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 183

Lieutenant Tanaka was wondering if he had been cursed. Ever since he had heard of Aono Tsukune his career had become a series of confused issues and complicated cases. He was investigating leads that took him in circles. He tried to track down a name of a suspect, only to find an abandoned apartment in a tiny building in a neglected neighborhood. Another name had ended up belonging to a man that had died in his sleep, in a basement room, where he had been left to shrivel up unnoticed for months. The only thing the two names had in common was a small go parlor. An investigation of the parlor turned up empty. Lieutenant Tanaka thought he might finally have a solid lead when they had captured a terrorist at his daughter's school. That hope had been cut short by an iron spike. While the man had been in the hospital for his injuries, in a brief moment when nobody had been in the room, an iron spike had been thrust through the suspects head, from under his chin and up through the crown.

Tanaka's luck had gone from bad to worse. Word of the killing had gotten around just enough to be the stuff of gossip and rumors. Follow-up investigations ran into a brick wall quickly when the body disappeared. Somewhere between the room where the man had been killed and the morgue, the body had been lost. Only a patient record and some police photographs of the suspect and later the body of same, were all that showed that the man had once existed and been in that hospital.

Lieutenant found himself back in the little private club with Ross once again. His tie was off and there was a drink in his hand. Sitting close beside him in the booth was the same exotic beauty as before, who was wearing nothing but his tie and her own underwear. She had just finished performing an eye-popping dance. Across the booth from the lieutenant was Ross, a lieutenant of a different sort. The gangster had a young woman in his lap and a drink in his hand, and appeared to be every bit as frustrated as Tanaka felt.

"I still say Aono needs to be more involved," Ross grumbled again. "When we try to get anything done, it's like we're chasing ghosts. When he's around things get done. Hell, right now just bringing the guy in for a meeting would be worth more than chasing nameless faces."

"If I thought it would do any good," Tanaka grumbled back. "I would call him up right now."

"Give me his number," Ross said, pulling out his own cell phone. "I've got an idea."

"What?" Tanaka shot his companion a questioning look.

"You girls get together," Ross instructed the hostess. "No you can leave your blouse off..."

"What are you doing?" Tanaka asked.

"Giving Aono a reason to want to come talk with us," Ross said. He proceeded to take pictures of the two young women, giving them instructions in between.

Tanaka knew that Ross was way off base. There was no way his plan would work. On the other hand he couldn't think of anything better to try at the moment, or a reason to argue. With a shrug, he pulled out his phone.

XxxxxxXxxxxxX

Tsukune's friends were all giving him questioning looks when they thought he wouldn't notice. There was something going on with Tsukune since Wednesday that was strange. It was nothing bad, but it was different enough that they all took notice. It had started Thursday morning when Moka had met him out side his own door. They had shared a hug, but then Tsukune had started nibbling on her ear. It had thrilled her to the point that her self control was shaken. When she had tried to pull away, Tsukune had pulled her closer, bending his head to offer her his neck. While it had been nice, he was usually not so direct in his affections in public.

Moka had been basking in the rush of energy, walking beside Tsukune, when Yukari had popped up to give them a cheerful greeting. Tsukune had hugged the young witch close, and then held her at arm's length while looking her up and down carefully, which for some reason made her blush. He had said good morning to Mizore with a kiss that had left her breathless. When Kurumu had protested, Tsukune had kissed her as well, but with a hand hidden between them that he used to massage her breast firmly.

He was acting confident, which all of his close companions found attractive. With Moka, Kurumu, and Mizore, he was being more assertive and even showing some passion and desire. It had been enough to make them a littler nervous when Kokoa and Inari met them a short time later. Tsukune was warm and polite to Kokoa, which made the younger vampire smile, and then frown. To Inari, he was friendly and welcoming, but he did not make and overt gestures.

As the day continued, Tsukune remained calm and confident. What his friends didn't know was that he was actually on the edge of meditation all day long. He was feeling energetic, but not restless yet. He was still feeling that sense of dark expectation that had been bothering him lately, but it wasn't obtrusive as it had at some times previously. He was also feeling an excited sense of anticipation because he was a little closer to his career, and his future. Tsukune also knew that the women he loved were likely to worry about him and Inari being together, so he was deliberately going to show them that he cared for them and desired them, so that they wouldn't have to feel threatened or jealous.

