Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Rosario Vampire. I am merely twisting the creators vision into my own dream. If the supernatural, sexuality, or violence is offensive to you, then you should not read this.

Chapter 31

It was the first time the Newspaper club had ever issued a late paper. Wednesday Morning the club was gathered in front of the school gates. The leading stories were the success of the school festival, and the success of the Student Police in standing up to 'an unspecified gang' that had threatened to disrupt the festivities.

It was decided that by not mentioning Fairy tail by name the rumors could be reduced. Enough spontaneous troubles had plagued the school that one more was merely interesting. Keito and the Public Safety Commissin were mentioned, making the whole things sound like a simple plot for revenge for being ousted from power.

Tsukune didn't feel happy about skirting the truth, but he and the rest of the club understood the importance of what they were doing. This edition of the school paper was focused on the positive achievements, and plans for the future. Tsukune had added a 'help wanted' add for the Student Police. The Drama Club, having held a successful show during the festival, was also recruiting new members. Tsukune's advice column had been brief, because of his multiple duties. In contrast, Moka and Kurumu had worked together on an article, complete with a cute picture of the pair, about healthy eating for people who over work.

In their article, Moka and Kurumu talked about such things as diet planning for cold meals and snacks in conjunction with traditional meals. The article transitioned as it was read into a romantic advice article, encouraging people, usually girls, to help plan and prepare meals for their love interest. It was a part of the ongoing plan to support the Student Police; the one that they managed to keep Tsukune from being aware of.

Tsukune and the young women of the Newspaper Club were having brisk morning. Tsukune's popularity with girls was climbing again, and his companions were also receiving renewed interest from the student body. Moka and the rest were used to it all long since, and could discourage most would-be suitors with a look or a quick couple of words. Tsukune, the far-to-nice-for-his-own-good, was unaware of how his warm, supportive smile for a nervous girl only encouraged her. His companions of the Newspaper Club kept a careful eye on him.

Xxxxxxxx

Tsukune gave a satisfied sigh when the last bell of the day sounded. He was free of any responsibility beyond a little studying until the next morning. He had a 'play-date' with Kurumu for dinner, she had called it her reward for helping in the fight. Thinking about that, made Tsukune remember the other 'rewards' he had granted recently.

XXXXXX

When he had returned to his room to rest after the excitement was over, Tsukune had mentioned to Ruby about Kurumu's requested reward.

"If she helped you," Ruby had said. "Then shouldn't she be rewarded in some way?"

"You're right," Tsukune nodded. "But then you should get a reward also."

"I was just doing my duty for my master," Ruby had said modestly.

Tsukune looked at Ruby and suppressed a sigh. He knew her well enough to know what she liked. In spite of everything, he was a normal guy. While he was shy, and much of what the witch wanted from him just made him feel 'strange,' he did understand a little of what she liked.

"Give me some ideas of how you should be rewarded," Tsukune instructed, his voice less firm then he wanted it to be.

"I do not need any reward, master," Ruby continued to be modest.

What Tsukune did next was one of the hardest things he could ever remember doing. His raised his arm and took a swing at Ruby. His arm felt like it weighed a hundred kilograms, and his muscles felt like they had turned to water. It was the kind of blow that couldn't kill a fly. It was barely enough to make a weak clap sound as he smacked Ruby's face.

"Be honest with me," Tsukune said, his voice even weaker. He could feel himself sweating from the effort to strike Ruby. "What do you want."

Ruby looked at Tsukune with her face filled with surprise. His hand had hardly touched her, and the blow had not hurt at all, but he had deliberately slapped her for not answering his question. She considered refusing to answer Tsukune, but she could see what that one feeble slap had taken of him and didn't want to ruin the effort he had made.

"Master," Ruby said, holding her cheek and blushing with a measure of excitement. "I would like a small reward, if it pleases you to grant it."

"And what would you like?" Tsukune asked, hoping she didn't want anything unreasonable. His mind was racing as he ran through everything he had shared with her, and the others, intentionally or accidentally. In a heartbeat he had three lists in his mind, what he hoped she would ask for, what was acceptable, and what he would refuse.

"Master," Ruby said softly. "I want you to kiss me." She was blushing hard from such a modest request. She had wanted to ask for much more then a kiss, but she knew he would refuse her if she asked for too much. She also didn't want to jeopardize her position or what she was building with him by saying something that would effect his feelings for her.

