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 85

Moka was aware that something had changed for Tsukune after Lord Gray's visit, even if she didn't know what it was. When she had visited him that night, Tsukune had a strange but happy smile on his face, and a new tightness around his eyes. She had almost stayed the night with him, but he had asked her for some privacy so he could think about what he had just learned. While Moka was a little worried about Tsukune, she didn't find the change entirely disagreeable. For some reason Tsukune couldn't keep his hands to himself after that meeting. Ruby had even told her that Tsukune had let her sleep in his bed with him after the meeting. The next morning Moka had stepped out her front door in time to see Mizore knocking on Tsukune's door. He had come out, ready for school, and promptly hugged and kissed her. He continued to hold on to the snow maiden until he was close to Moka, and then moved to embrace her. He smelled so good that Moka was afraid her stomach would growl.

"Good morning, Moka," Tsukune had said as he put his arms around her. He pulled her close and brushed his lips over her ear. "I love you," he said in a low voice that sent a thrill though her body.

"Tsukune…" Moka wanted to greet him, and to warn him. "Tsukune…"

"Go ahead," Tsukune whispered.

Moka felt her body tremble with excitement. Her mouth reached for Tsukune's neck. His blood, so yummy to her, it carried his strength and it filled her with warmth when he offered it so freely. She only took a little. She could never be satisfied, could never drink enough of his blood to quiet the hunger she had for him, but just a taste of him, freely given, reconfirmed their bond and let her feel his love for her.

If they didn't have school, Moka would have been content to spend the whole day in Tsukune's arms. After giving his neck a final kiss, she eased her way out of his embrace. She regretted that action almost immediately.

"Tsukune…" Kurumu called out. She pushed herself between Moka and Tsukune and hugged him tightly.

"Good morning, Kurumu," Tsukune said, hugging her back. He gave her a light kiss on the lips that made her giggle.

"Enough of that," Moka said, giving Kurumu a shove. "We have to go to school."

"Yes we do," Tsukune agreed with a smile.

Xxxx

All day long, Moka observed Tsukune. He kept smiling at her, as well as Mizore and Kurumu. He also kept smiling at every girl that smiled at him. Moka liked the way Tsukune kept reaching for her hand every time they were close, but he was also reaching out to his other friends as well. Poor Yukari was close to having fits. She would be giddy whenever Tsukune would reach out to her, but was nearly outraged when he touched Kurumu or Mizore. It frustrated Moka all the more when Tsukune didn't react when other girls touched him.

The first one, probably given courage by that smile of his, was Moka's house mate, Kiyo. She had just rested her hand on Tsukun's arm for a moment while they exchanged greetings. Later, it was a member of the Student Police, one of Tsukune's lieutenants. She had put her hand on Tsukune's shoulder while showing him some schedule changes. Tsukune had not reacted to the touch, and had smiled warmly at her. Moka wanted to growl when she noticed the girl sniffing Tsukune. At lunch, that pair of statuesque twins tracked Tsukune down, not only with Student Police work, but with his mail from the Love Letter Club as well. Tsukune was perfectly polite to them even while they tried to discreetly rub up against him.

Moka kept her irritation bottled up. Her inner self, awakened by the strong feelings, was also irritated by what was going on with Tsukune. While Tsukune was more like his normal self by Friday morning, the tension around his eyes was still there. Moka knew that Tsukune would be leaving with Kurumu that afternoon for their work and didn't know if she should kidnap Tsukune before then and make him talk about what was bothering him, or entrust Kurumu to watch over him. Her inner self was of the opinion that Tsukune should be held down and made to talk, and then held down until he cried out her name. Outer Moka felt that her inner self was a little extreme, but her ideas were not entirely bad, even if she did blush to think of them herself.

Kurumu had also noticed the change in Tsukune. She noticed the tightness around his eyes and a tension in his body. That tightness went up, just for a moment, every time he turned to her or Moka, as if he was keeping something from both of them. A part of her was worried about his ability to perform, to dance with her, but mostly she was just worried about him.

"Tsukune," Kurumu spoke to him as they loaded up for their trip. "Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm fine," Tsukune said. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," She answered. "I was asking because you feel tense."

"It's nothing," Tsukune settled onto the Hiru's seat.

"Are you sure," Kurumu teased. "Maybe you're tense because you're ready to admit your love for me."

"If I was ready" Tsukune said as Kurumu settled into place behind him. "Then wouldn't I be relaxed?"

"Hmmmm," Kurumu pondered. Tsukune had a point, but something about what he said pulled at her thoughts.

