So. This chapter will be what I said. I simply have to be able to keep a promise for once in a while!

I do not own highschool of the dead. All rights belong to its original author and animators.

Act 10: He'd make himself dead.

"So Jasper-san. Tell us what really happened." Things had gone from peaceful to panic in under thirty minutes. After they had survived yet another clash with them they thought to finally be allowed some rest. Little did they know that is was about to get even more hectic.

Saeko, Kohta and Saya had taken the survivors Jasper and Melany with them to an abandoned store. Why so far away? Because there were three children downstairs. Alice, and the two children of Jasper and his wife.

"What really happened? … I think you and I both know what happened Saeko." The man's eyes weren't making eye contact. He stared at his wife, then at the ground. His fists clenched and his body shaking. Out of anger? Or out of fear? Maybe even both. "Melany here, and Flint downstairs, got bitten… in the buss. Well… not bitten but they were touched by their teeth. And… and…" He looked up and he was obviously crying. A dense drip of liquid ran from his eyes, over his cheeks and fell to the ground.

Kohta couldn't get himself to look at the man's eyes. Saya stared at him, then at Saeko and then at Melany. She looked weak, weaker than when she had entered the mall.

Saeko just kept looking towards the man. She knew that Melany was turning, and she also knew that he knew. Whether or not he was going to accept and face reality was an entirely different story all together.

"Jasper-san. Are you prepared to… kill her?" Saeko asked. Did she have a choice? She could use some lame euphemism or she could say what had to be told. And number two it was. Of course it didn't went unnoticed that Kohta swallowed his surprise, and even Saya thought it was to direct for a minute. But both of them agreed with Busujima. What else was there to do? They both knew that Saeko didn't like to do this. Yet as they were looking at her, she seemed more confident than ever. Her straight back, focussed eyes and firm pose made that fact all to clear. Her hand on the hilt of her blade, and even her bandaged arm had a clenched fist.

Saeko… choose your next steps carefully please. Saya was thinking.

"Liberate her? Hehe… She's a free woman. I…I…"

"You know what I mean." Saeko replied emotionless. "Would you like it? To see her as one of them?"

"N…no but I can't just…" The man panicked. He looked at his wife with damp eyes, and noticed that even though she was crying as well, she was shining with confidence.

"Schatje… jij en ik weten allebei beter."

"Maar ik heb het beloof… ik zou je voor altijd beschermen…"

"Liefje. Dat heb je altijd gedaan. Altijd. Nu is het mijn beurt om jou, Flint and Linda te beschermen. "

"Maar… wat bedoel je?"

She chuckled at her man. And took his hand. She loved him, and he loved her. They'd always love each other. But right now there was only one thing that mattered for her. And that was that he'd survive.

"You people… I know I've brought danger to all of you." The woman suddenly started to say. Her eyes suddenly seemed whiter than before. "I know that I'll be a danger to you when … when I become one of them. But please… if only you'd allow me one last minute with my husband… and chil…dren."

"There's no time… Melany-san… I'm sorry but you're already on your limit." That these words weren't spoken by Saeko, but by Saya came as a surprise to all of them. Even Saya herself. She looked at her shoulder in shame because of her heartlessness. However Saeko and Kohta quickly agreed.

"She can still walk for fucks sake! At least let her say goodbye!" The man suddenly screamed. Of course he yelled. Most likely everyone downstairs could hear his voice as well. The two children didn't speak Japanese so that wasn't the problem. The real problem was that they'd come upstairs to check on their father's panicked voice.

"Shhh, keep it down." The woman spoke in Egnlish automatically. "They're right honey…"

"Bullshit! You deserve to see your children once more!"

"Ho…"

"NO!" He turned around and walked towards the door. He kicked it open and looked down at the ground floor. Only to see that something was going on over their as well. Takashi, Rei, Shizuka, Flint and Alice were all clumped together in a group. As his precious daughter had begun to cough up blood. Obviously, they were thinking of the same thing to do down there, than that they were thinking up here.

Neither Saeko, Saya nor Kohta made any gesture of stopping the emotional stressed man. The only thing that'd stop this guy was violence, and that'd only make things worse. Instead they walked outside, and watched at the troubles downstairs.

"Jasper-san…" Kohta mumbled. "… Hug your wife, and get your kids. This is your last chance." He didn't pay attention at the foul looks Saya gave him. Nor did he bother with Saeko's sigh. He figured that he, as a guy, would know best how the man was feeling right now. As their eyes crossed, they gave each other a nod. And without waiting for anyone else's response the man called for his wife to come. Without waiting for her he ran down to get his children. And that… was going to be the biggest mistake he had ever made.

