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 310

With Tate no Kai laid to rest, Tsukune was beyond ready for taking care of his life and getting it back to normal. There were a lot of things he had been able to trust to Inari and Ruby, but some things were best to be taken care of in person. Tsukune smirked to himself as he rode Hiru in his rounds to take care of those personal things. It was amusing that the things best handled himself were all involving women.

Tsukune was glad that he could be there for Moka's first courtroom win. He had trusted the people under him in his company to do most of the work for her, but he had given the orders before going out to hunt Tate no Kai. Then he had to spend a few days studying everything before presenting it to Moka. The time spent with her going over it again was nice because he was with her, but at the same time it was kind of rough, because the work had to come first. Between the time the evidence was collected and the trial date, Tsukune had some other business to take care of. All of it, he thought with a smirk for himself, had to do with women.

XxxX

Kokasan was happy to have Tsukune arriving at her door early in the morning, and invited him in for morning coffee. Since he usually only came around later in the day, there was some small hope that he was going to make a day of being seen with her. Her day was looking positive, but only until she learned why he was there. He explained in the most general terms how the investigation had finally put an end to Tate no Kai. Then he told her that the investigations were over, and that he no longer needed her help.

"I am grateful for the help you provided," Tsukune told her.

"Damn it!" Kokasan swore. "Tsukune, you really know how to ruin a good morning."

"I'm sorry," Tsukune gave her a sympathetic look.

"How long were you working on that case?" Kokasan questioned.

"A couple of years," Tsukune shrugged.

"Damn it," Kokasan hissed. She shot Tsukune a dirty look before going on in a more normal voice. "If I'd know... Look, are you sure there's nothing else I can do for you?"

"If you want to work for my company I can look for a position for you," Tsukune offered.

"Do you need a personal secretary?" Kokasan tugged at her dress.

"No," Tsukune gave a small shake of his head. "I have a full office staff at the moment."

"How about housekeeping? I don't mind working on my knees," Kokasan shot him a saucy grin.

"That is not an option," Tsukune said firmly.

"Damn it," Kokasan muttered. "Fine," She sighed. "So what happens now? Do I just move out and you forget all about me?"

"With the investigation over, my company has no need to keep paying for the apartment," Tsukune explained. "If you want to stay here, it will be at your expense. And no, I am not just going to forget about you. K-san, you helped me out when you could, and I appreciate that. You said when you started this with me that you were keeping your real apartment. Anything here you want to keep is yours, and I will even cover the cost of moving it. If you want, I can also ask my contacts about job positions for you." He reached into his jacket and pulled out an envelope. He extended it to her with a warm expression. "I have letters of reference, your last week's pay, and a completion bonus for you."

"Thank you," Kokasan accepted the envelope and took note of the thickness and weight of it out of habit. "I guess I should be alright until I get a new job." In truth she had managed to save up a nice sum already, so with what she had just been handed Kokasan was confident she should be able to survive comfortable for a few months if she had to. "But out of curiosity, what kind of positions do you think you can find for me?"

"It is hard to say for sure," Tsukune admitted. "Tate no Kai made some powerful enemies. Among them are some people that would be happy to thank you for your efforts by hiring you, but it would depend on what you know how to do and what you are willing to do."

"Besides being a convenience store clerk, I know how to cook and clean well enough to survive, get drunk, and sleep with men," Kokasan pointed out bitterly. "I am still trying to get a high school education. I could probably wait tables and serve drinks, but I am not going to sleep with another man unless I actually believe he's worth it."

"Good for you," Tsukune gave her a smile.

"Thank you," Kokasan accepted his approval a little grudgingly.

"How about this," Tsukune offered. "The rent here is paid until the end of the month. Go ahead and move back to your own apartment. Give me a call, and as I said, I will cover the cost of your move, and if you are interested I can see what jobs are available for you."

"I guess that's fine," Kokasan sighed. "That's probably the best offer I am going to get."

"Was there something else?" Tsukune questioned.

"I know it's stupid of me," Kokasan sniffed. "But I was kind of hoping you might feel something for me. I mean, you've stuck up for me, and you've helped me, and even came looking for me because you trusted me to help you. There's not been anybody like you in my life before."

