To quickly explain this fic (and the funky title), this is a reworked story, meant to be a rewritten version of my late, long deleted fanfic I wrote in 2015, The Idol Dream. I was really sad when I had to come to terms with it being gone forever, so I thought the best way to honor it would be to write a new version! A lot of the plot points are things I directly remember from the 6 year old original (with some new things too, of course), so read this in a time capsule sort of way. Some things may seem ironic or "the way old Vocaloid fanfiction used to be" now, and there will be some tongue in cheek jokes to figure out as well. I hope to bring nostalgia to you, in some way. Anyway, thank you so much for clicking/reading, I really hope you enjoy! *heart* Long live Negitoro and Rinku (even though it's one-sided, I'm sorry I did that to you, Rin. I love you please don't take it personally)! Also posted on AO3 if you prefer reading there.
Hatsune Miku stepped out of the shower, haphazardly reaching for her hairbrush and combing through her long, teal locks. It was a special day tomorrow after all, and she couldn't let her hair be tangly. How did it get so long? Miku didn't know!
She also had no idea what would be in store for her the next day. The tealette had two very important plane tickets burning a hole in her pocket. Although, they weren't just any old tickets to visit family, or for a 'luxurious' school trip. It was to live in Tokyo; to fulfill her dream of becoming an idol with her best friend Kagamine Rin.
Ever since Miku was a little kid, whenever the adults around her would ask the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" she would always reply with the same word and an enthusiastic, cheerful, innocent, so-bright-her-teeth-will-blind-you grin.
"A singer!"
She was always drawing pictures of frilly, dazzling, magical idols. She preferred to watch recordings of sparkly concerts instead of boring movies. And purchased magazines to get the scoop on what the latest was in the glamorous idol world instead of books. She also performed her own lives every week for her celebrity posters (which took up her entire wall. You'd never know there was white underneath!). She thought it was good practice, but... it was embarrassing, so she could never tell a soul! It was between her, her idol posters, and the ghosts!
Every single singer completely entranced her with their enticing style and raw talent. They practically weren't human to the girl, they were almost human-like goddesses.
Miku had an extreme loyalty towards one idol in particular, though. Her name was Megurine Luka, and Miku was convinced she heard the voice of a mystical angel when she discovered her. There was no doubt in the tealette's mind, Megurine Luka was sent straight from Heaven to bless the Earth with her vocal cords! She had the silkiest, shiniest pink hair on the planet, which Miku admired so much she tried to copy (home dyeing was a disaster). Voluptuous, feminine, perfect curves that any woman would be jealous of, and her voice! Miku could write an entire book about how much she loved it! It was soothing, yet emotional. Powerful, like she was yelling her true feelings on top of a road roller to someone sitting on a skyscraper. Yet soft and gentle, like a warm hot chocolate with melted marshmallows when your throat gets parched. Totally unique to Megurine Luka and Megurine Luka only.
How long had it been since she found the girl she idolized? It felt like years, but like it was just yesterday at the same time. She couldn't remember a time when she didn't aspire to be just like her, yet Miku's fragile heart was still filled to the brim with new curiosity about the singer. The specific numbers didn't matter too much, though - the only thing that was dire in the moment was getting a good night's rest. Not before doing her skincare routine, like every idol admirer and actual idol alike.
As she applied her toner and face cream, the tealette had to control herself from completely pinging off of the walls. She was so excited to go to Tokyo, to start her dream career, and to do it all with her childhood best friend.
It felt like if she pinched herself, she would wake up. But no matter how many times she did, she was still able to stare back at her youthful reflection in the mirror.
Tomorrow, her journey would begin, and she would live a brand new life as an apprentice idol in the big city. She couldn't wait to sleep, since it meant the special day would come even sooner.
Although, sleeping was a hard task when she was so exhilarated. It would be difficult, but would fall asleep eventually, she thought.
She snuggled under the covers, holding her favorite plush cat and resting her head on the pillow. She was just staring at the wall... hopefully her thrilled heart would stop beating so rapidly, so she could be energized for the busy day of traveling the next day.
