“Thank you, LA! You’ve been fucking incredible tonight!” I yell out, my voice echoing through the stadium as the final notes fade away. I blow a couple of kisses towards the sea of flashing lights before turning to follow the lads off stage, sweat dripping down my neck, adrenaline still pumping hard in my veins.

I’m halfway down the ramp backstage when I catch sight of you near the barricade. You’re holding Aurora against your hip – her little curls bouncing as she waves her chubby hands excitedly in my direction. For a second, my chest clenches so hard it almost knocks the breath out of me.

I hadn’t seen her in months.

Not since that last argument we had over the phone, when your voice cracked from yelling and mine was rough from saying things I didn’t mean. We never managed to figure out how to co-exist peacefully after we split back in late 2012. It had all fallen apart so fast – one minute we were stupidly in love, the next you were accusing me of choosing the band over you, and I was too damn stubborn to prove you wrong.

We were so young.

And then… then you found out about Aurora. Born April 2013. Same month as you. The timing was a fucking mess considering me and you were done and it was messy, but I promised myself I’d be there for her even if it meant having to see you, too.

Now, standing here, watching her smile at me with the same dimples I see in the mirror every morning, it almost makes me forget how complicated things really are.

Then I’m snapped back to reality remembering that Leah is here too. Leah is my current girlfriend, we’ve been together for eight months. I notice that she’s moving towards us, I can tell by the furrow of her brows and the glare in her eyes that she’s not happy about you being here.

I don’t care. I’m happy my Rora’s here.

I nod to Niall, asking him to tell security to hold up for a second. You shift Aurora higher up your side as I approach, and there’s a flicker of defensiveness in your eyes, like you’re bracing for a fight that could start at any moment.

“Didn’t think I’d see you here tonight,” I say, voice low as I glance at Aurora who’s babbling out nonsense words and reaching her arms out to me. I hesitate before gently taking her from you, settling her against my chest. Her tiny fingers curl around my chain.

You cross your arms, your expression unreadable under the fluorescent lights. “We’re visiting my cousin. She got us tickets.”

“Right.” I swallow down the bitter taste rising in my throat. “Would’ve been nice to know beforehand.”

You scoff softly, shaking your head. “Yeah, well, not everything’s about what’s nice for you, H.”

There’s a heavy pause. The lads keep walking, busy chatting with crew members and tugging off their earpieces. I bounce my Rora lightly on my hip to keep her happy as she giggles, completely unaware of the tension between her parents.

“Look…” I mutter, running a hand through my damp hair. “Do you wanna come backstage for a bit? She’ll wanna see the boys.”

I feel Leah tense beside me. She’s been silent this whole time which is unusual for her.

Your jaw tightens, and for a moment, I think you’re about to refuse. But then you sigh, eyes flicking down to Aurora, and nod stiffly.

“Fine. For her.”

“Yeah. For her,” I echo quietly, turning away before you can see the guilt flicker across my face.

I silently gesture for Leah to follow as me, you, the boys and my Rora head backstage. She looks pissed.

We reach the room where we normally chill after a show, filled with people drinking, chatting, and collapsing onto the leather couches. I settle down on one of the coaches, Rora clambers onto my lap with a big grin.

You’re stood close by, smiling as you watch Rora with me despite our animosity towards eachother.

Leah walks over, arms crossed over her chest as she looks between us. “What the fuck’s all this about then?”