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 67

Tsukune wheeled Hiru out to the street in the morning sunlight. It was his fourth day of break and he was going to visit Kurumu. He had some doubts about going, but he had said he would, and she was a valued friend. A part of his doubts came from leaving Ruby alone, but she had insisted that she would be fine. To keep her from feeling neglected in his absence, Tsukune had given Ruby a task to perform. If she had the chance, he wanted Ruby to check up on Emmy. Part of the reason he asked her was to keep her busy, but he also wanted to make sure the young youkai girl was doing alright.

It had taken a couple of phone calls for Tsukune and Kurumu to coordinate his visit. She had invited him to come stay for the rest of break. He had suggested just going to lunch. In the end they had negotiated that he would come for a day, spending the night, and then he would return home in the morning. He had an overnight kit packed in his saddle bag and had checked his strange map. It would take two hours, roughly, to reach a place that connected close to where Kurumu lived, or he could spend about four hours riding there along human routes. Tsukune had chosen to sleep in an extra hour and then take the short way.

Kyouko, who had decided that she would spend as much time visiting Tsukune as she could, had not been happy with his decision to go and visit a girl. She had tried to brow beat him into staying home, and when that had not worked, Kyouko had kept Tsukune up late to lecture him on how he should behave. Tsukune had not taken her attitude well.

He was being more then a little childish, Tsukune knew, but he never liked being bullied. He had tolerated Kyouko's bullying in the past because she was family, and right or wrong in her thinking, she did care about him. But now she was out of her depth and Tsukune had to put up with enough arbitrary rules from the Board Chairman.

Kyouko had thrown an extra futon down in Tsukune's room just to keep an eye on him and Ruby. Tsukune had countered by stripping down to just his boxers, letting his cousin see his scars, before going to bed. After a lecture on how he should behave, Tsukune had calmly looked his cousin in the eye and smiled politely.

"Are you finished?" Tsukune had asked Kyouko.

"I've had my say," She nodded.

"Good," Tsukune gave a nod. "Good night." Tsukune then deliberately reached out and pinched Ruby's bottom.

Both young women gasped in surprise. Kyouko glared at Tsukune, and he answered with a glare of his own, challenging her to say something. She realized that is she did, Tsukune was likely to do worse, and he had already demonstrated that she would not be able to stop him.

Ruby, on the other hand, had to hide a smile behind her hand. While she did not like Tsukujne's cousin trying to run his life, she had to admit she liked having Kyouko around. She had a way of provoking Tsukune into immature acts of rebellion, and Ruby always felt that Tsukune needed to remember to have fun once in a while. If Kyouko kept prodding Tsukune, Ruby would keep receiving the benefit of his temper. If things kept going like this, Ruby hoped, then all it would take is one tantrum too many from Tsukune's cousin to make him take Ruby to his bed and ravish her.

Kyouko and Ruby both saw Tsukune off the next morning. Kyouko looked liked she wanted to give Tsukune another lecture, but settled for reminding him to be careful. Ruby wished him a good trip. With a small hug for each of them, Tsukune said goodbye.

XXXXXX

Kurumu was practically dancing around her home. Tsukune was coming to see her. She didn't know if she should feel tired or not, but she was surprised that she got any sleep at all the night before. Tsukune was scheduled to arrive at half past nine. Kurumu had gotten out of bed at five to start getting ready for his visit. She groomed and dressed herself four times, while making cookies, and planning out the day. Ageha had promised to not come home for three days, unless Kurumu called her. The young succubus wanted everything to be perfect.

Everything in the apartment was carefully arranged. From the pillows on the couches to the carefully selected garments left 'almost' put away in Kurumu's bedroom. Kurumu's clothes were chosen with the utmost planning and attention to detail. Kurumu was dressed to appear casual and modest, but had sexy underwear underneath. She was going to enjoy her date with Tsukune, and may the gods have mercy on anybody that got in her way, because Kurumu would have none.