"MIKU-CHAAAAAAAN!" a voice screeched like nails on a chalkboard, making Miku pop up in a startled, trembling fashion. "WE'RE GOING TO BE LATE IF YOU DON'T GET UP, LIKE, RIGHT NOW!" the mystery figure continued to scream, yanking the wannabe idol out of her fluffy comforter.
When Miku finally opened her eyes with a groan, she was locked into immersive cerulean orbs. For a split second she really thought she was going to be murdered by some serial killer, but much to her delight it was her best friend. Rin-chan! They had been friends since their first year of middle school, and were inseparable ever since. They bonded as they discovered they both had the same penguin notebook, and the same brand of scented pencils. Rin's was an orange aroma while Miku's was leek, but it was still a neat coincidence to them. From that day on they became the best of friends, doing everything hand in hand. Rin was the only person who could not only put up with Miku's idol obsession, but went as far as to cheer her on, which made something about their relationship even deeper.
"Oh!" the tealette called out with a yawn. "Rin-chan! You're here!" she smiled, hugging onto her pillow happily with her spare arm. She stole a glance at her side table, curious as to what time it was. The warm sunshine was pouring through the pale pink curtains, the blue birds were chirping, the neighbor next door was mowing his lawn which Miku happened to sleep through, and the clock read- THEY'RE GOING TO BE LATE! "WE'RE GONNA BE LATE!" Miku's eyes bugged out frantically, hopping up and snatching random things out of her closet.
If there was one thing that wasn't entirely random or a mistake, it was her Megurine Luka concert shirt. She had never been to her live herself before, but she treasured the piece of merchandise she purchased off of some online auction site. She knew that no matter what today threw at her, she would be okay as long as Luka-san could cheer her on. "MIKU, DON'T CHANGE IN FRONT OF ME!" Rin's high pitched, energetic voice rang and bounced off the walls.
"BUT YOU'RE RUSHING ME~" the tealette whined, throwing on a simple skirt and dashing to the bathroom to brush her teeth. She might not have had time to do her mascara, blush, and sparkly lip gloss like she wanted to do, but she had time for necessities. And that included throwing her hair up into her signature twintails, of course! "BY THE WAY-" Miku switched to her inside voice when she saw her best friend standing next to her, arms crossed. "How did you get into my house? I mean, I'm happy since I almost over overslept, but..."
"Miku-chan, you gave me a key. Years ago," Rin replied stoically as she tapped her foot. She was the type of girl to get super stressed out about these things, so Miku was sure she didn't feel exactly nice right now... but they were almost on their way right then, and that was all that mattered.
"Oh!" Miku mumbled through her intensely fast teeth brushing session. "I forgot!" she spit, grabbing some hair ties and persuading her hair to split in two equal sizes so the ponytails didn't look awkward. "Thank you for waking me up! Thank you, thank you, thank you~!"
Rin softly chuckled. "Don't worry about it, I knew you'd probably do this. Since you're so excitable, you didn't get to bed until what, midnight?" the blonde playfully nudged her bestie as she joked.
Miku shook her head. "No! No... what makes you think that?" Miku blushed, her cheeks visibly turning a dark crimson as she fought with her long hair. She avoided eye contact with the girl; it was so embarrassing having her best friend read her like a book... "Maybe it was... a little later than that..." she practically whispered, praying that Rin wouldn't catch her little comment.
Rin sighed. "You're going to be totally dead today, huh? Get some sleep on the plane for me or else it'll be trouble," she more demanded than suggested, clicking on her smart phone and glancing at the time once more. Miku knew Rin was doing it because she cared about her, and the tealette really appreciated her friend's big sister mentality. Even if Miku was the older one... so embarrassing that she can't act her age! "Time to get a move on! I expect you to follow me to my car!"
"But what about-" Miku chimed in, but was immediately interrupted.
"We can get breakfast once we go through security. Let's go or we'll miss the plane!" She grasped Miku's dainty hand, her polkadot hairbrush falling as the only thing she had time to grab was her singular piece of luggage. The baggage fees were high, and she had plenty of new things she would be gaining in Tokyo, so she had no need for petty items. Good thing she packed days ago, it was a burden off of her (and Rin's) shoulders to be able to just grab it. She would have liked to double check her bag, but she didn't have the time for that nor the drive. She was leaving a lot behind, but... it was for the best. For her dream!
