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

Chapter 57

Once Tsukune returned to the Student Police Headquartes his mood was instantly picked up by everybody. The office staff, who were mostly female, realized that something had gone very wrong. They watched as Tsukune did something they had never even heard of him doing before. He went into his office without saying a word to anybody and slammed the door.

Tsukune did not open his office door until midnight. As a clock in the office chimed the hour, Tsukune's door was jerked open and the captain came out with his face a mask of stone. He stood in the front door of the building until the night lieutenant arrived.

"Good evening, Captain," Lieutenant Kinto said with a warm smile.

"Everything is under control," Tsukune reported to his relief. "Good night." He left without saying another word.

Ruby was waiting for Tsukune with some special plans all ready. She had already prepared a hot bath and a light, delicious meal for her master. His bed was made with the sheets pulled down, waiting to receive him. Ruby had prepared herself as well. She was wearing a light dress, without a slip, over her most worn and thin panties and bra. She had already bathed herself and applied her favorite body oils, so her skin would be soft and smooth. She did not expect her master to ravish her, or even touch her as he had just a few days prior. No, her plan was to make the house, and herself, as inviting and welcoming as she could, and to be ready just in case her master did decide to show her some attention.

Ruby felt Tsukune coming. His youki was agitated. The front door banged open and Tsukune appeared like a storm cloud. He hardly paused to kick off his shoes before marching through the house. Ruby, who had been kneeling in the front room had barely started to rise to follow her master when she hear him slam the bedroom door.

XXXXX

Saturday afternoon's planed study group was an unpleasant experience. Tsukune's sour mood persisted, and none of his friends knew why. He was perfectly polite to them, even trying to smile from time to time as they studied together, but his friends could still feel his ruffled youki.

His friends had seen Tuskune tense before, but this time was different. Normally they would have been able to get him to relax and open up to them. This time something was bothering him deeply. The group had gathered in Tsukune's house to study, and Ruby had made sure the place was ready for them. However, Tsukune's mood disturbed everybody's plans. While Tsukune was polite, he was flinching away whenever one of his friends tried to flirt with him. Because he did not show any sign that he wanted to talk about what had upset him, his friends had decided to wait him out. When he had excused himself from the group for a toilet break, the girls shared a brief, urgent, and fruitless conference. Finally it was Moka who broke the stalemate.

"Tsukune," Moka asked as the afternoon wore on. "Will you please tell me what is wrong?"

Tsukune shot her a dark look before answering.

"There was a fight last night," Tsukune explained. "And I had to go break it up."

"A fight?" Yukari asked. "Where?"

"In the room under the girls' dorm," Tsukune answered with his eyes on his textbook.

Dead silence filled the room. All of the girls knew what Tsukune was talking about. It was something that none of them ever mentioned. It was a place more carefully guarded then the girls' baths that were located above it. The five girls realized that Tsukune had seen the room that had been made into a shrine dedicated to him.

It was something that they all knew about. It was something that they all knew would bother Tsukune. It was something they had all kept a secret from him. It was a breach of trust that they were all guilty of.

Tsukune did not make any accusations. He did not question his friends. He was embarrassed to the very core. He had heard about the shrine, once, and had chosen to believe it to have been a myth. Or at lest to be an exaggeration. Even after he had seen Kiyo's poster, Tsukune thought that any shrine to him would have just been another poster on a wall somewhere with an incense burner under it. Something that would have been set up as a bit of light-hearted decoration.

When Tsukune had discovered the shrine he had been shocked and disturbed. There had been no less then four different posters on the wall of that room. All around the room there had been numerous small pictures of him, taken at candid moments or drawn by hand, mounted on the walls. The most disturbing thing that Tsukune had seen was the poster directly across from the door into the room. Tsukune could tell that the picture was not very old, because it had shown Tetsu Odari on his wrist. That picture showed Tsukune in a white shirt worn un-tucked from his uniform trousers. The poster had been surrounded by girl's names, sometimes written on their underwear, on the wall, with all kinds of messages. Tsukune had not taken the time to read any of them, but the word 'Love' had been used too many times to count.

