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 87

Kurumu was feeling nervous. In a way, the trouble with Tsukune and Moka had been a good thing. It had kept her distracted for most of the week But the week was nearly over and the distractions were forgotten. In a little while she and Tsukue would be heading out to the human world. They would spend the night at a hotel arranged by their manager, have a morning rehearsal, and after an early lunch, She and Tsukune would do their first performance. Kurumu felt nervous and excited at the same time. It made it hard for her to concentrate during class.

Tsukune was feeling tense as well. Kurumu could see it in his posture and movements. She could also see it in his face every time he smiled at her. He almost looked scared. Kurumu worried that Tsukune might be too nervous to perform. She didn't want to lose him as her dance partner, because if she wasn't with him, there was no point in doing it any more. The idea of Tsukune not being able to dance with her made Kurumu even more nervous. She tried to distract herself somehow.

Kurumu examined her other friends. Moka was still wound up, probably because Tsukune was going off with her again. A little jealousy and loneliness was the least of what Kurumu had to go through when Tsukune had been made to not talk to her for a day. That had been cruel. Yukari looked like she had an uncomfortable itch. She ether was worked up over the strange way Tsukune and Moka had been acting lately, or she was finally suffering from some physical maturity as a girl becoming a woman. Mizore was in a happy phase, suggesting that she had a good experience with Tsukune, but she had been like that all week, and Kurumu had no idea when she would have had a chance.

As the end of the school week drew closer, Moka clung more and more tightly to Tsukune. Kurumu was aware of Moka's behavior, even if she didn't know all the details. Moka was worried about her relationship with Tsukune. He was going to be spending most of the weekend with Kurumu, a woman that he had admitted to Moka that he loved. It was just a few days after he had proved his loyalty to Moka, by letting her hurt him. A part of her was confidant that Tsukune would come back to school and still be her boyfriend, while another part of her worried that the hurt that she had dealt him would make the other woman appear a better candidate for his affections. Moka wanted to ask Tsukune to stay at school, to let Kurumu go without him, and she knew he would, but she was afraid of what it would cost her to ask that of him.

When the school day finally ended the tension around Tsukune thick. Kurumu had butterflies in her stomach. Moka kept clenching her hands into fists, keeping herself from grabbing Tsukune and dragging him back to her room. Tsukune's face was almost expressionless, while he wore determination like a suit. Moka hugged Tsukune's arm to her chest as they walked together back to the village. Kurumu decided to let Moka have her moment with Tsukune and hurried on ahead.

"Tsukune," Moka said softly. "I know you made a commitment to Kurumu…"

"Moka," Tsukune said. "I don't expect to make a living out of being a dancer. Right now, I just want to fulfill my contract and be done with it. Dancing may be fun, but I don't like too much attention." He gave her a crooked smile. "I admit that it will be nice to have some extra money to spend."

"Sunday," Moka said. "When you get home, I want to spend the day with you."

"I would like that," Tsukune said honestly. "But you know you don't have to."

"I said I wanted to," Moka said sternly. "I want to spend time with you, Tsukune. I want to do things with you as your friend. I want to spend time with you as your girlfriend. I love you."

"I love you too," Tsukune replied.

"Awwww," Yukari said from behind them.

XXXXXXXXXX

Kurumu was feeling restless. The bags were packed and loaded, she and Tsukune were in their riding suits, and everything was ready to go, except for Tsukune. He was standing beside Hiru with Moka in his arms.

"Tsukune..." Moka said. "You know you don't have to do..."

"Moka," Tsukune said. "I am not in a hurry. I want to take my time and try to make the right decisions."

"That's good," Moka said with a small sigh.

"You don't have to worry so much," Tsukune tried to comfort her, giving her a little kiss on the forehead. "I love you. Both of you. That means I love you twice as much as anybody else."

"Tsukuneee..." Moka protested with a frown.

"Tsukuneeee..." Kurumu called out to him. "We need to go."

Tsukune and Moka both gave a sigh. After one more kiss goodbye, the separated. Moka had to resist the urge to grab Tsukune again and hold him down. Tsukune wished his insides didn't feel twisted in knots. He mounted Hiru and Kurumu quickly took her place behind him. Before Tsukune could go anywhere, Moka stepped up beside him and hugged him one more time.