"But..." she yelped like a sad puppy craving a bone, doing a pretty good impression of the animal's doe eyes while doing so. "You're buying me something chocolate flavored~!" she called out playfully as Rin dragged her out to their destination - the blonde's PT cruiser.
It didn't take them long to load the two suitcases in, and hop into the driver's and passenger's seat respectively. Miku dreamily gazed out of the car window, glancing at every little tree and landmark she wouldn't see for years to come. Before she could get sad thinking about how much she would miss the rock that had a perfect imprint of a fat toad, she turned her interest to her best friend. Rin's hands were gripped tightly to the steering wheel, her knuckles turning white from the friction - or lack of. "I can sense you staring at me, Miku-chan." Miku snapped out of the immersion of her mind when she heard Rin say something.
"Whaaaat? No way, I was thinking about the rock with the fat toad imprint," she replied, crossing her arms and blowing a piece of hair out of her face. They stopped at a red light. Rin's piercing, conniving, knowing-all eyes impaled her entire being. "Okay...! I just noticed you had your hands gripped really tight on the steering wheel, that's all. Doesn't it hurt?" she asked innocently, but still fearing the wrath of that terrifying gaze...
"No, but it's sweet of you to worry about me like that," she hung her head down in embarrassment, appearing to have a desire to hide her face. When the long traffic light finally turned green, she had no choice but to reveal a slight pink-ish tint to her round cheeks. "I'm just nervous..." she trailed off, her voice coming out as a squeak compared to how bossy she was at times. Her gigantic bow looked like it shriveled with her words.
"Nervous? Why?" But before Miku could give Rin time to properly reply, she switched on the radio's local pop station. "Listening to some music will help~! Don't you think? That always cheers me up- OH MY GOSH!" Miku screamed, making Rin (and her white bow) jump in surprise. "THEY'RE PLAYING LUKA~! THEY'RE PLAYING LUKA~!" Once Rin listened closely, it was a freaky coincidence because of how much Miku gushes about the famous idol. It had a name with a simple title of one word; a song that was a ballad about a break-up. Rin wasn't particularly infatuated with Megurine Luka like her counterpart was, but she couldn't deny she did a good job of portraying the confusion and despair of the situation. Plus, she made Miku happy, and that was all that mattered to Rin.
"No, this is all wrong, why aren't you gone? I know you're not that strong," the car's speakers rang with music.
"Isn't this song called 'Lie' or something?" the blonde questioned. "It's... pretty emo," Rin teased the tealette with a giggle, the music doing a decent job of distracting the girl from her nervousness.
"Eh? You don't like it?" Miku's lip quivered in disappointment. "Well... I'll make you like it! Don't listen to me, we'll always be~ so perfectly~ happy~" Without further ado, she started belting the song at the top of her lungs with no mercy - her own way of teasing the girl back.
"Alright, alright, let's save that for the auditions we'll go on," she said with a playful sass, another hardy chuckle following her sentence. "It's a nice song! Luka-san is talented, you've got me." Upon hearing that statement, Miku's eyes lit up like a child's on Christmas morning, ripping through all of the festive wrapping paper to get to the new toys. "I love you~! Rin-chan, you're the best!" Her smile was so bright it could burn a deeper hole in Rin's cornea than the sun itself.
It still melted her heart, though. "Ah! We're at the airport, you know what that means!" she cheered, her high pitched tone chiming like a bell. Miku was so engulfed in her idol's angelic singing, she totally hadn't realized they arrived. Or had already parked and were ready to get out, but sometimes even big things get by people! Or at least, Miku hoped and it wasn't just her.
Rin hopped out of the vehicle, abruptly snatching the two suitcases from the back. "I'm excited too, but we're still on a bit of a time crunch here, Miku-chan! Can you grab one for me?" Miku was still sitting in the car, golden stars shining bright in her orbs as she dozed off spiritually. Once she heard Rin, she immediately jumped out and grabbed the heavy item, just like she was told.