Tsukune almost managed to fight a sigh of relief. Ruby had asked for something awkward, but acceptable. They had kissed twice before, even if had not been something he had chosen to do. He would not be crossing any lines that would threaten his friendship with Ruby. He agreed to her request with a nod. Tsukune stepped in close to Ruby and gently cupped her face in his hands.

Ruby felt her heart pounding in her chest as Tsukune's warm hands touched her face. She closed her eyes and leaned into his kiss, as she reached to embrace him. It would be her first real kiss from her most important person. She had kissed him the first time, taking the kiss from him. The second time had been an accident. This time he was choosing to kiss her, giving his affection to her willingly.

The kiss had started off as a simple gesture. His lips pressed against hers in a feather light touch, each just able to feel the softness of each other's lips. It was meant to be for just a short moment, but his lips lingered upon hers. A heart beat, then another, then the kiss became deeper. She had him tight and gave a tiny gasp at the feelings running through her body.

In that moment the kiss became fare more then just a gesture. Her lips parted the smallest fraction as he pressed his lips firmly against hers. Her eyes and mouth opened in surprise and his lips parted, his tongue slowly penetrating past her lips. She could feel it as he entered her mouth and the heat that came with the new level of contact. She squeezed him tight as she suddenly started sucking on the tip of his tongue greedily

"Thank you, Tsukune," Ruby said as she buried her face against his chest when the kiss ended. She didn't want him to see the tears in her eyes and the redness of her face brought on by the passion and intimacy of that kiss. Her entire body had responded to the kiss in a way that she had never expected. It was as if his kiss had drawn her heart into his chest and all she wanted to do was hold him so close that they would become a single body. Ruby's heart raced with excitement and her body was aroused. In a tiny corner of her mind she wished for an all out war so that she would have ample chances to help Tsukune, so she could have more of his kisses.

Tsukune was surprised by his own actions. The kiss he gave Ruby was for more then he had expected from himself. It had made him aware, and he stood in her arms, of Ruby's body and her very presence. A part of him had been shaken by how deeply he had felt during what should have been a simple kiss. Tsukune's selfish, inner self, was making him aware that he could kiss Ruby as much as he wanted, however he wanted, because both Mokas and Ruby had already said it was all right with them.

XXXXXXX

Monday afternoon the Newspaper Club gathered together to work on the paper. It was a busy time with everyone, including Gin, lending a hand. They had a lot of last minute content to add before sending the paper to the printers. They did not finish until late evening. When they had a final draft that the club agreed on, they shared a cheer.

While Nekonome Sensei took the draft to the printer Everybody else cleaned up the club room. Gin vanished in the click of a high speed shutter. Ruby left ahead of the rest so that she could prepare Tsukune's dinner. Tsukune and the remaining club members returned to the dorms together. He wanted to linger a little while with Moka, but Mizore had caught hold of his hand and stayed by his side. He understood what she wanted.

Tsukune walked Mizore to her room. This time she didn't hesitate to be close to him. She pressed herself to his body while he embraced her, but she had reached up to hold his face gently between her hands. She looked in to his face, his eyes as she accepted his warmth.

"I want to ask you for a favor," Mizore said after they separated.

"What do you want?" Tsukune asked, willing himself to calmness.

"I want you to deliver a letter," Mizore explained as she went to her desk. "I have a letter for Inner Moka." She produced an envelope from her desk and turned back to Tsukune. "Please deliver this when you have the chance."

"I will," Tsukune promised.

After that they said goodnight. Mizore gave a sigh that was a mix of contentment and frustration once Tsukune had left. The storm of rain and wind had passed that had undone her efforts and left the ground wet and warm. Snow would take a long time to cover the ground again, but light, drifting snow would eventually change the landscape.

XXXXXXX

Bleary eyed and foggy-headed from lost sleep, because Tsukune had spent part of the pre-dawn hours pursuing his responsibilities to the Student Police, Tsukune waited for Moka before school. When she came into view, bright eyed and fresh for a new day, Tsukune felt himself smile. It was a smile that Moka shared with him.