XXXXXXXXXX

Kurumu and Tsukune were waiting 'back stage' for their cue. They were in the denim 'street clothes' costume in a curtained off area a short distance from the Deluxe Dance Party Machine, or D D P M for short. Kurumu thought that it was a stupid name. The dance machine, and the 'back stage' area were set up in the middle of a shopping district, in front of the local arcade. One of the machines had been set up inside the arcade, so that customers attracted by the event could try it out and spend their money. The machine that Kurumu and Tsukune were going to be using for the event would be boxed up later, but after the performance people would be allowed to do single song samples for free, for an hour, to further get them interested in paying to use the machine in the arcade. Kurumu hoped that she didn't look as nervous as she felt. She looked at Tsukune's face to try and get a measure of how he was feeling. Tsukune's face was calm and relaxed. His eyes were closed as he concentrated on his breathing and focused his mind. Kurumu was amazed at his peaceful resolve. She turned her attention to her bond with Tsukune and could feel his steady heart beat. He was as calm within as he appeared.

The first cue was given by the announcer, the manager of the arcade, telling Kurumu and Tsukune to be ready to make their apperance. Kurumu felt Tsukune's youki raise, and could feel it warming her through her bond with him. It made her feel good, and even calm, to know that Tsukune was there with her. She heard the second cue. Tsukune's eyes snapped open. A relaxed smile spread across his face, but his eyes were serious.

"Are you ready?" Tsukune asked her.

"I'm ready," Kurumu nodded.

"Let's do this. Yoush!"

Right on cue, Tsukune and Kurumu stepped though the curtain. A blast of musical fanfare filled the air. It was time to dance.

Xxxxxxxxxx

When the music stopped, Kurumu found her self facing Tsukune, both of them holding a carefully practiced pose. Her heart was racing and she couldn't stop smiling. Kurumu was hyper aware of Tsukune. She could feel the beating of his heart and the heat of his youki. Kurumu felt like she and Tsukune were surrounded by a glowing light all their own. She saw the firm look in Tsukune's eyes and the proud smile on his face and thought she would melt. He was smiling at her.

Tsukune held the ending pose of the performance for a moment and let himself relax slowly. Kurumu was glowing with excitement and joy. The crowd they had attracted was cheering. Tsukune could feel his own heart beating within him. He saw the happy smile lighting up Kurumu's face and was glad that he could help her find such enjoyment. He was aware of her emotions, and the cheering crowd, and of how well he had performed. Tsukune never had any ambition to be any kind of performer for a living, but he knew he had done well by the reactions of those around him, and it made him feel good.

Tsukune and Kurumu had captured the crowd's hearts and minds, at least for the moment. They posed together on the dance machine for photographs, and even with some spectators. Once the crowd was well caught up in the excitement of the event, edged on by the announcer, Tsukune and Kurumu, holding hands, lead them into the arcade. Once inside, Kurumu and Tsukune posed with the arcade's own DDPM dance machine.

The event was officially four hours long, but in reality was much longer. The time to set up and break down equipment added hours to the time spent on location. Tsukune and Kurumu had spent some of the pre-show time warming up, doing stretches and using a labeled vinyl mat to walk though their dance program. After the event was officially over, Tsukune and Kurumu were still getting their pictures taken as they made their way though the crowded arcade to the designated 'back stage' area.

Tsukune played straight man in support of Kurumu's flirty girl. Kurumu acted warm and happy towards everybody that approached her, while being careful to keep close to Tsukune. When guys tried to talk to her, Kurumu would smile and thank them for their complements. If the guys tried to get too close, Kurumu would 'introduce' them to Tsukune as her boyfriend. When she moved close to him, Tsukune would smoothly put his arm around Kurumu. That was enough to discourage most boys. When girls approached, Kurumu would act happy and warm, as if greeting a close friend. Tsukune watched as she tried to find something to complement about each girl she talked to.

A pair of pre-teen girls, with a middle aged woman in tow, were very loud with their excitement. Kurumu complemented the girls on their hair accessories and posed with them while the more then a little worn woman took their picture. Tsukune watched her, and suddenly had an idea.

"Excuse me," Tsukune said, moving into a pose beside Kurumu and the girls. "Kurumu, why don't you let onee-san get in a picture."

Kurumu's eyes lit up. She gave Tsukune a warm smile and separated from the girls. She reached out for the woman's camera.

"Onee-san," Kurumu said in a happy tone. "Let me take your picture for you."

"Onee.. Oh no," The woman tried to protest, but it was too little, and too slow.

The woman found the camera removed from her hands while a gentle push directed her over to where her daughter and niece were standing with that handsome dancer. The young man had to be a university student, she thought, because he was so confident. The woman moved to stand behind the man and tried to smile for the camera. The camera flashed, making the woman blink a few times as spots danced in her vision. She was too distracted to notice the young man saying something to the girls, sending them to stand next to his partner. She saw the girls move away just before the camera flashed again. An arm slid around her back, making her turn. The camera flashed over and over again while the woman was turned about with ease. The young man was dancing with her. At one point she was nearly upside down in a dip, her arms clutching his neck for support.

