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 294

Tsukune was feeling frustrated with the lack of results in his hunt for Tate no Kai. His determination to put an end to the terrorist attacks was starting to nibble at the other parts of his life. One day a week he would spend in the office of his company to manage it. The rest of the time Inari was on top of things. Two weekends a month were spent with Mizore and their daughters. The twins, Takibi and Kasai, were growing quickly, and Tsukune didn't want any of his children to think he didn't care for them. Kurumu usually managed to get one date a month with Tsukune, and had to settle with phone calls and text messages the rest of the time. Three nights a week, usually, Tsukune actually spent at home, frequently with Moka but not always. The rest of the time he was trying to get more information about Tate no Kai.

Things were getting ugly in the fight against the terrorists that Tate no Kai was showing itself to be. The police had cracked down on every connection they could could under the law. The yakuza was gaining in popularity in many neighborhoods for the way they were keeping trouble at bay. Smash-and-Splash raids were less likely when a knot of tough looking potential witnesses were hanging around across the street from a love hotel or a bar. When Tate no Kai thugs hit the wrong places, they ended up getting hurt, arrested, or sometimes just disappeared all together.

Through it all, the investigations continued. Tsukune was always on the look-out for an opportunity to dish out a little instant justice as he tried to find a trail that would lead him to the "General" that was running the organization. He was not the only one feeling the frustration of the slow investigation.

Moka tried to not let it show, but she was feeling more than a little neglected by her fiance. She held regular meetings with the other members of Tsukune's special support team. Moka was worried about Tsukune. They were the same fears and worries from back in high school. Tsukune was pushing himself hard, just like when he had been back in school. Also, just like those days, he was putting himself into a position where he could get hurt while looking out for everyone else. As much as she worried about Tsukune, there was still a part of Moka that was jealous that so much of his attention was being kept from her.

She counted herself fortunate that she had close friends she could talk to about her worries. Just like when she had been back at school with Tsukune, Moka had sympathetic companions that understood exactly what she was feeling. Kurumu, for all that she shared her soul with Tsukune, wanted him to be with her in the flesh. She wanted to be able to see his smile, hear his voice, and feel his touch. The succubus wanted her Mate of Fate to be with her, not out lurking in cheap dive bars. Mizore wanted her Tsukune to be safely in the company of his Winter Family, where he would be respected and supported, and where they could continue making babies they could love and raise together. Ruby wanted to be where she could support her master, but the more time he spent away from home, the more she worried that she would not be able to be of use to him when he would need it. Inari was similarly determined to show her worth. She was ready to do anything and everything she could for her captain. There were times she was a little more than obsessive in her managing of Tsukune's company while he was busy with his hunt.

They all had a common connection. Vampire, Succubus, Yoka Onna, Witch, and Kitsune. They were all worried about that man they loved. They worried about his safety, and missed his company. All five of them took comfort in their shared bonds of love, worry, and jealousy.

Not everybody was chafing at the way things were going however. Kokasan in contrast to the five woman she knew naught about, was feeling pleased with the way things were going for her. Her frustrations came from the knowledge that the life she was enjoying was not going to last forever, and that the man that she was sharing her current life with was not interested in her the way she was interested in him.

For Kokasan life was about as close to a fairy tail as she could believe possible. She went to school and she looked after the apartment she shared with "Hito." The apartment was what most would expect for a woman with limited financial means to have, with the added touches that said it was a place where a couple shared their time together. The nicest pieces of furniture in the place was the futon and a small chest of drawers. The chest had actually been a gift from Tsukune. It had been as much for practical use in the apartment as it had been so he could be seen bringing it to give to the woman that the neighbors thought was his lover.

Kokasan was enjoying something close to the life she had given up on when her heart had been broken by an older man so many years ago. She kept house, complete with plants in a window box. Tsukune had placed something that looked like a cross between a bird house and a shrine on the wall in front of the apartment. It was Kokasan's job to make sure that the small set of dishes were cleaned each day and fresh food and drink were added each evening. The food was usually crackers. The drink were small shot bottles of saki. After a week a second little shrine box was placed on the ground outside the apartment. In a simple dress and an apron, Kokasan smiled happily as she took care of them. The little shrine boxes, she told her neighbors, were because Hito came from a Shinto following family and was serious about their traditions. To her it was a little like taking care of invisible pets.

