✓ 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙣' 𝙎𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩 ━━ Harry Styles

15. brother mode activated

chapter fifteen
"brother mode activated"

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On the Road ━━ 2014

THE GENTLE hum of the tour bus engine filled the quiet night as it rolled down the highway, carrying the One Direction entourage to their next destination. Most of the occupants were asleep, but in the back lounge, Aisling sat curled up on the couch, nursing a cup of tea and lost in thought.

She looked up as Niall shuffled in, his hair mussed from sleep. "Can't sleep either?" he asked, plopping down next to her.

Aisling shook her head. "Too much on my mind."

Niall nudged her gently with his shoulder. "Want to talk about it? You've seemed... different lately. In a good way, I think, but different."

Aisling took a deep breath. This was the moment she'd been both anticipating and dreading. "Actually, yeah. There's something I wanted to talk to you about. It's about... it's about Harry and me."

Niall's eyebrows shot up. "Harry and you? What about Harry and you?"

"We've been getting closer," Aisling said, her cheeks warming. "Like, really close. We went on a date last week, and... I think it might be turning into something more."

Niall was quiet for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "I see," he said finally. "And how do you feel about that?"

Aisling couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. "Happy. Excited. Scared. It's all so new, but it feels... right, you know?"

Niall nodded slowly. "I've noticed you two spending a lot of time together. Writing songs, yeah?"

"It started with that," Aisling admitted. "But it's become more. He makes me laugh, Ni. He challenges me creatively. When I'm with him, I feel like... like the best version of myself."

Niall's expression softened. "That's great, Ash. Really. But... are you sure about this? Dating within the band, it can get complicated."

Aisling felt a flicker of anxiety. "You don't approve?"

"It's not that," Niall said quickly. "Harry's a great lad. If I had to pick someone for my little sister, he'd be high on the list. I just want you to be careful."

"I know," Aisling said softly. "We've talked about that. We're taking it slow, seeing where it goes."

Niall wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Well, if you're happy, I'm happy. And for what it's worth, I think you're good for Harry too. He seems... lighter when he's around you."

Aisling leaned into her brother's embrace, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "Thanks, Ni. Your opinion means a lot to me."

"Just promise me one thing," Niall said, his tone turning playful. "If he ever hurts you, I get first dibs on punching him. Bandmate or not."

Aisling laughed, swatting at him. "Deal. But I don't think you'll need to worry about that."

As Niall headed back to his bunk, Aisling felt a weight lift off her shoulders. But there was one more person she needed to talk to. Checking the time and doing some quick mental math, she dialed a familiar number.

"Aisling?" Emma's voice came through, sounding wide awake. "Is everything okay?"

"Everything's great, Em," Aisling said, unable to keep the excitement out of her voice. "I've got some news. You remember how I told you about Harry asking me out?"

"Of course! Did you go on the date? How was it? Tell me everything!"

Aisling laughed at her friend's enthusiasm. "It was amazing, Em. We went to this little hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Toronto. Just talked for hours. And since then... well, we've been spending a lot of time together."

Emma squealed so loudly Aisling had to hold the phone away from her ear. "I knew it! I could tell from the way you talked about him. Oh, Ash, I'm so happy for you!"

"Thanks, Em. I'm happy too. It's all so new, but it feels... right."

"So, when's the wedding?" Emma teased.

"Emma!" Aisling laughed. "We've been on one date. Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

"Fine, fine," Emma conceded. "But seriously, Ash, this is huge. Harry Styles! Your fans are going to go crazy when they find out."

Aisling's laughter died away. "About that... Em, you can't tell anyone. Not yet. We're keeping it quiet for now."

"What? Why?" Emma asked, sounding disappointed.

"It's complicated," Aisling sighed. "The tour, the band dynamics, the media... We just want to see where this goes without the pressure of public scrutiny. You know how intense the paparazzi can be."

"Oh," Emma said, understanding dawning in her voice. "Yeah, I get it. Don't worry, your secret's safe with me. But Ash?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm really, really happy for you. You deserve this."

Aisling felt a warmth spread through her chest. "Thanks, Em. That means a lot."

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