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 136
Tsukune faced Friday with grim determination. Exams were half over. Because Kurumu was feeling anxious, about the exams and her new job, they had stayed up late holding hands and talking. They didn't talk about anything important. It had just been a time spent enjoying closeness without pressure or expectations. Tsukune knew that the sleep he had given up could cost him later, but someone he loved had needed his time and attention. As he walked to school, Tsukune and his friends were equally quiet in their thoughts.
The seriousness in the air clashed with anticipation for the winter break. Yukari was almost manic as she studied while walking to class. Moka was focused on the exams, serious about doing the best she could, with an occasional grimace as she argued with herself. Mizore walked along, as quiet as usual, keeping as close as she could to Tsukune without disturbing him. Kurumu, feeling unprepared for what lay ahead, twirled a finger in her hair while frowning at the ground.
The tension in the air touched the whole school. For the first year students, the exams were just a barrier between them and Winter Break. For the second years, it was more of a chore to be endured. The third year students knew that they were running out of time. Their days as high school students, the remainder of what little life they had resembling childhood was nearly gone. Entrance exams, final exams, interviews, and adulthood with all of its trials and expectations, were closer than ever.
By lunch time the students were ready to let off some nervous energy. All in and around the cafeteria, the air was filled with voices. Even the dumbest jokes were getting laughs as everybody tried to relax, or at least be less preoccupied about what was still to come, or how they had done so far. When the twins brought Tsukune his mail and reports they lingered a little, exchanging pleasantries with the members of the Newspaper Club, seeking a moment of distraction. The lunch break was over all too soon for the nervous students, some of them having no appetite because of the tension they were feeling.
XxxX
Kurumu set her pencil down very carefully. She had just finished the last question of the last exam for the term. She quietly collected her things, wishing she could talk to Tsukune, but some people were still taking the test so no talking was going to be allowed. She carried her bag with her as she walked up to the teacher's desk. She put her test and answer sheet on the desk, and after a last look and a smile for Tsukune, she turned towards the door. She had appointments to keep and a career to build. Kurumu mentally called out for Norra and headed to the front entrance of the school.
XxxXxxX
"Yahoo," Yukari pranced as she headed for the school gates.
"What's with you?" Mizore asked the little witch coolly.
"Geeze," Yukari rolled her eyes. "Isn't it obvious. The exams are over, and I kicked ass. We're on break so we have time to have fun for a change. And the best part is the boob monster isn't here. I bet she ran away because she failed so bad... Hey!" Yukari's words ended in a shout as her hat went flying.
"That's enough," Tsukune snapped. He had knocked her hat off to get her to stop talking and start thinking. For a genius, she was still dumb about her friends. "Yukari, I know you're just relieved that the tests are over, but please show some consideration for your friends. Kurumu is not here right now, where she would like to be, because she has a job to do. She is trying to start a career she can be proud of, and that is going to take a lot of effort and sacrifice."
"Awww," Yukair pouted as she reclaimed her hat. "I was just..."
"I know," Tsukune said, his voice shifting to a more gentle tone. "I know. You just need to think things through a little more."
"I'm sorry," Yukari brushed off her hat. "I'll try..." She was cut off by a hurried shout.
"Tsukune..." Ruby called out from above. She dropped from the sky, her wings barely slowing her descent. "Tsukuine, your cousin just called. Your mother's had an accident. Your cousin said to call..."
Before Ruby could finish talking, Tsukune turned and sprinted for the phones that would connect to the outside world. The others hurried to follow after him.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Kyouko paced back and forth in frustration. Her aunt had taken a bad fall and had gone to the hospital. Kyouko had not heard about it until late Thursday night when she had gotten home from work. Her uncle had called to ask Kyouko to help out after he had brought Kasumi home from the hospital. When Kyouko arrived Friday afternoon she wanted to chew out her uncle for not telling her the whole story up front.
Kasumi's tumble had hurt her knee and ankle badly. It was too soon to tell how badly the knee was injured, but the ankle was clearly broken. The good news was that the Emergency Department doctor didn't think surgery would be needed. Kyouko had found out how badly her aunt had been injured only after she had arrived, finding Kasumi struggling with crutches in the kitchen. With some persuasion, after seeing Kasumi safely in place on the couch with a cup of tea, Kyouko was able to get her aunt to give up the contact information for Tsukune's school.