Tsukune had explained what the shrine boxes were for. There were local spirits, small and mostly harmless if left alone, that he wanted to be friendly with. He did not want to provoke them, which his aura could do just because he was in their area, and if possible he wanted their aid in watching the area. Things like the shrine boxes were just trim and lace to what Kokasan really liked about her current situation.

Kokasan cooked and cleaned like any goodwife should. Tsukune had enough clothes at the apartment that he could stay several nights in a row and have something fresh to wear each morning. When she was able to host one of the neighborhood aunties for tea, they looked around the apartment with sharp eyes and saw that there were signs of a couple all around. Anybody might remember to have extra house slippers or second toothbrush when pretending to be staying somewhere. Tsukune's slippers showed wear. So did his extra pair of dress shoes and a pair of sneakers that were on the rack by the door. Kokasan was getting to play house with a good man that actually seemed to appreciate and respect her.

Because Tsukune wanted to be able to walk around the area unobtrusively, he sometimes took Kokasan out for simple dates. He held her hand and walked with her without looking like he was worried about being seen with her. Kokasan knew that if she didn't always remind herself that Tsukune was only using her for a cover story, she would have fallen in love with him.

That was one of the lies that she told herself. She also liked to pretend that when the investigation was over in that area that Tsukune would still want to spend time with her. Kokasan visited her real apartment once a week and tried to tell herself that it would be nice to have a place where she didn't have to share the washroom. She tried and failed to believe that she had not already fallen hard for Tsukune.

XxxxxX

"Hito..." Kokasan called out to her man in a sing-song voice when she opened the door. Tsukune had been working the lock with his key, but she had been waiting for him. "I've missed you today."

"Oh really?" Tsukune challenged with a raised eyebrow. With his personal history, he was able to recognize trouble, and right then Kokasan was trouble looking for an opportunity to happen.

"Yes, really," Kokasan said as she reached for him. She did not want to step to far out of her door, because right then she was wearing nothing but an apron and a skimpy pair of panties. "I've been thinking about you all day," She added with a little pout as she hugged Tsukune.

"I see," Tsukune let her hug him even as he made her walk backwards. He got her back into the apartment and closed the door.

"So..." Tsukune said as he moved Kokasan to arms' length and held her there. He gave he a careful looking over. "You hair is styled differently. You have your makeup done up in a new look. And I can't help but notice that you are dressed in a frilly, almost see-through, apron."

Kokasan smiled and blushed from Tsukune's attention and observation, but didn't say anything. She had been feeling nervous about her plan to seduce some special attention out of him, but now her whole body was starting to feel warm.

"I really do not need to ask what your intentions were, do I?" Tsukune questioned Kokasan as he let go of her and kicked off his shoes.

"Probably not," Kokasan answered. "But we are supposed to be lovers after all." She turned and headed deeper into the apartment, making sure to give Tsukune a good look at her almost bare bottom.

"Kokasan..." Tsukune began.

"Now now," Kokasan cut him off. "I have supper waiting for you. You're going to enjoy it, then you and I are going to spend some time together."

"I don't min..." Tsukune started in what he hoped was a reasonable voice.

"Hito," Kokasan said crisply. "You're my man, but a woman's got needs. If all I do for you isn't important enough for you to do what I want tonight, you and I are going to have a lover's quarrel that the neighbors are going to be able to hear." She turned and closed in on him, reaching for the front of his shirt. "Or, we can do things my way, and give them something much more exciting to listen to."

Tsukune looked at Kokasan for a moment and considered everything he knew about women. He could tell that she was determined. He had not missed the way she had watched him every time he had changed clothes around her. It had been clear to him from early on that she was interested in more than just pretending to be his lover. Thinking of the options available to him, Tsukune looked Kokasan in the eyes and smiled.

Kokasan saw that smile and felt her knees start to shake a little. For some reason she suddenly felt like she should be worried about the way Tsukune was smiling at her, but she was hoping that he was going to go along with her plan. A storm of insanely large butterflies filled her when he reached up and touched her cheek.

"Kokasan," Tsukune said in a low voice he had learned to use with caution. "I think I will have supper later."

Kokasan felt her body growing excited. His voice seemed to caress her whole body with a feather-light touch. She was aware of her apron rubbing against her hardening nipples as she breathed.

"I know what you want," Tsukune went on. "You want to feel my hands on your body..."

Kokasan felt her heart speeding up. Tsukune's voice was making her feel good. It was making her feel warm. As he talked, she closed her eyes and let herself feel everything he was saying. In moments she was weak in the knees as her body was gripped by a wave of pleasure. The world started to spin, and she realized that Tsukune had literally swept her off her feet. She opened her eyes to see that he was carrying her to the futon.

