InsaneJournal

who ? xavier ansari and aisling astor
when ? friday, 12th august
where ? music festival
what ? dancing
status ? complete



It had been one of their better performances. Not that Quake ever really had a bad performance, which in itself was rather pleasing. But today had felt extra energetic. Perhaps it was the festival, which was one of the better ones. It wasn’t as big as the ones they usually played, but the crown it attracted tended to be more responsive to performances. There were, of course, some people there just for them, but what was even more fun was that not all of the audience knew Quake. It was rather appealing to introduce new people to the fantastic music they played.

Once the set had finished, Aisling had packed her violin away, always the first port of call. But then she had joined the rest of the band, discussing how they felt the performance had gone. At some point Evan had appeared, him and Andrew sneaking off like teenagers, just as Aisling could call after them to enjoy their time. Which she had no doubt they would. Aisling felt very... energetic. It wasn’t unusual after performing, but usually when they did concerts there was a very limited amount of ways to release that energy. Festivals, though, were different.

Walking up to Xavier, she slid her hand in his, smiling at him widely. “Dance with me?” She asked hopefully.

--

Xavier made sure his guitars were packed away and managed to change into a different shirt, since the one he'd been wearing had gotten sweaty and gross while he was onstage thanks to a combination of it being summertime and the lights that had been on them. He felt good, buzzing with adrenaline that always took over while performing and after. And then he felt better, because Aisling’s hand was sliding into his, and he instinctively gave it a squeeze in response.

“I suppose I can,” he replied teasingly before lifting his arm up and twirling her beneath it. He pulled her in and let his other hand slide around her waist to the small of her back, fingers pressing in against her shirt.

--

Aisling moved closer as Xavier’s and came up to rest on her back, her own free hand moving to his side. There was an amused smiled playing on her lips. “I mean down in the crowds,” she commented with a laugh. “But I guess here’s good, too,” it was hardly as if there wasn’t music. If anything, backstage of a show had a lot more music than elsewhere. Though the festival proper may have some more sunshine, and also perhaps less watchful eyes.

Tugging on Xavier’s hand, Aisling pressed a light kiss against his cheek. “I’m even wearing dance appropriate shoes,” she informed him. Mostly, Aisling wasn’t wearing heels that would dig into the ground. But it hadn’t been raining (surprisingly) so it was hardly as if there was much mud to account for. “We could have all the fun with people bumping into us,” she added but didn’t actually do anything to move towards the crowds, rather enjoying the way her body moved slowly against Xavier’s, perhaps not quite to the rhythm of the music.

--

“I know what you meant,” Xavier said with a soft grin, resting his forehead against hers as they swayed to the music - slightly muffled because of where they were but still able to be heard. He figured they would move to a more dance appropriate place, but she'd asked and he'd simply wanted to oblige.

His gaze moved down to her feet at her mention of shoes, then back up to meet hers. “I'm sure we’ll have all the fun no matter where we are.” He hummed softly along with a song that was playing then leaned in to kiss her a moment. “Come on, let's go find a spot in the crowd.”

--

Kissing back, Aisling grinned into the kiss, licking her lips when Xavier pulled back. “Well, isn’t that deeply romantic,” she teased him but hardly disagreed. They did have fun, and clearly were managing just fine with the dancing whether it was in dance-appropriate places, or just backstage next to all their equipment.

Letting Xavier lead the way through the crowds, Aisling didn’t let go of his hand. When they finally stopped in what Aisling assumed was a good enough place, she brought her other arm up to rest lightly against Xavier’s shoulder. Her body move into his almost instantly. The music was loud around them, the vibration moving easily through their body. They blended into the crowd easily, everyone seemingly happy to just dance. “Is this okay?” Aisling asked with the smallest of frowns. She knew Xavier wasn’t terribly keen on crowds, but then, she did also assume he would’ve told her as much beforehand. Besides, she was there, doing her best at being an excellent distraction.

--

It was much different wandering out into the fray of the festival, considering their usual position up on a stage away from it, but there was something electric and pure fun about the energy of the crowd. Xavier snaked them through it until they got to a spot somewhere in the middle where there was a small pocket of space for them to fit without being smashed in with the people around them.

His arms rest easily around her, hands resting low on her back as they moved with the music, and he brushed a kiss against her frown before leaning in to be heard over the music. “It's okay.”

--

“Good,” Aisling confirmed with a nod, but also made a mental note to make sure she was being a good distraction. There was little doubt in Aisling’s mind that she could be. Her hips swayed easily against him, happy at both the closeness and the music. It had been far too long since Aisling had gone dancing, and much longer since she had so happily danced against someone.

