As they neared the girls' dorm Gin decided to run his gambit. "You know Moka-chan you really are quite an amazing girl. I mean aside from your obvious beauty you're also very intelligent and have a very interesting viewpoint on things."
Moka smiled and blushed at his compliment. "Arigato, Gin-sempai."
He suddenly stopped and took a hold of both of her hands. "Moka-chan," he looked down into her innocent green eyes with sudden soul searing passion. "Please I beg of you, join the newspaper club! I need someone with your energy and quick wit. I know you would be a huge asset to our club and would have a lot of fun as well! Please Moka-chan! Join the newspaper club so that we can work together side by side like true friends should!"
"Nani?!" His sudden request caught her completely and totally by surprise. "But, but, I'm already in the martial arts club."
"That is not a problem; students can be in multiple clubs."
"Ah, I don't think Kenpachi-sempai would allow it. He's very strict on attendance and I have already missed a number of sessions. He would definitely not be all right with me splitting time between two clubs."
"I see," Gin said sadly. "Do you really enjoy the martial arts club then? I would never try and take you away from something that brought you joy."
"Well…" she had memories of running multiple laps around the school and of constantly being thrown to the mat by Kenpachi. "I don't really enjoy it, but I get to spend time with Naruto-kun while I'm there."
"Really? Is that the reason you joined? To spend time with him? But from what you tell me you have two classes with him as well as home room. You also work out in the mornings with him. You take vacations with him. You even study with him at night. (Note: Moka has not mentioned anything about her sex life or where Naruto normally spends his nights.) It seems you spend a great deal of time with him. Would not being in the same club really be so bad?"
She hesitated. "Well, when you put it like that maybe, but…"
He gave her a reassuring smile and squeezed her hands a bit. "Come on, I'm sure that if Naruto is as thoughtful and caring as you say he'd want you in a club you'd enjoy. Doesn't interviewing people and writing reports sound more interesting than doing exercise?"
"It does sound intriguing," she admitted.
"Then you'll do it?" He looked at her with hopeful eyes.
She thought about it. It really did sound like it might be fun. She slowly nodded. "Yes, I'll do it."
XXXXXXXXXX
She entered her apartment and kicked off her shoes. "Naruto-kun? Are you here?" When she got no answer she glanced at her clock. Because of Gin she was back later than usual. Normally Naruto would already be here studying. Well, he was probably running late too. She decided to get dinner started since he would probably be dropping by any minute.
As she began to cook her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten all day. That thought reminded her of the way Naruto had refused to let her have some of his blood. Not only had he refused to do that he had largely ignored her in class and not even asked to walk with her once it was over. She couldn't understand why he had acted that way. She would definitely ask him about that when he came over.
XXXXXXXXXX
Kuyou stood there watching. When Naruto had been late to their training session he had assumed that the idiot had once more skipped it. But instead he'd shown up about an hour late demanding training. For whatever reason he seemed extremely motivated tonight. He looked as Naruto stood there transformed and surrounded by his demonic cloak, two tails swinging about. Out of the middle of the cloak and arm shot out. It traveled thirty yards where a clawed hand formed and easily crushed a boulder, reducing it to fragments.
Kuyou slowly clapped his hands. "I must admit to being impressed Uzumaki-san. Not only have you reached the two tailed state you were able to form and extend your aura in just a few hours. Given your previous progress I was expecting this to take weeks."
"Yeah, well I felt the need to work off some excess energy."
"Just where is all this fury coming from? I can feel it coming off of you in waves."
Naruto glared at him. "That's none of your business."
Kuyou grinned. "Have it your own way. It's getting late and you have already made far more progress than I was hoping for. We may as well end this."
"You go if you want; I'm not tired at all." He formed two arms out of the red chakra this time. He reached out with them to grab a small tree. He easily pulled it up out of the ground and then snapped it in half.
Kuyou watched. His body is becoming more used to the power; his transformations are growing stronger and more stable. Everything is on track.
XXXXXXXXXX
The next morning Naruto found Moka standing in the lobby nervously waiting for him. The usual crowd of adoring boys nowhere to be seen for once. As soon as she spotted him she ran up to him. "Naruto-kun! What happened? You never came by last night, and this morning I waited half an hour to work out with you. Are you feeling all right? Are you sick?"
