Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Rosario Vampire. I am merely twisting the creators vision into my own dream. If the supernatural, sexuality, or violence is offensive to you, then you should not read this.

Chapter 16

Tsukune didn't get along with Mondays. It wasn't his fault. He didn't have any particular dislike for Mondays. Tsukune was in fact rather apathetic towards Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays all together. Mondays, on the other hand, were out to get him. Tsukune's 'Monday' started as soon as he left the dorms.

A thick fog blanketed the area, making everything soggy. While there was not enough water to cause Moka any discomfort, it did drag her down. She was in no mood to linger for a quiet moment with Tsukune. She had been bothered by something on Sunday, but any time Tsukune tried to talk to her she would blush deeply and turn away. With the fog she was cranky and irritable. Tsukune suspected he was going to get bit before the day was out.

The gloomy mood was throughout the school at the start of the day. Students grumbled and growled and snapped at each other, and in a monster school that could be dangerous. The staff must have been feeling down as well. Tsukune's math teacher wrote out an assignment on the board, covering an alarming number of pages in the text book, and spent the class time walking up and down between the desks holding a yard stick glaring at the students. The history teacher took roll, wrote 'Self Study' on the board and left the room. Fortunatly the fog wad thinned out by Lunch, but everything outside was still soggy.

The cafeteria was crowded and noisy. While Tsukune had managed to sit with his friends there was a constant stream of interruptions that prevented any personal conversation, and Moka was still acting a little strange. Kokoa had gained a sudden boost in popularity with girls in first year. They kept coming by the table to say hello to their classmate. Tsukune didn't understand why, but when the first year girls came to the table Kurumu glared at them, Moka ignored them, and Mizore... Well she was Mizore. Collectively, the second year girls made sure the first year girls didn't linger. There were a lot of people from second and third years that looked like they wanted to come over, but stayed away for some reason. It didn't make any sense to Tsukune.

Afternoon classes went as they normally did. Tsukune could almost hope that he would be able to talk to Moka after school, but he had a committee meeting. The Festival Committee spent their 'meeting' cleaning out the store rooms at the school annex building to confirm inventory of usably booths and signs. Tsukune was dirty, sweaty, and sore as he trudged back to the dorms. His last thought before falling asleep was how he had made it through the day without getting bit. It wasn't a satisfying thought.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Moka," Tsukune called out to her a she came out of the dorm Tuesday morning. In spite of his urge to run to her, he made himself walk calmly.

"Tsukune," Moka smiled at him as she said his name. She saw his face, his smile, and remembered what her inner self had said. She felt her face grow hot and she looked away with a sense of embarrassment.

"Moka," Tsukune said gently when he reached her. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," She shook her head. "I'm fine."

"Moka?"

"It's nothing," She insisted.

"Please, Moka," Tsukune reached out to her.

Moka tried to flinch away, but Tsukune enfolded her in his arms, pulling her close. She resisted, holding herself stiff as Tsukune pulled her against his chest. He held her their firmly, but not roughly. Moka could break his hold, but she chose not to. She pressed her blushing face into his chest so he couldn't see it.

"Moka," Tsukune said in a low voice. "I know something is bothering you. Please tell me what it is. If I did anything wrong, I'm sorry. Please tell me what I did so I'll know."

Moka felt Tsukune's arms around her. Hard muscles that he had built up so that he could protect her. They made her feel safe. They felt good holding her. She could hear his heart beating in his solid chest, and felt her heart beat a little faster. Pressed against him as she was she could smell his soap and hits of what he had for breakfast; toast and jam with tea. Moka could smell him. He was nervous, and sweating a little. She could smell Tsukune. She didn't realize it but her arms had slowly wrapped around him. She gripped his blazer as his sent, his presence filled her perceptions.

"Tsukune," She sighed.

"Moka," He whispered her name.

"Tsukune..." She drew his name out. "Please…"

"I'm sorry, Moka," Tsukune said gently. "I'm not letting go until I know you're alright. Please talk to me."

"I…" Moka choked. "It was… You didn't do anything wrong."

"Then what is it?"

"A dream," Moka created a lie. She was loath to lie to Tsukune, but she was so embarrassed she couldn't tell him the truth. "I had a dream. It was… I had a very selfish dream that was only about what I want. Every time I looked at you I would remember it. It was embarrassing." Moka found herself breathing hard, and her heart was racing. What she has said was a lie, but very close to the truth.

"I'm sorry, Moka," Tsukune said. "You just had me so worried." He relaxed his hold, but didn't let go.

"It's alright," Moka forgave him his forcefulness. The way he had so gently and tenderly took control of her.

