The Betrayed Hero and the Idol

"So, first off, I got you an audition for a new movie coming up." Ichigo says.

"Ooh~ What's the part?" Ai says excitedly.

"It's a high-school romcom, you're auditioning to be the heroine's best friend."

Picturing Ai in a schoolgirl uniform, a smile unconsciously forms on my face.

It's a nice image, I can't wait.

"Cool~ What else?" She asks.

"Aside from your usual practice and some modelling shoots, there's also a concert for B-Komachi in a week, so be ready for that."

The three then go through Ai's schedule for the upcoming month, going down to every hour.

She's... really busy, huh?

It was good that I took her to Hakone while I could.

And since I could watch the kids when they were not at preschool, they had even more wiggle room than before.

Ai having gone to the bathroom, Ichigo then turned to me, his head bowed slightly.

"Now, Cassius, while I thank you for watching the kids, I ask that you not, please do not get caught together with Ai. A scandal would be horrible when we're this close."

Hearing Ichigo's plea, and Miyako nodding her head along with him, it makes me wonder...

"'This close', this close to what exactly?" I ask.

"My- no, our dream..." He says with fervour.

Raising my brow, Ichigo continues.

"Our dream to perform at the Tokyo Dome! The pinnacle of showbiz talent, it's only a fantasy for many. But with B-Komachi... we have a chance."

Both Ichigo and Miyako's eyes glistened with excitement, or perhaps hope. 

I finally understand.

Why Ai was adamant about continuing her work and idol activities despite already having found love and me having a good amount of savings between the both of us.

Even with the packed schedules, stressful performances, and crazy fans, she still wanted to be an idol.

Yes... she wants to make their dream come true.

Or perhaps it's a dream of her own too, but I doubt it.

And hearing how well these two have treated Ai, more like a daughter, or a sister in Miyako's case, than a talent, I want to make their dream come true too.

After all, they're somewhat like family to me.

Before, my music was just a way to fulfill my past dream, a way to continue the hobby I always enjoyed and spread the music I loved to this world.

But now... I had a new purpose.

To perform at the Tokyo Dome.

To make their dreams come true and take the pressure off Ai, if she wanted it.

And while I did have enough money to last me for a lifetime, that was only if I was single.

Now I had a girlfriend and two kids to take care of.

And besides... I think I deserve to splurge a bit in this new life.

"Here, you two mind listening?"

Luckily, with the time off, I had finished mixing three songs.

Sound quality-wise, it wasn't good.

After all, no matter how good I played and how amazing the songs in my memories were, I was a newbie with everything related to music production.

But it was enough.

Enough to show them what I could do.

"Ohh~? You're songs? Can I listen too!?"

Ai then skips over, eager to listen in.

"Yeah, sure..."

While I wanted to wait for her first listen to be done by professionals, I could see how curious she was.

"So you made the demos I had talked about? Good. Well, I guess I'll listen." Ichigo says.

"Ah, before you start. They're in English. Sorry~" I say.

"That's fine. I'm fluent and tonnes of English songs gain traction over here." Ichigo responds.

Swallowing down my doubt, I play my three creations, well, others' creations that I had brought to life in this world.

'Dear God' by Avenged Sevenfold, 'As Long As It Matters' by Gin Blossoms, and 'All I Want' by Toad the Wet Sprocket.

The drums were too quiet, the guitar didn't soften at the bridge, and the vocals echoed here and there...

Terrible, at least compared to what I remembered.

But it was good enough to lift the three's faces.

And from the analytical glint in Ichigo's eye, I could tell that he could see the potential.

As the final note faded away, the three were silent and I was fidgeting with nervousness.

"Cassius."

"Y-Yes, Ichigo."

Turning to me, he massages his chin before answering.

"You said you wanted to sign with Strawberry Productions, right?"

"If you'd have me."

To make your dream come true, and to not have Ai carry the entire burden of making it come true.

"The pay won't be much, but if you're successful, the royalties will more than make up for it." Ichigo says.

"I understand."

He then hands me a business card.

"Email me these three audio files, I'll ask the person who does B-Komachi's songs if he knows anyone. And I'll have a contract ready when I pick up Ai for her audition."

Ai then hesitantly speaks up.

"D-Does that mean...?"

"Yes. Although not yet official, consider Cassius a member of Strawberry Productions." Ichigo says.

"Yahoo! We work together now!"

Ai then leaps onto my lap, her feet swinging up and down as she kisses my cheek.

"Haa... and that's our cue to leave. Remember about your schedule, Ai! And no scandals!"

"Okay~"

Miyako gives me a nod before the two then leave, the door closing behind them.

"Alright, Ai. Love you too, but I should go lock the door." I say.

"Hehe~ okay~"

----- Ai POV -----

Watching Cassius go over to the front door, I can't help but think about his songs that were just played.

I already knew from Karaoke that he was a good singer, but he really is musically talented, huh?

I'm jealous~

Even though I only knew a bit of English, I could enjoy the lyrics with some understanding as the emotions were clearly conveyed through his voice.