Kurumu almost jumped out of her skin when the doorman rang to tell her Tsukune was on the way up. She ran to her door three times before she calmed down enough to wait for him to take the elevator from the lobby. When she finally heard the doorbell, it was all Kurumu could do to keep from squealing with excitement.

Tsukune expected to have Kurumu tackle him as soon as the door opened. His doubts kept trying to surface in his mind as he felt Kurumu's excitement through his bond with her. She was so happy, Tsukune could almost see her smile through the door as he rang the bell.

"Hello Tsukune," Kurumu said as she opened the door. "I am so glad you could come see me."

Tsukune could see the tension in his friend as well as feel it. She was trying so hard to appear calm, as if this was just another visit to her dorm room or her house back at the youkai village, that she looked like she was going to wet herself. As he took in the sight of Kurumu, Tsukune realized that he had missed her more then he had thought.

"It is good to see you, Kurumu," Tsukune said honestly. "I hope I'm not intruding."

"Please come in," Kurumu invited. "You know you are always welcome."

As Tsukune entered, Kurumu took his bag, helmet, and coat from him. She hurried to put them on her bed while Tsukune took off his shoes. She returned to the front room and showed him to a seat at the table.

"So how was your trip?" Kurumu asked. "I hope you didn't have any trouble finding your way here. Was there any problems with traffic?" Kurumu had flit into the kitchen as she talked.

"No," Tsukune tried to answer the excited succubus. "No traffic and no problems. How is your break going?"

"Everything is fine," Kurumu answered as she carried a serving tray back to the table.

Kurumu served tea and cookies and then sat down across the table from Tsukune to share the snack with him. Tsukune was careful not to spoil the moment by laughing. He could feel how happy and excited Kurumu was, even as he watched her try to be a proper hostess. Tsukune could understand how she felt. He felt much the same the first time Moka invited him to get a drink together at school. There was a mix of joy, nervousness, and disbelief in ones own luck. Tsukune realized that Kurumu had harbored some doubt about his sincerity over coming to see her.

After the fourth round of aimless pleasantries, Tsukune saw that he would have to help Kurumu shake off her nervousness. His first step would be to take care of the obvious.

"Kurumu?" Tsukune asked gently.

"Hai?" Kurumu almost jumped out of her seat.

"Could you direct me to the water closet?"

"Ohmygosh," This time Kurumu did leap out of her seat, her chair almost tipping over. She hurried around the table to take Tsukune's hand. Kurumu almost dragged Tsukune to the toilet. She was about to enter the water closet with him when he stopped her.

"I'll only be a moment," Tsukune assured her before closing the door.

For the brief time that Tsukune was out of her sight, Kurumu fretted. She actually checked her bedroom to make sure his things were there; to prove to herself she wasn't dreaming. When Tsukune came out, his hands still damp from washing up, Kurumu felt her knees tremble.

"Kurumu," Tsukune saw that his friend was still stuck in her happy/excited/disbelieving state. "Would you like to go to a book store?" Tsukune recalled the conversations he had shared with her at school.

"Yes," Kurumu agreed without hesitation. "Let be grab my purse. I know just the place."

The shopping district that Kurumu had in mind was a reasonably short walk from her apartment. Tsukune didn't mind walking, but he noticed that Kurumu was uncharacteristically shy. Having grown up in a suburban neighborhood, Tsukune found the large shopping district interesting. He particularly noticed an impressive gaming arcade.

When they arrived at the book store Kurumu picked out, Tsukune understood why she had passed up two others. The book store was immense. Tsukune thought about taking a look at their manga section, but was quickly lead over to the shelves upon shelves of magazines. Kurumu knew the book store well and, with Tsukune following, went directly to the latest selection of cooking magazines.

While Kurumu looked through the cooking magazines, Tsukune was careful not to stray far from her side. She kept looking up from the magazines to check to make sure Tsukune was still with her. He drifted over to pick up a motorcycle magazine at random, and carried it back to where Kurumu stood. Tsukune tried to read a little from the magazine in his hands, but Kurumu kept wanting to show him pictures of fancy dishes and ask his opnion. They were at it so long that Tsukune ended up changing magazines. It was Kurumu's stomach growling that reminded her of the time.

