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 268

Mizore knew that her people, her village, were a blessing any woman would be lucky to have. While there were personality conflicts just like in any community, they were still all a part of the same community, and that was one that believed in being supportive and watching out for each other. In her village children were a treasure that everybody wanted to protect and nourish. What all of that translated into was a never ending list of people willing to babysit. In fact, always refusing to let her mother and the countless aunties and cousins have a chance to spend time with her little girls made Mizore appear selfish.

Tsurara had been so happy to babysit her grandchildren that she had not bothered pressing Mizore for how long she was going to be out. Mizore was going to visit Tsukune, she had told her mother, and that had been enough for the older woman. Of course now that Natsuko was more than a year old, Tsurara was hoping that Mizore and Tsukune would get to work on making another baby.

Mizore knew what her mother was hoping for, and was hoping and planning for something along the same lines. Mizore did not want to overwhelm Tsukune with too many children. She knew that the others were planning to give him children as well, and it would bother Tsukune if he could not spend time with them all. Mizore's plan was to have one child for each season, and it was just the right time of Winter to have an Autumn baby. After her first four children, Mizore would take the time to consider how Tsukune and the others were doing.

Of course there was always the chance that her relationship with Tsukune would change. Perhaps he and Moka would finally marry and have children together, and he would become totally devoted to them, to the point of leaving Mizore on her own. If that happened the snow woman would settle for quietly bringing a child of Tsukune's into the world every year for as long as her body would allow it.

As much as Mizore was hoping to spend some time with Tsukune, in truth that was not what the trip she was making was about. She was going to meet up with Moka and the others. It was going to be a meeting of the Tsukune appreciation and support committee, just like back when they were in school together. And just like the old days, the meeting was going to be held in Tsukune's home. The reason for the gathering was the same as the old days as well, everyone was worried about the man they all loved.

Tsukune was working hard. He probably did not see it himself, but the women that loved him did. He was in overdrive once again. He was keeping up with his university studies while working full time for the police. He was putting in hours in the field and more hours in an office, all focused on investigating Tate no Kai. Inari was with him some of the time, but more often he was without her support.

Tsukune was all over the proverbial and literal map. Hours in an office going through records to investigate names and histories. Whole shifts spent knocking on doors trying to find people who's names had appeared on the wrong lists. People who had their identities, or sometimes a stolen credit card, used to support Tate no Kai in some way. A mahjong parlor that had changed owners suddenly, much to the surprise of its yakuza backers, required Tsukune to travel to Kochi for a three days trying to physically track down the new owner. The local police were helpful, but all that was discovered was an old woman living with her son's family who had no knowledge of how her name had ended up on the parlor's title. Days of investigation later had revealed that the son had sold his mother's identity to cover his debt to the bank.

One thing connected to another. One investigation gave birth to two more. When Tsukune was not actively helping with the investigations, and not studying, he was dangled out as bait. A small team would be with him in the area the Imperial Guard wanted to focus on. Tsukune and his team would visit local kobans, and even schools, doing visible recruiting work for the police, making a nice distraction so the investigators would, hopefully, be free to work unnoticed. Inari was usually with him at those times, as much to help attract females to the police agency as any other reason.

When Mizore arrived at Tsukune's apartment to meet with the others she was awash with emotions. Tsukune was out working, as she had expected, but somehow she felt comfortable walking into his home. It was not just the way Ruby had welcomed her. Nor was it how her closest friends were waiting for her. When Mizore entered the apartment she could feel the Warmth of Tsukune all around her. It was his home, and a part of his whole life. Ruby and the Me sisters may be the ones to look after the apartment, but it was Tsukune's presence that made them want to. That sense of his presence colored the way the apartment was decorated and cared for.

It was because of Tsukune's Warmth that the meeting was held in his home. All of the women wanted to feel connected to Tsukune, and hoped in some way he would feel connected to them. In truth there was almost nothing they could do for Tsukune however.