A part of the reason for Tsukune's sour mood persisting was the way that room devalued him as a person. He understood idol worship. He understood how people could be devoted fans to sports stars and performers. That room was a shrine. All it needed was some mikos in formal dress and a collection box. Tsukune had to suppress a shudder. He thought about all the Obligation chocolates he had received on Valentine's day. In his mind he could imagine many of the same girls visiting that shrine and praying for his blessings.

Tsukune tried to think of a way to deal with his embarrassment. If he tried to get that room made off limits he would have to post Student Police females to watch over it. That would be like asking a fox to guard a chicken coop. Tsukune remembered Inari, and how she had tried to keep him ignorant of that room. Having the shrine removed, shut down in some way, would only force the girls to hide it somewhere else.

When Tsukune had mentioned the room, he noticed how his friends had reacted. They did not ask any questions. They did not ask about how he felt about what they must have known he had found there. He could not help but wonder if any of his friends had ever visited the room. Tsukune suddenly found himself questioning the motives of every female he talked to. These thoughts and feelings kept returning, over and over again, distracting him from his studying, and making him feel awkward and embarrassed. The idea of torching the room also kept coming to mind, with a disturbing amount glee.

It was getting late when Tsukune finally noticed the effect he was having on his friends. They all wore worried expressions. From Kurumu he could feel shame and guilt and anger. Just how did idols deal with their fame, Tsukune wondered.

"That was embarrassing," Tsukune said at last, making his friends jump.

They had been quiet for so long they had become afraid to do more then read. Or pretend to read while watching Tsukune. Now that he had spoken, he had everybody's attention.

"I am going to ignore it," Tsukune declared. "If I don't admit that that room exists then it won't bother me. That way nothing has to be said or done about it."

Tsukune had made his decision based on his concern for his friends. If he did not put up a strong front, showing that he did not care about that room, he was afraid one or more of his friends would try to do something about it, and he did not want then getting into trouble for his sake.

It took more effort then Tsukune would have though to act normal after that. He made a conscious effort to make eye contact with the young women that had become a part of his life. He tried to hold Moka's hand under the table, but her reaction, a small jump followed by a soft blush and a smile, made the others suspicious. Soon the infighting was on again and Tsukune was too slow to get out of the way.

XXXXXXXX

Inari was miserable. All Saturday she had hidden in her room. By the time she had gotten up stairs from the shrine room, word of Tsukune's visit, and his displeasure had spread through the whole dorm building. Because she had been the most visible girl in the whole fiasco, Inari became the one to blame. When she found were she had left her uniform, discarded when she went for help to protect the shrine, it had been torn up and dirtied. The door to her room had been attacked by claws and marker pens, leaving messages that she should quit school and kill herself.

The one time she had braved a trip to the toilets, Inari had been met by such scorn that she felt sick. The rest of the day she had stayed curled up in her bed. She had no appetite and couldn't even begin to think how she could go to school Monday. Quitting school was starting to look very attractive by Sunday morning.

Xxxxxxx

Sunday morning, early, Tsukune set out for the girl's dorm. He had spent a restless night recovering from his study group. His sour mood persisted, but he was able to keep it under wraps at least. The playful infighting had caused him some minor injuries. The worst part, for Tsukune, was when Ruby's blouse had been ripped. The bite mark he had given her had only faded a little and the others had seen it clearly. His friend's reactions had been very strange. Yukari had been the most upset, growing angry and sputtering incoherently. The little witch became google eyed and gaped like a landed fish when a sound escaped from Moka that sounded like a cross between giggle and a throaty growl. Mizore and Kurum both responded by exposing ample cleavage to Tsukune and asking him to bite them too. Ruby merely smiled serenely and left the room to replace her torn blouse with an overbust corset, proudly showing off the mark.

Tsuskune found himself wanting to smile at the memory of how the study group had ended. His emotions were still on edge, but at least he had been able to make his friends relax and feel better. He though about his friends, and the happiness he was hoping to protect with his plan as he walked to the school dorms.