Kurumu was a little embarrassed about losing track of time. She quickly collected her choices of coking magazines and headed for the sales counter. She saw that Tsukune had racked the magazine he had been holding and looked up at him with questioning eyes. He just gave her a shoulder shrug.

"You're not going to get anything?" Kurumu asked.

"I didn't find anything I felt like spending my money on," Tsukune said a little shyly.

"Don't worry about that," Kurumu said. She reached into her purse and pulled out a credit card. "My mother is buying."

"It's alright," Tsukune begged off. "I'll wait for something worth while."

Kurumu repressed a sigh. She loved Tsukune, and how polite and thoughtful he was, but he needed to realize that there are times when just letting go and having some carefree fun was a good things. After she bought her magazines she turned to Tsukune.

"My mother told me to make sure you had a good time," Kurumu told Tsukune. "You saved my life so she wanted to make sure you were properly rewarded." Kurumu accepted her bag from the sales clerk.

"I don't need a reward," Tsukune said. "All I did was do the right thing."

"Well more people need to do the right thing," Kurumu said sternly. "And to help make sure they do, the people that do do the right thing need to be rewarded for what they did do so more people will follow their example and do the right thing in the future."

"Ahhhh," Tsukune tried to follow that last statement.

"So today," Kurumu poked Tsukune in the chest with the credit card before putting it away. "I am going to make sure you have a good time, and my mother is picking up the tab for out date." She looked up into his eyes, her face filled with stubborn determination.

Tsukune looked into her eyes and read the feelings coming through their bond. Tsukune recognized a loosing situation when he saw one. He remembered seeing his father loose arguments to his mother over things that seamed silly, but had been important to her. Tsukune knew that Kurumu idolized the domestic kind of life his parents had, so he took inspiration from his father on how to respond.

"What ever you say dear," Tsukune smiled.

Kurumu thought she would melt at Tsukune's words. It was like a quote from a television show, something a husband might say to keep from upsetting his wife. A flash of warmth spread through her. Kurumu blushed when she realized that she was still standing in front of the sales counter, staring at Tsukune's face.

"Um…" She quickly turned away from him. "Let's go eat lunch."

"Yes dear," Tsukune said, laughing quietly to himself.

Their next stop was a nice café. Tsukune did not miss the fact that the waitresses were dressed in cute, short dresses. The manager on duty apparently recognized Kurumu. He smiled warmly when he saw her, but Tsukune saw that smile waver just a little when he realized she was not alone.

The café was the kind of place Tsukune could image Kurumu wanting to work at, if not own. The uniforms were cute, if a little skimpy. The menu was loaded with sweets and treats. Many of the items were served on a single dish and were meant to be shared by a couple. Likewise, many drinks were served in large single glasses with two straws. The café was obviously intended to be a place to inspire romance.

Kurumu saw Tsukune taking note of the café. He would look up from the menu every couple of minutes and look around. She wanted to giggle. The first time she had found the café she had wished for a boy to share the place with, and here she was with Tsukune. Kurumu saw Tsukune looking at one of the waitresses in her short uniform and decided to tease him a little.

"Tsukune," Kurumu drew his attention to her.

"Hmmm?" Tsukune faced her.

"What do you think of the uniforms?" Kurumu asked. "I saw you looking."

"Yes," Tsukune nodded, looking back at the nearest waitress. "I was thinking that the uniform would look good on you."

"Eeh…"

"Actually," Tsukune turned back to her with a smile. "I was thinking that if you were to have a café, it would be a lot like this."

Kurumu was at a loss for words. Tsukune flattered her so easily and understood her so well. She had sometimes fantasized about having her own lovers café. Right at that moment she could not help but imagine herself in that frilly uniform, working behind the soda counter, while Tsukune was sharply dressed, manning the register.

