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 89
Tsukune was in a sour mood as he packed his bags Thursday afternoon. With first term finals just finished, Tsukune would have liked to have a chance to relax with his friends and just enjoy a normal school weekend. Instead, he was going off for the last Dance Machine event. It was going to be a two day event at a large arcade not far from a major convention center. The fact that it was the last event of his contract was the only redeeming point of the trip. Friday, while he and Kurumu were going to be in another hotel, Youkai Academy would be holding its first school dance. The date of the dance had been decided by the Student Counsel, leaving the Dance Committee to make all the preparations. When Moka had found out that Tsukune would not be able to go with her to the dance she had been upset. The hurt in her eyes had pained Tsukune to see.
Tsukune had already decided he would not sign a contract extension, no mater how much money they offered. He didn't like the added responsibility, and his time away from school and studying made Tsukune feel like he was letting people down. He was only willing to finish out his contract because of two key reasons. First because it was important to Kurumu. Second, because Tsukune had made a commitment. He had given his word, and no mater how much of a youkai he had become, Tsukune was determined to be a man of honor.
Kurumu could tell that Tsukune was in a poor mood as she helped load her bags onto Hiru. She knew that Tsukune would have liked to attend the school dance with Moka, and a part of Kurumu felt bad about taking him away from that. At the same time, Kurumu had every intention of enjoying her selfish pleasure of Tsukune's company. She and Tsukune had made a contract before the school dance was announced, so she came first this time around. Kurumu would have liked to have been Tsukune's date to the school dance too, but while Moka and the others were left behind, she would still be dancing with him, and that was better then being just one of a group.
XXXXXXXXXXX
The first twist to the trip came early. Tsukune and Kurumu, in their matching gear, rode up to the front of the building where the Dance Machine company's offices were located, while the Executive and the Manager were walking back from an early supper. A command decision was made for Tsukune to ride to the event location so hiru could be used as a prop for the event. Tsukune did not want to be flashy, but he liked the idea of riding to the event. If anything came up Tsukune knew he could summon Hiru to his side, but having her there openly would keep anybody from being alarmed at her sudden arrival. Of course with Tsukune riding to the event location, Kurumu insisted on riding with him.
Once at the hotel, Kurumu threw Tsukune another twist. With term finals over there was no need to study all evening, so she didn't see any reason to let Tsukune be alone. Kurumu took her bags to Tsukune's room, making it clear that she would be spending all three nights of the trip with him. Tsukune tried to argue with her, applying logic and careful thought to the task. He lost to simple desire and stubbornness.
"You already told me that you won't be signing another contract," Kurumu had stated. "I understand and respect your decision. So this trip will be our last one alone, and I intend to make the most of it. Do you hear me?"
"Yes," Tsukune sighed with a crooked smile. "What ever you say dear."
"Tsukune..." Kuumu protested with a smile as she threw herself at him in a big hug.
XXX xxx
Friday morning came early, Tsukune felt. A pre-dawn breakfast meeting was called so that the schedule for the event could be reviewed. For the first day of the event Tsukune and Kurumu would start out in the 'Uniform' costumes for the afternoon show. The evening show would be in the denim 'street wear' costumes. Saturday's show, the Executive and the Manager decided would involve Tsukune and Kurumu 'arriving' by motorcycle, wearing the costumes that Tsukune had mentally labeled the 'hero suits.' Saturday evening Tsukune and Kurumu were scheduled to be at the client's arcade, 'hanging out,' to keep the crowds happy and distracted.
Following breakfast everybody headed to the event sight. Most people were still eating breakfast, or were even still in bed, as the crew set to work setting up for the event. Tsukune had tried, once, to help out with the setup work, only to be lectured, at length, by the crew leader about labor regulations and job liabilities. The agent also had a go at Tsukune about labor roles and liabilities. Tsukune preferred the crew leader's attitude, one of pride in his work and the importance of following rules and regulations, over the attitude of the agent, who favored the opinion that 'talents' such as Kurumu and Tsukune were above menial labor, and that trying to do manual labor was taking a risk with his (the agent's) money. Tsukune had not bothered asking to help again. Being on display was bad enough, he thought, but not being allowed to do anything productive while others were working hard just rubbed Tsukune the wrong way.