As he ran down the escalators to get his children he heard a load scream followed up by coughing and a liquid touching that ice cold floor. It came from upstairs, and he saw all too well that all three younglings were gazing at it. As he saw Saeko turning her head he saw it in the way she looked.

"Mel…lany…" A sharp noise of steel being drawn from it's sheet seemed to deafen him. Everything around him seemed to stand still. Everything, except the shining light which emitted from that blade. That blade which was about to strike down his most precious possession. His wife. He tried to scream, yell out to her, but there came no sound from his mouth. He swallowed, she cried and shivered. But nothing was going to change the facts and he knew that.

At this very moment another loud scream reached his ears. A children's voice it was. His body automatically looked at Flint and Linda. Only to see his little boy being bitten in it's neck by his precious girl. Everything went colourless, until only black and white remained. His eyes twitched to the right, and he saw both that Takashi guy, and the red head pointing their guns at his children.

His breathing became heavy, insanely heavy. "Melany… Flint…. Linda…. Why? Waarom?" He clenched his fists. His nails drove their way through his soft yet rough flesh.

When he saw the blue haired girl walk towards the woman which he had loved for so long, he felt a short burst of adrenaline shooting through his body with an immense speed. His body moved automatically, and his hand went for the pistol hidden in the pocket of his jacket. As he wrapped his fingers around the cold firearm he got blinded. Not his vision, but his sanity was the thing that went numb. In the blur of the moment he raised his arm, aimed the gun and pulled the trigger. As soon the loud bang reached his ears he repeated the process. The explosive sound of ignition filled the mall and everyone either ducked or tried to see whom it was that was shooting. They didn't have to think for long,

The bullets were fired in all directions except the correct the one.

"He has lost his mind!" Saya yelled as she had found cover behind the little veranda of flowers.

The gun shots enticed Hirano as he had almost shot the man out of reflex but was able to retain himself from doing so.

Saeko herself didn't let it distract her. She knew all too well that he was shooting. She had anticipated that all along. She cut down the wife effortlessly without remorse. Even with a little grin on her face. Not because she hated that woman named Melany, but because she enjoyed the slashed veins, the separated bones and the torn flesh.

Takashi, Rei, Alice and Shizuka had little left to do. "Rei, please … finish things down here. I'll stop that psycho." He ran off towards the escalator with his gun aimed at the guy. He figured that the enraged man was out of ammo for there wasn't a single shot fired anymore. "Jasper! Stop it!" He yelled, but without effect. The man looked at him, then laughed. It wasn't your every day funny sort of laugh. That voice was filled with swallowed sadness and anger. The man ran down towards Takashi with an incredibly fast pace. "Stop! I'll shooot!' Of course he wouldn't. At least not yet. He had done it before right? What was stopping him now? Maybe it was the perpetual fear of his innocence and sadness. That man had just lost everything he cherished within a minute and was forced to deal with it. He lowered his gun at the last moment and with all of his weight the man crashed against Takashi's relative small body. Both of them tumbled down the escalator. Bruises and headaches would be inevitable.

"Takashi!" He heard from both up and down. Then his vision faded. Everything turned black . He felt his every muscle hurt and his head seemed to be floating. But he was alive. Even whilst he was unconscious he could hear the drama of the turmoil around him. From up above Kohta fired but at the last moment turned his gun so he'd miss. That bullet would've hit Takashi as well. The man ran towards Rei, Alice and Shizuka whilst yelling fervently.

"LEAVE THEM ALONE!" Rei however, knew that she had to act. She closed her eyes and shot the first kid down with a point blank shot and screamed to Shizuka Shizuka that she had to end the suffering of the other kid. Then she turned around to face the guy, whom suddenly was a whole lot closer.

It was too late. Her gun was grabbed by the berserker and torn from her hands. That guy was strong, VERY strong. Rei and Takashi never stood a chance. His fist made it's way towards rei's nose whom had made herself small. When the hit landed she felt a stingy pain running through her body. Followed by a small stream of liquid over her face. Luckily for her he didn't finish her of, he grabbed his children, one of them whom still was really –dead- bit him in his neck. He didn't care. Why would he care? It was his child. If his wife and children became one of them, he would do so as well.

