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 64

Tsukune's return home had gone well, if strange, he thought. His mother had accepted Ruby warmly into her home. The woman then made sure Tsukune and Ruby were fed, having saved some supper for them. Tsukune had just finished eating when Ruby got up and went to wash the dishes.

This sparked off as strange as an argument as Tsukune had ever seen. Ruby and Tsukune's mother argued over who would wash the dishes. Both of them were very polite, and spoke in soft, sweet voices, as they took turns arguing. Ruby insisted that she could not be a freeloader. Mrs. Aono explained that she could not let a guest do such menial tasks. Ruby said that she didn't mind. Tsukune's mother said that Ruby did enough when she helped Tsukune at school, and that she should relax. Tsukune was on the verge of butting in, but then his better judgment kicked in. He quietly left the table.

Tsukune took his bags up to his room and put things in order. He went back down stairs, intending to take Ruby's pack to the seldom used guest room. He was instead confronted by his mother, who's eyes were shining with tears about to fall.

"Oh, Tsukune," The woman nearly cried as she embraced her son. "I had no idea. That poor girl."

Tsukune did not know what to say. He wasn't even sure what his mother was talking about.

"You should have told me what had happened," Mrs Aono said stepping back. "If I had known how much you had done for her when she wrote to me… Well that's in the past. Now that she is here I will make certain she will be comfortable here."

"Ahhh…"

"Ruby told me how you have taken care of her," Tsukune's mother went on.

Tsukune knew this side of his mother. It was much like when his parents had managed to enroll him at the Youkai Academy. His mother had what she though was a good idea and she was going to run with it. She was very much like Tsukune's cousin once she set her mind to a task. Tsukune knew the best thing to do was to go along with it, at least until the woman became distracted.

"I am so proud of you," She went on, not noticing the emotions that flickered across Tsukune's face, "Making room for her, giving her something she could do. Well," She seamed to pause for a breath.

"You go on ahead and take a bath, Tsukune," His mother instructed. "I'll take care of Ruby. I always wanted a daughter," She said as she turned away.

Tsukune took his mother at her word and went to take his bath. When he returned to his room he found Ruby setting out a futon. Tsukune was note sure if was surprised, or even if he should be, by the development.

"Ruby?" Tsukune asked carefully after he closed the door to his room. "What did you tell my mother?"

"I only told her the truth, master," Ruby answered in a low voice. "I told her that you saved my life. You know that I have no family, and that to be with you, to take care of you has become all that I live for. I told your mother that after you saved my life, twice, that you made a place for me in your life so that I could repay you."

Ruby left off taking care of the Futon as she spoke. She stood and moved to Tsukune, guiding him to his bed. She even had him sitting on the bed without him protesting her actions.

"If it was not for you," Ruby continued. "I would have died. I told your mother that after you saved me, only by staying close to you could I sleep without fear, and when you are busy, by being surrounded by your things I am able to stay calm."

"Ahhh…" Tsukune tried to see through her logic.

"In fact," Ruby had a mischievous smile as she eased the mentally off balance Tsukune down. "I told your mother that you have become my family when she offered me the guest room. She didn't want to separate my family." Ruby had Tsukune on his back and moved to straddle his hips. "You would not want to be separated from your family would you, Tsukune? From me?"

"No," Tsukune answered, trying to follow Ruby's train of thought.

Ruby leaned forward to plant a quick kiss on Tsukune's lips.

Tsukune's mind became more alert. He was aware of Ruby's smiling face just above his own. Her dark hair was like a curtain, obscuring his view of the room. Ruby's fragrance was suddenly very strong in his nose. Ruby leaned down again for another kiss...

Ruby allowed herself a moment to admire Tsukune's face. He was so handsome to her. His caring eyes looked up at her. Ruby leaned down for another quick kiss, and found herself being kissed back. Tsukune's arms came up and embraced her, pulling her close as he kissed her gently.

Ruby was shocked when Tsukune's embrace tightened around her, pulling her tight against his body. The world suddenly shifted around her. Tsukune rolled over, taking Ruby with him. He rolled her almost to the wall, putting his body above hers. Ruby felt her heart flutter from the quick, controlling action. She was aware of the weight of Tsukune's body holding her down. Ruby was also aware of Tsukune's hips between her thighs.

Tsukune pressed his advantage, kissing Ruby more forcefully. With one hand, Tsukune gripped Ruby's hair, holding her head down as his tongue penetrated her mouth. His hips ground against hers as his free hand slid down her thigh and then up under her skirts to caress her bottom. Ruby thrilled at the way Tsukune was treating her. He was controlling her with his strength and touching her freely. She could feel her body becoming inflamed with arousal.

Suddenly cool air filled her mouth as Tsukune pulled back, breaking the kiss. Ruby looked up into his face and saw a smile she did not recognize. Tsukune's face was lit up by a smile that hinted at dark thoughts.

"Ruby..." Tsukune said her name in a low, almost growling voice.

