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 163

Tsukune was looking forward to a restful day. His school work for Monday was done. He had finished his over-night shift at the koban, and except for some sleep, his schedule for the day was clear. As he returned to the manor, he pulled out the phone that Kurumu had given him. In all that he had done with it to help him keep track of his friends' dolls, he had learned about some of the things it could do. Letting it beep away through his shift would have been bad, but having it in silent mode and vibrating in his pocket had been a way for him to share, at a distance, what his friends were going through. He wanted to remember to turn it off before going to bed. He was just doing a last check of the phone before turning it off as he stepped up onto the porch of the manor.

"Tsukune," The door opened and Moka came out to greet him.

"Moka," Tsukune looked up with happy surprise on his face. "Good morning. What's going on?"

"I am going to spend the day with you," Moka declared.

"That would be nice," Tsukune said. "But I was about to go to bed."

"That's alright," Moka said, stepping out side to grab Tsukune and pull him into the house. "You are going to take a little nap. After you have had a chance to refresh yourself, I am going to be in charge."

"Yes, Dame Moka," Tsukune said with a smile and a small bow.

XxxXxxX

Mizore resisted the urge to grumble. The situation was not to her liking, but she was determined to make the most of it. Moka had come to her that morning and reminded the snow maiden that she had sworn to support the vampire. Mizore was being pressed into duty as a baby sitter. Before she could make any plans of her own, Mizore found herself installed in her usual guest room at Tsukune's manor with two dolls in a crib to keep her busy. It would not have been so bad if Tsukune had been the one to ask her to babysit, or if he had even been home at the time. As it was, Mizore was stuck helping out Moka without Tsukune being able to appreciate her efforts.

Mizore sometimes wondered about teaming up with Kurumu. The pair of them used to train together to some day take down Moka, hoping to get Tsukune away from her. It was kind of strange if she thought about it. A snow maiden was usually never more than a chance encounter for a man, or maybe a seasonal dalliance. A Winter Wife was considered lucky, especially if she managed to have several children from her lover. A succubus understood full well that men can be creatures of need more than reason, and had no problem of using that nature for their own ends. Mizore and Kurumu were both willing to share Tsukune because they were both youkai that seldom practiced monogamy.

Moka was another mater. While vampires were notoriously poly-amorous, probably because their long lives tended to leave them with an abundance of free time, there was always an established social order. Mizore was willing to let Moka be the leader of their little circle, as long as Tsukune was in the center. Kurumu was even resolved to sharing Tsukune. No, Mizore reflected, the problem was Tsukune. He was still trying to figure out how he could be friends with women he loved, and were in love with him, while having a normal, human relationship with Moka.

Mizore wondered if Kurumu could help her in getting Tsukune to understand the situation. If the Black and White Duet worked together to seduce him, perhaps they could adjust his thinking. Mizore knew Kurumu and Tsukune were already lovers, so she just had to find a way to join them. She made a bitter face as she considered how her thoughts sounded like something Yukari would say.

Mizore didn't even need to be with Tsukune all the time. If she could just be with him at the right time, she could make a baby with him. Once she was pregnant, she could simply stay close enough to be in his life until their child was born. If things went well enough, She could give Tsukune a child every year. She did realize that she would only get to make love to Tsukune a few times once a year, but she would just have to make sure to get and give as much enjoyment as possible. She was sure that Tsukune would want to have children, because it would be a testament to his prowess as a man. Kurumu and Moka may want to have children with Tsukune, but Mizore suspected that their vanity would slow them down. That was fine. Mizore would not mind the stretch marks of other signs of being a mother over and over again. Among her people it would be a badge of honor.

Mizore tended to the dolls in the crib with a small smile. She pictured herself taking care of a house with a string of children that called her mother, and a few others calling her aunty. All of them Tsukune's children.

VvvvvV

Moka waited impatiently for time to pass. She wanted to let Tsukune get his rest, but she also wanted to spend time with him. The idea of simply joining him for a nap was attractive, but she thought it would prevent him from getting any rest. While waiting, Moka visited with Ruby, which was an interesting situation. Moka had grown up with servants, so she had an idea about how they should behave. But before Ruby was Tsukune's slave, she was one of Moka's and Tsukune's friends.

