I finally wrote it... an Ako gets a brand fic! I'm so happy! I even designed a dress for her, but unfortunately you can't see it on . If you go to my Wattpad, you can see it, though! It's sach216 on Wattpad, so go find it and enjoy there! :D

I do not own Aikatsu Stars!

~0~

"Mita koto mo nai keshiki mi ni ikou!
Bōken ga hajimaru yo It's just new world!"

Her dance finished, and Ako posed for the end of the song. She waved cheerfully to her crowd, before going back to the tent that was set up for her.

Ako was doing an event for a local children's carnival with a huge turn out. It was a great opportunity for her.

After changing back into her S4 uniform, she returned to the middle of the tent to take a quick break and relax. When she stepped in, however, she spotted a woman standing in the center. She had dark colored roots and bright green hair in a single braid over her shoulder, a dark pair of cat eye sunglasses over her eyes, an orange button down dress, and a red shoulder bag.

"Excuse me," Ako said to the stranger, "people aren't allowed in here."

"Saotome Ako," the woman said, pointing at her suddenly.

Ako raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"I want you to be my muse."

Ako blinked. The words processed in her head. Her face turned red, "What?" she cried.

The woman nodded, crossing an arm and using the other to push her sunglasses up to rest on her head and reveal sparkling brown eyes, "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kimura Sachiko. My brand is Neon Neko. I want you to be my muse."

Ako calmed down and slowly approached the woman. "How come I have never heard of Neon Neko?"

Sachiko smiled, "Well, my dear, that would be because my brand hasn't launched yet. I want your help with my release."

Ako paused.

She continued, reaching into her bag and pulling out a device. "Here are some samples of my designs."

Ako took the small tablet and inspected it. She was faced with a normal dress design. Bright colors with softer ones bounced together in the outfit. It was nice for a normal coord, but nothing stood out to her.

"There's more," Sachiko said, swiping the screen to the side and reveal a new design.

The next few were rare designs, carrying the same bright colors theme with hints of "Neko."

Her stomach churned at the sight of all of them. A deep part inside of her said that she wanted to wear those dresses.

Ako pushed the tablet away, handing it back to Sachiko, "They're nice, but I still… I still want FuwaFuwa Dream."

Sachiko's eyebrows dipped into a frown, "Why? FuwaFuwa Dream have gotten their muse already, Hanazono Kirara. If you are still striving for them, the most you will get would probably be double muses. No offense to that but, do you really want that? Plus, with her idol image, the brand would become a pop-cute type. While you are pop you are definitely not cute. You are more pop-cool. That's the image I am trying to send with my brand. That's why I want you, Saotome-san."

Ako stuttered for a response, she was right. Was she going to deny a clear offer right in front of her? "I, uh… can I have a few days to think about it?"

Sachiko smiled, "Of course, dear." She handed Ako a card, "Give me a call whenever." She stepped to the exit but turned back briefly, "I designed Neon Neko specifically for you."

Ako gasped and stared at the empty space. She didn't know what to say.

"Saotome-san! You're out again in five!" someone called into the tent.

Ako jumped out of her thoughts, "Oh, okay! Thank you!"

She would have to think about this later.

~0~

Ako carried her notebook to the S4 gardens, where the other girls were.

"Hey Ako-chan!" Yume greeted.

Ako waved, taking her seat beside Mahiru.

"What's that?" Mahiru questioned the notebook.

Ako took a deep breath. "I got an offer for a brand."

She was met with a moment of silence, before getting surprised reactions.

"For real?" Yume gasped.

"That's great!" Laura cheered.

"What's the brand?" Mahiru asked.

"Neon Neko." Ako replied.

Koharu hummed, "I haven't heard of that."

"The brand designer told me that it was new," Ako informed. "But… I am unsure if I want to join or not."

"Why not?" Yume blinked.

Mahiru cut off her answer, "How about we look at some of the designs first?"

Ako nodded, pulling open her notebook to where Kimura-san had sent her more copies of her designs. She pushed it over to Mahiru, who began inspecting them.