Once he reached the girls' dorm building Tsukune knocked on the first door he came to. He apologized to the startled student that had come to the door in her pajamas for disturbing her. He then asked if she knew where to find Inari's room. Tsukune repeated the process four more times, even though he had been given instructions by the second girl he talked to. Girls in nightgowns, pajamas, house coats, and even bath towels were soon watching Tsukune as he passed through the dorm building. He knew he had found the right room when he saw the damage done to Inari's door.

Tsukune was a horrible liar. He knew it, and he had no desire to become a good one. That day, however, he needed to make a performance. He had picked out his words carefully He was not going to lie. Tsukune was just going to make some disjointed statements and hope they were misunderstood. Gathering his commitment, he knocked hard on Inari's door.

Inari heard the knocking on her door and hesitated to answer it. She felt miserable, and knew she looked it. She had not had a bath since the incident. Her hair was a tangled mess, and her eyes were red. Summoning what courage she had left, she pulled on an oversized shirt that hung crookedly on her small human body, and answered the door.

"Inari kohai," Tsukune said in a stiff tone. "As a member of the Student Police please try to use good judgment and clear communication skills."

Inari wanted to throw up. Tsukune, looking strong and handsome was standing at her door. His uniform was spotless and he looked calm and sturdy. He was talking to her as if there was some hope that she could possibly show her face in class ever again, as if there was a way to remain somehow close to him.

"If there is a disturbance in the female baths," Tsukune started his next statement. "Please be clear so that the appropriate assistance can be provided." Tsukune made sure his voice was strong and clear. He wanted to be overheard, but did not want to actually yell. "Because I thought you needed help I embarrassed several students of this school."

"I-I-I-I-I'm sorry Senpai," Inari managed to say, making herself bow at the waist.

"I do not want anybody to feel embarrassed," Tsukune said with all honesty, before returning to his scripted lines. "If anybody asks, I did not see anything. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Senpai!" Inari answered bowing again. "Thank you Captain." Her voice was a near shout.

Tsukune left the dorm as quickly as he could without appearing rushed. He felt like he had a rock in his stomach and his back was so stiff it ached, but he had followed though with his plan. With any luck the whole thing would just blow over.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

This is getting old, Tsukune thought to himself. It was another Monday at Youkai Academy for him. The majority of the female students were all acting quiet and modest any time there was a chance Tsukune might see them. This change in behavior had an impact on the male population of the school. Many of the boys were trying to act calm and mature, when they could stop looking after the girls with dreamy eyes.

A part of the way the girls were trying to act proper was in how they greeted Tsukune when they crossed paths with him. Polite smiles and bows and traditional titles were used. Tsukune rather liked the peaceful atmosphere, but found it a little creepy.

Moka was conflicted about the differential way the female students were acting towards her Tsukune. Pride for the respect he inspired filled her. At the same time, the vampire did not like the way those girls looked at him. It was Kokoa that helped solve the mystery when she appeared during lunch.

"Don't expect any bowing from me," Kokoa said as she plopped down beside Tsukune again. "I have done nothing to be ashamed of."

"Escuse me?" Tsukune questioned.

"You tried to kill him," Yukari said in shock, remembering the time the little vampire had tried to break down Tsukune's door.

"Only the strongest are worthy of notice," Kokoa dismissed Yukari's complaint. She turned to Tsukune as she continued to talk. "I don't know what it was all about," Kokoa said with a haughty sniff. "But you complained about how you don't like disrespectful and immature girls. All anybody in the dorms would talk about yesterday was how to show proper behavior around you." Kokoa turned her attention to setting out her lunch as she continued. "As if I would know how you felt about makeup," She sniffed again. "I've told them all before that I don't care how you feel about foolish things. If they want to know they should just ask you themselves."

"It's good to know I can count on you to be honest about your feelings," Tsukune said, patting Kokoa on the head.

"What?" Kokoa suddenly leapt from the table, her face turning tomato red.

The others all burst out laughing at the scene.

"I just want you to know one thing," Kokoa yelled with a fierce scowl. "You are not good enough for my sister."