Tilting her head towards Xavier, Aisling pulled him into another kiss. It was easy and sweet, effortless in many ways. The whole thing was really rather nice, and fun, even with the occasional person bumping into Aisling. Most that did, though, was just push her more against Xavier, so Aisling wasn’t convinced that was even a complaint. When the music changed to a faster pace, Aisling’s own didn’t quite match.

--

Despite the chatter and noise of the crowd, and the occasional bump from someone, it was easy to forget they weren't on their own. Then again, Xavier found it easy to get lost in moments like they when Aisling was there to focus on. And she was very easy to focus on, all close and dancing and smiling.

He returned her kiss gladly, fingertips sliding a little lower on her back as he pulled her in to kiss a bit deeper. Not that they'd ever been hiding what they were from anyone, but it felt good to be kissing her out where anyone could see. It had been nice in France, but also there at the festival. He let his forehead rest against hers when he pulled back, his eyes closed and a soft smile turning up the corners of his mouth.

--

Aisling liked it a lot. The dancing was nice, and the proximity was nice, but she also just liked how Xavier smiled. It made her smile in return, hips still swaying somewhat with the music, but mostly with the closeness. “This is nice,” she said softly, low enough for it not to be at a full volume, but probably also still loud enough to be heard by Xavier. And it really was very nice. “We should do this more often,” Aisling added but even to her it wasn’t particularly clear which bit exactly she was referring to.

Her shoes were getting muddy, Aisling could tell, despite her best efforts and belief that the ground wasn’t all that bad. It briefly crossed her mind that they could stop, but the thought faded just as quickly as it had come, because actually, Aisling realised, she didn’t mind sacrificing her shoes for this. “I realise,” Aisling said with a laugh. “You matter to me more than my shoes,” because that was where her mind had wondered. “It’s very high praise,” she assured because it really was. Aisling loved shoes.

--

Xavier gave a quiet hum in response, eyes blinking open slowly to look at her. “We should,” he agreed. So much of their relationship had taken place in their house that it was strange this was really only the second time they'd been out and about anywhere. “I might have to take you to some dance clubs back home in my neighborhood.”

He raised an eyebrow at her comment about her shoes, looking down again before smiling at her. “I matter more than your shoes?”

--

Aisling was almost certain that she had never ever been to a club like the ones in Xavier’s neighborhood. The alternative she could offer were fancy balls that mostly involved waltzing and talking about business investments. Somehow, she was rather sure his would be more fun. “I’d like that,” she replied honestly. Aisling thought it would probably take her a while to get comfortable but in the grand scheme of things, she was sure she could manage. Especially if Xavier was there. He made her instantly feel more comfortable.

“Yes,” she nodded with a laugh, also looking down at her shoes that were definitely not surviving as well as she was hoping for them to. “Just about,” she added teasingly looking back up at him again. “Well, these shoes,” Aisling corrected amused. “I’m not sure how you’d match up to my Michael Kors,” though, Aisling had a terrible suspicion Xavier would win that one, too.

--

“I haven't been to any of them in ages,” Xavier admitted, shrugging a shoulder. “My sisters go sometimes, though.” At least, he was pretty sure they did. He'd never been a big one for the clubs but also he would have been going by himself. Going with Aisling would be a different story altogether.

“Oh I see.” He looked down to her shoes again before pulling her in a little closer. “Well I'll take the compliment that I matter more than any of them at all. Because you have lots of fancy shoes.”

--

“We’ll go, then,” Aisling confirmed with a nod. It would certainly be an experience, she thought. “And to be very nice, I shan’t take you to any of the parties in my neighbourhood,” she added teasingly. Seeing how most would involve some degree of wearing a suit and participating in inane chat, Aisling felt she really was doing Xavier a favour there.

At Xavier’s words that he was taking Aisling’s shoe claims as a compliment, she grinned, before kissing him lightly. “I do have a lot of fancy shoes,” she agreed with a nod. “And I’m very fond of them, too,” Aisling added. She was, too. Aisling was not one to ever turn down a pretty shoe and there was a reason why she was very glad for charms that magically enhanced wardrobes. “So, really, it’s very high praise,” she told Xavier, a smile still on her lips but the tone slightly more serious.

--

Xavier was fairly certain he wouldn't fit in at any parties happening in Aisling’s neighborhood. Not that he was from some slum or anything, and he did clean up quite well, but it was bound to be fancy or stuffy and honestly, better to stay home where it was relaxing than deal with that.

He smiled against her kiss and gave a nod in response, because he really was quite aware of her love of her fancy shoes. “I know it is, and I'm quite proud,” he replied with an easy grin. He paused a moment as he pulled her in closer, waiting for the roar of the crowd to die down as they cheered after a song ended. “Speaking of my neighborhood, would you want to come to Sunday breakfast sometime?”