Kyouko had called the school knowing it was unlikely that Tsukune would be anywhere close to a phone at his strange school. An operator had answered on the second ring. After Kyouko explained that she needed to contact a student about a family emergency, the operator had connected her with another office. Kyouko had been surprised that the next person she spoke to was Ruby. She gave Tsukune's weird friend a quick explanation and told her to have Tsukune call home right away. Kasumi, while Kyouko was waiting for her cousin to call back, kept protesting that she was fine and that there was no need to bother Tsukune at school. While the pair of Aono women argued politely the phone rang.
"Hello," Kyouko answered the phone. "Aono res..."
"Kyouko," Tsukune cut her off. "What happened? Where's mother? Is she alright?"
"Tsukkie," Kyouko replied. She talked quickly, letting her frustration make her words run ahead of her thinking. "There was an accident. Your mother had to go to the hospital, but she's home now. She's hurt and can't walk. She told me you're starting your Winter break. I have work, so you need to come home and take care of her."
"Shit!" Tsukune spat. "I'll be home in two hours, give or take. Ruby..." Click...
Kyouko looked at the phone after Tsukune had hung up. Tsukune had been concerned about his mother, which was good, but he had been so abrupt, almost rude. She was going to have to try to talk to him when he got home.
"Kyouko," Kasumi said from her place on the couch. "You shouldn't have told Tsukune like that. I can still take care of myself."
"Aunty," Kyouko argued. "Tsukkie's still in school. He should have the good sense to come home for the break anyway. Uncle and I have work, so we can't help you all day. Tsukkie's got nothing better to do, so he could at least come home and help out. Any assignments he has to work on he can do here better than there anyway, because he won't be wasting time with his friends."
"But he's been working so hard..." Kasumi protested.
"But probably at all the wrong things," Kyouko countered. "Now you just relax, and I'll see what I can do about dinner."
"But..." Kasumi tried to argue. She knew Kyouko's heart was in the right place, but her cooking skills...
XXXXXXXXX XXXX
"Ruby," Tsukune called out as he hung up the phone. "We're going home."
"Master?" Ruby replied.
"Tsukune," Moka questioned. "What's wrong?"
"It's my mother," Tsukune explained, walking quickly for the village. "She was in some kind of accident. Kyouko said that she can't walk. I need to get home and find out how bad things really are."
As Tsukune hurried back to the village his mind was racing. Kyouko had said his mother had been in an accident and had to go to the hospital. If his mother was home already there was a chance the injury wasn't very bad. But doubt haunted him. Kyouko had told Tsukune when his mother had gotten hurt. His father had not been mentioned, but nor had he called. Did he not call because he didn't think things were that bad? Perhaps dad didn't know yet. He had been forced to take sudden short business trips in the past. But what if his father had been hurt too, Tsukune wondered. His father might still be in the hospital. It would explain why he had not called Tsukue, and why he didn't need help being taken care of at home. Kyouko had only said that Tsukune's mother needed help.
Tsukune hurried to the village. Once he reached the manor he was ready to go in five minutes. There were only a few things he needed to collect. Ruby took another ten minutes to get ready, because she needed to change out of her skirts and to throw some things into a bag. Once she was ready she hurried out to find Tsukune already sitting in the saddle on Hiru. The motorcycle was growling with anticipation. Tsukune shared some of his youki and nervous energy with Hiru, and now she was looking forward to a good run. Once Ruby was safely in place behind Tsukune and holding on tight, they were off.
Tsukune's usual careful patience was not in evidence. The trip from the village to the tunnel leading out from under the barrier was taken at a freeway speeds. Hiru dove into the tunnel with an excited growl, welcoming a chance to run. Out in the human world, on the paved roads used daily by people who were mostly unaware of the true wonders all around them, Hiru ran. Tsukune's hands were firm, directing the creature.
The first two jumps went smoothly, but then they started to run into traffic. The black motorcycle weaved through cars with supernatural agility. When a train had forced traffic to stop, Tsukune directed Hiru among the cars until he was up to the gate, along with a pack of other motorcycles.