Miss Shizuka didn't know what to do, instead she fell on her knees and dropped her colt. It was only now that yet another gunshot became apparent. Hirano Kohta, their sniper. Had pulled the trigger and tackled the guy. His spinal cord was completely drilled by the bullet and he fell to the ground. Screaming in pain, agony and anger.

It was all ended by Saeko, who jumped down from the first storey and ended it all with two swift swipes to their heads. The fact that she had almost snapped both of her ankles didn't really bother her. It had to be done, it was the only way.

Silence and shock now overtook them. Slowly they all gathered themselves up and came to their –senses-. They gathered around the man, and thus around Seaeko. Rei was the first one there, and was clenching to her nose. She didn't think it broke, but it was definitely hit hard. As she saw the three dead being she felt a wave of hopelessness surround her. They had just killed an entire household, hadn't they? Husband, wife and their two children. Why… how could they?

It were Alice and Shizuka who joined the three bodies after Rei. Shizuka, no matter how daft she might have been, felt her eyes getting damp. What had become of them? She hadn't done anything to them? It wasn't her fault… oh please, don't let it be her fault. And Alice? The little girl sobbed. Yet kept herself together. After her father had died. And after the countless encounters with them she found herself getting quite immune to the different situations that would pop up.

Kohta supported Takashi, who had one eye closed and clutched heavily to his chest. He felt weak. That fall had taken its toll on his already tired body. He didn't feel any real emotions yet, all he knew was that they would have to barricade the entrance with more than just the humvee. The explosions that came from the buss had distracted them, but there was no way these gun shots could have gone unheard. Kohta had a mixed feeling. They did what they had to do to save themselves right? That's what everyone would do in a situation like this. Then… why? Why did he feel so bad. They should've known better.

What about Saeko? She hadn't bonded with them at all. Did she feel sad? Of course she regretted killing them. But she didn't mind doing it. The lives of themselves where a lot more important than the lives of four people they didn't know. Were those completely egoistic thoughts? Yes. Yes they were and she knew it. But in a world like this they were given little choice.

Non of them said anything. What was there to say. They had been lucky that non of them had been seriously injured. Rei's nose had stopped bleeding and Takashi could feel the strength in his legs return. Saeko's ankles hadn't even hurt for more than five seconds. It was really only their mental states, which had been hit the hardest. The man lay there, with his two children on the ground. All of them were face down and a big puddle of blood started to appear below them. It was now that Takashi opened his mouth again.

"We need to barricade the entrance. This can't have gone unheard and I want some rest. I need time to think… as do we all I figure. Tomorrow… we'll start looking for out parents." He and Hirano, joined by Rei and Saya began to place some scrap next to the humvee and on top of it. All attached with heavy ropes and within no time they felt… safe. Safe and sorry.

Meanwhile Saeko, with the help of Shizuka and Alice had moved the three bodies to the second level. Crushing Shizuka's spirit even more. But at least it was better than to let them rot in front of their eyes. They got a few buckets of water and flushed the blood away. They wanted to forget. Close their eyes and forget.

A few hours later, they were indeed forced to fight off a few stragglers which had come towards them. But it was nothing which would put them in any real danger. Of course… even a single one of them could ruin it all. But they were… well… experienced enough by now to not simply fall to a single one of them.

They sat around a makeshift sort of campfire. They had taken a fire corf and gotten their hands on plenty of fire wood from the nearby timber shop to last the night. It was a nice, cosy and above all warm fire. Even thought it was only autumn for a little while, the nights already began to get really cold. At times even close to freezing. They had indeed, quite a comfortable life her inside of the mall compared to other survivors who would be out in the open or in some make shift shelter.

Food? There was plenty of it at the moment. Sure, in a few days the meat would start to outdate, and the vegetables as well. But at this point, getting decent food was no problem. Once again the barbeque was used, lettuce was spread and soup was poured. This time it was Saeko whom was cooking. Just like back in the apartment it tasted good, and in the situation they were in, it tasted even better. Their moods were risen, and some jokes were cracked. But nobody was able to start about the thing that troubled them all. Today was close, too close. Both Rei and Takashi got lucky that the guy had no bullets, and didn't try to kill them. Even luckier were the one's who had been targeted by loose projectiles. Hirano, Saya and Saeko hadn't been hit. But it's always … troublesome…. to get shot at.

And then there were Rei, Alice and Shizuka.

Rei was in shock. She had killed a kid, then got beaten by the angry dad, only to notice that an entire household had been brutally murdered by both them, and themselves.

