-Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Rosario + Vampire. They belong to their respective owners.-

a=Narration and descriptions

"a"=Dialogues

a=Inner voices or thoughts

a=Intense dialogues

NOTE: In case anyone skipped straight to this chap, I released 2 this time (1 split in 2 due to the length), so you have to read the previous one before proceeding to the one below.

Have a pleasant reading and enjoy!


12: Precious Feelings


The situation was dire. Not predicting his teacher's secret agenda, Ichigo singlehandedly threw himself into her lusty trap. Regardless, he couldn't remain idle and allow her to have her way with his body. What she aimed for was something he wasn't planning to surrender to just anyone.

Upon sensing her touch on his genitals, the pink glow in his eyes instantly switched with the usual bright azure. ''Ngh! That's…ENOUGH!'' he yelled, forcing his hands to grab her arms. Following that, he pushed himself into sitting upright.

''Wah!'' Ririko screamed, almost falling backwards. ''That wasn't polite, Kurosaki-san! You don't treat a lady like that. I could have hit myself on the floor-Eh!'' she whined, when, to her shock, she witnessed the look on Ichigo's face. It was one that sent intense chills down her spine. ''Kurosaki… san?''

''That's enough, Ririko-sensei! The game's over! I was patient, because you're a teacher, but everything has a limit! If you want a ''toy'', go find it elsewhere!''

The adult shivered all over, her eyes trembling in astonishment and fear. ''Impossible… You can fight the aphrodisiacs' effect with only sheer resolve? No one should be able to do that. Just how much do you lo-''

''Should I repeat again that you're wrong?! It's completely unrelated to love; something you probably don't have an idea of!''

Putting her disturbance behind, Ririko wore an angered expression. ''You are a hundred years too early to be preaching about love, you brat!'' she burst in an offended tone.

Ichigo scowled. ''Huh?''

''You would never understand the unbearable pain of someone who knows that her love will never bloom… Of someone who waited for years for the one she loved to notice her feelings, and failed!''

''Sorry, but excuses don't work on me.''

''If only they were excuses!'' A tear rolled down her face, taking Ichigo by surprise. ''Since the day I started working as a teacher here, I always gave it my best to draw his attention to me. I even went to such extents as using my abilities to raise the students' grades, so he would be pleased by their studying performance.''

''Who?''

''Headmaster Mikogami, the previous director of the school.''

''The one who sacrificed himself during the final battle against that organization?''

''Exactly! That's why I'm saying that my love will never bloom! He is dead, and there is no way for him to come back!''

''I don't see how that justifies what you're doing.''

''I'm a lone, hurt woman, Kurosaki-san. It's natural to seek some warmth to sooth my pain, even if it involves younger men.''

''This is messed up! You're using your students to calm yourself down?''

''What else I can do?'' More tears made their appearance on her eyes.

''I'm not the one to tell you that, Sensei. It's your business, so you have to discover the answer by yourself.'' Ichigo expression returned to normal. ''How about you start by stopping to assault your students? That would solve a lot of problems.''

Ririko wiped her tears. ''I'm not strong enough.''

''Leave that for after you've tried first.''

''Heh! A teacher being lectured by a student; this is quite laughable,'' she muttered with a small chuckle. ''When I called you here, I surely never expected this development, Kurosaki-san. Maybe, you are the only student actually worthy of copulating with. This straightforward side of yours reminds me of Headmaster Mikogami. I could even fall for you. ''

''You're flattering me, but a relationship isn't in my current plans, Sensei.''

Ririko's mouth bent into a smile. ''Indeed, you are pretty much the same as Mikogami-san. Both of you aren't afraid to use harsh words when needed, and you are absolutely oblivious to romance.''

''Hm? What does that mean?''

''Do you really haven't realized how you feel or it is hard to accept it? I'm talking about Aka-'' Not giving her the chance to complete her speech, the office's door slam opened forcibly, prompting both Ririko and Ichigo to turn there.