Moka, Kurumu, Mizore, Ruby, and now Inari gathered together for support. They wanted to support Tsukune, but they were also looking for support for themselves. Inari was able to help Tsukune keep up with his classes. Moka managed to have a little time to help him with his studies, but he didn't really need it any more. Ruby and the Me sisters kept everything clean and made sure Tsukune was properly nourished. Kurumu and Mizore wanted to do what they could for him, but it wasn't like they could carry his school books or make his lunches any more.

Without any practical ways to support Tsukune, the women fell back on traditional habits. The meeting started off with everybody being brought up to date on what was going on with Tsukune. They then talked about what each of them had been up to. After that, the meeting just became normal girl talk as the friends offered each other moral support. That and they all looked at the baby pictures that Mizore had brought along.

XxxxxX

Tsukune was looking forward to getting home. He had just been to a small beach side town he had never heard of before, where a tip had reported a cargo had been delivered by fishing boat. While smuggling by fishing boat was not new, or too uncommon, when the whole process had bypassed the usual yakuza agents in the area, somebody had noticed and passed word up the line. After spending days visiting fishing boats and local bars, Tsukune had turned up a partial license plate on a truck and a description of the driver that could be just about anybody in Japan.

From the town he had to head back to the office to make his reports. He was actually working part of the time out of the Imperial Guard's offices. He had been there often enough to not feel out of place, but he was still not comfortable around the place.

Tsukune had been working hard, and consistently. He had been on the go so much that the days sometimes seemed to run together. The dates on the calender were just numbers for keeping track of the passage of time. Tsukune had actually forgotten to keep track of the events of the season. He was reminded of the date when he was getting ready to leave the office.

"Excuse me, Aono-san," A young woman said.

Tsukune turned to see a policewoman in her uniform, a member of the regular office staff, approaching him. Behind her he could see another woman trying hard to pretend she was not paying attention to what was going on. A chill touched Tsukune's spine as he had a flashback to his high school days.

"I was just wondering..." The young police woman had her left hand behind her back and a blush on her cheeks.

"Forgive me," Tsukune said with a small bow of his head. "My fiancee is expecting me for supper."

"Fiancee?" The woman said with a slightly pained expression.

"Yes," Tsukune nodded. "We have been together for years."

"I see..." The policewoman wilted a little. Behind her, her friend was suddenly interested in finding somewhere else to be.

"Have a good night," Tsukune said before bolting for the door with as much poise and dignity as possible.

XxxxX

It had not been planned out, but it turned out to be a fun evening. Tsukune had not been expected home that night. The reason why Moka and the others had gathered was because they had all expected to be alone on Valentine's Day. It has long been believed by men that Valentine's Day was all for the women, and after that night Tsukune had all the proof he needed to feel that it was an established fact.

Once Tsukune got home he was mobbed with attention. He had felt Kurumu's presence. He had hoped Moka would be free to spend time with him. Discovering Shiro visiting with Norra and Furyu in the garage had been a surprise. He let Hiru join the other creatures as he headed for the elevator. Tsukune knew that if he was aware of Kurumu the reverse was also true. He also suspected that Ruby had some kind of charm or ward set up to detect his arrival as well. When he reached the third floor, Ruby was the first person to welcome him home, with Inari right on her heels. Before he could even reach his apartment, his two retainers descended upon him. They hurried him into his home and all the way to the master bedroom. Tsukune was stripped down and ushered into the bathroom without getting a chance to protest or ask what was going on.

Tsukune knew he would have to do something nice for Ruby later, because he could see her efforts all around him that evening. Inari was left with the task of helping Tsukune to bathe. When he was released from the bathroom, squeaky clean, and towel dried, he saw that Ruby had a set of clothes laid out for him. It was a black kimono with a dark red, sleeveless over robe and matching slippers. Ruby was dressed in dark red yukata with a long black vest over it. By the time Ruby was done helping Tsukune dress, which had included her touching him in some intimate ways, Inari had managed to change her clothes as well.

