An important message: I'm not really feeling this story at the present moment, so I will most likely update this story when something strikes me. I am by no means discontinuing this story, but just don't expect updates as frequently as they used to come. On a side note: Shout out to Peace Shadow: thank you very much for giving me the basis of an idea for this chapter. I might not have used your exact idea here, but I'm sure you will see the influence.

CHAPTER 16

POPPING THE QUESTION

Moka arrived downstairs a minute or two later, to the happiness of Gin. "Ah, Princess, you look stunning, as always!" He gushed. He was wearing a simple tuxedo, with an impeccable black sport coat and spotless pants. His fur-brown tie was placed at the exact center of his chest, and he was flashing a million-dollar smile. He looked great, but Moka just rolled her eyes, unimpressed.

"Sit down Gin." Moka said with a sigh as she took her seat. Gin snatched the chair across from her. Ignoring him, Moka looked around the room, and then turned to a nameless servant next to her. "Where's Kurumu?" Moka asked, hoping that she wouldn't have to face this pervert alone.

"Princess Kurumu won't be joining us, your majesty. She said something along the lines of 'how does it feel now?' Sorry, your majesty." Moka sighed. So, Kurumu was paying her back for not standing up for her when Gin was her harassing her earlier this morning huh? Well fine then. She was a vampire! The strongest of all monsters! So what if Gin was royalty? Surely she could handle a simple pervert! So, Moka devoted herself to just getting through dinner with as little conversation as possible, which was actually somewhat easy since Gin normally had one-sided conversations anyway. As Moka predicted, Gin just started yammering away about everything. Moka had already tuned him out.

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Ruby was in her room, spying on Gin and Moka as they eat dinner. However, she was getting somewhat bored with watching due to the fact that it was clear Moka wasn't interested in Gin's incessant gibbering. So, she decided to use the crystal ball to look into the future. She sped up time a little, and her eyes widened. She turned and dashed out of the room, frantic to help her Princess.

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God, this guy just doesn't shut up! Moka thought to herself as Gin continued prattling on about this and that. He had been talking for about a half-hour straight without any sort of response from Moka. It was quite amazing actually; he hadn't even stopped to take a breath. Finally, Gin stopped talking for a moment. However, before Moka had ample time to enjoy the brief moment of silence, Gin opened his mouth again.

"Moka, how long have we known each other?" Gin asked. Moka raised an eyebrow at the sudden change of conversation direction, but merely answered the question.

"About five years, unfortunately."

"Right, right." Gin responded. Though she didn't let it show on her face, Moka was surprised that Gin didn't say anything to her insult. Something was defiantly up.

"You see Moka, my father has been bothering me for quite awhile about taking over the throne." Gin started, rising from his chair with a rare solemn look on his face. For once, Moka was actually listening to him, wary of where this was going. "And to take over the throne, I need one essential thing above all others: a wife."

Oh crap. Moka thought. This had gone the exact direction that she didn't want it to go. By this time, Gin had gotten to Moka's side of the table. He knelt down and pulled the ring out of his pocket. He looked up at Moka. "Moka, will you marry me?"

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2 minutes earlier…

Tsukune was sleeping softly when Ruby all but kicked down the door to the infirmary. Tsukune jolted awake as Ruby rushed to his bedside. He groggily looked at the royal witch as he rubbed his eyes.

"Buh… Ruby? Is something wrong?" Tsukune asked, sitting up. Ruby was frantic.

"Tsukune! Come quick! It's Moka!" The mention of her name instantly made Tsukune perk up.

"What's wrong with Moka? Is she hurt?" Tsukune asked desperately. To Tsukune's relief, Ruby shook her head.

"Just come on! We have to go!" Ruby started to all but drag Tsukune out of bed. Tsukune was too bewildered and confused to offer any resistance. So, Ruby helped Tsukune out of the room and down to see Moka.

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Present

Tsukune gaped and Ruby shook her head morbidly as they saw Gin propose. They had snuck downstairs and had silently opened the door to spy on the duo, and had arrived just in time to see something that they thought only happened once every millennia- Moka was flustered. However much Ruby and Tsukune wanted to relish the moment, they knew that they had to help Moka-it was their job to help their princess any way possible, no matter what the situation was. So, without thinking, Tsukune lurched out of Ruby's grasp and threw open the door.

"Moka! I need to talk to you!" Tsukune exclaimed, drawing the attention of the two occupants of the room. Gin looked at Tsukune with an expression that simultaneously said 'who the hack is this guy?' and 'how dare this guy interrupt such an important moment!' while Moka looked at Tsukune with a look of shock, relief, and confusion. After a moment or two had passed in awkward silence. Tsukune realized that he had no actual plan besides 'stop that pervert from getting his hands on Moka!' After he realized that, he also realized that that world was starting to spin and he was rapidly losing consciousness. As he passed out, Tsukune was vaguely aware of both Ruby and Moka crying his name, which, for some reason, made him smile.