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, than you should not read this.

Chapter 119

Ruby and Tsukune quickly discovered that the old manor had been carefully restored and furnished. A quick look in the kitchen told Ruby that she would have to collect the smaller appliances from the old house after all, but that wouldn't take much effort. Tsukune helped carry the boxes into the kitchen, and as Ruby unpacked them, he folded them flat and took them away. After a trip for the smaller appliances that she asked for, he left Ruby to the task of organizing the kitchen and went to unpack his own things.

The Master Bedroom was significantly larger then then the bedroom Tsukune had just vacated. He had found that it was fully furnished, with a four-poster bed almost as big as the one he had shared with Kurumu during their hotel stays. Another improvement over the old place was the fact that the master bedroom had its own water closet and bathroom. The bathroom was only a little larger then the one at the little village house, but that extra space, and a little more floor space besides, was taken up by a larger bathtub. After a quick look around, Tsukune set to the task of unpacking.

"I seriously dislike that man," Tsukune grumbled, looking into the closet he had just opened.

Tsukune didn't have much in the way of personal effects to worry about. He had as much as he did because of his time with Kurumu, who had insisted he have some extra clothing that met her definition of 'nice' for when they went to their early dancing job meetings. Beyond that, he just had a few uniforms and some casual clothes to hang up in the closet, along with his riding suit. When Tsukune opened the closet he discovered that the Board Chairman, or at least that was who Tsukune suspected, had already arranged for clothing to be there. There was a black suit in the closet, like the ones worn by the Board Chairman's personal staff of enforcers, hanging next to an outfit that resembled the old Public Safety Commission's uniform for Tsukune's tastes. The offending uniform was a black blazer, trousers and tie with a white shirt. There was a version of the school uniform done in white with black trim also in the closet. Tsukune had the urge to throw the pair of strange uniforms out the window. In addition to the bonus outfits, Tsukune discovered four complete school uniforms in his size, that had all the extras. Each one had a student police arm band, with the three starts of rank, stitched into place, on both the blazer jacket and the shirt, and also the red shoulder braid that was a part of the local police uniform. One uniform was made completely out of silk. Tsukune felt himself shudder as he looked at it.

Tsukune gave a resigned sigh. He could use the new uniforms to get him through the festival weekend of playing host. Beyond that, his regular academy life would probably claim them at some point, reducing them to rags. As he put his things away, Tsukune considered wearing the silk uniform on Mondays, to hurry its demise. Once he had everything in the bedroom put away, Tsukune did a little house exploring. He had not explored the entire house the day he had first found it, letting his friends do most of the snooping, and it had been over a year since then, so there was plenty to discover, including that he would want to move some furniture.

The entire house had been furnished in a western style. On the ground floor, in addition to the dining room, there were two additional rooms. One was a sitting room, with comfortable chairs and a couch, along with coffee tables, arranged in a semi circle, facing a fireplace. Why the room had a stocked bar, Tsukune couldn't even guess. The other bonus room had been made into a guest room with a pair of single beds, a pair of chairs, and a table. On the second floor, Tsukune found the three additional bedrooms were also fully furnished. The servant quarters up stairs, there were four of them, each had a single bed, a table and chair, and a closet. When Tsukune considered the arrangement of the house, and some of the embarrassing things he had found, he decided to do some redecorating.

XX XX cc bb aa o.o

Ruby concentrated on getting the kitchen in order. It was a fair sized kitchen, and she looked forward to using it. Her first priority was to get it in order so that she could prepare dinner. As it was she was going to have to cut a few corners to have even a simple meal ready on time. After dinner she would have to start in on getting herself unpacked and moved in. As she worked in the kitchen, she could hear Tsukune moving about upstairs. She wondered what he was doing that made some heavy thumps, but would have to find out later.