And the guitar, especially for that first one was beautiful.

I want to hear it in person!

Sitting next to me on the couch, Cassius then turns to look into my eyes.

D-Did he want to continue where we left off so soon?

Well... not that I mind.

"Ai, once you start doing jobs again, I won't be there to protect you." He says seriously.

Oh yeah... there was that.

And from his expression, I could tell he was worried.

Cupping his cheek, I give him a calm smile, a reassuring smile.

"Cassius, I've been an idol with no problems for 7 years, you just caught me at a bad time."

Or rather a good time, I suppose.

After all, if you weren't there...

Yeah, we definitely met at a good time.

"Yeah, but, it's still dangerous, you know? Anyways, I just wanted to remind you of the Dagger of Summoning."

"This dulled thingy?"

I then bring out the item in question from my pocket.

It seems like a normal rock, now that I look at it.

One of those long and thin ones.

"Yes, that 'dulled thingy'. Anyway, I want you to not hesitate to use it if you're in danger, got it? My secrets mean nothing compared to your safety."

Hearing his honest and earnest words, I feel myself tear up slightly.

Such a loving boyfriend.

...And an overprotective one.

But that just shows how much he cares.

Plus, I was bleeding out when we had our first kiss, no I couldn't really blame him.

"I'll be sure." I say.

"Good."

Averting his eyes, he begins to fidget in place.

"So... you're auditioning for a role?"

Is he interested in that?

"Yep!"

"And, you'll be taking more acting roles in the future, right?"

"I think so..."

Why is he so interested in that?

And why, past the embarrassment, did he look so... worried?

Hmm...

Oh!

Is it that!?

"Cassius~ Are you worried about me getting intimate on set~?"

His blush exploding confirms it and I nearly burst out laughing at his cuteness.

"I-I can't help it! I... want you all to myself..."

Ignoring how warm that made me feel, I jump onto him, engulfing him in a hug.

"You don't have to worry about that, silly. Being an idol, intimacy was a no-go from the start! Can't ruin the cute and pure image after all~"

But hmm~?

It seems Cassius is quite possessive.

I love it.

Knowing that he wants me all to himself... 

Haa~ And there was still that image of him and Ruby in my head.

"Cassius. Bedroom, now." I say with a smile.

"A-Ai, remember-"

"Shh~"

Pressing my finger to his lips to silence him, I reach down to grab his hand.

"We won't go all the way, but you're not leaving me like this, okay?"

"B-But the kids-"

"Are asleep. So let's go."

I then start dragging him into my bedroom.

While it was rarely used due to me usually sleeping with my babies, I had a feeling it would be getting some new use soon.

----- Aqua POV -----

The kids were, in fact, not asleep.

I didn't like to think that Ai, my idol... Sarina's idol... was getting intimate with a guy in the next room over, but, well, that's where we are.

Not to mention that she was my mom too...

Yuck.

At least Cassius was a good guy. 

Cool too.

While I had stopped being interested in manga once I started medical school, seeing him practice with his sword brought back that childish excitement.

He also saved Ai and then removed the prick that was my biological father too...

Yeah, so definitely a good guy, one who's worthy of Ai.

But still... yuck.

Turning over to my sister, who was fervently playing on Ai's phone, I was slightly surprised that she wasn't putting up a fuss about those two.

"Ruby... what do you think of Cassius."

"Hmm?"

Raising her head, she gives me a curious stare.

"Cassius? Umm... he's cool, I guess."

She then returns to her, or rather, Ai's phone.

'Cool'? 

That doesn't sound like something Ruby would say.

When we first met Hikaru, I hated him for likely trying to kill Ai, but Ruby didn't know that, she simply hated him for 'taking Mama's innocence'.

So to the guy currently being dragged into bed by Ai, 'cool' would be the last thing I expect her to say.

"Do you... like Cassius now?"

"I-I guess, yeah? I mean, he makes Mama happy, he protects us, and he takes us on trips... Plus, he and Mama are together, so we might as well warm up to him, right?"

Wow.

I didn't expect such a... mature view from her.

After all, I had suspected she was a reincarnated kid, or that her biological infancy affected her more than me with how... childish she often was, even when we were alone.

But still, I thought she'd be a little bit more emotional about someone getting close to Ai and taking away Ai's attention.

Wait.

While I had focused on the sights while we went hiking, I did catch Ruby in my view more than a few times.

Specifically, her holding Cassius' hand.

Come to think of it, she became a lot closer to him after that.

"Ruby... was it because he held your hand in Hakone?"

If so, I will definitely have to watch over her future romantic endeavours.

Turning back with an annoyed glare, she crosses her arms in front of her chest.

"Haa? Of course not It's... It's just..."

Her face then turns sullen.

"You wouldn't understand..."

"What wouldn't I understand?"

Getting to her feet, she then does a twirl, before finishing with her hands on her hips.

"I can dance now!" She says with a smile.

...

"Uhh, congrats?"

Was she okay?

Did she think otherwise?