Tsukune kept talking. His voice filled her ears and flowed through her mind. As he put her down on the mattress, Kokasan just let herself surrender to the feelings in her body.

Tsukune knew what he was doing. It had actually taken him a few years to figure it out. It was another side effect of what had happened to him the night he had saved Kurumu. His voice had a power to it that touched people in a way that was like Kurumu's own Charm ability. Once he had understood he had the ability, he had to train himself to keep it turned off. It still slipped out whenever his youki rose up if he was not careful.

Tsukune called the talent his Voice. Inari and Ruby had helped him train his Voice, and to learn some of the limits of it. Because of how subtle it could be, Tsukune counted it as one of his most dangerous and powerful abilities. That night however, Tsukune was using his Voice to give Kokasan an experience she would never forget.

In that old building, with its thin walls, sounds were always being overheard. Tsukune was careful to keep his Voice low and focused. Kokasan had no such thoughts. She made no effort to muffle her voice as moans of pleasure escaped her throat. One of her hands clutched at her breast, pulling at her nipple, as the other was trapped between her thighs. Her voice rose and fell as she squirmed on the futon in pleasure.

Tsukune's words painted a picture in her imagination. She had abandoned herself to his Voice and accepted the sensations in her mind and true. As she reached the peek of her endurance, Kokasan cried out in wordless pleasure as her whole body stiffened. Finally she collapsed, limp and sweating on the futon. Her heart was racing and her breathing came in ragged breaths, but she had a smile on her face as she slipped into an exhausted sleep.

XxxxxxX

When Kokasan woke up the next morning she was aware tired aches in most of her body, but somehow she felt good at the same time. She opened her eyes and saw that she was cuddled up beside Tsukune. He was wearing an undershirt, as he usually did, but it didn't keep her from smiling as she took in the sight of him. She allowed herself a moment to examine the scars that were visible to her, resolving, again, to find the courage to one day ask him about how he had gotten them.

Kokasan brush such thoughts aside for another time. She was aware that Tsukune was beside her in bed, in her arms, and at the moment, he was defenseless. With a mischievous grin, she lifted the blankets to take a peek... And saw that she was still wearing her panties and apron.

"What?" Kokasan sat up in surprise a she pushed the blanket away.

"Morning," Tsukune said with a small grin.

"What the hell?" Kokasan turned to him. "Why am I still dressed like this?"

"After what happened, you were too tired to change your clothes," Tsukune answered. "And I wasn't going to do it for you."

Kokasan's mouth dropped open and her eyes went wide as she remembered what happened the night before. She was fuzzy on the details, but she remembered that Tsukune had been there, and that he had made her feel good... really, really good. Her body shivered at the memory and she felt herself becoming aroused all over again. Suddenly she couldn't face the man in her bed. Mumbling an excuse, she climbed to her feet and stumbled into the bathroom.

By the time Kokasan had cleaned herself up and composed herself, Tsukune was already up and dressed. She pulled the shirt he had worn the day before from the hamper and threw it on so she wouldn't be naked as she put together a simple breakfast for them to share. She sometimes lamented the lack of a proper kitchen making it hard to cook a real meal, but for some reason that always made Tsukune chuckle. After his egg on toast and a cup of tea, he announced that he had to go to work.

Kokasan saw Tsukune out as she did every time he spent the night. On the balcony walkway outside the door of the apartment, she received a kiss on the cheek and then he was off to whatever it was that demanded so much of his time. She watched him disappear into the stair well, but before she could return to her apartment she caught a pair of the neighborhood aunties watching here with their heads together.

It was clear that they had been talking about her in hushed voices. When she made eye contact with them, the two old women didn't look at all ashamed for being caught gossiping. Instead, the pair simply gave Kokasan happy, knowing smiles. She felt herself blushing as she remembered how little she had on, and how much noise she must have made the night before.

"Good morning," Kokasan squeaked in embarrassment. She then dashed back into the apartment and slammed the door.

XXXXXXX

XXX

Omake

Something from behind the scenes...

Kokasan had been surprised by Tsukune's latest whirlwind visit. She was still trying to remember what had happened that night in the prior week, and to work up the courage to try it again. He had stopped by to see how she was doing, and to tell her what was going on. He told her that something was going to happen soon with Tate no Kai, but not what exactly. He then went on to tell her to stay alert, but more importantly, to stay safe. Then he was gone again.