She felt her whole body shaking and realized that her mouth was watering. She had been thinking about him constantly for two days, and now he was real and solid right in her grasp. The experience had her excited at a primal level.

"Tsu-ku-ne-e-e," She moaned softly.

"I'm right here," He said.

She felt his youki envelope her. She finally looked up into his caring face and saw him smiling warmly. Her mouth was open and she was panting softly. Tsukune bent down until she could feel the heat of his breath on her cheek. Moka closed her eyes. Before she realized that she had moved she felt his soft skin against her lips and his delicious, hot blood flowed across her tongue. Tsukune hissed softly as he held her a little tighter. Moka's body shivered as his energy rushed into her. She lost herself in the sensations of his feel, his scent, his taste.

When Moka came back to herself she still had her mouth to Tsukune's neck, but was doing little more the just tasting his skin with her tongue.

"Mmmmmmmm," Her own voice seamed to echo in her mind as she relaxed against Tsukune. She looked up at Tsukune and smiled warmly. She saw him shake his head briefly and a frown flashed across his features for less then a heartbeat. "Tsukune?"

"Are you feeling better, Moka?"

"Mmm hmmm," She gave a little nod and lowered her eyes shyly.

"We should get going."

"Alright."

The couple finally broke their embrace. Moka remembered that they were in front of the girls' dorms. She looked around with wide eyes and saw the spectators that had gathered. Female student from all levels, most in human form, some not, stood watching with dreamy eyes. Moka grabbed Tsukune's hand and hurried to school, her face growing hot once more.

Moka forgot all about that expression that had flashed across Tsukune's face. She didn't know that for a brief moment, when she looked up at him, her eyes were streaked with the same red as the eyes of her inner self. She didn't realize that, in that time when Tsukune's youki was hot within her she had become closer to her inner self.

XXXXXXXXX

It felt good to receive love letters, Tsukune admitted to himself. He had never been popular before attending Yaokai Academy. The troubles he had faced had earned him friends, and his close circle of friends had overcome difficulties he would have never though possible out side of a video game. But being popular was a new experience for Tsukune. Finding love letters in his shoe locker made him feel like someone special. The letters he had received to date had been written confessions of feelings, asking if they could meet some time. On the advice of his friends, Tsukune ignored them. It felt off to him, but Moka and the others insisted it was the best way to handle the situation.

Tsukune read his latest letter as he headed for the dorm after a Wednesday afternoon committee meeting. This time the confession was a little bolder then the others. The sender said she would wait for Tsukune at the school gates. He was a little nervous about this girl's intentions, and was thinking about looking for a place to discretely go around or over the fence.

"Aono-Senpai."

Tsukune flinched as he heard his name. He had been spotted already. He looked up at the gates of the school to see who was waiting for him. It took him a moment to recognize the girl in the normal school uniform. The last time he had seen her she had been in a black uniform. Sighing to himself, Tsukune walked forward to meet his fate.

"Hello," Tsukune said carefully as he approached the girl.

"Aono-Senpai," She bowed. "I am Sheezu Aimi."

"Is there something I can do for you, Sheezu-chan?" Tsukune asked, trying to remember where he had heard the name before.

"I wanted to apologize," She said. "I tired to trick you before, to slander your honor." Her face was almost totally concealed by her long black hair, so it was impossible to see if she was blushing, but her voice was climing higher and her words were coming faster I was wrong to let Keito-Senpai use me in a way I knew was dishonest. I am sorry for my actions," She bowed again, lower this time, her words were almost running together.

"Ehhh," Tsukune looked delicately around for a distraction, seeing none he gave a sigh. "No real harm was done. If you realize what you did wrong then there is nothing to worry about. It's all in the past, right?" He asked weakly.

"Then you forgive me?"

"Yes. It's alright, it's alright."

"You don't hate me do you?" She smiled nervously.

"How could I hate you?"

"And maybe, you might like me a little?" Her voice came out squeak, her words in a rush.

"Ehhh? Tsukune was alarmed. He took a step back.

"I know that you already have someone special," Sheezu Aimi said. "But can I still be your friend? Can I talk to you if I need help?"

Tsukune saw a storm of trouble looming and was on the point of refusing, but then he thought about Moka and his other friends. All of them had been alone before they had pulled together. He held out his hand to the girl.

"I would be glad to be your friend, Sheezu-chan."

"Yatta!" She grabbed his hand and shook it excitedly. "Thank you, Aono-Senpai."

"I was just headed back to the dorms," Tsukune said.

"I'll walk with you," She declared.

"Heh," Tsukune gave a feeble smile.

"So where did you go to school before, Sheezu?" He asked as they walked.