XXXXX

The weekend trip was more of the same as before. Friday evening there was a meeting to go over the schedule of live events, which had changed to make the customers buying the dance machines happy. Kurumu and Tsukune had an appointment to have their costumes fitted, something that Kurumu enjoyed far more then Tsukune because of all the dressing up. Saturday there were sessions with the dance choreographer, for supervised rehearsals and to help the couple move their whole bodies. Tsukune liked the dancing more then the meetings or the costume fittings. The dance instructions were good physical training, and Tsukune had not forgotten how important it was to be ready to fight. The last scheduled task for that Saturday was a rehearsal, in costume, for the project manager, his staff, and his boss.

Tsukune felt more then a little silly in his first costume. It was supposed to be a stylized version of a high school uniform. Tsukune had his doubts about how well it would be seen by any guy. The pants were snug enough to show off some of the muscle tone of his legs. The blazer, a peach color with red trim had no buttons so it hung open. The bits of glitter in the trim just seemed a bit too girly. Kurumu on the other hand looked like a perfect idol. She had on red stockings, a peach miniskirt, and a micro jacket over a white blouse. The micro jacket lifted and supported her breasts, making them seem even larger. The red glittering trim didn't look out of place on her at all. The first dance routine was simple, a warm-up and a chance to feel how the costume fit while moving about. After posing on the dance machine for a moment for some pictures, it was time for a costume change.

The second costume was more comfortable for Tsukune, but while he thought Kurumu looked cute, she didn't really care for it. Tsukune was dressed in loose blue jeans, a black tank-top, and a blue denim jacket with small studs on the shoulders. The ball cap that was a part of the costume was worn turned backwards. Kurumu's outfit again went along with his. Her jeans were so low cut he wondered if they needed glue to keep them from slipping off her hips. The waistband of her panties, black to match her halter top, were clearly visible. She had glued a decoration in her navel, drawing more attention, as if it was needed, to her bare midriff. Instead of a jacket, Kurumu had a blue denim vest with pink rhinestones. Around her bare upper arms were the red arm bands, and at her wrists were a collection of sparkly bangle bracelets. Again, they danced and posed for pictures.

The third set of costumes, Tsukune suspected, were inspired by the jackets he and Kurumu had been wearing the first time they had danced, and reminded Tsukune of anime heroes. He and Kurumu were dressed in black tights from the waist down with piping making geometric shapes over the main muscle groups. Kurumu's trim was pink while Tsukkune's was red. The top half of the costumes were black jackets of light material with shapes on them. On Tsukune they were patches of red. Up the back were a widening set of trapezoids, triangles over the deltoids, rectangular stripes on the flanks and hexagons on the chests panels. Kurumu's black jacket was adorned with pink patches that matched Tsukune's in placement, but the corners were rounded. And once again, the jacket left Kurumu's midriff bare. After a third dance, the couple were free to return to their normal clothes. Tsukune peeled off his costume's jacket as he stepped away from the dance machine.

"Wait," The manager's boss called. "Come here for a moment."

Puzzled, Tsukune did as he was directed. He could feel the woman's eyes on him and felt self conscious about being in a tank-top. The black under shirt left some of his scars exposed.

"What happened to your shoulder?" The executive woman pointed to Tsukune's left shoulder.

"Ahhh," Tsukune said. "There was an accident during a club trip two years ago."

The woman scrutinized Tsuune for a moment.

"Please take off your shirt," The executive said.

Tsukune was accustomed to Inner Moka's voice, so he recognized the tone the executive woman used. She was not asking, no mater what words she used, she was ordering. Tsukune suppressed a sigh and stripped of his undershirt. A small gasp went up around the room as he exposed his collection of scars.

"Are you some kind of delinquent?" The manager questioned. "We can't be involved with you if it will cause problems…"

"Tsukune's not a delinquent," Kurumu protested. "He got those scars protecting the people closest to him."

"I'm sorry if my appearance bothers you," Tsukune said with a small bow. "My school used to have a problem with gangs. It is as Kurumu said. I got hurt while protecting the people that are important to me."

"If you have these kind of problems," The Manager asked. "Will you be able to stay healthy enough to fulfill your contract?"

"Tsukune can do it," Kurumu insisted. "Tsukune helped get rid of the gang problem. He's even the founder and captain of our Student Police."

"Interesting," The executive said, examining Tsukune's scars. "How did you get that big 'X' on your chest?"

