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 188
Tsukune wanted to curse the weather. Once he and Inari had left the temple the weather had seemed willing to cooperate. They were still two jumps away from school when the clouds opened up over them. By the time they found a place to take shelter from the rain, they were both dripping wet. Tsukune was already feeling frustrated, and did not want to wait for hours sheltering in a bus stop for the rain to stop. Hiru was in the semi inclosed bus stop with them, further screening them from the rain The rain didn't bother him much, but he wanted to look out for Inari.
"Well..." Inair looked up and down the deserted road with a sly smile. "I don't mind waiting with you."
"I'm sure," Tsukune replied. "And if I didn't have other things to do, I wouldn't mind ether. But I don't know how long we will be trapped waiting." With a touch of will and youki, his helmet changed, enclosing his face and gaining a lobster tail that protected his neck so he could keep the rain off. "I just don't want to force you to ride in this weather."
"There is another option," Inari said, looking mischievous. "If you really don't want to wait, and you want to keep me safe and dry."
"Oh?" Tsukune questioned. He could see a setup coming.
"You could let me ride in your jacket," Inari suggested.
"Excuse me?" Tsukune blinked.
"Well..." Inari looked around again. "You know I can make myself pretty small. I could change to my fox form and you could carry me inside your jacket. I'll be warm and dry that way."
Tsukune just looked at her for a moment with a flat expression on his face. The longer he looked at her the wider she smiled and the deeper she blushed. Tsukune could think of so many reasons why her idea was a bad one, but she was right. With a sigh he turned his back to her.
"This is going to come back to haunt me," Tsukune said. "Do what you have to do."
Inari almost wet herself in excitement. She couldn't believe that Tsukune was going to accept her idea. She started to strip off her clothing and piling it up neatly on the bus stop bench. As she undressed she shifted her body towards he fox form. Her clothes quickly became too big for her body. By the time she was removing her underwear her body was covered with soft, warm fur.
"Tsukune," Inari called out in a high voice, sounding almost like a bark.
"Hmmm," Tsukune turned around. "I hope this isn't a big mistake."
Tsukune gathered up Inari's things in a bundle. Because they were piled up in the order they had been removed, her underwear was on top of the pile. Tsukune shot Inari an accusing look.
"Yes?" Inari yipped, her tails wagging, looking innocent and happy.
Tsukune decided not to say anything. Once he had her things bundled up tightly, he secured them in a saddle bag. He tucked her helmet in on the other side. Finally he turned to Inari.
"Alright," He sighed as he opened his jacket.
As he bent down and reached for Inari, her excitement made her over eager. She jumped into his arms with a happy yip. Tsukune helped her into his jacket and cradled her in in place as he closed it up. He was careful to support her as he remounted Hiru. Once he was in place, Tsukune took a calming breath and pulled up his youki. He wrapped it around himself, projecting a shield in his mind. He knew it wouldn't have much effect, but every bit of help would be welcome. Finally there was nothing left to do but get moving again.
XxxxX
Inari decided that she now had a new favorite way to travel. Riding on the back of a motorcycle while holding on to Tsukune had been nice and she wanted to do it as often as she could, but being tucked away in his jacket was exciting. It was like being in bed beside him. His body was warm and his scent was all around her. The feeling of his presence surrounded her and made her feel so alive and even a little wild as well.
Tsukune had left his jacket open enough to keep from smothering Inari. The cold air that reached her kept her from getting to hot. It also brought her scents from the world she couldn't see at the moment. That same cold air helped Inari to keep a clear head. Being so close to Tsukune was nearly intoxicating.
XxxxXxxxX
There were only two reasons why Moka was not pacing back and forth in the sitting room as she waited for Tsukune to return. The first reason was because she wanted to maintain her appearance as being calm, mature, and in control of herself and her felings. The second reason was because Kurumu was already pacing back and forth. They were both feeling anxious over the same thing. Tsukune was away from school, and away from them, in the company of another woman, who happened to be in love with him.
They were not the only ones feeling concerned. Mizore was sitting in a chair, with her legs tucked up underneath her, trying to calmly knit a blanket. The snowmaiden's frustration was evident in how fast her hands were working. The rate she was going made Moka wonder if the yarn was in danger of catching fire. Ruby kept coming into the sitting room every ten minutes to play hostess, followed by going to look out the front window for Tsukune, before returning to the kitchen.
Finally it came. The sign that Moka had been waiting for. It was only five o'clock in the afternoon, but she had still been feeling impatient for it. Kurumu had paused in her pacing. It had been just a small hitch in the woman's step. If that had not been enough of a sign, a small smile touched Kurumu's lips. Moka felt herself relax a little once she knew that Tsukune was safely back under the barrier.
Even though Tsukune had returned to the area under the barrier, it was a while before he returned to the manor. He had wanted to take Inari back to the dorms first. He had almost reached the dorms when he realized the problems he could be setting himself up for. He stopped in the woods and undid his jacket enough to discuss a plan of action with Inari. They decided that they should go to the village, and that Inari could walk back to the dorms from there. When Tsukune finally reached the manor, he had to unpack their things from the saddle bags, all the while, Inari remained in her comfortable nest.
