DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN AIKATSU

Ichigo hummed to herself as she continued cooking. She raised her head from the cutting board seeing her 5-year-old daughter approach her with a picture book. Momo was always a quiet child so she just stared up at her mom without saying a word.

"Yes Momo?"

"Mom, why do you like Dad?" She was caught off guard. Putting down the vegetables cutter, she crouched down.

"What brought this up?" Momo flipped the book that she was reading over. A typical princess was on the cover with a prince charming kissing her hand. Her mom learned pretty early that she wasn't someone that liked the romance types of fairy tales. It was surprising she brought this up. "Is this an interesting book? What is it about?"

"There's a princess who falls in love with a prince after meeting at a party. My teacher really likes to read stories like this so they let me borrow this. But reading it, the prince is super fancy and pretty. Dad isn't like that."

Ichigo snorted, hearing that so bluntly from their daughter. "So you think I'm a princess?"

"Yep! Mom on tv is all sparkly in Angely Sugar dresses. Like a princess!"

"And your dad?"

"Dad's music is nice to listen to and he's a really good dad but-" she violently shook her head, "He's not a prince."

It was true that Naoto wasn't the usual prince charming image. Especially not when the base was those with exaggerated characteristics in the story books. "Well I think that your dad is very princely."

"In what way?"

"How about I tell you a bit about your dad while you help me cook?" Momo nodded. Ichigo lifted her up to the counter at a safe distance away from what she was cooking. "Well where do you want me to start?"

"When did you start to like dad? Why?" She had to think about it.

"There were a lot of times when I saw your dad and thought, wow I love him. But I think when I first started liking him? Maybe his first big concert?"

Idols falling in love was an old forbidden story. Ichigo didn't think much about it. Sometimes her fans would make assumptions about her and her co-stars. That was expected. She never really commented on it either since it was nothing too big that would hinder them.

Don't get her wrong. She wasn't against the idea of idols dating. But like many other people in the spotlight, there was a lot to consider when thinking about dating. It was a two-way relationship that didn't have the same weight as, say, a friendship. Ichigo prided herself on being able to balance her work life and casual life. Yet she couldn't ask for another person to try dealing with that kind of schedule and pressure.

It was important to note, above all, she currently didn't have anyone that sparked that kind of emotion from her.

"Aikatsu! Aikatsu! Aikatsu!"

"Hoshimiya!" Ichigo paused in her run, hearing a faint shouting of her name. She took out one of her earbuds. In the distance she saw Suzukawa Naoto standing by the outdoor gazebo.

The two of them had a friendly relationship where, because of their weird meetings, they often found themselves in the same spot on many occasions. Today was no different as it was crazy late into the night. Or really early in the morning depending on how they looked at it. Ichigo ran over to him.

"Suzukawa-san! How are you?"

"I'm alright. You?"

"I'm fine too. How can I help you today?" He took out three rectangular pieces of paper. She recognized his band's logo on the corner.

"We're having a concert. If you have the time, you should stop by. There's extras if you want to bring your friends." She happily took the tickets. She was going to give her answer when she saw the venue written on.

"Woah! The Soul Center?! That's a huge stadium! Congratulations!" He bashfully rubbed the back of his neck. It was a great honour to have the opportunity to perform in front of so many people with his own music. It was a hard journey that his band went through but it was all going to be worth it when they stood on that stage.

"Thank you. Have you ever performed there before?"

"A few times, yeah. You're going to love it! It fits a lot of people and the sound system is really high quality. Since you guys are a live band I can only imagine how that'll sound. Oh wait, I don't have to imagine because I'm going. Are you excited?"

"Honestly? It's a bit nerve wrecking. It's the first time we're doing such a big venue. We're still in the talks with the organizers but it still seems we have a lot of work to be done. The news is going to be announced tomorrow and we have no idea how many people will actually show up."

Ichigo took a sharp intake of air. "I know that feeling. Still do."

"Really? The top idol gets nervous?" She shook her head at his dramatic tone.

"Of course I do! You never really get used to standing out there. And even if I train for hours, one slight slip up can ruin everything. I don't want to let my fans down. Nor myself." He noticed that even though she had been running for a while, it didn't take her long to catch her breath. He didn't mean to compare his students but he could see why she was called the top idol from her training alone.

Not only her training was to result in her title. Compared to the past top idols that came before her like Kanaki Mizuki and Masquerade, Ichigo was an open book. She wasn't scared to admit that she had her fears or the struggles she's faced in her position. Yet at the same time, it was only her friends that saw what she did behind the scenes to keep herself proper.

