’t lose that.”

“Two steps ahead of you, mate.” Harry said, messing with the computer. “So all we need now is the video?” Zayn asked.

“Yep.” Kariann said. “We can do that throughout the week though. Not everything has to be done today.”

“You have an idea of what you want to shoot?” I asked her, standing up from my chair.

She nodded. “I want natural shots of us just sitting around. You guys might end up singing that song sometimes…”

“We’re fine with it.” Harry spoke up. “Anything to help out a friend.”

Kariann and I smiled each other excitedly. “Well, this song is about each of you having a couple, right?” Bonnie spoke, looking at the guys. “Well, the majority of you have girlfriends, but what about you two?”

She looked between Harry and Louis. The two of them looked between each other. From there, everyone’s eyes lingered on us. “You’re the only two girls…” Liam started.

Well, how obvious could you get? I watched as Harry grinned up at Kariann. She knew very well the song was about her and she sighed. Louis and I offered each other a smile. I didn’t mind working with Louis, but wouldn’t it seem strange? It was dragging at me more than it should, but I couldn’t get over it.

Just what…

I looked over, looking at Louis. Our eyes made contact. That was when I knew. I saw it in his eyes in the way he looked at me. It’s the same as before with my first boyfriend. I swallowed, feeling my insides freeze up inside. Warning bells inside me began to ring. I looked away toward Kariann and Bonnie. The two of them saw my look. Kariann gave me a look of confusion but Bonnie looked over at Louis and back at me, offering a small smile.

No way could I do it. “Guys… I’m going to leave first.” I said, moving and stepping around Liam.

I somehow made eye contact with Liam too. I looked away quickly, I really didn’t want to see anyone right now. All I knew was that I needed to get out of that room that was filled with feelings I loved to see everyone experience, but I knew I couldn’t handle myself.

*Liam’s POV*

The song was a huge success. Everyone was proud and feeling accomplished. Whenever Bonnie through the suggestion that Kariann and Dakota had to act like a couple with Harry and Louis, everything was fine. They even agreed, until I noticed something different. Maybe it was because of the working with the song, but Louis stood there staring at Dakota with such obvious feelings that even she caught on.

“Guys… I’m going to leave first.” Dakota said, turning away from Louis and getting ready to pass me.

She briefly looked up at me before looking away. She left out the door, just by looking at her face, I knew. “Louis…” I started, looking at him.

Louis looked over at Harry. “You were right, but so was I.”

Harry looked out the door. “You gonna go after her?”

“What’s going on?” Kariann asked.

Harry smiled at Kariann some. “I told you to watch, didn’t I? Louis? What are you going to do?”

We all stared at Louis. He clenched his jaw. He brought out something that was in his pocket, staring at it. He stuck it back in before briskly walking past me and out the door to go after her. “Would you look at that?” Harry breathed. “I never seen him look so determined for something…”

Harry flashed me a smile before turning around to check to see if the CD was done. “Alright!” he said excitedly. “It’s done. I wanna hit the beach!”

Yeah. I wanted to hit a wave or two.

*Louis’s POV*

What was with me always being the one to chase after her? Three times she’s ahead of me, and every time I brought her back. I knew what was happening. She caught on quickly what my lyrics meant. She knew my feelings, now I had to make it even clearer what I was going to do.

I reached out, grabbing her arm, forcing her to turn around. This time, she wasn’t upset nor crying, now she was angry. She jerked away upon seeing my face. “What do you want?” She asked, taking a small step from me.

Was that it? She hated me now knowing that I was falling for her. I felt a small speck of pity go out her last boyfriend, the poor guy probably had to go through this rage of hers too, but then again it made me happy, it only meant that I could get to her first before he did. A grin came across my face as I stared down at her. Her guarded expression became confused. “Seriously, Louis! What’s going on here?”

“You know.” I said, grin still apparent on my face. “You know very well how I feel for you. From the way you are reacting, I know you like me back, whether you realize it or not. When Liam confessed to you, you were straight up honest that you didn’t feel the same way. You’re not doing that now, so that must mean something.”

I saw her throat moved as she swallowed. She looked away, staring down at the beach where many people were playing. My grin disappeared, only to be replaced with my own sense of confusion. “Why are you like this? Why are you so scared to bring yourself to love someone?”

“I am not scared-“ She started, but she cut off suddenly. She looked away, not answering. “You wouldn’t understand.” She finished, continuing to look away.

Her face became guarded again. Why was she acting like this with me? What could be making her put a shield over her heart and refuse to let anyone in…?

She must be… so lonely…

She said her family fell apart years ago…

Ever since my parents divorced, everything changed…

I expected that, but it was still so hard…

“Is it…” I started, looking down at her. “Is it because of your parent’s divorce?”

Her eyes shot downward. It was more than that.