The couple stole away into the woods for some privacy, where they embraced and shared a long kiss. Mindful of his promise to Mizore, Tsukune asked for Moka's tolerance. Inner Moka had shown some irritation at being awakened for the purpose of receiving a letter, but accepted it anyway.

"Do you know what this says?" The unsealed Moka asked, gesturing with Mizore's letter.

"No," Tsukune answered honestly.

"Hmmm." Moka eyed Tsukune thoughtfully for a moment. Finally she folded the letter and placed it back in the envelope. "Tell her she will have an answer in the near future."

"Alright," Tsukune nodded, smart enough not to poke into an issue between women.

"Now as long as I am awake," Moka smiled crookedly at Tsukune. "I want a little treat."

She reached for Tsukune and wrapped her arms around him. She shared a passionate kiss with him before restoring the seal. Tsukune felt light headed from kissing both Mokas in a single morning.

Tsukune was back to his normal self by lunchtime. He sat down to lunch with his friends as he normally did, but was surprised by Moka acting strangely. The cure vampire wolfed down her lunch with a face that said she felt sick to her stomach. He was still trying to think of a way to ask her if something was wrong when she finished eating and stood up.

"Mizore," Moka said with a thin smile. "Please come with me."

"Yes," The snow maiden also stood up.

The pair walked off together. Tsukune watched them go, wondering. Yukari was confused. Kurumu was curious, but decided to concentrate on Tsukune instead. Before he could escape, the succubus stuffed a napkin into Tsukune's collar and started feeding his lunch to him. Yukari had wanted to follow Moka, and was about to, but then she saw the boob monster pushing herself on her Tsukune and decided she needed to stay and chaperone.

XXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"What was the big idea," Moka demanded once she and Mizore were alone. "What were you thinking, giving that letter to Tsukune?"

"It seamed like a good idea," Mizore shrugged.

"What would have happened it he had read the letter? Do you have any idea what could have happened?"

"I trust Tsukune."

"So do I," Moka insisted. "But that is not the point. What makes you think it was even a good idea to for permission to kiss Tsukune?"

"I wanted to know what Inner Moka thought a bout the idea." The snow maiden was calm and patient.

"Rrrrrrr," Moka growled in frustration. "Mizore, how could you do this? I thought that we were friends? After all we have been through. After all we have shared. Why this? Why now?"

"It is nice being your friend," Mizore said with a hint of a blush. "But I want to be more then just friends with Tsukune. I want to do more then just hold his hand. I want to do more then just get a hug from him. I know that you understand what I am saying. You want the same thing I do."

"You're right," Moka said with a sigh. "I do understand how you feel."

"I said you understand my words. You cannot understand how I feel," Mizore snapped. "When you see Tsukune your heart beats faster and you feel warm inside. Your whole day becomes more special just by being able to talk to him. He makes my day special. My heart beats faster when I see him. When he says my name my legs get weak. And when he looks at me, all he sees is a friend." Mizore's voice became bitter.

"Tsukune values…"

"Just stop," Mizore cut Moka off. "I am not the same as you, not to Tsukune. You and I could walk into his room together and his eyes see you before anybody else. I could be naked, but he wouldn't notice once he sees you. If you try to kiss him he welcomes you. If I were to try to kiss him, and you know I have, he would push me away. Do you have any idea how much that hurts?" Mizore demanded with a voice thick with emotions.

"I'm sorry," Moka said gently.

"I don't want to lose," Mizore said, her eyes shining and more then a little red.

"I will not lose," Moka said with fire in her eyes.

"You've kissed him!" Mizore declared. "You have more of him then anyone. I don't want to lose, but I can accept coming in second."

Moka just gaped, shocked at the snow maiden's admission. The joke of sharing Tsukune was an old one, but Moka never expected anybody to take it seriously.

'But that is what we do,' Moka's inner voice said. 'We share his heart, and his blood.'

'Are you insane?' Moka argued with herself. 'You are willing to let Mizore go ahead and… and… and…!'

'Don't be ridiculous! I wouldn't even share Tsukune with you if I didn't have to. But she has a valid point. Besides,' Inner Moka said darkly. 'Even if this woman gets what she wants, we will still have Tsukune. The most she will ever have of him is the small pieces I allow her to have.'

'You sound like you're going to sell him off a little bit at a time, like some kind of sick butcher.'

