My School Spirit

by Ravenhale1

This is the seventh installment of the AU recreation of Rosario Vampire told through Kurumu's POV. This story covers the second month of the second term (September 26th - October 31st, 2005), including second season's Chapters 23, 17.5, 15, 16, 25 & 24 before going back to cover the cultural festival craziness of first season's Chapters 29-38. Not strictly canon.

14. Double Date

Kurumu roused to the soft touch of fingers across her bangs and the scent of the ocean. Her eyes slowly opened as the caressing continued. Her mattress beneath her was worn and soft. She had left her pale blue sheets alone, covering herself with only the dark blue blanket with the pink strings along the hem. Despite being naked, she felt warm while she rested on her side with an old pillow nestled between her head and shoulder.

"Are you happy?"

The hand at her temple became clear. The smooth arm traced back to a bared shoulder. A thin white string held up a black chemise. Wavy, arctic blue tresses graced these shoulders. A familiar face peered at her with soft lavender eyes.

"Mommy?"

"Did you have fun yesterday?"

Kurumu pushed up on her arm, causing the blanket to fall down her side. She frowned at the woman kneeling beside her bed. It was undoubtedly her mother.

"Am I dreaming?"

The woman lifted up on her feet, giving Kurumu a full view. The lacy chemise clung tightly to mommy's bosom. The fabric which came halfway down her thighs was so thin that her curls at her navel could be seen through it.

"I see that you found my little Ai."

Mommy walked over to her butsudan, picking up the doll.

"My adopted father gave it to me when I started living with them. He said she would be my friend."

Kurumu drew back her sheet and swung her legs off the side of the bed. The floor felt firm beneath her bare feet. She took a tentative step towards her mother.

"How are you here?"

Setting down the doll, mommy picked up the picture which Kurumu had put in the frame last night.

"You loved the swimsuit so much. I wish we hadn't lost it in the move."

Kurumu wrapped her arms about her mother. She was firm. She was soft. She was real.

A wave of emotions crashed through her and she started to cry. She buried her head against mommy's hot bosom, squeezing mommy tightly. Fingers started to stroke through her unbound hair while a hand touched her side. She could feel the picture frame still in mommy's hand.

"There, there. I will always be here when you need me."

A knock on the door caused Kurumu to stagger against her desk. The picture frame clattered against the floor behind her as Kurumu realized she was alone.

"A dream?"

She swallowed thickly as she gripped the back of the chair pushed beneath her desk. She took a breath.

"Just a dream."

There was a second knock on the door. She frowned, glancing at the portal. Pushing away from the desk, she reached down to pick up the picture frame. Confused, she placed the picture near the butsudan. She noted the omamori charm, prayer beads, ceremonial fan and the offering bowl. The pretty vase was resting beside mommy's urn. The religious book and the journal were stacked next to her new lamp. Everything was placed exactly as she had set them out last night.

Another knock on the door demanded her attention. She sniffled, reaching up to wipe away the lingering tears. She had no idea if she was still dreaming or not. She reached for the lamp which she had plugged in last night. The bulb flickered on with the push of the silver pillar mounted on the back of the fixture. She pushed it again, causing it to turn off. It all seemed real. But so had her mother.

"Kurumu? Are you in there?"

It was Mizore's voice. She timidly walked across the room, noting her Mary Janes in the entryway. The lovely tea set was arranged on the counter next to her yunomi collection and her purse and ribbon. The broom rested against the corner of the wall and would be behind the opened door. She imagined the towels and new outfits were still inside the hamper which she had left in her closet.

Taking in a deep breath, Kurumu touched the deadbolt. She turned it back and grabbed the door knob. Twisting it, she eased the door open and peered outside.

It was Mizore on the other side. The snow girl let out a sigh of relief. Her torso was wrapped up in that long sleeved, pastel blue dress Moka had bought her in Okinawa. It cinched about her thin waist before falling down almost to her knees. Striped stockings made certain that none of her pale skin was bared.

"I thought you said a girl shouldn't answer the door naked."

Kurumu frowned at Mizore's smirk. She backed away from the door to let the snow girl enter.

"I'm still unsure if I'm dreaming or not."

Mizore strolled inside, cocking her head.

"You like those dreams?"

"What dreams?"

Mizore tugged her lollipop out of her mouth and smirked.

"Ones where someone forces your door open and does bad things to you."

Kurumu sighed, rolling her eyes. She stalked over to her dresser.

"Why are you here?"

"Because the note on Akashiya's door implied you would be here."

Kurumu snorted as she tugged open the top drawer which had all her old, boring white panties and a trio of junior high bras she had zero interest in wearing. Fetching a pair of socks, she bent down and quickly pulled them on.

"I would have asked the same question if I had been there."

"I need a favor."

Finished with her task, Kurumu contemplated if she should pull on some panties or not. The note on Moka's door had informed her that Kokoa was spending the night with her friends. And since it had been almost eight according to the note, Moka had decided to take Tora's invitation for a sleepover.

The good news from the lengthy note was that Moka had made a spare key for Kurumu during her time in Mononoke with Kana and her mother. Unfortunately Moka had nobody to leave it with since Yukari, Rubi and Chouda were still not back from their outing. Kurumu was supposed to pick up her key at the flying session today but she would have to make due with the few clothes she had in her suite.

"Sure. After I figure out what I'm going to wear."

"I need you to go on a date with me."

Kurumu snickered as she tugged open her closet door in front of her refrigerator.

"I don't know how to break it to you, but you're not my type."

"Do you have a pretty dress you could wear? Or maybe something traditional?"

Kurumu sighed as she turned on the light in the closet. She glanced over the slim pickings, noting that she did have the black yukata with pink carnations and the burgundy sash hanging up in here.

"Mizore. I promised Suzume that I would hang out with her today after we went flying."

"Please, Kurumu. My mother wants to treat you today."

Kurumu sighed, supposing she could always make it up to Suzume later.

"If it's for your mother, I guess I can."

"Thanks. She's waiting downstairs for us."

Kurumu sucked in a breath as she glanced over her options. She was hesitant to go with the yukata since she worried it would make Mizore look awkward. That also ruled out the Chinese dress she had folded up in the lingerie drawer. And she should probably wash her new outfits before wearing them.

Of the eight outfits Kokoa had bought her back in July, there was one she had never worn. It was a black and white, checkered, short sleeved, shirt dress which buttoned up from the waist to a stiff black collar. It came with a silken black tie. Beneath the knee length skirt was a silky pair of black shorts stitched into the dress which had ruled out any naughty fun with Tsukune.

"Will this be okay?"

Kurumu grabbed the hanger with the dress and presented it to Mizore. The snow girl shrugged.

"I guess. I have no idea what Umizake likes."

"What does he have to do with this?"

"My mother found out that I spent the summer with Tsukune instead of Umizake. So in my last letter, I told her that you had stolen my fiancé."

Kurumu stared at Mizore as the snow girl stuck her sucker back in her mouth.

"Why would you do that?"

"Seemed like a good idea at the time."

Kurumu frowned as she slipped the garment off the hanger.

"So am I supposed to go on a date with Umizake right now?"

"Yea. She thinks it will be good for your heart. She was worried that someone so important to you had not seen your mother's butsudan."

Kurumu sighed, wondering what Mizore had said to make her mother aware of that. She loosened the slip knot to free the tie from the collar. Handing it over to Mizore, she started unbuttoning the top. She supposed one benefit of those silly shorts was that she would not need panties but she still had no idea how she was supposed to pee in this getup short of removing the whole thing.

"So what's the story I'm supposed to play along with?"

"Maybe you can claim that your body reacted to his?"

Kurumu snorted as she shook out the dress and stepped into it. She tugged it up her legs.

"Mizore. I could tell that with Tsukune within a couple days. If my body was reacting to Umizake, I would have been crushing on him months ago. Like before Tsukune's birthday."

"I didn't say how long this has been going on."

Kurumu sighed as she slipped her arms in the short sleeves. The fabric felt soft against her skin as she started buttoning up from the waist.

"Yea, but you didn't talk about me stealing him until your last letter. When did you write your other two letters she mentioned."

"One at the start of June and the other before summer break. But since she knows I lied in my second letter, you could have started dating Umizake around midterms."

Kurumu mulled that timeline over as she finished with the buttons. Her nipples were pushing out the fabric to announce their presence.

"Does this look okay?"

Mizore gave her back the tie and poked her nipple.

"It looks like the outfit of a woman that would steal my fiancé away from me."

Supposing that was fair enough, she flipped up the collar and slipped her head through the loop of the tie. She worked the silky tie beneath the collar, pushing the collar back down and tightening up the knot. The narrow tie rested perfectly in the valley of her bosom.

"I'm thinking we can claim that I started to admire him after the incident with the two akaname boys."

"That sounds good to me."

"I'll have to let Umizake in on this whole charade. I don't know how well he'll perform as my boyfriend. But knowing him, he'll agree to do this if I tell him it's what you want."

"Sure. Whatever."

"I hope you didn't tell her that I spent the summer with him."

"No. She found out about my summer trip from his parents. I don't know what she thinks you did, but she knows you were with Akashiya at her sister's wedding and that we all went to Okinawa."

Kurumu nodded, turning off the light and exiting the closet. Shutting the door, she followed Mizore over to the entryway. She snatched up her ribbon and purse from the counter. On a whim, she opened her purse up and stuffed her ribbon inside, thinking she would leave her hair down for the day. Letting the purse dangle by its strap from her elbow, she bent down to slip on her Mary Janes.

"I need prettier socks."

"Thanks for doing this Kurumu."

Mizore retreated out onto the landing. With her shoes buckled, Kurumu followed after her.

