"Rosario + Vampire: A Goddess of a Different Sort" (What If?)

Chapter 3 "New Home"

Based upon characters created by Akihisa Ikeda.

Ah My Goddess created by Kosuke Fujishima.

Original idea and story written by Gamera68.

Rated T.

Genres: Fantasy / Romance / Slice-of-Life

…

Author's Note: Well, here's chapter 3. It picks up right after Moka tells Tsukune of her painful past. Any and all feedback is welcome and always appreciated. By the way, Moka sings in this chapter! Can you take a guess where the song comes from?

I will do my best to stay as close to the original content with ny own twists, but the T rating might go up, towards the end.

...

Tsukune held the goddess in his arms for quite awhile. He wanted more than anything to be sure that she was all cried out and desired to be there for her. The raven-haired, college freshman could never compare his life to hers after what she had just told him. Even though she appeared cheerful on the outside; the awful truth was that she had suffered much pain on the inside, and had been used by her instructor, Alucard.

"Hey, Moka?" he asked as she finally stood straight up and faced him with swollen eyes.

"Yes, Tsukune?" she said in-between sniffles.

"Here you go," he replied as he quickly reached into the front, left, pocket of his jeans and pulled out a clean handkerchief which he handed to her and had accepted it with a weak smile.

"Oh, thank you," she replied after she wiped her face. The goddess then averted his eyes for a moment as she firmly clutched the handkerchief with both of her hands.

"Don't mention it... and I'm sorry," he said as he bowed in front of her.

"There's no need for you to apologize, Tsukune. You asked me a valid question and I answered it honestly," she said as she placed both of her hands on his shoulders.

"I know that... but I shouldn't have pried..." he said just as she gave him a firm hug.

"You didn't know and if I am to be your girlfriend, then we should know everything about each other and always be honest, right?" she reasoned.

"Well, yeah... since you put it that way – you do have a good point," he said as they ended their brief embrace. Tsukune looked around at the temple and surrounding area. He was still stunned how it looked brand new as did the smaller house.

Well, smaller was a mild understatement. Compared to the Buddhist temple, the house was dwarfed by its massive size but was still larger than your average, Japanese home. It was most likely built back in the late 1950s, years after the great war.

"But – can you accept me for who I am? Do you still desire me as your girlfriend, even though you know that I'm a broken goddess? That I have sinned against the heavens and paid for my past mistakes?" Moka asked on the verge of tears, just as he stepped closer to her.

"Of course I can. I wished for you to be my girlfriend and for you to stay with me forever and that's what I want the most. You told me as much, right? Even though it was a spur-of-the-moment thing, that's what I wanted. You told me that wishes that only come from the heart are granted and I want you as my girlfriend, Moka... none of that other stuff matters to me because I accept you for who you are and will always be here for you," he offered with a warm smile.

"Thank you for that Tsukune – and if there's anything that you want to ask me, please do not hesitate," she answered as she grabbed his right hand as she lead him towards the house.

"So, um... you did all of this with your powers, right?" Tsukune inquired.

"Yes, but since I will be living here on Midgard - I mean Earth - with you, I will have to learn to not be so dependent on my abilities as if I use them too often, I fall asleep. That is how I recharge my powers. All goddesses have a unique way of recovering their depleted powers," she explained.

"I see. Well if you want to know more about me, then don't hold yourself back, either," he said with a blush as he realized she held his hand and did not wish to let go of her, anytime soon.

"Oh yes. Of course Tsukune. Now, let's see the inside of the house. I'm actually kind of anxious," Moka said as Tsukune opened the front door and allowed her to enter first like a proper boyfriend should.

"Um, sure. After you, Moka."

...

...

After the couple inspected their new home, Tsukune used the old, rotary phone in the front hallway and informed his sempai at his former dormitory that he and Moka had found a new residence. After he gave them his new address, he walked into the kitchen and found Moka who stood in front of the gas-operated, stove.