"Hmph! I knew you wouldn't understand! Whatever, I'm going back to watching Mama."

Laying back down on her stomach with a pout, she goes back to watching a recording of B-Komachi with her feet kicking the air.

What didn't I understand!?

Haa, know what? I don't even care anymore.

----- Cassius POV -----

Closing the door behind her, Ai then turns back to me with her eyes turned upwards, making my heart flutter.

With Ai slowly stepping toward me, I decide to relent from my hesitation and give her what she wants.

After all... I was sure to enjoy this just as much as her, if not more.

Wrapping my arms around her waist, I lift her up while connecting our lips, the subtle sweetness making me eager for more.

Placing her gently on the bed, we then start making out just as we had before.

Her soft breaths against my skin...

Her light moans when I sucked on her lip...

It all made it extremely hard to hold back, especially with her legs wrapping around my hips.

But I did, as I knew this would be best for her.

To let her experience everything, this time slowly and sensually, and with each action being filled with passionate love.

Just as I had done with Lili.

Our kissing turning more, umm, heated, I decided to take it a small step further.

(Light R18 Start)

Tracing my lips against her neck, I lower my hands towards her special place.

Rubbing along her inner thighs, I feel her shiver under my hold as I inch my way closer to her core.

Raising my mouth, I softly whisper into her ear.

"Is this okay?"

Biting her hand, Ai hastily nods as she tries to push her crotch toward my hand.

"Y-Yes, please~"

No further words needed to be said.

As she was wearing a skirt, there was only a thin pair of panties separating her pussy from the open air, and pressing my hand against it-

"Ahn~!"

It was already soaked.

Not wanting her to wake her kids and give them a possibly traumatic experience, I cover her mouth with my own as I run my fingers up and down her slit, memorizing the shape.

Tracing over a small bump, Ai squeezes her legs together.

There it is~

Attacking the spot, her soft breaths turn laboured as she squirms, her free hands gripping helplessly against my hair and the sheets.

Continuing my relentless assault, her body stills before promptly beginning to tremble as the wetness against my fingers becomes increasingly drenched.

Her breath calming down, I separate my lips from hers, noticing the trails of saliva dripping down each corner of her mouth.

Her mouth was slightly open with her eyes glazed over, the dazed look increased the tightness in my pants.

Now that's a good look.

Bringing my hand up from her crotch, I survey the damp digits before looking into Ai's eyes, the cute idol looking confused while at the same time embarrassed.

Keeping our eyes connected, I slowly put the fingers into my mouth as her eyes widen in surprise.

"C-Cassius! That's d-dirty!"

"Mmm, but it tastes great."

Averting her eyes, her blush grows more intense as she mutters under her breath.

"Pervert."

Yeah, I don't think I was the one who pulled you into the room, you know?

"Well, I won't deny it. But I think that's enough for now."

(Light R18 End)

Adjusting my clothes, I then lay down next to Ai, her free hands quickly wrapping themselves around me.

"Thanks, Cassius. T-That felt good. Really good."

"You don't have to thank me, Ai. I loved it too."

Looking up at me, her head then turns down to the tent in my pants.

"Umm, did you want to, you know, come too?"

"It's alright. Maybe tonight or later, but we can go as slow as we want, okay?"

But I don't think I'll be able to hold myself back next time.

"Okay. If you're sure."

"I am, just being here with you is enough."

Resting her head against my chest, we fall into a comfortable silence that is soon broken by Ai.

"So, Cassius... I... really like sleeping with you. So..."

"I can move in now if you want, Ai. It's not like I have much stuff. And I like sleeping with you too."

The three nights with Ai, I never had that dream- no, that nightmare of Lili.

I'm... not sure if it's healthy or right of me to just ignore my past with her, but for now, I'll just indulge in these comfortable nights.

"But... would Aqua and Ruby not be mad?" I ask.

"Nah, Aqua's always been easy, and don't think I didn't see how close you and Ruby have gotten. They might be a little shocked that their Mama won't be sleeping with them anymore, but this day was bound to come." She says with a hum.

Makes sense.

Alright, luckily I was renting month-to-month, so it would be easy to separate from my current, soon-to-be former, apartment.

And then I'll be able to spend my time, at least the time she's not working, with this beautiful girl.

A girl whose real self shines like a star, even brighter than the light her facade creates.

An earnest girl, or rather, woman, who had taken care of her kids with all the love one could ask for, despite the difficult circumstances.

A wonderful person.

And not to mention having a smoking hot body that also radiated cuteness at the same time.

Jeez, what a lucky man I am.

"Ai."

Turning her head up to me, he twists her eyebrows quizzically.

Every action of hers is so charming, it's unfair.

Well, to other guys I guess.

"I love you."

Cheeks reddening, her momentary surprise quickly transforms into a beautiful, gentle smile, one that could captivate anyone who witnessed it.

"I love you too, Cassius."

My heart pounds while my breath hitches.

Dangerous.

But I guess this pure charisma that's able to bring me to this state of adoration is part of her being an idol.

My idol.