"I know I'm not," Tsukune said honestly. "And I give thanks every day for her being in my life."

Tsukune's honest openness struck home. All around him girls reacted to his words. Kokoa gaped in surprise. Kurumu felt a stab of jealousy so strong it made Tsukune wince. Mizore gave a small, quiet sigh.

"Awwww," Yukari said with a sigh.

All around, female students that had been close enough to hear the exchange blushed as they heard Tsukune's words. They quickly passed word to those further away of what Tsukune had said, not thinking about how much the story might change as they did.

Moka felt her heart leap in her chest at Tsukune's words. At first she was upset at what Kokoa had said, but that had been washed away. A blush colored Moka's cheeks and happy tears made her eyes shine, as she folded her hands to her heart. The rush of emotions carried all the way into the center of her being as she remembered his words in every detail.

'Tsukune!' Inner Moka cried out. 'Damn you to pieces! I am going to eat you alive…'

'What?' Moka gave a little gasp.

'You mean you don't want to just throw yourself on him after that?' Inner Moka protested. 'What is wrong with you?'

Inner Moka's longing and desire rushed together with the feelings of the Outer Moka. She felt a warm glow rush though her.

"Tsukuneeee…" A happy but pained cry cut through the air.

Kokoa threw herself against Tsukune and hugged him tightly. Tsukune caught on to the little vampire out of reflex, looking around in alarm. When he looked down at Kokoa he saw a look on her face that made his skin crawl. It was the same look of desire he saw on Moka just before she would bite him.

Moka was the first to react. She reached out and grabbed a handful of Kokoa's hair. With a yank she pulled her sister away from Tsukune. Kurumu took hold of Tsukune, pulling him backwards against her, further separating him from the little vampre. Moka gave a push then sent Kokoa stumbling onto a patch of ground that was suddenly covered in a thick layer of ice.. She lost her footing and landed hard on her bottom. Before Kokoa could stand, a giant brass wash tub fell from the sky up side down, covering her. Several smaller ones crashed down onto the first wash tub, along with a sudden pile of snow.

Kokoa uncovered herself in time to see Moka pull Tsukune away from Kurumu. She embraced Tsukune tightly. Before anybody could protest, Moka's lips found Tsukune's neck.

Kokoa departed after that, claiming she had lost her appetite. Kurumu, Mizore, and Moka engaged in a three way argument over ownership of Tsukune. Yukari, producing a bandage and a stethoscope, offered to play doctor if Tsukune wasn't feeling good. He ignored the offer

At the end of the school day, the Newspaper Club held a meeting. They were planning a final issue for the last day of class before the break. Gin was in attendance, for the whole meeting for a change. He was in good spirits and even seamed to be behaving himself. As the meeting broke up he approached Tsukune.

"Hey, Tsukune," Gin said with an overly friendly smile. "Keep up the good work. You are truly an asset to the school. I want to thank you personally for all you have done for me."

"You're welcome," Tsukune responded, wondering what the werewolf was plotting.

"Look, friend. I just have one little favor to ask," Gin continued to smile. "Could you come with me for a moment?"

"Where?" Tsukune questioned.

"Just someplace safer," Gin gestured to Tsukune's harem, who were glaring at the werewolf.

"I think not," Tsukune said. He didn't trust the werewolf's intentions. Especially if he wanted to separate Tsukune from his friends.

"All right," Gin sighed. "Lat me ask you this instead. Boxers or briefs?"

"Boxers," Tsukune answered. "Why?"

"Just going for accuracy. It is all about the art of capturing the truth you see," Gin explained. "Well, ciao." He dodged past the girls and left the room

Tsukune and his friends left the campus without further incident. It was late enough that there were very few students about as they made their way to the village. Once they were at the village the group broke up to go to their separate addresses.

"Tsukune," Kurumu said at the last moment. "Can I visit you later? I have a small favor to ask."

"Alright," Tsukune agreed with mild apprehension. The nervousness he felt from Kurumu as she spoke was washed away with happiness when he answered her. Tsukune didn't know what he was setting himself up for, and hoped he would not regret it, but it felt good to make his friend happy.