"There's one more favor I have to ask."

Kurumu arched an eyebrow as she locked up the door.

"What else do you need?"

"II also told my mother that I'm in an intimate relationship with Tsukune. Could you convince him to come along with us?"

Kurumu sighed, noticing Mizore's mother hiding among the trees at the start of the nearby forest. The timid woman was peering around the thick trunk of a tree. She was wearing a faded pink kimono with a bright blue sash wrapped around her midsection.

"You are going to owe me big for this."

---

"Please enjoy your time here."

Kurumu smiled nervously at the grinning woman whom had her dark hair pulled up in a pinned bun. The lady's plump lips were bright red and her row of fangs gleamed rather menacingly. It was such a wide smile that her eyes were closed about her dagger shaped nose. A tiny silver golf club was etched above her right breast upon the black, short sleeved polo the attendant wore with her khakis.

"Here. Check to make sure it's the right height."

Kurumu absently took the club Umizake offered her. She noticed that Mizore and Tsukune were placing the bottom of their clubs on the floor to ensure the handle was about at their waist. She could already tell she would be using the same size as Mizore and her mother, doubting they needed to break out the children putters for her.

They were gathered in the lobby of Sinkhole, the miniature golf establishment next to the paintball warehouse. Tsukune had recommended the place, claiming he had been wanting to try it out ever since Ginei had made him aware of it. Though it was still before ten, the attendant had kindly opened up the establishment for their sake.

"And you'll need this."

She smiled up at Umizake as he handed her a green ball. He looked nice in that short sleeved, cerulean dress shirt with glossy black buttons which he had tucked in a pair of textured gray slacks. He certainly was better dressed than Tsukune whom had thrown on his black dress shirt and green cargos that he had worn on the day they had left for Kofu. Not that Tsukune looked bad but Umizake's apparel was better taken care of. It was obvious that he had ironed these clothes.

"Come on. They have slippers."

Kurumu nodded, following the tall boy over to the shelves which lined the wall on the left. As expected, Umizake had agreed to play along with the ruse since he had nothing better to do and Mizore wanted him to do it. Tsukune had been more reluctant but had yielded to Kurumu's pleading eyes. She knew it may have been a slight charm at play, but it was not like she had made him into Mizore's boyfriend for the day. Things honestly might have gone better if she had.

Both boys had the same story. She had not officially started dating Umizake until very recently but she had admired him since he rescued her from the murderous akaname duo. She was Tsukune's childhood friend and had held her birthday at his home while Mizore was present. She had convinced Umizake to lie to his parents, allowing Mizore to be with her crush.

Umizake sighed, leaning his long club against the cubbies.

"Allow me to help you."

Kurumu murmured an apology as he knelt down before her. She had spaced out again.

"That's so sweet and considerate."

Kurumu managed a smile for Mrs. Shirayuki as the young man unbuckled her Mary Janes. On the hour long walk to Mononoke, the mother had encouraged the two couples to act naturally and pay her no mind. Kurumu had the impression that the woman wanted them to show affection for each other.

Umizake had surprised her by linking arms with her. With him being so tall, he was not an easy person to walk alongside. She had to pay more attention to her stride than the conversation going on behind her.

While Mizore had clung to Tsukune's side, Tsukune had nervously talked about his family and inquired about Mrs. Shirayuki's. Kurumu knew that he was only talking to distract himself from the situation, but she could tell that his interest in Mizore's family pleased the mother.

"You need to lift your feet."

Kurumu blushed, complying with his request. She immediately worried about her feet stinking. She had not bathed since yesterday morning. Technically the socks were clean but old socks were old socks. After he pushed on one slipper, she lifted her other foot so he could do the other.

"Like Cinderella."

Blushing fiercely from the mother's comment, Kurumu suddenly wished it was Tsukune doing this. Kneeling before her. Holding a ring. Proposing. She had to stop this fantasy. It would never be real.

Umizake finished his task and stood up. Grabbing his black ball and club, he managed a smile for her.

"All done."

Kurumu hoped they bumped into nobody today. She had no desire to explain this situation.

"Thanks, Aoi."

Kurumu still felt butterflies over addressing this guy by his first name. There were not many boys in school she addressed so casually. Tsukune and Ginei were a given and since she worked with the film club so much, Kamitsuku had been an easy addition. The only other two whom came to mind were Ushio and Aku. Ushio was a special case and Aku was Tsukune's neighbor.

Taking a steadying breath, Kurumu followed Umizake through the doorway which had strings of beads hanging down from the lintel to make a barrier of sorts without the trouble of an actual door.

The play area of Sinkhole was well illuminated. The ceiling overhead consisted of white tiles with many recessed lights. The floor was covered with this whitish tile. A thick black line was painted from the door to the first attraction which had a small sign jutting up from its framing to indicate that it was the first hole of the course.

Each hole was built up from the floor with wood framing and covered in green felt like the pool tables at Corner Pockets. They all had different shapes and many had elevated sections to create hills and valleys. The black line on the floor connected each of these attractions in an eighteen hole course. As there was only one course, only enthusiasts would come here frequently.

Their first stop was a straight shot down a rectangle to a circle. The hole was in the center of the circle. A lip ringed the attraction in most of the area to keep the ball on the course. This barrier was absent at the end of the rectangle where they would putt their balls from.

"If nobody minds, I'd like to go first."

"Go right ahead, Mr. Aono."

Encouraged by the mother's words, Tsukune stepped up on the platform and placed his blue ball on one of the black dots spray painted onto the felt. Glancing down the felt to the hole, Tsukune lowered the wedge end of the club next to the ball. He adjusted his stance and squeezed the end of the club.

Drawing the club back, he swiftly brought it back to hit the ball. The blue ball sped down the felt, overshooting the hole and bouncing against the back rim. He chuckled, stepping aside.

"That was a nice shot, Tsukune."

Tsukune grinned as Mizore stepped up onto the shooting area. She leaned down to place her pink ball on the same dot Tsukune had shot from.

"I know golf rules says everyone tees off and the one farthest from the hole shoots first, but this isn't actual golf. It would be better to let Tsukune finish his turn."

"There are rules for golf?"

Umizake regarded Kurumu with a neutral expression.

"Of course there is."

"I don't mind if Tsukune puts it in my hole before I'm ready."

Kurumu smirked as an oblivious Tsukune walked alongside the attraction. He tapped his ball towards the hole and it fell in. He grinned, taking two steps over to the hole and bending down to retrieve his ball.

"Not a bad start."

"Two strokes for Tsukune."

Umizake marked up the scorecard the attendant had provided him.

"Are you planning to keep score?"

"Why not?"

Kurumu frowned as he refolded the sheet and tucked it and the small pencil back in his breast pocket.

"Because it won't be as fun."

"It's not like the score will matter."

"I'm shooting now."

Mizore tapped her pink ball lightly, causing it to roll gently down the rectangle. It came to a stop just shy of where the circle portion started. The snow girl calmly walked down the platform to her ball.

"How about we make the score matter?"

Kurumu grimaced at the mother.

"What are you proposing?"

"The person with the highest score gets to request something from the person with the lowest score."

"That's not how golf works, Mrs. Shirayuki. The winner is the person with the lowest score."

"I see. Then reverse what I said."

Mizore retrieved her ball from the hole, having sunk it on a second soft tap. Umizake had the paper out, jotting down the results as Mrs. Shirayuki smiled at Kurumu.

"Do you want to go next?"

"No. You can go first."

"Very well then."

The mother stepped up onto the platform and placed her yellow ball onto the same dot as the others. She took a confident stance, following it with a firm swing. The ball rolled down the felt, stopping shy of the hole by mere centimeters.

"Oh dear. Seems I underestimated the force I needed."

"That was real close, Mrs. Shirayuki."

"Thank you, Mr. Aono. I hope my performance won't disappoint you."

The mother slowly walked her way towards her ball.

"Do you want to go next?"

"No. The scorekeeper always goes last."

Kurumu frowned, wondering if that was another golf rule. The mother gently pushed the ball into the hole for the same score as the others.

Sighing, Kurumu stepped up onto the platform as the mother fished the ball out of the hole. Placing her green ball in the same spot as the others, Kurumu figured this should be easy to do in two strokes. Gripping her club, she parted her feet to flank the ball like the others had. Taking in a shallow breath, she raised the club with a slight motion of her hands and shoulders, bringing the wedge back to strike the ball and send it swiftly rolling down the felt.

She knew immediately that she had hit it too hard. It smacked the back of the circle and bounced at an angle. It hit another part of the barrier before finally coming to a stop off to the side of the hole. With another sigh, Kurumu strolled down the felt to measure up her second shot.

In a glance, she estimated she had about the length of her club between her ball and the hole. She could not hit as hard as she had before. Taking a stance, she rested the wedge of her club next to the ball. She tapped it gently.

Or so she had thought. The ball rolled swiftly over the hole, changing course. It bounced off the barrier again, coming to a stop about half the club length from the hole this time.

"That's not fair."

"Don't worry about it, Kurumu."

"You'll get it next time, Ms. Kurono."

Frowning at their encouragements, she gently tapped the ball. It almost did that silly turnaround the hole a second time, but it fell in. Relieved that it was over, Kurumu bent down to fish her ball out of the white plastic cup.

"You guys all did it better than me."

"You'll do better on the next hole."

Kurumu pouted as she hopped off the platform. Umizake was already standing at the other end with his black ball placed. His composure was calm and confident.

It did not seem like he hit the ball any differently than anyone else. It rolled down the felt, unerringly towards the hole like it had for Mrs. Shirayuki. But his shot had enough strength behind it to drop it into the hole on the first attempt.