"An outcast…" Tsukune started to say. "A bully that tried to hurt my friend at the start of the year, but couldn't because I helped her, he joined a gang and later he and some gang members tried to get revenge. My friend and I were able to beat them, but I got hurt pretty bad all the same."

"And here…" The executive pointed to the scar just below his ribs. "Were you shot?"

"Stabbed," Tsukune said. "A man was trying to force Kurumu… I mean, he wanted to exploit her…"

"I see," The executive looked up at Tsukune's face, and then at Kurumu to see her blushing. "Yes…" The woman mused. "The Student Police you say…" The spinning wheels in her mind were almost audible. "You can get dressed. Thank you."

Tsukune retreated from the room to go change back into his normal clothes. Whenever women in his life got that calculating look in their eyes, Tsukune learned to worry. In his mind he saw himself being forced to dance topless for a crowd of calculating women, some of whom he recognized, as they debated his merits and worth. It gave Tsukune the chills.

XXXX

"Ahhhh," Kurumu sighed as she flopped down on the bed in their hotel room. "That was a busy day."

Tsukune sat down on the edge of the bed with a sigh of his own. He had to agree with her. He wondered what the next weekend would be like. It was their first scheduled live show. He tried not to think about it too much, afraid that he would make himself too nervous to function when the time came.

"Kurumu," Tsukune said, looking to distract himself. "What would you like to do now?"

"As long as we are free this evening," Kurumu said, sitting up. "I asked the desk if there were any good places to go on a date in the area. There is a movie theater near by…" Kurumu batted her eyelashes at Tsukune.

"Kurumu," Tsukune smiled and batted his eyes. "Would you like to go see a movie?"

The movie turned out to be let-down of a horror story. The theater was old, with old equipment. The movie was something that had done poorly and was going to be on cable television very soon, if it wasn't already. The theater was mostly a place for couples to go on a cheep date and make out in the dark. Tsukune found the whole experience to be awkward. Kurumu was also less then satisfied with the experience. The mood she had been hoping for was lost as soon as Tsukune saw the other couples taking liberties in the darkened theater. Kurumu tried to get the mood back by acting like she was enjoying the movie, and was frightened by the monsters, but Tsukune was too busy trying not to laugh. Tsukune was even able to point out some of the monsters and identify them, naming the schoolmates they resembled.

Kurumu thought that maybe she could get a little of the mood back on their walk back to the hotel, so she tried to play up the flirty girl. Tsukune smiled at her when she hugged his arm to her chest, but didn't seem interested in playing along. On the way back to the hotel, Tsukune and Kurumu had dinner at a small restaurant. Kurumu decided that room service or the hotel restaurant would be the way to go I the future. Building a date atmosphere should have been a good idea and a good way to get Tsukune used to the idea of being in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship with her, but Kurumu realized that she needed to know the area better before she tired that approach again.

XXXXX

"Welcome home, Master," Ruby said as Tsukune entered. "How was your trip?"

"It was fine," Tsukune said as he dropped his bags by the door, trusting Ruby to take care of them. "I think the manager and his boss are happy with how things are going."

"That's good," Ruby replied. She started to gather up Tsukune's bags as he headed for the bedroom.

"Ruby," Tsukune said while his back to her. "I would like you to help me with something."

"Yes master," Ruby felt a thrill from Tsukune's words.

"This is going to sound strange," Tsukune said. "I want you to help me invite Mizore to spend the night."

"Master?" Ruby was puzzled. All the more so because she could see the back of Tsukune's neck turning red from blushing.

"I have been sleeping with you, and Moka, and Kurumu," Tsukune blew out a sigh. "I'm not sure if something is wrong with me or not, and I think Mizore could help me understand what I am going through."

"I understand," Ruby said, even though she really didn't.

XXXXXX

Mizore felt nervous for some reason. Tsukune had tugged at her sleeve as the study group was ending for the day, silently asking her to linger behind the others. She had used her illusion ability to mislead the others into thinking that she had left when she had actually slipped into the kitchen. All through the study group, Tsukune had seemed tense. The tightness around the eyes from the previous week was still there. She listened as Tsukune said goodbye to the others. He, like Moka, had to explain why he didn't need Yukari to help with the last of the school assignments. Kurumu, with that happy tone she had since she and Tsukune had started working together outside of school, had simply promised to see Tsukune in the morning and left without any fuss. Moka lingered for a kiss good night, and to ask Tsukune if he was alright. When the door closed behind Moka, Mizore felt her heart jump. What ever Tsukune wanted, she would soon find out.

"Mizore," Tsukune said, still standing by the front door. "Thank you for staying."