When it was time for the afternoon show, Tsukune was glad to finally be doing something besides hanging around in the background. By now Tsukune and Kurumu had memorized the dances, so it only took some concentration for them to move together flawlessly. Tsukune was a little surprised that his physical agility and endurance had improved so much just from dancing. He made a mental note to himself to include dancing with Kurumu as a part of his personal training. As he danced with her for the event, Tsukune was aware of her feelings, not just through the bond he shared with her soul, but from the way they showed on her face. Her face was aglow with positive feelings, and seeing her smile made Tsukune's heart swell with his feelings for her.
After the dance show, it was time to play up to the crowd. Tsukune and Kurumu posed for pictures and smiled while trying to keep people interested. Kurumu stayed close to Tsukune, more for the pleasure and comfort of his presence then to keep the creeps away. She was also making sure no girls got too close to him. Tsukune knew he would have to tell his old friend Rin about earning money by hanging out at an arcade. It was kind of unreal, Tsukune thought as he and Kurumu burned sometime and energy racking up a perfect score on an older dance machine. When the set finished, he and Kurumu put in their names while saying that the older machine seemed too easy after using the new machine. It was just another part of the script for the event.
After a break and a chance to rest and refresh themselves, it was time for the evening show. A wardrobe change and some new faces in the audience were all that made the second show different from the first. After dancing it was time to play up to the crowd again. Tsukune noticed that the crowd were a little older in the evening then during the day. There were also a lot more people in the evening as the day cooled off and schools and offices let out. Tsukune was even aware of a sprinkling of youkai among the crowd, their presence brushed against his awareness as he mingled. Time continued to pass until it was time to end the event for the day.
XXXXXXXXXXX
"Tsukune," Kurumu said as she settled into the bathtub with him. "Do you think I would be a good idol?"
"Why would you ask that?" Tsukune questioned.
"Well," Kurumu leaned back against him. "I still don't have any plans for after graduation, and this was kind of fun, but I don't know if it is something I want to do for a long time. I don't even know if I have what it takes to be an idol by myself."
"Kurumu," Tsukune tried to reassure her. "You're a beautiful woman with a pretty smile. If you decide to be an idol you will be famous all over."
"Thank you," Kurumu replied with a smile. It was always nice to hear Tsukune call her beautiful. "But I'm not sure if it is what I really want to do."
"You could just do it for a little while," Tsukune suggested. "A way to start your own life while you make a decision about the future. You might even get use being an idol."
"How?" Kurumu asked. "Like how my mother uses being a hostess? Is that all I'm going to be able to do?"
"That's not what I meant," Tsukune said. "And I am not going to criticize your mother for what she does. She found a way to make her life in the world, and it looks to me as if she is happy with what she has. No, what I meant is if you spend some time being an idol, being popular, then maybe you can use that popularity for something else."
"Like what?" Kurumu wanted to know.
"Well, you write for the school newspaper," Tsukune reminded her. "Maybe you can become a writer for a newspaper or magazine. Being an idol for a while might be what you need to get ahead of the competition."
"What would I write about?" Kurumu pressed. Tsukune had a good point, and maybe a good idea.
"Well," Tsukune thought for a moment. "You ready cooking magazines a lot. Maybe you could write for one. You could do recipe reviews or how about reviewing kitchen things, this brand of pans or that new brand of seasonings. Who knows. You might end up as the host of a cooking show, like one of those shows where two different cooks face off to get publicity for their restaurants."
"Hmmmmm," Kurumu thought Tsukune might be on to something.
"Kurumu," Tsukune said after a few minutes of silence. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course, Tsukune," Kurumu answered, tilting her head all the way back to look up at him. "You can ask me anything."