Shizuka wasn't that shocked because of the fact that the mom and dad had faded away. Of course it bothered her. But the fact, that horrible fact, that they had let two harmless children abandon life annoyed, saddened and almost enraged her. Very much unlike her, she was actually the most serious of the whole lot at this point.

It was when Takashi and Kohta finished their meals that they finally started talking about it.

Saeko hadn't joined them, and was busy making the last two meals for both herself and little Alice. Who had helped her out with getting everything and brining it to the people. Saeko wasn't the best motherly kind, but maybe that was exactly what Alice needed at this point. Someone who'd say what things are like, not someone who'd baby her up.

"Tsss, couldn't you have at least waited for everyone to at least be ready." Saya remarked as soon as she noticed the two were done. Takagi hadn't really been paying a lot of attention to everyone for she was thinking about what everyone was letting their minds think about.

"Well… we could. But our tummies sure couldn't."

"Sheesh… always rushing in." Rei sighed out.

"It's just food. Come on, it's not that big of a deal." Both Kohta and Takashi responded. Annoyed at the two girls, what where they bothering with anyways? They got the food to eat right? What else to do with it?

"We still need respect for each other! Alice-chan and Saeko-san haven't even started eating!'

"S-Saeko.. ah." Yeah, Saya was right. As soon as she used that –Saeko argument- Takashi had been silenced. Kohta noticing that, kept his mouth shut as well.

The two other girls now joined them. Alice taking her place on Miss Shizuka-san's lap, and Saeko sitting down on the ground next to the nurse, and Saya to her left. Takashi in front of her. Left of him Rei, and right was Hirano. She as well noticed Takashi and Kohta already having finished their meals. Being one of the original Japanese culture, her eyes twitched a bit. But then she figured that they had only ate that fast if they liked the food, so that was a non-verbal compliment. Even better was, that when she looked at Takashi. Saeko noticed that he felt sorry and blushed, and as soon as their eyes crossed he coughed and sputtered out a sentence that'd be the onset of the following issue within the group.

"D'ermm… so. About today. What happened?" As soon as these words flowed out of his lips he was penetrated by six knifing stares. Yet everybody knew, that there was no getting around it. It was Rei who opened her mouth first.

"We killed a family in cold blood. That's what happened."

"Rei! No need to put it that bluntly! We had no choice!" Saya yelled back.

"Well it's the truth is it! We killed them! All of them!" She cried out. Tears were gathering in her eyes, ready to stream out as soon as she'd be pushed further.

"They were infected Rei-san. There was nothing we could do about Melany or Linda." Kohta interrupted. Trying to prevent Rei from yelling at Saya, and the otherway around. But most of all he just wanted to protect Saya.

"Don't use their names you fat nerd! That'll only make things worse!" were the words he got in return for his brave line. He didn't respond, what was there to respond to? He lowered his head, and looked at his knees.

"Shh, Saya. St.."

"Oh shut it. He had it coming." She knew that her words were too harsh. Sadly the intensity of the moment made her spout them out. "Sorry…" was whispered softly from her lips. But to no direct effect.

"We could have just let that man live! And the little boy could've been protected!" Rei spoke simply to continue the conversation. Now that they had started it, they'd finish it.

"No we couldn't… he lost his sanity. And the boy was bitten. They'd have turned against us anyways." Takashi replied.

"That's crap! That man would've returned to us in due time! Yet we let him get himself bitten. And now he's dead. He dead becau…" Before she had finished her sentence she remember whom had actually killed the man. Saeko… Even though she didn't do this on purpose. This was one perfect opportunity to blame her for something. "… Because of you!" She pointed her finger towards Busujima. Only to get no response.

She was trying hard to eat her cooked noodles with just one hand, which proved harder than one might think. That's why she wasn't really paying attention to the matter at hand. At least, not at the allegation that was thrown at her. After a few seconds when she looked up again, she finally noticed everyone looking at her. Some, at that long string of food that was still hanging on her mouth, and others at her eyes. She had indeed killed him, but it was Kohta that injured him. And takashi whom wanted to do it first.

"Aren't you going to answer ?" Rei asked. Softly this time. Thinking that she had hit a weak spot.

"I'm eating."

"We're talking over here! About the future of our little group!"

"I know." She continued eating. Of course Saeko knew how rude it was of her. And yes, she did it just to annoy Rei. Why wouldn't she?

"Tsss… at any rate. I think our LEADER, should at the very least try to LEAD this conversation." Rei then added. It seemed as if Saya agreed with her, for she nodded.

