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.

Chapter265

Tsukune had still been doing his assigned recruiting campaign when he visited the Youkai Academy's annual festival. While there were only a few students attending school that actually knew him, his popularity was still holding on. Between his occasional visits as a counselor and his history at school, that for some reason people were not forgetting about, it was understandable that he would be well known by name if not on sight. Unfortunately some of his recruiting posters and commercials were already being circulated, and some of the students had found out about them.

During his short visit to the festival, the new members of the Newspaper Club tracked him and his companions down for an interview. Some of the newer students were the younger siblings of some of Tsukune's classmates. They were introduced to him when their alumni older siblings had caught site of him. Tsukune did his best to remain positive and polite through it all, even as his friends teased him about it. He knew that his dubious popularity at Youaki Academy was going to linger for another year or more yet.

Moka found Tsukune's situation amusing. She remembered their early years together, and how she had been so wrapped up in her pride, and her fear of him not truly loving and accepting her. Now, just two years after graduation, she, the proud, noble, and elite vampire was all but forgotten, and it was Tsukune that was remembered and looked up to. After all the time she had spent telling Tsukune he was not worthy to be at her side had been turned around. It was a good thing that neither of them cared about such things anymore, because they were still on entirely different levels. Moka just hoped she wouldn't take too long for her to catch up to him.

XxxxxxxX

Mizore was glad when Tsukune was able to come and see her. He had brought along pictures from the school festival and told him about the changes to the school grounds. He also told her what he had been doing. Naturally that was what she wanted to hear about the most, so as she breast fed Natsuko and Tsukune held Fumusume, she asked him questions to draw out all the details he was too modest to bring up on his own.

His visit had been brief, because of his busy schedule, but welcomed all the same. She had wanted him to stay longer, as she always did. Of course she was not the only one that wanted Tsukune to stick around. Mizore's mother was almost as happy about being a grandmother as Mizore was to have two daughters of her own. Both women were looking forward to more.

XxxxxXxxxxX

Tsukune was glad to have a chance to take a break with Moka. It had been nice to spend the holidays with his family, but even that meant being busy in a way. Tsukune had a large and irregular family now, and its different parts were spread out.

A visit to Mizore's home to visit with her and Tsurara, and then taking Mizore and the girls to visit his parents. Moka and Kurumu had both been there for the party. After the night at his parents house, Tsukune, Mizore, Fumusume, Natsuko, and Kurumu all went to see Ageha. The elder succubus gushed and fawned over the two children every bit as much as Kasumi and Tsurara ever did.

After delivering Mizore and the girls safely home, Tsukune had to endure the hospitality of her house, and her village. There were still some that were unhappy that he kept taking his Winter Wife and the children out of the village so much, so they wanted a chance to make sure he had not endangered them in any way. He and his Winter Family visited the temple and many an Aunty's home. On the bright side, Tsukune was confident that his children were well loved and protected by Mizore's people.

As the holiday rush was winding down, and his recruiting work wrapping up, Tsukune was looking forward to getting back to his normal school and work routine. Unfortunately the threat posed by Tate no Kai was still real enough that the government wanted to commit resources to protect against it. Tsukune and Inari were being used to help with that. It was a parody of the undercover work they had done before. This time they were being dangled out as bait. While being visible through recruiting media, the couple were assigned to do rounds of places where Tate no Kai supporters were suspected of being. Tsukune and Inari were to be in plane clothes, acting like they were off duty, taking a break between projects.

The sneaking part of it was that they were supposed to be frustrated with the government 'establishment.' It was a thin line they had to walk. They could not say anything too bold, at the same time they had to act like they were acting like they supported the status quo. To Tsukune it was a useless waste of time, but he had his orders. To Inari it was a chance to hang out with Tsukune away from the other women in his life.

When Tsukune had a chance to just enjoy some quiet time with Moka, he took it. Not only was his complicated life always pulling him one way or another, but her own class schedule was keeping her busy as well. That was why, when she called him up one evening and simply said to come over, he didn't hesitate. Moka met him at her door and let him in to her apartment. What followed was simply quiet cuddling where the two could enjoy each others company and the comfort of being close.

"Tsu~kune..." Moka said in a soft voice as she caressed his cheek. "Do you think you could make time for me in about two weeks?"

"Moka," Tsukune said in a gentle voice with warm eyes. "You know I will do anything I can for you."

"I know," Moka said with a small smile. "It's just that I don't want to cause you any trouble."

Tsukune burst out laughing. The suddenness of it surprised Moka and she gave Tsukune a confused look. That made him laugh harder for a moment.

"Tsukune?" Moka demanded.