"Well," Tsukune gave a sigh. "I was wondering... Well, I was wondering what you must think of me..."
"I think you're the most wonderful man in the world," Kurumu said with a smile.
"Please," Tsukune said, his voice tight. "You and I are not even dating properly. I won't say any names, but there is someone I call my girlfriend, but here I am with you. Is there something wrong with me? Do you ever think that I am morally weak, or maybe a coward for not making things clear and leading... people... you know who mean, leading everybody on because I can't push anybody away?"
"Tsukune," Kurumu moved away from him so she could turn around. She wanted to face him because his tone, his words, made it clear that he needed her full attention. "You are the most important person in my life. You saved me from myself when I was being a spoiled brat of a girl. You saved my life when I was taken. You saved me from despair when I was filled with hatred for my weaknesses. I will love you with all of my heart for all of my life. I know you love... someone else, but that doesn't mean you can't love me too."
"But that wouldn't be..."
"Tsukune," Kurumu cut him off sharply. "You asked me how I felt, you need to listen to my answer. You were raised in a world where everything is supposed to be clean and respectable. I was raised to see men as just a way to get money, as a kind of prey. You taught me that people have real value. Now it is my turn to teach you something. A world where one man loves only one woman does not exists. If you were to live in a small village all your life, where everybody knows everybody, then a life long, one-to-one relationship is necessary to keep everybody happy. But look at the truth, Tsukune. You love your mother, just like I love mine. You love your cousin too. She is a part of your family Your mother and your cousin, you love them both like family, but different. I know you love Moka," Kurumu almost choked on the name. "Well you can love me too. You can love us both the same, but differently. I know that you love Ruby too, or you would never let her be so close to you." Kurumu gave a heavy sigh.
"Tsukune," Kurumu said. "You are just too wonderful. You are willing to trust people, even youkai, with your heart. You have the love to give to everybody around you. I love you, Tsukune. I want you to know that. And I hope that some day I will get you to love me too."
"Kurumu," Tsukune sighed, bowing his head.
Kurumu saw that the happy couple mood of the bath was lost. She carefully climbed to her feet and got out of the tub. Kurumu had dried off and dressed for bed before Tsukune got out of the bath. When they went to bed together, Kurumu cuddled up close to Tsukune, but didn't say anything more to him. Tsukune had a determined look on his face, even after he closed his eyes to sleep.
XxxxXXxxXXxxXX
Tsukune blamed his poor sleep for his lack of awareness Saturday. Looking back, there were plenty of warnings he should have noticed. The number of youkai in the area should have been the first warning sign. As he waited 'back stage' with Kurumu, Tsukune felt the surrounding youki flickering, but slowly building at the same time. The script called for Tsukune and Kurumu to ride Hiru from 'back stage,' around the equipment van, past the Dance Machine once before parking beside it and dismounting. Tsukune did a quick peek out of the 'back stage' area to check to see if the route was clear and saw something out of place. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he had a feeling something wasn't right. He and Kurumu were dressed in their 'hero suits' and were ready for their short, helmet-less ride when they heard their cue. Tsukune felt silly in his mostly spandex outfit as he road the short distance. He would much preferred to wear real riding gear and danced in it, then be riding while wearing a dance outfit. The double handful of people dressed in baggy clothes and leather jackets were better dressed for riding that Tsukune was. Seven guys and three girls, dressed in the same outfit with their leather jackets, had pushed their way to the front of the crowd. The pieces suddenly connected in Tsukune's mind when he saw the small gang tense up, when he felt their youki rise.
Fairy Tale, Tsukune realized. He and Kurumu had made enemies, and then grew careless about being out in public. The question was how to deal with the threat. The smartest thing to do would be to just run away, but looking around quickly, Tsukune saw that it even running would have risks. The crew would be left behind, and there was a real chance that the fairy tale gang would hurt them to get information about Tsukune and his friends. Fighting meant risking exposing things better kept a secret. Tsukune saw the announcer looking at him, wondering why he had stopped. He could feel Kurumu beside him. The crowd was gathered for a show. Tsukune felt foolish being dressed up like a space hero. Only one idea seamed to come to his mind.
