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 70

Tsukune felt tense all over. He had spent the previous day giving the house a cleaning to do a hospital proud. Kasumi had been amazed to see her son cleaning so diligently. He had Ruby on her hands and knees cleaning the bathroom, and even the water closet. Tsukune did the floors, windows, and walls. He cleaned the kitchen and even the yard. Ruby had gone through the guest room, airing it out and changing the bedding, in addition to cleaning and dusting everywhere. The house was spotless in preparation for Moka's arrival.

Tsukune was feeling tense because it was Moka coming to his home. She had not been specific in her letter about what time she would be arriving, so Tsukune had been up at dawn to make sure he had not missed anything. He was excited to see Moka. His heart was beating and he couldn't stop smiling. Just the thought of spending time with Moka just made Tsukune's world a better place. Tsukune had bled off some of his nervous energy into Hiru just some he cold concentrate a little more calmly.

By nine o'clock Tsukune was sitting at the table with Ruby and his mother sipping tea. The house was spotless. The guest room was ready. Every bit of laundry was clean, dry, folded, and put away. There was not a single weed in the flower beds and the yards were all raked. Ruby felt nervous as a reflection of Tsukune's feelings.

Kasumi thought her son was being so cute. There was no sign that the unfortunate problems from the last time would happen again. Her Tsukune was as nervous as a little boy. She was glad that her son was not growing up too fast. She looked at Ruby and saw how the girl was watching Tsukune. It was obviously the face of a woman in love. Kasumi had been worried when Tsukune had first brought Ruby home, thinking that maybe he had broken up with Moka, which would have been a shame because she had been so sweet and polite. Seeing Tsukune acting so nervous, Kasumi knew her son was still in love with Moka. It would be nice to have a daughter, Kasumi thought. She looked at Ruby again. That girl had said that Tsukune was all the family she had now, after Tsukune had saved her. Two daughters would be nice, Kasumi decided. She didn't know how long Moka was going to visit, hopefully until it was time for all of them to return to school, but Kasumi planed to take the girls out for a day at least.

Tsukune thought that it was the longest hour of his life. He was looking forward to Moka's arrival so much. Having his mother waiting with him made the hour all the more torturous. His mother had a strange look in her eyes, as if watching her own private drama show on an invisible television.

Tsukune had created a ritual for himself while waiting for Moka. He sat quietly at the table, sipping tea. Every ten minutes, Tsukune would look out the front window. After that he would go to the water closet, then wash his face and hands. Then he would return to the table for another ten minutes. He felt silly, but he didn't want to miss the moment of Moka's arrival. He was just sitting down at the table after his fifth repetition of his ritual when the doorbell sounded.

Xxxxx

Moka was glad to be on her way to Tsukune's. One of her father's 'informal' dinners was enough to make her want to run for the door. She hated sitting through boring stores being told by older vampires as they tried to tell each other how important they were. Of course, Moka was expected to take part in the conversation. Because she had a title, Moka was no longer just an ornament at her father's table. Her father's 'old friends' all offered Moka shallow congratulations of having gained her title, and vague offers of possible alliances of different sorts. Kokoa, who was also present at that dinner had to hide her displeasure behind a polite smile. Moka's little sister was still a child with no achievements of her own, so she was just a decoration. Something her father could display or dismiss at whim. Moka would have brought Kokoa along, be she did not trust the girl to behave herself. Also, she cold not trust her sister not to try to make trouble for Tsukune by carrying stories back to their father.

Moka had to plan her trip carefully. The first part of the trip was easy. Her father's driver took her to Tsukune's home town. Moka left the driver by the simple expedience of getting out of the car with her bags while it was stuck in traffic. Moka did not want to disrupt Tsukune's life by showing up in a classic limousine on his doorstep. Next, she used a regular bus to take her to Tsukune's neighborhood. Finally, she walked three blocks to his house. Every step of the way, Moka had butterflies in her stomach.

