Author's Note: This fanfic focuses on mainly Clawd and Draculaura, but you will see a lot of the other characters too. There are some discrepancies between a few things, but stay with me on it. I had to pick and choose from all the different stuff. Between the books and even between movies things change. I really hope you like what you read [*fingers crossed*]. I'm always a bit nervous when I post stuff. Please please please review. I enjoy reading those like no one's business! So whoo! Here goes nothing! Oh! This has a major plot as well some mini plots within it. All tie into each other and all will be resolved in their own time. So without further ado...I hope you enjoy!

-Chapter One-

So here it was the second scaremester of their final year at Monster High. Draculaura stared up at the old castle and smiled. Funny how after being alive for 1602 years and it was her past time here that meant the most to her. She sighed as she hugged her books closer to her chest and went in. The delicate clunk of her boots on the stone floors made her smile. Where would she go, what would she do after these next few months? More school for another 200 years? Then college on repeat for another 400 more? She may think and act like any other teenage girl, but she wanted to move on like most ghouls.

As if summoned from her thoughts Ghoulia, Frankie, Cleo, & Deuce all strolled up to her locker. Ghoulia and Frankie were discussing some weird other language stuff...oh no, it was actually just some homework from Mr. Rotter. Might as well have been a different language. As for Cleo and Deuce they we going over their weekend plans. More like, Cleo was instructing Deuce of their plans with the man just sitting there nodding along.

Draculaura plastered on that rainbows and bunnies smile of hers. She was going to miss these guys more than they all knew.

The shrill voice of Cleo snapped all their attention to the pair, "Deeeeeuuuce! Are you even listening to meeeeeee?"

Sticking his finger in his ear to stop the ringing, the gorgon nodded slowly and cleaned his teeth with his tongue. Unfazed. The only person alive untouched by Cleo. When he spoke his voice mirrored his neutral expression, "Uh yeah. Mummy coming to town. Gotcha."

"Not mummy, you snake-haired oaf! Grandmummy! Whhhhhy do you never listen to me?"

Finally an eyebrow popped up from behind his trademark red shades, "Dude, its only Monday. You're going to tell me about a thousand times more. Come Friday I'll listen."

Silence descended on the group as the three girls blinked back and forth between the pair. The longer it took Cleo to answer the more nervous Deuce seem to grow under her continued scrutiny. When she finally spoke it was calm, collected, and dripping with royal decree, "I see. In that case I can think of other matters that will not be handled a thousand times long past Friday. Now. Begone. I'm done with you."

The meaning of that may have been lost on the rest of them, but Deuce certainly knew what she meant. Whatever it was had Deuce looking like he was about to beg for forgiveness and a reconsideration, but he knew better than that. They all knew Cleo well enough to know there was a time to beg and a time to simply fang out.

This time? Deuce fanged out.

His shoulders slumped, his head hung, and his knees practically scraped the floor as he dragged himself to class.

Draculaura and Frankie giggled to each other and Ghoulia rolled her eyes on a low groan.

Before any of them could say anything, Cleo held her gold and gem ridden hand up, "Take no pity on him. Come lunch he will be forgiven and all will be right with his world. For now the boy must learn. No one ignores a de Nile."

Draculaura nudged Frankie, "Even one as cute as Deuce."

Frankie giggled, but stopped immediately when the Egyptian queen bee looked at them. A glimmer twinkled her eyes, "You are correct there, D. Even one such as my Duece."

Howls and growls came from around the corner. The Wolfs. Before she even saw them, Draculaura could feel him. Her love was coming. Her heart quickened, her pulse raced, knees went weak, mouth dry, palms clammy, every part of her was responding.

Responding in ways the others had no clue about. They saw the cute, bubbly, giddy side of her love. There was more. A real, true side of it that was lost with her doll personality. Clawd Wolf effected her in ways no one ever had before. He was more than special, more than unique, he was Clawd.

There were no other words for him, but that simple truth.

He was Clawd.

The trio rounded the corner and walked down the hall with as much subtly as a herd of bats in tutus playing accordions. Clawdeen and Howleen were at each other's throats as usual. Neither of them were morning people and that never boded well for their relationship. Clawd was a step behind them and still half asleep. While his sisters were bitey in the morning, Clawd was a bit of lazy bones till he had a chance to really wake up.

Her eyes were transfixed on him as he made his way to her locker. The way he lazily sauntered without knowing. Even his ears were still asleep as they were partly flopped down. One hand stretched behind his head and the other idly scratching his stomach revealing the hard muscles of his stomach under his t-shirt. The way his backpack was casually tossed over one shoulder even enamored her.