"Kurumu," Tsukune said in a harsh whisper. "Do you see them?"
"Yes," Kurumu answered, keeping her voice down. "What do we do?"
"We're going to fight," Tsukune informed her. "Follow my lead."
"Waa," Kurumu hesitated for only a heartbeat. "Yes."
Tsukune started forward again, his mind racing. He reached for his youki, pulling it up, but holding it tight, knowing that Fairy Tale would be able to feel it. He glared at them quickly, challenging them. He felt their youki harden, ready to fight. Instead of mounting the Dance Machine's platform, Tsukune stood in front of it, facing the enemy, and the audience. He hoped he didn't make a bigger fool out of himself then he expected. He reached out and found Kurumu's hand in his.
"We dance to celebrate life and love," Tsukune said in a loud voice to the audience, sounding like an actor from a kids action hero anime. "But the bad guys want to stop us." With his free hand Tsukune gestured to the ten youkai dressed like street toughs. "Should we stop dancing?"
A cheer went up from the crowd. It was a little weak for the size of the audience, but many people had shouted out to answered Tsukune's question. He let go of Kurumu's had and took a step forward. There were two ways that Fairy Tale could play into Tsukune's hand. He hoped that they would just get a case of cold feet and back out, but he really doubted that would happen. Failing that, then Tsukune needed them to be the aggressors and to escalate the fight quickly. Tsukune faced the closest enemy, a guy with tribal tattoos on his shaved head.
"I am here to dance," Tsukune said. "Go away."
That was enough. Tsukune had put the thug on the spot and his ego had taken over, He threw a punch at Tsukune, which was easily blocked.
"Weak," Tsukune hissed, then used a palm thrust to the chest to shove the guy back.
"Get them," The guy roared. His skin suddenly turned an unhealthy orange color an a shock of green hair erupted from his head.
The other toughs went through similar transformations. It was everything Tsukune could have asked for. The crowd cheered, the thugs rushed forward, and Tsukune unleashed his youkai. The fight was on.
Kurumu watched Tsukune, confused but proud about his actions. He had forced the gang members to escalate the fight, which was very unlike Tsukune's nature. He was also fighting way below his strength, knocking his opponents back without any real force.
"For the dance," Tsukune yelled out, letting himself get boxed in. "For the dance!"
"For the dance," Kurumu yelled, catching on. Tsukune's choice of words were a little silly, but it would have to do. "For the dance!"
"For the dance!" The crowd shouted along with Kurumu. "For the dance!"
Tsukune had the audience where he wanted them. His mother had always sworn that watching too much television would rot his brain, but sometimes it helped to have a broad education. Tsukune let some of the thugs get in close, guarding his tender points but letting some blows glance off his arms and shoulders. He took a deep breath and crouched, encouraging his attackers to press in. With a shout of his own, Tsukune really went all out.
Kurumu felt a moment of fear. She didn't know how much Tsukune was acting and how much he was really getting beaten. She was about to rush into the melee when she felt his youkai flare. And then he made his move.
"For the dance," Tsukune yelled out as he stood up again.
His wings tore though the dance costume. Arms and wings worked together to throw back Tsukune's attackers. His hands were curled into fists with living gauntlets of red scales. He shot Kurumu a quick look and a nod, that was all she needed. She summoned up her youki and directed it towards her armbands as she released her wings and tail. Her jacket's sleeves were split open as what appeared to be red leather armor dotted with spikes suddenly encased her from her shoulders to her forearms. With talons extended, Kurumu entered the fray.
The fight was over quickly after that. Tsukune broke bones. Kurumu stabbed muscles and stomachs. The fight was forcefully taken out of the enemy. When it was clear that they had lost, but were not going to be killed, the thugs retreated as best as they could. The cheering crowd let the 'bad guys' go.