Kurumu felt like screaming in frustration. She had felt the moment Tsukune had returned, and had wanted to rush out to meet him, but Moka and Mizore would have followed her. So she had forced herself to wait. It wasn't too long before Tsukune was right out side. She could feel how close he was and was ready to welcome him home, but for some reason he was taking his time about coming inside. Finally she could not take it any more and headed for the door. She could hear Mizore and Moka following her.
XxxxxxxxxX
"Tsukuneee," Kurumu called out even as she bumped into Ruby as they hurried to the front door.
"Welcome home, Master," Ruby said, resisting the desire to shove Kurumu out of her way.
"It's good to be back," Tsukune said. He held out the bundle he had in his hands. "Ruby, can you take this..."
"Tsukune?" Moka spoke up as she pushed past Kurumu. "How did it..." Her words faltered.
"Tsukune, why are you carrying woman's clothes?" Kurumu asked.
"Master, you're wet," Ruby observed as she took the bundle from his hands.
"Just a moment," Tsukune said. He crouched down as he started to open his jacket.
When Inari dropped out of Tsukune's jacket it was with a sense of regret. As soon as her feet were on the floor she was surrounded by the upset voices of Tsukune's inner circle. She realized that being small and cute was not what she wanted to be at the moment and quickly shifted to her neutral form, so she could stand up, and if necessary stand up for herself, among the other women.
"What are you doing here?" Kurumu demanded.
"Tsukune?" Moka questioned.
"Cheee..." Mizore gave Tsukune a hard look, her voice almost coming out in a soft growl.
"Inari," Tsukune said as he tried to remain calm. "If you'll follow Ruby, she'll take you up stairs so you can take a bath and get dressed."
"As you wish, Master," Ruby said with a curtsy. "If you will come this way," Ruby invited before turning away.
"Thank you," Inari said as she followed Ruby away from Tsukune.
Once Inari and Ruby were out of the way, Tsukune's harem closed in on him. Tsukune pulled off his wet jacket and Mizore took it from him. He could see the questions in their eyes and knew he was going to have to answer them soon.
"I would like to put on some dry clothes," Tsukune said. "And maybe take a bath."
"Of course, Tsukune," Moka said.
"I'll help you," Kurumu offered.
"No," Mizore said.
"We can talk while you change," Moka said with a tightness in her voice that Tsukune had learned to recognize. Both of her personalities were talking to him at the same time.
Tsukune nodded, because he knew that trying to argue would only make things worse. Remembering what happened the last time Moka and Mizore had wanted to interrogate him, he resolved himself to being denied any privacy as he headed for the stairs.
Kurumu was a little surprised when Moka and Mizore moved to follow Tsukune. She followed the others quickly, determined to have her own questions answered. She also wanted to make sure the others didn't get an advantage over her.
Tsukune could feel their eyes on his back as he made his way to his room. With a small sigh, he started undressing. His body felt tight as he pulled off his wet clothes and tossed them aside for Ruby to pick up later.
"Tsukune?" Moka prompted.
"We got caught by the rain," Tsukune started to explain. "I didn't want to wait for hours for the rain to stop, but it would have been cruel of me to make Inari get soaked because I wanted to get back here as quick as I could."
"I see," Moka said.
"Why were you in such a hurry?" Kurumu asked. "You could have simply called and let me know you were going to be late."
"And if I had," Tsukune turned to her as he stripped off his pants. "You would have worried about what I might be doing while I was waiting for the rain to stop."
"You make it sound like I don't trust you," Kurumu huffed.
"Kurumu," Tsukune said. "I know you trust me," He looked at the three of them. "I know you all trust me, in spite of my weaknesses."
"Don't talk like that," Moka said.
"It's true," Tsukune insisted. "You trust me in spite of..." He waved his hand to take in the trio of women. "And I love you all, all the more for your willingness to put up with me." He looked to Kurumu. "But would you trust Inari?"
"Oh hell no," Kurumu snapped. "She's in love with you."
"Tsukune," Moka said. "I know you can be trusted. And I am sure that you only did what you thought was best."
Tsukune didn't respond to that. He could tell that her words were forced. She was no less jealous and protective than Kurumu. She just wanted to appear confident.
"I know that Inari is in love with me," Tsukune said. "She has even confessed. She was trying to keep from saying anything until after graduation."
"She didn't do a very good job," Kurumu observed.
"I know," Tsukune said. "But I do wish that you would be a little more accepting of her."
"Do you mean that?" Moka asked.
"Why should we?" Kurumu demanded.
"Kurumu," Tsukune said in a gentle voice. "Inari was there when I called for help last year. She helped me to save you." He turned to Moka next. "She has been a loyal lieutenant, and a good friend." He smiled at the three women what were with him. "And she is very jealous of all of you."
"Why?" Mizore asked.
"Because you are here, with me," Tsukune said.
Tsukune finished stripping off his underwear. He stood naked for their inspection for a moment. Moka was the first to blush. When Mizore's frown melted into a smile, Tsukune turned to the bathroom with a sigh.