When the train was past and the gate lifted, it signaled the start of an impromptu race. Tsukune was in the lead with two more riders close behind. Four more were following in a line. Tsukune was aware that he was well beyond the posted speed limit at that moment, but didn't really care. As he rode on, he could feel the excitement of the impromptu race coming from some of the other riders. He realized that the ones closest to him were youkai.
At the next light, he allowed himself a moment to notice some details about the other riders. The one on his right was a big looking man with dreadlocks, a square jaw, and chain of small skulls around his neck. He rode a cruiser with exaggerated pipes. He gave Tsukune a thumbs up and a grin that was friendly, in spite of the rows of sharp teeth. To Tsukune's left, on a light street bike of pink and black, was a tiny rider. She was dressed like a punk rocker from a catholic girls school. The only reason her bike was able to keep up was because she was so small. The only reason she was able reach the ground was her pink and black, glitter splashed, platform boots.
Tsukune was wondering what was taking the light so long to change. He had exchanged greetings with the two youkai riders, and declined an invitation to hang out, and still had time to frown at the red light. He was beginning to chafe about the wait when the light finally changed. With a twist of the wrist, Tsukune sent Hiru charging forward, and the race was on again. Minutes later, Tsukune took a sharp right turn, leaning Hiru almost on her side as they rounded the corner, into a narrow street beside a shrine. Ruby squeezed Tsukune tightly but refused to cry out, in either fear or excitment. Over-shadowed by thick tree branches crossing overhead, the narrow street was like a tunnel where it crossed an alley. Hiru reached the nexus point and jumped.
XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX
Kasumi tried to protect her kitchen. She gave Kyouki a few minutes before calling out to her. Each time she had some small excuse, asking for something to make her more comfortable. Once, Kasumi used her crutches to get up, banging against the coffee table as she did, only to have her niece hurry out of the kitchen to treat her like a brittle old woman out of her desire to be supportive and caring. Kasumi knew she just needed to stall Kyouko from making too much of a mess in the kitchen until her husband came home. He was supposed to be picking up some take-out food on the way. A trip to the water closet managed to keep Kyouko from trying to cook things for almost forty minutes.
Kasumi was running out of ideas. She had tried logic, but it had fallen on deaf ears. Kyouko was as head strong as the rest of the family and determined to prove herself. Kasumi had tea, a magazine, the television remote, a pillow, a blanket, a second pillow, and even a bag of ice for her knee. She could hear Kyouko starting to chop something in the kitchen. If she didn't distract the girl soon, she might actually cook something, and that would be a waste of food. When she heard water filling a pot, Kasumi gave a resigned sigh, and hoped there was enough antacid in the house. An idea struck. Kasumi was about to call out to Kyouko again, to send the girl to the store for some antacid, that should get her away from the kitchen for nearly an hour, but then there came the sound of the door opening.
"I'm home," Tsukune called out as he stepped into the house. "Mother? Kyouko?"
"Come on in," Kasumi called back happily. Tsukune could distract his cousin for a while. "I'm in the living room." She turned her head to the kitchen. "Kyouko, come and greet Tsukune."
"Just a moment," Kyouko called back.
XxX
Kyouko was almost at her wits' end. She was having the hardest time getting dinner ready because her aunt kept needing her help. She had the cabbage chopped, the rice soaking, and a pot heating up for cooking, but that was as far as she had gotten. Now Tsukune was home, and he would probably want to just run out to the convenience store or cook something instant. Kyouko never did understand why some people insisted on being lazy, and even wasting money, when cooking something was so easy. She knew that she was a good enough cook. She cooked for herself, and had fixed meals for her cousin lots of times. Tsukune was just too spoiled to eat perfectly healthy food when it was made for him, preferring the kind of artificially flavored, mass produced stuff from take-out places.
Kyouko was intent on cooking dinner. She was about to start chopping carrots when an excited shout came from the living room. With a frustrated sigh, she put down the knife and went to see what was wrong now. In spite of the warning she had been given, Kyouko was surprised to see Tsukune standing in the living room. She was even more surprised to see that Ruby was with him.
