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

Chapter 72

The school's bus stop was full of excited students. Tsukune was feeling a little tired following his night alone with Moka(s), but he was in high spirits. He watched the buses arrive and unload while on display to the other students, suggesting that he had been watching out for their safety all through the break. Ruby had arrived on the first bus, along with Tsukune's and Moka's belongings. Tsukune had welcomed her with a hug, Hiru and Moka helped Ruby carry everything back to the village. While Ruby was getting Tsukune's house in order, he was standing attendance to welcome the students back to school.

Tsukune tried to ignore some of the whispers and looks he collected. He greeted the students he knew by name warmly when he could. Mostly he just smiled politely and said kind words of welcome. He watched as some students quickly gathered their things and headed for the dorms or village. Some students however, gathered off to the side as they waited for friends. Tsukune recognized some of the members of the Love Letter Club as they gathered and offered them a friendly nod.

"Tsukune," Kurumu cheered as he leaped from the open door of her bus. She was dressed in regular clothes, a light dress and heeled sandals that added a few inches to her height.

Tsukune saw her and raised a hand to wave. As he did he was aware of a sense of warmth and lightness within himself. It was a reflection of the warm, happy glow that came from Kurumu. Before he could consider what it meant, Kurumu was crashing into him. She crushed her breasts against him in a tight hug.

"Tsukune," Kurumu said. "I missed you."

"I missed you too, Kurumu," Tsukune said, hugging her back.

"You should come to my house for dinner," Kurumu invited. "I have a new apron."

"That sound nice," Tsukune said, sure she was setting him up for something.

Kurumu gathered her things and headed for her house in the village. She had a gleam in her eye that made Tsukune think that he had not been forgiven for what he had done to her the last time they were together. He made a mental note to keep his guard up around her for a while.

"Aono Sempai," Emmy called out when she arrived.

"Emmy," Tsukune greeted her with a smile. "Welcome back to school."

"Thank you Sempai," Emmy said. Impulsively she rushed forward and gave him a brief hug. "I'll see you around." She hurried off.

Tsukune was starting to feel a little embarrassed from the attention. He shared a quiet hug with Mizore when she arrived, and an energetic one from Yukari. Students he barely knew smiled brightly when he offered them wishes of good luck, as if he had given them a true gift. Akria and Sheezu arrived on the same bus together, holding hands as they disembarked. Together they greeted Tsukune. Tsukune wished them well for the coming school year.

"Ts-Tsukune," A voice called from just over his shoulder.

Tsukune turned to see one of his Student Police members approaching. It was the fox girl, Inari. She was in her school uniform with the Student Police arm band in place. He had welcomed her as she arrived, but was surprised to see her already in uniform and back at the bus stop.

"How are you doing, Inari?" Tsukune asked.

"I am well," She answered with a smile. "And how are you, Tsukune?" Inari didn't believe how hard it was to call her captain so informally. "Did you have a good break?"

"Yes I did, thank you. How was your break?"

"It was quiet," Inari said. "And it was lonely without you," Under her breath she added.

"It should be a good year," Tsukune said, reaching out to pat Inari on the shoulder. "I hope I will be able to count on you this year as well."

"Yes," Inari said. "Anything for you, my captain. Oh…" Inari blushed when she heard the way her words came out. She glanced up at Tsukune and saw a tightness around his eyes and mouth as he tried not to smile. Inari was wondering if she could slip away unnoticed.

"Tsukune," The crisp shout cut through the air.

Kokoa just stepped off the bus and locked eyes on him. Kokoa stalked towards Tsukune, ignoring the girl that had been beside him as she slipped away. Kokoa was only interested in her own little world of priorities.

"Where is my sister?" Kokoa demanded as she planted herself in front of Tsukune.

"Hello, Kokoa," Tsukune said politely. "Welcome back to school."

"Don't make me…" Kokoa began.

"Moka is unpacking right now," Tsukune cut her off.

"You better not have tried anything funny with my sister," Kokoa said, trying to be threatening.

"Kokoa," Tsukune gave her a dark look. "Not only is Moka the most important person in my life, and I would rather die then hurt her, but you know perfectly well that she can take care of herself."

"I'm just saying," Kokoa sniffed. She walked off to pick up her bags and headed for the dorms.

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Monday morning brought with it the start of the new school year. Tsukune and his friends had enjoyed a small party at Tsukune's house to celebrate their reunion Sunday night. But Monday morning everybody was back in uniform and ready to jump back into the rhythm of school life. Tsukune's enthusiasm for returning to school was dampened down by the fact that it was Monday. He knew that it was going to be a long day.

The day started with the Opening Ceremony, complete with speeches. The ceremony was much like the student handbook, it existed because it was expected to exist, but it didn't do much of anything useful. Over all, the Opening Ceremony was just long enough to make some students start to nod off while most of the rest just became glassy eyes. Tsukune was glad when it was over.