On its doorstep stood Moka, looking especially pissed. ''I heard from someone that Ichigo jumped into this place, but I refused to believe it. Can't you give it a rest, you-'' her gaze fell upon her teacher sitting on her friend's lap. He was unbuttoned and his pants slightly pulled down. Her fury multiplied by a tenfold. She started trembling like she would explode. ''W-W-What… the heck… is… THIS?!''

The two on the bed sweat dropped.

''Wait a minute, Moka! It's not what it looks like! Nothing happened here!'' Ichigo claimed, extending his hand to her direction.

''Yes, that's right. Kurosaki-san is telling the truth, Akashiya-san. We didn't do anything,'' Ririko added, sweating nervously.

''Do you take me for a fool?'' Moka responded, and darted her enraged eyes at Ririko. ''I'm well aware of your ways!'' Throwing a strong step to the front, she jumped toward the adult woman, aiming her with the right foot.

''No, no, no, hear us oUOGH!'' Landing roughly on her face, Moka's kick launched Ririko right into the wall.

Continuing, the vampire directed her gaze to Ichigo with a critical look on her face. ''As for you, I thought you were smarter than falling into that woman's clutches.''

''But, I didn't,'' Ichigo replied.

''We will talk about that outside! Come, we're leaving!''

''I would like to, but my body can't move freely at the moment.''

''Can't be helped then.'' Pointing to him to zip his pants, Moka lifted him up and supported him on her right shoulder. Turning to the exit, she carried him to the hallway.

Behind her, sitting on the floor, Ririko removed her broken glasses, and stared at the opened door. ''You have my sympathy, Kurosaki-san. Hope you have enough luck on your side. You will definitely need it.'' Unable to hold herself conscious much longer, she fainted.


Some minutes later, having moved themselves on a bench out in the school's backyard, Moka and Ichigo were discussing about the events that took place in Ririko's room. Ichigo was struggling to convince her that nothing indecent occurred between their teacher and him, and she was shooting his every word down, scolding him about his carelessness.

''For the last time, nothing happened!'' the Soul Reaper cried out, exasperated.

''You think I can believe that, Ichigo? Ririko-sensei's lust over students is well-known to everyone.''

''Still, we didn't cross any lines!''

''I don't know. She may be pushy and shameless, but she remains an attractive woman. If anyone else gave in to her charms, why wouldn't you?''

Ichigo smacked his right palm on his face. ''Haa… This is hopeless…''

''Don't complain! The one who should complain here is me! You made me awfully worried about you yesterday by ignoring my words to not fight my father all out, and now you repeated it for another stupid reason! Can you imagine how I felt when I learnt that you went into her room, while I was looking for you?''

''You were looking for me?''

''Of course! We have work to do, and I won't be the only one doing it, so you earn your sweet time to go play around with teachers!'' Moka grunted in a stubborn tone.

On his part, Ichigo raised an eyebrow, skeptical. ''Ehh… It's just a guess, but… could it be that you're jealous, Moka?''

The skin around the vampire's face instantly changed into a fiery red. ''Huuuh?! Have you gone mad, Ichigo? There's no way I'm jealous!'' she protested, flustered.

''Not from where I'm standing,'' Ichigo teased her.

''You… numbskull!'' Losing her temper, she jumped onto him, causing the bench to flip backwards.

''Ghk! Who's mad again?''

''You are! Mad, inconsiderate and an idiot!'' In the midst of her whining, the edge of her left eye spotted a cute, small box lying beside him. ''What's this?'' she questioned, and grabbed it in her hand.

''Eh? Wait! This is- Ahh, whatever…'' Ichigo huffed, moving his eyes upwards. ''I wanted to be done under better circumstances, but it can't be helped. It's a gift I bought for you.''

Eyebrows twitched in surprise. ''Gift? For me?''

''Who else? You've done so much for me that I would be a jackass, if I didn't give you anything in return. It's not anything too fancy or expensive, but I hope you like it.''