He shook his head. "I'm fine Moka-chan. Last night I figured you'd be busy with your interview so I just decided to train. This morning I was feeling a little tired so I didn't get up early."
"But… I made dinner for you. And didn't you want to…" Her face turned red and she looked down embarrassed. "Didn't you want to spend the night with me?" She whispered to him.
Seeing her sad face made his heart ache a little. Kami, I love her so much. He leaned over and gently kissed her. "I'm very sorry Moka-chan, I just really got into my training and lost track of time. But I'll come over tonight o.k.?"
His kiss and his gentle tone made her feel better. This was the Naruto she was used to. "All right," having him so close she pressed her face against his throat almost by instinct. "Naruto-kun you smell sooooo good." She was worried he would reject her again. Instead though she felt a hand gently pressing the back of her head.
"Go ahead Moka-chan."
Happily she sank her teeth in and tasted that delicious blood. With his blood her mind was set at ease. Naruto wasn't upset with her after all, everything was fine. For her this was part of the special connection she shared with him. He was the only one she kissed, the only one she made love with, and the only one whose blood she drank.
XXXXXXXXXX
Heading towards the academy arm in arm Naruto felt better. Everything was back to normal; everything was the way it was supposed to be. He looked over at her and smiled. He was sure about their love. They had already been through too much together to have any doubts of what they shared. Nothing that Gin character did could change that. Moka-chan would never betray me. I trust her completely.
She saw him smiling at her and smiled back. "Naruto-kun, I wanted to tell you I won't be attending the club with you any more."
"Huh? What do you mean Moka-chan? Don't the school rules require us to be in a club?"
"Well actually Gin-sempai is shorthanded at the newspaper club and he asked me to help him out. I want to be a good friend and it sounds like fun so I agreed."
"Wait a minute." Naruto brought them to a halt. "You're going to be working with that guy every day now?"
"That's right," she said innocently. "It should be fun."
He grabbed her hand. Instead of heading down the road he led them into the nearby woods.
"What are you doing?" She asked.
"We need to have a talk in private."
XXXXXXXXXX
As soon as they were alone Naruto told her what was on his mind. "Moka-chan, I want you to stop seeing that guy. Please don't join the newspaper club."
She looked at him in surprise. "But why Naruto-kun? He's my friend and I want to help him."
"That guy is not your friend!" He said harshly. "All he wants is to sleep with you."
She felt her face heat up at his accusing tone. "Gin-sempai isn't that way at all!"
"Oh come on Moka-chan! The flowers, kissing your hand, walking with you, and now asking you to join his club. Isn't it obvious he's just playing up to you to try and get you into bed?"
She frowned at him. "I've told him all about you Naruto-kun, he knows I have a boyfriend and he respects that. All he wants is to be a good friend to me."
"Yeah right."
"Well what about you and Kurumu?" She demanded. "Don't pretend she doesn't want to get into your bed. I mean she handed you a book filled with dirty pictures right in front of me!"
"Fine then, you agree not to see Gin and I'll never talk to Kurumu again."
"You would actually do that?" She couldn't believe it. "You would throw away a friend just like that?"
He looked unhappy but nodded. "Kurumu is a friend and I care about her. I would never want to hurt her like that, but the fact is I love you with all my heart Moka-chan. I would make any sacrifice just to be with you. And that includes not seeing Kurumu."
Moka shook her head. "Naruto-kun even though it bothers me sometimes I would never ask you to abandon a friend. But I want you to show me that same respect. Gin-sempai is a friend; please don't ask me to just abandon him."
"Moka you're being naïve, Gin is not a friend. Here," he reached out to grab her rosary.
She stepped back and slapped his hand away. "What are you doing?!"
He frowned at her. "Moka-chan you don't understand what's going on. I want to talk to the other Moka, I'm sure she can see through this guy for what he is."
"I don't agree with you and so you want to just dismiss me?!" She said angrily. "You don't decide when my other self comes out, I do. And I don't appreciate you just wanting to get rid of me when you feel like it!"
"Moka-chan it's nothing like that!"
She crossed her arms over her chest. "Naruto-kun I am joining the newspaper club and helping out my new friend. That is my decision, please respect it."