"I'm sorry," Tsukue said with open honesty. "In another life..."

"Yeah yeah..." Kokasan sighed. "I guess I'll call you when I'm ready. Maybe after all you've done for me I will be able to do enough for myself that I can find the person I should be with."

"I am sure you will do fine," Tsukune got up to leave.

"Tsukune," Kokasan called to him.

"Yes?" He paused.

"You know, if you need my help again..." Kokasan offered.

"I won't hesitate to call," Tsukun replied.

"But you don't have to be a stranger either," Kokasan added. "You can call me any time, just if you want to say hello."

"I'll keep that in mind," Tsukune gave her a warm smile.

XxxxX

Tsukune's next stop was far to the north. He had been spending too little time with his Winter Family, he felt that he needed to do something about that. When he and Hiru reached Mizore's village, Tsukune actually felt a sense of relief. He knew he was not completely out of touch with the rest of the world while he was there, but it was going to take something truly important to get his attention.

Once under the northern barrier, Tsukune was free to just enjoy the view as Hiru carried him to Mizore's house. On the greater scale, the village was the same as always. It sparkled under the dancing auras, like a silent fireworks display. As he passed through the village there were signs of change that he couldn't miss. A big one was the streets were not empty as he passed through. Once upon a time the locals had hidden themselves from him. Over the years he had established himself as a regular visitor, so there were now residents that even waved to him in greeting. A smaller detail that spoke of change that Tsukune noticed were new tracks in the snow; tire tracks.

The tracks were no mystery to Tsukune. He knew that Jessie was a mechanic by both trade and passion. Even if he was living in the village full time, the man would find something with an engine to work on. Tsukune imagined that Jessie would build an engine from carved blocks of ice if he was kept away from his work for too long.

Another change to the village was one that made Tsukune smile with a mixture of amusement and pride. Mizore's house had been expanded. She had four children, something almost unheard of among her people. Not only did she need rooms for herself and her daughters, but she also needed rooms for the young maidens that helped her look after Tsukune's daughters. Aside from the community pulling together and sharing in the raising of children, Mizore's people saw children as a blessing, and it was hoped that by helping a mother with her children would extend that blessing to the maidens, so when the time came they would have healthy children of their own. Tsukune knew Mizore was frustrated by the extra attention her cousins were showering her with, but being a mother of four was hard work, so she was glad for their help.

The changes to Mizore's house involved more than just adding rooms. The front garden had been expanded, forcing the village street to curve around it a little. There was now an attached side building, and a pagoda behind the main house. Tsukune knew that the side building was the classroom where Mizore home-schooled her daughters. The pagoda was a workshop of a sort. It was a place where Mizore met with young, unmarried women of the village to discuss the nature of romance and love. Tsukune had been invited in once, so that some shy maidens could practice sitting in the same room as him and still actually talk with one another.

Yes, his Winter Wife was prospering. Tsukune was proud of Mizore's ability and strength. He found it amusing to think of the shy girl he knew from his first year of high school had developed into such a respected and well known woman.

XxxxxxxxxxxxcxX

Mizore had been surprised to hear the chimes of her front gate ringing out. Tsukune was the only person that set them to ringing that loudly. It was not his regular weekend to visit, and he had not sent word ahead that he was coming. She looked around the small classroom she had built. There were four writing desk set up. Fumusume and Natsuko were sitting with a third girl from the village as they practiced their numbers. Takibi and Kasai were with their grandmother and some of their aunties in the main house.

"I will return in a moment," Mizore excused herself.

The three girls didn't say anything aloud, but they shared knowing looks. Fumusume and Narsuko could feel their father's Warmth. Even their classmate knew what those chimes meant. There was a very real chance that their teacher was not going to be returning to teach them anything more that day.

Mizore was feeling a little put out that Tsukune had shown up unexpectedly. A woman liked to present her best image to the man she loved after all. Even if she did not feel as fresh and pretty as possible, Mizore was not going to take the time to do anything about it. She hurried to meet her husband, still feeling excited and happy about this visit as she had every time since he had accepted their first child.