The next item on the schedule was Homeroom, so that the students could be informed of their class schedules and meet their official class mates for the year. It was during Homeroom that Tsukune received his first curve ball. Because he and his class mates were in their third and final year of High School, it was announced that in recognition that some students might already be considering what occupations to follow after graduation, work permits would only be issued to students with acceptable grades. Work permits were required for any student wishing to work in the shopping district and community that supported the school under the barrier. Student wishing to participate in any jobs outside of the school barrier would need a campus pass and work permit issued by the office of the Board Chairman. These passes would have to be shown to the school buss drivers if a student need transportation from within the barrier.

After Homeroom, while most of the students would be free in time for a late lunch, Tsukune and Moka had to attend a Student Council meeting. The Student Council was short members, because all prior Third Year members had graduated. This lead to the first order of Student Council business. In two weeks there would be an election to vote for new Student Council members. Current council members could run for re-election if they wished. Tsukune was asked to head the election committee. As head of the Student Police, he was also asked to make sure the election process was kept as peaceful as possible. Additionally, The Student Council asked that the newspaper club run a special edition of the paper by Friday, to inform the student body of the coming election, and asking them to submit suggestions to the Student Council for any changes or activities they would like for the school.

After the Student Council meeting was over, Tsukune parted ways with Moka. She was going to pass word to their friends, and to get them started on the special edition, while he had a Student Police meeting. Tsukune was hoping that the day wasn't setting the pattern for the school year.

"Thank you everybody for coming," Tsukune started the meeting. "I am hoping to have a fun and peaceful year, and I will be depending upon all of you to help make it happen. Not just for me, or for those of us here, but for every student in the school."

Tsukune didn't want to give a long winded speech. After his opening, Tsukune told them that he would like some volunteers for the first afternoon and night of patrols while he worked to get a schedule together. He also reminded everybody that the Student Police was always recruiting, especially at the start of the year when they needed to replace the members that had graduated.

Tsukune dove into his work as Student Police Captain. He had the first patrols out of the headquarters and on their rounds in short order. Volunteers had come forward so that everything was covered until morning, which gave him time to get the schedule done. Akira took the front desk and Sheezu supported him. Inari volunteered for the job of Tsukune's secretary, bringing him a copy of the meeting sign-in sheet as well as last year's patrol schedules. Tsukune was aware of all of this as he settled into his office to get to work. It took two hours, but Tsukune was able to work out a schedule that should work for the first two weeks of school. Until he had a new Night Lieutenant, Tsukune was going to be covering those shifts. That was actually alright because it would give him time to smooth out the schedule and to review who he had available for promotions.

Tsukune managed to escape the office long enough to get supper. When he reached the village he saw that it was lively and full of students. Tsukune waved and nodded politely to his neighbors as he headed for his house.

"I'm home," Tsukune called out as he entered.

"Welcome home master," Ruby called from the kitchen. She came out to greet him. "Your dinner will be ready in just a moment. Is there anything I can do for you while you're waiting?"

"Thank you Ruby," Tsukune said. "I have to be on duty tonight, so I am going to take a short nap. Would you wake me in an hour? I'll eat before I go back."

"Yes master," Ruby nodded.

Tsukune didn't realize how tired he was. It seamed as if he had just taken off his jacket and laid down and closed his eyes, and then Ruby was already touching his shoulder. Tsukune opened his eyes to See Ruby next to the bed.

"Master," Ruby said gently. "It has been an hour."

"Thank you Ruby," Tsukune sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

"Your dinner is on the table," Ruby informed him. "And I made an obento for you as well."

"I'll be right there." Tsukune took the time to wash his face and brush his teeth so he would at least look fresh. When he sat down to supper, Ruby was at his side to serve him.

"I'll be home for breakfast," Tsukune said as he pulled on his blazer.

"I will take care of everything, master," Ruby said, holding out the promised obento.

"Thank you," Tsukune reached out.

Ruby was surprised when Tsukune didn't take the lunch box from her hands. Instead he caught the box and her hands between his. Tsukune used his hold to pull Ruby forward a fraction. He kissed her lightly on the lips. Ruby almost dropped the obento.

"See you in the morning," Tsukune said, taking the lunch.

Ruby was filled with joy. When Tsukune had left her behind to go with Moka, she had been a little hurt, but understood that she was just a slave, and that it was Moka that had Tsukune's true affection. But Tsukune still accepted her, so she would continue to serve him. But even if Tsukune was just being nice to Ruby, there was no reason for him to kiss her. Ruby touched her fingers to her lips and corrected herself. There was a reason for Tsukune to kiss her. He wanted to.

Xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxX

"This meeting is called to order," Yukari said tapping her wand on the table like a gavel.

The little witch was sitting in Tsukune's front room along with the rest of Tsukune's harem. Ruby was serving tea with a smile that Yukari found a little creepy. Kurumu was wearing a smirk as if she had a secret she was just aching to share. Mizore was her usual self. Moka was sipping her tea with a contented smile.