Moka felt nervous about what she was doing. She was happy that she was going to get to see Tsukune, but she hated to think of the trouble that had erupted last time she had visited. It had not been her fault, but it still troubled her that she had been a part of that disruption of Tsukune's home life. Also, Moka didn't know what kind of reception she would receive. She hoped that Tsukune would be home, but she had not specified when she would arrive. The butterflies in her stomach were the size of Yukari's hat by the time she reached Tsukune's home. She arrived just as a delivery truck was leaving.

Xxx xxx xxx xxX

Tsukune had been surprised and puzzled by the delivery of a box addressed to him. He was at a loss until he remembered his shopping trip with Kurumu. He had been so excited when he heard the doorbell, that seeing the delivery man had left Tsukune stunned for a moment. He recovered his wits enough to sign for the delivery. He was just setting the box down in his bedroom when the doorbell rang.

"Welcom," Tsukune heard his mother say as he hurried back down the stairs. "It is good to see you again. Please come inside."

"Pardon my intrusion," Moka said as she entered the house.

"You're to kind," Kasumi smiled. "Would you like some…."

"Moka," Tsukune almost yelled as he took the last two steps in a hop. "You made it."

"Tsukune," Moka's face lit up.

Kasumi say her son and his friend looking at each other, and knew she was just in the way. She retreated to the kitchen. She could keep an eye on them from there.

"Moka," Tsukune said crossing the little distance that was between them. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too, Tsukune," Moka said in return.

The came together in a hug. Tsukune thrilled at the feeling of having her close. Moka wanted to melt into the warmth of Tsukune's arms. She felt so relaxed just to be close to him again. Tsukune and Moka gave small, contented sighs.

"Ruby," Tsukune said in a calm voice. "Please take Moka's bags to the guest room."

"Yes, Tsukune," Ruby answered.

"Moka," Tsukne said to her. "Let me show you your room, so you can refresh yourself from your trip."

"It's alright," Moka tried to beg off. She wanted to just have a moment with Tsukune more then anything else that came to mind.

"It has been a while," Tsukune said.

Tsukune took Moka's hand and lead her up to the guest room. She was wondering why he was acting kind of cold. Moka followed along, feeling butterflies again. The guest room was a modest place, smaller then Moka's old dorm room. Ruby had placed Moka's bags on the floor beside the bed and left the room as Tsukune and Moka arrived. Tsukune stopped in the middle of the room and turned to Moka.

"Tsukune," Moka questioned. "Is…"

Moka's words were cut off as Tsukune embraced her. This was more then the simple hug they had shared down stairs. Tsukune's arms held her firmly and close, almost as if he was afraid that she would try to escape. Moka's arms went around Tsukune and she could feel the muscles of his body. They were relaxed, without the tension she had felt only a moment prior.

"Moka," Tsukune breathed her name. "Oh Moka."

"Tsukune," Moka sighed. She had missed his presence. "Mmmmm." She slid her hands over his back, enjoying the feel of him.

"Moka," Tsukune said softly, drawing up a thread of his youki.

"Tsukune," Moka was almost purring. He was there in her arms, solid and strong. There was no telling ho long Moka would have stood there, but she became of Tsukune's warm, delicious scent. Moka blushed as she realized that her mouth was beginning to water. She tried to move away as her hunger rose.

"Moka," Tsukune said warmly, relaxing his arms around her, but not letting go.

"Tsukune," Moka looked up into his face, hope he would understand. She didn't want to see him just to feed. "I…"

"It's alright," Tsukune said. "I love you." Tsukune leaned forward into Moka a little.

Moka felt her love for Tsukune rushing through her. He knew her better then she knew herself. His neck was so close. Her mouth watered as she opened it, her fangs extended.

Tsukune accepted the moment of sharp pain as he gave of himself to Moka. It was a small price to pay, he knew, to have someone so wonderful in his life. He had thought about it once, and understood that there would always be a price to pay, no mater what choices he made. By choosing to accept Ruby, Tsukune had to give up a part of himself. He would never have the same life that his parents and the community had raised him to see as proper. If he took Mizore as his wife, Tsukune would have to live with her people, leaving much of the world behind. Tsukune knew that even with Kurumu, he would have to pay a price. She would always draw attention, and Tsukune would ultimately have to share her, or surrender himself to her lifestyle, much as he had at the arcade.