"Hey Moka... I just called my sempai and they said they'd be here in a while with the rest of my stuff," he said.

"That's wonderful news. I'm really looking forward to cooking all sorts of exciting meals here," she said as she closely examined the stove.

"So, do you know how to cook?" he asked as she turned to face him with a bright smile.

"A little bit... but I'm a very fast learner," she replied.

"I see. Well I think I have a cookbook somewhere with the rest of my stuff. I really never had a chance to use it much, but I'm sure it'll come in handy for us," he answered.

"Oh Tsukune..."

"Oh Moka..."

"Oh Tsukune..."

"Oh Moka..."

"Oh Tsukune..."

"Oh Moka..."

"Hey Aono! Anybody home?!" a loud, male voice shouted which brought the couple out of their daze. The pair then walked towards the front door. After Tsukune opened it, he was surprised to see that his sempai had arrived so quickly.

"Gin-sempai? How'd you get here so fast?" Tsukune asked as he saw that most of his former dorm-mates were unloading a truck with all of his worldly possessions which were neatly packed into numerous, large, boxes.

"Hey man, you're only about a kilometer or so from the dorm and it wasn't that hard to find. By the way, how did you guys manage to find such a nice place since we last saw ya'?" Gin asked while Haji stood off to the side and admired the large yard that looked as if it were recently maintained.

"I see... well... um... Moka... knows the monk that used to live here and he told us to take care of it while he's off on a pilgrimage around the world for more training," Tsukune said. It was far from the truth of course and he could not allow Moka to answer since she was unable to tell even the smallest of fibs due to her classification as a First Class Goddess. She could dance around the truth by not telling all of it, but decided to be as honest as she could.

"That's awesome, man. Good for you guys," Gin said as he turned around and helped carry a few boxes into the couple's abode.

"Hey, we brought you another futon as well," Haji said.

"Oh, thank you very much," Moka said with a bow. Haji then returned the customary gesture.

"Hey, before I forget, here's your deposit from your room, plus half of this month's rent since you had to move out," Haji added as he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a simple envelope which he handed to Tsukune. The young mechanic opened it up and was surprised to find that it contained 50,000 Yen. ($411.88, U.S.)

"Thanks, Haji-semapi. This will come in real handy," Tsukune said with a smile as Haji carried the rolled-up futon into the house.

"It would seem that things are looking up for us, Tsukune," Moka said with a smile.

"Yeah... how about that? Wait a minute – this isn't your doing, is it Moka?" Tsukune whispered.

"No, Tsukune. It isn't but I'm very happy for you as well," the pink-haired goddess answered.

Tsukune and Moka then walked back into their new home so they could assist everyone in placing all of his belongings into the proper rooms.

The old, wood and mortar, green-tiled, house had 4 decent-sized bedrooms which were located towards the rear of the building and were connected by a long hallway. At the end of the corridor was the restroom, linen closet, and bathroom. In the front of the house was the kitchen, living / dining room, and Moka's soon-to-be tea room.

Before long, the entire habitation was furnished since Tsukune's upperclassmen also donated a few tables, several types of chairs, an old couch that was recently re-upholstered; along with numerous kitchen utensils such as pot, pans, plates, glassware, and so forth. The couple thanked them for their assistance and more-than-generous donations.

"Don't sweat it man. We just wanted to make sure you had enough to start out with since you guys are now shacking up," Gin said to his kouhai with a wink.

"Shacking up?" Moka repeated the odd-sounding phrase with a quirked eyebrow.

"Um, it means living together under the same roof," Tsukune explained.

"Oh I see. Yes, we'll be living together from now on, so thank you for all of your help this afternoon," Moka said with a bow.

"Hey, it's the least we could do. We didn't know Aono had you as a girlfriend so this is just our way of apologizing," Haji said to the pink-haired goddess.

"Besides, it gives us a really good reason to throw you guys a housewarming party," Gin added in with a wolfish grin.