"You have been waiting to do this, haven't you?" Tsukune accused as he faced the two women. Ruby and Inari were dressed alike. Their red yukatas and black vests showed lots of leg and an abundance of cleavage. Ruby had a little more to display then Inari, but they were both wearing choker necklaces with matching medals on the front. The medals were triple Tomoe, each with a red, green, and black teardrop mounted on a silver disk. Tsukune had observed the same design on the back and both sides of the upper chest on the front of the over-robe he was wearing while getting dressed.

"What do you mean, Master?" Ruby asked innocently.

X

While Tsukune had been distracted in the bath and bed rooms, the others had been busy. Tsukune discovered his living room had been rearranged on short notice. A section of the floor had been covered with a bamboo mat and seating cushions had been set out. Two cushions were side by side and included back rests and a kyousoku armrest by each one. Those two seats were the base of the arrangement. The next two seats, which were closest to the first pair, were set to face the same empty space in front of the first two and also included back rests. The final two seats, were just regular cushions and were set beside the other two seats but further from the base pair.

Tsukune recognized the arrangement for what it was. It was a miniature copy of a formal court kind of set up. The nicest seats were the base pair, where the lord and lady would sit. Tsukune gave his servants a questioning look but said nothing. Instead he turned his attention to the kitchen, where the Me sisters, in their customary Victorian Maid uniforms were working away.

The Me sisters were cooking up a storm. It did not take any guesses to know why they were cooking so much. It was clear that there was going to be a dinner party that night. Tsukune just hoped he would not have to wait too long. It had been a long day and he was hungry.

XxX

Over in Moka's apartment three women were talking excitedly as they washed, scrubbed, brushed, powered, and painted themselves. They had been talking, and occasionally arguing with each other in Tsukune's apartment when Kurumu had suddenly perked up.

"Tsukune is coming," Kurumu had blurted out. She had felt him jump close and knew that he was on his way home.

Knowing that Tsukune was going to be home in time for Valentine's Day supper had set off a near riot. Moka had wanted to invite Tsukune to her apartment for a special evening. Kurumu and Mizore both wanted to take over Tsukune's kitchen to cook for him, both with the same intentions for after supper. As the trio were starting to glare at each other, Inari came up with a different idea.

"I am sure Tsukune is looking forward to relaxing when he finally gets home," Inari said, remembering the times he had said as much when they had shared a busy shift together. "It would be nice if we could all do something nice for him."

"But what could 'we' do?" Kurumu had questioned, referring to how Mizore, Moka, and herself were not likely to willingly share Tsukune's limited free time.

"Why don't we give Tsukune a party," Ruby suggested.

"Does he like parties?" Inari asked, trying to remember if he had ever said anything about them.

This brought a round of questioning looks from the gathered woman. The looked at each other the thought back to the times that had all shared. There had been parties... Newspaper Club parties celebrating a successful sellout. Victory parties after battles.

"We have never given Tsukune a party before," Moka admitted.

"But..." Kurumu began.

"We have had parties with him," Mizore said. "And we have had quiet celebrations with him on our own."

"I don't think we could put together a party for Tsukune on short notice," Inari frowned.

"But we can still have a party," Ruby said. "Wait here," She rushed from the room. She returned moments later carrying bundles of fabric. "Moka, why don't you and the others go to your apartment and get ready..." She handed a bundle to the vampire first "Inari and I will keep Tsukune busy..." She handed a bundle to Mizore. "And I will get everything set up..." Kurumu received a bundle. "I have an idea that I think Tsukune will like."

"I don..." Moka gave the bundle in her hands a questioning look.

"Tsukune is down stairs," Kurumu cut Moka off.

"Alright," Moka turned for the door.

Ruby chased the trio out before turning her attention to other things.

Moka, Mizore, and Kurumu made it to Moka's apartment before Tsukune reached the third floor. Once safely behind a closed door they took the time to examine what Ruby had provided them. Moka's bundle, the largest, was a full, formal kimono, with under robe, outer wrap, and a broad sash. While the embroidery was minimal, the red and ivory silk was carefully stitched. The lined under robe was pure white. The sash was black silk with silver trim. Mizore's bundle was a kimono in her usual light blues with a white under robe and a deep red sash. Kurumu's kimono was black with red trim over a red under robe, and had a red sash.