'Think, you silly girl. Tsukune would cast away everything for us. If we ask it of him he will give up his life, both metaphorically and literal. In truth he already has. But if we drive away the friends that accept him he would be hurt by our actions. But if we help him, if we give his friends a chance at even a little bit of happiness, then he will thank us. He will look upon us and smile. I have no intention of losing any more then you do, and we all know that sooner or later someone will have to lose. Let Mizore have her small piece of happiness, so long as Tsukune remains loyal in his pledge to us.'

'But… But…' Moka was stunned by her inner self's reasoning.

'She can kiss Tsukune as much as she wants,' Inner Moka declared. 'Tsukune may even kiss her, but never on the leg! Let him have his way with her if it will make her happy, but she will owe us for it.'

'Have his way…' Moka blushed. 'We have never… Tsukune would never…"

'Good point,' Inner Moka agreed. 'We have kissed him, but no more. Tell her she can do no more then what you have done with Tsukune. Tell her…'

"You can come in second then," Moka nearly choked on the words that came from her inner self. "I have kissed him already, so you can kiss him second, if you can get him to agree. You can do whatever you like, but only after I have done it with Tsukune first. As long as you are loyal to your word, you can hug him and kiss him."

Moka felt sick to her stomach. What she said sounded scornful, even intentionally demeaning and hurtful. The way she felt had made her voice harsh. She looked Mizore in the face, and was stunned to see the snow maiden smiling.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXX

Tsukune sat with Kurumu and Yukari while he waited for Moka and Mizore to return. When the two classmates returned Tsukune noticed that Moka looked unhappy, possibly a little sick. He untangled himself from the other girls and went to her.

Moka was forced to accept the truth of Mizore's words, and had mixed feelings about it. As soon as she and Mizore entered into Tsukune's field of vision he came directly towards her with concern in his eyes. He didn't even acknowledge the snow maiden until after Moka had said that she was fine. Moka was pleased that Tsukune cared so much for her, but felt sad for her friend that was left in her shadow.

Tsukune could tell that something had passed between the two young women, but didn't know what. He could feel a cold touch on his heart when he thought of the people important to him fighting. He couldn't think of what he should say or do, and that indecision made him feel worse.

Moka saw the look on Tsukune's face, and the way his posture changed, as he observed her and Mizore. He was that bothered just suspecting that they had had a fight, Moka didn't want to think what it would do to him if she forced any of the others away. Fortunately, Mizore found a way to break the tension and distract Tsukune.

"Tsukune?" Mizore stepped close to him while playing with the handle of her sucker.

"Ye…" Tsukune's attempt to respond was cut off as Mizore quickly stuffed her sucker into his mouth. He closed his mouth around the stick out of reflex as the head of the sucker hit his tongue. He felt his body temperature drop as if he had been splashed with cold water.

Mizore smiled as she wiggled the sucker around in Tsukune's mouth for a few seconds. She pulled the sucker out of his mouth and returned it to hers, throwing him a wink.

"W-w-what was that?" Tsukune stammered in surprise.

"Indirect kiss," Mizore said with a happy blush.

Tsukune turned bright red and remained frozen in shock for five heartbeats. Finally he shook his head and sighed. He would never understand women.

XXXXXXXX

Wednesday afternoon Tsukune arrived in front of Kurumu's door. As per her instructions he had stopped off at his own room to put up his school bag and to take a little time to refresh himself before coming to her room. He knocked then tried the knob, and as she had said, the door was unlocked.

"I'm home," Tsukune announced. He tried to sound cheerful, but it made him feel a little weird when he said it.

Kurumu welcomed Tsukune, wearing a apron over a simple dress. The pair talked as they had before, as if they were an established married couple. He was the salaryman and she was the housewife. They shared a modest dinner and small talk, and generally relaxed.

Tsukune and Kurumu continued their role-play conversation as she cleaned up the dishes and the kitchenette. Tsukune cleaned the table and out it away. Kurumu smiled as she heated a large pan of water. She was ready for her next attack.

"Tsukune," Kurumu said as she crossed her room to a set of shelves. "Can I ask you to do me a favor?"

"What is it?" Tsukune asked.