Laura, Koharu, and Yume crowded around the beauty as they flipped through the designs and commented on them. Ako, however, wasn't paying any attention. Her mind was whirling with decision making factors.

"This… really looks like you," Mahiru said, catching Ako's attention.

Ako blinked at her in confusion.

"I mean," she continued, "it suits you. It really seems like your style."

Laura nodded, "I agree. The colors, the style. It's perfect for you, Ako!"

Ako ducked her head.

Koharu glanced at her, "You don't think so?"

"It's not that," Ako muttered. "I really like it. I would love to wear it. But…"

"But?" Yume blinked.

A cheery voice popped into the garden, "Heyo everyone!"

Lily trailed behind the bubbly blonde, "Hello."

"Yuzu-senpao, Lily-senpai, hey!" Yume greeted.

Yuzu took a seat at her chair. "Shiny Smile is getting ready to release a summer line of clothes! Yuzu has to get ready for a new pop brand too, FuwaFuwa Dream won't top Yuzu!"

Ako looked down sadly.

"FuwaFuwa Dream?" Yume repeated, looking at Ako.

Lily looked over them, "What seems to be the matter?"

Laura pulled up and crossed her arms casually, "Ako got a brand offer."

Lily's eyes widened a fraction, she smiled, "I see. That is good news."

"Eh?" Yuzu gasped, "Then why do you look so sad, Ako-chan?"

"I can't make a decision," Ako admitted to all of them, "between FuwaFuwa Dream or Neon Neko."

Lily passed the notebook that Mahiru had handed to her back down to the table, having looked over the designs, "Plato once said, "A good decision is based on knowledge, not numbers." In short, you should base your decision on what you know and not on calculations."

"Don't worry, Ako," Yume smiled, "we'll help you decide!"

Ako returned the smile, "Thank you, everyone."

Laura opened the notebook, grabbing the pen, "Okay! Let's start with pros and cons!"

Together, they made a list that would help Ako make a decision.

~0~

A script sat untouched in front of her, because a notebook sat on top of it. The page was divided in half, with two lists, one labeled "pros" and the other labeled "cons." The list under pros was much longer than cons. It was the list that the girls had helped her create. And, while very helpful, she still had to make her choice.

Ako muttered angrily to herself over the sound of the water surrounding the gazebo. "It's clear that joining Neon Neko would be the wisest choice for me but what about FuwaFuwa Dream? I still loved the designs I saw from them. But Kimura-san is right… Kirara's image isn't mine…" Ako buried her face in her hands, letting out a groan then lifting her face again. "Okay! Time to check my brain database! Tick tick tick..." The ticking went on, as Ako couldn't decide.

A voice spoke, surprising her, "What's this?"

Ako jumped and spun around, spotting the teen in his tracksuit, "Kanata-senpai!"

Kanata looked over her at her page, "Can't find an answer in you database?"

Ako turned red and pushed the notebook away from his gaze, "Y-yeah…"

Kanata swiftly took a seat at the bench parallel to her. "Your decision seems pretty clear."

Ako ducked her head, "Maybe, but… I still can't choose." She paused, letting a silence fall over them. She began to explain to Kanata her situation.

Kanata listened to her, before responding, "It seems like you have a clear decision."

Ako clutched her chest, "Yes but… I feel like if I choose Neon Neko then I'll betray FuwaFuwa Dream."

"Remember, FuwaFuwa Dream has Hanazono Kirara," Kanata said. "The only one you will betray is yourself. Think of what you want. If you still want to try to get FuwaFuwa Dream then do it. If you want to try Neon Neko then do that."

Ako slowly lifted her head, "What do you think?"

Kanata stood up, tapping his shoe back, "I think… that whatever you choose, I'll support you." With that he resumed his jog, calling back a quick farewell.

Ako's face burned red. She held her fists in front of her, nodding to herself. Okay, she would be making her decision soon.

~0~

Ako raised her fist to knock on the door she was directed to.

"Come in," a voice called from the opposite side.

Ako pushed the door open and slipped inside, "Good morning, Kimura-san."