"Trouble?" Tsukune questioned incredulously. "Moka, there are times when my life is nothing but trouble. Because of you, by life is filled with challenges, difficulties, and trials. Since I met you, trouble has become commonplace in my life. There is not a think in my life that is not because I love you and have decided to do everything for you. Every trial, every blessing, every bad day and every good thing in my life is all because of you, Moka. If you are not causing me trouble it is because you don't have use for me any more, so please, trouble me, ask things of me, because you are what is most important in my life."

"Tsukune!" Moka growled. She reached out and grabbed his head and pulled him even closer. "Capa-chuuuu..."

XxxxxxxX

Yes, Tsukune thought. Moka most definitely had a way for causing him trouble. It turned out that the reason she had wanted him to clear some time in his schedule for her was so he could go out with her to a class gathering. It was a small party after the spring mid-term exams. Moka explained that she wanted to go so she would not be acting cold and standoffish to her classmates, but she did not want to go without Tsukune.

Tsukune understood her reasoning. He had learned that he had to open up a little to his class mates if he was going to be able to actually enjoy his university life at all. Additionally, those that were classmates today, tomorrow could be coworkers or important connections.

Of course there were other reasons for Moka to ask Tsukune to go with her. First was that they would be able to just be out together, a fun and friendly date where nobody would be looking to start a fight. The second reason was so Moka could show off her fiance to her classmates. They did not get a chance to go out on dates as often as they would like, because of their different schedules. This was a chance for them to go out together, and be seen together, and to enjoy being a couple just like any other.

There were many young men and women in Moka's class. Couples were sometimes made up of two people that had met in class. Others knew each other before attending university. Of course in a diverse group of adults, there were some that were unattached. It also follows that some who don't already have a person to be close to will look to find someone from among those that they spend time with. When Tsukune walked into the restaurant with Moka, he saw one man brighten when he saw Moka, but then sag with disappointment when he saw Tsukune with her. Tsukune had to resist the urge to smirk.

For Moka it was a good evening. She got to show off Tsukune to her classmates, introducing him proudly as her fiance. A few of them recognized Tsukune from his media appearances. One of them turned out to be a fan.

"Excuse me for asking," A woman said as she clutched her beer glass tightly. "But Aono-san, if you are engaged to Moka-san, why does the Sweetheart Chef always talk about cooking for you?"

"Kurumu is our friend from High school," Moka answered with a smile. "We were all in the same club together and supported each other. Tsukune was also busy with other activities, and even several committees for the student counsel. I helped Tsukune to keep up with his class work, while Kurumu often made lunches for him."

"Ehhhh?" The woman was surprised at the way Moka just accepted that there was another woman interested in her fiance. Because everybody knew that the Sweetheart Chef was in love with the sweetheart she always talked about, and even was sometimes seen with. "But they were seen together just last fall..."

"Of course we were," Tsukune said with an amused smile. "She asked me to be her date to the opening of Mission Japan. I was free, so why wouldn't I support her?"

"And you're alright with this?" The woman said to Moka.

"Why would I not be?" Moka replied. "Tsukune is going to marry me some day, but that doesn't mean he cannot still have friends." She gave Tsukune a loving smile. "He and I have been through enough that I will never have to doubt our relationship."

"Awwwww," Another woman said.

"That's so sweet," Said a third.

"So, Aono," One of the men in the group spoke up. "What did you have to do to get Moka to go out with you?"

"I simply became her friend," Tsukune answered. "And made sure I showed her proper respect at all times." He gave Moka a crooked smile. "And made sure that she knew that nothing in my life could ever be more important than her."

"Tsukune..." Moka blushed.

"How did you do that?" Someone asked.

"Let's just say there is a reason he joined the police," Moka said. "And that I am studying law."

"How is that going to work?" A guy asked, feeling a little overwhelmed by the romantic atmosphere that was building. "Aono, if you are arresting people, and she is defending them in court?"

"If Tsukune arrested someone," Moka said with a dark look. "I would never defend them."

"If Moka accepts somebody as a client," Tsukune replied. "Then I was probably wrong to suspect them."

"But I am going to focus on business law," Moka added.

"And I am going to eventually open my own security and investigation business," Tsukune said with conviction. "We plan to work together."

"Awwww..." Several women said at once, before bursting out in giggles.

The conversation for most of the evening was dominated by the couples in the group. They shared funny dating stories, or anecdotes of how they had met. The women told of the things their boyfriends had done to attract their attention.

"Moka ran me over with her bicycle on the way to our first day at high school," Tsukune said.

"Tsukune..." Moka protested.

"That was the luckiest day in my life," He said to the group while looking her in the eyes. "I remember going from being confused about what had happened, to being stunned by how cute she was."

Moka was speechless. Her face looked almost pained as she tried to keep her feelings in check. Tsukune was being too sweet for his own good again. She remembered that day as well. She remembered the first taste of his blood. She remembered how happy she had been when Tsukune had agreed to be her friend. And in spite of the pain of their first fight when he had wanted to run away, Moka remembered how grateful and happy she had been to see him when he had come to help her when she had needed it.