Tsukune's unusual behavior continued all day, as the girls saw it. At lunch, Kurumu had planted herself in Tsukune's lap, and saw shocked to feel Tsukune's hand slide up her thigh. Moka didn't know about Tsukune's hand when she grabbed a hold of Kurumu's sweater and pulled her off of him. As Moka and Kurumu glared at each other, Mizore sat in Tsukune's lap. Ever observant of Tsukune, she had not missed what Tsukune had done a moment before. When he put his hand on her thigh, she caught it and tried to trap it between her legs. Her moment of fun lasted until Yukari came up behind her and pushed her off of Tsukune's lap. The young witch was about to try for Tsukune's lap as well, but he moved in closer to the table, blocking any more attempts to sit on him.

"Tsukune," Moka said as she sat down beside him, a little red faced from her tussle with Kurumu. "Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm feeling fine," Tsukune gave her a smile, knowing what she was asking about. "Thank you for asking. I'm rested, surrounded by the people who are important to me," He leaned in a little closer to her and lowered his voice just a little. "And with my entrance exam scheduled, I am just a little bit close to that life I want."

Moka felt herself blushing in response to Tsukune's words.

"Hey," Kurumu said, sitting on the other side of Tsukune, after bumping Yukari out of the way. If Tsukune was in the mood to be sharing his affections, she did not want to be left out.

"The examination is something I am looking forward to," Tusukune said to Kurumu, and the rest of their group. "This is my first choice for university. I have some backups in mind if I need them, to keep from having to go ronin, but I want this to work out."

"I'm sure you will make it," Moka encouraged him.

"Thank you," Tsukune smiled.

XxxxX

"Mizore," Moka spoke to the quiet snow maiden as they traded out shoes t the end of the day. "I want you to do something."

"What is it?" Mizore questioned.

"I want you to watch Tsukune tonight," Moka said. "I would do it myself, but I have to take care of something." She put her hand on her waistband.

"Alright," Mizore said with a determined look, hiding her smile.

Mizore knew what Moka was talking about and almost wanted to laugh. It was one of the things that girls talked about from time to time. In Moka's case, there was an added strain on her body that came with being a vampire. Her need for blood increased a few days every month because of her natural cycle. That need made Tsukune all the more attractive, and when drinking his blood, it was far too easy to get caught up in the moment. Moka had always tried to keep her restraint when her cycle put her at risk.

From the energetic way Tsukune was acting, Moka worried that he was on the edge of one of his episodes and was trying to down-play it so she wouldn't worry. Mizore had some of the same concerns as well. The snow maiden had volunteered to help look after Tsukune in the past, and Moka was taking her up on it. Mizore was more than happy to watch over Tsukune, and she didn't have Moka's concerns about wanting to be safe in her passion.

Of course things could not be that simple. Once Mizore had her shoes on and found Tsukune, Kurumu was already with him. The succubus also wanted her time with Tsukune.

"After we get everything done," Kurumu was saying as she petted Tsukune's arm. "Wold you like to go out for a walk?"

"That sounds nice," Tsukune said.

"Maybe we can go for a walk in the woods," Kurumu suggested. "You could push me up against a tree..."

"Kurumu..." Tsukune said warningly.

"What?" Kurumu asked with an innocent smile.

Before the exchange could go any further, Tsukune's phone chirped. Kurumu frowned at the mood-breaker. Mizore hoped for an opening. Tsukune suppressed a sigh as he pulled out the overcomplicated phone Kurumu had given him. He didn't recognize the return number but opened the message anyway.

"Come talk with us. Ross," The message said.

Tsukune blinked as he took a moment to remember who Ross was. He remembered the man that was in some way working with Lieutenant Tanaka. Curious, Tsukune opened the attached image file. He felt a moment of alarm when a picture of two women in their underwear appeared on his phone.

"Tsukune!" Kurumu protested right in his ear.

Of course her protest drew the others' attention to him and his phone. Kurumu pulled the phone from his hand before he could delete the image. She promptly showed it to Mizore.

