Business is still booming and I'm still buried in paperwork so writing time has been at a minimum. Needless to say I'm working on both stories as much as I can.

I do not own Highschool of the DEAD or its characters.

Updated: 10/31/13

"So you were here with a group of 'venture' scouts?" Kohta asked.

Rika nodded, "They are an extension of the Scout Association of Japan. Regular scouts top out at age 15 but Venture Scouts run from 14 to 19. Plus they're co-ed. Our SAT group sponsors and mentors the group we were with today."

Saya was intrigued now, "So what do they do besides come shooting with you?"

Rika shrugged her shoulders, "Lots of things, helping at elderly homes, civic projects, camping, hiking, archery, really to many things to list. It's a lot more about life preparation then the regular scouts are. Our group tends to have more people go into law enforcement then others."

Saya thought about this for a moment before looking at Kohta, "Might be something you should look into Kohta-kun, since you are not in any school clubs now."

Kohta shrugged his shoulders, but it was Takashi that spoke up, "I might take a look at it. I have no idea what I want to do after high school."

Rika nodded, "Might be good for you Komuro-san. Now is the time you have to start making those life decisions. By the way, I want to tell you, Tajima and I was impressed with how you and Busujima-san handled yourselves at the accident scene. You were cool and level headed, even though the people hurt were your friends."

Takashi shrugged, not really comfortable with the praise from the woman, "I just wanted to make sure they got the help they needed a fast as possible. Freaking out and throwing a fit doesn't get you anywhere and hurts those in need."

Rika and Tajima glanced at each other before Rika said, "So true Komuro-san, so true.

000

"So just what are you thinking Sarge?" Tajima asked as they drove back to their office.

Rika shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know. Hirano-san would be a great addition for us if he can get in and pass the academy. We'll see how that goes."

She sighed and stretched as Tajima maneuvered around cars parked in the street, "Komuro-san is interesting to me for some reason. He seems level headed, but acts like he does not have a plan besides hanging out with the hot ass girlfriend of his."

She pulled out a small cigar and clenched it between her teeth, "I want to keep my eye on both of them. If we can get them in the Venture's I think it would be a big help to them."

Tajima nodded.

000

Late spring turned into summer, and the school semester began to wind down. Yuriko and Kohta made arraignments with the shooting school for Yuriko and Saya to attend the basic class while Kohta took the advanced course. Yuriko covered the airfare since Kohta was to be their guide. They would be in America a little over a month during summer vacation.

Saya and Kohta had been invited to Saeko's house and introduced to 'Papa Kage' as Saya liked to call him. Kage hit it off with the pair as well as he had with Takashi, and needless to say, was having a ball with the teens.

Finally the time came and two months after the surgery Saya, Kohta and Yuriko arrived at the hospital for Kohta to get his cast off.

The ladies waited outside the examination room while the doctor worked. After two hours of removing the cast, taking x-rays and getting cleaned up, Kohta walked out under his own power. He had a plastic and Velcro device on his lower right leg and a cane in his hand.

Saya leaned over and looked closely at the contraption. "So what is this now?" she asked.

"This is a walking cast," the doctor explained, "While the broken bones have healed well, we just want to give him couple of weeks of support while he gets used to walking again while the leg muscles are still weak. The cane is to give him some stability. Though Hirano-san may walk with a limp for a while, we are considering him mostly healed. He does not have to keep it on all the time except when standing or walking for an extended period."

Saya beamed and squeezed Kohta's hand while Yuriko thanked the doctor for his work.

When they arrived back at the house Saya went to change before heading to Kohta's room. When she got there she found Kohta and her mother standing and talking when she came in.

"What are you two talking about?" she asked as she walked up.

Yuriko smiled, "I was just asking Hirano-kun what he would like for his going away meal tonight."

Saya froze, "What do you mean by 'going away meal'? Where is he going?"

Kohta smiled sadly at her, "Saya-chan, I'm healed now; I need to go back to my home and stop imposing on your parents. I'll be leaving tomorrow."

Yuriko turned to Saya, "Saya-chan that was the plan all along, remember?"

"B…but…I just thought…" Saya stuttered as her mind raced. She suddenly turned and ran from the room.

Kohta started after her, but was stopped when Yuriko put her hand on his arm. "Wait Hirano-kun, I'll go talk to her in a bit. She has to understand this is the way things must be, for now."