Yes, to say she was in love with her boyfriend was an understatement.

While the two older Wolfs stopped with the group, Howleen passed them muttering something about wishing she was an only puppy. Ghoulia groaned to Clawdeen, "Uuuuuuhh uuhhhhh aaahh?"

Clawdeen waved her hand off in Howleen's direction, "Oh I don't know, Ghoulia, probably off to find Twyla or something. That ghoul has been nothing but a pain in my fangs this morning."

Cleo clapped her hands together, "Ghouls! In honor of my grandmummy coming to town Mummy and Daddy have decided to throw a huge party. And not just a de Nile only affair! They told Nefera and me we can invite whoever we want. I was trying to tell Deuce about this when he..."

The rest of Cleo's words trailed off as Draculaura drew her attention to the large, wide werewolf leaning on the side of his shoulder by her locker. He loomed over her, but the response was anything but fear making her gut warm, "Good morning, Clawd. Did you sleep well last night?"

"As well as I can with a house full of siblings. Thats what I wanted to talk to you about. Could we cancel our date tonight? I wanna just hang out with the guys tonight. I need to unruffle my fur."

Swallowing the disappointment, Draculaura smiled and kissed his cheek. His heat warmed her cool lips, "Of course, sweetie! You have fun with the boys. Go chase cars or whatever."

His half smile was genuine as he kissed her forehead before heading off. How was Clawd to know she was having a bit of an off day. This break had done nothing but make her realize what she was losing this year. Time had always been so meaningless to her. Like money! Vampires never blinked at two things in this world.

Time and money.

Before Monster High, she had only surrounded herself with her own kind. So that truth had only remained too true. But now she was surrounded by mortals. True some would live a lot longer than others depending on the monster. But none would live as long as her kind.

Vampires lived like foverer. Literally!

Oh my ghoul, sometimes being a vampire really sucked!

Once more she looked around her friends and that cloud covered her once rainbows attitude. She wasn't ready to go back to being frozen in time. Losing these monsters would totally slay her. Especially Clawd.

An arm linked with hers and Draculaura looked to meet the concerned smile or her beastie, "Hey, D, you okay? You seem kind of like out of it today."

Not wanting to worry her ghoul friend, the pint-sized vampire smiled, "Oh totes! Just need some tomato juice and I'll perk right up."

Still not budging, Clawdeen began to lead her to class, "Come on, D, this is Clawdeen here. I know you, ghoul! What's up?"

Panic and nervousness teased Draculaura, "We should wait with the others for Abbey. She's not here yet. Something could be wrong!"

Clawdeen shook her head, "Nope. Passed her on the way in sucking fangs with Heath."

"Gross!"

Clawdeen laughed, "Totally! Grossest cute couple ever! How those two fit together so perfectly is way beyond me."

"I bet the only worse couple is your brother and me, huh?"

Another laugh seemed to distract Clawdeen from her inquisition as they ambled down the halls, "Oh yeah, you have no idea! The idea of you thinking that smelly mutt is even remotely drool worthy is going to make me lose my breakfast."

On a giggle and a blush Draculaura answered, "Oh he's more than drool worthy. He haunts my dreams."

"I can see haunts, but I think you mean nightmares, not dreams."

Both girls giggled, but Clawdeen stopped abruptly and cocked her head to the side. She gave a low, light-hearted growl as she focused her narrowed golden eyes at her friend, "Hey, ghoul, whats the big idea? You aren't getting rid of me that easy. What is up? Seriously?"

Dracualaura sighed as she resigned herself to confiding in Clawdeen the whole way to class it all just kind of flooded out of her mouth in a flurry of expression and cute distress, "Its all so silly! I'm just like the worst vampire ever! I go all..." she made a face that made Clawdeen try to poorly stifle a laugh, "...at the thought of bloo-...of bloo..you know that stuff I don't drink. It took me like totes forever to get any of my vampire powers. I'm short. I'm the worst driver like ever. And now...and now I hate being immortal!"

The last part was said on a very pathetic wail. Clawdeen ushered her friend to the bathroom to help her fix her make-up, "You aren't a bad vampire. You've got some clawesome powers now. Totes worth the wait! And you're vegetarian because you have a huge heart! Oh, and what other vampire do you know was willing to not only date a werewolf, but have one as a beastie?"

Just as Clawdeen had been making progress whatever she had just said started to water works all over again.

The scrambling of her friend brought a genuine smile to Draculaura's teary face as Clawdeen asked, "What?! What did I say, D?"

