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 192

"Welcome my son," The voice filled Tsukune as it spoke to him.

Tsukune found himself in a shaded garden. Beyond the pale trees he could see a dark sky and a silvery moon. It took him a moment to understand why he was looking at the sky. Tsukune realized that he was lying on is back with something supporting his head. Looking up he saw the face of a woman he recognized smiling down upon him. She was caressing his head gently. A sense of peace tried to fill him, but it clashed with a sense of urgency he felt from deep within.

"It is all right," The woman said. "Rest here for a moment. You have been working hard. I am very proud of you my son."

"Thank you, Mother," Tsukune said. "But..."

"I know," She said sadly. "You are worried about my daughter, and the others. They are safe for the moment."

Her words touched something in Tsukune's mind, reminding him of questions he wanted answered.

"Mother?" Tsukune was unsure how to ask what he wanted.

"Do not worry over much," She said.

"But..." Tsukune pressed.

"Why?" The woman asked. "Because it is the way it should be."

"But..." Tsukune said again.

"I know," She gave a small nod. "I can see the hearts you carry beside your own. But your rewards should be equal to your sacrifices."

"But I..." Tsukune started to say.

"Shhhhh," She soothed him. "I know your heart, my son, as I know your hopes and fears. Now rest." She covered his eyes with her hand gently. "You must find your balance. You are growing strong, but you have more to learn yet."

Tsukune's awareness drifted away as she spoke. His body became heavy and her presence faded. Slowly, he became aware of a stiffness that was close to pain in all of his muscles. With an effort he opened his eyes.

He had to blink a few times to get his vision to focus. While he was trying to understand what he was seeing, Tsukune became aware of the voices around him. Tsukune was still having trouble thinking straight, but he knew an argument when he heard one, and he recognized the voices.

"No..." Inair was saying again.

"Why the hell not?" Kurumu demanded.

"Tsukune risked his life to protect them," Inari answered.

"That again," Kurumu complained.

"Yes," Inari said. "That again. Tsukune is my captain. He told me to protect them, and that is what I am going to do."

"Fine," Kurumu huffed. "Just keep them out of my way."

Tsukune thought he should try to get somebody's attention. He was getting tired of looking at the floor, and Inari's furry feet. First things first though, Tsukune wanted to get a little self control established first. With some concentration to clear his mind, he retracted and banished his wings.

"Tsukune!" Kurumu's cry was filled with relief.

"Ku..." Tsukune croaked out. "Wha..."

"Captain," Inari said as she turned to kneel by him.

"Tsukune," Kurumu said as she crouched down, reaching for him.

"Inari..." Tsukune said once her worked some saliva back into his mouth and throat. "Report."

"You did it," Inair said. "That woman left and we're all safe."

"Tsukune," Kurumu insisted. "What happened?"

"Just give me a..." Tsukune tried to say as he started to push himself up off the floor.

"No," Kurumu took hold of Tsukune and pulled him to her. "You've been hurt."

"Fine," Tsukune said, hurting too much to want to argue. "Help me up. I want off the floor."

Inair and Kurumu offered their support to Tsukune as he climbed to his feet. Tsukune took measure of the situation while he made sure of his balance. He turned to Inari first.

"Lieutenant," Tsukune said in a tired voice. "When you're back in uniform I'm going to lie down for a while."

"Yes sir," Inari said. She retreated to the locker room.

"What about you two?" Tsukune said to Shiv and Shank.

"We are to take care of you," One of them said.

"You don't need to do anything," Tsukune said in a tired voice.

"That's right," Kurumu threw in. "I'll take care of Tsukune. You can leave now."

Instead of leaving they just stood by patiently. Tsukune looked at them and tried to find some clue as how to tell them apart. The only difference he could see was in their eyes. He knew that their appearances could not be natural.

"What are your names?" Tsukune asked.

"I am Shiv," Said the girl with light green eyes.

"I am Shank," Said the other one.

Tsukune signed. They might as well have been named cut and stab, or slice and dice. Their names were ridiculous, and Kurumu was not afraid to say so.

"What kind of names are those?" Kurumu demanded. "Might as well say your names are pot and pan."

"They are the names the Lady Kuroi gave us when we entered her service," Shiv replied.