"I… what is there to talk about? We thought we were about to do something good. We thought we saved them. We couldn't have known that one of them was bitten."

"Two…. Two of them." Shizuka-sensei added.

"You're right. I'm sorry… Anyways.."

"No not anyways. Here you go again!" The red head interrupted.

"Rei. Not now. Let me finish."

"You a…"

"LET! Me finish. Neither could we have known that that guy would lose it like that. He came across strong and confident. I … I suppose everyone is weak from the inside." When he said this he though of Saeko. She was the perfect example. No matter how tough, or cold. How smart or how stunning. He had seen her weak side.

Saeko knew what he thought. Sure, she was eating so she was able to hide her facial reaction. Yet it hit her. It hit her like a double edged blade. One edge, cared about her. And the other thought she was weak. And the latter was exactly the thing which she did NOT want to be.

"So what? I didn't mean that Takashi!. What I want you to think about is the fact that we have a murderer in our group. Two to be honest." This time she pointed at both Saeko and Kohta. Of course, her finger put emphasize on Saeko.

Immediately Hirano sighed and completely hid his face. Shizuka coughed and looked away

It was weird, surprising even that it was Alice whom interrupted her. Not with a whole lot of words. But just by shouting "Rei!". But that deadly stare she got for her disrespect silenced her again.

"Rei… they protected us." Takashi stuttered.

Even Saya herself thought this was pushing it. Sure they had indeed… killed him. But to use the term murder was respect less, and to blame them was rude. Miyamoto knew damn well that she was being unreasonable. She felt sorry for Kohta, and even a bit for Saeko. She wanted to say sorry, only to be prevented from doing so by the glassed guy.

"Rei-san… we did not murder him. We saved him… from a destiny of being one of them. There's a major difference…"

"Y… your right. But still…"

"Miyamoto Rei. What are you trying to prove?" Saeko suddenly asked annoyed, as she put down her bowl. Her voice was calm and didn't stutter like the others did.

The red head didn't really know what to say. What was she trying to prove? That Saeko was a senseless killer? That it was she, whom belonged to Takashi and not that her? That they were losing their sanity? "I'm…"

"You're trying to blame a mistake we have all undergone, on me and Kohta-kun."

"Of course I am. You two were the ones that shot, and killed him!"

"We didn't have a choice. Instead of discussing how bad me and Kohta are. We should be talking about how we can prevent something similar to occur next time." She looked at the rest of the group and saw them either nodding, or whispering a soft –"You're right."-

"Yes we should. But not after we're all clear on the fact that we shouldn't kill off every single person that loses his mind for a while!"

"Shut up! We didn't do that for our pleasure! We did it because it was needed!" Kohta suddenly threw at her as he stood up with a straight back.

"Can it! Rei is right!" the blonde nurse yelled in defence of Rei. Everyone was surprised once again by her sudden determination, but it didn't really matter now.

Saya as well, wanted to pick a side. But neither of the –parties- were a real option for her. Instead she chose to hold her mouth until she'd be able to say something useful. And Takashi? He was the leader right? Should he let them finish, or should try to stop them. The second option it was.

"All of you! Stop it already! If this keeps on we're going to get split up!" He yelled as hard as he could. For a little while it seemed successful, up until the point where the enraged and sad voices were instead thrown at his direction, and thus he got unintentionally involved in the fighting. At this point Saeko, Saya and Alice were the only ones not screaming.

Saya however immediately jumped in the fray as the word –dumb- was used.

False arguments were used, and right ones were denied. Nobody even knew the original subject of the row anymore. Saeko hinted at Alice to join her and take some distance from the fight. Only to feel her spine be pierced by that voice which became more and more dreaded.

"Where do YOU think you're going?"

Rei walked up to her, and pointed back at the group. "You of all people should feel sorry! If it weren't for your bold and tactless rush to safe them, we wouldn't be dealing with this now!"

"Rei, this is not my fault. Now stop with offending us and pitting us against each other."

"I'm doing what? It's you who keeps…" All of the sudden she felt herself being pulled towards that indigo girl. In one lightning swift movement Saeko had grabbed the collar of Rei's shirt and pulled her directly in front of her own face. Their entire bodies had become one. There legs against each other, belly's pressed against each others', and breasts changing form to the other ones'.