Comfortingly Draculaura patted Clawdeen's hand, "Don't worry about it, just more of my silliness. I've been thinking about Clawd a lot lately?"

Taking a step back and a sneer on her, Clawdeen looked her up and down, "You aren't thinking of dumping my brother, are you? Last time a ghoul did that it practically ruined my friendship with Cleo. I don't want that to happen to us. But if you break my brother's heart-"

Draculaura shook her head so fast her pigtails slapped her face, "No! No! No! I love Clawd with all my heart. He makes my heart happy and my toes all tingly. Its just...when I went to an all vampire school time just went on and on and on and on and on-"

"Draculaura! I got it! You're old!"

Once more her head shook, "Thats just the problem! To you I am, but to vampires I'm not. My dad is like totes ancient, but I'm not. Going to school now with all of you I see how stuck I am. All of you are leaving me soon and I am still going to be right here. I'll be 'sixteen' forever! And Clawd..."

A frown pulled across Clawdeen's features as sympathy and understanding shone in her eyes, "And my brother won't."

Draculaura nodded delicately, "I was really looking forward to our date tonight, but Clawd is having problems of his own to work out. I hate even to worry you like this."

Strong, feminine arms hugged her dimunitive beastie as Clawdeen smiled down at her, "No worries, D! I love being here for you." she pushed Draculaura back, but kept her hands on her shoulders, "And what problems does my stupid brother have to work through?"

Dabbing at her tears with a tissue, Draculaura answered, "He's all stressed out from Winter break with a house full of Wolfs."

A howl filled the bathroom as Clawdeen eyed her furiously, "He's what?! Oh, I'll stress him out all right..."

"Come on, lets just get to class. I'm sure Clawd meant well. Look at Howleen and you this morning."

The female wolf nodded and followed her, but it was obvious she didn't buy into excuses for Clawd like she did. Which was okay, because Draculaura knew Clawd. He always meant well. He always did what he thought was right, even if it wasn't, it was the thought. To Draculaura he was perfect. She saw his imperfections, but to her they were just more reasons she loved him.

They reached the class a few minutes into it and both girls tried to sneak in as quiet as possible, but still Mr. Mummy had spotted them, "Ghouls! How nice of you to join us for Clawculus! Please have a seat right up front here by me."

Blushing from head to toe Draculaura was amazed how Clawdeen simply offered an apologetic smile and confidently walked to her seat. As soon as they sat, her most favored ghoul friend whispered, "I think we should do a slumber party after Cleo's party Friday. It'll cheer you up."

"Oh my ghoul! Totes! We could do a fashion show just for ourselves!"

Nudging her with a wink, Clawdeen smiled, "See! There's the Draculaura I know!"

Class continued on and Draculaura was relieved she hadn't overly worried Clawdeen. Or so she thought. But little did she know what was running through her friend's mind. Even if she had simply seen the occasional glances Clawdeen had darted all throughout class. For then she might have an idea. But she hadn't seen them and she hadn't a clue about the level of worry sparked. For the fact was Clawdeen knew Draculaura and the concerns her friend had voiced were all things that Clawdeen felt powerless against. Sadly Draculaura didn't realize what Clawdeen had.

They could do all in their power to cheer her up, but none of that would solve the problem. Every tactic would be a band-aid for an ever-growing wound.

Without that same insight as Clawdeen, the petite princess of Dracula was able to go about her day. She kept the clouds away from her rainbows. Eventually lunch came and new burst of energy flooded her system.

Already sitting at the table was Cleo, Operetta, Lagoona, Abbey, and Clawdeen. Without any dallying, Draculaura got her tray and took her seat at the table. So far, Cleo was the only one with her food. But the why was not long waiting her as Clawdeen explained barely before Draculaura's bottom hit the seat, "D! I hope you don't mind, but I've been talking to the ghouls about what we talked about this morning."

Embarrassment was quick to come and quick to leave as she nodded knowing she had meant well, "Its okay. Any ideas?"

Clawdeen hesitated and the others looked around awkwardly. Only Cleo was unmoved. The Egyptian royal was quick and easy to find her voice, "Yes."

Clawdeen shook her head, "Not any real or helpful ones at least."

Again, Cleo seemed barely moved, all except her trademark eye roll, "Puh-lease, Clawdeen, this is a very real and helpful solution! You aren't allowed an opinion on this one since you don't even begin to understand."

The wolf growled at her and Lagoona held Clawdeen's hand, "What I'm sure Cleo means, mate, is that you have no experience."