"Fine, in that case don't come up to or talk to me until you're ready to stop seeing that guy." He stomped away frustrated and angry.
"Naruto-kun!" She called after him but he ignored her. "Don't be this way!" She ran after him.
Once they were gone a purple haired girl stepped out from behind a tree. She'd heard every word.
"Hmmm."
XXXXXXXXXX
Kurumu made a point of looking around the table where they were all sitting. "Well, I don't see Moka anywhere."
Yukari was looking very upset. "Naruto-kun, did you and Moka-chan have a fight?"
"You could say that." He pushed the food on his tray about.
Yukari got up and grabbed his arm trying to force him to get up as well. "Come on then! You two need to make up right now!"
"Yukari, leave him alone. It's obvious he doesn't want to talk to her right now." Kurumu said.
Yukari glared at the older girl. "You're happy about this aren't you?"
Kurumu shrugged. "It was always inevitable they would break up eventually."
"We haven't broken up!" He said it a bit more sharply than he'd intended. "I still love Moka and she still loves me. We're just having a disagreement right now that's all. But I'm sure as soon as she sees the truth everything will be fine."
"But that's why you need to go talk to her." Yukari again tried dragging him out of his seat.
"It wouldn't do any good Yukari-chan. She's not listening to anything I have to say right now."
"Fine then I'll go and talk to her!" Yukari left in a determined hurry.
"Yahoo, alone at last." Kurumu leaned over and pressed her massive breasts against him. "It's almost like we're on a date isn't it?"
Bam!
"Ow!" Kurumu looked about after being hit by a snowball.
"You're not really alone." Mizore ducked back underneath a nearby table.
"Mizore-chan please come and join us." Naruto called.
"Never mind her," Kurumu said as she brushed off snow from her sweater. "I know you're upset Naruto-kun. Is there anything I can do to help? Would you like to come over to my place later so we can talk?"
He shook his head. "I don't think that would be a good idea. Like I've already said, I still love Moka and she is still my girlfriend."
Kurumu sighed. "I understand, but if you need me I'll be there for you anytime, and willing to do whatever it takes." She put her head down on his shoulder. "After all, you are my destined one."
He smiled at her. She could be a little too forward for his taste. (Though he didn't mind adult Moka when she was forward.) But underneath all her aggressive bluster he suspected she was actually a sweet and slightly insecure girl. He really did like her, but he loved Moka.
XXXXXXXXXX
Gin had introduced her to the other three girls who made up the newspaper club. She couldn't help but notice that they were all very pretty and didn't seem to like her much. The three of them had looked her over and then left as a group, though not before sending her some hard looks.
"I don't think they like me," Moka said nervously. After the way Naruto had reacted she was having some serious second thoughts about her decision.
Gin sat down at the table next to her. He put a calming hand on her shoulder. "Oh they just need some time to warm up to you that's all." He looked at her reassuringly. "We've been together for a semester after all so of course there's a bit of a bond there. Just give it a little time and I'm sure you'll fit right in."
"Do you really think so?"
"Absolutely! And of course any problem you have I'll be only too glad to help."
She relaxed a bit, his warm open smile made her feel better. But still… "To be honest I'm not sure if this is the right choice. Naruto was really upset by my decision to come here."
"Really? From the way you described him I thought he would be more considerate of your feelings." Gin shook his head sadly. "He's probably just afraid that he's not really good enough for you and that eventually you'll find someone who's a better fit."
"But that will never happen! I love him so much and there's no way I would ever choose anyone over him!"
"Really?" Gin's smile slipped just a bit.
She nodded eagerly. "I've told him that so many times! But he's still always worried that I'll be interested in someone else. He just won't accept that you are nothing but a friend to me. He thinks you're just wanting to take advantage of me."
Gin just shook his head with a disappointed expression. "I'm really sorry that he thinks so poorly of me."
"He even asked me not to talk to him as long as I kept seeing you."
"Did he now?" Gin was very careful to keep any hint of eagerness out of his voice. "So does that mean the two of you have gone your separate ways?"
"No! Of course not! We're just having a little trouble right now. But I'm sure that as soon as Naruto-kun realizes that you and I are just friends everything will be fine."