As he strolled down the felt towards them, Mrs. Shirayuki clapped her hands.

"Well done, Mr. Umizake."

He shrugged, stooping over to fetch his ball.

"It was nothing."

"Have you done this before?"

He regarded Kurumu dispassionately.

"I've never been to this establishment before."

"On to the next hole."

Tsukune nodded at Mrs. Shirayuki's prompting. They followed the black line painted on the floor to the next attraction. Like the first, there was a sign identifying this as the second hole jutting up at the start of the barricade near the shooting area. This time the challenge consisted of a two rectangles intersecting at the end. They would shoot from the end of one rectangle and the hole was a few centimeters shy of the center of the end of the other.

"I believe the trick to this one is getting a good bounce."

"Show us how it's done, Mr. Aono."

Tsukune grinned, stepping up onto the shooting platform and placing his ball on one of the black dots.

"You're not really going to do the whole winner makes the loser do something, right?"

"Only if everyone agrees to it."

Tsukune struck his blue ball firmly but at a deliberate angle. It hit the inside wall hard and banked to the outer wall. But it was moving too fast forward, so it bounced again and this time struck the barrier at the end of this rectangle, causing it to roll back towards them. Hitting the barrier one last time, it came to a stop about three quarters of the way down the first rectangle.

"Messed it up."

"Good try, Mr. Aono."

Chuckling, Tsukune trotted down the felt to where his ball was. He took a stance by the ball, lining up another bank shot. He swung lighter this time, sending the ball diagonally to the outer rim of the other rectangle. The ball carried down the second stretch, bouncing off the inner wall before careening to the end. It bounced off the back wall and came to a stop less than half a meter to the hole.

"That's better."

He trotted along the felt to where his ball rested. With ease, he sank his ball with a gentle nudge.

"That's three for Tsukune."

"Would you want to play with terms, my dear?"

Mizore cocked her head at her mother as she stepped up on the platform.

"The winner gets to ask the loser for a favor."

Mizore shrugged indifferently, setting her pink ball down on a black dot.

"I don't care."

"Nor do I. It sounds like we only need Mr. Aono and Ms. Kurono to agree to the terms."

"Mizore. If you lose, you'll have to do something someone else wants."

"I won't lose."

Mizore hit her ball softly, sending it on a slow coast to the end of the rectangle. It bounced gently at the far end, coming to a stop almost perfectly in the center of the intersection. Calmly, Mizore stalked down the felt for her second shot.

"Does Mizore play golf?"

"Not at all. Our village lacks this sort of activity."

Kurumu nodded as Mizore tapped the ball down the length of the second rectangle. It was a perfect shot with the ball dropping into the hole.

"That was great, Mizore!"

Mizore blushed slightly at Tsukune's praise as she went over to retrieve her ball. She made no comment as she reached down to fetch it.

"Guess it's my turn now."

As Mizore stepped off of the platform by the hole, her mother got up at the other end and placed her ball on a black dot favoring the inside.

"So do you want to risk having to do something I want?"

"Are you that confident that you'll win?"

Umizake shrugged indifferently, putting away the scorecard.

"I'm confident that I won't lose."

The yellow ball smacked against the barrier, zipping sharply to the other side. It hit the inside, bouncing back and almost perfectly striking the far corner. The ball rolled almost in a straight line down the other rectangle, hugging the outer wall.

"Oh dear. My angle was off."

The mother strolled down the felt, turning at the intersection. Her ball had come to a stop all the way down at the other end. It was still hugging the barricade, which forced the woman to step off the platform to attempt her second shot.

"Fine. I'll do your silly wager but you better not ask me to do anything stupid."

"I doubt Mrs. Shirayuki wants us to suggest unreasonable things."

"Oh bother."

Due to the awkward stroke, the mother's second shot had drifted wide of the hole. She stepped back up on the platform, gently pushing her ball into the hole on her third attempt.

As Umizake pulled out his sheet to tally the new score, Kurumu stepped up on the platform. Thinking she would try a different bounce, she put her ball down on the dot favoring the outer side. She figured if she bounced it on the inside and hit the outside right at the end of the rectangle, it might go down to the other end. It was what Tsukune and Mrs. Shirayuki had tried to do. She just needed the right angle.

Taking in a deep breath, she lifted her club up and swung it down with a flick of her wrist. The ball zipped to the inside wall, clanking hard and shooting to the other side. It smacked the outside wall and popped the end of this rectangle. Unfortunately her shot was more like Tsukune's as her ball came swiftly back towards them. It grazed the inside wall and shot past her off the platform, bouncing across the floor.

She blushed as Umizake turned to watch the ball roll off to the nearest wall of this large room.

"That doesn't count, right?"

"Every stroke counts. That's why sand traps are so annoying. Go get your ball."

Pouting, Kurumu hopped off the platform to trot after her ball. It only took her a couple of seconds to snatch it up. She would swear Umizake was amused with her as she jogged back to the starting area.

"I would suggest not trying to bank your shot."

"Oh, shut up. What kind of boyfriend makes me chase after my ball?"

In a huff, she placed her ball down in the central dot this time. She had to be gentler. These balls rolled pretty fast with minimal effort on her part. Relaxing her shoulders, she tapped the ball firmly. It was still too much force as it popped the back end and rolled almost halfway back to her.

"You need to be more gentle, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu grimaced at the advice, well aware that she was doing it too hard. Looking at how far she had to go, she wondered if she could angle it for a bounce this time. It looked possible. Adjusting her stance and aim, she took her third swing. The ball bounced off the outside, continuing at a good angle to hit the other outside and careen down the other rectangle. It struck the inside once before banking against the back end by the hole. It rolled by the hole about a third of the way up the second rectangle.

Kurumu sighed as she wandered down the felt towards her ball. She was over a club's length away and had no idea how hard to hit this thing. Setting up, she figured a very gentle tap was all she needed. Taking in a deep breath, she attempted a soft shot.

While it was gentle enough, the ball did that annoying loop about the cup and rolled half a club away from the hole. Groaning, Kurumu shuffled over to her ball and attempted another soft shot. This time it rolled in but she felt completely defeated.

"Do we have to count that first shot?"

"It's just a game, Kurumu."

She pouted at Tsukune, bending down to retrieve her ball.

"Not to the loser. We decided that the winner of the game gets to ask the loser for a favor."

Tsukune frowned at Mrs. Shirayuki as Kurumu stepped off the platform.

"We did?"

"Though Mr. Umizake said he would only agree to it if everyone else has."

"If you win, Tsukune, I'll make sure to lose."

"That's not how this is supposed to work."

Mrs. Shirayuki smiled softly as Umizake prepared to take his shot.

"I wonder what you would have my daughter do."

Tsukune chuckled nervously as the ball sounded against the barrier. It bounced perfectly against the outer wall, coming straight down the rectangle to drop into the hole.

"Very well done, Mr. Umizake!"

Kurumu turned wide eyes on the boy as Mrs. Shirayuki clapped in approval. Tsukune joined in on the clapping, shaking his head as Umizake calmly strolled down the felt to retrieve his ball.

"That was amazing, Aoi."

Umizake grunted in acknowledgment as he bent over to fish his ball out of the hole. Kurumu wagged a finger at him.

"You must play golf."

Umizake straightened up. With a shrug, he stepped down and started walking towards the third hole, prompting everyone to follow.

"My father is a member of the Okhotsk Country Club. Ever since I turned ten, my father would take me with him at least once a month to shoot the course."

The third attraction was oddly shaped. After the flat, rectangular shooting area, the perimeter barrier cut diagonally in both directions. The felt elevated almost a whole meter in the center, leaving a narrow flat section along the perimeter. Kurumu wandered about the side to get a full view of the challenge. On the other side was another flat rectangular area. The hole was at the center of the base of the hill.

"Do you think you can get another hole in one?"

"I've been to these places before. Sometimes holes in one are impossible."

Tsukune chuckled as he placed his ball on one of the dots.

"I wouldn't say that, but it does seem to be true."

"Have you done this before?"

Tsukune nodded at Mizore with a wide grin.

"It's been years. At least two, maybe three. There aren't any miniature golf places in Yamagata. We were visiting Sendai the last time I went."

Kurumu recalled his weekend trip to Sendai during the summer break in 1999. The trip had included a visit to the Yagiyama Zoo and the nearby amusement park Benyland. They had gone swimming at Inagasaki Park and had played miniature golf.

He had similar trips in 2000 and in 2001, though they didn't visit Yagiyama those years. By then he had grown out of his desire to be a zookeeper. And there was no reason to spend a day at Benyland when they had Lina World in Yamagata. Instead his 2000 trip had included stops at a bunch of museums and a special trip to the Sendai Astronomical Observatory. That summer he had a newfound desire to be an astronaut to impress the Love Princess Kobayashi.

Tsukune sucked in a breath and chopped the ball up the slope. It sailed straight up and off the course, bouncing around on the floor beyond. He turned a sheepish smile on Umizake.

"Can I put the ball back on the field where it left it?"

"Nope. It's a provisional ball and you shoot from here."

"Yea. Figured as much."

Tsukune trotted off to recover his ball. Kurumu smiled at Umizake.

"So you've been doing this for six years."

"Almost. My birthday is in November and the weather isn't that great for golf. So my first visit to the country club came the following spring."

"I didn't realize I was older than you."

"Oh my. You weren't aware of the day the love of your life was born?"

Kurumu blushed at the mother's mild admonition.

"I doubt he knows mine."

"August second."

Kurumu blushed darker at his prompt response. She had no idea why he knew that but she felt so embarrassed as Tsukune returned to them. He smiled as he put the ball back down.

"What has her blushing like that?"

"Just a young lady learning new things about the man she loves."