XxX
Tsukune was feeling better. Once he had gotten home it had not taken long to get the whole story from his mother. It had been a simple misstep that had caused her to get hurt. It would take her weeks to heal, but that was normal. He couldn't stay for the break as his mother would have liked, or his cousin insisted, but he could still make sure she would be alright. The first thing he did was send Ruby into the kitchen to take care of dinner. Seeing his cousin in an apron, holing a carrot, was more disturbing to Tsukune than seeing some of his school mates looking at him with hunger in their eyes.
xx
Kasumi was smiling as she talked with her son. He had come home so quickly, and had looked so serious and concerned, that she couldn't help but be happy. She was so proud of the way he was growing up. And her son had brought Ruby home as well, giving Kasumi even more to smile about. Ruby was such a sweet girl, and they got along so well. As an added bonus, the girl was a wonderful cook. When Tsukune had asked Ruby to take care of dinner, Kasumi was filled with relief. Her kitchen was saved and there would be a good meal for the family as well.
xx
Kyouko wanted to kick something. Her cousin was so thick headed. He talked to his mother as if the woman had not been nearly hospitalized for a broken leg. Tsukune didn't seem the least bit worried that his mother was going to need constant care for weeks, maybe months, until she was better. What really frustrated Kyouko was the way her aunt was so happy. The woman was as bad as her son. Now that Ruby was in the kitchen, Kasumi called her husband to tell him not to pick up dinner on the way home after all. It was as if she didn't believe Kyouko could have made dinner for them.
And then Tsukune's cell phone had started ringing. She didn't know who her cousin was talking to, but he told them that he was home for a 'small' family emergency. As Kyouko listened, she heard Tsukune explaining to whomever was on the phone that he didn't have the time to visit them, because he had to get back to school. As he talked, explaining the way things were, as he saw them, Kyouko couldn't help but notice the way her cousin looked happy to be talking with whoever had called him. He even ended the call with affection.
"Tsukune," Kyouko said to him as soon as he put the phone back in his pocket. "What do you mean you have to get back to school? You need to stay here and take care of your mother."
"I'm not that injured," Kasumi protested, but the younger woman paid no attention.
"It may not be that bad over the weekend," Kyouko went on. "But your father and I have jobs, so we can't be available all the time."
"Kyouko," Tsukune tried to explain calmly. "I have a lot to do. I'd stay if I had the time."
"Please," Kyouko scoffed. "You're still in school. You just want to get back to your girlfriend. If you had brought your books you could do your assignments here and stay for the whole break."
"It's not like that," Tsukune argued. "I didn't plan this trip. I have to take care of things if I am going to be away for a day or more."
"It's alright," Kasumi said. "I'll be fine, and Tsukune has been working so hard..."
"It's not alright," Kyouko huffed. She glared at her cousin. "Give me one good reason why you can't just stay home?" It was a challenge. She wanted to see if Tsukune could explain why that strange school of his, where he should never be in the first place, was so much more important than staying home to look after his mother.
"I have responsibilities," Tsukune started to say.
"Name one," Kyouko pressed. "Name one 'responsibility' that can't wait even a few days."
"I have to be on duty with the Student Police in the morning," Tsukune said flatly. "I made a commitment and I have not had the time to arrange somebody to cover for me. Besides the Student Police, I have a job schedule that I have to follow. I can't just assume somebody will cover for me. What about you? You're still working retail right now aren't you? If mom was so badly hurt couldn't you ask someone to help cover your shifts?"
"It's the busy season," Kyouko said. "Besides, I am trying for assistant department manager next month. What about you? What kind of job could you have? It's not like it could be anything too important if you're still in school."
"I've joined the police department," Tsukune declared with a confident smile. "It's only part time for now, but it is a starting place for my career."
"The Police?" Kyouko gaped.
"Oh Tsukune," Kasumi cheered. "My boy's growing up so fast."
"The police?" Kyouko shook her head. "You're making that up."
"No," Tsukune said. He pulled out his identification and showed it to his cousin.
"So that's why he was asking questions," Kasumi suddenly said, her eyes wide.
"He who?" Tsukune asked her.
"That nice lieutenant," Kasumi said. "He left a card. I have it somewhere. He came around in August asking about you."