Pulling herself off of him, Moka stood upright. Bringing the box to her chest's height, she unwrapped the ribbon keeping it closed, and opened it. Inside it she found the bat-like hairpin of imitation crimson ruby, surrounded by the gleaming metallic, golden outline. Taking it out, she showed it to Ichigo.

''Is this really for me?''

''If you're willing to keep it... I spent the last of the money you lent me on this, so I can't buy you something else for the meantime.''

''No… I will. Don't consider it as bribing me into forgiving you, though.''

''Nah! If I was going to do that, I would have proposed to you to kick me in the groin.''

Moka couldn't, but laugh at the joke, prompting Ichigo to smile in satisfaction. He never wished to cause so much worry to her. He held her too dear of a friend to want to stress her out at that level. For doing so, he felt immeasurably guilty.

Happy about her present, Moka proceeded to wear it in her hair. To her irritation, she had difficulties to adjust it properly. ''Tsk! If I just had a mirror…''

Pulling himself up, Ichigo approached her. Positioning himself right in front of her, he took the hairpin of her hands, and wore it on her with a series of gentle movements. ''There!'' he stated, stepping a little to the back.

Checking if the accessory was well placed, Moka directed her sight to him, having an uncertain expression. ''So? Does it suit me?''

''More than I could ever imagine,'' Ichigo answered, his eyes gawking over her like a small kid its Christmas present.

''Ah! That's good then. Thank you!'' she responded, adopting a cute expression. It was an expression Ichigo hadn't seen her making before, to him at least, and had left him dumbfounded. No, the right word would be ''bewitched''.

It wasn't any hard for him to admit that Moka was the prettiest girl he had met. Even gorgeous women like Yoruichi or Rangiku paled in comparison to her in his eyes. She was so beautiful, he could swear that he had been paralyzed and couldn't avert his eyes to anywhere else. His heart pinched him like it was pierced by some sort of arrow. As he loosened up by looking at her, the azure glow in his eyes vanished, calling back the previous pink one. It seemed that the aphrodisiac's effect hadn't worn out completely yet.

An unparalleled sense of desire overwhelming him, he walked closer to her again, and, without a warning, softly locked his lips with her own. The aphrodisiac couldn't bend his steel will when it considered any other woman, yet, in Moka's case, he presented zero resistance.

Feeling the kiss, she shot her eyes wide open in severe shock. That type of assertiveness was absurd on Ichigo's part. Pulling her head back immediately, she pushed him away. ''WHAT ARE YOU DOING, ICHIGO?'' she screamed in utter confusion.

Snapping out of his momentary daze, Ichigo regained his control, and turned his eyes back to bright azure. ''Um? Huh? Shit! Don't take it the wrong way, Moka! It wasn't me! It was that damn thing that was sprayed on me! Seriously!'' he stated, fully perturbed, many drops of sweat rushing down his forehead.

''Maybe, but that was…'' Trembling fingers touched aroused lips. ''…my first kiss…'' Tsukune had indeed kissed her clone half; regardless it didn't count for her, as it wasn't her personality at that moment. It was a kiss to her body, not identity, and it was also a fact that she had no means to experience it. In contrast, Ichigo's kiss was real; her real first kiss.

''Please, Moka, don't freak out! It wasn't intentional! I shouldn't have relaxed so soon! For God's sake, believe me!'' Ichigo pleaded her, all panicked.

''I…I'm not sure.'' Her mind muddled, Moka ran off toward the front yard.

''MOKA! WAIT!'' Ichigo shouted at her, yet it was in vain. She had gone past the point she could hear him clearly. He gritted his teeth. Falling on his knees, he clenched his right fist and hammered it on the ground. Not having the chance to fully make up for his previous blunder, he made another, way worse than that. ''Goddammit!'' he cursed, inconsolable.


For the rest of the day, Moka and he didn't exchange a single word, while continuing their task about the clubroom. Thankfully, the others didn't make any inconvenient questions, as they deduced it was related to the fact that he had broken his promise. Furthermore, every trace of the aphrodisiac's substance had been neutralized in his body, thus he didn't have to be on high alert and maintain his reiatsu activated.