Tsukune let himself smile while holding back the urge to laugh. Happy warmth and desire radiated from Kurumu in waves. Tsukune had to admit that her pretty face looked extra cute when she blushed and smiled at the same time.

Kurumu was still bushing, and trying to hide it behind a menu when the waitress came by to ask for their order. Tsukune considered his choices quickly, and looked to Kurumu for any clues. Finding no help from her distracted state, Tsukune decided to take a change and order for them both.

Kurumu felt silly. Tsukune had a way of flattering her offhandedly all the time. That was what made his words so powerful, she knew. Things said without forethought or consideration were usually the most honest. Kurumu realized that it could be the simple fact that it was just the two of them, without the distraction of their other friends, that made everything different. Kurumu felt more then a little self conscious because she kept smiling and blushing.

When the waitress brought their order, Kurumu felt her heart skip a beat. The tea was generic, but it came in a matching service set of white porcelain with pink trim. The main course was an oval tray of sushi. The pieces of sushi were heart shaped, using pink tofu skins. There was only the one tray, with a dipping dish in the middle, and two pair of chopsticks. Thinly sliced pickled ginger garnished the tray, looking like a little rose blossom.

Tsukune didn't wait for Kurumu. He poured her a cup of tea, adding a dollop of honey, and set it before her. He pour himself a cup and took a sip before reaching for a pair of chopsticks. This was Tsukune's first real, fancy, date, and eh was sure that he was going to mess up horribly at some point. He figured that at worse, Kurumu would never date him again, and he could look back on the date as practice.

Kurumu watched at how calm and confident Tsukune was acting. He didn't fumble in the slightest as he used chopsticks to pick up a piece of sushi. He held it carefully, with his free hand below it just in case it slipped. With a smile, Tsukune brought the morsel to her.

"Ahhhh," Tsukune prompted her.

"Ahhh," Kurumu opened her mouth to accept the offered bite.

Looking back, Kurumu realized that the sushi had been rather bland. She supposed that it was a business decision. The couple could have fun using the dipping sauce and seasonings to flavor the sushi. That is what she and Tsukune did after they had both tried a piece. At the time, she had been too caught up in the moment to notice such things.

As they ate, Kurumu and Tsukune looked around a little at the other dinners in the café. Most were couples, but there were a few groups of girls that were sitting, giggling together. The other couples were ether focused on each other, or, like Tsukune and Kurumu, were looking around and sharing smiles. Tsukune caught one young man eyeing Kurumu, and the waitresses, while ignoring the girl he was sitting with. He felt bad for the girl, right up to the point she knocked a fruity soda into his lap.

For dessert, Kurumu ordered. She selected an ice-cream sundae that came in a wide glass boat with lots of toppings. They had fun feeding each other, saving the cherries for last.

The sundae had been a lot of ice-cream for just two people to eat. Tsukune felt full and chilled at the same time. He noticed that Kurumu was still happy, but wasn't quite as giddy as before.

"Now I am taking you shopping," Kurumu announced after she paid for lunch.

"But," Tsukune tried to protest.

"No buts," Kurumu insisted. "I had to ask around to find the right place to shop, and I intend to make the most of it."

"Ahhh…"

"No," Kurumu said with a finger planted against Tsukune's chest. "This is something important, so you're just going to have to go along with it."

"Yes, Kururmu," Tsukune sighed while smiling. "What ever you say dear."

"That's right," Kurumu grinned.

They set off at an easy walk past shops and shoppers. Tsukune reached out and took Kurumu's hand in his. She blushed a little at the simple, casual contact.

"Well look who it is," A voice cut through the air. "It's Kookoo."

Kurumu's head whipped around and she quickly spotted the source of the disturbance. A trio of girls dressed in tight blouses and short skirts, and holding shopping bags had just come out of a makeup and accessories store. Kurumu remembered them, not fondly, from middle school.

"Long time no see," The leader of the girls said with a plastic smile. "Just what have you been doing with yourself Kookoo? We missed you when 'we' started Highschool."

