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 68

Kurumu felt like dancing as she walked along with Tsukune. After the dance machine challenge, Kurumu and Tsukune had become arcade celebrities. The owner of the arcade had appeared to congratulate them and give them their prizes. Tsukune and Kurumu had posed for pictures together on and beside the dance machine. Kurumu had loved the experience, and Tsukune had been there with her. She leaned on him in some of her poses, and hung off of him for others. With the crowd cheering, Kurumu and Tsukune posed holding a beribboned bottle of sparkling cyder. They even shared another kiss while holding the bottle.

The excitement of it all made Kurumu think about what many people had said to her in the past. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to be an Idol, for a little while anyway. Tsukune and Kurumu had to fill out some papers, giving permission for their pictures to be used to advertise the dance machines, and the arcade. Their prizes included a new home game console, with dance pads, gift certificates for a local music store, arcade membership cards, and a nice cash reward as well.

Tsukune had some doubts about how smart he had been to draw on his youki, but all it took was a look at Kurumu's smiling face for him to feel that it had been the right choice. He could feel her happiness almost like having a second heart in his chest, it was such a powerful and driving feeling. He also felt sweeping waves of love from her when ever their eyes met. It made Tsukune a little uncomfortable to be so aware of Kurumu, and to feel such strong emotions when he was around her.

Together, the returned to Kurumu's apartment. Kurumu was relieved that her mother had not decided to come home early. She did not want her alone time with Tsukune to be disturbed by her mother, even if the woman meant well. They kicked off their shoes and hung there jackets by the door.

"Tsukune," Kurumu said with a smile. "Could you put the bags in my bedroom. I need to start working on dinner."

"Yes dear," Tsukune said with a little smile.

Kurumu went into the kitchen while Tsukune put the bags away. Kurumu had washed her hands and donned an apron before Tsukune returned.

"Can I help you with anything?" Tsukune asked as he returned.

Kurumu turned to face him when she heard his voice. She saw that Tsukune had stopped just short of entering the kitchen. His posture was relaxed and his face was warm and sincere.

"You go and relax," Kurumu said with a shooing motion of her hands. "I'll call you if I need anyth… What?" Kurumu was surprised when Tsukune laughed.

"Sorry," Tsukune said, smiling. "That's exactly what my mother tells my father."

Kurumu felt her heart flutter. Every time she heard Tsukune compare her to his mother in some way was like having a tiny part of a dream come true. She wanted to throw herself on Tsukune so much she ached.

"Go watch television or something," Kurumu said.

Tsukune gave a shrug and did as he was told. He knew that Kurumu was not in the least bit upset with him. Her dream was to be a housewife, and she saw Tsukune's mother as an example to follow. He sat down to enjoy some channel surfing, but kept an eye on Kurumu. He offered to help I the kitchen. He offered to set the table. Tsukune even offered his services as a food tester.

"You sit right there," Kurumu said with a knife in her hand. "I am making you a home cooked dinner with all the trimmings. You are going to stay out of the kitchen, and out of my way, so you can't peek, until I tell you its ready. Am I clear?"

"Yes dear," Tsukune said with a grin.

"You know I like cooking for you," Kurumu said as she turned back to her work. "But this is the first time I get to use my own kitchen."

"What about back at the youkai village?" Tsukune asked her.

"That was alright," Kurumu admitted. "But that kitchen is smaller then this one. Besides, here I have all my good pots and pans. I know the oven and stove here, so I know how to time everything."

"That makes sense," Tsukune replied.

"Some day I want a kitchen like this," Kurumu continued. "Where I know where everything belongs and how everything works. I can cook simple dishes or big meals and know I have everything I need without having to recount everything."

"And some day," Kurumu continued. "If I have a daughter, I will have her help my in the kitchen as I teach her how to cook."

"I see," Tsukune said.

"What do you think?" Kurumu asked. "What kind of kitchen do you think you would like to have?"

"I don't know," Tsukune answered honestly. "It's not something I ever thought about. I mean…" He shrugged his shoulders. "I never spent much time cooking. My mother is the cook at home."

"What about at school?"