Tsukune laughed nervously as he lined up his next shot. Avoiding a response, he hit his ball with notably less force this time. The ball barely had enough momentum to get over the apex. They heard it bounce off the barrier on the other side. Tsukune hopped off the platform and moved to the other side.

Kurumu wandered over to a vantage point allowing her to see Tsukune. He was back up on the platform on the other side and lining up his third shot. He tapped it in with ease.

"So… when in November is your birthday?"

"The sixteenth."

Kurumu nodded, contemplating if she should offer getting him a gift. Then she remembered that she was broke. She probably should write to Mrs. Shuzen at some point and ask if she could be given some sort of allowance.

Mizore softly tapped her ball. It ran halfway up the slope and came back with more speed than she had initially given it. She moved her foot to prevent the ball from leaving the play area.

"You'll have to hit it harder, my dear. Or you could try hitting around the rise."

Mizore moved her ball to a different spot and lined up a different shot. She knocked it firmer this time and it went up the slope on an angle. It came down on the far side, bouncing off the barrier and finally coming to a rest near the center point of the diagonal section where it changed directions. Mizore drifted over to where her ball was to take her third swing.

Kurumu could tell that Mizore lacked a clear shot due to the rise. As the flat part of the diagonal section was so narrow, Mizore had to be off the platform to take her shot. The ball glided up a portion of the slope and came down in the flat rectangular section near the hole. Stepping back up on the platform, Mizore effortlessly knocked the ball into the hole on her fourth attempt.

"I worry that I won't fare any better here."

As the mother stepped up onto the platform to place her ball, Kurumu simply hoped that she kept her own ball on the course. The mother struck her ball firmly, sending it up the slope with confidence. The yellow projectile glided smoothly up and over the hill, rolling quickly down the back side. They heard the bounce and Tsukune clapped.

"Good job, Mrs. Shirayuki. You almost got it in."

It nearly had been a perfect shot, Kurumu guessing it might have even rolled over the hole but she had not been watching close enough to notice. The mother gently tapped her ball into the hole, netting her the least amount of strokes for this hole.

"You're turn, Kurumu."

"I swear that if you get another hole in one, I'm resigning on the spot."

Umizake smiled thinly as he jotted down the mother's score.

"I doubt I'll get a hole in one on purpose. There is way too much luck involved here."

Kurumu sucked in a breath as she placed her ball in the center dot. She was worried about sending her ball into orbit if she tried to go up the hill. Thinking better of it, she moved the ball to the next dot.

She knew it the instant she hit it that it was too hard. Thankfully, Tsukune had quick reflexes, dropping his club to snatch her ball out of the air before it pegged Mizore. He laughed, shaking his head as he walked over to them.

"You really need to watch your strength."

Kurumu snorted, taking her ball back.

"My strength? You should have seen Moka at the bowling alley. She was blowing pins apart."

"That's hard to imagine after seeing her in the batting cages."

Kurumu smirked, recalling how pathetic the vampire had been at Nikki's birthday party.

"She couldn't hit a beach ball."

"Just don't hit it so hard."

"Gee. Thanks."

Shaking her head, she set the ball down on the center dot. She figured she may as well try the center if she could still launch it off the sides. Taking in a steadying breath, she tapped it firmly. The ball zipped up the hill and then went airborne. She heard it bounce off the felt before it started bouncing across the hard floor. She sighed again.

"Is there a trick to this?"

Umizake shrugged as Tsukune chased after Kurumu's ball.

"Don't try going over the slope. Too much force and it leaves the course. Too little and it will roll back. Better to go around it."

Kurumu knew that much. She managed a smile, holding out her hand as Tsukune trotted back to her.

"Thanks, Tsukune."

"We used to have a ten stroke max on holes when I played with my parents."

"I'm not that bad."

Annoyed, Kurumu set her ball down in the side spot once again. She tapped it gently, though it was still firm enough to send it up part of the slope. Like Mizore's attempt, her ball came rolling down in the narrow side section.

"At least it's still on the course."

She wandered over to the pointed section of the side, noting her ball was hugging the wall. There was no good way of getting her wedge behind it, so she would have to stand off the side and nudge it along the wall. She had no chance of sinking the ball into the hole, but she would avoid the slope.

With a firm shove, she sent the ball rolling into the flat portion with the hole. It bounced on the far side before coming to a stop near the other. Sighing, Kurumu stepped up on the platform but realized she had no room to stand if she wanted to make a direct shot to the hole. Her ball was too close to the barrier.

"This sucks."

"Don't worry, Kurumu."

"I'm already at four and was behind the last two holes. Short of someone deliberately tanking, I'm going to end up dead last."

"Perhaps so. But if Mr. Umizake wins, I'm sure he won't ask you to do anything you'd hate."

Kurumu pouted as she tapped the ball again. It was a bad shot, but it at least got it out in the open. She lined up the next shot, but put too much force behind it. It rolled over the hole and up the hill a short ways before speeding back down to bounce off the barrier.

"Take your time, Ms. Kurono."

Groaning, Kurumu shuffled over to her ball which was less than half a club's length away thanks to the last bounce. With a gentle tap, she heard the ball clatter into the plastic hole. Grumbling, she walked over and fished her ball out.

"Kill me already."

"It's just a game."

Pouting, Kurumu left the platform. After Umizake stuffed the score sheet into his breast pocket, he placed his ball and poised for the strike. Like Mizore's mother, he sent it up and over the hill perfectly. It came down on the other side, bouncing off the back wall and coming within a club's length of the hole. He calmly strolled over to line up his next shot. And like Mizore's mother, he dropped it with ease.

"You did that on purpose."

He frowned as he stepped down from the course.

"Did what?"

"You could have had a hole in one, but you want me to suffer."

Mrs. Shirayuki laughed softly, following after her daughter whom was walking the black line to the next challenge. Tsukune was already up on the platform, preparing to swing.

"This one will be tough."

The fourth hole was a simple rectangle with a red barricade built across the center to prevent the ball from reaching the other side. The only break in this barricade was a plastic ramp which did a roundabout before dumping the ball onto the other side. There was a slight, steady incline from the shooting area to the barrier and a notable decline on the other side towards the hole.

"Oh my. I doubt a hole in one is possible with how the ramp aims the ball out on the other side."

"You would have to have a lucky bounce on the back side."

"Here goes."

Tsukune swatted the ball and it struck the barrier, rolling right back to him. He laughed, stopping it with his foot before it left the play area.

"Missed it."

Kurumu giggled as Tsukune set up for his second shot.

"I assume that your parents are unaware of your relationship with Ms. Kurono."

"I have not felt a reason to worry them about this yet."

"I hope you don't plan to drop this news on your wedding day to my daughter."

"Of course not. The day before works."

Tsukune stopped his ball from rolling off the course a second time. He sheepishly set up his ball for a third attempt.

"That would cause so much trouble for the village."

"It would take them some time to find a new husband for her."

"It would buy her some time, but not much. I was married within three months of my village finding out about my husband running off with another woman."

Tsukune was down on the other side, lining up his next shot. With a gentle push, he sank his ball.

"That's four for Tsukune."

"Why bother keeping score? It's obvious you're going to win this."

"It's eighteen holes, Ms. Kurono. Nothing is certain yet."

"Tsukune will marry me."

Mizore's mother smiled, relaxing her shoulders.

"Then I suspect that you'll have to be more convincing, my dear."

"I'm trying, Mother."

Mizore placed her ball on the dot favoring a straight shot for the ramp. She tapped the ball to send it smoothly up to the ramp. For some reason, the ball stopped the moment it hit the ramp. Mizore cocked her head, walking up the slight incline to her ball.

"How did she manage that?"

"There must be a slight change in elevation there. She's fortunate the ball didn't come rolling back."

Mizore tapped the ball a second time, sending it up and around the plastic ramp. The ball was dumped on the other side but lacked the momentum to reach the back side. She was more than a club's length from the hole.

"Engagements are not something to be taken lightly, Mr. Umizake. I know you wish to do my daughter a favor, but there were political reasons for this union. I don't want Ms. Kurono to get her hopes up for someone she can't have."

"It's your turn, Mother."

As Mizore's mother stepped up on the platform and placed her ball, Umizake scrawled a three in the fourth box for Mizore's name. Kurumu sighed, realizing she had a higher score even without her turn.

The mother sent her ball confidently up the slope where it hit the ramp and made a perfect roundabout. It was dumped on the other side where it zipped down and hit the back side, rolling back towards the hole. The mother clucked her tongue happily, shuffling down to the other side to take her next shot.

"So… what are you planning to ask from me when you win this?"

Umizake glanced her over as the mother stepped up on the other side.

"I'm still going to marry her if things don't work out between her and Tsukune."

"Why?"

"Because it's what my parents want. So don't worry. I won't ask for anything indecent from you."

Kurumu blushed as the mother effortlessly finished the hole.

"I wasn't thinking you would."

After jotting down the new score, he gestured at the ramp.

"It's your turn."

Kurumu sighed, stepping up on the platform. Shaking her head, she placed the ball on the spot Mizore had used. She simply had to hit it straight. Taking her stance, she popped the ball solidly. She grimaced, thinking it would be too much as it zinged unerringly to the ramp.

The ball hit that slight elevation dip and it must have done something as her ball bounced off the ramp onto the other side. The others started to clap in surprise.

"Nice! You bounced it in!"

Kurumu blinked, thinking they had to be joking as she stepped off the platform. She wandered over to the other side and was surprised to see Tsukune grinning wide and pointing at the hole. Her ball was nowhere to be seen. She stepped up on the other side and peered into the hole. Sure enough, her ball had somehow landed in the hole after bouncing off the ramp.