Rei tried to move back but only just now noticed the strength which that girl had hidden behind that cute face. She was scared shitless and as the redhead saw those blinking and furious eyes she closed her own. Expecting a fist in her face or something similar any second now. Nothing happened. Just that immense force holding her close. As she opened her eyes again all she saw where those deep blue eyes. Sparkling as ever, but instead of giving her tickles in the stomach like they did with Takashi, they caused Rei to shiver, scream and almost struggle even.

Then she heard those whispered words. That monotone voice was filled up completely by a soft hiss. It sounded like a snake in Rei's ears. "One slip Rei, one slip. Is all it takes for me to end your cosy little bossy life. One slip and nothing more." The force which Saeko used increased by tenfold and Rei stuttered out some moans of pain. "Are we clear on that? Miyamoto?"

"Y… y… let go off me!" Before she agreed Rei had regained her composure. And with one hard push she released herself from Saeko's grip. As soon as some distance was created and the red head was allowed some breathing space she became furious. Which of course wasn't that strange. And when she looked up to yell at that girl the only thing that stopped her was that pale hand on the hilt of a katana and that awful, awful grin. The rest of the group hadn't really noticed their… little conversation. And besides Takashi and Alice, non had even seen it. But of course… if there was one person whom mattered to both Rei and Saeko, it would've been Takashi.

The night fell, and after one more hour that discussion had finally come to an end. They didn't scream all the time, but a lot more topics had come to be discussed. Was a leader really a good idea? Should they make proper tactics? Should they allow more people to enter the group? Most of them were trivial matters and had clear answers. And others really hit soft spots on singular persons. But after a while they all realized how dumb it was what they were doing. With a few… unmeant… handshakes they apologized. And went back to do things they always wanted to do. A few more hours before it would be bed time again, thus now came the discussion whom who'd stand on guard duty this night. It didn't take long for Saeko to volunteer. She'd slept more than any of them since she had gotten herself injured. It'd only be fair to stay awake for a night and allow the rest of the group their well earned rest.

Two more hours passed with basically nothing happening. One of them managed to reach the humvee and scared the living hell out of the small group when it suddenly bashed against the barricade. But it was nothing which they couldn't solve.

Afterwards they had gotten their hands on multiple things to amuse themselves with.. That used yathzee game, simple cards, risk and chess. A game of risk was suggested, but nobody was in the mood. Instead it ended with Kohta and Saya playing chess, to see whom was allowed the fuzzy blanket. They could've just gotten another one, but this was a whole lot more amusing. Of course… the winner was already decided from the beginning. Nevertheless, it got a smile on most of their faces. After a few last snacks and useless sentences they all went asleep. Everyone except Saeko of course. By now they knew that there were non of them in the mall itself. So instead of staring into the blackness inside, Saeko had made herself a cosy little hut inside of the humvee. All of the chairs had been lowered ever since the beginning and there was enough space for her to lay down, sit, stand or whatever suited her best.

Her vision was perfect. The sky was clear and the reflecting moonlight and stars allowed her to oversee the parking lot without difficulty. The smouldering wreckage, a little a measly hundred meters away was yet another lights source. A lot of them had gathered around the buss and were clumsy enough to walk in the fire, thus after a while died. But the major part of them simply stood there. Most likely –hoping- that a living being would pass by and become their next prey.

Needless to say, the lampposts weren't working. It was a good thing Saeko had perceptive eyes, so even without the fire and open sky, seeing wouldn't be that much of a difficulty for her.

She had gotten herself a thermo can full of hot tea, and a little bowl of rice. It made her giggle a little bit. At least she wasn't as stupid as Takashi to enter such a long night unprepared. It was also now that she noticed her shoulder being able to move again without hurting all too much. One… maybe two days? Then I'll finally be back to my old self. I apologize if I let any of you down. Even if non of you say it out loud… I know I did. I feel like I did.

She wanted to know how late it was. It was discouraging to not know the time, and when she could be expecting the rising sun. Sadly for her it would be at least another eight hours before that right would be granted to her. One thing she knew for sure however, next night they'd do shifts. The bowl of rice was eaten almost immediately, for she hadn't really gotten the chance to properly eat before. For now, she would just watch them. She sat behind the steering wheel, leaning on top of it. Her eyes gazed through the damp glass and crossed the parking lot. She saw the hordes of them. Of course, she just wanted to go out and slash a few of them. But she knew all too well that that'd be stupid. Besides, the improvement of her shoulder gave her an extra willpower boost to NOT overuse her shoulder.