"Yessss..." Ruby purred eagerly

"Sleep well," Tsukune said. He quickly rolled off of her.

Ruby gaped in shock. Her heart was pounding and her face was flushed. Her flesh was already wet with anticipation. Before Ruby could comprehend what had happened, Tsukune had left her alone on the bed. She sat up, bewildered, and looked around.

Tsukune had finished rolling out the futon and climbed into the bedding. With his back to Ruby he tried to meditate to calm his mind. Tsukune had to suppress a grin as he listened to Ruby growl with frustration.

XXXXXXXXXX

When Tsukune woke up in the morning it was in small stages. He enjoyed the slow, lazy process of waking up one sense at a time. First he heard the sound of birds outside his open window. Next he could smell the cool morning air. Tsukune stretched under the covers enjoying their warmth as he eased muscles that felt tight after the ride home. Finally, with a deep sigh, he opened his eyes.

After performing his morning grooming, Tsukune made his way down stairs. He looked about with some curiosity as he realized that he was alone. It was a Saturday morning so it was even odds that his father was at his office catching up on work, or had been dragged out to the golf course by his manager. At the dining table Tsukune found a note from his mother next to a simple breakfast that had been left out for him. His mother explained in her note that she had gone with Ruby to the market. Tsukune was a little surprised by that because his mother usually did the shopping on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

After breakfast, Tsukune dressed and stepped outside to check on Hiru. He was petting the 'gas tank' when his cell phone rang. A little surprised, only because he had not heard the thing ring in almost a year, the barrier around the school blocking out wireless service, Tsukune answered the phone.

"Hello?" Tsukune answered the call.

"Yo, Tsukune," Came the voice from the other end. "It's Rin. Are you home from school yet?"

"Hello, Rin," Tsukune replied to his old class mate and friend. "Yes. I got home last night."

"Great. I called you because the gang is meeting for lunch at the ramen place near the arcade. Can you make it?" Rin asked.

Tsukune thought about it for a moment. He was nearly yen-less after his White Day spending spree, but ramen was cheep. He looked at Hiru and smiled. He wouldn't have to worry about train fair, he realized.

"I might be a little late," Tsukune plotted. "But I'll get there."

"That's good. We'll see you there."

Tsukune now had a purpose for his day. He returned to his room to find some sturdy shoes and a jacket, and his helmet, along with the small amount of money he had left. His next stop was in the kitchen to write out a note to tell his family, and Ruby that he had gone out to meet with friends, and that he should be back before supper. Then it was time to get Hiru back out on the street.

"Ready for a little trip?" Tsukune spoke to his motorcycle as he wheeled it out onto the street. He felt a ripple of youki answer his question. Resting his hand on the tank for a moment, Tsukune concentrated on his youki, drawing it up and willing some of it to pass into Hiru. Tsukune threw his leg over the saddle and settled into place.

Hiru's 'engine' came to life on command, bringing a smile to Tsukune's face. Together they headed down the street. Tsukune held on to the handle bars, trying to appear calm and in control. Ever since he had been handed Hiru's keys, Tsukune had tried to remember everything he had ever seen or heard about riding a motorcycle, and wished that she had come with an instruction manual.

Tsukune's first stop was the library. He didn't have a manual for a motorcycle, but he had some time to spare, and he knew how to read. The first thing Tsukune looked up was how to ride a motorcycle. He learned about the different hand and foot controls, and while he knew he could not become an expert rider in a single sitting, he trusted Hiru to help him at least look capable. Tsukune also spent time reading reviews about different motorcycles, as much to learn about some of the more popular brands as to pick up some terminology. Learning how to fit in was something Tsukune had learned in school, if not intentionally. In school he had tried to look confident enough that he would not come across as an easy target. He had also learned not to look to strong, unless you actually have the strength to back it up, because then people would want to test you. It was almost lunch time when Tsukune left the library with his brain still digesting all it had just taken in.

XXXXXX

Rin sat on his stool in the little ramen shop. The place had been a favorite hang out for his circle of friends during middle school. It was close to a video arcade and a book store with a good manga selection, and close enough to some clothing shops that there were usually some girls in the area to watch. It was everything young teenage boys could want. Rin favored the stool second from the end at the side counter of the shop. He was a little taller then the others so the spot gave him a view to his right out the front of the shop to watch girls, but screened him behind Nagi and Kota so he wasn't too obvious. To his left, between him and the wall, was Tsukune's traditional spot. It was empty, waiting for his arrival.

Kota sat on his corner stool out of habit. He was short and a little chubby, so he was nearly as invisible to girls as Tsukune had always been, with his shy behavior and average performance. Sitting at the corner, he had the best view of the girls walking past the ramen shop, even though they never bothered to look at him. As he enjoyed his ramen, Kota grinned a little, thinking about Rin's misfortune.