Mizore managed to get to the front door just in time to welcome Tsukune into their home. It was then that she actually paused, because Tsukune had done something she could not remember seeing him do before. He had come to see her while carrying luggage. Mizore felt her heart bound excitedly in her chest. Whatever was going on in Tsukune's mind, it was clear that he was going to be spending more than just a night or two with his Winter Family this time.

"Hello Mizore," Tsukune said in a gentle voice as he set his bags down. "I hope I am not disturbing you."

"Tsukune," Mizore gave him a mock frown. "You know that this is your home, and that you are always welcome here."

Tsukune held out his arms to her. Mizore stepped into his embrace with a happy smile. She never got tired of being lose to him.

"I've missed you," Mizore said into Tsukune's chest.

"I know," Tsukune replied. "I've been missing you, but this time I am here to do some catching up for lost time."

"What do you mean?" Mizore asked as she turned her head to look up into Tsukune's face.

"If it is alright with you, I will be staying here for a while," Tsukune explained. "I brought some extra things so I can commute to work."

"Do you mean it?" Mizore questioned her good fortune with her eyes starting to shine with happy tears.

"I love you," Tsukune answered. "I love you, and I love out daughters. It may only be for a little while, but please allow me to live with you as a family should."

Mizore pulled Tsukune into a kiss without saying a word. Happy tears were running down her face at the same time her heart felt like it was going to explode. Even if it was for a little while, or if it was forever, Mizore wanted to be with Tsukune.

XxX

The Shirayuki-Aono household was filled with energy that afternoon and evening. Tsukune visited often enough that his appearance was not a total disruption of everybody's routine. It was still a reason for some family celebration however. Takibi and Kasai glomped on to Hiru, showering the creature with attention and riding it from room to room and around the garden. For some reason they liked the dark beast more than their mother's familiar. Natsuko didn't mind because she liked Shiro, and with her, she and her little sisters on Hiru could have races around the house. Fumusume, six years of age, was a little princess that wanted attention and liked to show off her ice sculpting to her father.

Mizore enjoyed the family atmosphere. She had to raise up the ice blocks for Fumusume to practice on. Tsukue did a little showing off as well. With the fire magic he had acquired, and his own claws, he could shape out an ice block almost as well as Fumusume could. Mizore was sure he was holding himself back, but it was fun watching them just the same.

The family supper that evening was a lively one. Tsurara had been invited to attend, and had accepted. The twins of course needed extra help in eating without making a giant mess. Grandmother was a good choice of assistance at such times. Of course the hand full of snow maidens that came and went helped to keep things organized.

It was that same set of maidens that helped get the children bathed and into bed., leaving the adults a little time to relax. Mizore and Tsukune sat together and talked about world events and other meaningless things with Tsurara for a while. Of course nothing last forever.

"Tsukune," Tsurara challenged. "What is it that you are expecting out of your visit this time?"

"Mother," Mizore scolded.

"I am spending time with my family," Tsukune answered. "I don't always have the time that I would like to spend with everyone, so for the time that I do, I want to spend it with those that I love."

"Well I for one am glad that you still love my daughter and take her so seriously," Tsurara said. "But it would be better if you could make your time here more of the rule than the exception."

"I will do what I can, Mother," Tsukune smiled at the blush that suddenly made the older woman's ears red. "Besides, if Mizore wants to, maybe she and I can have another child soon."

"Tsukune..." Mizore looked up at him with a bright smile and blushing cheeks. "Do you mean that?"

"How many children to you plan to have with my daughter?" Tsurara demanded.

"I don't know, Mother," Tsukune said with a crooked smile. "How many children do you think we should have?" He turned to Mizore. "I don't know how many we can support, but I love you, Mizore, and I want to do what I can to keep you happy with me."

"I think I should be going now," Tsurara said as she stood up. "You two have some private things to talk about. Thank you for the delicious meal."

"You are always welcome in our home Mother," Tsukune said politely as he stood as well.

"Thank you for saying so," Tsurara bowed her head with a smile. "And Tsukune?"

"Yes?" Tsukune replied.

"I would not object to another ten grandchildren," Tsurara said as a parting shot.