Ruby was glad to discover that the house came complete with most of the things she could need. While putting the kitchen in order she discovered that there was three sets of dishes. Two were of very fine craftsmanship, obviously meant for use in the formal dining room. The third sent was simple, likely for daily use for the staff, or for informal occasions. There were also multiple sets of tableware. Ruby thought it would be amusing to see Tsukune's reaction when he found out there was a drawer filled with gold knives, forks, and spoons. There was also a set in silver, stainless steel, and of carved bamboo. It made perfect sense to Ruby to have the different sets of tableware. Some youkai were sensitive to things like silver or other metals. When she set the table for Tsukune's supper, she had been tempted to use the gold tableware and the finest china dishes, but decided against it. He was already tense, and she didn't think he could take much teasing at the moment. Instead, Ruby settled on simple serviceable dishes, arranged just for him, at the head of the formal dining table.

XxXxXx

Tsukune gave Ruby a dirty look when he saw how she had set the table for dinner. He knew for a fact, from when he was carrying in boxes, that there was a small dining nook off of the kitchen, so there was no need to use the fancy dining room when it was just the two of them. Especially when Ruby had not set a place for herself at the table.

"Ruby," Tsukune sighed.

"Yes master?" Ruby answered.

"When it's just us," Tsukune said. "We can eat together in the kitchen. There is no need to be fancy."

"But master," Ruby protested. "It is my wish to serve you."

"Here's what I want," Tsukune said, trying to be firm. "When it is just you and I, we can eat together in the kitchen, like a couple."

He watched Ruby light up excitedly at his words. Tsukune didn't like himself for being manipulative, but it was the easiest way to get what he wanted without just issuing orders. He had enough people in his life that needed to be bossed around, with the Student Police and his assorted committees. Tsukune didn't want to have to keep it up all the time.

"When our friends are here," Tsukune continued. "We can use this room to eat together. You can still serve me if you like, but you are still a part of the group. While we are 'hosting guests," Tsukune said with a roll of his eyes. "Then you can wear a maid uniform and be the proper servant. Just try not to over do it. Alright?"

"Yes master," Ruby agreed, her face beaming.

"Now," Tsukune said, clearing his throat for the dramatic impact of it. "I've tried to get other people to take over some of my responsibilities for the rest of the week, so I should be able to have everything I need done before the festival starts and the guests arrive. But if we are going to be hosting the guests here, we have to make sure everything is ready for them."

"Yes master," Ruby nodded.

"I'll be going to school tomorrow," Tsukune said. "I want you to work on the house. Get your things unpacked, and your room in order, and find out if we need anything for the rest of the house. It looked to me like the bedrooms and bathrooms and everything are in order, but I want you to make sure. If you think we need anything, let me know tomorrow after school, and we'll try to get it."

"Yes master," Ruby nodded again.

"Thank you," Tsukune gave her a nod before turning his full attention on his dinner. He was hungry.

Ruby found Tsukune to be a frustrating man to love. If it could have been just the two of them, she knew that she would have been happy to be by his side forever as his wife. She was content to be his slave, to be under his protection and to serve him in any way possible. The problem was that he kept blurring the lines of their relationship. He treated her as a friend, and an equal, without thinking about it. After he had finished eating, Tsukune helped clear the table, and even tried to help with washing the dishes. It was all Ruby could do to get him to just get him to sit and watch, instead of trying to help. A part of the reason it took so much effort was because she liked the idea of being beside him. When she had finished putting the dishes away, Tsukune threw her another curve.

"Let me show you to your rooms," Tsukune said, leading the way from the kitchen.

"You don't have to," Ruby protested.

"I do," Tsukune corrected her. "I'm the one who carried your things in."

"Alright," Ruby agreed. She had to admit that it would be nice to know where her things were.

Ruby was surprised when, instead of going to the top floor where the servant quarters were, Tsukune lead her down the hall of the second floor. For a moment Ruby wondered if Tsukune had tried to install her in the master suite. It wouldn't be proper if he was trying to be gallant and give her the best room in the house. It wouldn't be proper if he intended to share the room ether, but the thought did make her smile a little.

"My room's through there," Tsukune pointed to the door to the master bedroom. Then he opened the door across the hall from his room. "You'll get these rooms."