"There is something wrong with me," Tsukune shook his head.
"What?" Moka questioned with a sense of worry.
"What do you mean?" Kurumu asked.
"Tsukune?" Mizore asked.
All three followed him to the doorway of the bathroom. Moka crowded Kurumu out of her way. She had seen the tightness in Tsukune's posture. She was worried that he might be about to have one of his youki attacks and wanted to be close to help him.
"Moka," Tsukune said with a pained expression. "Look at me?" He started getting ready to wash himself, adjusting the water to a comfortably hot temperature to wash away the chill of the rain he had ridden through. "I just spent more than an hour riding through the rain to get back here. And now that I'm back. I'm walking around naked in front of the three most beautiful women in the world, whom I love, who are my lovers, and I'm talking about another woman." He gave a snort of disgust. "I'm messed up."
"Out of my way," Kurumu pushed past Moka and Mizore. She had stripped off her own clothes and quickly moved to help Tsukune.
"Kurumu," Tsukune tried to say something as she took the shower head from his hands.
"Hey!" Moka protested.
"Tsukune needs our support," Kurumu said to the others. "And this is something I can do for him better than ether of you."
"Kurumu..." Tsukune protested.
"You know it's true," Kurumu argued as she started to spray him with the hot water. "It doesn't hurt me to get wet, and I can take the heat."
"Still..." Tsukune had to admit that she was right, but he didn't want to say it out loud.
"Let's get you warmed up and clean," Kurumu insisted, acting motherly to hide her frustration. "And then we can all sit down together for dinner."
"Ku..."
"Hush," Kurumu said as she stared to lather up a washcloth. "I said all of us. You want us to be more accepting of your little pet," He voice was almost a growl. "So I guess we better."
"Mizore," Moka said in a cool voice. "Please tell Ruby that Inari is invited to dinner as well."
"Yes," Mizore said before slipping away.
"Tsukune," Moka said as Kurumu started scrubbing his back. "A moment ago you said something."
"I probably said too much," Tsukune grumbled. What Kurumu was doing felt good, but he wasn't in the mood to enjoy it.
"You referred to Kurumu, Mizore, and myself as the women you love," Moka said. "You also said we were your lovers. Does that mean you have laid with Mizore as well?"
"Yeah," Tsukune nodded and let out a heavy sigh. "I told you that there was something wrong with me."
"I see," Moka said.
"Well I guess I should congratulate her," Kurumu said. "I know she has been hoping to be your lover for a long time." She continued her scrubbing, being diligent in getting him clean. "Maybe she and I could compare notes."
"I don't think you need to do that," Tsukune said.
"Awww," Kurumu leaned in, pressing her breasts against him. "Are you saying that because I am already your favorite lover?"
"Now is not the time for that," Moka said from the door. "Finish washing up while I pick out something for you to wear, Tsukune."
"Spoil sport," Kurumu pouted.
"I would like to eat supper soon," Tsukune said.
Kurumu pouted that her fun was being cut short, but she accepted it. She finished helping Tsukune wash and rinse. Mizore returned in time to help Tsukune dry off. Moka supervised Tsukune as he dressed, buttoning his shirt for him.
"You still have not told me how your examination went," Moka said in a low voice as she worked at his buttons.
"The exam went fine," Tsukune said. "The only problems came up on the way back."
"You're not just talking about the weather are you," Moka said.
"No," Tsukune admitted.
"We'll talk after dinner," Moka decreed.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Inari couldn't believe the situation she found herself in. After a hot, if quick bath, she was sitting down to eat with Tsukune and his inner circle. She was the furthest away from him at the table, which made sense being the newest member of the group, but she felt almost giddy knowing that she was a part of the group.
As excited as she was, Inari knew she shouldn't test her luck too far. After the meal and enough casual conversation to be polite, she pleaded the need to get ready for school in the morning, and made her exit. Tsukune walked her to the door, gave her a warm hug, and had Hiru carry her back to the dorms.
Inari was glad to get back to her room. She had been wanting to get to a place where she would have the privacy to do something she had been holding in all day. Once she was sure her door was locked and that she was alone, Inari stared jumping up and down.
"Yes!" She cheered. "Yes! Yes yes yesyesyes..."
Inari was practically dancing as she got ready for school in the morning. She was so excited she couldn't contain herself any longer. She had made it into Tsukune's inner circle. She had confessed to him, and he had not rejected her. He had even hugged her at the end, like they had just been on a date. And if she did well enough on her test, they would be going to university together. As Inari climbed into bed, she thought about what university life would be like with Tsukune. They would already be close, and they would be there to support each other among a school full of normal humans. It would be perfectly normal for them to spend time together, studying and talking. Inari would be able to make lunches for them to share. It would just be a matter of time before they became lovers.
Inari had a happy, excited smile on her face as she settled into bed. Her head was filled with thoughts of the future, and memories of her time close to her captain. Her hands moved over her body, adding pleasure to her excitement. Finally she had to press her face into her pillow.
"Tsuu-kuu-neee..."