"Now we dance to celebrate," Tsukune said, still sounding like a bad script reading.
The crew new their stuff. They had been surprised and thrown off balance by what had happened, but as soon as Tsukune and Kurumu, wings and all, mounted the dance machine platform, they were ready to get on with the show. The music started to play and the dance began.
Tsukune was still filled with his youkai as he turned towards the dance machine. He was hypper aware of everything around him, but most of his attention was spent making sure that the attackers were gone. He felt Kurumu's youkai start to relax.
"Stay open until we get back stage," Tsukune whispered urgently. "We need to keep this look. I'll explain later."
"Alright," She replied.
With their youki energy up as they danced, Tsukune and Kurumu were both feeling the effects. The connection between them felt alive, making their connection more real then the empty air between them. Tsukune found it exciting. Kurumu found it intoxicating. The audience was ecstatic. When the last song ended Tsukune and Kurumu struck their finishing pose. They held the pose for minute while the crowd cheered and snapped pictures.
"For the dance," Tsukune called out, making the crowd cheer again. He grabbed Kurumu and pulled her into an impulsive kiss.
The crowd roared with approval. Before anybody could recover from their excitement, Tsukune took Kurumu by the hand and rushed her 'back stage.' As soon as they were behind the curtains he banished his transformation and headed for their belongings. He quickly pulled out their real riding jackets. After removing the ruined dance jacket he replaced it with his riding jacket.
"Tsukune?" Kurumu had banished her wings and her arm bands were back to normal, but her jacket was ruined. She discarded it in favor of her riding jacket. "What are we going to do? How are we going to explain this?"
"We were just putting on a show," Tsukune said. His mind was racing. Tsukune had known that his secrets could be exposed in the human world and had tried to invent stories to use to keep people from knowing the truth. He ran through all the stories he could think of, pulling pieces together. "It was just the kind of event that people love to watch."
"What the hell was that?" Their agent demanded when he found them. "What the hell happened?"
"Sorry," Tsukune said. "It was a last minute decision." Tsukune hurried over to the man and spoke to him in a low voice. "You can be angry all you want, but play along with me and you can still look good to the company."
"What are you saying?" The agent demanded. "I want to know what the hell just happened."
"So do I," Said the manager as he entered the 'back stage' area. With him was the lead crew member. "That stunt of yours wasn't in the script. What the hell were you thinking?"
"My fault," Tsukune said with a small bow. "Last show. Thought I would do something special."
"Special?" The manager yelled.
"I have a friend who is studying to be an engineer. His girlfriend is in the Drama Club," Tsukune told his story by making true statements as much as possible, even if they had nothing to do with the true topic at hand. "Kurumu had no idea what was going to happen."
"How did you...?" The leader of the tech crew gestured.
"Some things can be made to change color," Tsukune said. "It has to do with heat or cold."
"And the wings?" The man said.
"My friend studying to be an engineer understands things better then I do. Some material folds into tight bundles, but can be inflated into a larger shape. I'm afraid I ruined the jackets," Tsukune gestured to the rags in the corner. "It was a one time thing."
Kurumu was almost stunned. Tsukune was tense, but he was acting calm. His disjointed statements were coming out as an almost believable explanation of their transformation. She could see the questions and skepticism on the faces of the men questioning him. Fortunately Kurumu knew how she could help him. She concentrated on her voice, using a touch of Charm and Illusion.
"Please don't be upset with Tsukune," Kurumu said, moving up to hug his arm. "He was just trying to make sure today was extra special for me. Today is our last event and he knew it was important to me." Kurumu could feel Tsukune's youki flickering, making him glow from within, and knew he could tell that she was doing 'something.' "So you don't have to be upset. The audience really liked it. I bet that they are all going to go dance and play fighting games now, so the arcade owners will be happy too."
The men seamed to lose track of what they were asking Tsukune. Kurumu had successfully distracted them and soothed them. Tsukune could tell that Kurumu had used her talents, and the slightly unfocused eyes of the men that had been questioning him were proof that they were effected by her gifts. Tsukune gave Kurumu a relieved and thankful smile.