Nagi sipped his tea and watched the street over Kota's head. For as long as he could remember, Nagi had always been of average height. In all of his class pictures, as the students were organized by height, Nagi was always around the middle. But during his second year of High School he had started growing like bamboo. He was taller then Rin, but thinner then him as well. In his traditional seat at the ramen shop counter, Nagi was blocking Rin's like never before. As he saw a girl in a tight blouse go by, Nagi smiled.

Rin wished Tsukune would hurry up. Seeing his friend come trotting up, probably red faced because he had never been very athletic, and apologizing for keeping everyone waiting, would be just like old times. Rin's plan was to get them talking about the old times in middle school, and old day dreams. It was then that Rin would bring the conversation around to how High School was treating everybody. Last year Tsukune had caught them all off guard with a picture of his newspaper club at his school. It was a picture of him surrounded by cute girls. Rin had been inspired by that picture.

Rin had wanted a girlfriend for a long time. While Kota had dreams of a high tech future, and Nagi was thinking about high end executive positions, Rin planed for an enjoyable life. He had picked a school that had a girl heavy co-ed student body. While the school's track team had been fun, Rin had not had any female team mates. Rin had decided to be a little more selective for his second year. He had switched from track to tennis. Far more girls were in the tennis club. Rin was going to let his old friends know all about his time with his new team mates, the female ones at least, in their short tennis uniforms.

It was a little petty of him, Rin knew, but it was something he was proud of. He had even managed to date the team manager. He would leave out the part about the team manager being less then athletic, and a little plane looking. The fact that he was dating a girl should be enough to win the admiration of his buddies.

Rin was wondering if he should call Tsukune again when Kota spoke up.

"Hey," Kota said, sitting up a little more. "Look at that."

The trio of friends looked out at the street to see a motorcycle pulling up in front of the ramen shop. Even sitting still, it was a fast looking machine. It's glossy black finish reflected light, highlighting it's sharp lines. On top of the bike, a single rider was wearing a modest, fabric jacket and faded blue jeans. The rider dismounted and removed his helmet.

"Tsukune!"

The trio of friends were taken by surprise by what they saw. Kota stared, Nagi choked on his tea, and Rin's jaw dropped. Tsukune stood tall and confident beside the sleek machine. His face was harder then they remembered. The lines of his cheeks and jaw were more defined. Tsukune carried the helmet in one hand as he walked into the ramen shop.

Xx

Tsukune pulled up in front of the old hangout, feeling a mix of anxiousness and comfort. This was a place he knew well, and he was going to be visiting with old friends. But Tsukune was also aware that he had not seen his friends in a year, and had not been to the shop for an even longer time. Tsukune knew that he had changed a lot in the time he had been away.

As he stepped into the ramen shop, Tsukune identified his friends easily. He was about to greet them when he became aware of something else. Tsukune was surprised by his instinctive awareness of youki. Not only did he feel the energy, he knew what it was and could tell where it was coming from. Tsukune turned his attention on the man behind the counter.

The old ramen cook looked like he always had. His leathery face had a polite smile even if his eyes looked slightly out of focus, as if he wasn't paying attention to anything in particular. As Tsukune scrutinized the man he saw the man watching him, and for once the man's eyes were focusing very clearly.

Tsukune never expected to run into any youkai while on break. In hind sight, that had been foolish of him. He had met Ruby while in the human world. Tsukune knew there were plenty of students at his school that lived in the modern world as well. Tsukune tried to think through the situation quickly. The man had been working at the ramen shop as long as Tsukune had been coming there. He had never tried to hurt anybody, as far as Tsukune could tell. Just because the man was a youkai did not mean that he was a threat. Tsukune nodded to the man respectfully.

The man nodded back, the tension in his face easing a little.

"What would you like?" The man asked.

"Tea, for now," Tsukune answered.

The man nodded, turning to the kettle.

Tsukune saw that the moment of possible conflict had passed. He suppressed a sigh and turned his attention to his friends. He saw them looking at him a little strangely.

"Hey," Tsukune tried to give them a warm smile. "How are you doing guys?"

"When did you get a motorcycle?" Rin questioned, his eyes wide and his voice tight.

"I just got it a few weeks ago," Tsukune said, trying to work up a reason for him to have Hiru, without telling the truth. "I earned it during my school's annual festival."

"You won a motorcycle at a school festival?" Kota gaped. "Damn. I picked the wrong school."

Tsukune decided he wasn't going to argue about how he ended up with a motorcycle. He tried to act relaxed as he moved to his customary place in the corner. As he sat down, the old man placed a cup of tea in front of him.

"Man, Tsukune," Nagi said in admiration. "You must have the strangest school in Japan. Your Newspaper Club has hot girls, and you won a motorcycle at a school festival. How lucky can you get?"

"It just happens," Tsukune said lamely, sipping his tea.

"Do you think I could transfer there?" Kota asked.

"No," Tsukune said quickly. "You wouldn't fit in there."

"What do you mean?" Kota sounded offended.

"You passed your entrance exams," Tsukune reminded him, reaching for his stand-by story about the Youkai Academy. "My school is for people that have some kind of problem getting into other schools."