"It was a part of the bargain that we made," Shank explained. "She rescued us from being homeless and starving. She gave us food, shelter, clothing, and protection. We gave her our names and our freedom. All we wanted was to be together."

"Are you sisters?" Kurumu asked.

"We are now," Shiv answered.

The pair looked at each other and shared shy smiles.

"Captain," Inari called out. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Thank you," Tsukune said with a strong note of relief in his voice. He saw Inari had rushed in getting back in uniform. Her hair needed to be brushed and she was still doing her buttons when she came out of the locker room. "I'll be in the bunk room if you need me." Tsukune started for the back room on tired legs.

"Let me help you," Kurumu insisted.

Tsukune let her hold his arm as she walked with him.

"Excuse me," Inari said when the pair of attendants moved to follow Tsukune. "Where are you going?"

"We are to take care of him," Shiv said.

"Tsukune needs his rest," Inari said firmly. "Not you two following him everywhere he goes."

"Just go away," Kurumu snapped at them.

"We cannot," Shiv said.

"We must obey," Shank said

Tsukune tuned out the bickering. He was tired and sore, and his head felt stuffed with wool. He made his way to the bunk room and crawled onto the lower bed. He was asleep as soon as his head reached the pillow.

XxxxXxxX

After a dreamless nap, Tsukune awoke feeling restored. When he emerged from the bunk room he found the koban full of women. Shiv and Shank were standing guard over the door to the bunk room. Inari was sitting at the desk looking frustrated. Moka, Mizore, and Ruby had joined Kurumu, and all four looked ready to start smashing things. When Tsukune emerged from the bunk room, all seven women looked in his direction.

"Excuse me," Tsukune said as he headed for the locker room.

The women started arguing as Tsukune made his way to the locker room to change. He cast off his ruined shirts, grateful that he had left his jacket hanging on a peg while he had been doing reports. From his locker he pulled out a fresh shirt and undershirt. He knew he had to be responsible, but right then Tsukune found himself wanting to run away. With a sigh of resignation, Tsukune went to face the women.

"Captain," Inari spoke up.

"Tsukune," Moka said with the others at her back.

"Everybody," Tsukune said, holding up a hand to forestall any arguing. "Thank you for being worried about me, but I'm fine now."

"Tsukune," Moka started to say.

"Please," Tsukune said. "I am fine right now. I would like to talk with you, but I am on duty."

Moka's mouth worked silently. Tsukune's words had stung. She knew that he was only being honest, but she did not have to like it when he tried to keep a distance between them.

"I understand, Tsukune," Moka said politely, because she did. She knew that there were times when position and appearance were important. "Please come and talk with me when you have the time."

"I will," Tsukune promised.

"Alright," Moka nodded. "Be sure not to over do it." She turned for the door. "Come on everybody..."

"Wait a minute," Kurumu protested. "You're just going to leave it like this?"

"Kurumu," Moka leaned in and spoke to her friend and rival in a low voice. "Tsukune has his work to do."

"I don't care..." Kurumu wanted to argue.

"I know you don't," Moka said in a low growl. "But Tsukune does. If you make a scene he will resent it. If you want us to believe that you care as much about Tsukune as you say you do, then you will respect his position."

"Why you..." Kurumu growled, unable to argue.

Tsukune saw them off with a smile and a wave. When they were safely gone, he turned his attention to Shiv and Shank.

"And what about you two?" Tsukune asked.

"The Lady Kuroi said that you have bought our lives," Shank said.

"The Lady told us before coming here that she would not need us after today," Shiv added. "When she said that you had bought our lives, we took it to mean that we belong to you now."

"I do not need this," Tsukune sighed. "Can't you just go back to Lady Kuroi and tell her that you are not needed here?"

"We cannot," Shiv said. "We are human. We do not have the ability to travel the way Lady Kuroi does. Without her, we have no way to return, and do not even know where to find her."

Tsukune leaned against a desk and scrubbed at his face with his hand.

"Inari," Tsukune said without looking in her direction.

"Yes?" Inari replied.

"I'm sorry," Tsukune said as he turned to her. "But could you see if you could catch up to my friends? If you can, please ask Ruby to come back here."

"Right away," Inari said before heading for the door.

