I do not own Highschool of the dead I make no money from this it is a fanfiction and not for profit.
You Can Sleep When You're Dead
Chapter 7: Down Time and Confessions
The water was hot and flowing fast, purifying me. The colour of the run off was red and dirty, with the blood and dirt from the last few days. Dam it was good to be in the shower. There is just something about one, that puts the world to rights and far better than the bird bath that was my sink.
Having Just stood there enjoying the sensation and had been for at least 15 minutes, when I decided to finally get washed. I was not exactly relishing the thought, of having to put on my dirty clothes after this. "Should of brought some spare with me." I huffed out taking a gulp of the hot water then spitting it back out.
Finally all pruned up I left the shower. After an hour of just standing there washing myself lazily, got to take advantage while I can after all. Checking my watch its now 11:30, urrgg got to go meet daddy Takagi now.
I was thinking about the man, having done the previous research, on the Yoshioka job, The man that was originally to be my first mark in Japan.
Don Takagi was a clan leader and politician, ultra-right wing. A no bullshit kind of guy, probably will take an instant dislike to me as I'm a not from japan, but then nether is his wife so we will just have to see. Besides if it comes to a pissing contest on family I do have an ace up my sleeve for that.
Having got out of the shower and dried off, I started to look around the room in just my towel, to see if there are any clean clothes, which can be used. Grumbling to myself after the fruitless search, not for me by the looks of it, I'm 6'2" not that many in japan are that size. "Fuck!" dirty gear it is then, their go's my first impression. I will have to wash them before bed, so that it's dry in the morning.
Leaving my room, I head off down stairs towards the main office. Stopping one of the servants, to ask for directions to the Don, only to get a sort of wave in the direction. After some looking around the large home I bump in to Komuro on the way to find the don.
"Hello there." I shout out to him all grins.
"Hello how was the shower." He looks me up and down a little confused I still have blood stained clothes on.
"Ah well I don't have any clean ones." I smirk while scratching the back of my head. "But the shower was a god send." At that point we are interrupted by some shouting, it sounds like pinkie is giving someone a bad time.
Komuro looks to me and sighs "Best go see what that is about."
"Rather you than me kid… she is a feisty one" all but beaming at him,
"She is not always like that. Saya can be quite a good friend too"
"Well if you say so… anyway I have got to find the Don as he has asked to see me can you point in the right direction to find him?"
Looking at me for a moment Komuro then laughs and points down the hall. "Down there… Looks like we are both about to get some of the hard treatment."
"Maybe… maybe" I say as I walk off.
As I arrive I am asked to wait outside the dojo. By non-other than the man I was to kill next week Yoshioka "Don Takagi is in with someone and asked for you to wait here."
"Ok" was all I could say to the now lucky man looks like he was going to live.
After standing there for 20 minutes which felt as if it was 20 hours. With the feeling like I was at the principal's office, or when I was a kid, during the incident with the cat next door.
The door finally slides open to revel Saeko. She is dressed in a blue kimono, we exchange glances and I look down to see her with a new sword. Seriously the girl is picking them up like skittles now, by the hand full.
"Later. I will come and see you in your room later. But right now, you need to have your talk to Don Takagi about men's business" she calmly tells me with a small smile.
I just stand and nod as she walks past I whisper to her. "You look good in that." she stops briefly turns and gives me a wink and leaves.
Don Takagi, was a powerful looking man in both stature and looks. Not to mention his position is society as a whole. Someone not to be trifled with, but then so am I and I am not intimidated by this, or the kind of person that the Don is. I look to him bowing slightly; as I do not see him as a superior that and I just don't get the bow thing. this I will admit was a mistake. "You wish to see me Don Takagi." Straight to the point no sense dancing around it.
"….."
There is an awkward pause he is looking at me. Sizing me up, as if I am some ingrate that has just defiled his presence with my own.
"I do not approve of you."
Well that's nice of you I think keeping a straight face.
"A common man" he let this lingered a bit.
