There's little doubt that Larries (One Direction fans who believe that band members Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson are in a secret relationship and are contractually obligated (forced) by their management to stay in the closet) have been accused of many things over the last 7 1/2 years. After all, a global fandom that consists of millions upon millions of passionate supporters is a powerful thing and inherently complex. Add the closet culture into the mix, and that devotion can easily morph into a cause of like-minded allies and adversaries.
A modern kind of love story, at times tarnished by excesses of all kinds, have run the gamut between stalking and outright harassment of others, including their favs, to devoted support and appreciation of Louis and Harry, no matter what. The latter often manifested through the creation of outstanding works of art, exquisite videos that beautifully pair images with music, and a general sticktoittiveness of mind and heart that has survived fake babies, airport stunts, beards galore, and the never ending heavy handedness of powerbrokers intent on winning with a "no homo here" mentality.
Sometimes it's simply lovely to see when hard work pays off in more ways than one. When that special bond between a fandom and the artists who are supported combine to achieve something powerful. To paraphrase One Direction's love letter to their fans, a collaboration that can be at times "the greatest thing the world has ever seen."
For instance, many may not be aware, but that same 1D fandom that the media loves to marginalize and portray as silly "girls" have actually raised nearly $300,000 since 2013 for a variety of charities near and dear to the boys' heart. Amazing causes such as The Eden Dora Trust, Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, Drop4Drop, Bloodwise, The Trevor Project, The Way Wolverhampton Youth Zone, Rays of Sunshine, and Autism Assistance Dogs (Ireland). Indeed, the list goes on and on and on.
Let's see, given that backdrop, how could someone send a subtle message that would be both unmistakable in its intent, as well as fondly grateful in spirit.
Well, how about donating to this year's 1D Fans Birthday Charity drive, dedicated in your honor, and leaving an evocative clue that may not provide irrefutable proof, but just might suggest that two certain someone's have been paying attention all along, deeply moved by the generosity on display. Two anon messages, with distinctive identities.
And what's so significant about the amounts donated? Well, £2,412.91 actually equates to Louis' Birthday.
24th Day - 12th Month - 1991 Birth Year
December 24, 1991
Followed six weeks later by Harry's celebratory Fandrive being "acknowledged" with another very similarly generous parallel donation.
£1294.24 also equated with Harry's Birthday.
1st Day - 2nd Month - 1994 Birth Year
With the added cents, totaling 24. Harry's age.
February 1, 1994
The total combined donation coming to an impressive $5,251
Of course, there are those who might choose to argue that these two coincidences just could be attributed to some Larrie fan with lots of money and a "gay agenda". Or, maybe a mischievous troll just trying to cause trouble and conjure up controversy. Perhaps the gesture was from a fairy godmother or a rich uncle with nothing better to do. Fretting over OTP Whatifs is a notorious practice in fandoms like One Direction. Lurkers at the ready, eager to stir up arguments and to agitate.
But, in this case, let's just sit back and fond a bit. At two saps still very much in love after all these years. Don't tell anyone though. Because [obviously] it's still a secret. Right, Louis? *wink*
pic sources: 1D Fans Give, OneDirectionNDA, David Letterman, MaximumPop, Uknown Tumblr gif
Our playlist: Look After You (Cover) - Louis Tomlinson
Waiting on the World to Change - John Mayer
How to Save A Life - The Fray
Still the One - Shania Twain