"What about all those hot girls in your club?" Rin questioned. "Are you saying they all failed their entrance exams too?"

"No," Tsukune replied. "But they have different problems."

"Like what?" Rin pressed, trying to get control of the conversation.

"Well," Tsukune took another sip of tea, stalling for a moment to think. "Mizore is too shy to go to a regular school. She missed most of first year just trying to get up the courage to come to class."

"Which one was she?" Nagi asked.

"The one with the purple hair," Tsukune said. He fished out his wallet and pulled out the club photo. It was a little warn from the year it had spent tucked away. He put the picture on the counter so his friends could see it.

"What about her?" Kota pointed to Kurumu's picture.

"Kurumu... Ahhh," Tsukune gave an embarrassed smile. "Her mother ahhh... She was a little to used to having things her way. So she had trouble studying."

"With a body like that, she shouldn't have to," Nagi observed. "She could be an idol."

"Her mother thinks so too," Tsukune nodded. "But she is smart enough to know that she doesn't want to live that kind of life forever."

"Oh..."

"Excuse me," The man behind the counter interrupted. "Is that from your school?" He pointed to the picture.

"Yes," Tsukune nodded.

"My cousin's daughter goes to your school, I think," The man said. "Maybe you know her."

Tsukune wanted to protest, to tell the man that he did not know many of his class mates. But he didn't get the chance. The man moved to stick his head into the back of the shop where Tsukune could hear dishes clanking.

"Emmy," The man called. "Come out front." The man returned to Tsukune at the counter. "My cousin sent her for the break. Said she wanted to see more of the world. Said it would help her at school to have more experience."

"I understand," Tsukune nodded.

"My cousin also didn't want her spending the break mooning after some boy from school she kept writing home about."

"Ahhh..." Tsukune didn't know how to reply to that. "I can't say the name is familiar," Tsukune said, hoping to avoid things getting more awkward.

"Well," The man said. "I would feel better if I knew she was with our own..."

"My friends and I grew up around here," Tsukune said, cutting the man off. "Nothing special for you cousin to worry about."

"Right," The man caught Tsukune's meaning. "But still, you go to her school, so you can help keep an eye on her." He turned his head towards the doorway to the back. "Emm..." His call was cut short as a girl came though the doorway.

Tsukune did not recognize the girl at all. She was short, only a hundred and forty five centimeters tall, with a boyish figure. Her hair was a simple page boy cut, framing her cute, unadorned face. Tsukune couldn't place her name or face, but her reaction was exactly what he had feared.

"Aono sempai?" Emmy gasped. Her hands flew up to cover her gaping mouth and her cheeks turned bright red. "Uncle!" Her voice was mortified as she turned to face the man. "I can't be seen like this." She rushed back into the back of the shop. "Aunty?" She cried out.

"Emmy?" The man called after her. "What is wrong with you?"

Tsukune felt embarrassed. He looked down the counter at his friends, fearing the worst. Rin looked like he swallowed a fish, only to have it start to wiggle on the way down. Nagi kept looking back and forth between Tsukune and the doorway to the back room, clearly shaken by the exchange. Kota, however, had his eyes on the doorway, a slightly stupid look on his surprised face, as if he had been knocked on the head.

XXX

"Aunty?" Emmy called out as she ran through the back of the shop. She reached the stairs that lead up to the small apartment above the shop, and dashed around them the the stairs that went down to the basement. "Aunty, help me."

"What is it child?" Emmy's aunt asked in a worried voice. "What's wrong?" Her eyes flicked to the stairs, wondering if some threat was about to descend upon them.

"It's him," Emmy said in near hysterics, rushing to the bags she had brought from home. She had not even gotten around to unpacking, having only arrived that morning. "Uncle put me to work right away. I don't even have any makeup on. But then he called me to meet someone, and it was him."

"Him?" Aunty questioned. "Who is him?"

"Him, Aunty," Emmy said in exasperation. "Aono Tsukune Sempai. The most popular by at school. The boy that stopped the Public Safety Commission from bullying everybody. The boy that got the school to hold elections so we could have a student council. He started the Love Letter Club to help two of his friends get together as a couple. He is the captain of the student police."

As she talked excitedly, Emmy dug through her bags for her cosmetics. She needed to make a good impression on him. The first time he had seen her, Emmy had been in her monster form, breaking school rules. This time he had seen her in just normal clothes and no makeup. Emmy was afraid of what Aono Tsukune might think of her, being so careless about her appearance.

"If I don't make a good impression," Emmy said, thinking out loud. "Then I might as well never go back to school."

"He can't be that important."

"Aunty," Emmy gapped. "Aono Sempai is Special." She emphasized the word with all the emotion she could cram into it. "There is a girl at school, nobody liked her because she had been a part of the students that bullied everyone else. She talked to Aono Sempai, and now she has a boyfriend. She is an officer with the Student Police. Other girls look up to her. If I can make a good impression on Aono Sempai I... I..." Her words faultered because it was too exciting to think of what could happen if she made a good impression.