"Hello, Kimi," Kurumu said in a voice as smooth as a razor. "I didn't realize you were still around."

"So who's your friend?" Kimi smiled up at Tsukune. "Does he know about your taste in boys?"

"You better be careful," A second girl said to Tsukune. "None of her boyfriends last very long."

"I'm not worried," Tsukune said. "We've been together for two years now.

Tsukune's words brought a mix of reactions. From Kurumu he felt a spike of happiness. From the speaker he received a scowl. The other two girls gave him disbelieving looks.

"We met at school," Kurumu said.

"I'll bet you've met lots of boys at school," Kimmi said. She looked towards Tsukune. "You know that she likes to have lots of boyfriends. She's just like her mother."

"You…" Kurumu growled.

"I think you are mistaken," Tsukune said in a mild voice.

"Don't take personally," Kimi tried to gloat. "It's not like she really has anything to offer you."

"Now I know you are mistaken," Tsukune said flatly, stepping in front of Kurumu before she could lose her temper. "I happen to think Kurumu would make a very good wife. She has shown me how loyal she can be, and she is a wonderful cook."

"Loyal?" Kimi gasped.

"Cook?" The second girl almost choked on the words.

"When I was busy with student council and festival comities," Tsukune turned and smiled at Kurumu. "And my responsibilities as class president." Tsukune intentionally tried to make himself sound important. "I was envied by nearly every boy in school, because Kurumu would take care of my laundry and clean my dorm room while I was out all day."

The trio of girls were shocked and confused, unable to get their barbs in.

"In fact," Tsukune turned back to them. "The last time I got hurt, Kurumu refused to leave the hospital."

"What?" Kimi was clearly confused. This young man she didn't know was describing someone totally unlike the flighty and fickle girl she remembered.

"How did you get hurt?" The third girl in the group asked, speaking up for the first time.

"I had been stabbed in a fight," Tsukune said with a smile. "Want to see the scar?" Tsukune knew that Kurumu could take on the three girls in a heartbeat, but he didn't want her to get in trouble. He also knew that the girls would only harass Kurumu later, if they had the chance, if someone didn't put them in their place. Aside from physical violence, Tsukune knew the best way to stop a bully was to intimidate them.

"I don't believe you," Kimi said.

"Go ahead and show us," The second girl followed Kimi's lead.

Tsukune unbuttoned his shirt and pulled up his undershirt. He knew how scared up his body was, and had to be careful about letting his family see when he was at home. The trio of girls reacted with mixed expressions of shock and fear, and maybe a little disgust. Tsukune let them have a clear look for a moment before covering up.

"How…" Kimi questioned.

"Someone tried to take Kurumu away from me," Tsukune said in a somber voice. "And I just could not let that happen."

The trio of girls were visibly nervous. Tsukune's confidence had undone theirs. The boys that Kurumu had hanging around her in the past had never been so loyal to her, or been convincing of her loyalty to him. Usually the girls had been able to shake the boys' confidence.

"Tsukune," Kurumu said his name sweetly. She had recovered from her initial anger and had realized what he was doing for her. She was still less then happy with the trio of former class mates, but no longer felt the need to be violent. "We should let Kimi and her friends finish their shopping."

"You're right," Tsukune smiled at her for a moment before looking back at the other girls. "Have a nice day," He said to them in a dry voice, giving them a smile he had been starting to use whenever he caught somebody breaking school rules that thought they could sweet talk their way around him.

Kurumu smiled brightly as she and Tsukune moved along. Seeing the trio of girls looking shaken, and a little frightened, made her want to laugh. Kimi and her clique had been her rivals all through middle Junior High. That was a part of the reason she had been so vicious in trying to deal with Moka the first time they had clashed. It was the first time she had a rival and didn't have to hold back. Kurumu gave Tsukune's hand a little squeeze, getting a smile from him. She may have lost her fight against Moka, Kurumu admitted, but it had not turned out bad at all.