He wasn't necessarily in that bubble as they didn't hang out much. He saw it though. From the girl that often got lost in all of Aikatsu schematics, now stood on the top. It was amazing that every time they met she was almost a different person. That was especially true when he saw her perform. The only thing that never changed was her energy towards those she treated well.

Ichigo tilted her head. "What's so funny?"

"Huh?" She pointed to her own cheeks.

"You're smiling so widely I would think you're laughing at me." Being aware of his expression made him smile a bit more.

"I do want to ask you something really quick."

"Sure?" Naoto leaned against the gazebo's railing. The time that they spent together in the night often led to something like this. What most people didn't realize about Ichigo was that she was naturally more intelligent than most people put her as. Not necessarily in the textbook way but she knew people and how to function in life. There was no doubt that when people looked at her that she was someone that knew where she was in life.

He liked talking with her about the little things in the quiet of the night. Both of their lives were so enveloped in the fast pace of Aikatsu that stopping a bit to talk to someone that had a slightly different view of the topic was fun. It was reassuring.

"Everyone knows that you auditioned to become an idol because of Kanzaki. But what about it made you actually want to be an idol as opposed to just a fan? You didn't even know much about Aikatsu that you had a bit of difficulty adjusting compared to others. So what about her made you want to be like her?"

Ichigo looked upwards towards the moon. "I think you have it wrong Suzukawa-san. That night I remember staying up all night just thinking about her performance. And the thing about Mizuki-san is that she makes everything look so natural yet at the same time no one should be naturally up to her level. To explain it simply, Mizuki-san was someone that was interesting. I didn't want to be like her; I wanted to stand beside her and see what she saw."

He chuckled at her still staring at the moon. She really was interesting in her own way. To admire the moon so intently when she already shone so brilliantly. But she wasn't doubting her own light to acknowledge another's. She merely wanted to be next to it. To love another's performance, see that they were on a completely different level, yet still have confidence to be on the same stage. It was crazy how she quickly surpassed the one she admired.

"You're laughing at me again!"

"When you say weird things like that, how could I not?"

"Weird? In what way?"

"Weird that you admire Kanzaki in the same way that you appear to others. Though I do have to admit that she is exactly as you say. Kanzaki and you have a power over others to win them over. Whether it be on stage or in person, even for an idol, the two of you are unique. People feel welcomed by you. Watching you perform, seeing you on tv, all of it tells those watching, it's okay. That no matter what they're going through, it'll be okay. That's the kind of idol that you are."

"Do you feel that way too when you watch me?" He didn't have to think about his answer.

"Yeah. Remember when you helped me and King out? You, as a friend, heard me out. As an idol, you gave us a performance to remind us of what our goal was. But even before that, somehow you always found a way to surprise me. I don't think there was ever a time where I didn't think that you're going to go to high places. Now, you're the top idol. I would be lying if I didn't, occasionally, watch your performances when I'm feeling a bit down."

Ichigo saw through her side view that he was looking upward now too. There weren't any loud noises or other people to focus on. She could hear how sincere his words were. How he didn't even have to think about complimenting her.

"Thank you. But Suzukawa-san is special in that way too."

"Me? How so?" The rocker didn't expect that from her. His music and image wasn't really known for being uplifting like hers. If anything it's something used as an outlet but that wasn't him himself.

"Every time I come here, somehow you're always here for me. You hear me out, you give your advice, you support me. When I first became an idol, it was Suzukawa-san that helped me at the most random times when no one even saw me. Even if it wasn't for advice, you were always here. And I know you would do the same for our friends, your students, and pretty much anyone else that needs it. You don't have to be an idol to help someone. That's the Suzukawa-san that I know."

For a second, he didn't know how to respond. The only right thing was, "Thank you."

The two remained silent for who knows how long. It was comfortable just being in the other's presence. There wasn't even anything specific that they were thinking. Only, it was a nice night to be with a friend.

Ichigo basked in how big the stadium was from the outside. She had been here before as a performer that she didn't have the experience of being here when fans filled the area. Excitedly, people around her took pictures, bought merchandise, and talked with friends. It was an experience different from what she would see from an idol's perspective.

She jumped a little when her phone started ringing in her purse. She picked it up seeing that it was Ran. "Hello?"

"Hello? Hey, I got some time in between my break to check up on you. Are you at the concert right now?"

"Yep! I was just about to get in line."

"That's good. Sorry again about not being able to make it."

"Don't worry about it. I barely got the space to make it to." It didn't bother her too much that she was the only one that could come. All her friends were either busy or just couldn't make it on time. Besides, with all the fans around it didn't even feel like she was alone. Maybe with her simple disguise on, she could make a friend.