"Tsukune is starting out running," Moka said. She had already met with the Newspaper club members to get them started on the special edition the Student Council was asking for. This was a meeting of the Tsukune Fan Club. "He will be busy with the Student Police until he gets enough officers again."

"We'll have to help with recruiting again," Kurumu observed. "Or Tsukune won't have any time for us."

"We also have to keep an eye on the girls that are already watching him," Mizore said as she scratched Hiru's head.

Yukari gave a small jump. She had not realized the creature was even in the room.

"Yukari and I," Moka said. "Will help keep notes for Tsukune in class. With his extra duties he will have trouble concentrating."

"I want to help Tsukune too," Kurumu pouted. "He's my partner."

"What?" Yukari questioned.

"You and Mizore can help with his lunches," Moka decided, refusing to raise to Kurumu's bait. Tsukune had told her everything after all.

"What do you mean by partner?" Yukari demanded.

"Tsukune and I are dance partners," Kurumu said with a smug smile. She saw the little witch goggle in disbelief. Mizore had a much more subtle reaction. Moka and Ruby didn't show any reaction, so Kurumu knew Tsukune had told them about it. Well that was fine with her. She had caught two with her comment. "We even won a prize over the break."

"You're lying," Yukari protested.

"No," Moka said. "Tsukune told be about it. He and Kurumu had a date in the city and ended up in a dance machine contest."

"What?" Yukari looked to Moka in surprise. "You already know about it? And you're not upset?"

"Why should I be upset?" Moka asked. "Tsukune and Kurumu are our friends, aren't they? Why would I be upset if they spend time together? Tsukune told me all about it. He said that he had fun."

"But but but but…" Yukari sputtered.

"I'm surprised you're taking it so well," Kurumu said.

"I want Tsukune to be happy," Moka said honestly. "And I know how important you are to him, as a friend."

Yukari was confused. Moka had a smile on her face, but it was a cold one. Kurumu looked like she wanted to launch herself at Moka. Mizore, one the other hand, had an amused smile on her face.

"Look," Yukari said, feeling dizzy from trying to understand the verbal fencing of the two older girls. "We need to decide how we're going to help Tsukune."

"Sweetheart," Ruby said, resting a hand on Yukari's shoulder. "We already know what we are going to do."

"We do?" Yukari blinked.

"We," Moka said. "Are going to do what we have always done. We are going to support Tsukune using our strengths and talents."

"And when Tsukune is feeling worn down by his responsibilities," Kurumu added. "We will comfort him and remind him that we love him and are proud of him and the work that he does."

"All the while," Mizore said with a gleam in her eyes. "We will look out for Tsukune."

"But that is what we always do," Yukari observed. She looked towards Moka. "Nothing will move forward with that kind of thinking."

"I think everything is progressing just fine," Kurumu smiled, thinking of her time with Tsukune, and the surprise she was hoping to share with him.

"I agree," Moka said

"Huh?" Yukari was confused.

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Tsukune jogged back to his house after his night with the Student Police. Tsukune wasn't in a hurry. He had spent much of the night going over the Student Police membership roster to see who he could promote, and his mind was feeling numb, as were his legs. He was jogging to help get his circulation pumping and to help him wake up.

True to her word, Ruby had everything ready for him when he reached his house. There was a fresh uniform laid out for him and the bathroom was ready for his use. She was in the front room of the house as he entered with the table set for breakfast. She told him the food just needed to be heated. Tsukune gave her a nod and went to freshen up.

Tsukune had resolved to get over his shyness and to be more mature this year. By exposing himself to the normally forward Kurumu, Tsukune had taken control of the situation. He was Mokas' lover, so it seemed a bit silly to be shy around her any more. Ruby was always trying to see him naked, and to show herself off to him as well. Tsukune realized that if he didn't react so much, she probably wouldn't try so hard. Tsukune was determined to become more mature and confident, to be the kind of man that Moka expected him to be. When Ruby stuck her head into the bathroom to "see if you need anything," Tsukune just thanked her for her thoughtfulness and didn't scold her for peeking. When he left the bathroom, in nothing but a towel he kept his head up and his shoulders back.

Tsukune was ready for a new day of school right on time. He stepped out his front door in time to see Kurumu and Moka both approaching. Tsukune held his arms open to Moka for a hug. Moka stepped in to receive his embrace. Kurumu, not wanting to be left out, grabbed on to Tsukune from the side, slipping one arm between him and Moka.

Tsukune," Yukari called out as she hurried to join the others. She mirrored Kurumu, and glared at the succubus.

Tsukune didn't bother complaining. She shared a smile with Kurumu before letting himself fall into Moka's eyes. Her beautiful face filled his vision. It was only the cool breeze on the back of his neck the Warned Tsukune of her presence that kept him from being surprised by Mizore's embrace from behind. In spite of everything he had to put up with, it was good to be with his friends again.