He walked through the doorway and Ruby followed him. She looked around the room, seeing her boxes stacked neatly. Through the open door to an adjoining room, Ruby saw a bed. With a puzzled look for Tsukune, she investigated the two rooms. She took in the furniture and the arrangement of the rooms.

"Tsukune?" Ruby questioned.

"Yes," Tsukune said with a curt nod. "I know what the rooms are supposed to be for. I put the furniture up stairs. We don't need a nursery, and we sure don't need a crib and highchair."

"But the servant quarters..." Ruby began.

"Are where I say they are," Tsukune cut her off.

He was getting cranky and tired, and didn't want to bicker. Having a nursery set up was embarrassing. He was in high school for gods' sake. It also seemed mean to make Ruby live in the tiny rooms up stairs when there was plenty of space in the house. He knew that Ruby would argue, because of her preconceived notions of how she should be treated as a servant, but he had his counter argument ready. If he hadn't been on edge, Tsukune would have presented his reasoning a little better, and more politely.

"If you're going to be serving me," Tsukune groused. "Then I don't need you hiding out in the attic. This will be close enough if I need you, but still properly modest. Now, I have made sure that my bathroom was ready. Grab what you need and come on." Tsukune started for the door to the hall. "Let's get washed up. I know your room isn't ready yet so you can sleep with me tonight."

Ruby stood in quiet shock for a moment as Tsukune's words ran through her mind. He was being strict and demanding with her, and she liked it. Then the meaning of his words sank in. Thankful that she had labeled her boxes, Ruby hurried to find what she needed and followed Tsukune's orders. She was more then willing to obey, and she had just the perfect nightgown to wear to bed.

XX xx XX xx

Moka wasn't sure how she should feel. Tsukune had been handed extra responsibilities, meaning he was going to be even more over worked. There was a sense of pride in knowing how capable he was, but it was depressing to think that he would have even less time for her. He had been made the representative of the school, which was an important position, and moved to the manor house so that he could be host to the Board Chairman's special guests. His social status was the highest in the school. Moka didn't like how his status moved him away from her. He had told her, and his other friends that he was changing houses, but it had made Moka feel lonely when the school day let out and she returned to the village, and saw that the house next to hers was already vacant.

Moka had a hard time sleeping Monday night. She and Ura-chan had talked for hours about what Tsukune's new roll meant, for him and for themselves. They still had not identified what had changed in the seal that made it easier for them to communicate, and kept the Inner Moka from being forced to slumber most of the time, but they were glad they cold talk so freely. The two Mokas had comforted each other as the thought about Tsukune being moved even a little out of reach.

XxXxX

Kurumu woke Tuesday with a desire to bite something. She didn't like sharing her Tsukune with anybody. It was bad enough having to share him with Moka and Ruby, and even Mizore, because there were all a part of the same tight little group. But now she was going to have to share him with total strangers. Kurumu had looked out of the window at the vacant and dark house that Tsukune had occupied and felt a hollow sensation. She was being irrational, Kurumu knew. Tsukune was just a little further away then before. It wasn't much different then when they had still lived in the dorms. She also had her bond with him. She could close her eyes and point in his direction, and could feel the beating of his heart. Even with her connection to Tsukune, the night had somehow felt more lonely with him moved down to the end of the street.

XxXXxxX

Mizore's people were calm and capable hunters. Patience was something she had, and knew the value of. Tsukune's promotion to school representative didn't bother her as much as the others, She had sworn that she would follow Tsukune anywhere he went, no mater who he chose to spend his life with. His being moved to the manor house at the end of the street was only a minor inconvenience to her. She was still more then capable of spying on Tsukune in his new home. She knew that Tsukune was working himself far too hard, but that was a part of the reason she loved him. He was dedicated to his friends, and to his school mates, and to doing the right thing. Mizore would support him to the best of her ability, and when he was ready to take a break, she would be there to comfort and support him all the more. If things kept on as they have been, by the time Tsukune graduated, he would be exhausted. Mizore would comfort him and offer him a pampered, restful vacation at her village, where she would take such good care of him that he would never want to leave her side. Mizore watched the lights go out in Tsukune's new bedroom with a smile, before seeking her own bed and surrendering to pleasant dreams.