"If I didn't fix something instant," Tsukune told her. "I would eat at the cafeteria."

"Tsukune," Kurumu protested. "That's no way to stay healthy."

"Like I thought that much about it," Tsukune defended himself. "If I even look hungry someone tries to feed me. My mother tried to help me grow bigger by feeding me. I get hurt at school and you try to help me get well by feeding me. The first time you cooked for me in your dorm room, I was amazed that food that good could be made with so little."

"Well when we go back to school," Kurumu declared. "I'll cook for you every day."

"I don't think Ruby would take that well," Tsukune winced.

"Why did you have to bring her into this?" Kurumu said with a flash of irritation.

"I'm sorry," Tsukune apologized. "But you have to remember, I accepted her oath to be my servant. She calls herself my 'slave.' She is a part of my life now." Tsukune blew out a sigh.

"I was talking to her last week about my future," Tsukune said. "I'm still not sure what I want to do for a career and I was hoping that by talking about it with someone would help."

"And did it?" Kurumu asked. She had a small sour feeling in her stomach from Tsukune talking about another woman in his life.

"No," Tsukune shook his head. "I was talking to Ruby about my choices. I know I have to do something that can support a family. I just don't know what."

"What do you mean by that? What family?"

Tsukune realized he had let his mouth get ahead of his brain. He had to continue, because if he just tried to change the topic or drop the conversation Kurumu would be hurt because he was shutting her out. Tsukune tried to choose his words with some care. At the same time, he realized he still needed to work at the question of what to do with his life.

"By family," Tsukune said. "I mean I need to be able to afford more then just a small apartment for myself."

"What do you have in mind?" Kurumu prompted.

"Well," Tsukune said. "Just for talking about things, pretend you and I were to get married…"

"Tsukune…" Kurumu felt an excited thrill.

"I'm just talking about the things I have been thinking about," Tsukune said quickly. "Just imagining things. Alright?"

"Alright."

"If you and I were to be together," Tsukune explained. "I would need to have a career that paid enough for a place to live, and all the expenses that go along with it, for you and I, and for Ruby. And that's just to start with."

"What do you mean?"

"You want a nice kitchen," Tsukune answered her, partially just thinking out loud. "A good kitchen for you to cook in means we would need a good sized place. We would need at least two bedrooms. Three would be better, but that might have to wait until we had some money saved. But we will want a third bedroom eventually."

"What for?" Kurumu asked.

"Excuse me?"

"Why the extra bedrooms?"

"Oh," Tsukune caught on. "Well Ruby could sleep in the living room, but that might get in our way sometimes. And what about children? See, that is what I need to think about when I plan for my career path. Who will be living with me in the beginning? How large of a family do I want? What kind of life do I want to have? I keep asking myself these questions, but I can't figure out the important answer of what am I going to do."

Tsukune's words ran out. He stared blankly at the television as he started brooding over the questions of jobs and careers. Now that the problem was on his mind, Tsukune felt the need to work at it.

Kurumu didn't disturb his concentration. Her own mind was racing as she worked on dinner. Tsukune had admitted to thinking about a future with her. Kurumu could see that he had some valid points. Ruby would be there, in his life in some way. Well Kurumu could deal with that. The witch could do the cleaning and laundry and such. She could even cook breakfasts so that Kurumu could sleep in. The thought of having children with Tsukune wasn't something Kurumu had thought much about. It was just the expectation that if she did get to marry him they would someday have children. But Tsukune was thinking about children in advance. He wanted to plan for children. Right then, Kurumu was tempted to let their dinner burn and go jump on Tsukune.

When dinner was served, Tsukune was properly impressed. Kurumu had produced a full meal for them to eat together. She had miso soup, steamed rice, boiled broccoli and carrots, grilled teriyaki chicken, and a flavorful tea. Everything had been set out and arranged on the table before Kurumu had distracted Tsukune from his brooding and called him to eat. Tsukune was glad for the distraction, and smiled warmly to Kurumu as he came to the table.

Tsukune and Kuru,mu enjoyed their dinner together. The food was very good, making it easy for Tsukune to complement Kurumu on her cooking skills. As they ate they talked about their day and the things they had looked at. After dinner, Tsukune managed to talk Kurumu in letting him help with the washing up.