--

Xavier should be quite proud, Aisling though, but before she could repeatedly assure him of this, Xavier asked if she’d like to come for Sunday breakfast and Aisling blinked at him. It would have been easy to pretend that she didn’t understand the question, since it didn’t actually state that such breakfast would be had with the whole of Xavier’s immediate family. But Aisling, of course, knew better. She knew Xavier always went home on Sundays to see his family, always came back happy to have done so, too (which had taken Aisling a rather long time to figure out, since she had always assumed people disliked spending time with their families). So pretending she didn’t understand the full extent of the invite would have been rather silly.

Aisling mostly just wanted to ask why he’d want her to. Of course, they were dating, had been for a much longer time than either of them had originally realised. In fact, Andrew had even asked Aisling if she was going to meet Xavier’s mum (which, really, she had already, but not as his girlfriend), Aisling just hadn’t quite expected for the invite to come so soon (or at all). “Would you like me to?” She asked somewhat dumbly, because presumably he would’ve hardly asked if he didn’t. “Won’t your--” Aisling bit her lower lip briefly there. “Won’t your family mind?” That seemed like a fair question, since, after all, these breakfasts were family affairs.

--

Maybe he should have found a better time to ask, or at least that was his first thought with the way Aisling was blinking at him. Xavier had been meaning to ask her, but it never seemed to come up. The mentions of places back home had brought it to the forefront of his mind, and it had popped out without him realizing it might seem out of the blue. He rubbed his thumb against where it was resting on her back, giving a little shake of his head.

“I'd like you to if you want to, but if you don't, that's okay,” he said, not wanting her to feel like she had to go. It wouldn't change anything between them either way. Though he was starting to think that asking had put some sort of pressure on them that usually wasn't there, and he hadn't meant for that to happen. “Of course they won't mind. You know they like you, right?”

--

Aisling wasn’t quite convinced that refusing was necessarily just as okay as accepting. Or rather, perhaps, she wouldn’t be if it was someone other than Xavier. She did actually trust that Xavier meant what he said. At his words that his family liked her, Aisling gave a small shake of her head. “Well, yeah, as your band mate, a friend, maybe, but not--” And there she paused, both in her words and in her movements, suddenly standing quite still amongst all the people dancing around them.

“Oh my god,” Aisling exhaled suddenly. “I’m nervous,” she told him completely honesty. It wasn’t meant as much for Xavier, though, as it was for herself. Aisling wasn’t really someone who got nervous about anything. She had played No. 2 first violin for the Philharmonia Orchestra, and this was what she felt nervous about? Meeting Xavier’s parents, not even for the first time? “Yes, of course I’ll come,” she said finally, giving a laugh. “Your family’s lovely,” and they really were. “Maybe your mum can show me some of your baby pictures,” she added teasingly.

--

Xavier’s brow furrowed as he watched her, about to interject that he didn't see how meeting her in reference as a band mate and friend would make their views different than as his girlfriend, but then she stopped moving and his hands slid back to rest on her hips as he did the same. At her admission, he gave them a light squeeze and leaned in to press a kiss against her forehead.

“I know my sisters are very intimidating and scary, but there's no need to be nervous,” he teased gently. He understood, because he didn't know how he would be about going to something with Aisling’s family, but their families were also very different. “I'm sure mum will show you anything you want. Right after she stuffs you full of food.”

--

Xavier’s sisters were neither intimidating nor scary, they were lovely and Xavier was right, Aisling shouldn’t feel nervous. It didn’t stop her from feeling so, though. Which in its own right was a rather... interesting experience. Beginning to move again, but leaning far more into Xavier than she had done before, Aisling laughed softly at his announcement that his mother was going to stuff Aisling full of food. “A faith I am happy to accept,” she replied amused. From the food Xavier’s mum had sent home with him, and the recipes she had given Aisling to cook for Eid, Aisling was pretty sure she was hardly going to object to Mrs Ansari’s cooking.

“My family’s very different,” she said softly, only sure that he’d hear it because of how close Aisling was. “They’d disapprove,” Aisling added, not particularly wanting to say it, but she hoped that perhaps it illustrated why she felt nervous about meeting Xavier’s family in the status of his girlfriend. “I guess, I would just expect your family, any family, to also disapprove,” for many reasons, many of which came down to ugly things like money and race and religion.

--

Once Aisling leaned into him again, Xavier's arms curled around her back and held her in close as they moved. His family would be fine, he knew. His mum had been asking when he would bring her around, so it wasn't like he was springing her on them or anything. They didn't have to go that Sunday, or the following one even. Just sometime, whenever she felt up to it.