Tsukune accepted Moka for all that she was, and was glad to pay the price to have her in his life. The price he had paid so far, Tsukune considered it a well spent investment in his future life with Moka. Tsukune looked down into Moka's eyes as she leaned back, having finished her macabre drink.

"Moka," Tsukune said.

"Tsukune," Moka sighed.

Their lips came together for a kiss. Moka wanted to smile at the same time that she was kissing Tsukune. She was glad she had been able to visit.

xxxxxxxxxx

Kasumi wondered what was taking so long for Tsukune to show his girlfriend the guest room. She was about to go and check on them when she saw Ruby carrying a tray with tea and snacks from the kitchen. She decided she could wait until her show was over, and turned her attention back to the television.

Up stairs, Tsukune and Moka, at her insistence, were sitting in Tsukune's room. Tsukune was listening to Moka talk about her time at home. Ruby delivered the tea and snacks, and then sat down on the bed near by so she could enjoy the atmosphere, and be close at hand should Tsukune want anything. After Moka had shared her visit home, it was Tsukune's turn to talk.

Tsukune began by telling Moka about Emmy. He talked about his surprise to learn of a youkai family near his home, at a place he had gone to many times without ever thinking anything was unusual. Tsukune told Moka about hoe the encounter had played out, and how it looked like Emmy and Kota were likely to become a couple. Moka approved of how Tsukune handled the situation.

Then it was time to tell Moka about his visit to Kurumu. It was with some embarrassment that Tsukune mentioned Kurumu's shopping, even going so far as to explore the contents of the recently delivered box. Moka was sympathetic to Tsukune's feelings about the shopping trip. She came from a family with deep pockets and gold to spare. Having somebody spending a lot of money on him must had been nearly embarrassing as it was for Tsukune to have to depend on girls protecting him. It took Moka a while to understand why Tsukune got so upset about that, back during their first few months together at school.

When Tsukune's narration reached his visit to the arcade, Moka's mood darkened. It was true that Tsukune gave credit to Moka for his ability to perform such a physical task, but she wasn't concerned about that. Tsukune had done something very public with Kurumu as his partner, and that made Moka very jealous. When Tsukune talked about the evening at Kurumu's home, He was aware of the displeasure Moka was trying not to show. He mentioned the bath, wearing swimsuits, and Moka's frown became pronounced.

"I criticized Kurumu about her behavior," Tsukune said. "And told her she should not be so forward."

"Is that so?" Moka said in a low voice. That succubus needed to have her wings clipped. Moka was steaming. She had never taken a bath with Tsukune, even with swimsuits. Well she will have to see about that in the future.

"I asked her how she would feel if I tried being forward," Tsukune said. "In the end, she saw my point. When I left she was still frustrated."

"Tsukune?" Moka questioned, even though she wasn't sure she wanted to know the answer. "How did you prove your point?"

"I stripped naked in front of Kurumu," Tsukune said with a straight face. "And walked out of the bathroom. It took her about two minutes get over the shock."

"Tsukune," Moka gasped.

"Oh my!" Ruby blushed.

"You didn't," Moka shook her head. "There's no way…"

"You don't believe me?" Tsukune asked.

"I believe you," Ruby said.

"Thank you."

"But why didn't you tell me about your undressing in front of Kurumu?" Ruby asked.

"Because I thought you would complain that I was unfair and insist I undress in front of you too," Tsukune explained.

"But you're telling Moka," Ruby pointed out.

"That's because I want to be honest with Moka and share everything with her," Tsukune frowned. "Even when I do something foolish, I want to be honest with her because Moka is important to me. I would rather Moka be angry at me for something I did, then hurt because I didn't tell her about it."

Moka saw the honest feelings on Tsukune's face as he addressed his servant. She was having a hard time holding to her irritation when he spoke of his feelings for her with such openness and sincerity. Moka took a moment to run through what Tsukune said, and what it meant.

"Besides," Tsukune said. "I did it to intentionally shake Kurumu's confidence. She was so sure that I could never do anything forward. I wanted Kurumu to have to realize that she doesn't know me as well as she thought."

"You know, Tsukune," Moka said with an unreadable expression on her face. Her voice was in a lower register then normal for Outer Moka. "I think that maybe you have a good idea or two."