Ruby was Tsukune's slave, and was very happy to have secured a position in his life. As his slave, she took care of his house and belongings, and him. When he had guests, she took care of them as well. When the situation became more personal, usually when Tsukune wasn't around, Ruby was kind of stuck between roles. Moka found it interesting, because whenever Ruby slipped from her loyal slave role, she was clearly a young woman in love with Tsukune. Of course the easiest thing for Moka and Ruby to talk about, was Tsukune.

"...Better than before the festival," Ruby was saying. "And he seems confident. But I can tell he is still worried."

"Has there been any problems that he's not telling me about?" Moka asked, thinking of the times Tsukune had gotten stubborn instead of asking for friends for help when his youkai nature was bothering him in some way.

"No," Ruby shook her head. "It's still there. I can feel it when I touch him, but it doesn't seem to be giving him any trouble."

"That is good," Moka said with a small nod.

"Hmmmm," Ruby sipped her tea.

"What?" Moka questioned.

"Nothing," Ruby shrugged.

"If you're keeping secrets from me..." Moka said darkly.

"If I keep any secrets about Tsukune," Ruby said firmly. "It is because my Master ordered me to."

"Oh really," Moka bristled.

"You should know me better than that," Ruby criticized the vampire. "There have been times I defied my master's orders, but that was only because I thought keeping quiet would hurt him more than anything else."

"Tsukune must have been upset with you," Moka observed.

"He would have been if he had known," Ruby admitted. "Mostly, when I do something that displeases him, he lectures me." She gave a heavy sigh.

"What was that for?" Moka questioned.

"I just wish that Master would be a little more harsh with his discipline," Ruby said with another sigh.

"Tsukune is not like that," Moka said.

"But he can be," Ruby smiled. "He had strong hands. He is just to afraid to use them as often as he could."

"Tsukune is not like that," Moka insisted.

"Not most of the time," Ruby agreed. "But if you push the right buttons..." She gave Moka a mischievous smile. "Remember after he had his last... episode, and you were with him every evening?"

"Yes," Moka answered.

"Tsukune heard me being rude to you," Ruby said. "But he also saw me working hard to help you so you could be with him. When you finally gave us some free time, my master shared his thoughts with me."

"And..." Moka prompted.

"Master was happy that I had worked so hard," Ruby explained. "But he was unhappy that I had been rude to you. He wanted to reward me, but knew I should be punished."

"Go on," Moka encouraged.

"He called me over to him and put me over his lap," Ruby smiled at the memory. "The spanking he gave me was very firm." She sighed.

"Oh my," Moka breathed.

"And then Tsukune sent me to my room," Ruby pouted. "The spanking had been my reward, because he knew I would enjoy it, but he stopped too soon. My punishment was to be sent to my room after he had teased me."

"That's different," Moka said. "Tsukune did that because he knew you would enjoy it. He would never take a hand to anybody in anger."

"You are forgetting that time you were taken," Ruby pointed out.

"That's a different..." Moka started to say.

"Or when it happened to Mizore and Kurumu," Ruby went on. "Or that time when those criminals were hiding form the police and your sister talked you into looking for them."

"But that was..." Moka tried to argue.

"Or that time outside the dorms last year?" Ruby added.

"Alright," Moka nodded. "I admit that that time Tsukune had been angry, but you're not..."

"There was one other time," Ruby said with a dark smile.

"Oh?" Moka wanted to know about this.

"Kurumu had come over on a Saturday," Ruby said. "Because you said that it would be her day with Tsukune. It was the weekend that he had finished his police training and came home early. He found Kurumu and I having an argument. We both wanted to cook for Tsukune and were upset. Tsukune had to remind us of our manners. He reminded Kurumu that if she had a problem with me, she should let him know so he could take care of it. He reminded me of my place as well, and punished me quite sternly and promptly."

"What did he do?" Moka asked.

"Master slapped me across the face with his hand," Ruby smile.

"What had you done?" Moka gaped.

"I had called Kurumu a cow," Ruby answered. "That was a very bad thing for a slave to say about her master's girlfriend."

"I can understand where that would be bad, yes," Moka nodded.