Sachiko was sitting at a desk at the center of the room, one with bookshelves lining the back walls and tables and models dressed in clothes and fabric sprawled all over. She stood up at the sight of Ako. "Saotome-san! What a surprise! Please, come take a seat."

"Thank you," Ako said, sitting down, "I'm sorry to come in suddenly like this."

Sachiko pushed some of her papers to the side, and Ako spotted designs drawn on them. "It's no problem." She settled down, "So what can I do for you?"

Ako took a deep breath and said, "I have made a decision."

Sachiko's face lit up, but she managed to stay calm, "Is that so? What have you decided?"

Ako smiled at Sachiko, "I would like to become the muse of Neon Neko."

Sachiko grinned brightly and she jumped up, "Yes! Thank you, Saotome-san! We'll be great together, I promise!"

Ako laughed, and shook Sachiko's hand tightly.

"We'll have to get the press release set, then get the premium rare dress out, and then we can start with everything else, and- oh! It's going to be a lot of work!" Sachiko rambled. "Are you still in?"

"I wouldn't be the theater class member of S4 if I wasn't ready to do all the work," Ako said proudly.

Sachiko brightened, "Of course! Let's organize everything, shall we?"

Ako nodded, "Alright."

~0~

A panel was set in a medium sized room, news reporters filling the room to capacity. Ako peeked through the curtain momentarily, then turned back to face Sachiko.

"Okay, we can do this. This is our first step, Saotome-chan!" she said.

Ako smiled and nodded, "It is. We will surely do well from here."

Sachiko raised her hand to give Ako a high five, "Okay! Good luck!"

Ako returned the five just as one of the crew members called for her. It was time. Ako stepped up to the long table and took a seat at the single chair in the center. The large screen behind her played simple patterns around the Four Star Academy logo. Cameras were already clicking and Ako was sure some videos were recording as well.

"Welcome, everyone," Ako greeted. "I, Saotome Ako, have made an important decision for my future as an idol. I am here to announce my new position as muse to a brand, Neon Neko!" Ako raised her hands as the logo appeared on the screen behind her. Cameras clicked diligently. "I have joined the top designer, Kimura Sachiko-san in order to produce a new line of pop type attire."

"Saotome-san! What about FuwaFuwa Dream? Didn't you want to be their muse?" A reporter asked.

Ako nodded, "Yes, that is true. However, as everyone is well aware of, Hanazono Kirara was given the position of muse of FuwaFuwa Dream. I have already tried my hand at becoming the muse, but was not successful. I am very glad to have met Kimura-san and join Neon Neko. In the end, I believe that I made the right choice. I cannot wait to share the wonderful designs of the brand with everyone."

"When does your first premium rare dress drop?" Another voice called.

"Thank you for the question," Ako replied, "I will be performing in the first premium rare dress of Neon Neko next Friday at the Silver Center Hall. Everyone is welcome to join!"

After answering a few more questions, Ako made it backstage again to meet with Sachiko. Sachiko grinned, "Great job out there, Saotome-chan!"

"But of course," Ako retorted with a smile.

"Here's to the start of our journey," Sachiko said, passing Ako a glass of water and holding her own.

Ako nodded, "Yeah!"

~0~

When Ako returned to Four Star that evening, she was confronted by an upset person.

"Ako-chan!" Kirara whined as she jumped in front of Ako, "What have you done?"

Ako stepped back in surprise, "Kirara? What are you doing here?"

"I came to find you after I saw your press release!" Kirara explained quickly. "Why did you do it, Ako-chan? You could've joined me in FuwaFuwa Dream! We would be great together!" Tears streamed down her face exaggeratedly.

Ako frowned, "No. FuwaFuwa Dream is perfect for you, Kirara. Perhaps if Neon Neko had not shown up, then I might have joined you… but now I won't. I have Kimura-san and together we will succeed to become better than any other pop type brand, even FuwaFuwa Dream!" She began to move around Kirara and continue to her dorm.

Kirara angrily pointed her finger at Ako, "You said you loved FuwaFuwa Dream! How can you betray them like this?"

