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 171

Monday, mock interviews were being held for the third year students. Over the weekend they had been instructed to put together a resume in preparation for the exercise. It was all a part of helping the youkai students prepare for life among humans. Kurumu understood the importance of such exercises, but that is not the reason she wished she could have attended. She wished she could have spent the time with Tsukune. Instead she had to attend a real interview.

Kurumu didn't like leaving Tsukune behind at school but she was looking forward to more work. Her agent had negotiated a job for her for some television commercials. The company that had provided the cookware for her holiday live events had decided Kurumu, the Sweetheart Cook, would be the perfect spokeswomen for a new advertisement campaign. She was still popular from her holiday events, and had a received positive reviews from male and female viewers. Kurumu was looking forward to the new job. She wasn't worried about the money yet. She was more interested in what it could do for her career. She wished she could have brought Tsukune along for support, and if all went well a celebration dinner someplace fancy too.

XxxXxxX

It was strange how one person could effect so many others, Tsukune thought. Kurumu had a new job so she was going to be away from school most days for the next few weeks. Because of her job the rest of the Newspaper Club was effected. The rest of the club having to cover for her wasn't unexpected. Tsukune texting her daily assignments so she could keep up was also a small thing. Thanks to Norra and Hiru, making sure Kurumu received any handouts and that her work actually got turned in was not a difficult obstacle to over come. What Tsukune noticed was the changes in behavior of his other friends. Mizore was quick to cling to Tsukune's arm with Kurumu out of the way. Moka did not have the same level of conflict with anybody else the way she did with Kurumu, so she was a little more relaxed and more tolerant of Mizore's physical closeness with Tsukune. When Inari had joined the others Tuesday morning she had walked closer to Tsukune, close enough to touch him, with a small smile at her good luck. Yukari was almost pouting with her friend gone, because making snide comments without Kurumu there to get offended and fight back just wasn't fun.

As the week continued, Tsukune noticed that Kurumu's absence effected others as well. There were several guys in his class that appeared depressed that they couldn't leer at her and lust after her appearance. There was an increase on curious looks and whispering from girls in class as well. Tsukune wondered if his own lack of interest in the coming and going of other students was an indication of his own insensitivity and selfishness, or of his class mates having an unnatural fascination with what went on with him and his friends.

Tsukune did asmit to himself that he missed seeing Kurumu's cute smile every morning. She was a part of his life. While he could do without some of her blatant acts for attention, he enjoyed having her with him. He even admitted as much to her when he took a collection of handouts to her Thursday evening.

"Do you really mean that?" Kurumu questioned Tsukune with a look that was half smile and half pout. "Do you really miss me when I'm away?

Tsukune was sharing a room service catered dinner with Kurumu in her hotel room. Kurumu had to be at work early every morning so she didn't want to stay at school or at her mother's. To keep the time it took her to get to work in the morning short she had rented a hotel room close to the studio.

"Of course I do," Tsukune answered with simple honesty. "You and I have seen each other almost every day for over two and a half years. The only way for us to spend any more time together would be to live together."

"Awwww," Kurumu grinned.

"But I know that this job is important to you," Tsukune went on. "So I don't want you to worry about me."

"But Tsukune," Kurumu complained. "I can't help it. If I'm not with you, I know you're just going to get into trouble."

"Kurumu," Tsukune gave her a crooked smile. "I don't get into trouble. Trouble just tracks me down and jumps all over me."

"Well I still worry," Kurumu frowned, letting her head and shoulders droop a little.

"I know," Tsukune nodded. "I worry about you too. It comes with loving someone."

Kurumu blushed without replying. She made a show of concentrating on her food so she would have the time to regain her composure. Tsukune was being kind and sweet again, which always got to her. Truth be told, everything he did got to her in one way or another. The man was just so frustrating. What had started out as a challenge, a petty display of ego and insecurity, the seduction of a boy that wouldn't look at her, had changed everything for her. Tsukune had transformed from an oblivious play thing into the man around whom Kurumu's life was built.

After her last bite, Kurumu dabbed her mouth with her napkin and stole a glance towards Tsukune. She felt a flash of emotions, embarrassment foremost among them. Tsukune had finished his dinner and was just sitting there, watching her with a smile on his face. She glowered at him.

"What?" Kurumu demanded.

"I was just watching you," Tsukune admitted. "You were trying to be so cute and calm while feeling excited."

Kurumu blushed as her emotions spasmed withing her. Tsukune had been watching her. He had called her cute. He was aware of her emotional state. He had been paying attention to her. Kurumu felt her face heat up with a deep blush.