"I did it?"

"You sure did!"

Kurumu shook her head as she bent down to fetch her ball. She supposed this must be how Umizake felt about some of his hole in ones. If it was simply luck, there was nothing to be proud about. She giggled to herself, stepping off the platform.

"I can't believe I got a hole in one."

"Other than Aoi, you're the only one that has."

Kurumu nodded, letting that sink in. He was right.

"You still have the worst score overall."

Kurumu pouted at Mizore, holding her ball to her bosom.

"Oh shush."

The black ball zipped up to the ramp, rolling about the slide and coming down on the other side. It bounced on the back end and came back. It was not as close as the shot Mizore's mother had made, but Kurumu doubted it would trouble Umizake. The young man stalked over to the other side.

"Good job, Aoi."

He nodded at her, taking his position. With perfected ease, he sent the ball into the white hole.

"On to the next one."

Kurumu smiled as they followed the black line to the fifth challenge. This one was a simple hill with a hole in the right side. Off to the left is a small rectangle with a hole. At first glance, there appeared no clear way of getting the ball from the shooting area to the hole.

"Are we supposed to bank it off the hill onto that side area?"

Tsukune hopped up on the platform, walking halfway up the hill. He gestured at the top.

"There's two holes up on the top of this hill. If you get your ball into this one, it drops down to the left side. If it goes into the other, it will come out this hole here and roll back to the start."

Kurumu grimaced as he walked back to the shooting area. She had a feeling she was going to have another big count here.

"Don't worry, Kurumu. As long as you hug this side, it will go in that hole and drop you to the end area. Most of us will do this in two."

Tsukune's encouragement was hardly convincing. He set his ball down and prepared for his swing. With a clank, he shot the ball up the ramp and Kurumu heard it hit the backboard on the top. The ball came rolling back down the hill which Tsukune snatched up before it left the play area.

"Okay. As long as you don't hit it too hard, it won't come back down."

"Do your best, Tsukune."

He smiled at Mizore, nodding as he placed his ball for a second attempt. This time he got it up the hill and they could hear it rolling. It then came out the right side hole and started rolling back to them. Umizake stopped it as Tsukune frowned with confusion.

"I don't understand."

"The holes must be switched on the top. You needed to get it down the other hole."

Tsukune laughed at Umizake's observation.

"I've been scammed."

"I'll give you that stroke back. You wouldn't have made that mistake if you knew the course."

"Hey! That's not fair!"

"Anybody that went first would have made the same mistake."

"I'm fine with giving Mr. Aono a free pass on that one."

"Me too."

Kurumu grumbled, knowing they were all in the right here.

"Sure. Fine."

Tsukune lined up for his official second shot. He sent it up on the right side and they heard a small clatter. The ball came down on the left side playing field, bouncing on the back board. Grinning, Tsukune moved over to the end area to make an easy putt.

"It's a pity you don't have laser tag."

Mizore smirked at her mother.

"That's not an activity for couples."

"Paintball sounded like so much fun too."

"None of us are dressed for that."

"I know, my dear. But I fear we are going to be stomped by the professional golfer here. It would be nice to show off some of my own skills."

Umizake scrawled down three for Tsukune's fifth box on the scorecard.

"I'm not a professional golfer."

"What skills are you talking about?"

Mizore let out a sigh as she placed her ball on the right side dot.

"In order to bond with my brothers, Mother became really good at laser tag."

"I'm also well versed with real rifles. We have several in the house."

"Isn't that illegal?"

"It's not like the humans know we exist."

Mizore tapped the ball far too gently to get it up the hill. It came rolling back to her which she stopped before it could leave the platform.

"So… you actually shoot things?"

"It's more civilized than making our guardians hunt for food with their fangs and claws. Every able bodied man and woman in our village learns how to shoot at the age of twelve."

"Wait. Mizore knows how to shoot a gun? But she played so poorly in our paintball game."

Mizore's second attempt was no better than the first. The snow girl sighed, blocking the ball's path again.

"It was too hot in there."

"My daughter is excellent at masking her presence. In the winter, she's one of our best hunters."

Mizore tapped the ball firmly enough to get it up the hill this time. They could hear it rattle down the chute before it dropped in the end area on the left side. Stepping off the platform, Mizore went over to putt her ball into the hole.

"She doesn't enjoy it though. She prefers hiding in her room, writing her sad stories and listening to unpleasant music."

"There's nothing wrong with her music."

Mrs. Shirayuki smiled at Umizake as she stepped up on the platform.

"I'm well aware of your musical preferences, Mr. Umizake. We only tolerated her interest in that noise because we found out that it had come from you."

Umizake jotted down the number four in Mizore's score column as the mother placed her ball. Sizing up her shot, the mother firmly struck the ball to send it up the hill. It reached the apex and rattled down the chute. The ball rolled into the end area, nearly dropping in the hole but ringing out. It came to a stop less than half a club's length from the hole.

"So close."

"It seems I have to keep playing well in order to stay ahead of you."

The mother smiled at him, nodding as she took off for the end area platform.

"I guess I have to go next."

Umizake smirked as Kurumu placed her green ball on the dot favoring the right side.

"Try to keep your ball on the course."

Seeing that the mother had already finished, Kurumu whacked the ball up the slope with enough force to zip it off the course and bounce clear across the room.

"I've got it."

As Tsukune chased down her errant ball, Kurumu sighed. The mother walked back over with a slight smile on her lips.

"Perhaps I can make a suggestion."

"I know, I know. Don't hit it so hard."

"Perhaps he could help you with your swing."

"There's nothing wrong with her aim."

"Oh come now. I'm encouraging you to be physical with your date. You are more than tall enough to give her guidance without it being an issue."

Tsukune trotted back over, holding the ball out to Kurumu.

"What exactly are you wanting us to do?"

"Take her from behind."

A lecherous thought from Tsukune jabbed at Kurumu.

"I'm clearly missing context."

Kurumu snatched the ball from him, blushing.

"She was suggesting that he hold me from behind and help me swing."

"I don't see how that will improve her swing."

Mrs. Shirayuki sighed at his resistance.

"Trust me, Mr. Umizake. It might help her relax."

Feeling flush and not wanting to be bothered, Kurumu set her ball back down.

"I can do this on my own."

"Don't be embarrassed, Ms. Kurono. Let him help you."

Ignoring the mother, Kurumu swung her club gently to send the ball up the hill. Sadly her aim was off, causing the ball to perfectly hit the hole in the side and promptly come rolling back to her. She easily stopped it with her foot.

"Fine. Since you insist."

Kurumu murmured a protest as Umizake tucked the scorecard into his pocket. He towered over her, draping an arm over each of her shoulders. He had to lean forward to reach as low as her hands.

"Let me put the ball in place first."

He straightened up as she bent down to fix the ball. As her butt pressed to his legs, she realized he was too tall for upright sex. Blushing at the thought, she straightened back up.

"Okay. Just this once."

His hands grabbed hers. He pressed in on her.

"Part your legs more. You're too stiff."

"I thought you said there was nothing wrong with my stance."

"No. I said there was nothing wrong with your aim. And don't push against me. It's distracting."

Kurumu found that hard to believe. The guy was an empty void. Even pressed against her, he betrayed no yummy lechery. It was unsettling and uncomfortable.

"Relax, Ms. Kurono. You look far too tense."

Kurumu let out a heavy breath. Of course she was tense. A young man was crowding into her personal space and she had no idea why he was not the least bit aroused by her.

"I guess this is as good as you're going to get."

Hearing his disappointment, Kurumu relaxed her shoulders. She had no idea why she felt nothing from him. It seemed impossible. Even another girl would have some naughty thoughts from this. So it had to be something else. Maybe he was masking his emotions. Like Mizore so often did.

With these thoughts, she let him guide her hands up. She felt him take the swing with her. In essence, she was merely an extension of his swing. She could take no credit as the ball zipped up the hill. She heard it rattle down the chute. It dumped into the play area, ending shy of the hole.

"Excellently done. You two make a fine couple."

He immediately released her hands and backed off. She suddenly felt colder without his presence.

"I didn't do anything."

"I noticed. You were so loose that there was no resistance at all to my intrusion. It almost went in."

Kurumu blushed, having dirty thoughts about his statement as she went over to tend to her ball.

"I don't want him helping me for the rest of the day."

"Very well, Ms. Kurono. I won't push you again."

Kurumu stepped up onto the ending area. Her ball was right on the verge of the hole. Not even bothering to take a proper stance, she tapped it in.

"It's your turn, Aoi."

Umizake gave no response as he stood poised for his shot. The moment she stepped off the course, he swung his club. She heard the ball start tumbling down the chute. It came out the end and rolled perfectly to the hole. He had added a little more force to get the ball into the hole on his first try.

"Another hole in one."

"Don't worry, Kurumu. There's still plenty of holes left."

Kurumu grimaced, thinking that only meant she could fall even further behind.

The arrangement of the next challenge was similar to the second hole but this time the second rectangle turned to the right and there was a red plastic barrier which curved from the outside corner to the inside corner. A small gap near the center gave access to the other side with the hole.

"If you don't mind, Mr. Aono, I have a small question concerning your relationship with Ms. Kurono."

Tsukune frowned as he placed his ball on dot favoring the outside edge.

"What are you wondering about?"

"From what I understood, Ms. Kurono and her mother lived in Tottori for almost the entirety of her life. If you live in Yamagata, how was Ms. Kurono visiting you so frequently for four years?"

"Dreams. Kurumu has the ability to go places when she dreams."

Mrs. Shirayuki glanced at Kurumu inquisitively. Kurumu smiled slightly.

"Yea. I know how to do that."