"I need to do a little washing up." She took up her prepared bundle of a towel and some wash clothes. She set them on the floor next to him as she explained. "It is one of the disadvantages of having something other then just a human body. It is easy to get someone to wash your back in the baths, if you trust each other." She went to the kitchenette next where she carefully picked up a large pan of heated water. She carried the water over and set it down beside the towels as she continued. "But there are some things I don't feel comfortable letting just anybody doing for me." She untied her apron and laid it aside before starting to unbutton her dress, with her back to Tsukune. Even so, he could tell that she was undressing.

"What are you doing?" Tsukune said, his voice becoming tight, and a little shaky.

"I want you to help me wash," Kurumu said. "If you could turn your back for a moment…" She watched over her shoulder as Tsukune quickly did the gentlemanly thing and turned away from her. She smiled as he followed the script of the event she had planed out in her notebook. She undressed completely and knelt with her back to Tsukune, but close to him and the water and towels she had set out. "You can turn back now."

Tsukune carefully looked back at Kurumu. The succubus was completely naked, kneeling with her back to him and her arms over her chest. She had her wings and tail out, but pulled in close.

"Tsukune," Kurumu said, trying to act a little shy. "Could you please help me wash my wings?"

"Eh… Erm.." Tsukune could not think of any reason to object, not without just rejecting her request. "How?" He finally managed to say.

"I can reach parts of my wings," Kurumu said, extending her wings and wrapping them forward, partially concealing her nude body. "But I can never get the base where they join by back."

"What do you want be to do?"

"Just like washing a friend's back," She prompted, smiling at him over her shoulder and wing. "Use a washcloth and some hot water and just scrub gently."

"Alright," Tsukune gave a nod and hoped he didn't sound as nervous as he felt.

With Kurumu supervising, Tsukune wet a cloth in the pan of heated water and then carefully started washing Kurumu's back. He started at the base of her neck, where she was very much like everybody else. Kurumu lifted her hair away from her neck with one hand while smiling gently over her shoulder. Tsukune worked carefully as he washed the area around the base of her wings. He was aware of how the dark flesh of her wings blended into the smooth white skin of her back. As he washed, Kurumu made small, contented sounds.

She liked how gentle he touched her and how intimate an act they were sharing. It was too bad, she reflected, that she could not think of a way to get him to use his strong but gentle hands on her breasts. He actually did a fair job of washing the limbs and digits of her wings from base to tips. Tsukune even dried her wings.

"Thank you, Tsukune," Kurumu said. "Could you take the water to the kitchen while I dress?"

"Sure," Tsukune answered. He stood and carefully carried the pan to the kitchenette. When he returned he saw Kurumu had pulled her dress on and was buttoning it.

"Thank you. That felt good," Kurumu said honestly as she turned to face Tsukune. She had her dress only half buttoned, exposing ample cleavage. She stepped in close to him and reached up to wrap her arms gently around his neck. "I hope you wont mind doing it for me again." She smiled sweetly he blushed.

Instead of pressing her breasts hard against him like she usually did, Kurumu was careful to just brush them lightly against his chest. With the front of her dress still half undone he couldn't miss the what she had on display for him, and that she had not put on a bra. She saw him try to find a safe place to look and his blush suddenly deepened. She knew that he had seen where she had left her bra and panties on the floor next to the towel he had just been using on her wings.

"I should let you go," Kurumu said. "It is getting late and we have school tomorrow."

"Ahh, yeah," Tsukune said, trying to get his brain running again. He realized he had put his arms around Kurumu out of reflex. "I should try to study."

Kurumu was acutely aware that Tsukune had not moved, and that his arms were lightly around her waist. She was having an effect on him, and it made her want to cheer.

"Thank you for coming over tonight," She said softly. Before Tsukune could get away, she leaned in quickly hand gave him a soft peck on the cheek. After that she deliberately stepped back, breaking physical contact with him. "I hope you can take care of me again soon."

"Ah, yeah..." Tsukune replied. "Thank you for dinner."

Kurumu waked Tsukune to her door and wished him a good evening. Once the door was closed behind him she rested her head against it and counted to one hundred, slowly.

"Yahoo!" She cheered and jumped up, pumping a fist in the air. Kurumu cleaned up the used washcloths and towel while smiling and dancing around her room with a big smile. Her plan had been a success. His hands had been on her body without objection. It was a small step, she admitted, but it was in the right direction.