Sansai Inari was beside herself. When she had returned to the dorms after class a pair of girls had intercepted her and escorted her down to the shrine. The room didn't look much different then usual, but it had been thoroughly cleaned. The girls that had caused the disturbance that had brought Aono Senpai to the shrine were all kneeling in a line, looking the worse for wear. Standing in front of the guilty parties was a quartet of stern looking girls.

"Thank you for coming," The leader of the standing girls said. "I am Ookami Mai."

"I am Sansai Inari," She returned the introduction.

"I wanted to invite you to join out club," Ookami explained. "After what happened this weekend, it is clear to us that you would be a good choice, and that we need a member on the Student Police."

"I don't understand," Inari questioned. "I've…"

"I'm not talking about the fan club," Ookami said dismissively, and with some scorn in her voice. "I am talking about something more important then that."

"What do you mean?"

"When Aono Tsukune Sama came down here," Ookami said, referring to Inari's captain very formally. "He saw what we had here. You were with him. You heard what he said to these idiots," She waved towards the kneeling girls. "He was upset at their behavior. Not just that they were fighting, but that they were fighting here, in his shrine."

"Yes," Inari agreed.

"We," Ookami referred to herself and her three companions. "Are the maidens of this shrine. We are the ones that have taken responsibility for this place. And we want you to join us."

"Why me?" Inari asked, confused. She had known about the shrine for a long time, and even had her name on the wall as a member of her captain's fan club. It had never even crossed her mind that there was some kind of group that managed the shrine in some way.

"Because you are close to Aono Sama," Ookami said with a small measure of awe in her voice. "I saw you embrace him up stairs, and saw him hold you in return. Aono Sama visited your room to tell you that he was not displeased by the shrine."

"But.. He was just trying to protect…." Inari tried to explain.

"He was protecting you," Ookami interrupted her. "You have his blessing. You belong with the Shrine Maidens."

"What do you want me to do?" Inari asked, trying to think.

"You are the closest to him that is not a part of his inner circle," Ookami asked. "We want you to learn for us what is pleasing to Aono Sama. I am leaving, graduating in a few days. It is important that someone who can lead be selected for the Shrine Maidens. Someone who understands our desire, and who can help to protect or dream." Ookami looked at the posters of Aono Tsukune with dreamy eyes.

"I'll do it," Inari said in a moment of sympathy.

She had then been welcomed into the Shrine Maidens with a group hug and a happy cheer. After that she was handed a notebook and a charm bracelet the was so long that it would go around her wrist twice and still have some slack in it. She recognized it as a copy of the one her captain wore.

Once back in the privacy of her own room, Inari worried about what she had gotten herself into. The notebook held a list of rules for the Shrine Maidens, and a list of goals. Some of the goals made sense, such as finding a proper place for the shrine. Other goals, such as coming up with proper uniforms for the maidens to wear were less logical. Under the rules, Inari saw one that made her wonder if she had made a bad choice by letting herself be drawn in.

"The Shrine Maidens," The rule was carefully written out. "Shall hold themselves pure and chaste, rejected the touch of all men but their Master. For it is to serve His desires that they must dedicate their lives."

While Inari liked the idea of receiving attention from her captain, she did not plan to make serving him a life long goal… Unless he decided to accept her feelings and return them in kind. The fact that the Shrine Maidens existed, and followed such rules, made Inari a little nervous about what being a part of them could cost.

Tsukune enjoyed a peaceful break. He studied until Ruby had supper ready, and then took his time to enjoy her cooking. He was having a cup of tea as Ruby cleaned up when Kurumu knocked.

"Good evening," Tsukune said as he opened the door. "Please come in." Tsukune felt warm emotions running through his friend, along with an edge of tension.

"Sorry to bother you," Kurmu said politely as she entered.

Tsukune noticed that his friend was carrying a modest bundle wrapped in a yellow towel. Kurumu had a blush to her cheeks as she accepted an invitation to sit and have some tea. Ruby offered a polite welcome as she served the tea.