"A housewarming party? But guys, it's barely one in the afternoon," Tsukune interjected with a sweat-drop as he knew full-well that the NIT Motor Club members had a habit to get out of hand whenever they attended a party of any sort.

"C'mon man... we're trying to say we're sorry for throwing you out of the dorm like that in the middle of the night and it'll just be for a little while. We promise," Haji said with a weak smile.

"What do you think, Moka?" Tsukune said as he faced his new girlfriend.

"Sure, why not? It might be a lot fun to see how mortals celebrate a special occasion," she answered with a bright smile.

"Mortals?" Gin asked with a raised brow.

"Um, you'll have to forgive Moka. Her Japanese is a bit rusty," Tsukune said as he swiftly waved everyone into the house and then directed them towards the side porch which was separated from the house by a wall of sliding doors. Several ice-filed coolers were soon placed on the wooden floor as well as numerous platters of all sorts of Japanese food were set up on a small wooden, table. Moka examined the beverages and snacks with keen interest.

After everyone had a drink in hand, which included the happy couple, Gin decided to give a short speech.

"I know I've given Aono here a lot of grief since he first came to Nekomi Tech, but because of his knowledge of motorcycles and cars, he's been an irreplaceable member of the NIT Motor Club. I wish you and Moka the very best of luck and hopefully one day soon, she'll become a valued member of our esteemed club, 'cause, let's face it – we do need more female members, am I right, fellas?" he said. He was awarded with a hearty round of applause and a few "whoots" from his fellow club-members.

"*Ahem*, anyway... to Tsukune and Moka! Kampai!" Gin finished as everyone clinked their glasses and cans of alcoholic beverages. Moka just looked at her drink of Sake' and decided to have a taste.

"Hey Moka, you don't have to drink it if you don't want to," Tsukune said as he pulled her off to the side for a minute.

"It's alright Tsukune. It's actually very good," she replied after another sip.

"Okay, just don't overdo it, alright? I don't have any idea if it will affect you or not," he said as he sat down on the porch. She took his suggestion and sat down next to him.

"Thank you for your concern, but I can assure you that I won't become intoxicated – not like my older sister does," she said with a smile as she took another sip of the rice wine.

"So, um... you can't get drunk, then?"

"I'm not really sure as I've never had this type of beverage before," the goddess replied after another sip of her drink.

"I see. Well just enjoy it... I guess. They brought some food along, too," Tsukune answered.

"I will and thank you. It was very nice of your sempai to hold this party for us," she said as she heard some singing since somebody just had to bring a karaoke machine along for the impromptu celebration.

Well, singing was not the term for what they were doing to the poor songs that did not ask to be tortured so badly.

"Not a problem. Uh – well... they like to use any excuse to throw a party," Tsukune said with a chuckle.

"I see," the goddess replied. Tsukune then placed his left arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer towards himself. Moka giggled at the affectionate gesture and then closed her eyes as she leaned against her boyfriend with a content sigh.

...

...

After a while, the couple decided to walk back into the house, just to be sure everything was still in one piece since the noise level had gone up, somewhat.

"Hey... look who's back! It's the two love birds!" Gin said as he stumbled over to the pair and nearly fell on top of Tsukune.

"C'mon Aono – your turn to sing," the upperclassman said to Tsukune as he handed him the wireless microphone.

"If it's alright... I'll pass, sempai," Tsukune said with a sweat-drop.

"Okay then. What about you Miss Moka? Would you like to give it a try?" Gin asked as he turned his attention to the green-eyed deity.

"If it's alright with Tsukune," she said as she looked to her new boyfriend for moral support which he did with a hearty thumbs-up along with a smile.

"So, what do I do?" she inquired as Tsukune took a seat on the sofa. Gin gave her a quick lesson as he walked her over to the karaoke machine that was in the center of the room.

Nearly everyone was already quite tipsy, but were on their best behavior, more or less.

A short, young, woman with red hair and round eyeglasses over her green eyes, sat on one of the chairs that surrounded the table that was set up, off to the far side of the living-room. She shot a quick glance at Tsukune who had his eyes fixated on the goddess, then turned her attention back to the drink in hand. Her face was nearly as red as her hair and had a rather difficult time sitting up.