"As long as you're here," Kurumu gave Tsukune a shy look. "Is there anything you would like to do?"

"Yes there is," Tsukune nodded. "I can think of a few things I would like to do."

"Oh?" Kurumu smiled.

"It's just too bad that we don't have that kind of time," Tsukune lamented.

"What do you mean?" Kurumu challenged. "It's not that late."

"I need to get back to school," Tsukune said.

"But Tsukune..." Kurumu gave him her cutest pout. "You said you missed being with me." She gave a little sniff as if holding back tears. "Did I do something wrong? Is that why you're leaving me?"

"No," Tsukune said in a pleasant voice with a warm smile. "You have things to do tonight I have school work to finish. We both have to get up in the morning to face our responsibilities. If I were to stay, you know that we wouldn't get anything done, and nether of us would get any rest."

"So?" Kurumu complained.

"I love you too," Tsukune chuckled.

XxxxXxxxX

Mizore walked to school Friday morning arm-in-arm with Tsukune. While her outward appearance was one of calm happiness, her thoughts were serious, and at times, more than a little dark. Kurumu's new job was going to keep her away from Tsukune for a while. This offered Mizore some opportunities for getting closer with Tsukune. A part of her mind searched for a way to get Tsukune away from Ruby and Moka. Another part tried to think of a way to work him up for one of his youki attacks.

Because she was known for being shy and reserved, nobody really noticed the way she watched Inari. Mizore had always kept her opinions to herself about the other woman. She watched the newcomer carefully, tolerating her only because Tsukune appeared to be friendly with his lieutenant. With Kurumu absent, Inari was acting a little more bold. There was no doubt in Mizore's mind what the other woman wanted. As long as she didn't get in the way of what Mizore wanted, Inari's presence could be accepted.

XxXxX

Tsukune was looking forward to the weekend. While he would be on duty for part of it, once he had his responsibilities out of the way there would be some time to ground himself and try to relax a little. As he sat in class Friday, Tsukune could not shake the feeling that something was looming over him. It was like an itch between his shoulder blades. It was a feeling that Tsukune couldn't ignore. During a lecture on chemistry Tsukune caught himself fingering his holy lock.

When the bell sounded anouncing the end of the school day Tsukune knew what he needed to do. While his classmates hurried to leave, Tsukune lingered. He took his time getting his books and things put away. When he had his bag in order, only Yukari, Mizore, and Moka remained in the room with him. Tsukune slung his bag across his torso, with a shrug to settle it in place, before approaching Moka.

"Moka," Tsukune said. "If you have the time I would like to talk to you."

"Alright," Moka said with a nod, aware of the seriousness in Tsukune's voice. "Let's walk together."

"Wait for meh..." Yukari had started to follow the couple, but Mizore had sensed the mood and had stopped the young witch by catching the back of her collar. Yukai twisted about to give the snow maiden a dark look.

XxxX

Tsukune waited until he and Moka were out of the school building and away from other before he said anything. He knew that Moka was worried about the way he had asked her to talk with him, but he wanted some privacy. Once they were safely away from any listeners he turned to her.

"Moka, I want to talk with you because I know you care about me, and because I don't want to keep anything important from you," Tsukune explained.

"Tsukune," Moka wore a worried frown. "What is it?"

"I'm feeling..." Tsukune shrugged and looked around. "I feel like somebody is watching me; stalking me."

"Where?" Moka started to look around sharply.

"Not like that," Tsukune said. "Not like what Mizore does. I don't know how to explain it clearly." He took a breath and blew it out as he organized his thoughts. "It's kind of like when you are trying to do something and the teacher is waiting for you, standing over you while you try to get that something done. At the same time the teacher is hoping you are going to mess up so he can..." Tsukune shrugged.

"When are you feeling like this?" Moka asked. "Like you're being watched?"

"All the time," Tsukune answered. "It started a couple of weeks ag..."

"A couple of weeks?" Moka's voice shot up in alarm as a mix of emotions, hurt, fear, anger, flashed across her face. "Why didn't you say something?"

"Moka," Tsukune hardened his voice a notch. "I am telling you now. I want you to know what I know. I didn't even know for sure when it started, only when I realized that I was aware of it." His voice softened. "The more I think about it, I realized it has something to do with what happened two weeks ago with Kurumu."

"What do you mean by that?" Moka asked in a low, hard voice. "If that..."

