A knock on the door brought Kurumu out of her medicine induced fugue. Her uniform ruffled as she pushed herself up with her elbows, wincing as her body throbbed in pain. Her frame was covered head to toe in white bandages, matching with the white sheet of the bed. Her wings, tail, and claws were hidden, making her look like a normal student. Her tone was anxious as she called out, "C-Come in."

The door slowly opened up a crack. Once it was wide enough, Tsukune poked his head through the opening. He glanced around the room before his eyes fell onto the only occupant, "Kurumu?"

"Tsukune?" Kurumu replied, sitting up straighter. Her eyes sparkled a bit, "You came to see me?"

He nodded and Kurumu's great mood only improved. That was until another person made themselves known. Poking her pink haired head through the crack, Moka stared right at Kurumu with a bright smile. She waved at the succubus, "Hi, Kurumu! We both came to see how you were doing."

Kurumu's mood fell slightly. She slumped a bit as her eyes narrowed, "Oh, you're here too Akashiya."

Tsukune pushed the door open to let Moka inside. He followed the vampire in, closing the door behind him and being careful not to drop the plastic bag in his arm. Kurumu glanced at the bag curiously, but her attention was soon taken by Moka standing at the side of her bed. The vampire looked her up and down, side to side, and even pulled the cover up a bit to look underneath. The injured girl pulled the blanket away and glared at Moka, "What? You looking for something to make fun of? Well too bad. The nurse said that I'll be fine as long as I take it easy."

"So...you're gonna get better?" Moka asked, completely ignoring the annoyed tone in Kurumu's voice.

"Of course I will! No thanks to that white haired jerk! Who does he think-urk!"

Kurumu was suddenly pulled into a crushing hug by the vampire. Caught off guard, she was unable to react as Moka started to rub her cheek against her own. She held the succubus tight with her eyes closed as she spoke, "Oh thank goodness! I'm so glad you're gonna be alright, Kurumu!"

"H-H-Huh?" Kurumu asked, totally confused by the vampire's actions. She remained still, eyes blinking as Moka continued to hug her close. Tsukune walked to the other side of the bed, pulling out a chair to sit in as he watched the girls with a small smile on his face. After a few moments, Kurumu's eyes moved to look at Moka. Her confusion was evident in her voice, "Wait you're...you're happy I'm gonna be OK?"

Moka pulled away from Kurumu, tilting her head in confusion, "Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Because I'm your rival? I tried to kill you earlier. And I said I was gonna take Tsukune away from you," Kurumu pointed out, making note of how Moka's arms were still around her shoulders.

Moka pursed her lips and tapped a finger against her chin. Her brows furrowed as she thought about Kurumu's words. She slowly nodded, "Yeah. That...did upset me."

"Then why-"

"Because," Moka interrupted, eyes closed as her smile returned full force, "I want to be your friend."

"Friend? But...I'm your rival! I'm trying to prove I'm better than you," Kurumu said, not understanding Moka's words in the slightest.

Moka just shrugged, "But that doesn't mean we can't be friends, right? I'd really like it if we were. Because you seem like a good person, Kurumu."

Kurumu's mouth hung open as she stared at the beaming smile on Moka's face. She swore the vampire was glowing so brightly that she had to shield her eyes from the radiance. She turned to look at Tsukune, as if he would have an answer for why the vampire was being so kind. But all he was look sheepish at the succubus' stare. Wanting to avoid looking at the confusing vampire, Kurumu spoke to the boy, "Then why are you here?"

"Well...I was worried about you. Just like Moka was," Tsukune said while rubbing the back his neck, "Especially after what happened."

The mood in the room turned sour. All three students turned their gazes toward the floor. Kurumu's hands gripped her blanket as she thought back to what happened. After Dante punched Vergil, he grabbed the Librarian by the collar. Then he told Tsukune and Moka to help Kurumu to her feet. He led them to the nurse's office and told her what had happened. When she heard the explanation, she seemed almost ready to lunge at Vergil with the scalpel in her hand. She only reason she didn't was because Dante promised that he would make sure Vergil was "properly punished for pulverizing one of his precious pupils." Tsukune and Moka left her in the room, while Dante took Vergil off to who knows where.

"A-Anyway," Tsukune said, reaching into the bag he was carrying, "We know you probably missed lunch. So, we decided to bring it to it."

