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, than you should not read this.

Chapter 150

Kasumi was a little disappointed with how the party had turned out. While the young women that appeared interested in her son had been all gathered together, there had been nothing more than some pushing and nudging for position. It had become clear that there was already an established pecking order among the young women. Moka was firmly intrenched at the top. Ruby appeared confident and unchallenged in her position as well, even if Kasumi was unsure of what that was. Kurumu and Mizore came second and third, respectively. The younger girls made things a bit of a mystery. Yukari was openly interested in Tsukune, from the way she kept looking in his direction, and appeared to favor his partnering with Moka. Kokoa also had a habit of looking in Tsukune's direction, but frowned when she caught herself doing it about half the time. The new girl, Inari, was very polite, and quite nervous. It was clear that she had managed to get herself invited to the party for the sake of being close to Tsukune, but she not a part of his usual group. While the potential flare up of drama and excitement didn't happen, Kasumi's friends were still entertained by what they saw.

The first time the girls had visited her home, Kasumi had been taken totally by surprise by what had happened. This time she had been expecting things to get a little out of hand. The girls, and Tsukune, were older, so there shouldn't be anybody running around half undressed, but Kasumi had expected something to happen. It was kind of like an episode about two thirds through a season, with most of the characters in place. All it needed was one good plot twist to make it all explode in time for the end of season cliff hanger.

Kasumi was proud of the way her son carried himself. He was polite to all of the other guests, and avoided any public displays of affection with any of his companions that might have provoked the other young women, although she had been hoping something would happen. Two of Tsukune's friends, Kota and Nagi, stayed close to their girlfriends in a way that Tsukune could not, without it likely starting an argument. Rin, the poor boy, was almost in pain as he watched the others. He reportedly had a girlfriend, who had been unavailable for attending a party on short notice, but that had not kept him from admiring the young ladies that were present. The fact that none of them were anything buy casually polite to him seemed to frustrate Rin to no end.

Hana, the unfortunate girl, was as out of place as daisy among roses. It was clear early on that she wanted Tsukune's attentions, by the excited way she kept looking in his direction, but was kept away from him by the much more confident and charming young women from his school.

After going out to play in the snow, and wasn't that a cute thing for them to do, a small shift had happened among the teens. Fuji was amused at the way her daughter was getting along with some of the other girls. The quiet Mizore, by all reports, had a dreamy expression on her face as she alternated looking out the window and looking at Tsukune. Kurumu and Moka had closed in on Tsukune, each one holding an arm as if to keep him from being taken away. Using the special hearing that mothers somehow develop, they heard enough of the conversation between the boys to know they had started talking of somewhat childish, but typically boyish things, with all the seriousness that fans seemed to have about their hobbies.

Kasumi was glad her son was not growing up too fast. If he was still talking about super hero programs, she didn't think he would be spending a lot of time in more adult pursuits. He had a strong future ahead of himself, and Kasumi didn't want Tsukune to damage it by getting carried away with one of his girlfriends. She also didn't want him going to far into the adult world because she felt too young to be a grandmother.

XxXxxXxX

Tsukune was aware of the passing of time. All too soon it would be time for the party to end, and for most of the guests to return to the academy. Before then, however, Tsukune had something he wanted to do. He did not know when his close friends would be able to get together again, especially with Ruby looking after his mother and Kurumu busy with her work. He excused himself for a moment to visit the closet where he had stashed the bag he had brought with him. He had a small collection of gifts he had planned to give his closest friends, and when his mother had invited them to a party, he saw it as a good opportunity.

Xx-A-xX

Yukari was ready to put the party down as one of the best times of her life. Human or youkai, everybody was accepting her as an equal. Tsukune's friend Hana openly admired her. To top it all off, towards the end of the evening, Tsukune let her catch him with a sprig of mistletoe. When she had pulled it out, intending to surprise him with it, he had seen her. Instead of trying to avoid her, he simple gave her a warm smile and stood his ground. Yukari abandoned her plan to sneak up on Tsukune, and walked right up to him, holding the mistletoe up over her head.