He looked at the older woman, the hurt on his face apparent, "But she's upset with me…I need to make her understand it's not that I want to go, but…"

Yuriko's grip tightened on his arm, "Hirano-kun, if you try to talk to her right now you may end up fighting, and that would not be good for either of you. We need to give her a few minutes to think, and then I will go see her. I know how you feel about her, and how she feels about you. We have all enjoyed you being here despite the circumstances that brought you to us."

She let go of his arm and sighed, "I think this is best right now. You both need breathing room; you have been next to each other every day for two months now. While I know it seems like you are being pushed apart, I think you will find out it makes you look forward to seeing each other more and more."

She smiled at him, watching his eyes as he processed the information. "They say 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' and I think since we are going to spend a month together in another country, well I have a feeling it will be a special time for the two of you."

"I'll go make arraignments for supper and then I'll go see Saya. You relax for a bit."

He nodded and headed for the balcony as she went downstairs.

000

Saya was sitting on her bed, hugging her knees when her mother knocked lightly on the door and stepped through.

Yuriko came over, sat down beside her and waited till Saya sighed and looked up.

"I know it feels like you're being split up but really you're not Saya-chan."

Saya nodded, "I know Mama, but it just seemed so sudden. I knew he would have to go home, I just didn't think it would happen so quick though."

Yuriko smiled, "You have really grown fond of him haven't you?"

"I…" Saya hesitated as she looked at her mother. "I think I love him Mama, but don't know what it's supposed to feel like. I know how I love you and Papa, but this is different. It's more like what Saeko-chan has described to me about her feelings for Takashi."

Yuriko took her daughter's hand and squeezed it. "I sure he feels the same way about you too dear, but he has been a 'captive' boyfriend. The two of you need some space for a while."

She waved her hand as Saya opened her mouth to protest, "I don't mean it the way you are thinking. Your father and I both like him and approve of him, he's a good young man and he's good for you. Just think of it this way, you have not gotten the chance to do things that other couples have been doing. He can walk and move around easily now so you can go on walks, go to the movies, shopping together, so many things that you could not do before. Look forward to being a normal couple for a while. He is always welcome here and that room will be his anytime he wants to stay over."

Saya's eyes narrowed as she thought about what her mother told her.

Yuriko continued, "I'm betting though you will find out the joys, of looking forward to seeing each other at school and many other things."

Saya sighed, "It still doesn't mean I will not miss being able to run down to his room anytime I want to."

"I understand that dear, but love will find a way."

Turning toward Yuriko, she said, "I have a special request…"

000

Saya came to Kohta's room when it was time for supper and found him sitting on the bed looking dejected.

He stood up as she walked over. Suddenly she threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly.

Hugging her back he said, "Saya I…"

"Hush," she told him. "I'm not mad at you. I'm madder at myself because I didn't think this through. It was just a sudden shock was all; I just thought we would have more time together."

He stroked her hair and nuzzled the side of her head. "You know I wish I didn't have to leave and no one is forcing me to, but the time has come for me to support myself again."

She sniffed, "I know, I just got so wrapped up in us being together that I lost sight of the fact that you would be leaving."

"I'm not really going anywhere, we'll see each other every day at school and then we have the trip to go on," he told her.

"I know. I also want to do something with Saeko and Takashi before we leave. Just the four of us go on a double date or something."

He nodded, "Sounds like a good idea, movies or something maybe."

She stepped back and took his hand, "Come on mama and papa are waiting on us for supper."

000

They had a very enjoyable meal. Yuriko had given Kohta several choices of his favorites and he had picked a full, Japanese style, family meal with all the trimmings. While he could have picked something simpler, he also knew Saya's father loved this too, and if he had learned anything from Takashi it was 'keep daddy happy'"

Kohta was proud to say he and Souichirou got along well. While Souichirou had plenty of followers and assistants hanging around, he seemed pleased to have someone who was not obliged to him to talk to. He knew he and Kohta didn't see eye to eye on everything, but he respected that in the young man.

Souichirou smiled slightly as he watched the interplay between the boy and his daughter. He felt Saya was really coming out of her gruff shell and he liked the changes he was seeing.

As they finished their meal he turned to Kohta, "Hirano-kun, I would speak to you on the patio."

Kohta nodded and responded with, "Hai!"

They stepped outside and Souichirou took the spot he always did overlooking the Koi pond. Kohta waited patiently, he knew the man liked to gather his thought's before speaking.