"I lived up north near a farming town," Aimi explained. "There is a small school for local human children there. The teacher is very old with bad eye sight so it is easy to hide among the human children."

"Wasn't that dangerous?" Tsukune asked.

"No, I don't think so."

"Well I'm impressed. I would never have thought to try so hard to go to school."

"My grandfather wanted me to go to school."

"Did your school ever hold elections for things like class president or student council?" Tsukune was hopeful.

"No."

"Ahh."

The two students reached the dorms without incident.

"You have a good night," Tsukune said to Aimi.

"Thank you Senpai," She said in a cheerful voice. Before hurrying off.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Tsukune was glad the week was over. The weekend was going to be every bit as busy as the previous one, but he would at least have a few extra hours to spend with his friends when they all got together to study. Tsukune looked at his friends as they came together in front of the school, and smiled warmly. There was a bit of agitation when he talked to Sheezu in front of them the first time. But they saw that she wasn't a threat or out for revenge and tolerated her presence.

The first year girl was willing to talk with Tsukune and his friends, but she felt out of place with the tight knit group. And she the one time she had walked next to Tsukune the older girls and Yukari projected an aura of violence so strong that is made her ears burn. She kept a polite distance after that.

Tsukune was proud of his friends. They were some of the strongest monsters in the school. Between them they had stood up against, and took down, corrupt faculty members and criminals. But his friends didn't abuse their strength by trying to threaten the other students. They also were not elitists, waving their accomplishments in the faces of the other students to demand attention. As he came out of the school building He saw them standing close together in one of their mock fights and had a sudden idea.

Tsukune set his school bag on the ground and reached for his youki as quickly as he could. With his arms outstretched he rushed forward. He caught all four girls up in a powerful hug.

Moka felt Tsukune's youki spike and started to look about in alarm. As she felt herself being pushed off balance she reached out to Kurumu and Mizore for support. Yukari was pressed against Moka and the other took reached for the vampire for support as well.

"Group Hug!" Tsukune declared, lifting them all off the ground.

Moka was directly in front of Tsukune as she felt her feet leave the gound. She looked into his face and saw it light up with happiness. She felt her heart flutter and, blushing, she smiled back. Mizore had Moka on her left and Tsukune on her right. She saw both of them smiling and felt the physical closeness and warmth that surrounded her, making her feel warm deep inside. Kurumu felt Tsukune's strong arm around her as she was caught up with the others. She a part of the group hug, sharing a special moment with Tsukune, her special person. Yukari was caught up in the middle of the group. She was being squeezed between Tsukune and Moka, making her light headed with excitement.

Once Yukari regained consciousness, and everybody stopped laughing about her blacking out, they set off for the dorms. Tsukune listened to the girls talk as they walked and wondered why he wasn't worried. They were dividing up the weekend, and Tsukune. Kurumu and Mizore argued about cleaning Tsukune's room for a few minutes, but finally reached an agreement. Moka tried to get involved, but was crowded out.

The weekend schedule was arranged. Kurumu would see to Tsukune's room and cleaning. She would make sure he woke up in time and send him to Mizore who would cook for him Satureday. On Sunday Moka would host Tsukune for breakfast before everybody got together for studying. Yukari was to help during the study session, and if she wanted to she could bring lunch.

"Um..." Tsukune wanted to say that he could do his own chores, that he didn't need them to go out their way for him. But he couldn't think of anything to say that wouldn't sound foolish.

The group broke up once they reached the dorms. After wishing the girls a good night Tsukune headed to his room. As he mounted the steps to the boys' dorm he saw a dejected boy with red skin sitting on the stairs.

"Matsumoto?" Tsukune question.

The boy looked up and brightened a little.

"Aono-Senpai," Akira said as he stood.

"Are you alright?"

"Eh? I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, thank you. I am well. It's just...."

"Just?" Tsukune prodded.

"It's nothing," He started to leave.

"Kohai," Tsukune said firmly. "If you want to deal with things your self, that is your choice, but you do not have to."

Matsumoto Akira stopped and looked up at Tsukune.

"Really?"

"Really."

"Thank you.

XXX

"Here," Tsukune handed a can of fruity soda to Matsumoto.

The two boys had found a bench behind the dorm to sit and talk.

"Thank you."

"So how are you doing in school?" Tsukune asked. He listened to his underclassman while sipping at his own soda. Matsumoto was passing his classes, if not exactly with flying colors.

"And how are you getting along with your classmates?" Tsukune question.

Matsumoto paused for a heartbeat. He talked about doing well when the played football during ., and his classmates approval. Akira talked about the manga's he traded with a friend during lunch breaks.

"And the girl you're interested in?"

Matsumoto deflated.