"So what should we do now?" Kurumu asked as put the last pan away. "We could watch some television, or maybe try out our new game machine."

"We could," Tsukune said, folding the dish towel and hanging it up. "But I was thinking of maybe a bath would be a good idea. Dancing was a lot of work."

"Alright," Kurumu said. "I'll make sure the bath is ready." She started for the bathroom.

"Kurumu," Tsukune called out to her. He felt himself starting to blush. He didn't understand his reasoning, but he had planed to do something special for her during this visit. Actually saying the words that would commit him to his plan was difficult. "About the bath…"

"What is it Tsukune?"

"Well," He worked up his nerve. "If you would like… You see, I brought by swim suit with me. I could wash your back. If you want me to."

Kurumu was puzzled at the way Tsukune had suddenly turned shy. He was having trouble talking and his face was red. But then he mentioned his swim suit and she understood. He wasn't used to putting himself forward in intimate situations.

"Yes," Kurumu said. "I'll get the bath ready while you changed." She had a wide smile on her face and actually skipped on her way to the bathroom.

Kurumu could not believe her luck. She reflected on how well everything had gone as she made the bath ready. That Tsukune had actually come to see her in the first place had been fantastic. If all they had done was sit around and talked, just the two of them alone, Kurumu thought she would have been happy. But they had gone out on a real date.

Sure she had dated boys before going to high school, but that had all been about posturing and social maneuvering. Her body had developed early, do boys had come on to her. She remembered being to shy to even talk to boys when a popular boy at school had come on to her. She had agreed to a date without hesitating. That was when her trouble with Kimi had started. Kimi had been mooning after the boy and was angry that Kurumu had 'stolen' him. And that is how it all started. Boys would go after the busty Kurumu, who would let them spend money and attention on her until she got bored. Kimi and her companions would try to break up Kurumu's relationship of the week. It had gotten petty and vicious. Boys learned that if they showed a convincing interest in Kurumu, maybe take her out on a date or two, they would soon be approached by one of Kimi's group, and so eager to 'steal' the boy from Kurumu, Kimi or one of her friends would go all the way with him. Kurumu knew that Kimi had slept with some big losers. When Kimi had tried to approach Tsukune today, he had shot her down so fast it had left the girl dazed. Tsukune had done that by being loyal to Kurumu without the slightest hesitation.

Kurumu thought that was definitely a highlight of her day. Yes, dancing with Tsukune had been exciting and thrilling. And his kiss at the end… Kurumu had nearly lost herself to a climax of pleasure when Tsukune had kissed her.

When the bath was ready, Kurumu informed Tsukune. He had changed while she was in the bathroom. Now it was her turn to change, while he waited in the bathroom for her. Kurumu hurried to her closet to pick out a swimsuit to wear. She wanted something wear something good for Tsukune to see her in. He had been so sweet and romantic all day, going along with her on a date. And the loyalty he had shown to her when faced by Kimi. Kurumu thought about that loyalty.

Tsukune had been a good friend to Kurumu from the beginning, she knew. All the times that she had tried to win his affections away from Moka had failed, even the times she had used Charm, he had been able to resist her. He had been able to resist her because of his sense of loyalty. Kurumu thought about how loyal he had been to her on their date, and she couldn't help but wonder if the admiration, gratitude, and love she had felt was what Moka felt.

Tsukune gave a little jump as Kurumu came into the bathroom. She had not called out in advance before opening the door. He had been sensing himself down while waiting for her, but stopped and turned towards her as she entered. Kurumu came in with a large towel wrapped around her body. For a moment, Tsukune worried she would be naked under the towel, but then he saw the thin strings over her shoulders and knew she had on some kind of swimsuit.

Kurumu stepped into the bathroom without speaking. She closed the door carefully before crossing over to the wall and hanging up her towel. Her back was to Tsukune, so she knew that he was treated to a view of her nearly bare hips. Kurumu had selected a white bikini that she had stopped wearing before high school. When she turned around, Kurumu smiled at the cute, blushing look on Tsukune's face. The small patches of her bikini covered her modesty and contained her breasts by only a small margin. What the swimsuit concealed would be less hidden when the fabric became wet.