"Oh my dear," Aunty sighed, roller her eyes. "Come here." She reached out and took the cosmetics form the girl. "Let me help you."

XXX

"Girls..." Emmy's uncle sighed. He served Tsukune an his friends a round of ramen, on the house, just to try and smooth things over. "I'm sorry about that. I will talk to her about her manners later."

"It's alright," Tsukune said with a dismissive wave before picking up some chop sticks. "It happens at school too." Tsukune realized his friends were watching him again. "I was explaining to my normal friends here that my school is for people that need some extra support. I would never had been accepted if I had done better... if I was better suited for a normal school."

"Hmmm," The man eyed Tsukune and nodded. "Yes..." He said slowly. "Yes... I see."

"Emmy probably comes from a small village," Tsukune turned towards his friends. "Home schooled maybe."

"Yes," The man said. "In the southern mountains."

"At school she would be surrounded by strangers, making it hard to learn to fit in. I understand..."

"Thank you," The man said.

"It was still a strange way to react," Rin said, looking at Tsukune. "What kind of reputation do you have at your school?"

"Well," Tsukune felt his face getting warm. "Almost everybody reads the school paper..."

"I picked the wrong school," Kota mumbled sourly. He had picked a school that excelled at placing students in technical schools and universities. It was also an all boys school.

Rin saw his opening.

"Well I for one," Rin said with a grin. "Am glad I picked a good school. I even joined a new club."

"What club?" Tsukune questioned, eager to have his friend be the center of attention for a change.

"I joined the tennis club," Rin explained.

"I didn't know you liked tennis," Nagi said.

"It's alright," Rin shrugged. "And I am getting better at it. But that is not why I joined."

"Oh?"

"The club is co-ed," Rin let himself smile a little. "But most guys don't think tennis is that great of a sport." He paused for a moment to see if anybody would ask another question. Nobody did, but Rin saw he had his friends' attention, so he continued.

"We spend a lot of time practicing, of course," Rin said. "So I get to watch the girls in their short tennis skirts…"

Tsukune listened to his friend talk. He really didn't care much about watching girls working up a sweat in tennis uniforms. He also thought that Rin's obsession with girls was a little much in general.

"But because I am new to the team, and not that good," Rin went on. "I spend a lot of time just helping out. That's how I got to know Mia, out team manager. She's also a second year." He paused for dramatic effect once again. "We have started going out," Rin tried to sound casual but happy at the same time. In truth, he liked Mia. She was a good friend, but he didn't think he was in love with her. He just thought ti was nice to have a girl he could spend time with.

"Well congratulations," Tsukune said, more because he suspected that his friend was looking for some support then any real enthusiasm. After listening to Rin talk for the last several minutes, Tsukune suspected that Rin was ether not serious about this girl Mia, or he just didn't know how he felt about her yet.

"Thank you," Rin said, trying to sound casual still. He was aware that it felt good to say that he was going out with a girl.

"Did you get her anything for White Day?" Nagi asked.

"Just a little something," Rin admitted. "A little four-piece box from the store."

"Good going," Nagi said.

Tsukune was a little surprised that Rin was been that serious.

"So," Rin turned his attention to his left. "How about you Tsukune?"

"What about me?" Tsukune did not want to be the center of attention.

"How was valentines day for you?"

"Errr…"

Before Tsukune had to answer, the group of friends had their attention redirected.

"Excuse me," Emmy said, returning to the shop. "I am sorry if I was rude before, Aono Sempai, but I was surprised to see you." She made a modest bow to Tsukune.

Tsukune noticed right away that the girl had changed her appearance. Emmy was now wearing a light, casual dress, and had applied some makeup. The over all differences were small, but Tsukune could tell they meant a lot to her.

"It is alright," Tsukune said, bowing his head a little. "I was not bothered."

"Emmy is spending the break with my wife and I," The man said again. "She will be busy working much of the time, but I would be glad if she could find some friends her own age to spend time with."

Tsukune caught the ramen cook's meaning. He was hoping that Tsukune would be able to help keep Emmy out of trouble when she wasn't working at the ramen shop. Not just because she was a youkai, Tsukune suspected, but also she was a cute country girl away from her parents and home.

"Well if Emmy has the time," Tsukune said. "My friends and I are just hanging out for a while today. She can join us."

"I think she had done enough work for today," The man said. He looked towards the girl. "Emmy?"

"Eh?" Emmy was surprised to be in such a situation.

"Would you like to join us?" Tsukune invited.

"Yes," Emmy Agreed. "Thank you."

"Well," The cook said. "This side of the counter is for working. Go have a seat."

Emmy was quick to follow directions. She moved to the far end of the counter and through the small gate there. When she got back to Tsukune and his friends she had a small problem. The closest open stool was at the corner of the counter, well away from her sempai. Emmy realized that as the newest member of the group she should accept the position on the end without protest. As she sat down he uncle placed a bowl of simple ramen and a cup of tea in front of her.