Moka had intended to just let some small talk distract her while Tsukune rested. But Tsukune had never mentioned a time when he had slapped Ruby, and she was unsure of how she should feel about it. On one hand it was just a mater of a man managing his property, it was not really worth of notice. On the other hand, Tsukune was showing signs of a temper. He had physically punished Ruby, so he was being dominant and assertive, which was good, but Moka had never thought that Tsukune would strike a woman out of anger.

As her small talk with Ruby continued, Moka started to feel apprehensive. Her plan had been to spend time with Tsukune to reassert her place in his life. She knew that Tsukune loved her, and would choose her over anybody else, but she wanted him to be happy with his choice. She wanted to spend time with him so that he would be sure of her love for him. As Moka talked with Ruby however, she started to feel little splinters of doubt digging into her. Ruby cooked and cleaned for Tsukune. She offered him every support and comfort she could. Her presence was proof of Tsukune's qualities, his superiority over most of those around him. Her presence also reduced his need for a wife.

Moka was silent as she considered her position. Tsukune and Kurumu both had a start on their careers. Mizore was ready to skip having a career in favor of having Tsukune's children. Ruby would always be there to help and support Tsukune. That Inari proved that Tsukune would have no problem finding new friends. Moka was starting to wonder what she had to offer Tsukune. She was just starting to seriously question herself when she heard him enter the kitchen.

"Master," Ruby greeted him.

"Tsukune," Moka said, turning her attention to him. "Did you get enough rest?"

"No," Tsukune said, looking tired. His hair was still damp from washing up.. "But if I sleep to long I won't be able to sleep tonight, and I want to be rested for school tomorrow." He gave a stretch. "Besides," He gave Moka a lazy smile. "You're here, so I don't want to miss the chance to spend time with you."

At Tsukune's words a rush of warmth spread through Moka. Tsukune appeared a little unfocused, but he had somehow said just the right thing to make her feel special. He didn't even appear to look aware of what he had said out how it had sounded, making his words so much more honest, and so much more powerful. It was frustration how sweet and loveable he could be. Moka felt an urge to just smother him with hugs and kisses.

"Ruby," Moka said over her shoulder. "Does he do that to you too?"

"All the time," Ruby sighed.

"What?" Tsukune questioned.

"Never you mind," Moka said to him in a stern voice. "You're bad enough as it is."

"Huh?" Tsukune was lost.

"Ruby," Moka said to the witch. "I am going to take Tsukune with me now. I'll try to have him back in time for a late supper."

XxxXxxX

The work crew was just finishing their work for the day. The plan had a schedule to it, to help keep it looking honest. Somewhere there was a mid-level telecom manager who though he was doing a good thing for his company by having contractors install equipment to expand their coverage area. It was true that the manager had overstepped his authority by his decision, but the same people he had met at the hostess bar he had won a free pass to, that had encouraged him to make the decision in the first place, had assured him it was that kind of bold move that would boost his career with the company. On paper, the work crew was under contract to be doing what they were doing. As long nobody investigated too closely, their cover would hold up. They didn't want to move too fast, nor did they want to move too slow. They kept to the schedule, taking breaks to keep from standing out. According to the schedule, in twenty four hours their first signal tower was going to go live, bringing mobile phone service to what had been a dead zone before.

Of course to keep to such a demanding schedule required a powerful crew. A score of strong men working together could get a lot done in a short amount of time. A score of strong men with a goal and offered a hefty bonus for getting the job done would be hard to stop. If nobody expected them, they would be almost impossible to stop.

XxxxxXxX

"This is nice," Tsukune said as he walked along holding Moka's hand.

"What is?" Moka asked, leaning into him just a little, enjoying his closeness.

"Being out on a date with you," Tsukune said. "We've saved the school and fought for our lives more often than we have had normal dates."

"Tsukune," Moka scolded.

"It's true," Tsukune went on. "Sometimes I worry about it. I mean, if we had a normal life, would you get board of it? Of me?"

"Tsukune," Moka stopped walking and pulled on Tsukune, making him stop and face her. "Don't you even joke about that. I love you and I want to spend my whole life with you." She rested a hand against his chest as she looked up into his face. "I don't need our life to be exciting and filled with danger. I don't want to spend my time running from one emergency to another. What I want, Tsukune, what I need, is you. I love you."