'I wish Aono would look at me that way,' Kokoa Shuzen thought to herself.

'But he only sees me as a kid,' the redhead somberly continued.

As the music began, all eyes were on the pink-haired immortal. She held the microphone in her right hand as she awaited her musical cue. Her brightly-colored eyes were set on the small video screen in front of her.

"Shiawashe no Iro" * (Color of Happiness)

"I dedicate this song to my dear Tsukune," she said as she focused on the melody.

"In this world of ours so fast and dazzling -

There's a destined one for every living thing...

Past the window beyond – to the rainbow and on -

and to your fate... you will know when it has come.

Looking up above into the endless sky -

It is today... just like in days gone-bye...

Like the sky I'm the same – though the clouds may have changed -

I am here... always watching over you.

Release yourself from burdens you are shackled by -

You must forgive... all which that you regret...

And listen to your heart -

Wait a moment as the feeling starts... and awaken your destiny!

All those little dreams... you have inside -

Just hold them dear – in your heart...

For they paint the sky and the stars!

As you travel on the crowds may not be kind -

And you may grow weary in your heart and mind.

You may stumble and fall – skin your knees and it stings -

But do not fret – take time to rest your wings.

Always believe that there is strength inside of you -

Just reach within – the spark is burning bright...

And now I calm your mind – now reach up to where you hear my voice -

And I'll sing you a lullaby!

All those little dreams... you have inside -

Just hold them dear – in your heart...

For they paint the sky and the stars!"

…

As the song came to its conclusion Moka received a round of hearty applause. Everyone present was astonished at the goddess's impressive singing voice. Moka then placed the microphone in the holder as she walked over to Tsukune who was moved by her words that reached his very core. The goddess wrapped her arms around her boyfriend and held him very close. She could feel his positive emotions and was thankful that he enjoyed her song.

As the afternoon eventually turned into evening, the party had finally came to its end since all of the alcoholic beverages as well as most of the food was finished. All those present helped the couple to clean up any messes left behind and even offered to assist them in removing several bags full of refuse. Moka and Tsukune thanked everybody for the celebration and decided to call it a day, since it was non-stop excitement for the past day and a half or so.

"Hey Moka, if it's alright, I'm gonna hit the sack now. Besides, I gotta study tomorrow for a big test I have on Monday morning," he said to her as they walked back into their new home.

"Hit the sack?" she asked as she tilted her head to the left.

"Oh, I meant go to bed now," the raven-haired young man replied with a chuckle.

"Oh – alright Tsukune. If that's what you want, then I shall turn in as well," she replied with a small smile.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I guess you still have a lot to learn about our phrases and figures of speech, right?"

"I understand Tsukune. Thank you for explaining it to me," she answered.

"Not a problem," he said as he walked down the hallway with the goddess hot on his heels.

"Well here's my room and your room is right there, across the hallway," he said as he slid his bedroom door open. Just as he was about to step inside, Moka lightly tugged on the back of his shirt. He then turned and faced her, unsure of what she wanted or if something was on her mind.

"Um, is there something you need?" he asked.

"Well since this will be my first night sleeping under the same roof as you in our new home, I was wondering if it would be alright if we – slept together. In the same room that is. I do not wish to be alone in the dark tonight, if it's okay with you," Moka asked as her face burned red from saying as much. Tsukune however was at a loss of words and had no idea how to reply to her upfront request, and nearly fainted from hearing as much.

"Uh – um... well – uh – um..." the young man stammered out as his face turned red as well.

"We don't have to if it will make you feel uncomfortable, Tsukune," the goddess replied as she could tell that he felt somewhat flustered by her unusual petition.

"Uh, that's not it but I was uh – kind of surprised, I guess. I mean... you're my first girlfriend ever, and I really have no idea what couples do, besides what I read in manga and see in movies, but if it'll make you feel better, I guess it would be alright," he said after his brain finally caught up and decided to be honest with her. The last thing he wanted to do was to make her sad, anyway.