Yukari had been expecting Tsukune to offer some kind of resistance to her attack. He had kissed her before, in a friendly way. When he touched her cheek and leaned in towards her, Yukari had readied herself to take control, and not just settle for a friendly peck on the lips. When his lips came together with hers in a kiss, Yukari's mind went blank for ten minutes. When her mind started working again, she was leaning against a wall, holding a gift wrapped book, while still feeling flushed. There was a permanent blank spot in her memories of the party. Every time she tried to remember what had happened, she could recall everything perfectly except what had happened for then ten minutes that had followed Tsukune kissing her. Of that kiss, Yukari could only remember one thing: Tsukune's lips were soft.

XxxXxxX

Mizore had been deeply touched by Tsukune's snow sculpture. To her it was was as special as when he had made his confession to her. She could help but keep looking out side at the formed and shaped pile of snow. That was what she was doing when Tsukune slipped up beside her. She looked up at him with her eyes shining and smiled. She remembered all the times she had tried to get Tsukune's attention, to get him to express love for her. Right then it was all Mizore could do to keep from running out to grab his snow sculpture and carry it home to her village. It was only her desire to stay close to Tsukune that held her back.

"Mizore," Tsukune said softly. "I wanted to thank you for being in my life. I am very lucky to know you." He held up a small package. "This is for you."

"Tsukune..." Mizore's hands trembled as she took the present from him. "I..."

"I love you," Tsukune said, leaning in to kiss her softly on the cheek.

Mizore hesitated a moment, caught up in emotions, before opening her present. After a layer of wrapping paper, she encountered a blue satin jewelry box. It took two tries to get her trembling hands to open the box, where she found a crystal pendent on a thin silver chain. Even in the simple light of the room, it sparkled.

"Thank you," Mizore said in a soft voice.

Tsukune smiled. He reached into the box and very carefully drew out the chain. Mizore could feel her heart pounding as he lifted the chain to her throat. It was almost like a hug, when he put his hands to the beck of her neck to clasp the chain into place.

Mizore felt warm all over. Happy, excited feelings filled her. She touched the pendant at her throat and smiled. It only took a touch of her will for a pendant of ice to form on the little snow woman in the back yard.

Xx^.^xX

Inari knew she was in a delicate position as soon as Tsukune left the room. She had won her invitation to the party by being quick minded, but that had been a spur of the moment decision. She knew that she would have to find a way to get along with Tsukune's inner circle if she wanted to be anything more than a casual friend, and she very badly wanted to be so much more than that. The first trial, and potentially the most crucial, Inari realized, was going to whether she was ready for it or not. As soon as Tsukune had left the room, Moka and Kurumu focused their eyes on her. Inari knew she was going to be challenged, and if she didn't want to make enemies out of the women closest to Tsukune, she would have to be both clever and strong. Inari seized the initiative.

"Moka, Kurumu," Inari said with a small bow of her head. "I am glad I could come with you tonight to Tsukune's home." Inari was careful to keep her tone polite, and just on the edge of formal. "Tsukune has touched my life in ways I could have never expected. I thank you for that."

"Excuse me?" Kurumu question.

"Is that so," Moka said.

"Tsukune has told me," Inari continued. "He only had the opportunity to become strong, to become the leader that he is, because of your support. He has said that it is only because of the strength that you helped him to find that he has been able to succeed as he has." She gave another bow, a little deeper. "Thank you very much. I could not imagine what life would be without My Captain."

"My Tsukune has always had true strength where it counted," Moka said with a smile. "His loyalty is what has made school enjoyable. If he and I did not love and support each other, I shudder to think what life would be like for ether of us. I know Tsukune feels the same way."

"He has always been special," Kurumu nodded. "His bravery and dedication are without question. Because of he has real power inside, I have been able to learn what love really is. When Tsukune is with me, my whole world is a better place."

"Yes," Inari agreed. "Without him, my life would seem empty. I hope that I can find a place close to him after we finish school."

"When Tsukune and I talk about our future together," Moka said. "We share ideas about what we will be doing next year, and in the years after that."

"Even now," Kurumu added. "Tsukune and I are both working hard so that we can have a bright future together."

"He and I," Moka went on. "Have even talked about having children on out future life together.

"I know that my captain values you both," Inari said. "I admire his loyalty. It is one of the things that makes him stand out."

"You know that Tsukune has risked everything to stay with me," Moka said.