"Moka?" Tsukune suddenly felt like a specimen under a glass.

"Maybe I don't know you as well as I thought ether," Moka said. "And I think I should know you better then anybody else."

"Ummm."

"And you did say you want to share 'everything' with me," Moka reminded him. "So I think you owe me something."

"Ahhhh… ulp," Tsukune swallowed a sudden lump in his throat. "Moka?"

"You did it for Mizore," Moka said. "So you should be able to do it for me."

"Excuse me?"

"T-take your c-clothes off," Moka tried to order Tsukune. A blush was creeping into her cheeks.

Tsukune eyed Moka and thought over his choices. He could see the nervousness that Moka was trying to hide. He felt much the same. The idea of sharing with Moka, even something a little weird and frivolous, was something he liked. At the same time, he was filled with apprehension. Tsukune also realized that this was something he had brought upon himself. He looked towards Ruby and saw her smiling innocently.

"Ruby," Tsukune said. "Go out in the hall and guard the stairs."

"Awww, but I want to see."

"Now," Tsukune said. The confidence in his voice was fading fast.

"Yes master," Ruby gave a small bow of her head. She did exactly as Tsukune had instructed. She went out into the hall where she could watch to see if anybody was coming up the stairs.

Tsukune watched Ruby step out into the hall. Once she was there, he got up and closed the bedroom door. As soon as the door was closed, Tsukune was acutely aware that he was alone with Moka. He looked towards Moka, and saw that her earlier confidence was gone.

"Do you still want me to undress?" Tsukune asked gently.

"Yes I do," Moka said, looking away from Tsukune.

Tsukune realized that her pride was probably involved in some way. She couldn't back-peddle because she had asked for it, and it would give Kurumu a one-up on her. Tsukune didn't make any comment as he undressed. He simply started removing his clothing one piece at a time. He folded up each piece and stacked it neatly on the bed. He included his socks in the pile as well. Finally he was down to just his boxers. He slid his underwear off and dropped them onto the bed.

"Moka," Tsukune said gently.

Moka was aware of Tsukune. His scent was all around her as she stared at the wall, as if the old poster over his desk was somehow fascinating. Moka watched Tsukune in the edge of her field of vision as he moved. She could hear the fabric of his clothing. He face felt warm, and heart was beating faster. Moka couldn't help but remember what had happened the last time they had been alone together. The memories of that time suddenly made Moka aware of herself. She was aware of her own tension, and her rising excitement. She was aware of her youki stirring as well. When Tsukune said her name, Moka was almost afraid to look.

Tsukune stood, facing her, with his hands at his side. Moka was aware of details in a flood, but had to sift through them. Tsukune was blushing, his blush ran from his scalp all the way down to his shoulders. She could see is every scar. There were so many, and Moka felt ashamed that she could not recall where hey had all come from. Moka allowed herself, made herself look at all of Tsukune as he stood naked before her. She felt a growl deep within her chest even as she wanted to reach out and touch Tsukune.

Tsukune could feel the change within Moka. He had been trying to remain calm, but as her youki stirred, he became aware of his own primal hungers. He knew he had to keep things in control.

"I better get dressed," Tsukune said. "Before my mother checks on us."

"I… Yes," Moka said in agreement, without looking away as Tsukune reached for his clothes.

'What is this?' Inner Moka said, roused from her slumber. 'Why is Tsukune naked? Where is this place?'

'Tsukune undressed because I told him to,' Outer Moka sent the thought at her inner self. 'We are at Tsukune's home.'

'What? When did this happen?'

'Just this morning, and we will be staying with him until we go back to school.'

'Is this his bedroom?' Inner Moka questioned.

'Yes.'

'Tsukune is getting dressed in front of us. Have we…'

'No!' Moka felt her blush deepening.

"Moka?" A fully dressed Tsukune called her name, seeing her blush a bright red. "Are you all right?"

"Huh…" Moka mentally stumbled as she refocused her thought. "I'm fine."

"That's good." Tsukune opened the door and allowed Ruby back in. Tsukune sat on the foot of the bed.