"That has seen fit, to ally himself with my sensei's daughter, I have half the mind to ask you to leave. But I will give you this chance, to defend yourself! After what you did for her. Be honest tell me now why you are worthy"
My mid was swimming on the edge of, fuck you and have 5.7mm of fuck off to the face.
I looked to the Don, giving him the deepest of stairs. Showing him exactly what I was a cold killer that would not think twice of killing, if it is needed, then go and have cornflakes after the fact. Not that this would intimidate him it, I was not that stupid to believe it would. It was more a show of fuck you.
"I am James Campbell, of the Clan Campbell of Argyll Scotland. 6th in line to the head of the clan. The clan cheften is my great grandfather. I am a fighter a killer for hire and I will not think twice of anyone's safety but Saeko's, even if that means that I must die so she can live."
Ok that could have gone better. But this guy just pissed me right off. It is true though, I had fallen for her and fallen bad. Now knowing, that I am going to have to tell her this and soon.
I paused to let my words sink in "and if you wish me to prove it to you… then you can fuck right off… as that would be a matter between her father and myself."
Looking at me angrily he then began to laugh "well Campbell-kun I admire your honesty… but you are an assassin and that is hard to take in, as well as have you around here unattended."
Cutting him off mid speech; "I was in the old world, now in this new one, well I don't know just a survivor and fighter like everyone else and I give you my word that I will not do anything untoward anybody here."
Looking to me again to size up his words and craft his answer. "Very well you have my support. You may stay but you must listen to me."
Aging I gave him the fuck off look "I am here at Seako-sans request and for her only. I will help out but in no way will I be subservient to anyone else here."
Looking at me surprised, all I could think was don't like it when it does not go your way do you.
"Very well I have a measure of you now. Some of it I like other things, well what I see is that you are head strong be careful of that. You may go now. But know this you are being watched." then he bowed a little.
I returned the bow keeping eye contact with him at all times turned and left all the while thinking it's going to be one of them days is it.
0000
The water was soothing, washing away my troubles and the pain from my cuts and sprains. The girls where with me, asking all sorts of questions.
I just wanted to be left alone for a moment to meditate and centre myself.
I was missing him already my battle partner James. I admired him greatly, maybe even loved him. All this was strange and new to me, I was having a crush well at least I think I was.
After my shower I sat down on the bed, so Sense could inspect my wounds, complementing on the job James had done. But telling me if he had done a little more than he had, the soon to be scars would have been hard to see.
Saya was asking what I thought of him again. "So tell me the truth what do you think of him?"
It was just girl talk and I could be doing without it for now. "I admire him greatly."
Rei then piped up. "So is that bushido for you love him then?"
I started to turn red this got them all very excited, with a giggling chorus of she is in love.
Saya excitably added "I should think so after what you nearly did last night?"
I looked to her, as an even darker shade of red broke across my face burning brightly; as I threw a look that could kill to Saya.
The room fell silent, with only Saya giggling quietly. Content in the mayhem she had just sown.
Rei broke the silent with a gasped "what happened?"
So I told them of the encounter. About how we made out and almost had sex and that he was the one that stopped me.
Sensei Shizuka then came over to me and smacked me upside the head and on the ass.
"ooowww what was that for?" I yelped at her.
Then moving to her med bag she threw me a box.
"What is this?" then as I read it I turned even redder if that was possible it was a box of 6 condoms.
Embarrassingly I looked at her "I have an IUD so that can't happen"
She then came back over and gave me a hug and whispered sweetly to me "ok. but if it happens, let me know. At least he is responsible and thought of you. I have never had a man like that, most of them just play with my boobs." she pouted, jiggling her large breasts.
Comforted by her genuine concern for me and happy that my bust was the smallest in the room, I calmed down again and got dressed, in the kimono Sayas mum had left me.
As I got dressed, Saya informed me that I was to go see Don Takagi in his dojo.
On arriving at the dojo, I was met by Don Takagi and he ushered me into the dojo.
Bowing to him deeply, I asked with grate respect. "Hello Don Takagi. I am grateful for your hospitality please take care of me."
The reply was surprising "It is I that should be grateful. That I should have my master's daughter and prodigy visiting me. As I was a student of his please sit with me." He said this warmly and we sat down facing each other.