"But if you get the chance, thank Suzukawa-san again for the tickets. Next time I would definitely want to see them live. You would think with how long we've known the band that we would have watched them at least once before."

"Now that I think you mention it; this is the first time I'm going to see them live too. It's been a long time since I even went to a concert in the audience seat." She watched around her, remembering planning beforehand stuff for fans to partake in for her own concerts. This may not be her concert but she hoped that her fans had this much fun for her.

"I'm sure you'll have a great time-" there was some mumbling in the background of the call, "I have to get back now. Call me if you need anything though. And make sure to keep your disguise on. You wouldn't want to get bombarded by fans out there."

"I got it! Good luck with the rest of your work!" They hung up the phone and Ichigo lined up with the rest of the fans.

She never realized how bright the audience seats were before the concert began. Not to mention, fans just talking filled the place with echoes. No matter how close the stage was to the audience, there was no way she could compare to seeing these fans right now. Being in the middle of it really set the mood for both the fans and performer.

More Than True really lived up to everyone's expectations with their live music. It didn't have nor need the flashy special appeals to captivate people. Just from their little signals and how much they put into their individual instruments showed how much work they put in. How long they've been together to understand what the other is thinking from a single look.

A band that went through so much to create music that shook people to the core. Putting themselves so openly out there for all to see. Suddenly their group name made sense. They weren't only true to themselves. They were true to everyone that listened to them. More than True.

"Are you guys enjoying yourselves?!" The audience screamed. "Great! The next song that we're going to play is a fan favourite. Please listen well, Kiss of the Alice Blue."

Ichigo filled with energy hearing all of the cheers. Out of all of the songs this was the one that she was the most familiar with. The song that put them on the map. It would put them to shame if they didn't put everything into this one song.

She couldn't put into words what she felt. Instead her emotions came out on its own. "Wow... that looks fun."

Naoto slightly paused when he saw a familiar pink flower drift into his view. In the front row was a girl that made eye contact with him. Out of all of the screaming fans, she was the one who watched so carefully. Taking in everything that she could. But at the same time, he could see from her aura that she was enjoying herself. Clearly written on her face, 'this performance is fun.' He was prideful that he could get that reaction out of her.

He spared a glance back at his band. They could tell that something was on their leader's mind. They all gave him a synchronized approval as they came to an end of the song. The crowd was still full blasting their thoughts when Naoto moved away from center stage. Most assumed that he was just moving to change something for the next set. They didn't pay too much attention to him crouched down at the edge of the stage.

"Hoshimiya!"

Through the crowd's clamors, she heard his voice clearly. Ichigo looked up at Naoto reaching his hand out towards her. Standing on the stage he had the lights she was so used to shining down on him. The contrast of the black hair and clothing made his golden eyes stand out more. The slight smile even while being covered in sweat. All of it was so captivating that she didn't realize that she grabbed his hand.

He easily pulled her up in front of him. The sudden change in footing made her grab onto Naoto's shirt. They were close enough that it was only his guitar that separated them. They never forgot the crowd behind them but they didn't care. Right now, the only thing that was on their minds was each other.

Ichigo was used to the idea of Naoto being a custodian or a teacher. The few times she did see him as a rock star, she didn't recognize him. Now in front of her, she couldn't deny that he was incredibly cool. Meanwhile Naoto was the opposite, only seeing her as the bubbly idol, was surprised looking at her like a normal girl. One that liked to go to concerts instead of being the one performing.

It was like they switched roles. But this was only another side of them. One that was decorated beautifully to the other at this moment. Ichigo blamed the adrenaline from the last few seconds as the reason why she felt her heart racing. Naoto blamed it on all the hot lights. Yet deep down they knew.

They separated in a way that made it look like Naoto was announcing her arrival. For a second he didn't want to release her hand.

"Everyone! We have a very special guest today! Please welcome top idol and our close friend, Hoshimiya Ichigo!" Everyone screamed. She waved to everyone while leaning back a bit.

"What are you doing?" She whispered to him.

"You're not the same girl from that first concert. If you want to stand on a stage, then come on and say it."

"B-But this is your special day. For you and your band. I can't just-" He held his mic closer to her. Instinctively she took it.

"You've always told me your concerns at night. Should this place be any different? Don't hold back your desire to perform. If you want to sing, then come stand on a stage. That's where you belong. And if you're worried about standing us up," he looked back at his band mates with welcoming grins, "you're going to have to try a lot harder to cover us up."

There it was again. A thump in her chest. That was quickly covered up when Hiro gave him another microphone.