"That's fascinating. I had no idea that a succubus could do that."

"It's true, Mother. Kurumu has many powers we don't associate with her kind."

Kurumu waited for Tsukune to take his shot which bounced around several times and ended halfway back to them. Tsukune grinned sheepishly, walking down the felt for his next attempt.

"It's all illusions though. I wasn't really in Yamagata. I was lonely and wanted a friend. So I found one."

"You randomly found a friend in a prefecture so far from your own?"

"I don't quite know how I did it. But I somehow ended up at his Grandmother's funeral."

The mother nodded thoughtfully.

"His parents mentioned meeting some girls from Yokai Academy at the wedding of the Eldest Daughter of the Shuzen Estate. Did you meet his parents."

"Yes. I met Aoi's parents. Kokoa and her friend, Nagisa, are both in Aoi's homeroom."

"And what did you think about his parents?"

"They were nice people. They told me that Mizore would have to marry him before next summer break."

"This winter break, to be exact."

Kurumu staggered back a step as Umizake finished writing the number four in Tsukune's row.

"This is the first I've heard of this."

"Yes. You both will be sixteen then. The Snow Priestess feels the time is right."

"But that's less than three months away!"

"I'm well aware of how soon that is, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu shook her head in disbelief as she turned to Mizore. The snow girl stepped up onto the platform, putting her ball down without a hint of emotion.

"Mizore. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. She told me about this decision the night she came to town."

"I'll have to talk to my parents. Maybe see if we can postpone."

"You can try, Mr. Umizake. Maybe if my daughter can convince Mr. Aono to take your place, we can renegotiate the wedding date with the Snow Priestess. But as it stands, you will be married soon."

"I understand."

Mizore tapped her ball gently, sending it down to the barrier. It struck with such minimal force, it was almost perfectly lined up with a shot through the gap to the hole beyond.

"With that out in the open, I have to ask something very important. Are any of you having sex?"

---

"Now that was an enjoyable movie."

Kurumu smiled as they followed the mother out into the street. She flinched as Umizake promptly linked arms with her. Any other guy would give off some lustful vibe before touching her. Because he always caught her off guard, she was worried that her startled reactions would make Mrs. Shirayuki suspicious.

After some hasty explanations over why none of them were sexually active, they had continued their game at the Sinkhole. It had ended in the obvious conclusion of Kurumu losing by a large margin with Umizake as the winner. He had promised to come up with his request of her at a later time.

They had wrapped up things in Sinkhole shortly after eleven. Having missed out on breakfast, Kurumu had urged the group to break for an early lunch before the restaurants became busy. They had dined at Bottomless Bowls because it was a short walk from Sinkhole and had food that everyone could enjoy. It was also nice that the short walk meant there was less chance of others witnessing this date.

Keeping up with the idea of minimal exposure, Kurumu had encouraged seeing a movie next. While some of the movie selections had caught her interest, Mrs. Shirayuki had insisted that they watch Shinobi: Heart Under Blade.

"I suppose it was okay but I wished things could have ended differently."

"It is based off the Kouga Ninja Scrolls written in the late fifties. It's a tragic tale of love with fantastical fights between the rival clans. In some ways, it is like Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet."

"I'm surprised that you would be interested in that sort of movie."

Mizore's mother smiled softly at Tsukune whom did his best not to betray discomfort when Mizore latched to his side.

"I knew it would be something all audiences could enjoy from the trailers."

"Trailers? You've been to the movies recently?"

"We do have a theater in Yukimura, Ms. Kurono. My boys thoroughly enjoy the Star Wars franchise."

"I saw the latest one with my mother before my birthday. I don't know if these three saw it."

"No worries there. My cousin dragged me off to the movies with Mizore that weekend after Moka took you away to the Sendai airport."

"Was Yukari with you?"

"No. She went home to her parents the day after you left. Said she didn't want to worry her parents more than she already had. She did have doctor appointments to keep."

"Where should we go next?"

Mrs. Shirayuki smiled at Umizake's inquiry.

"That is a good question. What time is it, Ms. Kurono?"

Kurumu reached for her purse which dangled from the elbow he had linked with. She fished her phone out, noting the digital time on the small square.

"It's about two fifteen."

"Sounds like we have plenty of time before dinner."

Slipping her phone back into her purse, Kurumu reflexively leaned against Umizake.

"There are several things we could do. Maybe karaoke at Siren's Lullaby?"

"No. I need a place with air conditioning."

Tsukune chuckled at Mizore's prompt refusal.

"Well that rules out several places. I don't recall if the roller skating rink had it."

The last time Kurumu had been inside Skate On had been right before summer break. It had been a 'girls only' birthday party for Hatoko and they had visited Corner Pockets afterwards.

"I'm pretty sure it didn't. And I don't recall the pool place to be that cozy either."

"Pool place?"

"Corner Pockets. It's not far from the bowling alley."

"Oh. You mean billiards. Not a swimming pool."

Kurumu smirked at Tsukune.

"As far as I can tell, this town doesn't have a swimming pool."

"I'm fine with billiards or bowling. I haven't been to either place."

"If they're by each other, we can stop by both. See if the environment is agreeable to my daughter."

Thinking that sounded like a plan, Kurumu tugged Umizake along as she headed north from the theater. This road ended a couple of blocks ahead of them at the Awashi-Dera, though it was not obvious that the structure was a temple from this angle. Large multistory buildings flanked this road which blocked her view of most of the surroundings.

"Have you played pool before, Aoi?"

"My father owns a table."

"Well I've only played it once with friends."

"It's been a long time since I've played a game. The one place we went to back in junior high did not have a friendly atmosphere."

"No worries, Mr. Aono. My daughter and I have never played pool before."

"It's not much different from miniature golf."

Kurumu chuckled at Umizake's remark.

"Does this mean you're going to stomp us in a game?"

"That depends on how bad the rest of you are."

"You should teach her how to handle a stick."

"No thanks. Ginei gave us a thorough lesson the one time we were there."

"How about you, Mr. Aono? Could you demonstrate for me and my daughter?"

"I'm not that good myself."

They walked by The Raw Deal, a family restaurant serving meals that were so fresh that some were still bleeding. The cozy two story building had several windows lining this street side, giving a view of those dining within. They had a porch in the back with outside seating for those that preferred fresh air.

Bottomless Bowls was the squat, single story building with its main doors facing its competitor's across the street. Across the other street from the restaurant was a three story building with multiple business within. This other building on their left before the intersection appeared to be vacant.

"Tsukune has more experience bowling. He took us to a bowling alley when we were at his home."

"Oh? I didn't know my daughter has been bowling."

Tsukune chuckled, shaking his head.

"Mizore couldn't make the walk with us. The summer heat got to her before we went there."

Mrs. Shirayuki sighed as they arrived at the intersection.

"Our village has so little to do. Yukimura is such a rural environment compared to Mononoke."

Umizake came to a stop which caused Kurumu to frown. Then she realized that Mrs. Shirayuki was gazing down the street towards the arcade.

"I don't recall Mononoke being this way. I remember the bowling alley since we lived in the apartment building next to it. The arcade is familiar but all of these other places are new. It's like the owners of so many of these businesses left after the big fire."

"Were you here when the fire burned down the school near Siren's Lullaby?"

"I have no idea what this Siren's Lullaby is."

"It's the karaoke place."

Mrs. Shirayuki nodded thoughtfully.

"The fire happened during the summer break of my last year. It took out several blocks of old homes and apartment buildings. My marriage was falling apart at that time so my mind was preoccupied."

There was a long pause as everyone seemed reluctant to speak.

"I guess if you lived by the bowling alley, you must have played."

"I have. But you may need to teach my daughter the proper form."

"Yea. Teach me how to hold your balls."

Tsukune laughed nervously.

"I think we should keep moving."

"I have an idea. Follow me."

Mrs. Shirayuki started down the street towards the arcade which alarmed Kurumu. She had wanted to walk by the temple before cutting this direction since that would keep them away from others. If they walked too far down this street, they would start passing by places other students might be visiting.

"Wait. That's not the right way."

"I know where the bowling alley is."

"But this other street will be less congested."

These next buildings were both single story. The wide brown stone building on the right was an office supply store while the squat, beige building on the left had a sign claiming the owner was a therapist. The phrase beneath the owner's name told the reader to shrink their problems.

"I have something else in mind. Come along."

Mrs. Shirayuki continued down the street at her slow, steady pace. The next building on the left was identical to the therapist's. The sign declared it was Fangtastic and provided dental services. When they had walked by this establishment last month to play their paintball game, Kurumu had pointed the place out to Mizore, claiming it proved that monsters did have to worry about dental hygiene.

"Wonderful. It's still here."

The mother walked with purpose to the small shop after the vacant building on their right. The white building had a window front and colored etching across the glass, proudly declaring itself 'Lickity Split'. Kurumu had found it amusing that a place serving desserts was almost directly across the street from a dentist. The actual building across the street was for Exterminate which was a pest control service.

"I used to go to this place all the time. I became friends with the owner's daughter whom went to school a year ahead of me."

"I know Mizore likes her ice cream."

"As do I."

Umizake detached from her side to open the door for them. Kurumu shivered as she entered the chilly shop. Her nipples instantly hardened, poking at her dress as she ventured further into the seating area. Black cushioned booths with narrow black tables lined the windows. Several standalone round tables were scattered about the black and white tiled floor. These black topped tables were held up by a silver spire connected to a black, round base. Tall stools with round black cushion tops flanked each table.

A young woman with pale skin and cherry red lips hopped over to them. She sported a black apron over a white blouse tucked in black slacks. Her black hair was pulled back in a high ponytail.

"Welcome, customers. You may sit wherever you please."