"Hirano-kun I would like to say I am pleased your recovery has gone so well. It has been enjoyable to have had you stay with us and I want you to know you are always welcome in our home."

Kohta bowed to the man, "Don Takagi I wish to thank you and okaa-sama for your kindness and support during this time."

Souichirou nodded, "You did us a great service Hirano-kun. Without your bravery we might no longer have a daughter."

Kohta could no longer meet the man's eyes. He lowered his head and turned slightly to the side, "I tremble at that thought Don Takagi."

The man reached out and placed his hand on Kohta's shoulder, "I know. I also want to entrust you with their safety while you are on the trip to the states. Can I rely on you?"

Kohta raised his head and looked the older man in the eye, "With my life sir, I will protect them with my life."

"Then I place them in your care," Souichirou said with a smile. "Now, you should go find Saya, I'm sure by now she if fretting over the fact I have kept you from her this long!"

They both laughed as Kohta bowed and went back into the house.

Yuriko stepped from around the corner of the building and came to stand by her husband. She placed her hand on his arm as he sighed.

"Regrets dear?" she asked.

He shook his head, "No, not really. It's just hard to release your daughter into the arms of a man, even if we do think highly of him."

She hugged his arm lightly, "Don't worry, they're good children and I sure Hirano-kun or Saya-chan would never do anything to destroy our trust in them."

He simply nodded as they watched the koi in the pond.

000

It was near midnight when Yuriko tapped on Kohta's open bedroom door. Walking in, she found the pair sitting on the bed playing cards, Kohta at the head, Saya at the foot.

"Do you two need anything before I go to bed?" she asked.

Saya shook her head as Kohta said, "No ma'am."

She nodded and smiled, "Then I'll say goodnight and see you in the morning. We'll have a nice big breakfast before the two of you head to Hirano's house."

Kohta scratched the back of his head and then stretched. Saya looked up from her cards and asked, "Getting tired?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "Yeah some, I know it's not terribly late, but I am getting a little sleepy."

She gathered up the cards and put them aside. She then, to his surprise, crawled up the bed and turned to sit down beside him, pulling his right arm over her shoulders.

Kohta, eyes wide, said, "Saya…what are you doing?"

"Getting comfortable," she replied.

"Saya if your mother comes back we…"

She held up her finger to his lips, silencing him, "Mother knows where I'm at. I asked special permission to stay with you tonight."

"…"

She smirked, "Of course there are rules. The door must be open, the light must be on and we must be on top of the blankets. Those are mama's rules. My rules are no grabby hands or trying to get ecchi, not that you would of course. Oh, there must be kisses, lots of kisses…"

His eyes were wide as she leaned up and pressed her lips to his. After a few minutes they pulled back and he squeezed her to his side as she lay her head on his shoulder.

"Why?" he asked quietly. He did not have to say anything else; she knew what he was asking.

She turned her head slightly where she could see his face, "This is your last night here, and while I know you will be able to come and stay anytime I want you too it…it just seems like…like an ending in some way. I want to make a memory of you being here…whole and well, not hurt like you were."

He pulled her closer and hugged her with both arms. "Saya I…" he paused, trying to think of what to say. He sighed, "I'll shut up. Your mother said it's alright so I'll live with that, but…Saya I am a man and to have you here like this…I…"

She hugged him tighter, "I know you're a man Kohta, I've very aware of it in fact. I also…I think…I think I love you Hirano Kohta."

He sat blinking as her confession sunk in. He had hoped to hear those words from her for so long he was dazed when they finally came.

"Say that again."

She looked up at him. His eyes narrowed and she felt he was looking deep within her soul.

"Say…it…again…" he whispered.

"I think I love you…" she whispered.

He crushed his lips to hers and hugged her so tightly she had to grasp for breath.

"Kohta…uhh…to tight…"

He released her, "I'm sorry Saya…I lost myself for a minute there. I love you to, I have from the first moment I saw you, but I need to ask you something."

She nodded for him to continue.

"Why do you say 'I think'?"

Saya blushed and buried her face into his chest. Her heart was pounding in her ears and she could feel his beating also, "Because I've never felt this way before, I know I love my mama and papa, but it's not the same as how I feel about you Kohta. Saeko has told me how she feels about Takashi and it's more like that."

Kohta kissed her on top of her head and ran her hair through his fingers. He smiled, "That's good enough for me. Anytime you think 'I'm sure' just let me know okay?"