"It's not about what she and I did," Tsukune held up a hand to forestall Moka's train of thought. "I'm talking about how I was feeling when I went out for a jog. I had been feeling anxious but didn't know why. I had thought that if I just went for a run and burned off some energy, then maybe I could focus and calm down." He gave a sight. "I have been thinking about it since then. I think that a part of the reason I let things... That I chose to take things so far was because of that same need to be in motion, to do 'something,' and not just settle for keeping calm."

"Moka," Tsukune looked at her with worried eyes. "I don't know if this is serious or not, and I don't want to make you worry for no reason, but you told me to talk to you."

"Thank you, Tsukune," Moka said, a little relieved that he was telling her what he was feeling. She was glad that he was not keeping everything bottled up out of determination to be strong and independent. But she was also worried about what he told her. "I am glad that you are taking the time to tell me what you are feeling."

"Thank you," Tsukune said. "And I hope you will understand that I want to talk with the other Moka about this also."

'You're learning, Tsukune,' Inner Moka growled with approval.

"Wha..!" Moka had been been a little disappointed by Tsukune's request, but understood at least a little why he would want to talk to her other self. Hearing her inner self respond as she had, had surprised the outer Moka.

'Have you been listening the whole time?" Moka questioned her inner self.

'You are talking with Tsukune,' Inner Moka answered in a condescending tone. 'Of course I have. Now let me talk with him.'

'Why should I?' Moka argued.

'Because Tsukune desires it,' Inner Moka's tone became smug.

Tsukune watched the emotions in Moka's face and body as she held her internal conversation. It was interesting to see how her posture and expression would shift during those exchanges. At times her different personalities would be displayed in little ways, suggesting who was 'speaking' at any particular moment.

"Fine," Moka hissed at last. Her frustrated face contrasted with her confident posture for a moment. She presented her chest to Tsukune with a small pout on her lips.

"What is it like?" Tsukune asked as he reached for the rosario.

"What is what like?" Moka asked him in return.

"When you talk to the other Moka," Tsukune clarified. "What is it like to have her in your mind like that?"

"Most of the time it is like having her in the same room but doing something on her own," Moka answered with a small frown as she thought about it. "I know she's there, and she knows I'm here, but we just ignore each other most of the time."

"I see," Tsukune pursed his lips, giving a little nod.

"Other times she can be a real distraction," Moka huffed. Her frown deepened "Like right now. She is impatient. She wants to talk with you and is upset that she has to wait." Moka's smile became smug. "She tries to be so cool and composed, but she gets just as excited about being with you as I do. The way she just wants to rush forward, she is a lot like Kokoa sometimes."

"Ahh.." Tsukune wondered if he should be hearing this.

"I'll see you later Tsukune," Moka gave him a big smile as she grabbed his hand and pulled it down, making him remove the seal.

As Moka's hair turned silver, her expression turned to one of outrage.

"You..." She growled angrily. "You... You..." Moka's face was red and she looked ready to kill someone.

Tsukune watched the awakened Inner Moka, surprised by the amount of emotions she was displaying. Even when she was angry Moka usually remained calm. Tsukune started to wonder if he should try to slip away, or maybe replace the seal, before Moka could turn her anger in his direction. As he watched the internal conversation continue, Moka appeared to become ever more angry and frustrated. Fearing for the safety of his life, and for the entire school and student body, Tsukune decided he needed to take action.

"Dame Akashiya Moka Sama," Tsukune said with a bow. "I am sorry to disturb you."

"And you!" Moka snarled as her attention fell upon Tsukune. "You... You... You-you-you..." She reached out and grabbed him by the lapels to jerk him close, bring them face to face. "Tsukune you..."

Tsukune saw the emotions in Moka's eyes and a little light came on over his head. Suddenly he understood at least a part of what was going on. Inner Moka, always so calm and composed in public, had a softer, cuter side, and Outer Moka had just told Tsukune about a part of it. It had been spiteful for Outer Moka, and embarrassing for Inner Moka. The sudden switch had left the embarrassed woman mentally off balance, adding to her embarrassment. As the two Moka's argued, Tsukune could not help but smile. Not only was he getting a little peek at Moka's deeper feelings for him, but it was kind of rewarding to see the usually polite and kind Outer Moka scoring against her inner half for a change.

Moka was completely off balance. Her weaker self had been shooting her mouth off, telling embarrassing things to Tsukune, and then had run away. Tsukune had clearly heard everything. When Moka tried to talk to her outer self, tried to make it clear how the weaker Moka was going to regret being foolish, the daily Moka laughed. Laughed! It was as if the other woman had snapped. Every threat of retribution Inner Moka offered, Outer Moka dismissed with smug logic.