Cleo scoffed, "If I had meant that, Lagoona I would have said that."

Still the werewolf's eyes were locked on the haughty queen, "I may not have experience, but he is my brother and she is my beastie. So explain to me how I'm not allowed an opinion?"

Impatience vibrated Draculaura's fingertips as she buzzed, "What is it?"

Cleo faced her with a bored stare and said, "Sex."

Every jaw at the table dropped and in unison hissed in shock, "Cleo!"

Another, more lengthy, eye roll from the de Nile heiress, "I am not suggesting that sex solves everything. I'm not stupid. I am only saying it can help sometimes. You have at least done it in the past, right?"

Draculaura shook her head wildly, "No! Of course not!"

Finally a response as Cleo's hand flew to her chest with her eyebrows raising up and practically off her forehead, "You've been alive how long? The thought has at least crossed your mind once, right? Sixteen thousand and two years and not one suggestive thought?"

Stunned and shocked, Cleo collapsed her chin into her palm as she gaped openly, "Oh my Ra..."

Now the embarrassment came back in tenfold, "I can't be the only one."

With a quick growl to Cleo, Clawdeen wrapped her arm around Draculaura's shoulders, "You're not, D! I've not even thought about it once."

Cleo regained herself and pointed some of her lunch at Clawdeen for emphasis, "Thats because you've never even had a boyfriend.", she took a conclusive bite at that point.

"Its because I know its something special that should wait for the right time and the right person."

A small voice said from the shelter of Clawdeen's arm, "If that is that then...if Clawd isn't the right person I won't know who else would be. As for time...I don't know how much of that I may have left with him." before anyone could comment, Draculaura continued on stronger, "What about the rest of you?"

Abbey finally spoke in that certain, too point way she had, "No point games. I want to, so did. Certainly shut Heath up for quite while. Spoke again when I want him to. That simple. Want to, so do."

"But you love Heath right?"

Abbey shrugged and waved her hand about swirling some snowflakes as she did, "Might as well ask if yak likes food. He eats or he dies."

Clawdeen leaned over to ask Operetta, "Is Heath the yak, the food, or the death in that scenario?"

Operetta shrugged a response mirroring the same confusion as everyone else, "Johnny and I have. It was-"

When everyone gawked with disgust and confusion, Operetta stood and crossed her arms over chest, "What you think, because we're ghosts we can't do anything?"

Everyone had the decency to look ashamed. Everyone except Cleo and Abbey who, in unison, answered, "Yes."

Operetta shook her head and said, "Come on, lets just go get some grub before all the good stuff is gone."

Clawdeen and Abbey followed her. Just when it looked like Lagoona was going to follow she stopped and said to Draculaura, "When Gil and I finally did it...it was real beautiful. Special, ya know? I think the whole thing would have been perfect if my dad hadn't caught us. Thought Gil was going to go belly up, but my parents are real modern monsters. They just told us to be careful, because we wouldn't be ready for any guppies just yet. Make sure its special, D."

With that it was just the two left at the table. Just Cleo and Draculaura. There was no doubt in Draculaura's mind how Cleo felt about it all. To her it was no big deal. She had talked about the whole matter like it was just another chore or shopping trip.

Actually shopping trips got more enthusiasm out of Cleo. So surprise caused a squeak from the black and pink haired pixie vampire as her friend said, "I know what you're thinking. You think I find this whole sex issue no big deal."

Her head shook in short, quick bursts as she struggled to convince her friend, "Oh no, Cleo, I think we just see it differently."

With her hands folded together in front of her, Cleo looked strangely sincere and almost...caring. It was a bit unsettling, "I meant it when I said Clawdeen doesn't get it. None of them do. We live differently then the rest of those ghouls. We are a different breed of monster. Once you've cracked over a thousand you see things differently. I don't think sleeping with Clawd will magically fix all your problems like that." her snapping fingers caused Draculaura to jump but still the de Nile carried on, "But it will help. You love Clawd as I love Deuce. But the problem is, they're more fragile than us. Lives are shorter. They age soooooooo much faster."

"How do you...you know, like...deal with it with Deuce?"

Cleo's cheek relaxed into her palm as she idly played with the end of her hair, "I enjoy every minute with him I can. I plan to be with him as long as possible. He thinks I make him want to be a better person, but just between the two of us, D..." a brief flash of vulnerability stung Cleo's eyes, "I already am a better person because of him.' the vulnerability fled and her spine once more stiffened, "I may be an arrogant snob, but I am no fool. This won't make everything better. But you do love him and what you are feeling is fear that you're going to lose him. Because you are! Its inevitable. He'll either die or dump you to start the rest of his life with someone he can start a whole doggy family with. Puh-lease don't cry on me! Better. Thank you. Its harsh but its true. I've already faced every one of those possibilities in my own relationship. So I took matters into my own hands. I gave him a piece of myself and took the same from him. Time can't change that."