"Ahhh. Have you spoken to her yet?"

"Yes," The boy sounded like his dog had run away from home.

"And how did it go?"

"I tried talking to her, but all she did was tell me to leave her alone, because she was too busy helping her Senpai." Matsumoto gave a heavy sigh. "I haven't tried talking to her since then. I thought about it. I mean she changed uniforms so I though maybe she had changed, or at least be willing to talk to me, but I can't find the courage."

"Changed uniforms?" Tsukune had a feeling he knew why the boy had been shut out the first time.

"Her name is Sheezu, isn't it?"

"That's right."

"Matsumoto," Tsukune stood. "I know what you need to do. You need to concentrate building your grades. If you can score better on tests you will find more to be proud of, and that will help you find the courage to talk to Sheezu." He tried not to laugh as he repeated the stale advice his father had given him in the past.

"You think so?"

"My friends and I will be having a study group behind the dorms Sunday. You should join us."

"B-b-but you are second years," Matsumoto protested.

"We are now," Tsukune pointed out. "But we were first years not that long ago. Besides Kokoa usually hangs out with us and she is first year also."

"Won't I just be in the way?"

"Matsumoto, I believe in helping my friends, and my friends believe in me. We will be getting together in the morning. Come join us about ten thirty. Alright?"

"Yes! Alright."

"Good," Tsukune smiled.

XXXXXXXXXX

Mizore hurried to tidy up her dorm room. Tsukune had just knocked on her door. He had come to her and she had to answer the door but wanted to make sure her room was presentable.

"Tsukune," Mizore was breathing quickly when she answered her door. "Please come in."

"Thank you," He said, accepting her invitation.

"Tea?"

"Iced tea, please. If it isn't too much trouble."

Tsukune and Mizore sat together drinking iced tea in silence for a few minutes. Tsukune was carefully choosing his words and what he wanted to say. Mizore, caught off guard by Tsukune's unplanned visit was enjoying the time alone with him.

"Mizore," Tsukune said slowly. "I want to ask a favor of you. I cam to you because I thought you would be the best one to help me."

"I will do anything," Mizore blushed, looking down at her tea. Tsukune had come to her. He had thought about her. Mizore felt a shiver of joy run through her body.

"This as about that first year student, Sheezu Aimi."

"What about her?" Mizore said in a cool voice.

"There is a boy in my dorm that is interested in her," Tsukune explained. "I want to give him a chance to talk to her. I invited him to sit in on our study group Sunday. I would like you to invite Sheezu to meet us as well."

"Why?"

"Because right now they are both like how we used to be. They are feeling lonely. Sheezu has very few people to talk to because of her time with the commission. Matsumoto is a lot like I used to be. He doesn't stand out. He doesn't feel like he has anything to offer. If I can give them a chance to talk, then maybe that will be what they both need. Sheezu needs someone that sees more then the black uniform that she doesn't wear anymore. Someone that will see her.

Mizore thought about that. The first year girl was just too happy to talk with Tsukune, and tried to meet them every morning. Finding her a boy of her own would mean one less girl trying to hold his hand. Also," She gave Tsukune a calculating look, she would show Tsukune that she could be counted on. The more times he came to her for help, for little favors, the more time she could spend with him. If she did enough little things for him, then maybe he would do one big thing for her.

"Yes," Mizore agreed. "I will find her and invite her." She will be there if Mizore had to freeze her solid and drag her there.

"Thank you, Mizore."

"Tsukune," She gave him a small smile. "Stay for dinner?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Tsukune allowed himself to smile. His weekend had gone well. While is was still feeling uncomfortable about his friends preplanning and sharing his time, their strange cooperation was helping him. His study date for the first years had also gone well.

Tsukune had not expected anything romantic, and that is not what had happened. The two first years had arrived within minutes of each other. Because they were studying at the same level it made sense for them to sit together. That put them close to Kokoa also. The young vampire, probably out of arrogance and some sort of envy that she had not been any direct help in the fight against the Public Safety Commission (All she had done was stand back and cheer Inner Moka on,) decided to pick on Sheezu. Before the others could call her on it, Matsumoto had taken the defensive. In a fight he would have been put down hard, but in the verbal exchange he was quick to take control of the situation. When Kokoa looked to the others for support she didn't find any, she huffed and buried her nose in her book and didn't talk to anybody for the rest of the day.

Matsumoto, he later admitted to Tsukune, had been thinking about what he could say to Sheezu for over a week, and what to say of anybody tried to make fun of his choice for a friend. While the two didn't spontaneously declare themselves a couple, they did become friends. The two new friends studied together under the tutelage of Yukari while the other Senpais wished them well.