"Huh?" Kurumu's confusion only grew. Then it turned to surprise as Tsukune pulled a medium sized square box out of the bag. When he opened it up steam wafted out of the cardboard with a familiar smell following it. Kurumu gasped as she recalled the delicious scent, "P-Pizza?"

Indeed, within the cardboard box was a medium sized pepperoni pizza. Completely intact and ready for consumption. Floored by the revelation, Kurumu turned her gaze onto Tsukune. The boy smiled, "Turns out, Dante was telling the truth. They put pizza on the lunch menu. Though, they said it would only be for today and special occasions. So-"

"Me and Tsukune got one for all of us to share!" Moka said as she sat down on the edge of the bed.

Kurumu could only stare at the two students with awe. Her body wouldn't listen to her, nor would her heart stop beating in her chest. She could only ask one simple question of the two, "Why? Why are you doing this? Why are you being so nice to me?"

Moka and Tsukune shared a look. Then they both nodded with smiles on their faces. Without hesitation they both said aloud, "It's what friends do, right?"

Kurumu froze in place. For a moment, she didn't react to their words. Tsukune and Moke shared a worried look, wondering if they had said something wrong. Then the succubus body started to shake. The two other students quickly asked her if anything was wrong. But Kurumu simply shook her head. Then she raised her head and gave the two a bright smile as tears of happiness streamed down her face.

"Th-Thanks you, two," she managed through her sobs of happiness, "I'd...I'd love to be friends with you two."

Then she reached forward and grabbed a slice of pizza. With smiles on their faces, Moka and Tsukune did the same.

The pizza tasted three times as good to them all.

"Could you please, repeat that, Dante? Why did you drag Vergil by his collar to my office?"

"Because, Gramps," Dante said while patting his sulking brother on the back, "He nearly killed a student because she ruined his lunch."

Mikogami blinked in disbelief. He looked between the Sparda Brothers sitting before him. Dante had the smugest grin he had ever seen on his face, leaning back in his chair with a sparkle in his eyes. The red cloaked man seemed happier than Mikogami had ever seen him. Which, admittedly, wasn't saying much since he had only known the man for a less than a week. But Dante did little to hide the absolute glee he felt at the current circumstance. Mikogami was pretty sure his smug grin could be seen from space.

A complete contrast to his hunched over, scowling brother Vergil. The older brother was leaning forward with his elbows on his knees and hands on his chin. The expression on his face was a strange fusion of frustration and shame, eyes locked onto the floor and avoiding Mikogami and Dante at all cost. Even his hair looked deflated from where Mikogami was sitting.

Mikogami took a moment to think on what Dante had just said. Then he shook his head and mumbled, "I might need to reassess my original theories."

"What theories you talking about Gramps?"

Mikogami shook his head, "Oh, nothing, Dante. Nothing at all. Ahem. So, you're saying that Vergil attacked a student?"

"Indeed he did. All because she got some dust on his noodles," Dante shook his head while patting Vergil on the back, "Real shame he let that get to him. My brother's always been about keeping a cool head. But I guess that somethings you just can't let go of. Can you, Vergil?"

Vergil didn't respond to his brother. He did lift his head to look at Mikogami, eyes narrowed in shame. With grit teeth he reluctantly bowed his head to the headmaster, "It is with great shame that I admit my brother is...correct. As Patron Librarian I have...allowed my emotions to get the better of me."

"Ain't that the understatement of the century. But don't you worry brother of mine," Dante started to tussle Vergil's hair, "I promise that I will hold this over only as long as I'm on this earth."

Vergil cut his eyes at Dante but he didn't say anything against his brother. Dante just kept on smiling as he turned back to Mikogami, "But I don't think that's enough punishment for my older brother. Assaulting a minor with intent to cause significant harm is a serious crime after all. So, what should we do with him? Gonna take away his coveted Head Bookkeeper position? Gonna make him scrub the floors until they're good enough to eat off of? Or how about you make him my assistant for a while?"

"I wouldn't be adverse to any save the last punishment!" Vergil's tone was suddenly very insistent.

Dante clicked his tongue and wagged his finger, "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Dear brother, you should know that the one getting punished doesn't get a say in these matters."

"I was not speaking to you, Dante."

"Oh, what? You gonna try to cut my legs off next?"

Sparks flew as the two brothers stared each other down. Mikogami could feel that the two were moments away from fighting each other. Wanting to stop such a thing from occurring, Mikogami cleared his throat to get the two's attention. Once both moved their eyes onto him he spoke, "I believe I understand what has happened. In which case, I believe that the best thing to do is give Vergil a write up before he goes back to work."