Tsukune felt a little uncomfortable. Kurumu had taken him to a very nice store and had acted like a woman on a mission. She had decided that Tsukune needed some appropriate clothes for motorcycle riding. Tsukune tried to beg off, but Kurumu was refusing to give ground. Tsukune found himself being pushed and pulled in and out of jackets and made to model them. It didn't help that most of the jackets had price tags that made Tsukune gape. And of course clothing needs accessories.

Tsukune wasn't sure if he should laugh or cry. Jackets, boots, gloves, and scarves were put on him and pulled off with frequency. The only thing that kept Tsukune from making a fuss and objecting to it all was how happy Kurumu was. At one point, Tsukune was fully dressed in a coordinated riding outfit in back and red, while Kurumu stood beside him in front of a large mirror in an almost identical outfit. Tsukune thought that they looked like super ranger heroes from a kids show.

Tsukune was glad when the shopping binge was over. He was not sure how much Kurumu had bought because she had made an arrangement with the manager to have everything delivered, so they would not have to carry it on their date. As it was, Tsukune and Kurumu left the store with nomax and Kevlar riding jackets in matching patterns, red and black for him, pink and black for her. Tsukune wasn't sure, but he thought that she might have bought a helmet for herself too.

After the shopping binge, their date became a calmer event. They walked holding hands back towards Kurumu's place, just taking their time. They window shopped as they passed interesting looking stores and chatted about some of the things they observed. Tsukune felt very relaxed and calm. Just hanging out and walking through a shopping district was something he had done with friends for years.

Kurumu was enjoying her time with Tsukune. It was just the two of them with the rest of the world there just for decoration and a place for them to be. Kurumu stole glances at Tsukune's face as the walked together, enjoying the sight of him. It was by observing Tsukune that Kurumu saw his interest as the approached the game center.

The game center was a large arcade filled with music and flashing lights. Tsukune realized he must have slowed down, or maybe looked a little too intently as the arcade came into view, because Kurumu was suddenly pulling him in through the open entry way. Tsukune had not been to an arcade in well over a year. As he took in the sights, Tsukune remembered the excitement he used to feel as a kid. As he walked around the arcade with Kurumu, looking at the games, he found that his old excitement was lacking.

Tsukune reasoned that his life at Youkai Academy was the reason for his changed interests in the flashy games. Fighting games had lost their appeal because he had spent so much time fighting. The racing games were entertaining, but after riding Hiru, and learning that he could fly, Tsukune just didn't see the point. Kurumu looked around the arcade, Tsukune noticed, with much of the same enthusiasm he had felt about shopping. And then the were at the dance machines. Tsukune caught the flash of excitement from Kurumu as she saw the dance machines, and saw it clearly on her face as she looked up at him.

Dance machines had never been Tsukuine's friend. He had been clumsy and uncoordinated that trying to play the machines had been a quick way to lose money. The three-be-three grid in front of each monitor was meant for the player to stand and step in time to the music that played, stepping on places on the grid according to directions on the screen. Several generations of dance machines were on the market, and in the arcade. Tsukune realized that Kurumu was one of the girls that Tsukune had always seen putting on a show. She liked the dance machines and now that they were in front of her, she intended to play. From the look she was throwing his way, Tsukune knew he would be expected to dance too.

"I'm really bad at these kinds of games," Was all Tsukune was able to say before Kurumu was pulling him forward.

After a quick stop for coins, Kurumu took Tsukune to what he guessed was her favorite dance machine. She encouraged him forcefully onto one platform before setting her shopping bag of magazines at the base of the monitor consoles. She dumped in some coins and pressed some buttons, and then hopped onto the other platform. She shot Tsukune a wide grin.

"We'll start slow," She smiled with excited eyes. "Alright Tsukune?" She gave him a wink as the music started.

Tsukune was glad that Kurumu started them off at a beginner level. It took more then a few steps for him to get his rhythm and to learn to area he had to move around in. He fumbled a few steps, but after a little while he managed to get used to what he was doing. While he was having fun, Tsukune admitted, Kurumu was much more into it then he was. He managed the first two songs of the set by a thin margin, but was left waiting for Kurumu to finish the third song about half way through.