"If you met Moka on the first day of high school," The fan asked. "When did you meet the Sweetheart Chef?"

"About a week later," Tsukune shrugged.

"And when did she start calling you her sweetheart?" The woman pressed.

"The next day," Moka supplied. "After Tsukune saved her life."

"Whoaaa?" One of the women said in surprise. "What happened? How did you save her life?"

"Tsukune got me to calm down," Moka said with a vicious smile. "I was going to kill Kurumu for trying to come between Tsukune and I."

The group gave Moka a mix of looks. They were almost sure that she was exaggerating things. While it was possible that teenage girls might come to blows over a boy, they had a hard time imagining that Moka would really intend to hurt anybody.

"But now you trust her?" The fan questioned in shock.

"Of course not," Moka gave the fangirl a look like woman was crazy. "I trust Tsukune."

"Awww man," One of the men shook his head in frustration. "What do you have to do to get that kind of trust? My girlfriend gives me a hard time when I just go out to get a beer." The aforementioned girlfriend gave him an elbow jab in the side for his outburst.

"I simply promised Moka that I would obey her every command," Tsukune said.

"And then he did," Moka nodded.

"Your every command?" One woman challenged.

"Yes," Moka smiled confidently.

"Oh..." The women in the group all started trading calculating looks and mischievous smiles.

Tsukune had a sinking feeling about what was going to happen. The women started talking about things Moka could order him to do. Hopping on one foot was one of the first ideas. The the list of possible commands grew, they became more and more extreme. One woman said she would like to command her boyfriend to clean her apartment. This inspired another to suggest an order to pay Moka's rent. Tsukune tried not to smile.

Moka was finding the other women brainstorming to be amusing. Telling Tsukune to pay her rent was kind of pointless when he owned the building, and he was letting her stay there for free, some things nether of them had chosen to share. The physical things that kept coming up, like carrying her around the block she knew he could do with ease. Of course Moka was tempted to give one of those commands, to demonstrate her authority over Tsukune. After all, even if he was proving to be above her in most ways, the way she once assumed that she was above him, the fact that he was still sworn to her was gratifying.

"Tsukune," Moka said in a casual way. "Hand me your phone."

"As you wish," Tsukune replied, matching actions to words.

Moka took his phone and started going through it. She made a small show of going through his messages and contacts. After playing around with it for a few minutes she handed it back to Tsukune.

"Thank you, Tsukune," Moka said to him before turning her attention to the other women. She gave them a calm smile and waited.

Tsukune tucked his phone away and smiled at Moka's amusement. She knew what she was doing. Instead of making him do something silly, she had now put every other couple in the group on the spot. The men and women that were with their partners all had uncomfortable looks. It took a lot of trust and openness to let someone go though your phone. For many it was considered a breach of trust to do so. Right then, there was the fear of embarrassment for all the couples aside from Moka and Tsukune. Would one partner ask? Would the other partner hesitate or refuse?

"Hey," One man spoke up. "Why would you let her just go through your phone like that? She was acting like she doesn't trust you."

"I have no secrets from Moka," Tsukune stated. "That is why she knows she can trust me."

"How do you know you can trust her?" The man asked.

"Because she has been honest with me from the day we met," Tsukune said.

"That is nice of you to say," Moka spoke up. "But you know that is not exactly true, Tsukune. It took a long time for me to be honest about my feelings for you."

"It took me a long time to find the courage to tell you that I loved you as well," Tsukune replied to her. "Because I was afraid that it would ruin our friendship."

"I am glad that you put up with my lack of resolve," Moka said to him.

"Enough you two," Tsukune recognized the man who spoke as the one that had been disappointed to see that Moka had not come alone. "Could you two possible be more lovy dovy?"

"Moka and I have been together for years," Tsukune said to the man. "We have attended class together. We have share club activities together. We have trained together. When I have ended up in the hospital, Moka has watched over me."

"Tsukune has saved my life," Moka added. "I have saved his. He has become the most important person in my life, and shown me what it really means to be alive. No, we cannot be more lovy dovy. We can however take on, take down, and take apart anybody that would ever try to come between us."

"Ahhhh..." The young man was left dumbstruck.

"See," Tsukune said with a smile and a light voice. "She will be the perfect attorney, because she wins every time."

Tsukune earned a laugh from several in the group. The questions of trust were bypassed, at least for the moment. After the tension releasing laughter the conversation wondered to more common topics; classes and exams.

XxX

"Tsukune," Moka said as the left the restaurant. "Thank you for tonight."

"Thank you, Moka," Tsukune replied. "For everything."

"What do you mean?" Moka asked teasingly.

"Among other things," Tsukune replied. "Thank you for simply being a part of my life."

"Thank you for sharing your life with me," Moka said. "And speaking of sharing..."

"As you wish," Tsukune gave her a smile.

XXX

XX

X