"I love you too," Tsukune said. "And I hope I can give you the life you do want... The life you deserve. I am going to keep doing the best that I can, so that I can measure up."

Moka felt her heart fluttering. Tsukune's warm eyes were serious. He was so sure, so dedicated. Moka felt her love and admiration for him swelling. Her own indecision and lack of direction suddenly colored her thoughts. Tsukune was working hard to climb to a position of recognition, of power and authority. Moka suddenly felt like he was soon going to be above her reach. The idea of not being good enough for him frightened her. Her doubt touched her face.

"Moka," Tsukune said with concern. "What's wrong?"

"I..." Moka looked away. "It's nothing."

"Moka," Tsukune said, reaching out to touch her cheek. "Please... I can tell something is bothering you."

"I was just thinking about... things," Moka answered, not looking at him. She hugged his arm and started walking again.

"What kind of things?" Tsukune asked.

"It's nothing important," Moka said.

"Moka," Tsukune said in a serious tone. "You are important to me. That means that anything that makes you happy or sad is important to me. If you don't want to tell me, I'll respect that. But if you want to talk about it later, I'll be there for you."

"Tsukune..." Moka said, trying to sort through her thoughts and feelings.

The couple walked along in silence for a while. Tsukune didn't press her to talk, willing to just stay by her side, in case she decided to share her thought with him. Moka tried to keep her dark doubts from ruining her time with Tsukune. She held his arm, happy to know that he was there with her.

Walking quietly in public was a different experience with Tsukune. They were in the area of the town where locals and students both spent time. Tsukune was a well known presence in the area, and people kept giving him respectful nods. Some looked like they wanted to talk with him, but kept their distance because they saw that Moka was with him, and sticking close to him. Moka, the proud and noble vampire, realized how limited her social standing was. Unsealed and radiating power, all these people would be fearful of her. They would be polite out of caution. Tsukune was respected. He was not her follower in those peoples' eyes. She was the one chasing after him.

Moka was aware of all that she and Tsukune had shared. She knew what she had done to help him survive and grow strong. But as Moka thought about it, she had done nothing for Tsukune in months. She wasn't thinking about cooking for him, or being his lover, or even about helping him study. Moka had not shared her blood with him since their first year together. She had not spent time training him since their second year. But Tsukune on the other hand made it clear that everything he was doing was for her sake, or for the sake of their future together. Moka felt bad because she was doing nothing to help build that future they both wanted. Even her title from Lord Gray was more for her inner self's fighting prowess than her own abilities.

"Tsukune?" Moka spoke up while watching the ground as she walked.

"Yes Moka?" Tsukune replied in a gentle tone.

"Does it bother you that I'm a vampire?" Moka asked him.

"You know it doesn't," Tsukune said firmly. "You being a vampire is no different than you being tall or short. It is a part of who you are, and I love you."

"I know you are alright with me being the youkai I am," Moka said. "But what I am talking about is the things that go along with it. The tradition, the family, the expectations. Does it bother you that you have to live up to so much just to be with me?"

"No," Tsukune said with a small chuckle. "Why would it?"

"But you have to work so hard," Moka argued. "You have to give up so much."

"But look at what I get in return," Tsukune countered. "By working hard, I have already started on a career. Not a job like a normal high school student, but a career path that will help me build a solid life. You family's expectations and demands mean that if anybody is going to be with you, they can't just be after your status or your money. They have to have something to offer you. Even my mother would be upset if brought home somebody she thought wasn't worthy of me."

"You know that the world my family is a part of can be dangerous," Moka said. "In more ways than one. My father is feared and respected, but he also has enemies. What would you do if he suddenly lost everything? How would you feel if suddenly my status was gone?"

"Honestly?" Tsukune questioned. "I would probably feel relieved."

"What?" Moka looked up at last, her face filled with surprise.

"I know that sounds horrible," Tsukune sighed. "I mean I know it would hurt you, and Kokoa too. You would probably have to worry about all the people your father used to be able to keep in line because of his position. For me though, I wouldn't have to worry about having to measure up..."