"*sigh*." Already the boredom struck her. And even though she thought she had prepared herself for this, a book or two couldn't hurt. Wrapping a blanket around herself she still felt a chilly and uncomforting cold slowly crouching over her spine, hands and legs. Every time she'd exhale a small cloud of her warm breath came from her lips. It was cold. Very much so all out of the blue. It was only just autumn right? Ah well… weather is unpredictable.

When one of them managed to catch flame because of its own stupidity she couldn't help but to giggle a little. "Stupid creatures…" This was one of the first times she actually saw them as beasts, and not as deformed humans. One more sip from her cup of tea was all it took for a soft warmth to take over for a few seconds. It was a comforting, and above all relaxing sensation.

Focussing intensely on the outside, she had barely noticed the footsteps that were coming towards her from the back. Were they Takashi's? They sure sounded as rude and tactless as Kumoro's footsteps had always sounded like. She turned her head, and yes, As she saw a smiling face appearing, it was indeed him.

"Saeko-san… I figured I'd keep you company." He spoke quite reluctantly and soft. He knew that he shouldn't wake up anyone or he'd rise a lot of questions.

"T… Takashi-kun? What ar… no I mean… You should be sleeping." Her eyes jumped open and her heart pounded a little faster. Now that she thought about it, she could have expected this.

"Maybe I should. But I owe you one for yesterday night. Do… do you mind if I join you?"

"No. … of course not I mean!" Takashi moved inside of the humvee as well. He was taller than Saeko, thus he moved quite clumsily. Nevertheless, he reached the two front chairs, and sat down on the other one. It wasn't raised, so he basically sat down on a plank covered with leather. An boy, did he immediately notice the cold in front of this vehicle.

"UHm.. Saeko-san?"

She had been watching him sitting down. And though he tried to hide it, he was obviously cold. Should she offer him his blanket? Not before he'd ask.

"what's wrong?"

"Well… it's been a tough day and I'd like to talk about some things. If that's okay with you?"

"Of course it is."

"Well, first of all. What where you thinking? Running off like that?" Whilst he thought he would stutter with this question. He actually spouted it out with a lot of confidence.

"What I was thinking? I'm not quite …sure." She looked him in the eyes, and immediately saw him blushing and looking away. Hihi, he's confident with his words, but not with his body.

"You risked not only our lives… but yours as well. And Saeko-san… I…"

"Takashi-kun. Shhh. I promise…." She waited for him to look her in the eyes before continuing her sentence." … that I will not take a risk like that again. I didn't know the damp was toxic, nor had I any clue of their state. It's just that…. That…"

"That?" His leg began to shake and he couldn't stop. Even in the dark, her eyes sparkled. Shrouded by a nigh impenetrable blackness because of the night and her lustrous hair, a white comforting light still escaped her eyes. Oh boy did his heart pound. He didn't want to talk about this, but it was necessary. He never wanted her to risk her life like that again. It was strange… he cared less about his own life, than he did about hers'. Was that healthy?

"It's just that… I'm the better fighter. I wanted to clear a path for you."

She didn't lie. It hadn't been her intention before. But when one would search deep inside of her heart, they would immediately recognize the truth. "I wanted to clear a path for you to be safe. For … them to be safe. Just…" This line was never meant to be finished. And it would never finish. She heard Takashi raise his nose and staring at her blanket.

"Takashi-kun, are you cold?" Of course he is… I knew that from the beginning.

"What? No. I'm fine."

"You're full of pride." She stood up, and moved towards him. A small surprised sound escaped his lips. He immediately shoved to the side a little to give her some space to sit down. Getting the hint, she did indeed sit down next to him. However, this time she directly made sure that her body shared warmth with Takashi's.

" Mister Takashi-kun. Would you like to share this blanket with me, to warm up?" She joked a little. Using his own verbal tactics against him. Of course, knowing that she wasn't the best joker around Saeko didn't really laugh about herself. But as soon as Takashi's happiness reached her ears and consciousness she smiled with him.

"I'd be honoured. Miss Busujima-Saeko." They wrapped the blanket around the both of them. Luckily they had been given the luxury of blankets which were meant for tall people, so they both fitted in without too much troubles.

Her hips being one with his'. Her shoulder touching his' as well. All of it was a nice feeling. And under the relaxing warmth of the blanket the positive tension increased quite quickly. However, it wasn't quite the time to completely settle down yet.

"Takashi, if I may. UHm..." She looked away for a moment, then grabbed his hand. Instead of pulling back accidently, he intentionally held her hand tightly as he as well, stared outside.

