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 88
Tsukune was glad to make it back to school at last. His Sunday had started early, which he had been ready for, but for some reason Kurumu had been acting strange all day. First she didn't want to get out of bed, and only did so after Tsukune had left the room, as if she was embarrassed about her pillow hair or something. All day long she kept blushing and looking at Tsukune's hands. It didn't help that Tsukune was feeling awkward around her all day as well. He had dreamed of Kurumu, and it had seamed so real that he was surprised that he had woken and not been in an embarrassing state. Tsukune didn't know why he and Kurumu were so off balance around each other all morning, and time to talk together seamed denied them over and over again as the business of the day took precedence. The meetings were long and, to Tsukune, pointless. It was already noon by the time He and Kurumu were free to return to school.
Once back to the village, Kurumu excused herself to go unpack. Tsukune returned to his house to refresh himself, and then it would be time to hit the books. His plan lasted until he opened the front door. Moka, Yukari, and Mizore were sitting around his table with Ruby as Tsukune entered. He could see books and notes spread out on the table, but Yukari was the only one with a pen in her hand.
"Master," Ruby cried out as soon as Tuskune stepped across the threshold. She had been sitting with the others, just one of the girls until her master had come home. As soon as the doorknob had been touched, Ruby had started to get to her feet, eager to see Tsukune, but also ready to defend her master's house if it was needed.
Tsukune had enough warning to brace himself. Ruby didn't throw herself at him in a hug. She wouldn't do that in front of others, there was Tsukune's image to be aware of. She did move quickly to take his bags and help him remove his jacket, nearly pulling him off balance in her eagerness to serve him, and to touch him. Tsukune accepted her attention calmly, aware of the eyes on him.
Ruby was not the only person happy to see Tsukune. Moka had a smile as she climbed to her feet, more calmly then Ruby, she was ready to welcome Tsukune home. Yukari had a smile for Tsukune, but eagerness to greet him was hampered by her surrounding barriers of books and notes. Mizore watched Tsukune from where she sat, and he saw sadness in her eyes as he accepted Ruby's attention, and then a hug from Moka. Something in that sadness pained him, but he wasn't sure why.
Tsukune was steered to a place at the table, and as Moka settled down beside him Ruby served him tea. He didn't have to say a word. Tsukune's books and notes were set before him and the study group embraced their purpose. When Kurumu arrived she was included in the group, mixing studying and talking about the event. Tsukune focused on his studies, answering questions about the recent trip with as few words as possible, letting Kurumu give lengthy explanations. Tsukune decided that he would bring at least some of his school work with him on the next trip.
The study group lasted until mid evening, with everybody working away through supper. After the others finally left, Moka closed her books and put her things away. Tsukune kept working until Moka pulled the table away from him.
"That is enough for tonight," Moka said firmly.
"But..." Tsukune looked up at her in surprise.
"Nope," Moka insisted moving to put herself in Tsukune's lap. "I know you have everything due tomorrow done, everything else can wait. I want my time with you now." Moka had a rosy blush coloring her cheeks as she put her arms around Tsukune's neck. It took some effort to be so forward and bold.
"But I..." Tsukune was cut off by a kiss.
Tsukune was feeling caught up in the moment. Moka had taken charge and there was no way of refusing her without hurting her feelings, and possibly doing physical harm. Tsukune's instinct to resist was from his upbringing and what he had been taught to consider proper. His wish to resist fled quickly and other instincts took precedence within his mind. Clear reasoning would not return until sometime after he and Moka had found satisfaction and release in each others arms.
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Tsukune felt like he was caught up in a tempest. Midterms hit him in a blink of the eye. Student Police, Newspaper Club, and Dance Committee work all seamed to whirl around him and push him in different directions. His school work was a constant, always seeming like he was on the edge of falling behind. His Dance Machine contract had him performing in high gear. Word of his impromptu dance with a housewife had somehow gotten back to the manager of the promotions project, and it was strongly suggested that Tsukune make an effort to entertain other adult women that might attend the events, because if they were entertained, then it would be easier to get them to let their children spend money. Kurumu appeared a little upset about spending evenings in hotel rooms studying, but she respected Tsukune's determination. Even so, Tsukune was looking forward to the end of the contract.
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Inari suppressed a sigh as she cleaned up the shrine room. There was never much to do in the Tsukune Shrine, as long as she and the other Mikos kept up with it. The spent incense sticks needed to be thrown out, and the braziers needed to be emptied of ash. A girl from the Apothecary Club was collecting that ash for making soap, which she was selling to girls who wanted to increase their chances of finding romance. Inari and the other mikos, there were five in total now, took turns tending to the shrine.