"If you truly mean it then prepare yourself. There's a reason why I'm called the top idol." She ripped off her disguise making everyone in the audience scream. Little did she know that he wasn't going to back down to a simple title. He's been with her since the beginning after all. To the rest of the world she may be the top idol; to him, she was still the strange girl that liked to hang out at a gazebo late at night.

That one performance became a historical event in Aikatsu as the first joint performance of the Star couple. Fans that attended that day say that they would never forget how easy it was to get absorbed in it. The soft Ichigo truly showed off her ability to do any kind of show and the aloof Naoto showed that he could be gentle. They brought out a part of each other that day. No one could have guessed that this was the first time they performed together.

The number one thing that the fans remembered? How brightly the lead guitarist and top idol smiled. Before they knew it, it wasn't too surprising that rumors about the two became popular. It wasn't until roughly 2 years later did they announce that they were dating. And thus, the start of the Star couple's story had started.

Ichigo felt a bit embarrassed and happy that she was able to tell their daughter this story. Momo was truly a show of the two of them combined. At a young age she showed a lot of potential in music and had taken interest in becoming an idol when she was older. She had already picked up the guitar the moment she could lift it up. Not only that but she was both positive like her mom, yet logical like her dad. To have a kind child that would listen to her stories with big golden eyes was a living dream.

"So what do you think? Is your dad a prince now?" The young girl tilted her head. Gave it some thought.

"Nope! But he's good for mom so that's all okay!" They heard the door open. Turning her head, Ichigo realized that they were talking for a lot longer than she planned.

The moment Naoto walked in he was greeted by Momo asking him, "Dad why do you like mom?"

He was equally as confused as when Ichigo first heard the question. "It seems like Momo is convinced that a princess should marry a prince."

"That's right! But I'll make an exception for dad. No other one." Still confused, he walked up to the two of them.

"But I think Momo is a princess. Does that mean you won't marry anyone?"

"Buzzzz wrong. If mom is a princess, then Momo wouldn't be one. That means I don't have to marry a prince. I'll marry an idol or rock star like you, dad!" Momo happily announced to them.

Naoto, on the other hand, wasn't the happiest at his plan backfiring. "That's nice but please hold out on marriage talk. Please."

"Ehhh? Why? What do you mean? Some of my friends in class are already dating. Some person already asked Yu-kun out before too. His face went all red! Why can't I marry then?" Ichigo laughed at their confused daughter. Another side to him that she loved was how protective he was over their daughter. Especially at the mention of her growing up too fast made him defensive. "Mom? Dad?"

She picked up Momo, setting her down on the floor. "Don't mind him. How about you wash up and help him set the table?"

"Okay!" She quickly forgot about the whole exchange to rush out. Naoto picked up the picture book that was left behind.

"Ah, was this the cause of everything?"

"Yeah. She was wondering why I wasn't married to a prince charming like in the storybooks. It was so cute though! She thinks I'm a princess!" Naoto chuckled, taking her hand into his. He bent down just like the book's cover. Kissing the back of her hand gently.

"I may not be a prince charming but I'll definitely treat you, and Momo, as princesses." Even after years of being married he still had a way to make her heart skip a beat.

She crouched down so that they were both on the floor. "Don't you know? Marrying a princess can make you a prince as well."

The two of them remembered back to that concert day. Just staring into each other's eyes. Who would have thought that one day would lead to all of this? Or could they say that the first time they met at the back of Mizuki's van that caused this all? Regardless, it was all welcomed now.

"What are you two doing?" Momo made them jump at her sudden reappearance.

"Sneaky little girl." Naoto picked her up. "Now what's this I hear about you not thinking I'm a prince?"

He started walking over to the dinner table so that Ichigo would have space to finish up cooking. She watched the two of them walk away as he listened to Momo retell the story that Ichigo just told her.

The thing about prince charming was that it wasn't the status that made so many people in books love them. It was because they were kind, compassionate, caring. They helped out their citizens and did so selflessly. Now, Naoto didn't have a country to rule over like they did. But he has students who rely on him. His family who he took care of with everything he could.

That concert day where he understood her with one look was the moment Ichigo realized that he was someone that knew her. Someone that would help her no matter the case.

Even if Momo couldn't see it, to Ichigo, Naoto was his own kind of prince charming.

Trivia: Thought you guys would enjoy a cute, romance chapter after the stressful 2 past chapters. Unlike the previous Ichigo/ Naoto chapter I did not plan this out. Originally I wanted to have one of them planning their proposal. I'm still planning this one out so maybe I can release that in the future. For this one I just had a sudden image of the concert scene where Naoto reaches towards Ichigo on stage and I started to build around it. Sorry it's so short but I hope you like it since these types of chapters are the ones I'm always most nervous about. Until next time!