Ruby entered the room, looking a little disappointed. She sat on the bed, a short arm's distance from Tsukune. Moka noted her behavior absently as she listened to her inner self demanding to be let out.

"Tsukune," Moka said raising one hand to touch her rosario seal. "I do not know if…"

"It will be alright," Tsukune said. "But I have to ask for patience. Please ask her to wait a little longer."

"Alright," Moka said, looking a little unhappy being the messenger.

"I don't understand, Tsukune," Ruby said. "What are you waiting for?"

"It is nearly lunch time," Tsukune explained. "We have been up here for a while without making any loud noises. My mother will be coming up to check on us, and to remind us to eat something. After lunch…"

"Tsukune," Kasumi called as she climbed the stairs. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes mother," Tsukune said.

"Oh," Kasumi reached the top of the stairs and saw through the open door to Tsukune's room. She was pleased to see that the girls were all sitting a respectful distance from her son, with her son having done nothing to offend them. "I just wanted to remind you that it is lunch time."

"Thank you, Mother," Tsukune said with a smile. "We will be down in a little while."

"Alright then." Kasumi was glad her son was growing into such a mature young man.

XXXXXX

"So this is where you live," Inner Moka stood in Tsukune's room, taking in all the details.

Tsukune had removed the rosario seal when he knew his mother was safely out of the house after lunch. She was off to visit one of the neighbors to watch a very romantic drama together. They would then spend an hour more talking about it, and the other dramas that they were following. Tsukune had waited until he had some confidence that his mother wasn't going to come back to surprise them, and then he had Moka come down to the entry way. While she stood just inside the front door, Tsukune removed the seal.

Tsukune welcomed the unsealed Moka into his home. He gave a small tour of the house, showing here where everything was. He showed her to the guest room and explained that it would be for her use while she stayed with him. The final stop on the tour, at Moka's insistence, was Tsukune's bedroom.

"Yes," Moka said, casually pushing back a stray lock of silver hair. "This room fits you." She looked around the room. She turned to Tsukune with a gleam in her eye.

"Tsukune," Moka said with a firm voice and a crooked smile.

"Yes Moka?"

"Come over here." Moka held her hands out to him.

Tsukune managed all of a single step forward before the unsealed Moka grabbed him. She pulled him into her embrace and kissed him soundly. Tsukune returned the embrace and the kiss in equal measure.

"Mmmmm," Moka said, still holding Tsukune close. "My Tsukune. I've missed you."

"I have missed you too," Tsukune said honestly. He leaned in for another kiss.

"Ah," Moka stopped him by turning her head a little to the side. "Not yet. I've missed you, Tsukune, but not just for your handsome face."

"Ahhhh," Tsukune sighed and tilted his head to the side, exposing his neck to her.

"Oh my," Moka chuckled. "Why thank you."

xxxx xxx

Moka lay in bed, but sleep was reluctant to embrace her. She laid in bed, looking up at the ceiling of the Aono guest bedroom, feeling tired and energized at the same time. Tsukune was sleeping just a few meters away, which was something that Moka was very aware of. Moka had shared dinner with Ruby, Tsukune, and his parents. It had been a simple but satisfying meal. To Moka everything had tasted delicious because of the company and the atmosphere.

When it was finally time for bed, Moka wanted to pout. It was only her pride and her sense of manners that kept her from protesting. Part of the reason she wanted to pout was that Moka was going to be sleeping in a different room then Tsukune, which meant that going to bed was separating her from him. If Moka would be allowed to share Tsukune's room, then she would have had no reason to pout or protest. As it was, she said her good nights politely and retired to the guest room for the night.

'So close,' Inner Moka observed. 'This is frustrating.'

'I know,' Outer Moka thought. 'But what can we do?'

'We could just go to his room.'

'That wouldn't be proper.'

'It is not fair,' Inner Moka complained. 'At school I have to share Tsukune with the others. Now that we are here, I cannot have my Tsukune because it would be seen as improper by our hosts.'

'We will just have to make the most of out time with him,' Outer Moka thought. 'But when we get back to school, I am going to make sure to get closer to Tsukune.'

'What are you going to do?'