I guess my dad didn’t help much either. It slowly dawned on me that my mother wasn’t the mom I came to know. I questioned my dad, and he didn’t hold back on telling me everything. I can never forget what she’s done to him, to me, our family. Over and over again I was reminded.

“Your mother?” I asked.

Bingo. Dakota’s face became more pained in expression. Of course it would be because of her mother she wouldn’t want to bring herself to love somebody. Her mother’s cold heart caused Dakota to keep a guarded plate. “I’ll change that.” I said, challenging myself and looking at her.

Dakota turned her head in shock. “What-“

I took her hand, holding it tightly as I reached up with my other hand to touch her cheek. “You’re afraid to love, but I don’t care. I’ll make you face your fears and have you falling for me so hard you’ll have no choice but to do so.”

Her breath hitched whenever I trailed my thumb down from her cheek to her neck. I smiled at her before backing off and walking around her, deciding to head back to my cottage. I felt pretty good about myself. I said something cheeky as hell upon slipping her birthday present into her hand. As long as she acknowledged my feelings for her, I knew she wouldn’t be able to let it go. We’ve been through too much together to simply let it go.

I would make her fall in love with me, if she hasn’t already. I would make her acknowledge her feelings. I know it may be wrong to step into the barrier of her and her mother, but I will break her free. I’m the strength she needs to get past this. Only me. One way or another, I will let her know that it is me she needs. No one else.

The only one.

*Dakota’s POV*

I stared down at the small container in my hand. Confused, I opened it, pulling out a bracelet with a small note. I gave the necklace a quick once-over before opening the note.

Happy 18th Birthday
- Louis T.

I looked at the bracelet, it was orange with many small beads. I noticed the peace, love and happiness on it. Right upon his confession I got a birthday present. Was not expecting that to happen today. What was this bull about making me fall in love with him anyways? I turned around to see him walking down the pier. I clutched the bracelet with my fist, letting out a small breath.

To think he actually knew what was always holding me back… I can’t get over it, but I wouldn’t let it bring me down.

I felt my phone began to ring in my pocket. I smiled as I answered. “Daddy!”

I walked over to the railing of the pier and leaned against it. “Hey, baby. I was just calling to say happy birthday. I got something for you.”

“What’s that?” I asked, unfolding my hand to see the bracelet.

“I can’t say, it’ll ruin the surprise.”

I pouted. “But it’s my birthday…”

He laughed through the other line. “So how’s the island so far?”

“You know where I’m at?” I asked.

“Of course, otherwise I wouldn’t have let you go.” He replied.

I gaped. “Who told you?”

“Louis.”

I shouldn’t have been surprised. “Oh… Well…” I started, still staring at the bracelet.

“Did he tell you?” Dad asked.

“What’s that?”

“Apparently he and his girlfriend Eleanor broke up a few months back though she pretty much called it off during Christmas.”

I blinked. Holy shit, how the hell was my dad staying up with the game more than me. So that pretty much passed my suspicions of them breaking up, but why was it my dad that had to confirm it for me. “Dad, how in the world do you know all of this?”

“Honey, Louis and I talk more often than you think. He first called me during January to talk about everything. I don’t get what it is about you and your friends that come to me seeking advice…” He sighed.

Okay, that much was true. Kariann’s done it before. Even Bonnie. I smiled through the phone. “I don’t think you realize how much everyone appreciates you Dad. You’re straight up honest about everything and it really does help.”

“I guess that’s one of the many-“

“Things my mother didn’t like about you. Blah, blah, blah, I know.” I said, rolling my eyes.

“That’s my girl. She knows me well.”

“Anyway.” I said, getting back on topic. “What was Louis calling you for?”

“He was just wondering about you. He called at least once a week to see how you was doing. I thought it was strange how he was calling me about you instead of straight up calling you, so he just flat-out told me what was going on… Has he spoken to you yet?”

I stared down at my hand, staring at the bracelet. “Yeah.”

“So you know?”

“Yep.”

“You don’t seem that excited about the news.”

“I don’t know what to think.” I said honestly.

“He’s a nice boy.”

“I know.”

“He’s considerate about your life and generally wants the best for you. Not only that…”

“What else?”

“He’s British.”

I started laughing. “Hey, I told Kariann that one day.”

“Well, now I’m tell you.”

I sighed. “I seriously don’t know Dad.”

“I know you want to protect yourself because of everything that’s happened, but you should do what you think will make you happy. Yeah, you’re still young, but you can’t stop yourself from falling in love. Trust me, I know.”

“Thanks Dad. Maybe I’ll advertise to my friends that you’re an awesome talker.” I smiled some.

“Oh, please, no…”

We spoke for a while longer. It was strange how much better I could feel talking to him. Good to see he was a candidate for Louis, but I was still scared. But I did know one thing.

If there was any person in the world who knew me the best, it was Louis Tomlinson.