Silent understanding passed between them as Draculaura swallowed everything Cleo told her. She was right. None of the other ghouls were as old as them. Cleo and her had watched time stand still for them, while others faded away. Draculaura had been sheltered away with other immortals, but not Cleo. She had seen time, she had lived along side of it while never really tasting it. A shiver racked Draculaura's body as she thought of all the times Cleo must have come to care about people, only to watch them grow old and die. Sometimes her friend came across as callous, but here was the truth. Here on the table before her was the heart of the matter.

She smiled with the realization what Cleo had just opened up to her about, "Thanks, Cleo, that helped."

By this time the other ghouls had rejoined them with Gil and Jackson following behind them. Clawdeen heard Draculaura's gratitude and grumbled, "What minotaurshit did you feed to her while we were gone?"

With all the aristocratic apathy in the world Cleo shooed her hand at Clawdeen, "I was merely explaining to her about the power a woman gains over a man because of sex."

All the other girls missed Cleo's wink to Draculaura, but she didn't. It was hard to stifle her giggle, but stifle it she did.

However Clawdeen was on her feet, "Thats my brother you're-"

Cleo pointed at the opposite doorway across the creepateria, "Speaking of your brother, isn't that him who just entered now?"

All eyes peaked across the room to see Clawd entering. A new, lower and more menacing growl, came from Clawdeen as she had a new victim, "Yeah, it is."

Draculaura grabbed Clawdeen's wrist as she started to rise, "Where are you going? Promise me you won't tell him about all of this! Especially about me telling you how he canceled our date. Please don't go over to talk to him about me."

Offering her a weak smile Clawdeen patted her hand before removing it, "Don't worry about it. I'm talking to him about something entirely different. Anyone have a magazine?"

Quickly taking the magazine from Operetta, Clawdeen started to head across the room with Cleo shouting after her, "Tell him he can to tell Deuce that I'm ready to forgive him now!"

As soon as she was within earshot Clawdeen barked, "Clawd!"

The boy looked both ways quickly eyeing a retreat before seeing it futile. He stood his ground and shrugged, "Whats up, sis? What'd I do?"

She saw him spot the rolled up magazine and she quickly swatted him on the face with it, "Bad! Bad wolfie! You broke off your date with Draculaura tonight?" he stammered and she whapped him again, "What were you thinking?"

He shrugged under assault, "She said it was okay. I didn't think she was mad!"

Finally Clawdeen crossed her arms as she shifted her weight and attitude to one side, "Oh, she wasn't mad. How can you not see when your ghoulfriend is all upset?"

Clawd scratched the back of his neck and shrugged again, "She didn't seem bothered about me going out with guys at all. I wouldn't have canceled if she did."

An eye roll with an aggravated sigh was her only response before she hit him again with the magazine several times, "Before that! How did she seem before you told her that? Did you even ask her how she was?"

Now genuine concern crossed his face as he held her hand off, "Whats wrong? Is she okay? Where is she? Draculaura!"

Magazine hit him, "Shut up! Gah! She's at the table with the others. Don't embarrass her." her tone changed as she softened, "Just go out with the guys later, okay? She needs to be with you tonight."

"Clawdeen, whats wrong with her? I need to know."

A sigh left her as she looked about guiltily for breaking her promise to her beastie, "She's all bummed today. Like major! I think she's starting to get it about time and all. She really cares about you, bro."

"I don't see the problem."

"Listen, stupid, she's a vampire. You're a werewolf. Time is different for the two of you. That means something pretty heavy for your relationship. If she sees the problem there and you don't, then there is an even bigger problem for the two of you. One that needs addressed like now." just as she started to walk away, she stopped and faced him once more, "Oh and tell your boy, he can show his face to Her Royal Highness again."

Back at the table Draculaura watched as Clawdeen reapproached but her heart took sad notice as Clawd didn't follow. Instead he made awkward eye contact with her, waved, then turned tail and bolted. With a sinking heart, she felt that recent burst of energy flee. Maybe Cleo was right. Maybe it was time to make Clawd a permanent part of her memories before she lost him forever. Maybe it was time to start thinking about doing it with Clawd.

She swallowed hard as she knew now that the idea was there it was going to be all she thought about.

-to be continued-