"I wonder what Ruby was saving these for," Kurumu commented.

XxxX

Moka was in the lead as the trio made the short trip from her apartment to Tsukune's. In full kimonos, with their hair and makeup done, they were perfect Japanese ladies. They moved with the careful grace their clothing demanded. All three of them were smiling thinking of the surprise they were going to give Tsukune.

When Ruby lead them into Tsukune's apartment where everybody was surprised. Traditional string music was playing on the stereo. Paper lanterns had been placed around to give the apartment a warm glow. The rearranged furniture matched the kimono and the lighting. And standing in the middle of the living room was Tsukune, dressed like a feudal lord. Tsukune was struck by how beautiful the woman were in their full kimonos. His lovers allowed themselves a moment to admire how handsome and strong he looked in his traditional clothing.

"Good evening," Tsukune said with a small bow. "It is nice to see you." He smiled then. "You are all very beautiful.

"Welcome home, Tsukune," Moka said with a bow of her head. "I have missed you." She crossed the room to him.

"You're looking handsome, Tsukune," Kurumu said as she approached him. "I'm glad that you can finally get a little time off."

"Tsukune," Mizore glided forward. "I am happy to see you."

"My lord," Ruby spoke up. "Supper is ready. If you would care to have a seat..."

Tsukune and Moka sat together, looking like lord and lady. Tsukune was at Moka's right hand. To her left was Mizore, her sworn vassal. Kurumu sat to Tsukune's right, across from Mizore. At the two most humble seats, furthest from Tsukune, sat Ruby beside Kurumu and Inari beside Mizore. Once they were all seated the Me sisters served supper.

It was a traditional supper served on individual trays. The Me sisters placed a tray in front of each of the diners. Rice lightly seasoned, steamed vegetables, and thin strips of grilled steak. The meal was not as fancy as it could have been, but it served its purpose. The red meat and dark green vegetables were filled with iron. It would fill the stomach and nourish the body.

Tsukune appreciated the extra effort that had gone into supper, and the evening in general. He said as much, making the others smile, and Ruby beam happily. He was also happy to be able to share the evening with everybody.

"You know, Tsukune," Kurumu said with a hint of a purr. "You look pretty good dressed like that."

"Yes," Mizore agreed. "And he wears a kimono whenever he visits with me."

"I would not mind seeing your dressed up a little more often," Moka said with a smoky look.

"Then I guess I will have to find occasions to do so," Tsukune gave her a smile. "Maybe we can go out someplace special."

"I would like that," Moka nodded.

"Tsukune..." Kurumu demanded his attention. "If you keep looking at each other like that you are going to end up with blood stains on your fancy clothes."

"That's true," Tsukune agreed, giving Kurumu a nod and a smile. He turned back to Moka. "So I guess that after we are done eating you and I should undress."

"Tsukune..." Moka politely chided him for being forward.

"Hey," Kurumu protested. "Tsukune, if you want I could undress right now."

"Please do not be vulgar," Mizore scolded. "I wold not want you to ruin Tsukune's appetite. He is going to need to keep his strength up."

"What are you trying to say?" Kurumu demanded.

"Kurumu, please remember your place," Moka said smoothly. "You are supposed to be the wanton woman when we are not around to care for Tsukune's desires."

"And when will that be?" Kurumu asked in an artificially sweet voice.

"Let me make you an offer," Moka said with a tight smile. "After we have finished dining, why don't you prepare yourself and wait for Tsukune in his bed. When he and I are finished sharing each others company, he will be free to visit with you."

"Why how kind of you, Moka," Kurumu said with a polite smile and a voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Tsukune," Mizore spoke up. "Since I know you will be keeping Moka company all night..."

"Hey!" Kurumu protested.

"I would like to request some time with you tomorrow morning before breakfast," Mizore finished.

"I have no objection," Moka said.

"I would be happy to speak with you in the morning," Tsukune said.

"Tsukuneeeee..." Kurumu pouted.