Suddenly Moka's thoughts were pushed away as her breathing became difficult. She was aware of Tsukun'e arms holding her tightly and he kissed her mouth. Moka felt a rush of joy and excitement. Tsukune was kissing her, and she was happy to kiss him back.

It was an endless moment later, as Moka took deep breaths as she relaxed against Tsukune's chest, that her thoughts started to make sense again. She remembered that there was something Tsukune wanted to ask her. She looked up into his face and saw his crooked smile.

"What?" She challenged him.

"I love you," Tsukune said in a warm voice.

"Damn you," Moka growled. She pushed him away enough to free an arm before punching him gently. "I love you too."

"I know," Tsukune replied.

Moka punched him again. Tsukune smiled and laughed. Moka pushed him a little further away and gave him a frown.

"What was it you wanted to ask me?" Moka said, trying to act cool and composed, but feeling herself blush with emotions at the same time.

Tsukune's smile wilted a little as he was brought back to the business at hand. Tsukune went over what he had said to Outer Moka, telling Inner Moka about what he had been feeling, and what he thought about the possible meanings. As he continued, the playful air of just moments before evaporated. Moka's eyes became as serious as Tsukune's. She wanted to help him, and tried to ask questions that could lead to some kind of answers for Tsukune.

Moka had to admit to herself that she was out of her depth. Everything she had learned about vampires sharing their blood with mortals had been limited in details. What Tsukune said resembled the slow corruption of the mind, the classic Renfield, that some servants suffered after receiving some of their master's blood. Tsukune said he was feeling anxious, restless, as if there was something he should be doing, and at the same time, he felt as if something was watching him. Moka felt a sense of fear growing within her.

"I am sure everything will work out," Moka said, reaching out to caress Tsukune's cheek. "I too have been feeling a little apprehensive as graduation draws closer. Father demands excellence from every member of the family. Soon we will have to leave the academy, and I for one am not looking forward to anything that takes you even a single step away from me."

"I know what you mean," Tsukune sighed and nodded. "But this feels different from that."

"I am sure we can work though this," Moka told him. "What ever it is."

"If you say so, Moka," Tsukune gave her a smile.

"I do say so," Moka flashed him a crooked smile for just an instant. Her face grew serious again. "Now tell me, after you had pushed that woman down. After you put her in her place, did you feel better?"

"I think I did," Tsukune said carefully. "I didn't think much of it at the time, but afterward, I wasn't feeling restless."

"I see," Moka said thoughtfully.

"I'm sorry abou..." Tsukune started to apologize.

"No," Moka cut him off with a shake of her head. "You did nothing wrong, Tsukune. I told you this already. I know that there are times when your inner youkai has caused you difficulty in the past. There was a time when Ruby and Yukari had to use their power to stabilize you. When you lost your temper in front of the dorms, it took Mizore and myself to help you regain yourself." A seductive smile curved her lips. "As I recall, it was almost a year ago when you needed me to help you, and when I did, you and I became closer than ever before. No, Tsukune, you did nothing wrong. If you need help, I understand."

"I do wish you would come to me at those times," Moka continued. "I love you and I want to be there when you need me, Tsukune. Also, when I have helped you in those moments in the past, it has been very rewarding for me."

"I'm glad," Tsukune said with relief showing in his eyes.

"I would prefer it if you would come to me in such times," Moka said. "But I know that may not always be practical. If you must, I know you are bound to that woman, so I guess she can be a useful outlet for your needs." Moka's voice was on the edge of a growl. "But you don't need to go running to her every time. You have a loyal slave to help you. Even my vassal, Mizore would support you if you have a real need. There is no reason for that Kurumu to think too highly of herself after all."

Tsukune tried to speak, but only a small choking sound came out. He remembered what Kurumu had said. She and Moka, both Mokas, were very serious in their fight for him. Moka was even willing to send Tsukune to other women for comfort if it would hinder Kurumu's relationship with him. Moka had been careful, Tsukune had noticed, to assign values to the women she had given him permission to seek out. Ruby as his slave, and Mizore as her vassal, were of lower station that Moka, making it clear that she was the best one to be with.

"Now," Moka said as she worked her arms around Tsukune's neck. "You and I will go to your house. We will see to our responsibilities while Ruby prepares the evening meal. And then, you and I are going to do something about this 'restlessness' of yours."

"As you wish," Tsukune said with a crooked smile. "Dame Moka."

Xx

xX

(( A/N: Please review, your feedback helps my writing skills and the quality of the story. Thank you ))