"Ahhhh," Tsukune's brain stalled as Kurumu moved closer.

Kurumu sat on the second stool, facing Tsukune. She let herself be aware of him. In the small space of the bathroom, she could smell his scent. Reaching out with one hand, she touched his warm thigh. She could feel his heart beating. This close, while touching Tsukune physically while having her Awareness of him, Kurumu felt like she had two hearts beating within her. She watched Tsukune lick his lips.

"Tsukune," Kurumu said softly. "Thank you for everything."

"My pleasure," Tukune replied. "And thank you too."

Kurumu turned around on her stool, presenting her nearly bare back to Tsukune. She decided to keep her wings tucked in this time. While trusting Tsukune to care for her wings was very intimate, that wasn't what she was wanting this time.

"Um…" Tsukune had expected to be washing her wings, but was feeling unsure what to do when she did not let them out.

"Could you wash my back, Tsukune?" Kurumu encouraged.

It was enough to get Tsukune's mind working again. He scooted his stool closer to Kurumu and got to work. It went quickly, without wings to take care of. Tsukune started as her shoulders and diligently washed Kurumu's back all the way down to the low waistband of her skimpy swimsuit. Kurumu enjoyed having her back washed, just because it felt good, in addition to the fact that it was Tsukune's hands on her body. It just didn't last very long. Far to soon for her tastes, Tsukune was rinsing her off.

"Now I get to wash your back, Tsukune," Kurumu said happily, turning around.

"I… Er. Alright," Tsukune nodded before turning about on his stool.

Kurumu did not miss that Tsukune had almost tried to refuse her offer. She scooted her stool closer to Tsukune's so that she could be close to him. She was going to give him a very special back washing. Kurumu had seen the small blush on Tsukune's cheeks; his face was handsome and cute at the same time.

Tsukune sat on the stool like a lump, letting Kurumu do as she pleased for the moment. The hardest part was keeping his body relaxed while he felt so tense. If it had not been for Ruby, Tsukune knew he would never have been able to sit there and take it. Kurumu was not just washing his back, as Tsukune knew she wouldn't. She had moved in close enough behind him that he could feel the heat of her body. Kurumu washed Tsukune's shoulders and arms, making the process more of a massage then a scrubbing.

Kurumu did not do anything as blatant as trying to wash Tsukune's back with her breasts. She washed his back in sections. Kurumu started at Tsukune's shoulders and washed all the way down his arms. She washed his upper back, including the sides of his rib cage. After Kurumu finished with Tsukune's lower back, she moved closer, so that she could lean against him as she washed his flanks, and work her arms around his torso. She felt a little silly doing it this way," But Kurumu had fun washing Tsukune's strong chest from behind.

Tsukune wanted to protest that he could wash his front himself, but refrained. As long as Kurumu respected certain limits, Tsukune was willing to let her have his fun. He was aware of her breasts pressed against his back as she ran her soapy hands over his chest, and it felt kind of nice, but he wasn't going to encourage her by telling her so. When Kurumu's hands touched the front of his waist band, Tsukune's back grew stiff. That was enough to let Kurumu know she was pushing her luck. She started rinsing Tsukune off without pressing his boundaries further.

"Tsukune?" Kurumu said.

"Yes?" Tsukune was turning back to face her so she could finish rinsing off his front side. He was a little startled to see that the front of Kurumu's swimsuit had become wet enough to be nearly transparent.

"You can see that I have a big bathtub," Kurumu smiled. She saw the look on Tsukune's face. "As long as we are in our swimsuits, would you like to take a bath with me?"

"Alright," Tsukune agreed, carefully looking over Kurumu's head as she rinsed him off.

"Yatta," Kurumu gave a small cheer. She finished rinsing Tsukune off, and then she rinsed down the front of her body. Kurumu stood up in front of Tsukune. "I'm getting in."

Tsukune almost went over backwards. When Kurumu had stood up he had gotten a close-up view of her barely concealed flesh. His normal shyness was in conflict with his sense of desire.