"You're welcome," Mizore replied, coming out of the kitchen.

"Please, sit with me," Tsukune said as he returned to the table. "I want to talk to you about something."

The settled down beside each other at the table. Mizore could see that Tsukune was feeling more tense then before. She knew that she would do anything for Tsukune. In her heart, she had been prepared to give him her everything ever since she took him to the Snow Whites. But even though she told herself that, even though she believed that, Mizore was still feeling nervous.

"Mizore," Tsukune began. "I am sorry if what I say upsets you, and I would understand if you refuse my request, but please hear what I have to say."

"I will," Mizore promised with a small nod.

"I'm not sure if I have a problem," Tsukune said. "If there is something wrong with me, or if I'm just…" Tsukune sighed, having trouble finding the right words. "You know that Moka has been spending nights with me."

"Yes…" Mizore said, keeping up with Tsukune as best as she could.

"I have also been spending nights with Kurumu," Tsukune continued. "Sometimes even Ruby keeps me company at night." Tsukune's cheeks were spotted with color as he spoke. "Lately I have felt… Let me say that I grew up with certain ideas about what is right, and what is considered healthy and normal, versus what is looked down upon, but lately I have started to doubt myself."

"Tsukune…" Mizore didn't like to hear Tsukune feeling conflicted. His confidence and dedication were important to her.

"Mizore," Tsukune said her name, looking her in the eyes. "I know that there are certain things you want from me. I am grateful to you for being less forward in the recent past. It makes it easier to talk with you, and to get to know you better. I hope that it means I can trust you with my unreasonable request."

"What is it, Tsukune?" Mizore was curious.

"Mizore," Tsukune said slowly. "I do not like doubting myself, and I am hoping to understand what is happening to my feelings. Please forgive me if I am asking to much of you, but I would like to ask you to please…" He paused to take a breath and bow it out, visible trying to calm himself. "Please spend the night with me?"

"Tsukune…" Mizore felt her heart leap, and happy tears well up in her eyes. Could he really mean that. Mizore doubted her own ears.

"Please understand," Tsukune said in a rush. "I am not asking you to… to… I am not asking you to sleep with me as a woman and a man. I am asking you to spend the night as my friend, kind of like when we go on club trips."

"Why?" Mizore asked.

"I want to test myself," Tsukune said with a sigh. "I want to test my resolve. This year I have made the decision to be stronger, mentally and emotionally. In the past when you, or Kurumu were physically forward, I had trouble thinking. I would react badly."

"You made a cute face," Mizore said. "It was fun."

"Yes," Tsukune said in a forced calm tone as he tightened his posture, trying not to react. "Exactly. I used to get embarrassed when Ruby would just offer to wash my back. Because I have resolved to be stronger, to be more confident, I started letting Ruby wash my back. It has become easier. Maybe too easy…"

"When you say 'spend the night,' what do you want me to do then?" Mizore asked.

"I don't want you to do anything you're not comfortable with," Tsukune said. "But if it's alright with you, I would like to share my bed with you. A… A… And maybe the bath." Tsukune had to struggle to get the last part out.

"Alright," Mizore said, standing up. "I will go and get my things."

"Thank you very much, Mizore," Tsukune said earnestly.

XXX

Mizore was so excited that she was having trouble thinking straight. She was being invited to spend time alone with Tsukune. He had made his wish clear, and she understood that he did not intend to give her a child tonight, but that was a lesser concern. Mizore would be permitted to be close to Tsukune. She had been falling behind the others. Tsukune had shown her that she was still important to him. That she still had a chance. She quickly gathered the personal items that she would need for the night, and to be ready for school in the morning. Moka and Kurumu had already spent nights sleeping beside Tsukune, so Mizore didn't have to worry about their feelings if she were discovered, but Yukari was another mater. The young witch was likely to get excited and say the wrong thing, and then word would spread. Tsukune would not like having his personal relationships being exposed. While it would not bother Mizore to be known as Tsukune's lover, there were plenty of rumors that said she was already, he would be bothered. She had to calm herself before she left her house.

With a breath of Cold, Mizore froze the moisture in the air, countless tiny ice crystals danced around her, each one refracting light, each one under her control. Snow Blind was used by the Snow Maidens to conceal their passing from the eyes of men. She could disguise herself, or even make the light bend around her and cloaking her from sight all together. As just another ripple in the air or shadow passing over the ground, Mizore was able to go where she pleased while the inattentive were ignorant of her passing.