An awkward silence filled the koban until Inari returned. It had taken almost ten minutes, but Tsukune understood the delay. While Ruby had followed Inari into the koban, Tsukune could feel Kurumu still near by. He knew the others had to be close as well, and that Inari had been delayed by their questions. Tsukune didn't bother worrying about that though.

"Ruby," Tsukune said. "These two were brought by a member of the school board. If you would see to their needs and notify the Board Chairman, I would appreciate it."

"Yes, Tsukune," Ruby said. She turned to the pair. "If you would come with me?"

The two young women didn't budge.

"It will be alright," Inari offered. "Nobody will hurt you."

"She is correct," Ruby said. "Nobody would want to hurt you if it would hurt Tsukune."

The pair continued to hold their ground. Inari and Ruby took turns trying to talk the two young women into going with Ruby, but without success. Tsukune looked at them and thought about all that he had heard, and all that had happened.

"Ruby, Inari," Tsukune said at last. "Enough. I see what's happened." He turned his attention to the two girls.

"Shiv..." Tsukune shook his head. "No, you deserve better names than that." He gestured at the first young woman. "You have green eyes, so..."

"Tsukune..." Ruby tried to give her master a warning.

"...I'll call you Midori." He gestured to the other one next. "And you can be Kurai, for your dark eyes.

Both girls gave him warm smiles.

"Me Midori and Me Kurai," Tsukune nodded, testing the sounds of their new names. They at least sounded better, even if they just translated to 'eyes green' and 'eyes dark.'

"I am Me Midori," The girl formerly called Shiv said.

"I am Me Kurai," Her partner said.

"The Me sisters," Inari observed.

"Tsukune," Ruby sighed.

"Yes?" Tsukune looked to her.

"It's too late now," Ruby said. "But I tried to warn you."

"What are you talking about?" Tsukune asked.

"You 'named' them," Ruby said, stressing the verb.

"What?" Tsukune blinked, not understanding.

"It is old magic," Ruby explained. "Like True Names. By giving them new names you have changed who they are."

"I what?" Tsukune gaped.

"It is an old way of forming contracts," Ruby explained. "You have given them new names, and they have accepted them. You are responsible for them now. They have given up their old names to accept the ones you gave them. They have become your property."

"Shit!" Tsukune spat. He looked at the two companions. "Is that how it is?" He asked them.

"Yes Lord," Midori said. "The Lady Kuroi said that you had bought our lives. Now you have taken our old names and given us new ones. We are now yours."

"We will serve you, Lord," Kurai said. "With all that we are."

"Shit," Tsukune sighed. "Fine. Go with Ruby and do as she says. I'll deal with this later." Tsukune turned to Ruby. "I will trust you to take care of them for now," Tsukune told her. "I am sure we'll think of something later."

"Yes M'lord," Ruby offered him a smile and a curtsy.

Tsukune glared at her, which made her smile more as she hustled her charges out of the koban. Tsukune watched them go, and felt Kurumu leaving as well. He could almost see the trouble that he was going to have to deal with over this new twist in his life.

Xxxx^.^xxxX

Inari watched her captain closely for the remainder of the day. They had a quiet, modest supper together. After eating, Inari cleaned up while Tsukune finished his paperwork for the day. Their superintendent appeared for all of a single minute to check in on them before going out. Right up to the time they turned down the lights for the night, Inari watched Tsukune to make sure he was alright.

Tsukune was already in the top bunk, his usual resting place in the koban, by the time Inari was ready for bed. As she pulled back the blankets she knew that she would have a hard time getting any rest. For one thing, Tsukune had used the lower bunk earlier, leaving his scent on the same pillow she would be resting her head upon. While comforting, his scent was also distracting. She was also still thinking about the events of the afternoon, which had her feeling tense.

That Tsukune was willing to risk his life for others was not a new thing, Inari knew. Nor was it the first time she had seen him put his life on the line for her. What surprised her was the way she was feeling. She knew that she should be feeling angry at the woman that had hurt him. That only made sense. What didn't make sense to her was the feeling of jealousy that had her insides twisted about. She was jealous of those two human girls that in a single afternoon had become sworn to Tsukune's service. That seemed so unfair. She loved Tsukune. She had been his lieutenant for more than a year. She had worked closely with him, and shed blood beside him. They had a bond of trust and respect that they shared. But two silly humans who had been used as bait to goad and test him had been allowed to become his servants and a part of his household in less than a day.