Ako froze. She betrayed them? The words sent her back a few days, to when she was at the gazebo with Kanata. "The only one you will betray is yourself. Think of what you want."

Ako spun around, "No, Kirara. The only one I would betray is myself, if I hadn't chosen Neon Neko. I am working for my fans and for myself."

"B-But, I am your fan!" Kirara gasped.

"Not. Like. This." Ako hissed. She pointed to the exit gate, "Go home, Kirara! Don't bother me with FuwaFuwa Dream like this again!"

Kirara's eyes watered, this time with real tears, Ako could tell.

Ako flinched, then lowered her arm to her side. She sighed, "Kirara… FuwaFuwa Dream and Neon Neko are now rivaling pop brands. That makes you my rival now, more so than before. I can't lose to you."

Kirara sniffed, straightening up, "Y-You're right, Ako-chan. I-I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry, too," Ako admitted.

Kirara stuck out her hand, "Then, let's be rivals."

A smile grew on Ako's face, "Deal."

With that, the two parted ways, Kirara skipping over to her ride parked outside, "Goodnight, Ako-chan! Don't slack off on your aikatsu! I'll beat you!"

"No you won't!" Ako called back with a laugh. She returned to her walk to the S4 dorms. On her way down the lit path, a voice called out to her.

"Congratulations," Kanata said.

Ako spun around, "Oh! Y-You saw?"

He nodded as he strolled towards her.

"What are you doing out so late?" Ako asked.

"Late recording for our album," Kanata replied.

Ako nodded. A comfortable silence fell over them.

Kanata glanced at her, "I imagine you'll be more busy now."

Ako shrugged, "Yes, but it's nothing that I cannot handle."

He stuffed his hands into his pockets and opened his mouth and closed it again.

Ako raised an eyebrow in confusion. What was he doing?

"So um," Kanata stuttered and Ako's eyebrows raised to her hairline in shock. Kanata never stuttered. And why did his face seem darker, despite their dark setting? "When things settle down for you again, we should coordinate a day off together."

Ako blinked, "A day off… you mean- oh!" Her face burned red in realization. H-He was asking her out?! What was he thinking? Did she want this? Well, yes, maybe she did. Or maybe she was over thinking it like usual and he just wanted to practice or something. But would he stutter? Why did he stutter? And he was blushing! Even if it was to rehearse or talk idol business… Ako decided that she wanted to spend time with him.

She realized that she was quiet for too long when Kanata let out a sigh and took a small step back.

"It's-"

"No!" Ako cried suddenly. Shock plastered over his face and Ako scolded her word choice, "No! I mean, wait! Yes, yes we can uh, hang out one day." She ducked her head and played with her fingers nervously.

A silence fell over them again.

"My premium dress reveal day is Friday," Ako said, even though she was sure he already knew, "you should... come, if you can."

Kanata nodded, "I was planning on it."

Ako smiled, her cheeks tinting pink, "Then, I'll see you there."

He agreed, and with a goodnight they split ways, Ako mentally preparing herself to give one of her best performances yet.

~0~

Silver Center Hall, KiraKira City. A huge crowd had gathered for the unveiling of the new brand's premium rare dress.

Ako took in deep breaths as she steadied herself in her dressing room. A knock came from her door, and she called out an "enter."

Yume, Laura, Mahiru, and Koharu filed inside.

"Ako-chan! It's the big day!" Yume cheered, carrying a box and placing it on a table.

"How are you feeling?" Laura asked.

"Nervous," Ako admitted.

"Don't be," Mahiru said. "You have nothing to worry about."

Koharu nodded, "I bet your stage is going to be spectacular."

Ako placed a hand over her coord cards on the table, nodding, "Yeah…"

Yume opened up the box she brought, revealing a black frosted cake with a cartoon like doodle of her face on the top with the message "Good luck Ako-chan!"

Ako smiled, but blinked at it, "A black cake?"

"Ah," Yume held up a finger and pulled out the cake. Quickly, she cut a slice and presented it to Ako.