"Tsukune..." Moka gave him an uncomfortable look.

"Hmmmm... No, That isn't true," Tsukune said thoughtfully. "I would still have to be able to measure up to the same expectations, because of those same people that might have an argument against your father might come looking for you." His face became serious. "And I will protect you from them. If I have to, I would take in Kokoa and the rest of your family and protect all of you, because they would be my family too, and that is what family does. We help each other and keep each other safe."

Moka realized that her arms were starting to ache. She had to take a moment to shift her mind away from what Tsukune had in order to understand what was going on with her arms. She realized that her arms were aching from the effort of squeezing Tsukune's arm so tightly. That one point of awareness lead to another, and another. Her heart was racing, her face was warm, and she had stopped walking.

"Tsukune..." Moka squeaked. "I... I..."

Tsukune started walking again. He pulled Moka along, who looked like she was ether going to be sick or really needed a bathroom. He knew better than that though. Tsukune recognized the warning signs. The fact that the rosario was practically dancing on it's chain was further proof that Moka was about to attack him. He ether needed to find a way to distract her, or to get her someplace private enough to protect her dignity. Unfortunately, in her current, distracted state, Moka was not in possession of her usual grace and dexterity. When Tsukune felt Moka start to stumble, he tried to support her, turning his body and using his free hand to help her keep on her feet.

It was one of those moments where every part of a person is focused. The world disappears into silence. The light all falls into a single area. It is a moment where infinity and oblivion hang in the balance. Tsukune felt the rosario and his hand make contact, and the small metallic chime that sounded as it came free rang like a gong that shook the heavens and the Earth.

"Tsu-ku-ne..." The unsealed Moka said in a voice that was at the same time a growl and a purr. "You have been doing it again."

"Ahhh..." Tsukune felt his insides clench. He was standing out in public, very close to the unsealed Moka, with on arm trapped in her embrace, and the other hand against her chest. "While he was not totally sure what Moka was talking about, his instincts for survival were quick to tell him what to do.

"I'm sorry," Tsukune said, almost sounding like was choking on the words.

"You keep doing this to me," Moka complained as she let go of Tsukune's arm. She grabbed his collar in both hands and pulled him close, holding him nose to nose with her.

"Tsukune," Moka said in a low voice. "You have a very dangerous habit of thinking with your heart. One of these days I am going to lose all patients, reach into your chest, and take it."

"Errr," Tsukune found himself blushing.

Moka's eyes tightened as she looked into Tsukue's. She was close enough to him that his delicious scent filled the air. His slumbering youkai was like a soft growl on the edge of her senses. His warm eyes were open and moving only slightly, as if he was studying her.

"What is it?" Moka asked. "What are you thinking now Tsukune."

"There are shades of red with tiny hints of green in your eyes," Tuskune said. "They are very pretty."

"A..." Moka's voice stopped working. Her knuckled creaked and there was the soft sound of his shirt starting to tear in her grip. Moka wanted Tsukune so badly that her heart ached and her body quivered. But somehow he managed to so totally overwhelm her thinking that she was frozen in place.

Moka didn't know what was wrong with her. She thought that she understood her feelings. She knew that she loved Tsukune, and what a surprise that had been. It wasn't just that she loved him, but that she was willing to admit it that was so hard to believe. Once she had been willing to admit to herself that she loved him, Moka had protected her pride by refusing to admit the truth to her other self, and especially to Tsukune. Eventually her resistance had crumbled. Moka had to admit that Tsukune had more power over her than his oath gave her over him. It was the feeling of being weak that scared her. Moka had always wanted to be strong. She had grown up being told that power was life, and that weakness was an embarrassment. In front of Tsukune, Moka was filled with fear. She was afraid to appear weak in front of him. She was afraid of doing anything he would disapprove of. She was afraid of hurting his feelings. She was afraid of losing him. The idea that he was more important than power or pride shook Moka's reasoning. Her feelings for Tsukune threatened to make the world as she knew it crumble into nothing. But then he would smile at her. He would tell her that she was important. He would make her feel special and loved, and suddenly the world was wonderful again.