Inari entertained a dark fantasy as she lay in her bunk. She imagined sneaking into Tsukune's manor and killing off the servants already there. She would do it quietly, and then lay out the bodies as proof of her superiority, and then take their place, serving Tsukune's needs and wants at work and at home.

She knew it was an impractical and wrongheaded thought, but she still found some pleasure in it. She wanted to be close to Tsukune, to be his mate and lover, to be his lieutenant, to be there in his life no mater what. She thought back to their trip together. That visit to the temple had seemed so strange, but so very special as well. She had confessed to Tsukune, clearly and without anybody pressuring her or interrupting them. Tsukune had accepted her confession without rejecting her or putting her down, but he had not returned her feelings. In truth, she had not expected him to say that he loved her, but it would have been nice if he has said something even a little romantic.

But now there were two more women that were close to Tsukune. Inari didn't know if she should feel threatened by them or not. The situation was a tangled mess in her head, and it just wasn't fair. Inari wanted to talk to Tsukune about everything that had happened, and everything that she was feeling, but she didn't want to bother him. She lay in her bunk, surrounded by Tsukune scent, and tried to think of what she should do. She was still trying to come up with a plan of action when sleep sneaked up on her at last.

XxxxxXxxxxxX

Tsukune's manor house was filled with women. Ruby had been told to take care of the Me sisters, so she was going to do just that. While she was installing them in servants' quarters in the attic, Moka, Kurumu, and Mizore were down in the sitting room. Kurumu kept glaring at Moka, who was largely ignoring her. Mizore was practicing her embroidery; her new hobby that confused the others. The one time Kurumu had asked her why she had taken up embroidery, Mizore had looked at her as if what she was doing was perfectly natural and said that it was because knitting was too obvious.

Moka was aware of the other two, but was preoccupied with an internal conversation. Inner Moka was as angry as a wet cat in a sack. She wanted to lash out, mostly at the woman that had attacked Tsukune, but was willing to take out her frustrations on any target in reach. The largest part of her frustration came from how powerless she was at the moment. She couldn't punish a woman that wasn't around. She could not lash out on the pair of girls that had been left behind, and had become Tsukune's new slaves. She could not even share her frustration with Tsukune, because he was on duty. The irony of that last bit was not lost on her.

Inner Moka kept making bitter comments and hollow threats to her outer self. Her own impotence at the moment was a sour thing to swallow. She couldn't help but think of all the times she had kept Tsukune away, because she had been afraid of her own feelings, with the excuse of needing to protect her position. She had use her pride as an excuse. Now Tsukune truly had an image he needed to preserve. He had a position of respect and authority, and it was important that he was seen as being capable and professional.

'I am going to remind Tsukune of his place then next time I talk to him,' Inner Moka fumed.

'Oh?' Outer Moka returned. 'You mean his position as a respected leader that everybody trusts? Or do you mean his position as our lover? Both positions are above us.'

'I can't believe you're not upset,' Inner Moka demanded.

'I am upset that some woman hurt my Tsukune,' Outer Moka answered. 'And I'm not happy about not being able to be with Tsukune right now, but I can accept it because I have to.'

'But Tsukune...' Inner Moka began.

'Tsukune is being exactly the man we want him to be,' Outer Moka cut her off. 'And now he has two more slaves sworn to him.'

'Tsukune doesn't need any more women,' Inner Moka complained.

'He doesn't do it on purpose,' Outer Moka thought. 'And if we try to talk to him about his position and popularity, you know he will honestly tell us that it is all so he can be with us.'

'I know, damn it all,' Inner Moka grumbled. 'Tsukune could become a god and he would somehow turn it into something special for us. It makes it hard to stay angry with him.'

'Why would you want to stay angry with Tsukune?' Outer Moka questioned her inner self.

'Because he is not here for me to love him,' Inner Moka huffed.

XxxxX

It turned out to be an unproductive evening for Moka, Kurumu, and Mizore. They sat and brooded, and occasionally vented their frustrations about the current situation. Ruby had a slightly better evening. Tsukune had told his two new servants to do as she said, and she was more than willing to make use of her power. One of the first things she had told them to do was answer questions. The interrogation that had followed had not been especially productive, but it had filled in some gaps about what had happened to Tsukune and why. Once everybody had reached the manor, Ruby had taken the pair up to the attic and set them to work. The servants' quarters were unused, so Ruby set the pair to the task of making themselves places to live and sleep fit for occupation. She had underlings again and was already making plans for how to use them.