"He has risked his life for me," Kurumu said. "Over and over again."

"I know," Inari nodded. "I was there when he called for help last year. I set aside my human guise to help track down where you were taken." She focused on the vampire for a moment. "Moka, I remember your determination as you supported the captain that night. I also remember how upset you were when we found him after the fight to rescue Kurumu." She turned her attention to the busty succubus.

"We were all worried," Inari continued. "When I helped carry the captain out of the building, his blood was all over my hands, in my fur. I was afraid I might hurt him in some way, but I wasn't going to let go." She held up one hand and looked at it with a tightness in her eyes. "I'll never forget that night. His blood was warm, and his face... He looked like he was sleeping." She looked back to Kurumu.

"I know he went in there to rescue you," Inari said with renewed firmness. "I may not always be proud of myself, but I am proud that I was there when my captain had need of me. And if he should ever ask me to put things aside to help him like that again, so that he can be there for ether of you, I will."

"Is that so?" Moka questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"I..." Kurumu started to say something, but then she stopped and moved away.

"Yes," Inari said. "I try not to be a fool. I know I am late in coming, and that means that I will only get the scraps left over. But when you're starving, when you know that nothing will ever even come close to what you truly want, you are grateful for those scraps. I know I will always want more than what little falls my way. Even if I had him all to myself, I would want more. But I also know that even a small share of him will be more satisfying than having all of someone else."

"Truer words," Moka sighed. "There could be three of him, and there would still not be enough for me, even without the others." She gave Inari a stern look. "You will never be satisfied. You will never be the only one. I, on the other hand," Moka smiled with a mix of satisfaction and hunger. "I know that I come first. Tsukune has already chosen me. He has already sworn himself to me, and I will never release him from that oath." Her smiled darkened. "There will always be others chasing after him, Inari. You might someday receive a share of his heart, but I already have twice as much as any other."

"I don't care," Inari gave a small shake of her head. "I don't have a choice, because my heart has already fallen into his pocket. My captain may not see me in the way I want him to, but I will still support him, and offer him all that I can."

"You have my sympathy," Moka smirked. "But I won't wish you any luck."

"I understand," Inari said with a small bow of her head.

XxOOxX

Kurumu needed a moment to calm her emotions. Remembering the night she had been taken, and what is had done to Tsukune, always got to her. Once she had turned away from Inari, she saw Tsukune moving her way. While she wanted to make sure his latest follower understood her place, Kurumu was more interested in talking with Tsukune himself. She turned to look over her shoulder to see Tsukune moving towards her, away from an excited Mizore. He gave her a little wink and a smile, and that was enough to make her heart speed up. Ignoring the little groupie, Kurumu gave Tsukune her full attention, moving in his direction.

"I have something for you," Tsukune said in a low voice as they came together. "Because I want you to know that you are special to me."

"Oh?" Kurumu smiled sweetly. "How special?"

"Very," Tsukune said with a wicked grin. "That's why I have something for you in my pants..."

"Oh!" Kurumu's eyes went wide.

"..Pocket," Tsukune continued. He dipped two fingers into his pocket and pulled out a length of silver.

"Kurumu," Tsukune went on in a gentle voice with a soft smile. "I love you, and I want to thank you for being a part of my life." He held up his gift to her with both hands.

"Tsukune..." Kurumu breathed.

Kurumu saw that Tsukune had bought her a bracelet. It was a silver chain with little ornaments hanging from it. It was a charm bracelet adorned with little cooking utensils. She held out her wrist for him to clip it into place. As he did, she saw the little charms and tried not to giggle. There were tiny pots and pans, a knife, fork, and spoon, a little rolling pin, and a tiny little apron charm with a red heart on it.

"I love it," Kurumu said once Tsukune had the bracelet in place. She put her arms up around his neck. "I love you."

"I love you too," Tsukune said before giving her a little kiss on the nose.

X-VvvV-X

Moka turned away from Inari. A part of her,a very large part of her, wanted beat the young woman into a pulp for daring to pursue her Tsukune. She was tempted to make an example of the groupie as a warning to all the others that might think they could try to take what was hers. As Moka worked to contain her visceral urges, she sought out Tsukune. With a flash of irritation, she saw him watching her, with Kurumu hanging off of him. Moka crossed the short distance to where he stood.