He half expected her to rise up and threaten him with her fist, but instead she nodded and hugged him tighter as he chuckled.

000

They fell asleep sitting up, Saya leaning against Kohta's right side, his arm around her waist holding her to him.

When Saya woke up she looked around for a moment before remembering where she was. She looked up at his smiling, peacefully sleeping face before easing his arm off and slipping off the bed. She stood and looked at him for a minute, a smile on her face, before padding quietly out the door.

The sky outside was just starting to lighten so she turned the light off and gently closed the door to let him snooze more.

She turned to go to her room and found her mother sitting in a chair across the hall watching her, a smile on the woman's face.

Walking over she wrapped her arms around her mother and said, "Thank you," as she sniffed slightly.

"How was it?" Yuriko asked.

"Nice," Saya replied. "I was warm, comfortable and felt safe with him." She glanced at her mother as they started down the hall, "So did you sit out here all night to protect my virtue?"

Yuriko laughed, "No dear, I did check on you during the night, but I stepped to the door just as you were waking up, so I waited for you."

They stopped at Saya's door and Yuriko told her, "Go rest a little longer. I'll call you for breakfast at seven and then we will head over to Hirano-kun's house."

"Eh…you're going to go with us?" Saya asked.

Her mother nodded, "I'm not trying to intrude and I know you have plans with Saeko-chan and Takashi-kun tonight, but I think I need to at least see where my daughter is going to be spending a lot of her time. Right?"

Saya smirked, "I understand, Mama. I'll introduce you to Callie if she's around."

000

The day had turned out very well overall. After a good breakfast, Yuriko and the teenagers had arrived at Kohta's house, to be greeted at the door by Callie, who seemed very happy to see them. After a couple of hours helping Kohta get settled back in, Yuriko left and the couple walked to the store to pick up groceries and snacks for the evening.

This was a new experience for Saya. She had always had servants, and, while she could cook, she never had to go get the food herself before. Here is where Kohta shined. He showed her how to look for deals, pick the fresh food and what to be careful of in how long items would keep fresh.

She enjoyed the walk to the store and back. Strolling along, holding Kohta's arm, seeing other people smile, as the couple passed.

They had a light lunch before Saeko and Takashi arrived. For the rest of the day they watched movies, and played games. Saya and Saeko even played in the clothing room a little, while the boys played a video game.

They all participated in fixing supper till finally the girls ran the boys out for being disruptive.

Evening turned to night and soon it was time to go. Saya had called the car, so Saeko and Takashi were getting a ride home with her. They told Kohta goodbye and went outside to wait for Saya.

She and Kohta stood in the front alcove hugging each other till finally Kohta pulled back, "Saya, honey you know you have to go."

She nodded and sniffed, "I know, and once I make it to the car I'll probably be fine, but taking that first step is hard."

He leaned in and kissed her softly, "Just remember I love you and you can email or call me when you get home."

She nodded and kissed him one more time, then ran out the door to the car. Once inside she stared back at the house as Saeko smiled and squeezed her hand.

After a short trip to Saeko's house, Saya tried not to watch as the swordswoman and Takashi kissed inside the gate.

Once the boy got back in, Saya noticed he also looked back as they drove away.

"Is it always this hard to leave and go home, Takashi?" she asked.

He thought a moment before responding, "Yes and no. We hate to part, but I also feel it's not 'goodbye', but more 'until later'. It's always a joy to see her again whether it's the next day or after she has been at a kendo tournament for a couple of days."

He glanced at his friend as she sat looking out the window, "You know, Takagi; I want to say I'm glad to see you the way you are right now."

She frowned and looked at him, "What do you mean by that?"

He smiled, "For the first time in all the years I've known you, you seem happy. Oh, there have been some happy times before, but now you seem happy all the time. Do you understand what I mean? It makes me happy to see you that way."

She elbowed him in the side, "Baka." Then she sighed and said, "I guess I don't have to tell you how I feel about him. I think you and Saeko-chan are the same way. It has been a big change for me and now I know I can never go back to the way things were." She rubbed her chin with her thumb and forefinger, "You know none of this might have happened if Miyamoto had not dumped you."

Takashi laughed, he had been thinking the same thing.

A/N: Ahh, peaceful, happy times for all. Summers coming on and means…swimsuits! Plus we will see an additional character show up next time. Chapter 11 is already in progress! As always please leave a review and/or favorite!