Finally Kurumu excused herself. She had to return to her own house and clean up the mess she had left in the kitchen. Moka and Mizore soon followed. Ruby saw them all out with due politeness.

Once the others were gone, Ruby smiled darkly. She had two new underlings to play with. She knew they planned to serve Tsukune, but before they could, Ruby was going to find out exactly what they had to offer her master. She was also looking forward to how she was going to dress them. Hired servants were one thing, but sworn followers were another issue. Ruby didn't like the idea of there being more sworn followers because she didn't want to become one of many. But she couldn't change what had been set in motion, so she was going to make the most out the opportunity she had been given.

XxxxxXxxxxX

Sunday was a day if frustrations at the koban. Enough people had seen the commotion to start rumors flying around the town. When Tsukune made a morning patrol of the town he saw a lot of anxious faces and surprised looks.

One of Tsukune greatest comforts in the town were the few older residents that seemed to live in their own little worlds, with maybe the exception of the woman that liked to complain about how the rats have been tasting lately. One such person was an old man that sold clay jars of some kind of home brewed wine. When Tsukune passed the man's shop that morning, it was just in time to see him struggling with a huge jar. The jar was over a meter tall and half a meter across at the widest point.

"Allow me to help you," Tsukune said to the man.

"Ehh?" The man looked from where he was struggling, red faced from the effort, of moving the jar towards a waiting cart. "Well that would be nice for a change." The man stood back and scrubbed at his face with rag to wipe away his sweat. "It's not so bad when they bring me he empties, but once they're full..." He rolled his shoulders and knuckled his back. "Pheeew, but it's hard on old bones."

"I'm sure," Tsukune said. He grabbed the jar just below the widest point with both hands. He knew that it should have been heavy, and he had to watch his balance, but he lifted the jar up into the cart without even a grunt.

"You got time for a few more?" The old man asked, hitching a thumb towards the door to his shop.

"Alright," Tsukune nodded.

By the time Tsukune had the cart loaded a full score of locals were lingering in the area. They were all watching him as he hefted the large jars with little effort. Tsukune was putting on a small show on purpose. He wanted the locals to see that he was strong and healthy. He wanted them to have faith in his ability to do his job. He also wanted to keep anybody from thinking that he was injured and possible weakened, because he knew that if anybody thought he had lost his strength, somebody would try to test him. It bothered Tsukune that he had to think and act based on such primal logic.

When he was back at the koban he was on display still. Small groups found excuses to hold conversations in front of the koban where they could see inside. The building was intact. Tsukune was attending to his duties. Inari made sure her presence was well known as well, but that she was not propping Tsukune up in any way.

Inari found the day frustrating for her own reasons. She was glad to be with Tsukune, but was forced to keep a professional distance from him. When women found excuses to stand outside the koban to look in at her captain, Inari wanted to shoo them away.

Inari knew she was limited in what she could do. She was limited in the amount of affection she could show for her captain when they were on duty. She was limited to how close she could be with him when his other companions were around. She knew that she was limited, but was determined to do what she could for him. She was making lunch for the both of them when the Koban received visitors that Inari did not want to see.

Moka, Mizore, and Kurumu arrived at the koban in a group, but it was clear that they had tried to act independently. Each one was carrying a lunch box. Kurumu had also brought along a thermos. While they had dark looks for each other, they were more concerned with Tsukune.

Inari wasn't shut out by the others, but she was bumped to the side. Tsukune grumbled about how their concern was unwarranted, but was glad that they cared about him. With so many women providing lunch at one time, the koban ended up hosting an impromptu party, of sorts. Inari was allowed to join the others as they sat around Tsukune's desk to share lunch. She was even included in the casual conversation. While she was glad that she was not being shown any hostility, it was clear from the shallowness of the conversation that she still had a long way to go.

XxxxxxxxxxX

The end of the weekend shift finally came. Relieved from their posts, Inari and Tsukune started the walk back towards the school. Tsukune was still in his uniform, wanting to look healthy and serious until he was safely out of public view, so Inari had to remain at a small distance from him. Even so, she tried to enjoy their brief time together.