Dante and Vergil went silent. Slowly, they both turned their heads to look fully at Mikogami. Confusion and anger was clear on Vergil's face, while Dante still had his confident smile. However, Mikogami could swear he saw something sharp in the younger Sparda's eyes. Dante put his arm on Mikogami's desk and leaned forward. He cleared his throat, "Ahem. Uh, I don't you heard me there, Gramps. Vergil nearly cut a high schooler's legs off because she messed with his lunch. Don't you think that deserves something a bit more severe than what amounts to a 'Oops, don't do it again!'?"

Mikogami shrugged, "It's not as bad as you may say, Dante. This is a school for monsters, after all. There are bound to be instances were the students try to use their powers against teachers and vice versa. Whether it be for self-defense or otherwise. If I punished everyone for such a thing, then I doubt that-"

"Shut it," Mikogami clammed up at Dante's words. He met the Son Of Sparda's eyes and nearly pulled off one of his Holy Locks on reflex. Dante hadn't moved or done anything. He simply stared at Mikogami with his flat gray eyes. But the thing that got the Headmaster to suddenly go on guard was what lay beneath those eyes.

A frown.

Dante's jovial tone was nowhere to be found as he aired his grievances to Mikogami, "Monsters or not, fact of the matter is that they're kids, Mikogami. High schoolers. High schoolers who hardly even know what they're gonna be doing once they grow up. They shouldn't have to worry about whether or not they'll be killed by one of the faculty because they stepped on the wrong toes."

"Uh, but I assure-"

"No, no, no. Shut it," Dante repeated himself, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms, "Unless what you're about to say is how you're gonna punish my brother for nearly maiming a student, I don't wanna hear it."

Still stunned by Dante's words, Mikogami looked toward Vergil. If he was looking for support from the older brother, he was dead wrong. Vergil actually looked more angry than Dante did, his glare burning a hole into Mikogami. Vergil sat up straight, his shame forgotten as he joined Dnate in berating the Headmaster, "If that is truly how you plan to run this school, then you have created a place where no one has to fear reprisal from an authority figure. Your position as Headmaster is an empty one. So much so, that I feel the need to punish myself if you will not."

"You heard the man himself and me myself," Dante said while tapping a finger on the table, "So, either you start doing your job or else we're out. And, considering how dangerous this Alucard guy is, I don't think you'd want to lose any good assets you have, now would you?"

Mikogami flinched, "You're certainly acting shrewd, Dante. Never would've expected this from you."

"I can be pretty dang obstinate. Especially when kids' lives are on the line," Dante stated without taking his eyes off the Headmaster.

Mikogami's eyes flicked from one brother to the next. Both were glaring at him with barely contained anger. Neither looked like they would back down from this course of action. And Dante's frown had yet to abate. The entire situation made the Headmaster feel trapped by the brothers. Like if he made one wrong move, they'd strike without mercy. Even if he did unleash his full power, something told him that it wouldn't be enough to stop the two in front of him. Tense minutes passed as he thought over their conversation. Then he finally answered, "Very...very well. I will...see about being more strict when it comes to punishments."

Dante's frown disappeared as quickly as it came. Vergil's shoulder dropped.

Instantly, Mikogami felt the malice in the air abate. He resisted the urge to pant while letting go of his Holy Lock. After taking a few minutes to compose himself, he continued speaking to the two, "As for Vergil's own punishment...hmm...I may have an idea."

"Lay it on me, Gramps," Dante said with a wave of his hand, "How do you think my brother should atone for his crimes?"

Mikogami hummed while turning his gaze to Vergil, "Your knowledge of Japanese Culture is extensive, is it not?"

"I know more than the average person who isn't from Japan would," Vergil admitted, even as he felt a small chill go up his back, "Why?"

"I was just wondering...do you know what a dogeza is?"

"Wait up, Lover Boy, Fangs."

Tsukune and Moka paused within the crowd of students. They shared a confused glance, before turning around to see Dante walking toward them. He threw his arms around their shoulders, looking at each high schooler in turn. His smile is wide and his eyes sparkle with happiness, "How's my two favorite students doing?"

"Uh, we're fine, Dante," Tsukune said, trying his best to keep eye contact with Dante. It was actually rather hard with the man's arm around his other shoulder. He rubbed at his cheek, "We were just about to go to see what clubs are open right now."