"I'm sure too," Gin carefully move a bit closer to her. "I mean only a fool would risk losing an amazing girl like you." He was about to move his hand slightly when both his hands suddenly grabbed her breasts.
"Ack!" Moka jumped up and away from him. "What are you doing?!"
"I don't know what happened! I swear my body just moved on its own!" He knew just grabbing her was the wrong method. (Though he certainly enjoyed the unexpected sneak preview.)
Moka had a sneaking suspicion and ran over to the window. Sure enough there was Yukari with a straw doll in her hands, the kind she could use to control people's movements. "Yukari!"
XXXXXXXXXX
"I don't like him!" Yukari said.
"That doesn't give you the right to do that to someone." Moka scolded.
"Now, now, it's all right." Gin said with an easy going grin. "I don't blame her for reacting like this, obviously she's upset."
Moka sent him a grateful nod. "Thank you for being so understanding. Yukari you owe Gin-sempai an apology."
"No way! Why should I apologize when he's the one causing the problem?"
Moka frowned at her. "Yukari, Gin has done nothing wrong. The problem is that Naruto refuses to believe he doesn't have any ulterior motives."
"Of course he does!" Yukari said angrily. "It's obvious even to me what he's after." She glared at the boy. "Forget about it, the only people who will ever share Moka's bed will be Naruto and me!"
Gin gave Moka a questioning glance and she immediately blushed. "Yukari that's enough! Now apologize to Gin-sempai."
"Don't you even care that Naruto is really upset about all this?"
"Of course I do! But even if I love him I can't let him tell me who my friends can be. I would never do that to him and I need him to treat me with the same respect."
In the end Yukari simply left without apologizing, the little attack on Gin had only convinced Moka that he really was just being misunderstood by Naruto and the others. Despite some misgivings she decided to go ahead and join the newspaper club.
XXXXXXXXXX
The next morning when Naruto went out early to work out he did so alone. When he went out to get to class there was no crowd of boys and no Moka waiting for him. When he entered home room he sat down in his usual seat. A few minutes later Moka entered and sat down in her usual seat next to him.
"Good morning." She said.
"Good morning." He said.
They said nothing else to each other. When they walked to class they did not hold hands or walk arm in arm, they both went separately. He had lunch with Kurumu and Yukari. She had a working lunch with Gin. When class ended Naruto got to martial arts and then to a long training session with Kuyou. Moka headed to the newspaper room where she started writing her first story, a fashion piece on the latest trends coming out of Paris. The whole time Gin generously remained at her side being helpful and encouraging her. When work wrapped up he walked her home. Neither of them noticed as a shadow clone watched carefully from a distance.
For two full weeks the only contact they shared was when they were in the same classroom.
XXXXXXXXXX
On Friday morning he was surprised to find a crowd of boys standing outside the dorm. Almost as soon as he stepped outside a familiar figure pushed free of the crowd and came over to him. She grabbed his arm and began leading him into the woods. "Naruto-kun, can we talk in private?"
He nodded, really happy to actually to be talking to her again. "Sure."
Almost as soon as they were alone he grabbed her and began kissing her. She gladly returned his affections and they both eagerly enjoyed a prolonged make up session.
When they came up for air Naruto smiled at her in relief. The last two weeks had been miserable, but it had been worth it. "So does this mean you're finally ready to stop seeing Gin?" He asked keenly.
A worried look crossed her face. "Uh, no, I really like working on the school newspaper and Gin is a lot of fun to work besides."
He was surprised, he'd been sure she was going to tell him she wanted nothing to do with Gin anymore. "Then why…"
She glomped on to his chest and squeezed with vice like strength. "Naruto-kun I miss you! I miss us! Can we please stop this stupid fight? It's been two weeks and Gin hasn't done anything even a little inappropriate! Isn't that proof that he wants to just be friends and nothing more?"
"It's proof that he has a lot of patience."
She let go and looked up at him unhappily. "You still don't trust him?"
"No," he said flatly.
She sighed. "All right then, I'd really hoped we could all be friends but I guess that would be asking too much. I won't ask you to like him Naruto-kun, and I won't ask you to trust him, but I will ask you to trust me. If he tries anything even a little weird I'll quit the newspaper club and never talk to him again. Even if he wants something to happen between us can you trust that I won't let it happen?"
