“And Then There’s Me…”

“And then there’s me…”

Quite the statement, I think we all agree. What isn’t extended in that open-ended sentence is that Louis was probably the most crucial, most important finishing piece to meld them together. YES, those boys all have those qualities Louis listed off. We know this, we see this, and we agree with it. But what’s not included is Louis’ strengths and Louis’ contributions. which I’m sure he wouldn’t go on listing, simply because he isn’t the braggadocios type. But truly, he needs to give himself more credit.

He is the fire that ignited their powers, he’s the light that flashed for all of us to notice, and all of us to follow hypnotically. He is the flare of vocal uniqueness that laces through any 1D track through the progressive years of songs and albums and tours. Louis was the most entertaining, most enticing to fans, and most inciting to bring the boys together through laughs and hijinks. And that holds a lot of weight to it.

You wouldn’t see that type of chemistry with those five boys, if it weren’t for Louis’ bravado to both impress them and spark the fire in them. I say this all the time, but as a Zouie, it’s easy to see what an impact he has on pulling a spark and a fire in someone to show through. He could see something in Zayn we might now have typically been able to see. But Louis knew. And he pulled that out of Zayn, to be silly, and carefree, and do what makes him happy. Louis knew when Liam needed to step back and be a teenager, when Liam didn’t need to hold the stress of the adult world on his back, and he knew when to push Harry to be unapologetic about himself. He encouraged Harry to say what was on his mind and not hesitate to express himself, regardless of the shit that preceded him. He was very proud to show off all of the wonders Niall could do. There was never a moment he didn’t absolutely brag about Niall and all the charm he exudes, or the optimism he had. He was, is, and will always be so protective of his boys. Because he see the wonder and amazement and charm that is casted all around them.

But Louis describing himself? It’s heartbreaking he can’t see that same shimmer of amazement that is draped around him like a sky full of glimmering stars. The most selfless, passionate, optimistic, humbled man I’ve ever seen. People could write books upon books of all the charm and beauty that radiates off of Louis. I’m just sorry he hasn’t heard it enough, of that he isn’t aware the life he has in himself. Louis *IS* what made the One Direction we all know and love today. There’s simply no denying that. All those playful moments, hilarious interviews, cheeky hijinks, and unwavering gratitude is truly what only describes a small fraction of Louis.

And THAT’S what should follow the statement, “And then there’s me…”