Kokasan found the situation to be endlessly frustrating. When she had started helping Tsukune, there had been a time when she had thought she would like the life of being a kept woman. She quickly changed her mind about that. Kokasan would have no problem being a housewife, or even just living with a lover that was willing to support her, but she could never be satisfied being the kept woman on the side.

As Kokasan cleaned up after Tsukune's all too brief visit, she was thinking about how much she wished Tsukune would look at her with true affection. He treated her with respect, and as a friend, which was more than she had expected from any man since the last time someone had broken her heart. She was thinking how friendship and respect was nice, but it didn't keep the bed from feeling lonely, when someone knocked at her door.

"Coming..." Kokasan called out. She headed for the door, still drying Tsukune's tea cup after washing it. She was used to the neighborhood aunties dropping by at random times. In spite of the warnings from Tsukune, Kokasan opened the door to see who was there without any hesitation.

Kokasan froze in the doorway. As she took in the site of the person standing in front of her door, she could not help by run down every detail of her own appearance. Her hair was clipped back carelessly. Her makeup was almost nil. Her house dress was a couple of years old, and while it was comfortable, it was not pristine. As she stood there with her mouth hanging open, she could not remember how to greet a visitor.

"Hello," Kurumu said with a bright smile. "May I come in?"

Without actually saying anything, Kokasan backed up, holding the door open and making way for the other woman. After the Sweetheart Chef walked in, casually kicking off a pair of shoes that cost more than Kokasan wanted to think about, the older woman closed the door slowly. Her brain was spinning as it tried to understand what was going on.

"I am sure this is a surprise for you," Kurumu said as she went deeper into the apartment. "But I do hope you will forgive the intrusion."

"You... You're..." Kokasan's speech center was starting to work again, making her voice squeak as it came unstuck.

"Yes," Kurumu turned back to the other woman. "Sorry. I am Kurono Kurumu."

"You're the Sweetheart Chef!" Kokasand exclaimed.

"That's right," Kurumu nodded. "Tsukune told me you were a fan."

"He gave me one of your cook books," Kokasan said. "He said he asked you to sign it."

"Oh yes," Kurumu agreed. "I actually gave him five copies. Yours was the only one I signed though."

"I didn't believe him," Kokasan gave herself a little shake. "I'm sorry. Please have a seat. Would you like some tea?"

"Yes, please," Kurumu replied.

"When Tsukune said you signed the cook book," Kokasan spoke as she set to making a fresh pot of tea. "I didn't believe he had actually met you in person. I mean, he obviously met you if you signed it, but I didn't believe that her actually knew you, I mean, in person."

"Didn't he tell you that he knew me?" Kurumu asked.

"Actually," Kokasan blushed. "When he gave me the book, I asked him how he got you to sign it. I thought he was going to tell me about some work connection, but he just smiled and said you were his friend from school." She flashed an embarrassed smile. "He speaks very highly about you and your cooking." What Kokasan didn't say is that the look in Tsukune's eyes when he mentioned the Sweetheart Chef made her feel jealous.

"Tsukune is so sweet," Kurumu said with an amused look. "Actually, Tsukune is my sweetheart. He and I have been lovers since high school."

"Oh my god..." Kokasan gasped.

"Which brings us to why I am here to see you," Kurumu went on.

"Really?" Kokasan questioned.

"By the way," Kurumu asked in a gentle voice. "What is your name dear? Tsukune only called you K-san when he visited me."

"Kokasan," She said in a shy voice.

"Kokasan, let me be direct with you," Kurumu said in a level voice. "I am here because I am worried about Tsukune."

"You are?" Kokasan questioned. "Shouldn't you let him know?"

"Honey," Kurumu smirked. "There is not a single thing about me that Tsukune doesn't know."

Kokasan was surprised by the wave of jealousy that crashed through her at that statement.

"Kokasan," Kurumu started again. "Tsukune has a bad habit of pushing himself very hard. I blame Moka for that. It is good that he wants to do his best, but I still worry."

"Moka?" Kokasan's shaken mind grabbed on to the fact that another woman had been named.

"Tsukune's fiance, dear," Kurumu answered. "He really has not told you much about his life has he?"

"No," Kokasan shook her head. "He's friendly to me, but I am just helping him with his work. He is even paying me to act like his girlfriend, so he has an excuse to visit the neighborhood."