"Ahhh," Kurumu sighed as she slipped into the hot bath. "This feels nice. Come join me, Tsukune."

Tsukune tried to keep his face calm and show some dignity. A part of him found Kurumu easier to take now that he and Moka had become lovers. Another part of him however was more aware then ever that Kurumu was a young woman. Tsukune kept his inner self in check as he climbed into the hot tub. He relaxed into the water and leaned back with a sigh, facing Kurumu.

"Yes," Tsukune said. "This is nice." He looked towards Kurumu and instantly regretted it. Sitting in the bath, her swimsuit had become almost totally transparent. Tsukune could not only see the shape of Kurumu's nipples, but the color of them as well. Between her legs, he could see the color of her flesh. Kurumu might as well be naked. He tried to concentrate on the wide anklets she had left on, but the way she held her legs kept drawing his eyes in the wrong directions.

Kurumu realized that she was having an effect on Tsukune. There was a blush coloring his cheeks, and she could feel little spikes of lust and desire coming from him. She made a note to herself to bring this bikini with her back to school.

"Kurumu," Tsukune said in as calm of a voice as he could manage as he reached out a hand for hers.

"What is it?" Kurumu asked as Tsukune took hold of her hand.

"Nothing," Tsukune said. He gave her a tug and her body moved towards him.

Kurumu didn't know what Tsukune wanted to do, but I was clear that he wanted something. Kurumu let Tsukune pull her close and thrilled at the touch of his hands on her arm, and then her sides. Tsukune pulled her in close and turned her around until her back was against his front and she was sitting between her legs.

"That's better," Tsukune said with a sigh. Kurumu's body was now out of his field of vision, unless he looked down deliberately.

"Mmmmm," Kurumu agreed with Tsukune's words. It was nice being so close to him. "We should do this more," Kurumu said.

"We can't stay in too long," Tsukune reminded her.

"No," Kurumu agreed with a small pout. "But when we go back to school we can bath together at your house."

"The bathtubs in the village are a little small," Tsukune protested.

"I don't mind being close to you, Tsukune," Kurumu replied.

"Ahhhh," Tsukune couldn't think of an argument.

"You know, Tsukune," Kurumu said after a few minutes of silence. "My mother was serious."

"Excuse me?"

"After you saved me," Kurumu explained. "She was being serious when she said you could call her 'Mother.' I think she it would make her happy if you did."

"I think it is a little too soon to be worried about that," Tsukune said, feeling a little nervous.

"Awww…"

"I think I've had enough," Kurumu announced a little while later. "Tsukune, could you bring me my towel?"

"Alright," Tsukune said. He stood up carefully so as not to splash or fall. He got out of the bath and fetched Kurumu's towel. When he turned around he saw that Kurumu was standing up in the bath.

"Tsukune," Kurumu made a fake pout when she saw Tsukune pause. "Do you think I've put on weight?" She struck a sexy pose for his benefit.

"No." Tsukune did not even hesitate a heartbeat before answering. He was smart enough to never tell a girl that she had gained weight.

"Are you sure?" Kurumu changed poses, rotating her hips. "My hips don't look fat to you?"

"No," Tsukune shook his head.

"How about my thighs?" Kurumu faced him and lifted on foot onto the side of the bathtub even as she put her hands behind her head.

Tsukune knew that Kurumu was just teasing him, but it didn't help. She couldn't be more sexy in her appearance if she had been totally nude, her swimsuit did such a poor job of concealing her flesh. He couldn't take it.

"I can see you," Tsukune said, turning his head away, closing his eyes, and the towel to Kurumu in one hand.

"Of course you can" Kurumu said on the edge of laughing. "I am right here."

"Yes," Tsukune agreed. "In your see-through bikini." His jaw was tight as he tried to calm himself.

"What?" Kurumu quickly moved to take the towel from Tsukune and wrap it around herself. "Tsukune, why didn't you say something sooner. I'm so embarrassed. You'll have to take responsibility."

"Excuse me?" Tsukune asked without looking.

"I was trying to be modest," Kurumu complained. "But now that you've seen even my secret places I can never marry. You'll have to take responsibility."