"We should go inside," Tsukune said. "We need to help draw in the customers."
Tsukune's words were enough of a reminder. There was a job to do after all. The crew could start breaking down the event equipment while Tsukune and Kurumu worked the crowd. Everybody headed to where the were supposed to be, although some of them were still a little unfocused at the moment. When Tsukune and Kurumu reappeared from 'back stage' there was more cheering from the people that had watched the show. All it took were some friendly smiles and waves for the couple to draw people into the arcade as they went.
The customers and on-lookers filled the arcade. Tsukune and Kurumu stayed together as they flitted from one machine to another. For every coin that Tsukune dropped into a machine, provided by the arcade, ten or twenty more came from eager customers. Tsukune overheard Kurumu, in her happy big sister act, giving romance advice to some younger girls. Likewise, a small pack of guys were hanging close to Tsukune, looking like they wanted advice but their egos wouldn't let them ask. He suddenly had an idea.
"Sweetheart," Tsukune said, drawing Kurumu into a hug.
"Awwww..." A chorus of girls sighed.
"Get some girls together," Tsukune bent close and whispered to Kurumu, looking like he was kissing her ear. "I'll get some of these guys, and we'll pair them up on the dance machines. We can call it a romance lesson."
"Alright," Kurumu answered in a low voice, with a sparkle in her eye.
Tsukune gestured to the pack to follow him over to a bank of crane games. He fished out a handful of coins from the arcade supplied pocket and fed the machines. At each one he used hand gestures to appoint one of his followers to set up and try his luck. While they were distracted, Tsukune had a quick word with an arcade employee, who quickly delivered a collection of stuffed animals from the resupply bag in the back. While only two of the six guys at the machines had any luck, Tsukune had more then enough cute dolls to go around. He rounded up his followers, and even picked up few more as he headed to the dance machines. Kurumu had a whole gaggle of giggling girls with her, listening to her advice on romance and boys when Tsukune and his followers arrived.
"Alright men," Tsukune said to his followers. "I need your help. Girls like to work in packs, and if they have us out numbered it can be hard to talk to any of them. What I need you to do is just walk up to one of the girls next to my girlfriend, offer her your stuffed toy, and say 'come dance with me.' If she says no, just walk away and try to smile. If you can thin them out a little, I can get my girlfriend back from them. Can I count on your help?"
The group of guys nodded and gave their nervous assent.
"We can do this," Tsukune said firmly. "For the dance. Keep telling yourself that, you can even say it to the girls. For the dance. Are you ready?" Tsukune saw their heads nodding. "For the dance," He said with a nod. "Let's go. For the dance."
Kurumu had to restrain herself from laughing, because that would have ruined the whole thing. Some of her girls were giggling nervously, but that was alright. Tsukune walked up to Kurumu with a smile while his followers flowed around him.
"My dear," Tsukune said with a small bow, holding out his hand to Kurumu. "Will you dance with me?"
Blushing, stammering, and all around nervous boys followed Tsukune's example to the best of their ability. Blushing, giggling, nervous and even embarrassed girls looked to Kurumu for guidance. Kurumu gave them a little smile and a nod even as she reached out and took Tsukune's hand.
"I would be happy to dance with you," Kurumu said with a bright smile.
The new couples would probably only last the evening, or the weekend at most. It was the environment that had put them together, but it was a starting place. They would be able to look back on that evening as a chance to peek into the world of romance. The arcade manager, a smart business man, announced that he would award prizes for the best scoring coupes, encouraging more spending, but also causing more then a few more couples to form, in the spirit of competition.
Tsukune and Kurumu managed one more dance on the new dance machine. After that they stood together beside the machine for a while, watching other couples dancing. It was kind of a romantic way to spend the evening, Kurumu thought.