"…, what you said. You mean that right? That you… liked me?"

The question made him laugh a bit. "Of course I meant it. Why?"

"It's just that… I know I shouldn't bring this up." She made a very little bow. " But, about you and Rei."

"Yes. What about it?" He didn't want to sound this rude, but this was still a very sensitive subject. He even saw her doubting for a moment and wanted to reform his sentence, but she already finished her question.

"Do you still love her?" As soon as these words had left her mouth she felt relieved. No matter what his response would be, she'd at least know the truth. Takashi closed his eyes and squeezed her hand quite hard. It didn't hurt, but it was still weird. It was different from the loving grip from before. This was… adoration for Saeko, and resent against Rei. But it was also a grip full of hidden love for that redhead.

"Saeko… I…"

"It's okay. I have prepared myself."

"I don't… love Rei anymore. Not in the way I think I love y…. I don't love her like that anymore. But you must know that she and I have a very rich history and that's not something I can… I can put aside just yet."

Did he just really say he loved her? She thought she had heard it before but this time it really hit the spot. She wrapped her hand around his' more intensely now as well.

"Takashi, I… there's one thing I must say."

"Hm? Please… don't hold back for me." He spoke sarcastically. But he meant it. In fact, he had never been more serious. He wanted nothing more than a Saeko who would entrust him with everything.

"Miyamoto and me. We have entered a state of hostility and…"

"Saeko-san. I know. I've seen it ever since today. It's… about me I take it?" The teenager's part of his mind jumped in the air out of happiness. Two stunning girls in love with him? But the Takashi part of his brain felt sorry. Sorry for Rei? Saeko? Maybe a bit for both.

"It…" It was quite embarrassing for her to say. "…is just that…. We have both resorted to physical violence at least once. And…"

Whilst he would love to let her complete her sentence. He hadn't actually expected them to have fought?

"Physical violence? What?"

"It doesn't matter what. It happened. And I need you to know that me and Miyamoto are on less than friendly terms right now. And.."

"It does matter!"

"Stop interrupting me." She spoke quite seriously, a bit annoyed even. No matter how much she cared for him. Being interrupted wasn't something she liked. She saw her crush's questioning face and immediately gave him a little bow again. Shit, was she bad at this. Whenever they'd all be together in tough situations. She was able to keep her cool, and act wise, tough and correct constantly. But now that she was alone with him? Her very vocabulary seemed to have faded away.

"As I was saying. I'd like to.. well, since you're the leader. I'd like you to keep that in mind."

"Saeko-san… is that all?" He replied. Quite to the dislike of Saeko. Was that all? She had just spo… "Of course I'll keep that in mind. You didn't even need to ask." He tried to move a little closer to her only to notice that that was night impossible. Both due to her shoulder, and the fact that that they were already so closely together. It was also now that their eyes touched again. Their pupils made direct contact as both of their eyes shook in anticipation. They both wanted to kiss, but there was something which was stopping them.

"How… is that wound treating you?'

"Hmm? Oh this. It's healing. I don't feel it quite as much anymore. In fact, I barely feel it." She moved her shoulder up and down, and did indeed feel nothing. Whether that was because of her mind trying to stay tough, or whether it had actually healed didn't really matter. Suddenly, an enormous urge to get the bandages off, penetrated her mind.

"That's good to hear!"

"Takashi… I want these bandages off." She wanted to pull her sweater off to rid herself of that burden. But when she saw the guy sweating and swallowing his excitement she stopped. Only to make him feel more uncomfortable and great at the same time with her following question. "C-can you help me please?" This was unlike her. Had she just asked him to… help her to partly undress and.. well. You know?

Did he really need to answer? Of course he wanted that. Nothing more. And if this moment were to be ruined by his stupid urge to talk now, he'd make himself dead.

I'm sorry I haven't posted for quite some time. But I had a test week, last 5 days. And yeah, as you can guess. I had to study a LOT! So there you have it, the reason. Please forgive me.

I decided to move the well… -erotic- part to the next chapter. I figured this was going to be too long. I might make it a short chapter. Only those 8 hours of night. Both love, and sleep will be written. I'm planning to make them answer things in the way I'd like to see things in Highschool of the dead. Whilst doing.. stuff? Nothing too much I suppose. That'll be in 4 chapters or so. But y'know. I don't know at leasy, so neither can you. Forgive my sillyness.

Going to bed now! Good night all!

From now on chapters will be posted faster again. I once again apologize!