Tsukune saw the girl join his little group. She looked more then a little nervous as she sat down close to Kota. Tsukune's friend, however, looked like he might faint.

"What were we talking about?" Kota asked, staring at his half empty bowl of ramen.

"Rin was asking Tsukune about Valentines Day at his school," Nagi prompted.

"Ahh, yeah," Rin said, turning to his friend in the corner. "So, how was Valentines day? Did you get any obligation chocolates?"

"A few," Tsukune said. "Yes."

Emmy couldn't help but giggle. The fact that she was sitting with Aono Sempai, even if a little removed, was making her a little giddy. Hearing him be modest was so cute, and very unlike his reputation at school. The giggle escaped her before she knew it.

Rin heard the giggle and turned his head to examine the source. The girl was blushing as she tried to hide her nervousness.

"So," Rin said slowly. "Emmy was it? How is your sempai doing at school?"

Emmy felt very nervous about being questioned, especially about her sempai. She looked down the counter and saw Tsukune looking uncomfortable. She considered how modest he had been acting before answering.

"Aono Sempai is very well respected," Emmy said.

"Why is that?" Rin pressed a little.

"It is because of the Newspaper Club," Tsukune answered the question. He decided that if he had invited Emmy to sit with him, he shouldn't leave her vulnerable. He picked up his ramen and tea and changed seats. "The newspaper Club," Tsukune explained as he walked. "Has exposed bullies and helped improved the school." He sat down next to Emmy, opposite from Kota. "I also write an advice column. Because I have been able to help people, I have received some giri-choco."

"Emmy," Tsukune turned to her. "What club are you in?"

"I'm kind of in the floral arrangement club," Emmy said, feeling shy. "But I don't participate much."

"Then why join if you're not going to participate?" Kota asked, still looking down at his bowl. "Why not just go home?"

"It's a boarding school," Tsukune reminded his friend. "Not much call for a going home club."

"Club participation is mandatory," Emmy explained.

"You can change clubs," Tsukune said to her.

"I thought about it, but I don't know what I should join."

"Well the Newspaper Club could use some new members."

"Oh No," Emmy looked up in shock. "I could never…" She shook her head. "You all have such a special relationship. I wouldn't belong…"

"Alright," Tsukune cut her off with a sigh. "The Student Police is always accepting… Maybe not," Tsukune saw how brightly the girl was blushing. With her shy nature, he suspected that she would only be good as an office clerk anyway. "No," Tsukune's voice became more confident. "For you, I think you should join the Love Letter Club or the Drama Club. I know they both want members, and I think it would do you good."

"I'll think about them," Emmy said.

Tsukune decided that her answer was the best he could hope for, so he decided not to push her. He decided to shift the conversation away from Emmy and himself. Tsukune didn't want Rin running off at the moth about girls again so he considered his other two friends.

"Hey, Kota," Tsukune said. "Are you in any clubs?"

"I wanted to join the Audio Visual Club," Kota said. "But the AVC was full already. So I joined the Phenomena Research Club instead."

"Isn't that like a ghost hunting club?" Nagi asked.

"No," Kota said defensively. "A ghost hunting club spends its time telling and chasing ghost stories. No, the PRC researches stories and tries to find explanations for them. Remember that thing a year and a half ago during the summer? Over in the next prefecture where people were disappearing at the Witches Ranch?"

"Yeah," Nagi nodded once.

"We took a trip out there this last summer," Kota said. "It turns out that a shady developer was trying to get the land, but some of the locals wanted to protest. We think the developer was getting rid of them, keeping them from blowing the whistle on some of the things he was doing, and making people afraid of the Ranch, so it would be easier to get permission to build there. Most stores have a simple explanation. The PRC looks for the facts around the stories to find the truth behind them."

"Most old stories," Kota explained, "Have some basis in fact, but as the stories grew, the truth was lost."

"That is kind of what we do in the Newspaper Club," Tsukune observed. "Once we find out what the facts are, we publish them so everybody will know."

"Right," Kota agreed. "And stories are not scary if you know the truth behind it."

"Or it is even scarier," Tsukune couldn't help but add. "But even then, if you know what the cause is, you know what to do about it."

"Like with the Public Safety Commission?" Emmy asked, looking towards her sempai.

"Exactly," Tsukune nodded.

"What's this now?" Rin questioned.

"At our school," Tsukune began. "There used to be a group of students called the Public Safety Commission. They were created years ago to help enforce school rules and keep the campus safe. Over time they turned into just a gang of bullies. Because they had some strong members, everybody was afraid of them. The Newspaper Club did a story on them, telling everybody about as much as we could learn and prove was going on. Well more students were being picked on then everybody thought. When they all stood their ground together, the bullies were out numbered."

"Impressive," Nagi observed.

"I'm surprised this Public Safety gang gave up so easily," Rin said.