"Moka-chan I've always trusted you, it's him I don't trust."
"Naruto, what are you really afraid of? He is not Saizou, he is not going to try and force me to do anything and there's no way I'll consent to do anything, so what is there to be so afraid of?"
When she put it that away she made it sound reasonable. After observing the two of them with his shadow clones he had to admit that after two weeks nothing had happened. If Gin had been Saizou he wouldn't have been able to control himself this long. Maybe… maybe he had overreacted a little. He still didn't trust Gin as far as he could throw him, but he did trust her.
"I… I guess you're right Moka-chan." He wrapped his arms around her tight. "I trust you, and I guess you can handle things with him." He leaned down and kissed her again. "I've really missed you, and I'm sick of us being apart."
"In that case let's spend the whole day together tomorrow!" She said happily. "I have to work late tonight to finish up my article but after that I'm totally free! I'll make some sandwiches and we can have a picnic. Then we can go back to my place and spend the rest of the day making love!"
He gave her a big smile of his own. "How about we skip the picnic and just spend the whole day in bed?" He asked eagerly.
Laughing she stood up on her toes to kiss him again. "That's fine with me."
Behind a large tree Mizore watched silently as they noisily kissed before leaving to get to class.
XXXXXXXXXX
Kurumu was setting out humming a happy tune. Whatever anyone else might think she was in a good mood. Over the last two weeks she and Naruto had been slowly drawing closer together. He had yet to come right out and announce he and Moka were done. He had yet to confess his love for her. He had yet to kiss her. But she could feel the day drawing closer. They had started walking together to and from class. She had made him ramen and other meals and gotten to watch as he eagerly devoured them and asked her for more. Bit by bit she was starting to take Moka's place, and she was sure that eventually Naruto would realize that she was the one he wanted.
So she was not at all prepared to spot the two of them walking towards class arm in arm. She stumbled and nearly fell. When had the two of them suddenly gotten back together?
"It's all over."
Kurumu turned around to see Mizore standing behind her. "What did you say?"
"It's all over," Mizore repeated bleakly. "They're going to spend all day tomorrow having sex. Even though she is still hanging out with Gin she has convinced him that it'll be all right."
"I see," Kurumu said sadly. "Well this isn't over yet. Even if they've gotten closer again I'll still win him over eventually."
Mizore began laughing.
"What's so funny?"
"You know I thought I was pathetic stalking him the way I do, but at least I have enough sense of reality to know I'd have no chance against Moka." She shook her head. "You really think you have any hope at all?"
"Naruto-kun cares for me just as much as he does for her!" Kurumu said angrily. "I know he does."
"Naruto-kun would never even speak to you again if that was what Moka wanted."
"What are you talking about?"
Mizore quickly related the scene she'd witnessed two weeks ago.
"He… he really said that?" Kurumu asked in a tiny voice.
"He really did, just be glad Moka isn't the sort to want that." Mizore shrugged. "Look I didn't tell you this to try and hurt you; I just thought you ought to know the truth. If it were just you I'd think I had a chance to win him over for myself. But against Moka, there is just no hope. She's the one he really loves." With that Mizore wandered off.
Kurumu stood there for a little while before turning around and heading back towards the dorm and her room. He is my destined one and I refuse to just give him up!
XXXXXXXXXX
Gin was in the newspaper room doing a little light editing as he eagerly awaited Moka's arrival.
"All alone, well how convenient."
Gin looked up from the table to see a beautiful blue haired girl entering holding a covered plate. He immediately gave her a wide smile. "Well if it isn't the lovely Kurono Kurumu, it's a real pleasure to meet you."
She gave him an annoyed look. "Don't even bother, I'm a succubus, your so called charm is wasted on me."
He gave her a playful hurt expression. "Well in that case what can I do for you?"
"It's what I can do for you. I'm going to help you get Moka, at least for tonight."
He eyed her very carefully. "What makes you think I'm interested in Moka as anything more than a friend?"