"What can I do for you, Kurumu?" Tsukune asked. "You said you had a favor."

"Tsukune," Kurumu said, feeling nervous. "I miss you."

"We just spent the day together," Tsukune observed, confused.

"That is not what I mean," Kurumu argued. "I miss the times you would come visit my room and play house with me. When it was just you and me. It was fun and it helped me to relax."

"It was fun," Tsukune agreed, remembering the pressure free moments of make-believe. As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he was hit by a wave of happiness and love through his awareness of Kurumu.

"The thing is," Kurumu started to feel nervous again. "So much has been going on lately. Finals are so close and all we have been doing is studying. And the school year will be ending soon." Kurumu stopped talking and blew out a sigh filled with nervous tension. "I just wanted to spend some time alone with you and relax."

"You know I'm here for you," Tsukune said.

"Well, you know that one time," Kurumu blushed as she reached out a hand and touched the bundle she had carried in, directing Tsukune's attention to it. "When you took care of my wings…" She looked up at Tsukune with a demure expression.

Tsukune remembered the evening she was talking about. He saw the look on Kurumu's face and felt the jumble of her emotions.

"I remember," Tsukune said.

"If you wouldn't mind," Kurumu continued. "Could we do that again? I brought everything we need. We can use your bath room. I even brought a swimsuit," She hurried to add.

Tsukune took a quick glance and saw that Ruby had left them alone. He considered his options carefully. He was very aware of Kurumu's feelings.

"Alright," Tsukune agreed with a small nod.

"Thank you Tsukune," Kurumu grabbed him I a brief hug. "I'll call you when I am ready." She snatched up her bundle and hurried into the bathroom.

Kurumu was excited. Tsukune had agreed to wash her wings. It was such an intimate thing for them to share, and it felt good. Once in the bathroom she quickly made ready. She removed her clothes and folded them carefully before laying them aside, with her panties on top. She pulled on the swimsuit she had picked out for the occasion. It was a thin, white one piece, backless swimsuit. It had been hard for her to find because she wanted one that would be loose on her. Once she had bought it, Kurumu had intentionally stretched it out and burned it with bleach to make it even thinner. She doubted that it would survive a trip to the beach, or any heavy activity, but it was perfect for what she wanted. Once she had everything ready, her stage set up, Kurumu called for Tsukune.

Tsukune cared deeply for all of his friends. After what they had gone though recently, he was even more concerned about Kurumu. He knew that she was very proud of her independence and her appearance. Being trapped and exposed had hurt her deeply. The shame of it had been worse for her then anything physical that had been inflicted. But even though he cared for her, Tsukune didn't always trust Kurumu. While she was in the bathroom, Tsukune went to his room to prepare himself. He was ready in moment, so there was no delay when he heard Kurumu call out for him.

Kurumu stood in the middle of the bathroom, in her nearly see-through swimsuit with her wings out. Kurumu had even pulled the back waistband of the swimsuit down a little extra so that her tail could hang out. She called out to Tsukune, wanting to give him a nice view of her body before sitting on the stool and showing him only her back. When the door opened Kurumu had been caught by surprise. She had expected Tsukune to hesitate, to ask if she was really ready, or something. Instead he had simply slid the door open as he announced that he was coming in.

Tsukune had on an open fronted, sleeveless hoodie, and long swim trunks, with a towel around his neck. He was dressed as if going to the pool or beach. Kurumu was treated to a view of Tsukune's masculine chest and abdomen, his strong arms, and his well defined calves. He had chosen his outfit very deliberately. If there was an 'accident' with the water, Tsukune would not have to worry about his clothes getting wet and catching a chill.

Kurumu felt herself blushing as Tsukune carefully closed the bathroom door. She hurried to sit down and show only her back to Tsukune, so that she could hide her face. She felt like she was blushed bright red. A rush of desire had flooded up through her, making her nervous and shaking her confidence. She could feel him coming closer.

"Kurumu," Tsukune said her name gently as he knelt behind her.

Kurumu closed her eyes tightly as she heard her name come from his lips. Her body suddenly felt different.