"Look at this," Kurumu complained. "It's bad enough that the girls here all over him. Now women are sending him this kind of thing."

"Tsukune," Mizore asked. "Who are they?"

"Who are who?" Moka wanted to know a she reached for the phone.

"I don't know who they are," Tsukune tried to defend himself. "Ross... this guy sent the picture."

"Why did he send it to you?" Yukari joined in.

"Tsukune!" Moka gasped when she saw the image.

"It wasn't my idea," Tsukune said.

"Then why did he send it to you?" Moka questioned him.

"The message said he wanted to talk to me," Tsukune tried to explain.

"And he thought two naked women would convince you?" Moka pressed.

"Maybe he thought Tsukune would like two women at once," Yukari suggested.

"I never said anything like that," Tsukune argued.

"I should hope not," Moka huffed.

"But if that's what you want," Yukari said. "I wouldn't mind."

"Oh please," Kurumu said as she rolled her eyes. "We're talking about women, not little girls." Kurumu moved in close to Tsukune. "But she does have a point. What do you say, Mizore. The Black and White Duet in action."

"I don't mind," Mizore shrugged. She started to move towards Tsukune.

"Well I do," Moka argued.

"So do I," Tsukune said as he tried to recover his phone.

"That's good to hear," Moka said as she handed him back his phone.

"Awwww," Kurumu pouted. "We were going to have so much fun."

"Tsukune doesn't need that kind of fun," Moka said. She grabbed Kurumu's arm and pulled her away from Tsukune. "Unless you think you need help in satisfying him."

"You..." Kurumu turned her attention to Moka with an evil glare.

Moka gave her a smug look in return.

"I don't need this," Tsukune growled as he deleted the picture. "I have studying to do." He put the phone back in his pocket before looking at his friends.

Tsukune words had an effect on his friends. They didn't know his growling was because of Ross' attempt to ether tease or manipulate him. The shift from how positive he had been all day was quick enough to make them want to make sure he wasn't upset with their antics. When Tsukune looked back at them, he saw questioning faces looking back.

"Let's get our assignments done," Tsukune said. "That way we can relax a little."

"That sounds like a good idea," Moka said, being the first to recover her composure.

Mizore quickly took one of Tsukune's arms and Yukari took the other. Kurumu and Moka were left out because they had been too focused on each other at the wrong moment. As the group headed for the village Moka decided that she could use the current arrangement. She moved in close to Mizore and put on a friendly smile.

"Tsukune," Moka said. "I'm sure you won't let little things distract you from what is important."

"I try not to," Tsukune said.

"Good," Moka nodded. "Then I will leave you in Mizore's care tonight. I have a few personal things to wash out."

"Hey," Kurumu protested. "Tsukune and I were going to have a date tonight."

"I heard you two talking about it," Moka said. "But Tsukune only said that it sounded nice, he didn't say yes."

"Tsukune," Mizore spoke up quickly. "Will you study with me tonight?"

"Yes," Tsukune gave her a smile and a nod.

"Awwww," Kurumu pouted. "Tsu..."

"And after that, I would like it of we could take a bath together," Mizore added.

"Hey," Kurumu protested again.

"And then we could sleep together," Mizore went on.

"No way!" Kurumu shouted. "No! Not happening. Tsukune!"

"I don't know what you're so upset about," Moka chided. "Just a few minutes ago you were willing to share Tsukune with her."

"Who's side are you on?" Kurumu demanded of Moka.

"I just think Tsukue will get more rest and more studying done with Mizore than with you," Moka said.

"You..." Kurumu growled.

"She's right you know," Yukari added. "Tsukune would have a hard time studying with you bouncing all over the place."

"Tsukune..." Kurumu cried. "They're picking on me."

"I noticed," Tsukune said.

"Do something about it," Kurumu demanded with a cute pout.

"But Kurumu," Tsukune said with a pout of his own. "I always admire how independent and capable you are. I wouldn't want to take that away form you."

Kurumu was reduced to sputtering as Moka and Yukari started laughing. Kurumu tried to give Tsukune a hurt look for teasing her too, but the smile he gave her made it impossible. Finally, with everybody smiling, the group resumed their trip to the village.