The Manager found Tsukune and Kurumu when the event equipment was all broken down and loaded up. He let them know that there was going to be a party at the hotel if they wanted to attend, and if not, they would all be meeting at the office at ten Sunday morning. Tsukune and Kurumu agreed to meet them in the morning. They were free to hang out at the arcade, but Kurumu wanted Tsukune to herself, and he wanted to get away from the crowds. With a sense of relief, he rode Hiru back to the hotel.
Xxxxxxxxx
Kurumu was glad to get back to the hotel. She wanted to wash and eat something, the day had taken a lot of energy and she wanted to refresh herself while there was still time to set a date atmosphere with Tsukune. Kurumu was aware that Tsukune's tension from the previous day had not lessened. If anything, after the fight, Tsukune had seemed even more tense. His youki was still flickering under the surface, and she wasn't sure if it was because of the fight that was making Tsukune act so stiff, or of his tension was keeping his youki worked up. Kurumu felt that if she could build a good mood between them, then she could help him relax. This was their last weekend alone together, and Kurumu wanted it to be special, not just for the memories, but to help Tsukune think favorably of their time together, so that he might be willing to go on dates with her in the future.
Kurumu took it as a good sign that Tsukune dressed nicely after his shower. Slacks and a button down shirt were not what a man wore when he planed to watch television or just lounge about until he went to bed. As stiff as he was holding himself, he smiled appreciatively of Kurumu's simple red dress. Kurumu had one of her bands around her neck as a choker, while the other was hidden under her dress on her right thigh. Arm and arm, Tsukune and Kurumu visited a restaurant near the hotel. It was a nice place, with candles on the tables and low lighting. Kurumu approved of the romantic atmosphere, and thought that it added to the date mood that she wanted to build.
"What are you going to do now that the contract is over?" Kurumu asked Tsukune.
"I want to concentrate on school," Tsukune said honsetly. "The people there expect a lot of me, and I don't want to disappoint them. What do you want to do, now that the contract is over? This could be your chance to start your idol career."
"I'm going to take a break from performing," Kurumu said. "There is enough time for that after graduation. I am going to start researching more about cooking."
"You're already a great cook," Tsukune said.
"Thank you for saying so," Kurumu smiled. Tsukune's complements always made her happy. "But I want to learn about writing recipes and and magazine articles. You had a good idea last night, and I want to see if I can make it work."
"I'm sure you will be a success," Tsukune smiled warmly. "You write good articles for the school paper already."
"Thank you," Kurumu nodded. "But there is no competition at school."
Dinner was served then, bringing a break in the conversation for a moment. After eating enough to take the edge off his hunger, Tsukune gave Kurumu a mischievous smile. If Kurumu wanted to write about food, then she should be able to talk about it.
"If you were to write about our dinner," Tsukune gestured to the table, and then to the restaurant. "What would you say?"
Kurumu felt a moment of shock. Tsukune's question was unexpected, and his tone was serious. It took her a moment to think through what he meant by asking her such a thing, and then smiled as she understood. The rest of the meal was spent enjoying the food and talking about it in careful detail. Enough of their conversation was overheard by their waitress that she thought it was interesting enough to share with the cook. A rumor reached the manager about a critic visiting his restaurant, and thought that the serious young man must be undercover with his assistant, he had such an air of confidence and authority around him.
Tsukune looked up a the waitress as she delivered a desert that had not been ordered. The waitress gave a small bow and a smile as she set the plates in front of the couple. The young man's eyes had a hardness to them she normally only saw in senior executives. The young woman gave her a look that clearly said that the waitress was taking too long to leave.
"I was instructed to tell you," The waitress said with a blush. "That dinner tonight is complements of the management." She retreated from the table before the guests could respond.
Tsukune saw the manager standing near the kitchen doors. He was a man just shy of his middle years with a crisp appearance. He nodded once to Tsukune, who nodded back. Tsukune looked at Kurumu.
"Fan of yours?" Tsukune asked.