"Ah, it's heavy~!" she complained, an exasperated and exaggerated groan leaking out. "Although, I'm going to be a good girl and hold it all the way until the plane people take it~! Yeah~!" she sang, realizing Rin was already running to the entrance like her life depended on it. Miku joyfully giggled, "Hey! You didn't tell me we were racing, you got a head start! So unfair~" she yelled, losing her breath trying to catch up. Dang, was Rin unexpectedly fast!
They sat down in the uncomfortable waiting seats, relaxing their legs from their pointless running. It turned out they were perfectly fine with the time they were going at - as the plane got delayed an extra hour. While they wished they had known this before they rushed through security and gave themselves anxiety, they were safe and everything went smoothly, so they couldn't be too upset.
"I'm gonna go to the bathroom, I'll be back in 10 minutes, alright?" Rin stood up from her seat, her legs immediately reminding her of the marathon she just ran.
"Okay! Don't leave me for too long, I'll get lonely~" she grinned, her puffy cheeks becoming more prominent when she did - Rin noticing and thinking it was absolutely, incredibly, indescribably adorable. They exchanged smiles and waves, and Rin was off on her toilet journey.
Miku watched the planes stay stagnant while she zoned out. Even though they weren't in Tokyo yet, somehow Miku felt like things were going to change immensely in the next few months. If that wasn't weeks, or even days - and something about that made her feel an emotion she couldn't describe in words, just feelings. She wanted to be an idol so bad, more than anything. But the thing that was most important to her was her best friend. She always heard stories about people getting big and leaving behind loved ones, and although she would never, ever go anywhere without Rin... the rumors still scared her. More so, it's not like she could tell the girl, in fear it would be taken the wrong way... she loved Rin, as her very best friend. And nothing would come between them.
Miku was making mumbling noises, when said girl returned with a "Boo!"
Miku held her hand to her heart, getting startled. "Rin-chan~ you scared me!" she laughed, soon noticing a bakery-like pastry wrapped up in some type of paper to keep it fresh. Then, like a gallon of orange juice hit the tealette on her head, warm chocolate suddenly intoxicated her nostrils. "Is that...?"
"A chocolate filled eclair! You got it," she smirked, self accomplishment painting itself across her triumphant face. She handed it to Miku tenderly, as she watched her cute, fluffy little cheeks puff out once more with a pale blush. The chocolate fanatic acted like she was just handed a solid brick of gold, of course.
Rin watched in delight as Miku looked at the treat like it was holy. "Rin-sama...~" Fresh, salty tears started to fill her ducts, letting themselves known as they streamed down her soft skin.
"Don't cry, Miku-chan! And don't call me 'sama,' it's weird!" Rin trembled, frantically fluttering her hands in an up and down motion, trying to dry up the crying with the air she created.
"You remembered... even though I was half joking, you remembered..." she sniffed. "I'm... so happy I could die~!" Miku nodded to herself, tearing through the wrapping and beginning to munch on her breakfast. "It's so good, yummy~! It's even more delicious since it came from you, Rin-chan~" Her tears appeared fast and disappeared even faster, the only thing left on her face was pure euphoria. And bits of chocolate.
"Of course I did! We can't fly on an empty stomach, and I knew it would make you feel better. Since, you know," she patted her legs, reminding them of the work out before she reclaimed her spot next to Miku. "And don't die, that'd be bad!" Rin exclaimed. "But I'm really, really happy you like it, Miku-chan," she cooed, unwrapping a more savory pastry with cheese. Rin cracked open her orange juice, watching her best friend with joyful eyes. "Oh, and, ta-dah~!" she sang, revealing her next present. "They even had vegetable juice, pretty cool, eh?"
Miku immediately started bawling again, putting down her half-eaten eclair for a sip of the sacred veggie nectar. "Oooooh~! Delicious, it's green too! My favorite~!" her voice cracked, enveloped in happiness.
"P-People are staring, Miku-chan!" she let out a breathy whisper, whipping her head around to look at their new audience. Rin moped into her seat, feeling flustered but accepting of their new 'fans'. Miku's cute way of expressing her feelings is way more important than any old opinion of a stranger, she thought. Even if it was just a little... a lot embarrassing to have all eyes on her.
Miku happily hummed along to whatever song they were playing through the airport speakers, and Rin went a few steps away to throw away their trash in a nearby garbage can. "Now boarding, flight to Tokyo, now boarding," a pilot, flight attendant, desk worker, a sentient ice cream cone, whoever declared through the intercom.