Dante hummed, looking out at the sea of high schoolers in front of him. There were enough to them to literally fill the school hallway from end to end. Most were either walking around and looking for a club to join, or were simply hanging out while talking about which one they should join. He nodded before taking his arms off the two kids, "Good to see so many students taking what Kitty Cat said to heart. And speaking of hearts, how's Kuru doing? She up and moving after my brother gave her a bit of trouble yesterday?"

"Kurumu? Yeah! The nurse said she'd be back to normal by today. I bet she's looking for a club too," Moka nods, smile as wide as Dante's.

Dante chuckled, "That so? Good to hear, cause I need to make sure my good brother Vergil takes his time to make things right,"

"Is he going to apologize?" Tsukune asked, wincing as he thought back to what happened yesterday. He still couldn't believe a staff member just assaulted a student like that.

Dante's smile seemed to get even wider. He barely stopped his chuckle from turning into a full blown laughing fit. Instead he patted Tsukune on the shoulder before letting both of the students go, "Oh, will he ever. But you two shouldn't worry about that. How's about you come with your friendly Teacher's Assistant to the wonderful Club Expose going on?"

Dante waved a hand at the numerous stands that had been set up by various clubs. All of which had students at them, jockeying to catch the eyes of as many other students as possible. Moka perked up and grabbed Tsukune's shoulders. She turned him to face her with a big grin on her face, "Hey, Tsukune, which group should we enter?"

Tsukune placed a finger on his chin as he frowned in thought. After a few seconds, he spoke with a smile, "How about the swimming club?" He didn't catch Moka stiffening as he started to explain, "Well, actually, my parents made me take swimming classes until grade school, so.."

"Err...but I-" Moka didn't finish, making Tsukune look at her questioningly.

Dante walked in between the two, head shaking as he did so, "Ah, that's no good you two."

"Huh?" both high schoolers said in unison.

Dante turned his gaze to Moka first. He put on a faux "Teacher Accent" as he spoke, "Fangs, being someone's friend doesn't just mean being a quiet doormat. If they say something that's bothering you, you need to be upfront about it. If they're a real friend, they'll understand."

Once he saw Moka look down at the floor in surprise and shame, he turned his gaze to Tsukune. The human boy flinched under his scrutiny but Dante didn't relent, "And shame on you, Lover Boy. Why would you suggest a vampire join the swimming club?"

"Uh-huh-we-" Tsukune stuttered, not wanting to admit that part of him wanted to see Moka in a swimsuit. His face turned red as he tried to think of an excuse.

Dante cut him off, putting a finger in front of Tsukune's eyes, "Tell me, how much do you know about vampires?"

"N-N-Not a lot...," Tsukune admitted, not sure where Dante was going with this.

"Figures. Lover Boy, vampires can't touch water. It's one of their biggest weaknesses. You basically asked Fangs here to join a club that would hurt her to participate in."

"Wh-What?! Is-is that true, Moka?!" Tsukune focused his wide eyed gaze on to the vampire.

Moka avoided his eyes, touching her fingertips together in front of her. After a few moments she answered, "Y-Y-Yes."

Tsukune felt his shame increase tenfold. A lump formed in his heart as the realization hit him, "Bu-Why didn't you say anything?"

"I didn't want to disappoint you. I want to join the same club you're in and...," she trailed off while looking at the floor. But her actions only made Tsukune feel even worse. He looked up at Dante, trying to see if the older man could offer any advice. Dante kept silent, arms crossed while shaking his head at the human.

Realizing he wouldn't be getting any help from Dante, Tsukune did the one thing that came to mind.

"I'm so sorry, Moka!" he shouted, bowing until his body was at a full ninety degree angle. He closed his eyes and grit his teeth, "I-I didn't take your feelings into account. I promise, I won't let that happen again."

"Tsukune it's-" Dante interrupted Moka by taking her by the shoulder. Then he grabbed Tsukune's collar and pulled him up straight.

His face returned to its usual joviality, Dante patted the teenagers on their backs, "Now, isn't that better? Take this as a free lesson from your helpful TA; Communication is one of the most important parts of life. For both humans and monsters."

He then took them both by the hand and turned toward the clubs, "Now, lets find you guys a club!"

Finally! For God's Sake!

Sorry, I don't know why, but I haven't felt like writing for any of my fanfics recently. Finally got this done at least.