With the coming of late evening, the club's members retreated to the dorms, to have dinner and next occupy themselves with their homework; all besides Ichigo. Concerning him, he had a more essential job to take care of before anything else. It was a job that required for him to visit Nurari's office.

''Hmm… I must admit that I didn't think I would ever receive such a request, Kurosaki-san. No other student has asked for something like this. Are you certain that you're fine with it?'' the eccentric man asked, holding an envelope in one hand.

''I am,'' Ichigo announced in a determined monotone. Turning to the door, he exited the room.

Nurari took a good sip of his cigar, his eyes focused on the paper. ''It's a shame. So much potential lost…'' Written on the envelope was ''Letter of Withdrawal''.


As night fell for good, covering the sky in its dark veil, the Soul Reaper tidied his room up, and laid the clothes the Newspaper Club gang bought him on his bed, folded up nicely. His books were all packed inside his school bag, and his uniform hanged on a hanger near his bed. It was time for him to leave.

Having switched in his Shikai Form, he opened his window and leaped out, flying toward the forest he first met everyone. The truth was that he regretted his decision, but he couldn't do otherwise. It would be too much of a burden for Moka to be seeing him every day and remembering the unfortunate incident about their kiss. There was no way for him to submit her to that emotional torture.

When deep in thought, a female voice called out to him at the forest's entrance. ''ARE YOU FOR REAL?'' One of the voices he wouldn't miss under any circumstances.

Lowering his sight, he witnessed Moka waiting for him among some trees. She was persistently tapping her foot on the ground, her look revealing intense frustration.

Puzzled, he landed near her. ''What are you doing out here at this hour, Mok-Ah!'' A strong slap awaited him the moment he stepped in front of her.

''That's my question!'' Moka retorted angrily. ''What business do you have so far from the dorms so late, Ichigo? Was that nonsense Nurari-san told me about you dropping out true?''

''He did what?''

''He called me half an hour ago on my phone, saying that you handed him over a letter of withdrawal.''

Ichigo's eyes averted to the side. ''That meddlesome old man…'' he thought, displeased. He returned to Moka. ''Well, yeah. I'm leaving.''

''It doesn't make sense. Why?''

''Both of us know why, Moka. I can't remain in this school and be a bother to you anymore. This isn't who I am.''

''Who told you that you are a bother?''

''I don't need anyone to spell it out for me. It's not my thing to be causing trouble to others.''

''You aren't causing any trouble to anyone.''

''Do you mean that you stopped caring about me breaking my promise? Are you fine with me having stolen your first kiss?''

''Of course, not! This isn't a reason for you to go, though!''

''Do you have a better idea as to how to solve our case then…? Because, I don't!''

''Neither do I, but I wouldn't like to lose you as a friend!''

''The same applies for me, but I can't back down. I made more than one mistakes, and I've been taught to take responsibility for my actions.'' Wearing a serious frown, he walked toward the forest. To prevent him, Moka grabbed his left arm. ''Let go of me, Moka!''

''No! If you've been taught to take responsibility, stay here and do so!''

Ichigo flinched. ''Huh?''

''If you honestly want to make it up to me, stay with us and make sure not to do any other mistakes ever again!''

''But what if I do? What if I hurt your feelings again?''

''You will figure out a method to help me overcome it, and everything is going to be back to normal!''

The frown on his face disappeared and was replaced by a perplexed crease. ''Moka… Why are you insisting to keep me in the school?''

''Because I can't handle losing any more people precious to me…'' she responded in tears. ''When I finally reunited with my mother, I lost her again only a few minutes after. We aren't acquaintances for too long, but you are the only person other than Tsukune who gave me such sense of reassurance. Even more, you are the sole person who was able to relate to my life's hurdles so much!'' As her speech progressed, her tears transformed into rivers. ''Not even Akua-neesama can understand me so well.''