Tsukune's birthday was close to mid-terms, when students needed to let go of a little stress, so the mikos had put together a little festival. Inari had acted as High Priestess and performed a little ceremony. She told of how Tsukune had protected his friends, and the school, and how he had held her close once and said he would protect her as well. And then he had done just that. Tsukune had protected Inari when he had come to her room and let everybody in ear shot know that he was not upset about the shrine, and would not bring embarrassment on his followers. Inari said that to best show their devotion to Aono-Sama, that everybody should look out for each other, and to help each other, whether it was with romance, or school work, or from anybody that would threaten the happiness of others, everybody should protect each other. The little festival ended with hugs, some tears and giggling, and a lot of talk about romantic dreams for the future.
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Emmy was enjoying her second year at Youkai Academy. She had a boyfriend that she exchanged letters with, which still surprised her and gave her a thrill every time one of his letters arrived. His letters, talking about his school life and club meetings were so simple, but gave her a window into his life. They made her feel included. Her own school life was an improvement over her first year as well. She had joined the Drama Club, and while she was mostly a part of the support and management side of things, she would also do minor roles on stage. It was interesting that Kota's letters about his club's investigations of paranormal stories included some very good historical stories, the kind that would make a good short play. She had even shared this observation with her club manager, who agreed with her.
Because she was working with the drama club, and learning about things related to putting on a show, Emmy had been discreetly approached by a member of the Miko Club, to help with their festival. It had been kind of strange to be surrounded by girls that admired Tsukune so much, but were afraid to talk to him. She remembered how she had felt around him when they had first met during the break. She would always have a sense of awe when she saw him, when she thought about him, but Tsukune was no longer the shining fantasy in her mind and heart he had once been. Oddly, Emmy admired Tsukune all the more for his kind honesty that had helped her see the truth about him, and herself. She made a mental note to do something nice for him in the future.
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Megumui Atara owned and operated a small general store in the shopping district under the barrier with the Youkai Academy. Most of his customers were school staff and the people that worked around the school in one capacity or another. His shop was far enough off the beaten path that the students didn't frequent his business. Atara was content with his client base, for the most part, but was always interested in improving his business. The one kind of merchandise that nobody in the district carried were advanced personal electronics. The barrier cut off broadcast signals, so cell phones, radios, and televisions were useless. The energy of the area, like at many strong supernatural places, played merry hell with things like computers and game consoles. Just transporting a magnetic tape through the barrier was usually enough to erase it. Even so, Atara managed to bring in and sell some older electronic devices.
Because his core customer base was mostly adults, Atara didn't hear most of the gossip that went on at the school. What he did hear had usually been distilled down to something close to real news by the time it reached him. The news of the Student Election had been good for business because students had bought out every kind of craft supplies they could find in the shopping district to make their campaign signs and posters. The new Student Police had ousted the Public Safety Commission, who were more likely to shoplift then buy anything whenever they made an appearance. Even without the Public Safety Commission, shoplifting could still be a problem, along with any number of petty crimes.
Atara was musing over this his friend who operated a small bar in the shopping district. Too bad the Student Police couldn't be more then just a way to keep students in line while on school grounds. That building getting torn apart back in March had been bad news. Some people were worried that whoever had been using the place might try to return, bringing more of their trouble with them. Atara and the bartender speculated about how the community around the school should think about starting their own police.
A little down the bar, two women sat nursing their drinks. Teachers from the Youkai Academy, they couldn't help overhearing the conversation the men were having. There own conversation soon came into line with the men. The women didn't like the idea of the area they lived and shopped, and went to go to relax, being easy ground for vandals and petty criminals.
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Kokoa was finally getting things establish the way she liked. After her disastrous trip home for break, the young vampire expected her second year of high school to be more of the same frustrations as the first. Except for time with the Newspaper Club, Kokoa had little opportunity to be with her sister. Kokoa was frustrated with Tsukune to no end. Moka had run away from home during the break to be with him, leaving her to fill in as father's showpiece. At school, Moka always seemed to have that boy on her mind, and his delicious scent on her clothes. Midterm tests had crept up on Kokoa and caught her unprepared, letting her squeak by with grades that were barely passing. She was forced to focus on her studying if she intended to get her scores up by the end of term.
Following midterms, Kokoa had managed to stay out of trouble. Her need to study meant that she didn't have time trying to look after her sister. It would be different if she didn't wear that seal, because then she wouldn't be weak and foolish and need protecting. However, it was shortly after midterms that Moka has started seeking Kokoa out. She didn't have to, but Moka took the time to fill Kokoa in on a few details. The younger vampire already knew about Tsukune's inner youkai, but she didn't know how complicated his condition was.
Kokoa felt a little better now that her sister was spending more time with her. She was smart enough to realize that the time Moka was with her was hen Tsukune was too busy to be available. The bonus of this was that her sister was more available to help Kokoa study for the end of term tests. A small part of Kokoa wished that Tsukune could become a huge celebrity with a busy, demanding career with lots of travel, so that he would almost never have time for Moka.