Tsukune could tell that Kurumu was happy and excited, not just through their bond, but my the clear display of emotions on her face. Tsukune liked seeing his friends happy, and he though he saw a way to give Kurumu something special. He waited until she received her score before he said anything.

"One more time?" Tsukune asked Kurumu when she looked towards him. From the way her face lit up, Tsukune knew he had anticipated her request.

"Yeah," Kurumu gave an excited hop.

Tsukune only had a short moment to ready himself. He reached for his youki and concentrated on his bond with Kurumu. The music started again and Tsukune started to move.

After their second set, Tsukune and Kurumu were both smiling. Their scores were closely matched, and they both had performed well. So well that an arcade employee had come over and invited them to dance on a new machine for free, for a chance to win a prize. Seeing Kurumu's excitement, Tsukune couldn't refuse.

The new dance machine was set up with a large overhead monitor so spectators would watch the action. Tsukune felt uncomfortable with the idea of being on display, but Kurumu was all for it. Tsukune decided he had two choices. He could fumble it and go down quick, or he could give it his all.

"Are you ready?" The arcade employee was playing announcer.

A cheer went up. Tsukune and Kurumu realized that and audience was already waiting for the show to start. Tsukune made eye contact with Kurumu and pulled up his youki.

"Let's go all the way," Tsukune said with a determined smile.

"Yes," Kurumu agreed.

"On your marks," The announcer called. "Three… Two… One… Dance!"

The audience cheered. Tsukune and Kurumu danced. Tsukune felt 'alive' as he danced. His youki flowed through him. Kurumu felt the flow of energy within Tsukune and felt her own energy rising in response. She focused on her awareness of Tsukune and thrilled in the sharing of the moment with him. Still in their expensive riding jackets, Tsukune and Kurumu looked like a couple, and moved like a practiced team. The audience cheered.

Tsukune was alive in the moment. He kept sharing looks with Kurumu. He couldn't help but admire the glow of her face. She was smiling, with bright, excited eyes as her face shined with sweat from the performance she was giving. He could feel his heart beating in his chest.

Kurumu felt like she was approaching paradise. She was with Tsukune, sharing one of her favorite pass times. She kept sharing looks with him and saw the smile on his face reached all the way to his eyes. He was enjoying this with her. He danced with her, and he did it with the same commitment that he had fought. Kurumu felt her heart soar.

The crowd cheered with excitement. The announcer called off the songs as the set continued. The couple had started strong and were pressing the limits. Could they keep it up was the question. Another cheer went up with each song completed. The pair moved with inhuman speed and coordination. The songs kept coming and they kept dancing. At five songs the crowd was cheering them on, yelling at the couple to keep it up. At seven songs the entire arcade was watching, ether gathered around the dance machine or looking up at monitors on the walls.

Non-stop through nine songs the pair danced. The crowd was wild with excitement. Even the announcer was yelling himself hoarse. Then it was time for the last song of the set. There was only a moment of lag before the last song started. A five minute number that ran at an incredibly fast pace, that no couple had been able to survive the challenge of. Tsukune and Kurumu embraced the challenge with feral smiles and wild eyes.

Their bodies were alive with power. The music was like a racing heartbeat. It was the two of them together. One movement flowed into the next. Feet moving with the beat, arms and torsos moving to keep balance, and bring the whole body into the dance. Tsukune was more aware of Kurumu then anything else. Kurumu's world was centered on Tsukune, with everything else supporting her moment with him.

The music ended and the dance stopped. The audience cheered the perfect score. Tsukune and Kurumu stood, surprised by the sudden ending of the music, looking at each other's smiling, excited faces. Passion and love and excitement filled them both. Without thinking, Tsukune reached out and embraced Kurumu. Kurumu welcomed Tsukunes arms around her as the heat of his being washed over her. The crowd roared, their voices turning into a single long moment or rolling thunder, as the couple kissed.