"They didn't," Emmy interjected. "But when it came down to a fight, there was nothing they could do. Besides, every time they tried to take on Aono Sempai they lost."

"What do you mean?" Rin asked, curious.

"When the story about them came out in the paper," Emmy said. "The Public Safety Commission tried to tell the Newspaper Club they couldn't give out their latest edition. They even tried to tell everybody it was a lie." There was a light in Emmy's eyes as she spoke. "Tsukune stood up to them. He told them that they had lost. Then their leader transformed…"

"Emmy," Tsukune cut her off.

"What?" Rin leaned in. "What do you mean, transformed?"

"She lost her temper," Tsukune explained. "She was so angry that she became a real monster. She told the members of the commission to attack us."

"Then what happened?" Nagi asked.

"Well," Tsukune told his friends. "A whole crowd had gathered by then and the commission was out numbered. We were able to beat them without anybody getting seriously hurt."

"Really?" Kota looked impressed. Being a chubby otaku, he had been bullied lots of times. It was one of the reasons he was friends with Tsukune, another outsider that had never really fit in. Kota liked the idea of bullies getting taken down.

"Their strongest fighters went for the Newspaper Club," Emmy added. "So the rest of the students just had the easy members to fight."

"Were you alright, Tsukune?" Rin asked. He knew his friend had never been athletic in middle school. "Did someone stop them, or did you get beat up?"

"Nobody beats up Aono Sempai," Emmy protested. "He's the strongest fighter in the whole school."

"Emmy, please," Tsukune spoke up.

"Tsukune?" Rin's eyes were wide in surprise.

"No way," Kota expressed his disbelief.

"How did that happen, Tsukune?"

"I've been training," He said, suddenly interested in the grain of the counter in front of him.

"And then there was the time in front of the dorms," Emmy went on. "Some of the Public Safety Commission tried to cause trouble. They said a bunch of horrible things about Aono Sempai and the Newspaper Club."

"They insulted my friends," Tsukune blushed, remembering how he had so badly lost his temper.

"What happened?" Rin prompted.

"Tsukune took out their leader in one hit and the rest ran away," Emmy beamed.

"There were only three of them in total," Tsukune muttered.

"Wow," Kota looked at Tsukune with new admiration.

"What kind of training have you been doing?" Rin asked, awed.

"I've told you that my school is for students that don't fit in," Tsukune said. "Well on my first day there was this one guy, a delinquent. He was bigger and stronger then me. I was so scared that I was going to drop out."

"What happened?" Rin asked.

"Why'd you stay?" Kota questioned.

"A friend was in trouble," Tsukune said. "I couldn't run out on her. Afterwards, I was in a lot of pain, and I was still scared, but I couldn't leave her alone. I decided to stay. I decided I needed to get stronger."

"Cool," Nagi said, the others nodding in agreement.

Emmy watched Tsukune's face as he told his story. She saw the raw emotions in his eyes as she heard something new. The idea that Aono Tsukune had once been weak and scared had never occurred to her. Learning that he had stayed in school in spite of his fear and weakness for the sake of a girl made Emmy feel warm all over.

"Definitely the right choice," Kota said with a firm nod.

"Kota," Rin protested. "We're a bunch of nobodies. You're an otaku. You would get killed."

"You're right," Koto said with a fire in his eyes. "I got picked on a lot in middle school. I still sometimes get bullied. But if I am going to get beat up, it is better for it to be me that gets hurt and not a girl. Especially is she is a friend."

"Please," Rin sighed. "I'm not saying it was the wrong choice. I'm just saying Tsukune was lucky not to get himself killed. And if you tried it you would probably end up in the hospital, and all you would get out of it is a girl that thinks of you as a friend."

Rin accented the word 'friend' in a way that all boys knew. Meaning the 'friend' that girls could always come to for help. The kind of 'friend' that girls would come to when they wanted advice about a boy they had a romantic interest in. It was the role of nice guys all around the world. A special kind of torment to always be the friend, and never the boyfriend.

"I don't care," Kota said. "Even if all I ever am is a 'friend,' then I will be a friend until the end."

"Well said," Tsukune said, reaching past Emmy to give Kota a slap on the back. "I have a friend at school who thought the same way. And when someone tried to give his friend a hard time, he stood up for her. Three times, that I know of."

"And what happened to him?" Rin asked.

"They are dating," Tsukune said with a smile for his friends' happiness.

"Ehh.." Rin felt the wind being sucked out of his sails. He knew he had lost out in that exchange.

"Too bad you go to an all boys school," Nagi said. "It will be hard to make friends with any girls there."

"It doesn't have to be at school," Kota frowned.

Tsukune reached for his tea cup and was surprised to find it empty. As soon as he made the discovery he saw Emmy's uncle reaching for the kettle. Tsukune covered his cup with his hand, he didn't want any more tea.

"Hey," Tsukune said to his friends. "We going to sit here all day?"

"What?" Rin blinked.