"Have a nice day, Onee-san," Tsukune said to the woman as he stepped away from her.

"Here's your camera," Kurumu handed it back to her. "Enjoy your day."

"Mom," The first little girl said. "That was so cool."

Kurumu and Tsukune shared a happy smile and laugh as they threaded their way to the exit. Kurumu thought the woman was going to be in for a surprise when she saw the pictures. Tsukune had put a smile on her face so quickly that the woman had not even noticed.

Xxxxx

Kurumu was a little disappointed by the hotel the management had arranged. She understood their reasoning easily enough. Tsukune and herself were still in school, so booking a single room for them to share alone would be bad for the company if it got out. Friday night it had been alright with Kurumu to be away from Tsukune, because she was nervous about the looming performance. Now that the work was done, and it was time to relax, Kurumu was not happy about the separate rooms.

Tsukune and Kurumu had met the manager an agent at the office Friday evening. Tsukune had tried to arrange to meet them at the event site, but that didn't go over well. Instead, it was a trip by company van, with a support truck and crew, to the event site. Everybody was provided rooms at a modest hotel for two nights, followed by an early morning return tot he office Sunday.

Well all good intentions from the management aside, Kurumu was going to have her alone time with Tsukune. The crew returned to the hotel in time for a bath and the evening meal, and after a successful first event it was time for a celebration. In the dining room, Kurumu planted herself beside Tsukune, to the amusement of the crew. The Manager and the Agent didn't say anything, but the hands that did all the set-up and tear-down work chuckled. The sound technician, a thirty-something woman that liked to smoke, laughed and slapped her thigh, giving Kurumu a nod of approval. Dinner was soon served and the drinks started flowing. Kurumu made a point of rubbing up against Tsukune frequently, and turned to smile at him almost as much. It made her warm to see him smiling back, and to feel him rubbing his arm or leg against hers.

"Manager," Tsukune spoke up as the food was nearly gone and the drinking was starting to get serious. "What has to be done tomorrow?"

"We go back to the office," The man said. "You and the miss get to join the staff in watching today's videos, and we see if there is anything we can do to improve for the next event."

"I see," Tsukune said with a small frown. He could feel his study time slipping away. "I think I will call it a night," Tsukune said, getting to his feet.

"It's still early," The agent called out.

"It will be a long day tomorrow," Tsukune countered. "And I will still have to study when I get back to school."

"He's a serious one," The crew's foreman spoke up. "He'll go far, I think."

"Wait," Kurumu said as Tsukune stepped away from the table. "I'll go with you."

"Don't keep him up all night," The sound technician called out.

"Don't worry," Kurumu answered with a smile. "I'll make sure he goes to bed right away."

The buzzed, on their way to drunk, crew laughed at Kurumu's retort. Kurumu and Tsukune hoped they were not blushing as they left the dining room together. Once they were out in the hall, and out of the sight of the others, they shared a smile.

"Wait for me in your room," Kurumu ordered before hurrying off.

Tsukune shook his head and sighed. He was confident that he would never understand women. He returned to his room and started getting his things ready for the morning. With the exception of his toiletries and a fresh set of clothes, and the undergarments he had on under his hotel robe, Tsukune made sure everything was packed. With everything packed, and a trip to the wash room to brush his teeth finished, Tsukune sat on the edge of his bed and watched a little television. He would have liked to go to bed, but Kurumu had said to wait for her. In his mind, Tsukune could imagine her dressing up in some way to tease him. They had not had a chance to be alone together on this trip, so Tsukune thought Kurumu might try to push him a little extra to make up for lost opportunities.

When Kurumu knocked at his door, Tsukune felt a touch of apprehension. He opened the door and was nearly knocked over by Kurumu, carrying her bags, as she hurried into the room. Tsukune looked out in the hall to see if anybody had seen the spectacle before closing the door and turning to Kurumu with a questioning look.

"If I'm going to spend the night," Kurumu explained, as if reading Tsukune's mind. "I don't want to have to go back to my room for my things in the morning. This way I get to stay with you all night long."

"Ahhhh," Tsukune said.

Tsukune helped Kurumu set her bags down next to his. It wasn't that she needed the help, but rather it was something to do instead of just standing around watching her. Kurumu checked her bags to make sure everything was how she wanted it, then she turned her attention to Tsukune.