"Rin-chan!" she raised her voice to get the attention of her bestie, holding her leek-shaped purse and smiling.
Rin came back. "We're not until the very end, I think... our seats are kinda far back," she muttered, going to sit back down but being stopped by Miku.
"Aren't you excited? We're going to go to Tokyo, and we're going to board in just a few minutes!" the sugar and vegetable loving girl did an idol-like peace sign, gripping onto Rin's wrist. She was fighting the intense urge to jump up and down so bad... she wanted to bounce more than anything in that moment. Her dreams... her dreams were right through that creepy airplane tunnel thing! "Stand with me, pretty please~?" She pulled out her special weapon: her puppy dog eyes!
"Alright, it is pretty exciting, I'll give you that!" she chuckled softly, a reluctant grin appearing on her lips. Soon, it became genuine. Miku's happiness was just too infectious, she couldn't help it! She was like a dreamy, rainbow sprinkle filled cake covered in buttercream, and Rin had an awfully strong and irresistible sweet tooth. "I will, I will~!"
"Yay~! Fufufu~!" Miku fist bumped Rin while they waited patiently - or impatiently, depending on how one would interpret Miku's unique behavior.
It was soon after that they finally got called. They were the last to board, but that wasn't an upset to them - it made it better. Almost like they were playing their most popular song at the end of a packed stadium concert.
They settled in their seats that were so tight they were practically cuddling. Although, they didn't mind, they were friends after all and it wasn't strange for them to sit closely. Plus, they both had way more pressing things zooming through their brains at the speed of light.
"Do you think they'll come around with one of those snack carts? I want another orange juice," the blonde pouted, motioning to her empty bottle lying awkwardly in her tiny purse.
Miku couldn't help but laugh at how adorable and silly Rin was being, it made her heart feel the same way it felt when she looked at a super cute, fuzzy kitten. They were going to be starting a new life as aspiring professional singers as soon as the plane landed, and all Rin could think about was her favorite drink not being supplied to her. Of course something so endearing made her crack a smile. "For your thirst's sake, I hope!"
"Me too!" she whined mischievously and friskily, shoving her purse under the seat in front of them. Soon after she began to fiddle with the provided magazines that, she had to admit, were pretty boring. "Not even pictures of food, or wedding dresses, or celebrity gossip... what do you think of this magazine, Miku?"
Magazines were the last thing Miku was thinking about. Especially when she spent the last few minutes building up the courage to ask Rin something... "I haven't had a chance to look yet, that sounds like an odd one!" she forced out a dry giggle. "Hey, um, Rin-chan... can I ask you something?" she twiddled her fingers.
"Yeah, what's on your mind?" she replied, putting the weird information back in the seat pocket.
"What were you so nervous about back in the car?" she spat out abruptly. It was either now, or it would be too late to ask.
"Oh, that? I was worried about missing the flight, that's all. The tickets were expensive, and it would be pretty crappy if our dream day turned sour because of a minor mistake, don't you think?" she nudged the tealette. "But, we're in the plane now, so I can't be nervous about how the pilot flies or something. I have no control over that," Rin continued, rambling carelessly. "Plus, we have that cool hotel you saved up to greet us when we get there! I hope there's a pool!" she stated rather optimistically. It was mildly strange to see her act so relaxed, when Miku on the other hand wasn't exactly stress free. It was like they switched roles for a second, what the heck did they put on this airplane?
"Mm, yeah," Miku agreed, visibly nervous. She had more to say, so much more more, but for some reason she could only squeak out that. Rin was right somehow, Miku kept the hotel she picked out a total secret from her best friend so she could be surprised. It was Rin's job to pay for the plane tickets, and obviously Miku's for a place to stay, and knowing the blonde still hadn't seen it... it was pretty exciting, she had to admit.
The tealette visibly started to perk up. There was no way she was wrong about her months (and years) of excitement, this was going to be amazing. Just watch, Tokyo!
They were going into the hardest business of them all - show business.
And, even if they subconsciously tried to omit the less glamorous side...
It still terrified Hatsune Miku and Kagamine Rin.