"Yeah," Nagi said, pushing back his empty bowl. "Let's check out the street."

"You're welcome to come with us, Emmy?" Tsukune invited. He stood up and reached for his wallet.

"Really Sempai?" Emmy blushed.

"No charge today," The man behind the counter said, waving away offered payment. "Emmy, go have fun. That was why you came here, wasn't it?"

"Thank you uncle," Emmy was practically hopping with excitement.

"You can leave your helmet," The man said to Tsukune. "It'll be here when you get back."

XXXXXXXXXX

Emmy felt it was probably the best day of her young-adult life. From her uncle's ramen shop, Emmy walked with her sempai and his friends through the local district. The young men talked about the shops and businesses they saw, sometimes telling Emmy little anecdotes about them. When a shop or storefront was vacant or changed from what they remembered, Tsukune and his friends would talk about what they remembered about what used to be.

Tsukune took the time to include Emmy in the conversation, playing host to the visitor to his town. His friends, Nagi and Kota, were noticeably shy when it came to talking to Emmy. Nagi would talk to her, but did it without looking at her. Kota was worse off. He kept looking at Emmy and Blushing, and stammered if was looking at her, no mater who he was actually talking to. After his experiences at school, Tsukune had no trouble reading the signs this time around. Kota had it bad for Emmy. Tsukune wanted to cheer him on, but was nervous about how he would take it when the truth about her came out.

After over three hours of walking, talking, and window shopping, it was time to end the afternoon's fun. When Tsukune mentioned the time, and that he had to head home, his old friends agreed that they had places to go also. Rin and Nagi headed off on their own first. Tsukune walked Emmy back to the ramen shop with Kota in tow.

"Kota," Tsukune said to his distracted friend. "Do you have any plans for the break?"

"No," Kota shook his head. "I'm just going to spend some time reading." He had a weak smile, a little embarrassed about his otaku nature.

"I don't know how much free time I'm going to have," Tsukune said, hoping to give his friend a little nudge. "Emmy is going be feeling out of place, so if you get bored, maybe you can visit and help her learn a little more about the area. As her sempai, I should be the one, but..." Tsukune gave a shrug.

"Yes," Kota's eyes were wide with excitement. "I mean... Sure... If Emmy doesn't mind?" He looked in her direction and blushed.

"Um," Emmy looked from her Sempai to his friend. She noticed the blush on his cheeks, and felt her face grow warmer. "If you don't mind," Emmy said. "I don't want to be a burden for you."

"I don't mind," Kota said with a grin.

"Excelent," Tsukune smiled. "Thank you, Kota. I'll go ahead and walk her back. I'll let her uncle know you'll be by."

"Alright." Kota gave a small nod. He realized that he was being dismissed, but he didn't mind. Right then he really wanted some time to compose himself. "I'll probably see you tomorrow..." He left it hanging.

"Oso," Emmy said. "Oso Emmy."

"Taro Kota," He said in return. "Good afternoon, Oso-san."

Tsukune saw Kota ginning as he turned away. He suspected his friend would be grinning like that until his cheeks ached. Once Kota was safely gone, Tsukune turned his attention to Emmy. He saw right away that she was nervous.

"Kohai," Tsukune said in what he hoped was a friendly tone. "You need to be careful. Remember that there is a reason you have to stay in your human form at school. You almost gave away the secret of the school today."

"I'm sorry, Sempai," Emmy said blushing brightly. "I didn't mean to. It's just that they are your friends..."

"Kohai," Tsukune cut her off. "I'm not upset. I just want you to be careful. My friends are human. They do not know about..." Tsukune made a gesture as if circling something.

"Human?" Emmy's eyes went wide. "But you... He... You..."

"It's alright," Tsukune said soothingly. "You can have human friends. You just have to remember that to most humans, youkai are just stories."

"But..."

"Kohai... Emmy," Tsukune rested his hands on her shoulders. "Do you trust me?"

"Hai," Emmy agreed without hisitation.

"Remember how I told you I used to be weak and afraid all the time?"

"Yes, Sempai."

"Moka is a vampire, one of the most powerful youkai there is, with strong traditions," Tsukune said. "She let me be her friend even when she had to protect me all the time. I took a chance. I stayed in school so I could stay with her. Now, not only is she my most precious person, but I have other important friends at school."

"Don't be afraid to make friends," Tsukune smiled warmly. "Even if they are different from you. You never know what you can discover."

"Yes, Sempai," Emmy nodded, still looking uncertian.

"You only have two weeks before we go back to school," Tsukune reminded her. "That is plenty of time to make a friend. But you don't have to rush and tell him everything."

"Yes," She nodded again, relaxing a little.

"Good," Tsukune nodded. "Let's go see your uncle."

Togther they returned ed the ramen shop. Tsukune collected his helmet and explained to the cook that Kota coming by, and reminded the man that the human had no clue about youkai. The man agreed to make Kota welcome, as long as he didn't cause any trouble. With smiles and hope all around, Tsukune headed for home.