XxxxxX

"Tsukune," Mizore asked as she put away her school books. "Where do you plan to go after graduation?"

"Huh?" Tsukune looked at her, wondering if he had missed something.

"I mean, while you are attending university," Mizore explained. "Where do you plan to live?"

"I don't know," Tsukune admitted. "I hadn't really thought about that part of it. I guess I will try to find a place I can rent. If not, I will have to move back home. I know mother would love to have Ruby around for the years I will be working on my degree."

"Oh," Mizore said.

"Let me guess," Tsukune gave her a crooked smile. "You were going to invite me to live with you in your village."

"Well..." Mizore blushed a little.

"Thank you for thinking of me," Tsukune said. "I love you, Mizore. And I have even thought about what it would be like to live with you."

"Tsukune..." Mizore blushed deeper.

"But I have to consider more than what is easy or nice for me," Tsukune went on.

"What about somewhere else," Mizore offered. "I could find a job and you and I could share an apartment."

"That sounds tempting," Tsukune nodded. "But it would be expensive. My part time job with the police is good money for a student, but trying to survive on it will be tight." He gave her a pained smile. "And what about Ruby?"

"It was just a thought," Mizore sighed.

"It was a nice thought," Tsukune offered. "Just one that needs some careful planing."

"You mean that?" Mizore brightened.

"Of course," Tsukune replied.

Mizore felt a warm glow at the idea of living with Tsukune. After they had finished with their books for the night, it was time for supper. Mizore decided to ask Ruby's opinion, since Tsukune was going to include her in his life anyway.

"That sounds possible," Ruby said. "I could work part time to help with the rent, and do the cooking and cleaning. An apartment with two bedrooms. One for you and one for Tsukune and I."

"Why would you be the one to sleep with Tsukune?" Mizore challenged.

"I didn't say I would be sleeping with him," Ruby said. "That would be nice, but what I meant was that I am Master's property, so I would stay in his room."

Mizore took a few minutes to consider what Ruby had said. Mizore had imagined herself and Tsukune living together as lovers. Ruby's description had them sharing an apartment as room mates. Thinking about it that way was actually better for Mizore, she realized. Tsukune was more likely to agree to such an arrangement, especially because Moka was less likely to object. Once they were living together, Mizore could invite Tsukune into her room. If anybody visited, such as Moka, it would be clear that Tsukune had his own room, and the illusion of propriety could be maintained.

"You know..." Tsukune mused. "It's not a bad idea... But it would definitely need some careful planning."

"We have time," Mizore said.

XxxxX

"No mater where I live after graduation," Tsukune said as he and Mizore soaked in a tepid bath. "It better have a big bathtub."

"That would be nice," Mizore said. "I wonder if we could find a place with three bedrooms."

"Three?" Tsukune asked.

"So Hiru and Shiro would have a place to stay also," Mizore explained.

"That's a nice idea," Tsukune agreed. "But the extra space would cost more."

Mizore didn't say anything about the cost. Money was not an issue for her. Her family had access to gold from the mountains, and her mother would count the money well spent if it resulted in babies. Mizore didn't mention that part to Tsukune because she didn't want him to feel pressured.

XxxxX

As they climbed out of the bath, Tsukune took the time to admire Mizore's body. Her pail skin was perfectly smooth. Her prominent nipples, with which she had teased and tormented Tsukune in the past, were inviting to look at. When they helped each other dry off, he let his fingers caress her breasts while looking into her eyes.

Mizore was ready when she and Tsukune went to bed together. The first time they had made love she had been excited and scared at the same time. She had been worried that Tsukune would be unhappy with her for some reason, or that she would not be able to please him as a woman should. He was already lovers with Moka and Kurumu, Mizore knew, and she was worried that she would suffer in comparison. Tsukune's passion and caring had washed away her fears and had brought her joy.

The nervousness was not there when she made ready to lay with Tsukune for a second time, but the excitement was. She knew his body better than she had before, and had more confidence in herself. When their bodies joined together, Mizore felt free to give in to her desires, and to embrace Tsukune in every way she could.