"Please," Kurumu said in a tiny voice, brining her wings forward to help her hide. She felt like her face was going to burst into flames.

Tsukune thought that it was doubt and maybe shame that made Kurumu act so shy. He could feel her emotions, but they were an unreadable storm. With slow movements, he deliberately set to the task of washing Kurumu's back.

It felt good, Kurumu let herself acknowledge. Tsukune's warm, strong hands scrubbed her back gently. She tried to concentrate on the feel of his touch. The warm water that ran down her body. She found herself relaxing under his care.

Tsukune saw that his friend was starting to relax. That was a good sign. He wanted to be sure she did not feel rejected, or that he in some way thought less of her, after what she had been through. Tsukune decided to make this little time all a bout Kurumu.

"What are your plans for the break?" Tsukune asked her casually.

"Me?" Kurumu was surprised.

"It is only just the two of us," Tsukune reminded her.

What Tsukune said made Kurumu's heart leap.

"I am looking forward to a little peace and quiet," Tsukune said. "If my friends back home are available, maybe we will play some video games."

"I'll probably go shopping with my mother," Kurumu said. "It's fun seeing all the new styles."

Tsukune gave a soft laugh

"What," Kurumu looked over her shoulder with a pout. "What's so funny?"

"I was just imagining you at a department store," Tsukune answered with a smile. "Driving the sales clerks crazy."

"You're mean," Kurumu huffed. "I'm not that picky."

"And I bet your mother gets bored when you want to go to a book store."

"What?" Kurumu was confused. She looked back at Tsukune again. "How did you know?"

"Your mother is a person who likes to be in motion and get attention," Tsukune explained. "Not the kind of person that likes to visit book stores very much."

"But how did you know I would want to go to a book store?" Kurumu asked.

"Because I have been to your room before," Tsukune smiled. "I saw your cooking magazines."

Kurumu snapped her face forward again, feeling her self blushing all over again. She clinched her hands in her lap and forced the rest of her body to relax. Tsukune had just admitted to paying attention to the details of her life.

'Ohmygodohmygodohmygod...' Kurumu thought to herself. She wanted to laugh and jump up and down.

"Your mother invited me to come visit," Tsukune continued talking calmly. He was all too aware of the emotions running through Kurumu. He just wanted to keep himself sounding calm and normal. It was the normal him that Kurumu was used to. It was the normal Tsukune she needed to help her feel good about herself again, he reasoned. That he was still himself after what had happened. That she had not injured him that badly, or that he had been changed that much when he had rescued her.

"Maybe you and I can go to the book store together," Tsukune offered. "Your mother would be much better at shopping for clothes with you. But if you and I go out, while you're looking at cooking magazines I can check out some mangas. Hmmm…" Tsukune mused as he worked on Kurumu's wings. "I have Hiru now, so I should probably read about motorcycles. If I am going to pretend I know what I am doing I should at least learn a little about riding."

"Tsukune?" Kurumu asked in a small voice.

"Hai?"

"Are you serious?" Kurumu looked back at him. "Would you really be alright going out with me? In public I mean. You know what I really am don't you? Are you sure you are willing to be seen with me out in the human world?"

"Kurumu," Tsukune said in a level voice. "I know exactly what you are." He gave her wings a little tug. "You are someone who is important to me." He flashed her a smile. "It doesn't mater what your lineage is. I'm not interested in your money. You are who you are, and that is all that really counts."

Kurumu put on a sour face that was in sharp contrast to the emotions that were running hot within her. It frustrated her to no end. Did Tsukune even think about what was coming out of his mouth? It was as if his idea of a casual conversation was to say just all the right things to lead a girl on. Kurumu tried to sulk as Tsukune cleaned the base of the underside of her wings.

"Tsukune," Kurumu spoke up, trying not to sound as excited as she felt. "What do you think you would be doing right now if you had not come to this school?"

"Ahhhh," Tsukune was caught off guard by the question. "I would probably be trying to study for finals… To pass my first year of high school," He said shyly.

"First year?" That made Kurumu sit up straight. "What do you mean? We are almost done with our second year."