"Lieutenant Tanaka," Tsukune said, trying not to sigh.
"That's him," Kasumi nodded. "Do you know him?"
"I met him," Tsukune said carefully. "He's the father of a friend I met over the Summer."
"I don't believe it," Kyouko huffed.
"The head of my school told me it was a good idea," Tsukue said, hoping he sounded believable. "After all the work I did helping to establish the Student Police, he thought it would be a good idea if I joined the police department."
Kyouko was stunned. Kasumi had launched in on an interrogation of her son, asking him question after question about his job with the police. Tsukune answered her questions, sometimes in vague sideways ways. Yes he really was a police officer, and was even getting paid. He had a uniform and everything. No he didn't have any pictures. He had been given on-the-job training. Yes he planned to go to college. No, there was nothing he could do about parking tickets his father got. Kasumi was relieved to learn that her son mostly did office work, because he was already a supervisor, and it was up to the others to do most of the patrols around town. Kyouko handed the identification back to Tsukune then slipped quietly into the kitchen.
Ruby was hard at work in the kitchen. Kyouko watched her for a moment before speaking. Ruby looked like she was so happy that she was about to start dancing, like a heroine from one of those American kids' movies.
"Ruby," Kyouko said. "When did Tsukune join the police department?"
"In August," Ruby answered.
"Is he really a policeman?" Kyouko asked. "Or is he just a helper or something?"
"He's really a police officer," Ruby answered. "Because the town never had a police department before, Tsukune was given a lot of very special training. He is second in command of the town police department." She stopped what she was doing for a moment to give Kyouko a smile. "He looks very dashing in his police uniform." She turned back to her cooking.
"But..." Kyouko protested. "But this is Tsukkie we're talking about. He can hardly be ready to work a real job, let alone something as important as being a police officer."
"Kyouko," Ruby said in a confident voice. "Tsukune has grown up. He is already a man, but you only want to remember him as a boy. Remember what he said the last time he was home. Tsukune has had to face things that most others would never have to, and he succeeded where most would have failed or given up. You do him a disservice when you look down on him."
"I know he's grown up," Kyouko huffed. "He's taller than I am. But just because he's taller and older doesn't make a boy into a man. Tsukune's still has to get though college and learn to live on his own. If he was all grown up like you say, he wouldn't need you to take care of him."
"You really don't understand anything do you," Ruby said with a scornful look.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kyouko challenged.
"Tsukune doesn't need me," Ruby said in a cold voice. "He can take care of himself. If I wasn't there, if none of us were there to look after him, Tsukune can cook for himself. He can take care of his things and meet his responsibilities without me. Tsukune doesn't need me to take care of him." Her voice was a near growl, made thick with her emotions as she continued. "It is all about me. It is all about what I want and need. And what I need is Tsukune. I need to take care of his house. I need to do things to make his life a little easier. I need to have him in my life, or I have no reason to live."
"Why?" Kyouko questioned.
"Ask me again after dinner," Ruby said as she turned her attention back to her cooking. "I need to ask my master if it is alright for me to tell you everything."
"I don't believe that Tsukkie makes you call him master," Kyouko complained.
"No," Ruby gave a shake of her head. "He lets me call him that, sometimes. He would prefer it if I didn't."
"If he doesn't like it," Kyouko challenged. "Then why do you do it?"
"Because it makes her happy," Tsukune said from behind his cousin.
Kyouko jumped in surprise. She spun around to face Tsukune with her heart bounding. She shot him an angry glare.
"How long have you been standing there?" Kyouko demanded.
"I just got here," Tsukune said so smoothly his cousin was sure he had heard the whole conversation. "I wanted to let you know my dad's home. He and mom are talking right now." He walked around the dining room table to the cupboard.
"Ma... Tsukune," Ruby asked. "What are you doing?"
"Setting the table," Tsukune answered.
"No," Ruby protested. "Please leave that to me."
"You're cooking," Tsukune said. "Besides, this is something I used to do to help out."
"But..." Ruby wanted to argue.
"Ruby," Tsukune said gently as he pulled out dishes. "Tonight it's about family, and that means everybody in the family does their part. You're cooking. I'll set the table. We'll all do something to help out because mom needs to take it easy." He started setting the dishes out around the table.