"Tsukune," Moka said with a cool smile. "Are you having a good time?"

"Yes," Tsukune said with a smile and a nod. "I'm spending the evening with my friends, and my family. I am glad you are a part of it. Thank you."

"You're welcome," Moka said feeling her irritation twitching about. Tsukune could have just been polite about having her spending the evening with him, or counting her as a part of his family. The way he made her emotions flutter about never ceased to frustrate her, even as it made her smile.

"I just have one little problem," Tsukune said.

With a shrug and a nudge, Tsukune got Kurumu to release him. She let go of him with a pout that lasted for only an instant. She slipped away with a smile as she headed over to where Emmy and Kota talked with Rin and Kokoa. Tsukune turned his full attention to Moka.

"Moka," Tsukune said with an open and honest look in his eyes. "I know I'll never really fit in with the way of life you are used to..."

"Tsukune, that's..." Moka tried to protest.

"...But I want you to know," Tsukune went on. "That I love you, and that I know how lucky I am that you are my friend, and more." He gave a sigh. "I am always afraid I am going to mess things up." He reached behind his back for her gift. "I don't want to let you down, or do anything that would cause you problems," He pulled out the oblong velvet box he had for her and held it out. "But I wanted to give you something."

"Tsukune..." Moka said in a soft voice as she saw him hold out the box to her. "Thank you."

Moka took the box from Tsukune and opened it. Inside the velvet box, resting on the back satin lining, was a thin gold bracelet. From the bracelet hung a single charm. At first look, the charm appeared to be a rose. Looking closer, Moka saw that the flower was actually a carefully arranged skeleton, with a grinning skull at the center.

"It's adorable," Moka said with a beaming smile. "Thank you Tsukune."

"May I?" Tsukune said, reaching into the box.

"Yes," Moka nodded. "Please."

Moka held the box while Tsukune picked up the bracelet. She offered her wrist to him and he clipped the bracelet into place. She smiled and tried not to giggle. Tsukune was so silly. He worried so much about doing something wrong, only to continue to prove how perfect he was.

"Tsukune," Moka said as she closed the now empty box and tucked it away. "I love you." She reached out to embrace him.

"I love you too," Tsukune said, hugging her back.

XxXxXxX

All too soon it was time for the party to end. The assorted mothers were talking excitedly as the young women boarded the bus back to their school. Tsukune, as the designated representative, was returning to school with them. Inari had been the first one on the bus, after thanking Kasumi for the party. Emmy lingered beside Kota while holding hands with him. Kiyo and Nagi shared a kiss goodnight. He was holding the gift she had brought for him. Nether of the two girls were in a hurry to leave their boyfriends. Hana stood near by, looking like she wished she could go along with the others. Once everybody else was on the bus who was returning to the academy, and Tsukune was sure that Hana had not found a way to sneak on board, he said his final goodbyes and entered the bus as well.

Kasumi, with Ruby's support, stood in the doorway as everybody left for the night. The Drama Appreciation Club had plenty to speculate about. The mothers had all agreed that the party had been every bit as good as most episodes of a television drama. They just needed to plan out the next event so they could watch how things would unfold. When three young women suddenly sported new jewelry and wide smiles, the mothers regretted not keeping a closer watch over what had gone on. The young Yukari looked like she was drunk on something, much to the mothers' amusement. Kasumi looked forward to what would happen next.

XxxxX

Nagi went to bed with a happy sigh. He had enjoyed his time with Kiyo, but he was still nervous around her. She was attractive and attentive, and appeared to care for him a lot. Nagi liked her company, and kissing her heated his blood, but he was still feeling unsure about why she would like him, or if her interest in him would last.

Kiyo had brought Nagi a gift. That alone had been a surprise. The gift itself had been a shock. Kiyo had kept the pearly scale-thing that Nagi had held like a sword the night they had been attacked, and since then she had somehow shaped into a katana. It curved gently from the handle to the tip with a single, razor sharp edge. He didn't know where she got a scabbard for it, but it and the handle were both wrapped in hide of polished black scales. The pearly blade made it look like a sword from some kind of adventure story. Nagi wondered if he was worthy of such a gift.