XXX XXX

Mizore felt like she was living out a dream. Tsukune had welcomed her with a smile, in spite of the tension around his eyes. They studied together for a while until dinner was served. Mizore was aware of Ruby's presence, but the other woman kept a polite distance, fitting her self appointed position of Tsukune's servant. After eating, it was time to hit the books once more. Tsukune had a list of responsibilities, so his school work had a way of piling up. Mizore did not mind at all. She admired how dedicated and serious Tsukune could be. It spoke well for his future as a husband and as a father.

It was late evening when Tsukune was finally ready to close his books. Mizore had finished her own work before dinner, but had been content to just sit at Tsukune's side, watching his studious face. Tsukune tucked his books into his school bag before doing a long stretch to work out the stiffness in his shoulders.

"Ruby," Tsukune called out. "Is the bath ready?"

"Yes master," Ruby answered, entering from the hall.

"Mizore," Tsukune turned to here. "I hope that the bath will not be to warm for you."

Mizore froze. Her mind was spinning as she took in everything. Tsukune had talked calmly, but his face was tight, so he was feeling nervous. He had expressed concern for her comfort, even going so far as to try to anticipate her needs, understanding that she was weak against heat. Tsukune, who was always so shy when it came to their bodies, was willing to take a bath with her.

"Thank you…" Mizore said in a small voice, feeling her face hot from blushing.

The bath was a challenge for Tsukune. The water was just little cooler then room temperature, which seemed to be perfect for Mizore. Tsukune thought the water was a little cool to be comfortable, but he could get used to it, especially in the summer months. The real difficulty turned out was trying to relax with Mizore. Tsukune kept a towel around his waste, which had earned a pout from Mizore, who had no modesty in front of him. She didn't try to force Tsukune to look at her, or to touch her. Instead, Mizore simply abandoned her clothing with the same ease that she left her shoes at the door to the house. Tsukune managed to keep his blushing to a minimum, and didn't stare, but he was aware of Mizore's smooth, pale skin, the curve of her hips, and the swell of her breasts topped by her dark, prominent nipples. Seeing her exposed body reminded Tsukune of the times she had bared herself to him in the past, and he remembered the events that surrounded those time. Be letting himself remember the details of those events, Tsukune was able to keep from being preoccupied with Mizore's nudity.

They washed each other's backs, after Tsukune had explained the limits he wanted her to respect. He asked her if there was anything he should be aware of, any boundaries he needed to respect. Mizore looked him dead in the eyes when she answered.

"You can touch me anywhere you want," Mizore had said. "In any way you want. I wouldn't mind."

Tsukune had been expecting that, so it didn't rattle him like it would have in the past. He did feel tense when Mizore washed his back, a little paranoid of what she might try to do to him from behind. When they sat in the bath together, Mizore snuggled against him with a sigh. Tsukune would have preferred a hot bath, but all in all, it was able to help him to relax, if only just a little.

After their bath together, it was time to get some sleep. Mizore was excited about sharing the bed with Tsukune, even if he made her promise to behave. He was willing to cuddle with her, something she had wished for often. The warmth of Tsukune's body surrounded Mizore's body. She smiled as she drifted off to sleep in Tsukune's arms.

Tsukune let his body relax as he focused his mind. Almost effortlessly, his awareness moved from the physical world to his inner non-space. He sought out that tiny piece of Mizore, and felt the warmth of her love for him, sparkling like new fallen snow in the morning light. Her feelings for him, Tsukune understood, were no less real then Ruby's, Kurumu's, or Moka's. He divided his awareness between himself and Mizore, and studied every detail he could perceive. Somewhere in the night, beyond Tsukune's ability to notice, he slipped from his inner space into the dreamless rest of deep sleep.

When Tsukune awoke in the morning his body felt refreshed and his mind clear. He woke Mizore with a kiss on the lips and a caress on the cheek. Together they cuddled for a little while, just enjoying a moment of comfortable warmth.

"Thank you, Mizore," Tsukune said with a smile. "For spending the night with me."

"I will do anything for you," Mizore said. "Please let me, Tsukune."

Tsukune gave her a little kiss before climbing out of bed. It was time for him to get ready for another Monday. His night with Tsukune had helped him find an answer to what had been bothering him. He even knew what he had to do. That sense of 'knowing' gave Tsukune a measure of confidence in himself, and a certain sense of calm. It was weird, Tsukune thought, feeling enlightened and selfish at the same time, and strangely happy about it. The only dark cloud that currently hung over Tsukue's thoughts was the knowledge that he would have to tell Moka, and what it would do to her.