"He told me all about you," Kurumu said. "He makes it a point to tell us almost everything."

"Us?" Kokasan asked.

"His lovers," Kurumu answered before going on. "I was just surprised that he was keeping you in the dark. But I guess it makes sense. He is probably trying to protect you. Some of the things... well, enough about that. Why don't you pour the tea and tell me how Tsukune had been doing. Is he getting enough to eat?"

"Well he usually isn't here enough to eat very often," Kokasan began as she set the tea on the table. "But why are you asking me?"

"Because I am making sure Tsukune isn't neglecting his health," Kurumu replied. "He was the same way back in school. He would get so busy trying to solve a problem that he wouldn't take time to look after himself."

"So you tracked me down just so you can ask if he's been eating his vegetables?" Kokasan challenged.

"And to make sure he is getting enough sleep," Kurumu nodded.

"Oh..." Kokasan leaned back a little. "You're checking up on him to make sure he's not sleeping with me." Seeing the person in front of her as a jealous woman instead of an idol made things easier for Kokasan. She was just starting to feel a sense of confidence from that idea when Kurumu started laughing.

It was a happy, amused laugh that made Kurumu shake in ways that most men would love to see.

"Oh no dear," Kurumu said as her outburst faded. "I know he has never touched you in such a way." She gave a little shake of her chest. "And, I'm sorry, but I happen to know you do not have what it would take to tempt him beyond his endurance." Kurumu sobered up and gave Kokasan a level look.

"I came here for exactly the reason I said," Kurumu went on. "I want to make sure Tsukune is taking care of himself."

"He is taking excellent care of himself," Kokasan stated firmly. "And he is taking care of me as well. If you want, you can ask the neighbors how well he has been taking care of me." She gave Kurumu a saucy grin. "This building has thin walls."

"Well the next time I see him I will tell him you approve of his care," Kurumu nodded politely. "Just make sure you take good care of him."

"You don't seem to care very much that Tsukune is spending his time with me," Kokasan accused.

"Why should I?" Kurumu shrugged. "You said so yourself. You're just working for him."

"But there is more than one way for a woman to work for a man," Kokasan tried to use a seductive voice and a smoky look.

"Of course there are," Kurumu agreed. "But those other ways you are thinking of, Tsukune has no interest in from you."

What bothered Kokasan about what the other woman was saying, was the calm, indifferent way she said it. Kurumu was calm and confident that Kokasan was no threat to her relationship with Tsukune. It was clear that that the other woman truly believed that Tsukune could have no romantic interest in Kokasan.

It was more than a little depressing. Kokasan was used to being seen as a sex partner first and a person second, if at all. Tsukune had clearly seen her as a person, and had shown her respect without hesitation. Having her sex appeal so utterly dismissed hurt her pride.

"I'll have you know, I have never had trouble finding a lover," Kokasan boasted.

"Kokasan," Kurumu said in a firm voice. "I hate to break it to you, but Tsukune is far more special than you know. It took me two years just to get him to kiss me. His fiance nearly killed the woman that stole his first kiss."

"Wait," Kokasan held up a hand and frowned. "He's your sweetheart, but he has a fiance that isn't you? That doesn't make sense."

"The only reason I am here," Kurumu gave a lazy smile. "Is because I was available. Tsukune's fiance has her hands full. His office lover is busy with his business. His house slave is working on a project. His concubine is at home with his four daughters. Each and every one of us is looking out for Tsukune whenever we can. So I came here to make sure Tsukune is eating right and not putting himself at risk by skipping sleep and meals. The only reason any of us would tolerate you being around Tsukune is because you can help him in some small way."

"Don't worry," Kokasan said with a suggestive hand gesture. "I'll help Tsukune any way I can."

"If he would let you, I am sure it would be an experience you would never forget," Kurumu sighed, feeling frustrated with the other woman's false confidence. "But as I said, I know it has not, and will not ever happen."

"And what makes you so sure?" Kokasan demanded.

"If you could understand the answer," Kurumu smirked. "You wouldn't need to ask the question." Kurumu took a sip of her untouched cup of tea. "Feel free to tell Tsukune I stopped by. He is the only person who will believe you." Kurumu got up to leave.

"What?" Kokasan blinked. She hesitated for just a moment before trying to follow Kurumu. The Sweetheart Chef got out the door just a few heartbeats ahead of the human woman. When Kokasan got through the door, the visitor was nowhere to be seen. There were just a couple of local woman acting normally.