'First,' Outer Moka relayed her intentions. 'I am going to take a bath with Tsukune...'

xxxx xxxx xxxx

Tsukune was almost sorry to return to school… Almost. He had enjoyed the freedom from expectations, and life-or-death that came from being under the Board Chairman's thumb. Tsukune also enjoyed the freedom to just be a faceless person in the crowd. Because all the students that looked up to Tsukune were not around, he had been free to be a little foolish, and Tsukune was going to miss that.

Returning to school also meant that Tsukune's alone time with Moka was going to be clipped. He had been able to enjoy half of the break with her, and it had been wonderful. Tsukune had taken Moka to the shopping district and the video arcade, and even out to lunch at the ramen shop. One afternoon, Tsukune had removed the rosario and took the unsealed Moka out on a date. They had gone to a movie, a very bad American movie about vampires, and after that, Tsukune and unsealed Moka went to a karaoke box. It turned out that neither of them were gifted singers, although Tsukune was more then happy to listen to Moka's voice.

Tsukune had a run-in with his friends once, while he was out doing a little shopping for his mother. Moka and Ruby were both with him at the time. Rin and Nagi had been talking about Kota's preoccupation with Emmy as they came out of a video store and saw Tskune. They tried to shanghai Tsukune into joining them in dragging Kota away from his new friend, but he turned them down. H then introduced them to Ruby and Moka.

Tsukune found the looks on their faces very satisfying. He introduced Ruby as 'My friend from school.' Moka he introduced while holding her hand as his girlfriend. Nagi looked stunned. Rin looked almost angry.

"It is a pleasure to meat you," Rin said. "Have you two known each other long?"

"I ran into Tsukune on the first day of High school," Moka said with a smile. "By the end of the day I knew Tsukune would always be an important friend to me."

"But not your boyfriend?" Rin prodded.

"No," Moka agreed. "Not at first. But after he nearly died to protect me, I knew I would never want to give him up." She pulled Tsukune a little closer and hugged his arm.

Rin saw that she was serious in her affection to Tsukune, and felt a little jealous. He wondered if the girl he was seeing might feel that strongly about him. He turned his attention to Tsukune's other companion.

"Do you go to school with Tsukine too?" Rin asked.

"Oh no," Ruby shook her head. "I work for the Board Chairman as an assistant. I'm not a student."

"Oh?" Rin blinked. "Then how do you know Tsukune?"

"He saved my life," Ruby said with a bright smile.

"He saved your life?"

"Twice."

"Ahhhh." Rin looked towards Tsukune. "Your school sounds dangerous."

"Some of the students had discipline problems," Tsukne shrugged.

"Um…" Nagi said. "So you're just friends with Tsukune?"

"Oh no," Ruby said. "I'm his slave."

Tsukune's two friends looked like they had been hit over the head. They were slack-jawed and wide eyed as they stood there in shock. Tsukune looked at his friends.

"Ruby," Tsukune groaned. "You did that on purpose."

"I'm sorry master," Ruby smirked at the stunned boys. "If you are upset with what I said, please punish me."

Tsukune just sighed. He knew that Ruby would have her fun at his expense one way or another. As Tukune and his companions continued about their business, Rin and Nagi could only watch them go, and whimper.

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, the break was soon over. Tsukune was in his room, packing for his return trip in the morning, while Ruby and Moka watched. Ruby wanted to do the packing, but Tsukune didn't want to be totally dependant upon her. Moka sat on Tsukune's bed, holding the silver and black helmet she had purchased earlier that day.

"You do not have to worry," Ruby said when Tsukune complained about his limited cargo space for the ride back to school. "The bus will be here to pick up Moka. If you tell me what you want, I will make sure it is picked up as well."

"I could do it that way," Tsukune agreed.

"Just pack up what you need for the first two days," Moka suggested. "Ruby can be trusted to take care of the rest."

"Thank you," Ruby said at Moka's confidence in her.

"In fact," Moka swallowed hard as she gathered her courage. "Ruby. You can take care of my bags as well."

"Excuse me?" Ruby questioned.

"What?" Tsukune looked up from what he was doing. "Moka?"