He frowned softly when she mentioned how her family would disapprove, but he wasn't all too surprised. It didn't make hearing the words any less sad. He tilted his head, pressing a soft kiss against her hair. “They already approve,” he said quietly. “And even if they didn't, it's not really their place to tell me who I'm allowed to be with.”

--

Well, no, that was a sentiment Aisling could easily relate to. She had never particularly cared for whether her family approved of the people she chose to go out with. If anything, Aisling had always preferred when they didn’t. Except Xavier was different. Aisling would’ve liked to tell him that he was enough for her family, but frankly barely anyone ever was. What Xavier was, though, at least right now and right there, was enough for Aisling and that was really the only thing that mattered.

“Am I to bring something?” Aisling asked so they could move away from discussing her family. “What do girlfriends bring to Sunday breakfasts? Things that aren’t insanely expensive wine,” because Aisling was pretty good at buying that, but she also assumed she’d just end up drinking the whole bottle and that was almost definitely not something you did when meeting your boyfriend’s parents. Even if you had met them already. Especially not ones who didn’t drink. “How does your mum feel about overpriced pastries?” Because Aisling could provide those, also. She could mostly provide anything and everything that cost a great deal of money. Not that she planned to buy their affections, but it was a natural response to her.

--

Xavier gave a little shake of his head and laughed softly. “I don't know, I've never had one to bring to breakfast,” he said with a shrug. “Definitely not wine. I don't think you need to bring anything? Mum’s just glad to get everyone together in the same place, she wouldn't expect you to bring anything, especially not food.”

His brow furrowed as he tried to think of something, because he understood the need or want to bring something when going to a person’s house. “Just yourself, which sounds silly but… I don't know, I can't think of anything but that.”

--

“Helpful,” Aisling said teasingly. She both did and did not get the fact that she wasn’t obliged to bring something. If Aisling cooked a meal for someone, especially a group, she never expected something to be brought along, but that didn’t mean she didn’t feel the overpowering need to bring something. “Maybe flowers,” she commented thoughtfully, her hips having returned to much easier swing than before.

Flowers, Aisling could do. And who didn’t like flowers, right? And she’d have to find something nice to wear. A thought which caused her to press her forehead against Xavier’s shoulder and give a soft laugh. “I’m genuinely now trying to think of what nice dresses I own that I could wear. And I’ve met your mother. I think the last time I saw her I was wearing shorts and yet--” Aisling gave another laugh. “It’s all very silly,” she announced because it was.

--

“Flowers would be nice,” Xavier conceded, because they were something pretty and small and nice to get. And they seemed like less of a gift of obligation than most things people would bring for a visit. Like wine or something like that. Plus he was sure flowers would find their way to a vase on the table or counter quite quickly for everyone to enjoy.

He grinned softly at what she said, tilting his head to kiss her a long moment. “It's quite silly,” he agreed. “I'm sure you'll look beautiful no matter what you wear.” Considering he usually wore jeans to breakfast, he didn't think there was any chance she wouldn't out-dress him even if she didn't try. “And it'll be fine, I promise.”

--

Even Aisling’s least fancy clothes were still pretty fancy. As she had told Laurel weeks earlier, if one only had nice clothes, they could never not look well in them. Which just made her nervousness so much more ridiculous. Of course, concentrating on presents and clothes was much easier than to think of the chance that Xavier was wrong and his family would disapprove. That, too, was silly, because Aisling had no reason at all to suspect he was incorrect.

“Okay,” Aisling nodded at Xavier’s promise, before tilting her head so she could kiss him softly. “I’m still probably going to be nervous, but I do want to come,” she told him honestly. There was no sense in pretending that Aisling wasn’t going to overthink it, but that hardly meant she had any intention to refuse the invite. “For as long as you’re happy to bring me,” she added just in case. Redundantly, most likely, but Aisling couldn’t help saying it.

--

“Okay,” Xavier echoed, letting one of his hands move up her back and rest between her shoulder blades, keeping her held in close to him even after she wasn't kissing him anymore. “Of course I'll be happy to bring you,” he added, kissing the tip of her nose with a smile. “And I understand the nervous thing. Just know that I'll be right there and if my sisters are mean to you, I'll pinch them or something.”

They wouldn't be, he knew that. Just like he knew his parents would gladly accept Aisling to their breakfast table during their weekly family meal, whenever she was able to go. Xavier rest their foreheads together as they swayed to the slower music that had started, getting lost in it and the crowd with her as they enjoyed the other side of the festival for once.