Ichigo sighed heavily. He reversed his body to her, and wrapping it around her shoulders, he pulled her into his chest. That surprised her, yet she had become too sentimental to react. ''I'm not the most reliable guy around, and I can't assure you that everything will flow smoothly from now on. Nevertheless, if you're so willing to put up with me, I don't have much of a choice.''

Moka raised her teary eyes to him. ''So, you're staying?''

''Until my next blunder at least!'' Ichigo answered with a joking smile.

''It's okay. When that happens, I will kick you in the groin as payback, and we will call it even.'' Moka replied, wearing a similar smile.

As their tension disappeared, the two teens laughed in relief. Their friendship was too important to them, to give up on it so easily. Fate was a capricious teaser, and no one could tell what was in store for the future, yet they were resolved enough to confront it and emerge victorious; all to protect their happy everyday life.


With time getting late, the pair headed back to the dorms. Ichigo ripped through the air, holding Moka in his arms, bridal style. It was more convenient that way. It would be bad if someone were to notice that she was gone from her room, and he had to sleep early, to rush to Nurari's office before classes and take back his withdrawal. His speed was sort of high, and Moka had some difficulties to maintain her eyes fully open due to the air pressure, though she didn't complain. Crossing the night sky in such a chivalrous manner was enjoyable for her. It was more comfortable than when she flew using her wings, and it made her feel sort of like a princess, being carried by a knight.

Upon arriving at their destination, Ichigo gently placed her in her room, bid goodnight, and floated straight into his own. He had to unpack everything, he thought, and that would undoubtedly be a huge hassle, however, he didn't mind. Having renewed his relationship with Moka was more than enough for him to put anything negative aside.

Hopping on his bed after removing the folded up clothes, he took his usual sleeping pose, staring at the ceiling. His face decorated a gleeful grin. ''So… I might as well accept it already.'' Eyelids lowered. ''I'm clearly in love with Moka... Hate to admit it, but Ririko-sensei was right. I should probably try to improve a bit my grades in math.'' Delightful, he closed his eyes completely, and dived into a deep sleep. It was the first time he was experiencing what people called ''love'', and he found himself liking it a lot.


The next morning, he hurried to render his withdrawal invalid and right after that to attend his regular classes like usual. On his path, he encountered another crowd of fans of his, yet presented a different behavior than yesterday. He greeted them with a cheerful smile, and promised that he would hang out with them whenever he found some free time. The boys' response was a series of manly gestures, when the girls' ecstatic cheers and squeals. Not even planning for it, Ichigo had become one of the academy's idols. That didn't necessarily displease him, but neither was his top priority. For him, the one person he cared about the most was Moka.


A few hours later, his class moved out in the front yard, preparing for their unbearable Gym Class with Akua.

Naturally, the grumpy, elder vampire attempted to launch all the accumulated anger for groping her at him. To her astonishment, Moka stepped in and prevented her. She couldn't fathom why, but it seemed that her younger sister had reconciled with her annoyance of a friend, thus her hands were tied. Under no circumstances she would risk to invite upon her Moka's dismay.

However, something ticked her. It wasn't just that those two had made up somehow; the way they were looking at each other had changed. It was warmer and noticeably mellower. If anything, she could swear that she spotted Moka appearing a faint blush every time Ichigo were to make any contact with her. It was bizarre, unexplainable and very, very suspicious. Her instinct told her that there was more than met the eye to that, and she would be darned if she were to let it pass without investigating the cause


A/N:

1=We are 12 chaps in, so it was time to progress a little further Ichigo's and Moka's relationship. Now we're getting to the serious part.

2= The reason she was so heated about Ichigo's case; well, she pretty much said it herself during their time in the forest, but she has also started feeling Ichigo as someone too close to her.

3=There was no info about any crush of Ririko's on Mikogami, but I thought to justify her obsession with teaching and seducing students by giving a solid reason. She will play a role later anyway concerning a certain someone.

See you next time!