"Tsukune," Kurumu said with a smile as she approached him. She put her arms up around his neck. "Thank you for today. I had a lot of fun."

"Me too," Tsukune said, putting his arms lightly around her waist. "Thank you for being my partner."

"Why, Tsukune," Kurumu batted her lashes at him. "I do believe that you mean that."

"Of course I do," Tsukune said. "If you weren't my partner, I wouldn't be doing this."

"Awwww," Kurumu pulled Tsukune into a brief kiss.

"It's going to be a long day tomorrow," Tsukune said. "We should get some rest."

Kurumu made a face at Tsukune. She wanted more kiss and cuddle time, but he was right. Still, she was going to be alone with Tsukune, and she would enjoy that however she could. Tsukune lay his robe across the foot of the bed and pulled down the bedding. Kurumu waited until he was settled into bed, and his attention was on her. When she saw him looking in her direction, Kurumu dropped her robe. She was dressed in a loose tank-top that barely covered her breasts and a pair of low-rise panties that emphasized the curve of her hips. The end result was a lot of skin being displayed for his his eyes to enjoy. Kurumu was rewarded by the sight of Tsukune's jaw tightening and a touch of blush touching his cheeks. Kurumu climbed into bed and cuddled up to Tsukune.

"By the way, Tsukune," Kurumu said as she pulled his arms around her. "Thank you for not trying to argue when I called you my boyfriend today."

"Why would I," Tsukune said. "I knew what you were doing, and besides," He smiled at her. "It was kind of nice hearing you say I was your boyfriend."

"Tsukune?" Kurumu's eyes were wide. "You mean...?"

"You have kept calling me your 'destined one," Tsukune said, pulling an arm free from her. He continued talking as he reached for the lights. "The first time you introduced me to your mother, you said I was your fiance." Tsukune turned out the light.

"Did that really bother you?" Kurumu asked.

"Of course it did," Tsukune answered. "There is a proper way to go about things. Just making decisions based on your own wants was insensitive of you."

"I'm sorry," Kurumu said in a soft voice.

"I know you get excited and a little carried away sometimes," Tsukune soothed her. "It is a part of your charm."

"Awww," Kurumu was smiling again.

"Now let's get some sleep," Tsukune said. "It is going to be a long day tomorrow."

After a goodnight kiss that was sure to inspire Kurumu's dreams, the pair cuddled up together. It still frustrated Kurumu to no end how Tsukune could just go to sleep when his body was so close to hers. She was unaware of how Tsukune had to intentionally concentrate his awareness inward and meditate in order to reach the relaxed start needed to fall asleep. It was her awareness of his slow, calm heartbeat and breathing that soothed Kurumu and helped her to sleep.

Kurumu woke up earlier then she would have guessed. It was, she suspected because she had gone to bed sooner then she had planed, and had drank more tea at dinner then she thought. The food had been a little over salty for her tastes, a common trick to help sell more alcohol. Kurumu woke up feeling the need to visit the water closet. It took her a moment for her mind to become aware of more then just her biological needs. As her mind cleared, Kurumu remembered where she was. With some hesitation on her part, Kurumu slipped out of bed as quietly as she could, so she wouldn't disturb Tsukune. When she had answered natures call, she returned to bed with as much stealth as she had left.

With a small sigh of contentment, Kurumu settled into bed. Unfortunately the hotel's bedding was less then ideal for her to be comfortable and she had to change position to find a place she liked. She had just rolled onto her side, facing the edge of the bed, when Tsukune moved. Kurumu froze, worried that she might have woken him. Tsukune rolled onto his side, facing Kurumu, and carelessly draped an arm over her. Kurumu liked the feel of his warm body behind her and wiggled in a little closer.

Whether it was from her own movements or some unknown trigger within Tsukune, Kurumu didn't know, but he cuddled closer to her. Kurumu felt a happy thrill at having Tsukune so close to her, uncaring if her feelings reached him in his dreams. Feeling him so close to her, both of them in nothing but their under clothes, was exciting for Kurumu. His mostly bare legs were against hers. His arm was at rest around her bare midsection. The skinship was getting to Kurumu, making her heart beat a little quicker. She caressed Tsukune's arm, feeling the heat of his skin and the soft hairs under her fingertips. A selfish idea sneaked into Kurumu's mind. She took Tsukune's hand and moved it slowly. She slipped his hand under her shirt and pressed it against her breast. A spark of pleasure shot though her, her desire for Tsukune awakened.

"Tsukune..." Kurumu whispered.