When dinner was over, Kurumu was a little resentful of the manager. His courtesy made relaxing and taking their time uncomfortable, so Tsukune and Kurumu headed back to the hotel. Kurumu did like walking with Tsukune under the city lights. It was definitely a date atmosphere kind of thing. Once back at the hotel, Tsukune hesitated before entering the lobby, making Kurumu wonder if he was feeling alright.
"That was a nice place for dinner," Kurumu said while taking the elevator to their floor. Tsukune's silence was starting to bother her. She kept talking all the way back to their room. "And not just because they let us eat for for free. I think I will practice doing reviews and write one for the next paper. Do you think that would be a good idea? If we do anything over the Summer Break I could write about any restaurants we go to also. I could save the articles in a scrap book for my portfolio. I can't start too soon If I am going to be serious about this. What do you think, Tsukune?"
"Kurumu," Tsukune said as he closed the door to their room.
"Yes," Kurumu was suddenly aware that she and Tsukune were alone, possibly for the last time.
"I need to tell you something," Tsukune faced her, his face was so tense it was like a mask.
"What is it, Tsukune?" Kurumu suddenly felt frightened, her heart grew cold.
"I know how you feel about me," Tsukune said. "I know that you love me. I can feel it every time we look at each other." He took a deep breath and blew it out. "But you know that I am already involved with... someone else."
"I told you, Tsukune," Kurumu felt herself on the edge of tears. "I don't care about that." Kurumu was afraid that he was going to give her the 'let's just be friends' speech.
"Kurumu please," Tsukune said. "I know what you said, but this is important. I need you to understand. I have made Ruby a part of my life. That will never change. Kurumu, I know that you love me, and that you are not the only one. I feel like some kind of beast, like I'm a failure as a man to not be able to be clear with my feelings. There most be something wrong with me, I keep thinking, because I can't be satisfied with just one person."
"Tsukune..." Kurumu tried to think of a way to encourage him, to let him know that she was alright with him the way he was.
"I'm sorry, Kurumu," Tsukune said. "I am not being fair to you. You tell me that you love me and I treat you like this. I can feel the fear and pain I am putting you through right now, and I am sorry. I want you to know, I don't ever want to hurt you, and I will understand if you have a change of heart because I am so weak." Tsukune sighed. "But tonight, Kurumu, I have to say this. I need you to understand how I feel."
"Tsukune..." Kurumu was ready to beg him to stop before he broke her heart. She was about to run away, so that she wouldn't have to hear him call her a friend, but Tsukune took her hand in his.
"Kurumu," Tsukune said in a gentle voice. "I love you."
Tsukune's words hit Kurumu like thunder. Her entire body was struck by the force of his words, driving the breath from her lungs and making her tremble. She looked into Tsukune's face and saw that the tension was gone, replaced by concern and even a touch of fear. Understanding sank into Kurumu's mind. Tsukune had been trying to explain his feelings because he wanted to be honest. He wanted to protect Kurumu from being hurt by what he thought was a failing on his part. Tsukune was ready to sacrifice a part of his own happiness for her sake. Kurumu could reject him for being weak and he would accept it. It was his kindness, compassion, and sense of responsibility that had been holding him back. The very things that Kurumu loved him for.
"Tsukune," Kurumu questioned. "Do you mean that?"
"Yes," Tsukune nodded.
"You love me," Kurumu pressed. "Not as a friend, not as family, but as a woman?"
"Kurumu," Tsukune said earnestly. "I don't know when or why, but I realized that I am in love with you."
"Tsukuneeeee," Kurumu cried happily as she threw herself at Tsukune. She hugged him tightly while tears of joy ran down her face.
Tsukune accepted Kurumu's excited hug and embraced her in turn. Her happiness radiated from her, as warm as sunlight, making Tsukune glow from within. A part of Tsukune would always accuse himself of being weak, of being a beast and a failure. Tsukune knew that, but he also knew that Kurumu was happy because of him, and he could not believe that bringing this kind of joy to somebody could be all bad. He bent his head lower and as Kurumu looked up, they kissed.