XxXx O.o xXxX

Tsukune couldn't help but notice how Moka and Kurumu clung to him as the walked to school the first morning after he had moved into the manor house. It felt a little strange to him. A part of the strangeness was the lack of their usual bickering and banter. Once Tsukune and his friends reached the school, he didn't have time to worry about the way Kurumu and Moka were acting. While it was different from their normal habits, it wasn't unheard of for them to act a little off when they were thinking or worrying about something.

Tsukune's focus was on his responsibilities. First and foremost was his school work. The sudden move had messed up his study times Monday night, which put him in an uncomfortable spot in class when called upon. Between classes, members from his committees wanted to talk to him, to reassure themselves that while he was delegating rolls to others, he was still going to be around if needed. The Student Police at least had a chain of command to help keep it organized when Tsukune was not immediately available. And given his history of getting hurt, it was a good thing. When Tsukune could, he kept an eye on his friends, because he didn't want the stress of the pre-festival atmosphere getting them down.

When Tsukune returned to the manor he was glad to hear from Ruby that she felt everything was in order. She even had the tower study / library set up for him. While most of the shelves were empty, Tsukune didn't think it was worth worrying about. He would only be using the manor until graduation at most, so there was no need for him to get attached to any of the rooms, or to worry about filling every shelf and cupboard. He did like the size of the desk for doing his studying though. He settled in to catch up on his school work until Ruby called him for supper. After eating, Tsukune returned to his studies.

It was late evening when Tsukune tossed his pen down on the desk. He was caught up with his school work, and even had some confidence that he had done a good job. He leaned back in the chair stretched. Tsukune had to take a moment to figure out what he should do next. He had been pushing so hard, trying to do so much, that to suddenly have a free moment felt strange. It didn't help that the time was just late enough that it would be inconsiderate to visit Moka or Kurumu. Tsukune thought briefly about checking on the Student Police, but decided against it. The best thing he could do, Tsukune figured, would be to go to bed a little early and get some rest. He spared a moment to make sure his bag was packed for school in the morning before getting up from the desk.

"Ruby," Tsukune called out as he walked down the hall.

"Here master," Ruby called from her rooms.

"I'm about to take a bath," Tsukune said.

"Just a moment," Ruby called back.

Tsukune could hear her moving around. Her steps sounded against the floor as she dashed about. She pulled the door open and smiled brightly.

"Master," Ruby said. "Could I ask for your help. I need to decide which uniform to wear for our guests."

"Alright," Tsukune said with a nod. "Show me what you have."

"Thank you," Ruby smiled.

She took Tsukune by the hand and pulled her into the room. The rooms that Tsukune had given her were, by design, intended to be used as a nursery, with one room for a baby or small child to sleep in, and the other when the child would receiving lessons or play, or where the mother could spend her time while being close to the nursery. Ruby had turned the sitting room into her sewing room. She placed Tsukune in a chair and ducked into her new bedroom to change. She didn't bother telling Tsukune not to peek, because she knew he wouldn't. She didn't bother telling him that he could, because even though she wanted him to, she knew he wouldn't.

Tsukune wasn't sure how he should respond to Ruby's ideas for a maid uniform. He suspected that she already had a uniform in mind, and was ether looking for his endorsement, or was just playing dress-up to get attention. With the time to spare, Tsukune settled in to see how things would go. It wasn't as if it would hurt him any to see what Ruby wanted to show him.

"First I want to show you this uniform," Ruby said.

Ruby came out of her bedroom dressed in a kimono of blue-gray with a red sash. It was a traditional uniform of a Japanese serving woman. Her face was powdered white, with red lip paint. Ruby's hair was piled on top of her head in a simple bun. She came out of her room at a slow walk, stopping to bow low before Tsukune.

"Do you find this uniform pleasing, Master?" Ruby asked in a formal tone.

