✓ 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙣' 𝙎𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩 ━━ Harry Styles

o2. meeting the band

chapter two
"meeting the band"

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Rehearsals, London  ━━ 2014

AISLING'S FINGERS trembled slightly as she adjusted her guitar strap. It was day three of rehearsals with her new backing band, and while they were making progress, she still felt like a fish out of water.

"Alright, let's take it from the top," James, the musical director, called out. "Remember, Aisling, you need to project more. You're singing to the back of a stadium now, not a pub."

Aisling nodded, taking a deep breath. As the band launched into "Echoes of You," she closed her eyes, trying to imagine a sea of faces before her instead of the empty rehearsal space.

Halfway through the song, James cut them off. "Better, but Aisling, you need to move more. Connect with your band, with your imaginary audience. You can't just stand there like a statue."

Frustration bubbled up inside her. "I'm trying," she snapped, immediately regretting her tone. "I'm sorry, it's just... this is all so new."

James's expression softened. "I know it is. That's why we're here to help. Mike, why don't you show Aisling how to play off the drummer's energy?"

Mike, the friendly drummer, grinned and gave a little drum fill. "Just feel the beat, Aisling. Let it move you."

They ran through the song again, and this time, Aisling found herself swaying to the rhythm, feeding off the energy of her bandmates. By the end, she was breathless but exhilarated.

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" James exclaimed. "Much better. Let's take five, then we'll run through the whole set."

As Aisling grabbed her water bottle, Sarah, the bassist, approached her. "You're getting there," she said with a warm smile. "It's not easy, stepping up from solo gigs to this, but you've got the talent."

"Thanks," Aisling replied, grateful for the encouragement. "I just hope I can pull it off when it really counts."

"You will," Sarah assured her. "We've got your back."

Their break was interrupted by a commotion at the door. Aisling turned to see five familiar faces entering the rehearsal space, led by her grinning brother.

"Surprise!" Niall called out. "Thought we'd stop by and see how rehearsals are going."

Aisling felt her heart rate pick up as One Direction approached. She'd seen them in photos and videos, of course, but meeting them in person was entirely different. Now she wasn't just Niall's little sister; she was their opening act. She was surprised she hadn't met them until this point.

"Aisling!" Liam greeted her warmly. "Great to meet you properly. How's it going?"

"It's... intense," Aisling admitted. "But good. Really good."