"Is that why you are so happy?" Tsukune asked, turning back to her at last.

"What do you mean?" Kurumu had a confused look on her face, almost.

"You are so happy right now," Tsukune tapped a finger against his chest. "That you feel like dancing. When I said I could see you, you didn't have even a moment of embarrassment or anger."

"Tsukune, I… I…" Kurumu saw the look in his eyes and the et of his jaw and saw that he was not fooled. "Well poo." Kurumu stomped her bare foot, the effort making her body jiggle. "How am I supposed to trick you if you know what I am feeling?"

"Why would you want to trick me?" Tsukune said, reaching for his own towel.

"Well." Kurumu shrugged. "Girls are supposed to be mysterious."

"You don't have to try to trick me to be mysterious," Tsukune explained. "I have a hard enough time keeping up when you're being honest and direct."

"But that doesn't work," Kurumu protested.

"I'm just saying that you don't have to try so hard," Tsukune explained. "Just be yourself and enjoy the time we get to spend together."

"Awww, Tsukune," Kurumu pouted.

"How would you like it if I acted forward and immodest?" Tsukune asked her.

"But you never do," Kurumu said. "I don't think you ever could."

Kurumu saw a flat look fall over Tsukune's face. She knew that expression. It is the one he had whenever he had set his mind to something that often would involve violence. She felt a stab of panic as Tsukune tossed his towel around his neck.

" I don't want to drip water on your carpets," Tsukune said in a calm voice.

He loosened the band of his swimsuit, looking Kurumu in the eyes. Without hesitation, Tsukune stripped his shorts off. He held them up and wrung them out before hanging them on a hook to drip dry. He then tool his towel and dried his body, all the way down to his feet. When he was done, he wrapped his swimsuit up in the towel and left the bathroom, naked.

Kurumu could not believe what was happening. In hindsight, she would realize that Tsukune had just responded to the challenge she had issued. But at the moment she had no such clarity of mind. Tsukune was undressing in front of her. He did not blush or act shy and uncertain. He had stood before her as if it was the most normal thing in the world as he toweled off. Kurumu had felt her face grow hot, and became uncomfortably aware of how her own swimsuit pressed against her flesh. She had seen Tsukune's every muscle and his every scar. When Kurumu had seen his bare masculine flash she had felt a jolt of… something… run through her and she didn't know if she should look away or not. After Tsukune had casually walked out of the bathroom, Kurumu was left standing alone, feeling short of breath with her heart racing.

By the time Kurumu managed to get to her bedroom, Tsukune was half way dressed. He had a clean pair of pants on and was sitting on the edge her bed pulling on his second sock. He looked up as she entered, still only in her swimsuit and towel, and smiled.

"Tsukune, you're heartless," Kurumu declared as she threw herself at him.

XXXX

Kurumu lay in her bed with her eyes locked on Tsukune laying beside her. She wanted to scream with frustration. She was sleeping beside Tukune, in the same bed as him. And he was sleeping! It was not fair. She had ranted at him for being heartless and cruel for what he had done to her by undressing in front of her like that, while he had smiled at her. He had proven his point about being forward, but Kurumu couldn't help but be frustrated. She still felt embarrassed about it, and that made her frustration worse.

Kurumu told Tsukune that he had to make it up to her for his prank. She demanded that Tsukune sleep with her. Kurumu thought she would faint when Tsukune looked her in the eyes with that determined expression on his face. He agreed to sleep with her, only after she promised to let him sleep.

Kurumu had agreed to his demand and had quickly gotten ready for bed.. She cuddled up close to him under the blankets as soon as the lights were off. Kurumu had held her close, even gave her a good night kiss that made her feel warm. Then he had wished her sweet dreams, laid back, and closed his eyes.

Kurumu didn't notice when she fell asleep. She remembered dreams of dancing with a naked Tsukune that left her heart racing. In the morning the sound of Tsukune's cell phone alarm woke her. Kurumu was still trying to separate dreams from reality when she became aware of Tsukune's body over hers.

"Good moring," Tsukune said in warm voice. He kissed Kurumu lightly. "Did you sleep well?"

"No," Kurumu said with a pout.