We sat in silence for a minute then the don addressed me. "So who was the man you came with?"
"He is James Campbell. He helped me here and I respect his ability's. He is an honourable man. But not from japan."
"Is that so?" he paused in thought for a moment, then continued. "Any way onto the main reason for calling you here"
The don questioned me while handed over to me a sword "what do you think of this blade? Go ahead and open it you will not soil its power."
I open the blade" it is a rare sword a double edged Katana it is a Murata-Tou it is a fine blade flawless"
He laughs then answers "your knowledge of the sword is exceptional. it is said that General Murata cleaved a pigs skull and it did not even leave a scratch. but knowledge is not what I wish to discuss. Please accept this as a gift, for the training your father gifted me with."
"I am sorry" as impressed as I was I had no right to accept his offer. "I cannot accept such a gift it would be better given to my father."
He looks to me disappointedly. "Then as a gift for saving my daughter."
I realise that Don Takagi is not going to take no for an answer." Very well I gratefully accept this sword."
I bow again and he asked me to rise laughing "you do not need to bow to me Saeko, Pleases let us discuss other matters."
We spoke of his daughter. Again I praise her and her parents while we drink some tea and we talk of Komuro about his leadership ability and how it is just staring to assert itself, even if he can be a little indecisive.
After we finished our conversation, and I was leaving. I see him standing there outside the dojo it's my battle partner and interest. James my heart leaped with joy at the sight of him and I told him we would speak later. He was looking me up and down ,then gave me a complement and I did something very unlike me, I winked. I actually winked at him like a girl with a crush. I felt that I was looking forward to our take later.
After I left James to the Don, I went outside to the koi pond, to settle my thoughts, relax and meditate.
I always enjoyed watching koi I found it very relaxing even when home it was one of the places I could be found the most.
After about 15 minutes I was joined by Saya.
"These koi are beautiful and quite rare." I say to her, More to try and get her to move on, as I was not finished in my meditations.
But soon I know that this failed as she asked to talk with me I just nodded a reply still looking to the pond.
"So you're not just an expert in kendo but fish as well."
"I find all things cultural of interest." I say to her still not wanting to engage in a deep discussion.
"You do know that this is all over now no more kendo tournaments no more dojos or koi."
"I am aware, that this new word is just beginning and there is nothing left of the old." She had a point; the old order was dying like the rest of the world.
"We need to think about what we are going to do next. We are getting side lined more and more here." Saya had started to deepen the conversation.
"You are right but we will see what Komuro has to say. We will have to get together as a group and talk about it." This was my answer and it was up to our reluctant leader, to plan our next move and actions.
However for now I was content just to wind down for a bit, if I could. Then I see a glimpse of my battle partner heeding to his room he looked annoyed. I wanted to talk with him and comfort him maybe with him I could get some peace for a bit.
Saya had seen him to. "You want to go to him don't you?"
All I could do was nod it was not like she could understand what had bonded us the last few days.
"Fine I will see you later. I'll see if I can get Takashi to sort out a meeting in a few hours" she smiled at me then added "I'll come and let you know when."
"Thank you" was all I said as I left to see James.
ooooooo
I was pissed off. The meeting with daddy did not go to well; the man was a fucking ass in my opinion. Thinking of the conversation only wound me up more as I read far too much into it and its meaning.
So on my way back I stopped near the kitchen, asked one of the staff nicely for some tea, to try and calm down a bit.
Another servant was trying to take it to my room for me. "Look friend you don't have to serve me so I'll just take it myself." he was surprised by this as he handed me a pot and a cup. "thanks brother" Then with a pot in one hand and a cup in the other I set off for my room.
I had just got in and closed the door starting to fill the cup when there was a soft knock. muttering as I walked over to the door. "Can I just get 5 fucking minutes."
On opening the door however I completely changed my mind, it was a ray of light, that was sure to brighten up my day, Stood there in all her beauty long Violet hair and sapphire eyes that I could lose my soul in, was Saeko.