"Ahhh, yeah. Heh heh," Tsukune said weakly. "About that…. Ehhh… Did you ever wonder how I ended up coming to this school? You know I'm a human, or was, right?"

"Ahhhh, he he he," Kurumu blushed, feeling foolish. "I keep forgetting about that."

"Well, I failed my entrance exams for the schools I wanted to attend," Tsukune explained. "I was going to waste a year in prep school then try again. But then my father found an acceptance packet to this school. It didn't have a name on it, so he added my name and sent in the agreement letter and tuition payment. He received my class appointment right away. It all happened very fast. My parents were very glad that I was going to attend high school on schedule after all, they really didn't care which one, or where it was."

"Tsukune," Kurumu nearly cried. "That's horrible. You could have died. How could you ever forgive your parents for being so careless?"

"It's alright," Tsukune soothed her as he reached for the shower nozzle.

"How could it be alright to send your child into danger like that?" Kurumu protested. "I would never ignore our child's safety that way."

"But then you would have never met me," Tsukune reminded her as he rinsed her off.

"Ahhhh…" Kurumu was stalled by his easy going logic. "Well… I guess I can forgive them this time…"

"All done," Tsukune pronounced as he shut off the water. Tsukune stood and pulled the towel from around his neck. "If you like, you can use the bath," He said while drying his hands and legs. "When you're ready, I'll walk you home." He turned to leave the bathroom.

"Tsukune," Kurumu called to him as he was leaving. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Kurumu decided she wait to get home before taking a bath. She knew it was getting late and did not want to become a burden on Tsukune. As she dressed herself, Kurumu thought about leaving her panties or bra behind for Tsukune to find. She discarded the idea because she realized that Ruby would probably be the one to find them, and there was no point in that. She did take the time to clean up the bathroom a little.

Tsukune was the perfect gentleman as he walked Kurumu home. He saw her safely to her door, and waited until she had gone inside before leaving. He retuned to his house, feeling rewarded by the deep warm glow of emotions he felt from Kurumu.

"Will you be taking your bath now, Master?" Ruby asked when Tsukune returned.

"Yes," Tsukune nodded. He had dressed fully for the short trip to Kurumu's door and back. He returned to his room to prepare for his bath. When he returned to the bathroom he found Ruby making sure everything was ready for him. He did not miss that she was only wearing her chemise and under skirt.

"You know Kurumu was right about something," Tsukune said as Ruby started to leave.

"Master?"

"It does feel good to have someone wash you back. Do you think you could help me out?"

"Yes Master," Ruby was quick to answer.

Tsukune let himself relax and enjoy having his back washed. He thought briefly about summoning his own wings, but just didn't feel comfortable with the idea.

"Master," Ruby questioned as she rinsed Tsukune's back. "Is there a reason you did not have Kurumu wash your back for you?"

"Kurumu just needed to be taken care of a little," Tsukune explained. "She wanted me to pay attention to her without all the distractions. I know she would have done anything I asked, but that wasn't the point of her visit."

"I see…" Ruby said.

"Besides," Tsukune said. "You get so happy when I let you take care of me."

"Master.." Ruby called out as she hugged Tsukune.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Kurumu have a heavy sigh as she settled back in her bathtub. As nice as her time with Tsukune had been, it had still left her feeling some tension. His warm and open attitude made him so lovable, but it sometimes made it hard to accept what he said. Tsukune was a genuinely nice person, to the point that what he thought and said always came out as something warm. It drove Kurumu crazy.

Kurumu wished Tsukune would just look her in the eyes and tell her how he truly felt about her. At the same time she was afraid of what he would say, because she did not think it would be a confession. But still, Kurumu reflected, his words had been nice to hear, even if he didn't know how he made her feel inside.

Kurumu sat up sharply in the tub, splashing water over the sides. Tsukune did know how she felt! Kurumu gasped. He could feel her emotions, which meant that Tsukune could feel what she felt. He would know exactly what his words did to her.

"Yatta!" Kurumu kicked her legs in excitement, splashing water in every direction as she fell backwards, dunking herself in the bath.