"The fact that you're male and have a pulse. Besides, Moka's the only one who can't see what's right there." She set the plate in front of him and removed the cover. There was a cake already sliced. "I'm sure you have plans to be alone with her tonight. Give her some of this cake; I've baked in a variant of a succubus love potion. As soon as she ingests it she will fall in love with the first man she sees. It won't affect males so you don't have to worry about eating it yourself. The effects will only last a few hours, but that should be plenty for you to get what you want."
Frowning at her he pushed the plate away. "No thanks, I have my own way of winning a girl's heart."
She smiled at him nastily. "Oh you mean with that playacting you call charm? Well you're free to rely on it if you want, but I think you should know that Moka and Naruto are planning to have an all day love in tomorrow."
"What?"
"They've decided to patch their difference and be together again. Good luck convincing her once she's back in his bed. If you really want her that cake is your only chance."
He looked at her suspiciously. "I thought you were her friend, why would you help me with this?"
She looked him right in the eye. "Because I am a horrible and selfish person. I'm the sort of girl who would betray her friend and hurt the boy she loves just so she can be with him in the end. And you know what?" She smiled. "I don't give a damn, because I love him just that much."
XXXXXXXXXX
"Thanks for staying late to finish the article." Gin told her.
"Oh no problem," Moka said. "This way I don't have anything more to do before the deadline."
"Listen, how would you like a little snack?" He set down a small cake in front of her.
"Thank you," she took a slice and began to eat it.
Gin sat down in the chair next to her. He was feeling nervous and excited. "How is it?" He asked casually.
"Good it's…" she turned to look at him.
"Something wrong?" he moved his chair so that it bumped against hers and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Uhm, I uh…" she suddenly felt her heart pounding. She'd always though sempai was good looking, but why had she never noticed how amazing his eyes were?
"Are you all right?" He put a hand on her forehead and leaned in close. "Are you feeling a little hot Moka-chan?"
At the feel of his touch she felt warmth filling her body. She suddenly realized how close they were. She wanted him to get closer.
No! She heard a voice calling from inside her mind. Stop this! These feelings aren't real! He isn't the one we love! An image popped into her head, a face. A boy with blue eyes, spiky blonde hair, and the cutest scars on his cheeks. She knew this boy was really important to her, but somehow she couldn't remember why. It was as though she were in a fog; all that seemed real was Gin-sempai, the feel of his hand touching her, his dark eyes looking into hers.
This isn't real! What you feel is a trick an illusion! Naruto! Naruto is the one we both love not him! Don't do this! Don't betray his trust! Don't betray the love that we share!
The voice was desperate and she knew she should listen to it. "I need to…"
Gin pressed his lips to hers and her heart seemed to soar. The voice seemed to cry out but she locked it away, she didn't want to listen to it. All she wanted was to love the man who was kissing her now.
XXXXXXXXXX
He had waited for her. He had decided he couldn't wait until tomorrow. After training with Kuyou he had gone to her apartment planning to surprise her whenever she came home. He waited until it was almost midnight before deciding he had to go check on her. And so he'd gone to the newspaper room.
The lights had all been off but for someone who could see in the dark that was no problem. The door hadn't been locked and he had simply walked right in. There they were. Lying on top of a table curled up in each other's arms. Both of them peacefully asleep and with contented grins.
He just stood there, looking at them for a good five minutes. A part of him hoped they would wake up; a part of him wanted them to wake up and make excuses or beg his forgiveness. That was because if they did that he knew he would murder them both.
He stood there for five minutes.
Finally he turned around and left, carefully shutting the door behind him.
XXXXXXXXXX
When she felt the wind and leaves swirling she suddenly sat up, pretending to be caught completely by surprise. She had actually spent hours thinking about this exact scenario. She had on an old tank top and some cotton panties because she had wanted to look sexy without looking as though she expected this.
"Naruto-kun, what are you doing here? Is something wrong?"
He just stared at her with a hopeless expression. "You told me I could come to you anytime and you would do anything you could to comfort me. Does the offer still stand?"
"Always," she came to stand before him and looked up into his sad face. She took a hold of his hands. "Come with me Naruto-kun, let me comfort you."
He let her lead him to her bedroom. "For tonight, just for tonight," he said quietly. "In the morning…"
She looked up at him and smiled gently. "I understand. When the morning comes I won't expect anything. But just for tonight," she leaned up and gave him her very first kiss. "I am yours."