"Hello there stranger." I beam at her,
"Hello James-san may I come in." she asked in that calm manner she had.
"Yes would you like some tea? I just got a pot."
It then dawns on me, Shit I only have one cup
"Yes thank you" she walks into my room siting on the edge of the bed. closing the door I then move back to the desk to get her tea, handing her the cup. "thank you."
Next going to my day sack. I get out a bottle cut off the top to craft a makeshift cup and fill it with tea.
Looking at me doing this Saeko starts laughing. "You could have just got another cup you know."
"That is true but this way I get to see you more." grinning and laughing a bit more.
Then looking down and breathing out hard. "I need to ask you something? I need to know how you feel about me?"
My mind suddenly took a brain fart which is strange for me; I just stood there struck dumb and nodded.
"This morning and last night, did you mean what you said? I can understand if you did not and just said that to get me out of my low moment..."
Standing there like an idiot, without a clue what to say all I do is observe her as my thoughts abandoned me with the last comment of your on your own son.
Saeko was visibly trembling. It must have been hard on her, to show someone that side of her. Then for the idiot she confided in, to just stand there gawping. The silence must have been defining to her at this point, as slowly my mind started to kick in and back to business as usual.
"I will take your lack of reply as a no you did not." She then queried standing up to start looking at me. Then with still no answer, he eyes turned to the ones that I had seen, that morning after our fight with the zeds when I narrowly blocked her blade. Then turning she made for the door.
On seeing this, mind came back to me. The words formed in my mind. It was now or never crush her, surprise her, or make her very happy. What the fuck was I doing?
Saeko had just reached the door, a hand turning the handle when I shouted after her. "Stop and please sit back down."
Not even looking at me and asking with some venom in her voice. "Why should I?"
"Because I have something to say, to you and only you." There is conviction in my voice I stair directly in to her eyes she moves back over to me but she does not sit down.
I grasped her hand and she tried to pull away. But I grasped firmer, for each attempt to pull away.
"I meant every word I said to you last.. night and especially this morning….. I want to fight by your side and for you to fight by mine… there is nobody else I would rather have with me in the valley. But you need to understand, that I was a Hitman. That everything I have done before was solo with stealth. Every move planed every eventuality planed for. Night was my only ally… I lived to a strict code and rules to isolate myself…if anything I am the one that is tainted but I have accepted this of myself… Then someone dropped into my life. As the world went to hell, she showed me her true self and confided in me. At that moment I decided that I would accept her for what she is. for what she can do and what she can teach me… then after just 2 days…. I decided that…. I LOVE you Saeko."
ooooooo
I was raging inside. He said nothing he just looked on at me with silence and what I thought was pity. I did not want his pity. If I did not get out of there I would have killed him as I found my hand on my sword.
As I move to the door to run from him, he called me back at first I did not move. Then as I turned around I had decided that I was going to hit him. But his expression had changes he looked at me with nothing but admiration.
He took my hand but as I tried to pull away he tightened his grip.
But then he spoke to me. His words fill my head he dose accept me but why I'm tainted he could not want me. He wants me as his battle partner and no other, he has been alone for so long it is hard for him to rely on others. He is a killer but admits to this even to himself.
But it was The next words hit me like a train.. I almost faint as I hear them… my legs start to feel weak as I slowly go to the floor in front of him.
Tears of joy roll down my cheek he loves me. I have a love. Me Saeko Busujima the sadistic killer that becomes aroused as I kill my enemies, has found someone that accepts me. It took the end of the world but it happened.
He lifts me up into his arms he placing his forefinger under my chin lifting my face to look at him.
"But why me?"
"No reason what so ever. Why would I need a reason, for once in my life. I am following my heart. and not just because I think it's cool."
God he was a smooth talker. We stand with him holding me I place my head on his chest.. again his heartbeat soothes me, as I listen to the heart that loves me.
After standing there for what seemed an eternity I finally have the conviction to speak again words I never thought I would ever get to say. "I love you to James my love"
I turn my head and reach up and we kiss softly.
Just as we are about to go further there is a knock at the door. I look at him and laugh again "Maybe one day we will get some time alone again."