"Tsukune," Inari said in a light tone. "When we're going to university, where do you think you will be living?"

"I am still thinking about that," Tsukune said. "I would like to find an apartment near the campus." He gave a heavy sigh. "But I guess that's not even possible now."

"What do you mean?" Inari asked.

"I have to take responsibility for Ruby, and now the Me sisters," Tsukune explained. "When it was just Ruby and I, I could have gotten a small apartment. But now I have to worry about four people. Working for the police while going to school will not be enough." He gave another sigh. "Ruby would be willing to get a job to help out. The others will probably work if I tell them to, but that just doesn't feel right. Mizore offered to be my roommate and help with living expenses, but I know that's not the life she wants."

"I am sure you will find a solution," Inari said.

"I hope so," Tsukune said.

Inari couldn't think of anything more to say. Or more correctly, she could not think of anything to say that she thought Tsukune would want to hear. She wanted to offer to be his roommate while at university. The idea of having to help support his servants wasn't appealing, but if it was the price for getting closer to him, she could manage it. She had been thinking about suggesting they be roommates when she first asked the question, but she saw that her plan had three adult sized flaws with it, at the least.

"Thank you for all your hard work this weekend," Tsukune said when it was time to part ways.

"Thank you Captain," Inari replied.

"And Inari," Tsukune said with a hint of hesitation.

"Yes?" Inari's attention was wholly focused on Tsukune now.

"I want you to know," Tsukune said. "That I am grateful for your support. Your help in protecting the Me sisters meant a lot to me. Thank you very much. I know it can't be easy being around me sometimes," He gave her a crooked smile that made her heart flutter. "But I am glad that I can count on you, as my lieutenant and as my friend."

"Tsukune..." Inari was so excited that she though that she would start trembling soon. "Thank you. I... I... Thank you, Tsukune. I want you to know that you can always count on me."

"Get some rest and I will see you in the morning," Tsukune said.

"Yes sir," Inari threw him a goofy salute.

XxxxxxxxxxX

Inari was still feeling excited to the point of giddiness as she locked her dorm room door to keep out the rest of the world. She dropped her bags by the door and did a little dance, twirling around her room with a wide grin. Tsukune may not have confessed his love for her, but he definitely like her.

"Yes..." She cheered in a tight voice, careful to not call too much attention to herself.

Inari danced around her room a few minutes more before flopping down on her bed. It was then that she noticed a different problem. She was feeling excited and happy, and she had nobody to share her feelings with. She couldn't talk to anybody in the dorms without risking what she said becoming the stuff of gossip and rumors. She wanted to tell Tsukune how happy he had made her, and hug and kiss him while she was at it, but he wasn't available.

"Aaaarrrrgh," Inari kicked her feet and beat her fists against the bed in frustration. "This sucks!"

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Welcome home Master," Ruby greeted Tsukune as he entered the manor. "Can I get you anything?"

"Dinner and a bath," Tsukune said. "How is everything here Ruby?"

"All is well," Ruby said as she took Tsukune's bag. "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes, if you would like to wait in the kitchen..." She had a hopeful look.

Tsukune knew that if she was serving a meal for him in the kitchen that Moka or the others were not around. That meant she was looking forward to eating with him, playing house in a way. Tsukune was fine with that.

"That sounds nice," Tsukune agreed. "Let me go up stairs and change."

"Yes Master," Ruby said with a smile. She followed him up to the master suit.

"So what did you do with the Me sisters?" Tsukune asked.

"I gave them rooms in the servants' quarters," Ruby said, gesturing overhead. "And aside from having them do some light cleaning, I have been trying to find something they can be useful for."

"I'd like it if there was some way to... to..." Tsukune searched for the right words.

"Send them back where they came from?" Ruby offered.

"That would be good," Tsukune nodded.

"Unfortunately, that is not an option," Ruby said sadly.

"I know," Tsukune sighed.

After he stripped down to his under clothes and pulled on a pair of sweat pants, Tsukune was ready to go back down stairs. He and ruby went to the kitchen, where she installed him at the table until dinner was ready. Tsukune tried to relax as he watched Ruby bustle about the kitchen with a smile on her face.