Ruby watched him while trying not to let herself be overcome by emotions. Tsukune had counted her as a part of the family, his family, so simply that it made Ruby want to cry with happiness. She quickly dabbed her eyes with a corner of her apron and turned back to her cooking with a little sniff.
"What should I do?" Kyouko asked.
"You can do the dishes," Tsukune told her in a firm voice.
XxX
Ruby was feeling euphoric. She was having dinner with the Aono family again, and it was just like she remembered. Everybody was warm and accepting. Kyouko occasionally gave Ruby frowning looks, but still included her in the conversation. Ruby's one attempt to be politely formal gave her all the reminder she needed that she truly was with her master's family.
"Is there anything I can get for you, Mrs. Aono," Ruby asked as Kasumi hobbled to the table. She refused to be banished to the living room by herself, and she didn't want everybody eating in front of the television.
"Ruby dear," Kasumi scolded gently. "I told you to call me mother. We're all family now." She turned to her husband. "Isn't that right dear."
"Oh yes," Koji, Tsukune's father said with a chuckle as he helped his wife to sit at the table. "Kasumi always wanted daughters, Ruby dear." He grinned as he took his own seat at the table. "So have a seat with the rest of the family, and tell us how Tsukune's been doing at school."
"Yes, father," Ruby said timidly.
"Oh honey," Kasumi gushed. "Let me tell you the news. Tsukune's got a job with the police."
"The police?" Tsukune's father replied with surprise. "Ho ho... My son's a working man now." He smiled broadly. "I guess this means you won't be needing any more allowance. Do you make enough to pay for your school also?"
"Honey," Kasumi said. "I think he must be already. The school refunded part of his tuition, remember?"
"Oh that's right," Koji said.
"What?" Tsukune questioned. This was news to him.
"It was because of what happened in September," Ruby said.
"What happened?" Kasumi asked with sharp interest.
"Ahhh," Tsukune stalled, unprepared for the turn in conversation.
"The head of the school needed to take some time off," Ruby explained. "Tsukune was put in charge as his assistant for a little while, making him a member of the staff."
"Oh my goodness," Kasumi said in surprise.
"He became the official ambassador for the school after that," Ruby went on. "He went on a visit to another school, and was the official representative for meeting with special guests during a... review of student performance during an event at the end of October. Because he is now counted as a part of the staff, his tuition is counted as a part of his pay."
"Oh honey," Kasumi gushed. "Did you hear all that? Our little boy is so grown up."
"Tsukkie," Kyouko nearly hissed. "Why didn't you tell me any of this?"
"When did I have the time?" Tsukune countered a little breathlessly.
Kyouko didn't have an answer for that. She turned her attention back to her meal as the evening progressed. A happy atmosphere filled the room. Kyouko just had one sour thought haunting her as she ate. She would be the one doing the dishes.
XxXxX
"But Tsukune," Ruby said. "Are you sure it will be alright?"
Ruby and Tsukune were standing out in front of the house after dinner. Kyouko had finished washing up, with their help, and gone home for the night. Tsukune had his jacket on and his helmet in hand, getting ready to return to the school.
"It will be fine," Tsukune assured Ruby. "I have the list of things you want. I'll bring them as soon as I can. You just stay here and look after my mother. By the end of the break, if she still needs help, we'll work something out. For now, you will be doing me a huge favor."
"I know," Ruby said. "And I love how your mother accepts me. But I don't want you to over work yourself. Who is going to take care of things for you?"
"Do you mean besides Moka and Mizore?" Tsukune gave a small laugh. "I can look after myself you know."
Ruby smiled in spite of herself. He was right, she knew, either of the two he had named would be happy to help look after him.
"Please look after mother," Tsukune said. "I'll fell better knowing you're here with her, and I know she will enjoy having you around." Tsukune reached out to Ruby and took her into a warm hug. "I'll see you soon." He kissed her gently.
"I'll be waiting," Ruby said in a soft voice.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
(A/N)
Wispr, thank you for the reviews. I am glad that you are enjoying the story. At the rate you are going you will catch up before I can finish it. While I can say that the end is in site, the same can be said for the moon, and at times they both seem just as reachable.