Ako's eyes widened in surprise. The inside of the cake was layered with colors of the rainbow and white frosting. "Wow! I don't know what to say."

Yume grinned, "Don't say anything, eat up!"

Koharu came up beside Yume, "We wanted it to be neon, like Neon Neko."

Ako nodded through a mouthful. "It certainly achieves it."

A knock interrupted the girls as they shared the cake. "Enter," Ako called again.

The door opened and Sachiko peeked in, "Heyo, Saotome-chan!"

"Kimura-san," Ako greeted. "Oh," she looked around as Sachiko entered the room fully, "these are my friends," she introduced them all.

"Nice to meet you all," Sachiko said, "I know that you are all talented designers."

Ako smiled, as Yume and Koharu became embarrassed while Mahiru and Laura looked proud, "Yes they are."

"That reminds me, Ako," Mahiru said, "what is your dress like?"

Ako smirked, "It's a surprise, obviously."

Yume whined, "Not even a hint?"

Ako shook her head, "Nope!"

Laura laughed, "I guess it's fair."

Sachiko smiled, "Well, you should wrap up in here. You're going up in just a few minutes."

Ako nodded seriously, "You're right."

"You'll do great," Sachiko said meaningfully.

"Thank you," Ako smiled.

As Sachiko stepped towards the door to leave, the door slammed open suddenly, a bright blue and pink haired girl panting against the frame.

"Kirara?" Ako gasped.

Kirara raised a finger as she regained steady breathing, "Sorry, I'm late…"

Ako shook her head, "It's okay. I'm glad you were able to make it."

Kirara leaped forward, "You better do good! Your dress better look great!"

Ako crossed her arms and huffed, "Of course it does."

The girls laughed, and Koharu offered Kirara cake as Ako collected herself. With the support of her friends she felt a lot more calm.

A crew member came by to tell her that it was her time. The girls separated with quick farewells and good luck calls, and Ako took her stage.

"Hello everyone! Thank you for making it out to my premium dress unveiling performance!" Ako cried out, waving happily. "I am so excited to share it with everyone! Before I take my stage, however, I would like to thank some people. First of all, my fellow members of S4 and my friends at Four Star Academy. My rivals who urge me to continue working harder. Those who have supported me for a long time since my rising as an idol. And finally, Kimura Sachiko-san, Neon Neko's designer!" Ako grinned, hugging her hands close. "I would like all of my supporters to know that you can make it to where you want to be if you keep trying and working hard for it. Now watch as I dazzle you with my performance!"

Readying herself to run through the aikatsu system, Ako glanced down at her coord. The Neon Yarn Coord. The top was a bright yellow bodice with a patch of rainbow at the stomach and rainbows on the chest, accented with black divisions to make it pop more, with a puffy left sleeve and a yarn like fluff at the end, along with a left hand fingerless glove and many wristbands on the right hand. The bottom was a pair of rainbow bubble pants with a green skirt and long ribbons hanging off of it, each connected by a black piece on three parts. The shoes were lace up boots in the same green as the skirt, open to the skin in the front and a black toe. The accessory was a cat ear shaped headband, covered in rainbow yarn and black pompom earrings.

With a deep breath, she said, "Saotome Ako, making a dazzling entrance!"

~0~

Ako panted as she raised her hands into the air, the music of her performance resonating through the hall.

A great cheer erupted, and Ako waved happily to all of her audience. After the event came to an end, Ako went back to her dressing room to celebrate with her friends. She and Sachiko then exchanged many thanks and congratulations with each other. It was late by the time Ako was able to get to bed.

She lay back, on her mobile, checking her schedule for the next day quickly, when a message came to her directly. Curious about who was contacting her at such a late hour, Ako opened it.

"You had a spectacular performance. Congratulations."

Ako smiled as she read the sender's name. With a warm face, she finally put her mobile down and turned to her side, closing her eyes with a wide smile. Things were wonderful.

~0~

Ugh, I really wanted to bach Kirara in this but then I went and tried to be nice to her cuz I felt bad... woe is I. TnT Ending sucks, sorry

Thanks for reading and leave a review!