"It looks nice," Tsukune said honestly. He tilted his head back and forth for a moment. "Bit it doesn't really mach the house."

"Yes master," Ruby replied.

She retreated back to her bedroom. Tsukune did like the kimono, but it was so different from Ruby's usual style that he didn't think it would suit her. Moka was the one he liked to imagine in a kimono. Before Tsukune could get too lost in thought, Ruby reappeared. Her second uniform was like a Victorian maid. She had on a black dress that covered her from neck to wrists to ankles, with a white apron that covered most of her front. There was only a little lace at the cuffs and hem line, and a white bonnet contained her hair.

"It fits," Tsukune said with a nod.

"Thank you master," Ruby bobbed in a small curtsy.

"I don't know..." Tsukune mused.

"I'll show you the next one," Ruby said before withdrawing again.

Tsukune wondered how Ruby was doing her hair and makeup, and changing clothes so fast. She returned quickly in a costume that looked like it had just come out of a maid cafe. The frilly layered skirts only covered her down to mid thigh, while the top was cut low in front with short sleeves. Ruby even had on cat ears and an oversized bell hanging from a collar.

"No," Tsukune said when he saw the uniform.

"But..." Ruby tried to say.

"No," Tsukune repeated. "Hell no."

"Awww," Ruby pouted as she went back to her bedroom

Ruby's next uniform was meant as a joke. She had wanted to tease Tsukune a little, and maybe inspire him to imagine her in sexy outfits. Looking back, she should have considered how serious he took his responsibilities, and how much pressure he was under. Ruby had to admit that her joke was a bad idea, but at the same time, there was a measure of success as well. She had pranced out of the bedroom in a tiny halter top and a micro mini skirt, in a pair of high heeled boots that rose to mid thigh.

"Master..." Ruby had started to say in a seductive voice.

"Don't you even think about it," Tsukune growled as he got up from the chair. "I don't know what you're trying to do..." Tsukune pushed past Ruby and went into her room.

Tsukune had been pushing hard for the last few weeks with all of his work. He had been making decisions for people that couldn't, or wouldn't make up their own minds. Ruby had asked for his opinion and then wasted his time trying to dress sexy. In a flash of irritation Tsukune went in to Ruby's personal space and pulled open her closet. Ruby felt on the edge of panic. There were some things in that closet that Ruby was not ready for Tsukune to see. One such outfit seemed to draw Tsukune's eyes instantly.

Tsukune felt ridiculous as he looked into Ruby's closet. A part of him was angry at his own actions, and he felt a little embarrassed as well. Part of his embarrassment was from the first thing Tsukune recognized. Not believing his eyes, Tsukune reached out and touched the copy of his Student Police uniform, noting that it had been cut to fit Ruby. Tsukune gave her a questioning look before turning his attention back to the contents of the closet. He quickly noticed that Ruby had a full set of Youkai Academy girl's uniforms. That actually made sense to Tsukune, because he knew how badly Ruby wanted to fit in and feel like she belonged somewhere. Tsukune decided to stay away form the boxes and garment bags, and kept his attention on the clothes he could see freely.

Ruby was relieved when Tsukune left her room. She liked watching him be commanding, but his sudden intrusion into her closet had been embarrassing. In the end, Ruby had a uniform that she knew she would wear with pride, because her master had picked it out for her. A sky blue blouse, navy blue skirt that reached past her knees, and a white apron.

"Start with this," Tsukune had handed her the selected items. "You should be able to handle the rest." Tsukune left the room without saying anything else.

Ruby lay the selected clothes aside and followed Tsukune. Once he was soaking in the bath, Ruby returned to her room and turned her attention to the outfit that Tsukune had picked out. His instructions had been to "start" with the clothes he had picked out. Ruby did just that. She started with the apron, and moved on from there. She left her work only long enough to make sure her master made it to bed and had no other instructions for her. Careful not to make too much noise, Ruby was up most of the night, at work in her sewing room. She started with what Tsukune had picked out, and put together a uniform she thought would please him.