✓ 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙣' 𝙎𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩 ━━ Harry Styles

22. full circle

chapter twenty-two
"full circle"

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O2 Arena, London ━━ 2015

One Year Later,

AISLING stood backstage at the O2 Arena in London, the familiar pre-show jitters coursing through her veins. But this time, it was different. This wasn't just another performance - it was the final show of her debut solo tour.

"Five minutes, Aisling!" a stagehand called out.

She took a deep breath, smoothing down her custom-designed outfit - a sparkling jumpsuit that caught the light with every movement. As she waited for her cue, Aisling reflected on the year that had passed since she left the One Direction tour in Washington DC.

Her debut album, "Echoes of You," had been released six months ago to critical acclaim and commercial success. The first single, the song she and Harry had performed at her last show with One Direction, had shot to number one in multiple countries.

"Hey, remember when we first 'Echoes of You' on the radio?" a voice behind her said, as if reading her thoughts.

Aisling turned to see Emma, grinning widely. Her best friend had flown in for the final show, a surprise arranged by Harry.

"How could I forget?" Aisling laughed. "You nearly deafened me with your screaming."

Emma shrugged, unrepentant. "It's not every day your best friend becomes an international pop sensation."

Their laughter was interrupted by a commotion near the dressing rooms. Tulip appeared, camera in hand as always, followed by Armani who was fussing with a rack of colorful outfits.

"Darling, you're not wearing that for the encore, are you?" Armani tsked, already pulling out a sparkling jacket. "This is your big finale!"

Tulip snapped a photo of Aisling's bemused expression. "Some things never change," she laughed. "Hey, Ash, smile for the camera! This is going in the tour documentary."

As Aisling posed for Tulip, her mind wandered to the challenges of the past year. Zayn's departure from One Direction three months after she left had sent shockwaves through the music industry. She remembered the late-night call from Niall, his voice thick with emotion.

"I don't know how we're going to do this without him, Ash," he had said.

"You'll find a way," she had reassured him. "You're stronger together, and your fans will support you no matter what."

Her relationship with Harry had weathered the storm of long-distance and busy schedules. They'd managed to collaborate on two songs for her album, and he'd surprised her by showing up at several of her tour dates.

As if summoned by her thoughts, Harry's voice came through on her earpiece. "Knock 'em dead, love. I'll be watching from the wings."

Aisling smiled, touching her earpiece. "Thanks, H. Love you."

"Love you too," came the reply, warm and reassuring.

Sophia appeared, looking as put-together as ever despite the tour's hectic schedule. "Ready for this?" she asked, a proud smile on her face. "You've come a long way since that first solo contract meeting."

Aisling nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for her manager's unwavering support. "More than ready. Sophia, I can't thank you enough for everything you've done."

Sophia waved off her thanks. "You did all the hard work, Aisling. I just pointed you in the right direction."

The familiar opening chords of her first hit single began to play. Aisling took a deep breath, hugged Emma quickly, and stepped out onto the stage. The roar of the crowd washed over her, and she felt a thrill of excitement. This was where she belonged.

Aisling poured her heart into every song, connecting with the audience in a way she'd only dreamed of a year ago. Before she knew it, it was time for the final song.

As Aisling began to speak to the audience, she was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Mind if we join you for this last one?"

The crowd erupted as One Direction - Harry, Niall, Liam, and Louis - walked onto the stage. Aisling felt tears prick at her eyes as she hugged each of them in turn.

"You guys!" she exclaimed into the mic. "What are you doing here?"

Niall grinned, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "Did you really think we'd miss your big finale, sis?"

Together, they launched into a special arrangement of "Echoes of You," their voices blending in perfect harmony. As they sang, Aisling locked eyes with each of them, remembering all the moments that had led to this one.

As the final notes faded away, Aisling looked out at the sea of faces, overwhelmed by the journey that had brought her to this moment.

"Thank you," she said into the microphone, her voice thick with emotion. "To every single one of you who has supported me on this incredible journey. To my family, my friends, my amazing team. And to four very special guys who gave me my start. This isn't an ending - it's a new beginning. I can't wait to share more music with you all!"

As the crowd cheered, Aisling felt Harry's arm slip around her waist. Niall stood on her other side, and together, they took a final bow.

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Later that night, as Aisling sat in her dressing room surrounded by her loved ones, she marveled at how far she'd come. From nervous opening act to successful solo artist, from Niall's little sister to a star in her own right.

"So, what's next for the great Aisling?" Louis asked, lounging on the couch.

Aisling laughed, shaking her head. "Honestly? I'm not sure."

"Well, whatever it is, obviously it's going to be amazing. We've got your back Aisling." Liam assured her.

Harry squeezed her hand. "Always," he added softly.

"Alright," Niall said, raising his glass. "To Aisling, and to whatever comes next!"

"To Aisling!" the room chorused.

As the night wore on and stories were shared, laughter echoing off the walls, Aisling looked around at the smiling faces of her family - both blood and chosen. The future stretched out before her, full of possibilities. There would be more albums, more tours, more challenges to face. But she knew that whatever came next, she was ready for it.

After all, this wasn't the end of her story. It was just the beginning of a brand new chapter.

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