"Thank you Tsukune. I'll go and retrieve my futon and shall return in a few minutes," she said with a bright smile. He just shook his yes in agreement then made a beeline to his own bedroom and slid the door closed behind himself.

After he tossed off his clothes, he quickly changed onto his nightwear which consisted of a dark blue t-shirt and a pair of cotton sleep pants, which were of a red and black gingham pattern. He then jumped into the futon bed and pulled the microfiber blanket over himself and did his best to calm himself down somewhat before Moka showed up.

'Just relax, man. She just wants to sleep near me, that's all. It's not like we're actually gonna do anything, right?' Tsukune reasoned with himself.

* knock, knock, knock * came a gentle tap on his bedroom's door.

"Come in, Moka..." he said as his voice creaked a bit. He then watched the goddess as she walked inside with her futon bed. Her long, pink hair was loose and her nightwear consisted of a long, white, button-down shirt, that came down past her knees.

"Oh my goddess," Tsukune said to himself as she walked into his room and placed her futon next to his, along with a soft pillow and a light, pink, blanket. Once she had her bed properly in place, she walked over to the door and slid it closed. She then walked over to her bed and made herself comfortable.

"Tsukune... thank you allowing me to sleep next to you tonight."

"Oh, um – sure, Moka," he answered nervously.

"Tsukune, is everything alright?" she asked with a concerned tone in her voice.

"Well... I guess so. I mean I've always wanted this, you know? I mean to have a beautiful girlfriend who seems to be perfect in every way, not to mention who happens to have an amazing singing voice, and can do just about anything," he said as he turned and faced her.

"You... you think – I'm beautiful?" she asked as her cheeks flushed.

"Well, yeah. Without a doubt, you're the most beautiful woman I've ever met Moka."

"Oh Tsukune..." she said as she reached over to him and pulled him into a warm embrace. Caught off-guard by her bold gesture yet again, he reciprocated the simple act of affection and returned the hug in a similar fashion. After they ended their somewhat awkward hug, they both returned to their futons which were only about 10 centimeters apart or so.

"I meant every word of it, Moka. I may not have any experience with women, but I guess this is something that we're both gonna have to learn about together – I mean about us having a relationship like this. So much has happened since you literally "popped" into my life and just having you here with me... makes me really happy..." he said as he fought his emotions back.

"Oh Tsukune. I know that you've been very lonely before we met, but I promise you as a first class goddess, that you'll never be alone again. I will always be here for you for as long as you need me and being here, has made me happy as well. So, if you ever need a shoulder to cry on, I promise that I won't tell anyone," she said as she reached over and held his right hand with her left.

Tsukune held out for a few seconds before his emotions overwhelmed him. He then broke down and cried heavily. Moka sat up from her futon and laid down next to him. She then pulled him into her warm bosom and held him close. She knew in her heart that he had been through so much in his 21 years of life. She promised him that she would be there for him in good times and in bad.

Contract or not, the goddess Moka would never leave his side and would do her best to be the best girlfriend that he deserved. He had accepted her, all of her, which included her angel, Mocaccino, despite her tragic past. Now it was her turn to accept him as he was. That's where her place was and she knew that they had a long road ahead of them. But as long as they were there for each other, they would somehow make the best of their unusual relationship.

…

...

A/N: This concludes chapter 3. I know this chapter's really short but I packed a lot into it. Any and all feedback (comments, reviews, suggestions) is always welcomed and appreciated. :)

* The song Moka sang – it's from "Ah! My Goddess: Everyone has Wings" (season 2 of the anime series) I thought it would be appropriate for her. The translation came from the English version on YouTube by "GeekyFanDubs".

Please feel free to "Follow" this story for future updates if you haven't already as I do update somewhat randomly. I'll do my best to do so at least once every 7 to 10 days for as long as my free time allows.