All of these thoughts and feelings rush through Moka. She was locked in place by indecision and doubt as she tried to reason through what would be right in her current position. She felt Tsukune's arms gently embrace her. She thought about how Tsukune was holding her close. He wanted to be close to her. She wanted to be close to him. A smile touched her lips.

"Moka," Tsukune said. "Perhaps we should go someplace."

Moka's mind started working again. She remembered that she was out in public. Tsukune was with her, and so close to her that they could only be seen as lovers. Suddenly she was fine with that.

"Tsukune," Moka said, finally relaxing her grip. "Do you love me?"

"Yes I do," Tsukune nodded.

"Good," Moka gave a little nod of her own before taking a small step back. "Because I think it is time we do some shopping."

"Uh... Alright," Tsukune was puzzled by her logic.

It had been a long time since Tsukune was last subjected to Inner Moka's previous shopping expedition. Back then, he believed, that she had done it as a fun way to do some training, and so he could carry her bags. The truth was that Inner Moka had wanted a date with him, but had not wanted to admit it. The training had been a useful way to hid her intentions. After all, acting a little spoiled and self indulgent was exactly what everybody had expected of her. Tsukune had not really processed how much Inner Moka had cared about him back then. He was still having a hard time understanding her reasoning much of the time. When she suddenly decided to do some shopping, especially the way she had said it, Tsukune was expecting another round of holding bags.

Moka had a different idea for their shopping trip. She brought Tsukune to a section of the Mononoke Arcade where he never bothered to spend much time. The area was well lit and lined with shops that most students wouldn't bother with. Much to Tsukune's surprise, Moka took him to a store for men's clothing.

"Good afternoon," The man who ran the shop said as the couple entered. He quickly sized them up, looking at them as potential customers. The young woman was moving with purpose and was scanning the store with a critical eye. The young man looked apprehensive as he looked around the store. He decided that the young lady was the real customer he would have to make happy. He focused his attention on her. "Is there something I can show you?"

"I am looking for something special for my boyfriend," Moka said, speaking with confidence.

Tsukune nearly choked with surprise. It was Inner Moka that was referring to him as her boyfriend. He was not the 'companion,' or anything else that kept them from being identified as a couple. Moka was publicly acknowledging their relationship. Tsukune had to hurry to calm himself down, before his joy made him embarrass himself, and Moka.

Moka felt a strange shift in Tsukune's youki. She looked over her shoulder to see him grinning foolishly at the ceiling. She smiled herself. Tsukune had heard what she had said, and appeared to understand the meaning of it. That was good. He could be incredibly slow sometimes.

Tsukune was taken by surprise by Moka's sudden shopping trip. He thought he understood what she was doing, and it made him very happy, but at the same time it seemed so over-done that it made him nervous. They didn't buy much at any one stop, or even at every stop, but they made a lot of stops. From the first store, Moka had purchased a nice silk tie in black and silver. Tsukune hand thought it had been horribly over priced, but was wise enough not challenge Moka's decision when she was buying. From shop to shop they went. Moka held Tsukune's hand or arm much of the time. At every stop she would refer to him as her boyfriend.

Moka could not believe how good she felt. She had never been so open and acknowledging of her relationship with Tsukune before. Even though they had been lovers for most of a year, she had always tried to keep him at arms length while in public. For a person with the kind of social status she had been raised to see her self as holding, it was perfectly acceptable to have a companion or an escort that she could be reasonably friendly with in public. Having a companion could be entertaining, useful, or even necessary at times. Moka had decided to move past that. She was openly acknowledging Tsukune as her boyfriend, as an acceptable suitor for her hand, and it felt wonderful.

"My boyfriend and I are just looking around," Moka had said to a store clerk.

The shopping trip was about being seen in public as a couple more than anything else. There had been no real reason to go into the shop selling tableware except to look around, and to be seen looking around. Moka had intended to just spend a few minutes looking before heading off to another shop. She had been surprised to see Tsukune looking at the merchandise intently.

"Tsukune?" Moka questioned as she followed his vision. He was looking at dish sets. "Do you see something you like?"

"I was just looking," Tsukue said, turning to her with a smile and a shrug. "I'm just happy to be out with my girlfriend."

"Tsukune," Moka warned him with a crooked smile.