"I am going to ride with Tsukune," Moka declared, he voice quavering. "I don't want to wait for the bus."

"Moka?" Tsukune questioned.

"But you can't," Ruby protested.

"What can't I?" Moka asked.

"I need to go so I can take care of Tsukune," Ruby stated. "He will be alone."

"It will only be for one night," Moka said. "And I will not leave him alone."

"But… but…" Ruby turned to Tsukune.

"Are you sure?" Tsukune asked Moka.

"Y-yes," Moka said with a firm nod of her head.

Moka and Tsukne locked eyes. Ruby looked back and forth between them. She could almost feel the energy.

"Tsukune," Ruby turned to him. "Master?"

"Ruby," Tsukune said. "Make sure Moka's bags and my own make it to school on the bus."

"Yes master."

"And if you have the time," Tsukune continued. "After you deliver Moka's bags to her house, please unpack my things."

"Yes master," Ruby nodded.

Xxxx XxxxX xxxX

Kasumi was sorry to see her son leave. She was proud of Tsukune, doubly so that he was entrusted by his school principle with responsibilities, but she missed having her son close to home. Kasumi wasn't sure how she felt about him having a motorcycle, beyond worrying a little more about his safety. Tsukune was always a little clumsy after all. She also worried about her son and Moka traveling unsupervised. Her uneasiness, Kasumi had to admit, came from seeing what a nice couple Tsukune and Moka made.

After watching the couple ride of in the midmorning light, Kasumi turned her attention to Ruby. She felt a little sorry for the girl being left behind, but kind of glad at the same time. Kasumi would have a day free to do as she pleased.

"Ruby dear," Kasumi said with a smile. "Do you have some free time?"

"Yes, Mrs. Aono," Ruby replied. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Oh," Kasumi flipped her hand as if batting away a fly. "Enough of that. Why don't you call me 'mother.' You said Tsukune was your family now, so it is only right."

"Mother?" Ruby said in a small, disbelieving voice. Tears gathered in her eyes as she looked at the kind, smiling woman. Ruby could see much of Tsukune's personality had come from his mother.

"Let's go inside and have some tea," Kasumi said. She guided Ruby into the house. She could see that the poor girl was on the edge of tears. "And maybe we can look at some of Tsukune's baby pictures together. Doesn't that sound nice?"

"Yes, mother," Ruby said with a small smile.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

For Emmy it had been the best break of her life. Not only had she been able to hang out for an afternoon with Aono Sempai, but she now had a friend who was a boy. Kota was such a polite, shy boy. He could talk about the most normal human things for hours with Emmy. When Emmy wanted to talk about her home in the mountains, Kota listened as she went on about the trails and streams. He had taken her to the local theater to watch a movie, some historical drama, and had laughed with her afterwards about how the story had tried to make a fox spirit the villain. Aono Sempai had visited her three more times, each time with a member of his harem along, giving Emmy something she would be able to talk to her friends about when she returned to school. He had cautioned her to be patient, and to keep her secrets close, but had also let her know that he trusted her.

Emmy was looking forward to returning to school for her second year. She wouldn't be the scared and nervous first year girl as she had been before. She had made friends and learned her way around. She was actually looking forward to what the new year would bring.

"My I write to you at school?" Kota asked as he walked with Emmy through the shopping district.

It was Emmy's last night before returning to school. She had never dated before, so she didn't know what to expect, but Kota had made her time away from school fun, and even a little exciting.

"I would like that," Emmy answered.

"And if I may," Kota said. "I would like to give you something."

"Eh?" Emmy was surprised by the question and looked to see Kota blushing.

"Well," Kota said as he dug one hand into his pocket. "I know you will be trying hard at school." Kota pulled a little charm pouch out of his pocket. It was an inexpensive omamori for students, meant to bring success with studying. He offered it to Emmy. "This is for you."

"Thank you," Emmy accepted the omamori. She noticed that hanging from the bag's draw string was a metal charm. She examined the ornament closely and saw that it was a five yen coin that had been filed down into the shape of a heart.

"I hope you don't mind..." Kota said, blushing at his shoes.

"Kota," Emmy said.

"Yes?" Kota looked up, and suddenly found himself being kissed.