Two of the eight booths were occupied by families and only one of the tables had a couple seated about it. None of the people present were familiar to Kurumu which probably meant they were locals. There was a burly, bald man working the register behind the pristine white counter which was flanked by a bunch of stools matching those about the tables.

"Where should we sit?"

"Well the booths aren't cozy enough for all five of us. Mr. Aono. Could you take my daughter to one of the tables while the three of us have a booth?"

"I suppose so."

"Oh. And I will be covering the tabs for both parties."

The waitress smiled at them, bowing slightly.

"Of course. I'll bring you menus once you are seated."

"Over here, Tsukune."

Mizore tugged Tsukune over to a table away from the booths. Kurumu allowed Umizake to guide her to the second booth near the door since the first one was occupied. Mrs. Shirayuki slipped into one side with her back to the door. Umizake took the seat on the other side.

Wanting to be able to react to anyone coming through the door, Kurumu settled in beside Umizake. The waitress promptly placed three menus upon their table before stalking off to do the same for Tsukune and Mizore. These menus were encased in plastic with a thick black border.

"I wonder if my old friend still works here. That is her father behind the register."

Kurumu picked up the menu. The black script across the white sheet was elegant.

"I don't know what to get. I've only been here once."

"You two can sit closer if you like."

Kurumu shivered as Umizake draped an arm over her shoulder and pulled her in against his side.

"Is that better?"

Kurumu sighed, relaxing against him. She glanced over the menu, noting the place had a bunch of sherbet flavors. That might be more interesting to try out than ordering a simple chocolate sundae.

"That does look better. At times you barely behave like a couple."

"We are trying to be polite and respectful."

"Oh don't be silly. Half the time you call each other by your last names."

Kurumu grimaced. She had messed up on this far more than he had, though that was because he avoided conversation.

"We are new to this."

"You need to be more assertive, Mr. Umizake."

"Kurumu worries about rumors floating around the school. She doesn't want our fellow students to think I've been charmed out of my engagement like her mother did to yours."

"You can't spend your lives worrying about the thoughts of people whom have no control over you. The only opinion that matters is your own and those of the ones whom care most for you. Like your parents."

"I don't know if I could handle a pushy guy right now."

Umizake rubbed her arm as he reached with his left hand to take hers in his own.

"And I'm fine with not pushing things further than I'm comfortable with. I would be lost if Ms. Kurono started pursuing me with earnest."

"Are you aware that her mother passed away?"

Kurumu flinched as his hold on her became lax.

"I was not."

"I'm sorry. I guess I should have told you."

He squeezed her hand firmly.

"I'm not upset. I know that you have closer friends to confide in."

"That isn't how it's supposed to work, Mr. Umizake. Hiding secrets from someone you love usually means there is a lack of trust."

Kurumu shook her head as she thought about Tsukune.

"That's not true. I didn't want to trouble him."

"Having a life partner is not only about sharing the good, Ms. Kurono. You have to be willing to share the bad. How will you ever feel loved if you hide half of your life from someone?"

Kurumu shivered at the admonishment.

"I just want him to be happy."

Mrs. Shirayuki smiled softly with a slight shake of her head.

"Life is not only about being happy, Ms. Kurono. You will be greatly disappointed in life if you believe that. And if we all carried on with our lives, hiding our burdens from each other, this world would be filled with a fake and meaningless happiness."

"Are you ready to order?"

Kurumu smiled at the waitress whom was holding a pad of paper expectantly. She glanced at the menu, still unsure if she wanted to try out a sorbet or stick with her safe parfait.

"I will have a cherry sorbet."

"And you?"

"I have no opinion."

Kurumu laughed at his noncommittal response.

"Are you not wanting a dessert?"

"I'll try whatever you get."

"You want to share what I get?"

"Sure."

Kurumu sucked in a breath as she glanced over the menu.

"Then can I order two things?"

"You are more than welcome to, Ms. Kurono."

"Thanks. I'll have a yuzu sorbet and a chocolate parfait."

"Any drinks?"

Mrs. Shirayuki smiled, handing her menu over to the waitress.

"None today, Ma'am."

Kurumu nodded, taking Umizake's menu and handing both over to the woman.

"Very well. I'll have that right out."

With a slight bow, the woman hurried off. Kurumu's eyes widened as a familiar young man walked through the door in the company of a bunch of girls.

"Excuse me for a second. I need to talk to someone."

Kurumu bolted from her booth, rushing over to the group. She had to diffuse this situation before he said anything stupid.

Ginei was sporting a long sleeved, scarlet dress shirt tucked into a pair of black cargo pants. A lush green bandana was pushing his locks back while his silver wolf head pendant dangled upon his bared chest since he was incapable of fastening his top three buttons.

Of the girls he was with, only Hajihachi was familiar. The girl had her wavy, smoky black tresses up in her usual twin tailed fashion. She had on a dark green, satin tube top which was partnered with a black, ruffled skirt which ended at her knees.

The other three girls all had similar tanned skin and smoky black hair. One had an older aura about her though that was probably due to her hair being trimmed short to barely cover her ears. This lady had on a short sleeved, crimson blouse and black slacks, mirroring Ginei's attire. She was the only one holding a black purse which was hanging from her left shoulder.

The other two could easily pass as twins. One had her long hair pulled back in a braided tail while the other left her long tresses unbound. These girls wore identical yellow tank tops and skinny denim jeans.

"Ginei."

Ginei turned a bright smile on her.

"Kurumu. What brings you here?"

"Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu grabbed hold of his arm and offered a hand to Hajihachi.

"I don't have a whole lot of time to explain before it gets suspicious so try to behave yourself."

"What are you talking about?"

The moment Hajihachi timidly took her hand, Kurumu pushed her memory of this morning into their consciousness. She let them witness her exchange with Mizore this morning and how Tsukune and Umizake had joined in on the ruse.

Taking a deep breath, she peered into his different colored eyes.

"Do you understand now?"

"What did you just do?"

"I gave you a memory from this morning."

Hajihachi nodded thoughtfully as Ginei favored her with a curious expression.

"Do you seriously have to take that whole thing off to go pee?"

Kurumu staggered back in shock. Hajihachi promptly swatted him in the shoulder.

"After seeing her situation that had to be your comment."

"That's a serious issue. She should cut those shorts out."

Hajihachi sighed, shaking her head.

"She doesn't have to remove them permanently. She could slice them and install buttons or snaps."

"Yea. I noticed that she has some shorts she's modified for her tail."

"Could we not talk about my outfit?!"

"I suppose I should thank her for letting me experience what life is like as a buxom young girl."

"Ginei. Just stop."

"Being a guy is kind of boring in comparison. I don't know if I could handle being so sexy all of the time."

"Mika. We are still here. I don't believe we've met your friend."

Hajihachi smiled apologetically at the trio regarding them with interest.

"This is Kurono Kurumu, Mother."

"But to spare a round of extra introductions, we should take this to the table. I need to speak with another mother I'd like to meet."

Kurumu grimaced as Ginei darted over to the booth where Umizake and Mrs. Shirayuki waited.

"Mrs. Shirayuki, I presume!"

"I am. And you are?"

"I am Morioka Ginei, president of the newspaper club. Your daughter has been a wonderful addition to my club. Many readers enjoy her stories."

Mrs. Shirayuki slipped out of the booth so she could bow formally.

"Thank you. My daughter has told me how often you molested her."

"Mika."

Ginei laughed as Hajihachi whimpered at her mother.

"That daughter of yours is such a kidder."

He turned and gestured at the ladies he had arrived with.

"Allow me to introduce my fiancée, Hajihachi Mika."

"That has not been officially acknowledged, Mr. Morioka."

"Oh come now, Mother. You would not think to stand in the way of true love."

The older woman regarded him impassively.

"I will stand in the way of my daughter devoting her life to a shameless womanizer. What kind of fool asks a lady if she must remove her attire to use the restroom?"

"I presume that you are Mrs. Hajihachi. Pleased to meet you."

"Pleased to meet you. These are my other daughters, Mitsuro and Uzuha."

"They are lovely. I have two boys but only one daughter."

"We always wanted a boy. A pity we never did."

Mrs. Shirayuki gestured in the direction of the table where Mizore and Tsukune sat. The waitress was handing off their orders.

"My daughter is over there at the moment with her boyfriend. We wanted to give them some alone time before we moved on to our next adventure."

Ginei grinned, draping an arm over Hajihachi's shoulders.

"Now that sounds interesting. Where do you plan to go from here?"

Kurumu sighed, realizing this date was only going to get more awkward.

---

Kurumu let out a heavy sigh as the commissary came into view. Thankfully Mrs. Shirayuki had agreed to call it a day after dinner. She doubted she could keep up this ruse much longer, hoping her contact with Umizake would be minimal tomorrow thanks to his PSC commitments.

After the antics in the ice cream parlor, they had decided to spend the next two hours at the bowling alley before having dinner at Ms. Nekonome's favorite eatery, the Sand Witch. Mrs. Shirayuki was also quite familiar with the place, spending a good half hour reminiscing with the woman behind the counter whom had been working at the place back when Mrs. Shirayuki had been a student. This woman had been in her twenties back then, eventually marrying and taking over the restaurant when her parents moved out of Mononoke for a safer environment eight years ago.

Bowling had been fun. Tsukune was the only good player in both parties, which made him proud. Ginei and Umizake were both decent but not much better than Hajihachi and the mothers. At least the twins were about as pathetic at it as Kurumu and Mizore were.

The twins were in sixth grade and had turned twelve in July. Uzuha was more tomboyish than Mitsuro but had proved to be no better than her sister at bowling. Uzuha thought Ginei was cool and wanted him to move in soon so they could play together. Mitsuro thought he was cute and would often steal glances at him only to blush when he caught her looking.

Hajihachi had startled her with a hug before they had went their separate ways, reassuring her that it would be okay. In her haste to enlighten them about the situation, she had shown them her mommy's butsudan. Hajihachi had a butsudan for her late father so she had talked with Ginei about it. They had correctly deduced it had to be her mother's.

Surprisingly, they had not crossed paths with anyone else. They were the only ones at the bowling alley between three and five. Leaving the Sand Witch, they had stayed on that back street, walking by Change of Seasons before eventually arriving at the main path which flanked the hospital on the way out of town. Kurumu guessed they had left Mononoke before most others would.

She would have to ask Ms. Hitori about keeping some sewing supplies. Despite having so many things for her suite, she lacked a pair of scissors or even a needle to do any sort of sewing projects at home. She needed to make this outfit usable since that bathroom break had taken so long after the first bowling game. Snaps were the easiest solution. And she needed to make an extension for her purse strap.

"It seems our day has come to an end."

Kurumu smiled at Mrs. Shirayuki's comment as they neared Mizore's suite.

"Mr. Aono and Mr. Umizake. You have both been such fine gentlemen, escorting us all the way home."

Tsukune chuckled as Mizore held her hand out to her mother.

"Keys?"

Mrs. Shirayuki smiled, fetching Mizore's keys from within her kimono.

"I still need Mizore's blood."

"Oh, of course. We'll give you two time alone inside to take care of that."

"Come on, Tsukune. We don't need witnesses to the exchange of our bodily fluids."

Kurumu smirked, aware that Mizore said that only to fluster him. The snow girl released his arm to put her key into the lock. With a turn of the key and a twist on the knob, Mizore pushed into her suite and turned the lights on.

"Go on, Mr. Aono. Don't keep my daughter waiting."

Laughing nervously, Tsukune entered the suite. The mother calmly reached in to pull the door shut behind him. Remaining by the door, the mother turned and smiled upon them.

"It's so convenient that he's becoming a vampire. It can take years to acclimate someone outside of Yukimura to our environment."

Kurumu returned the smile before glancing up at Umizake whom remained latched to her side.

"Was that going to be a problem for Umizake?"

"I understand that he has had years of training to control his temperature and emotions."

"That is correct, Mrs. Shirayuki. Though it appears your daughter lacks such training."

Mrs. Shirayuki smiled softly, glancing down at the ground.

"Yes. Well… we spent more time in therapy than training. Mizore has never been the same after the accident. I've lost count of the number of times she has tried to give justice to that boy."

"What are you talking about?"

"An old pain, Ms. Kurono. But one death will not erase another. Life is not fair. We can't right wrongs by doing more wrong."

"You speak of the incident at Chubetsu Lake. When she killed that boy, Tanaka Kunio, on accident."

Kurumu flinched at his calm response.

"That is correct, Mr. Umizake."

"Mizore killed someone?"

"It was not her fault, Ms. Kurono. A girl her age is barely in control of her emotions. And to have her powers surface at that moment was unfortunate."

"I didn't know. I know she said there was an accident. It's why she doesn't get to talk to her cousins."

"Sadly some lack the understanding of what it means to love someone unconditionally. They give up on you when you become too inconvenient to love. It happens all too frequently to girls in our village."

"That's so sad."

Mrs. Shirayuki smiled at her, cocking her head.

"I'm surprised Mizore never told you about the picture she keeps in her locket. She can't let him go."

Kurumu had never thought to ask if there was anything inside the golden locket she always wore.

"I guess we all have our secrets."

The mother let out a heavy, dramatic sigh.

"So shall we discontinue this game we are playing right now? While I sense that the two of you do get along, I think it is obvious that you have never been on a date before."

Umizake detached with a nonchalant shrug.

"We never claimed that we have been on an official date before. Ms. Kurono doesn't want rumors."

"If she dislikes rumors, she should be more mindful of how often she stares at Mr. Aono."

Kurumu blushed hotly, glancing away.

"I was not!"

"We've all known about her crush on Mr. Aono. She had a good portion of the school convinced that she was dating him most of last term."

Kurumu cringed as Mrs. Shirayuki let out a sound of triumph.

"Now this is all making more sense. And I'm aware that Mr. Aono and Ms. Kurono are both tangled up in the business of vampires. Am I correct in assuming that there is some rule against him dating a servant?"

Kurumu grimaced as she wondered how she should word her way out of this.

"Tsukune doesn't see me as a woman, Mrs. Shirayuki. He sees me more like a sister."

"I see. So are you trying to make him jealous by dating the man his girlfriend is supposed to marry?"

Kurumu sighed, glancing at Umizake. The tall boy shrugged without comment.

"We both just want Mizore and Tsukune happy."

"I can't say I'm worried about his happiness, but I do want Mizore to be at ease."

The mother chuckled quietly, shaking her head.

"You are both so foolish. Do you not think Mr. Aono and my daughter don't wish the same for you?"

Kurumu was thankful Yukari was not around as she doubted the witch would have anything good to say about Mizore. But on further reflection, Kurumu had no idea what Mizore wanted for her. Or for anyone for that matter. She knew what Mizore wanted for herself. And that was it.

"I don't worry about others looking after my happiness. I assume most don't."

"That is a pessimistic view, Mr. Umizake."

"I disagree. Pessimism is assuming others want you miserable. I don't believe that."

"Oh dear. I'm not interested in fighting over semantics with you, Mr. Umizake. I am saying that such thoughts betray a lack of belief in the good of other people."

"People are good when it is convenient to be so."

"I hope you aren't as jaded in your perspective, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu swallowed, shrugging.

"I think I have friends that want me happy. And that includes Tsukune."

"Then I suggest not deceiving him with this false relationship."

Kurumu smiled meekly.

"We were actually doing this for your sake."

"My sake?"

"Mizore has a huge crush on Tsukune but isn't officially dating him. He's friends with Umizake and she convinced me this morning to take Umizake on a date because you wanted me to."

The mother favored her with a sly smirk.

"I suspected she was not being completely honest with me so I pushed her to go on a date with him. But she responded with requesting to make it a double date with you and Mr. Umizake."

Kurumu frowned, letting that sink in.

"Wait. Mizore said I was supposed to go on a date because you wanted me to."

"Not at all, Ms. Kurono. I felt you should be left alone to grieve in peace. She was the one insisting on taking you along."

Kurumu tensed up in frustration. She wagged her finger at the door.

"That brat. I actually had plans with friends today which I blew off without telling anyone for her sake."

Mrs. Shirayuki smiled warmly.

"I'm surprised so many of you played along. The way Mr. Morioka seamlessly worked his way into your deception had me thinking for a moment that this relationship with Mr. Umizake was genuine."

"I filled him in before he came over to speak to you."

"Strange. You were only with him for a matter of seconds."

"I can pass information with a touch. Since it was only a few minutes of memory, it didn't take long."

The mother smiled softly.

"Well I think I've given those two enough time. I shall leave you two now. I would hardly be doing my job as a mother if I didn't make my daughter uncomfortable after discovering her deception."

Kurumu chuckled, nodding as the woman twisted the knob and pushed the door in.

"Okay. I'm going to check Moka's suite and hope that someone is there to open the door."

"Good night, Ms. Kurono."

"Good night, Mrs. Shirayuki."

As the mother slipped into the suite, Kurumu turned about and started walking to the other nearby building. In a moment, Umizake followed after her.

"It seems this is the end of our date."

"You did well. If you weren't so tall and impassive, I might have actually considered dating you for real."

"It's good to hear you aren't hard set on Tsukune. That should improve her chances of winning him over."

"I'm not the fastest runner in that race, Aoi. She'll have to figure out how to win him from Moka."

They came to a stop in front of Moka's door.

"I won't say that I'm rooting for him. I do believe that she is a good girl and deserves to be happy."

Kurumu smiled at him, grabbing him by the elbow and giving him a squeeze.

"You're a good guy, Umizake. You deserve to be happy too."

"I am happy."

"You don't look it."

"What does happiness look like?"

Kurumu shrugged, knocking on the door.

"I don't know. Smiling?"

"Let me know when you figure that out."

Kurumu took in a deep breath and smiled as he walked off. She had no idea if she was happy, but she was not sad. The sound of the deadbolt turning warned her to step back. The door swung out and Kokoa grinned wide at her, wearing a pink sundress marked with white dots of various sizes.

"You would not believe how amazing this weekend has been!"

The vampire grabbed her by the arm and tugged her inside.

"Hikari's parents are so cool. We saw a movie yesterday. Fantastic Four. Wasn't the best but kind of neat."

Kurumu nodded, tugging the door shut behind her before removing her shoes.

"Oh? Your girls had parents here for the weekend?"

"Just Hikari and Ishiko. Ishiko's mom is a complete chatterbox. Since Ishiko isn't in any events tomorrow, she's going to blow it off and spend the day with her mom."

Kurumu wandered into the room, making a cursory glance.

"Where's Moka?"

"I thought she would be with you."

"My day got hijacked. I've been out all day with Mizore."

Kokoa laughed, skipping over to the karaoke machine.

"Well I only got home an hour ago. I bought that SMAP album Nagisa owns. Do you want to listen to it?"

Kurumu grinned, strolling around the couch and plopping down on the cushions.

"Have you eaten dinner yet?"

Kokoa huffed as she pressed the play button to start the music.

"No. It's your job to make it."

Kurumu sighed, relaxing in the couch.

"I guess. Let me rest a song or two."

Kokoa skipped back to the couch, sitting beside Kurumu.

"So what was Umizake doing out there?"

Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head.

"Where do I even begin?"