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: 13 A New Home.
We arrived at the clinic late that night, to find it abandoned. The only problem for the whole trip was at the end and that was figuring out, the main gate manual release. Once that was done after Takashi had jumped over the wall and got into the small guard house, the hummer was pulled into the compound and parked out of sight, in a garage with an ambulance.
The clinic was in its own compound, surrounded by high concrete walls with well-maintained grounds. In the clinic that was a large white modern building, sat a small private hospital for people with money.
Clean and new plenty of rooms a well equipped kitchen granted the perishables had it, but there was plenty of canned goods. However the cherry on top was an emergency generator, that is if I can bypass some of the electrical components, that had been burned out by the EMP. then add some sort of sound deadening. If that could happen then the generator would serve us well.
The main were doors locked. Nobody is home was my thought. But then I was pretty much no use to anyone as I was mentally exhausted running on auto pilot, compared to my switched on normal self I was a pail shadow.
I felt that I just did not want to play anymore and that to fuck with this bull shit. so much so that if anyone needed something from me or had anything for me to do, Saeko was called to point me in the direction and set me on my merry way.
I had hurt Rei by accident so I am told and this was burning me up inside. Then to cap it off I nearly shot Saya in a hissy fit. Some fucking professional cool collected contract killer I was.
What was it I said to Saeko a few days ago, invites to your own pity party? Well I sent mine had the party but I was the only to turn up and there was no cake.
Someone managed to get in and open the main doors and we all filled in.
Most of the kids were now clearing the clinic, I was left with Alice, Shizuka and one still sleeping Rei to keep watch over. More because I was not much uses for anything else, in fact I wasn't any good so it was more to keep me out of the way.
"Are you ok?"
I turned to see Shizuka talking to me, but in my mind I could see her but her words it was like…. well it was like I could see the pictures but couldn't hear the sound.
"Uh" was all I managed until she walked up to me and slapped my cheek with such force it knocked me off the stool I was sitting on and onto my ass "The fuck woman… did you do that for?" was my question as I rubbed the hand print on my cheek.
"You were spacing out now you're not." it was a very chipper response with a goofy smile.
"Hmm well got to admit it worked… How is Rei?" still rubbing my new hand printed face fuck that was hard for a small woman.
"She is sleeping and will probably be out for a day or two I would like to give her some blood but well we don't have any plus we don't know her blood group."
"We can I'm O- so I can give to anyone, also how do you know so much for a nurse? Are you a nurse practitioner?"
"I am, but I am also studying to become a fully-fledged doctor in my own right, I just finish my pre-med this year and was to start my internship next month the school nurse thing was to pay the bills." her face suddenly dropped into a massive grin "stop did you say O-." As she got excited rummaging through boxes and draws until she found a donation kit complete with blood bag. "Give me your arm" she asked still chipper and bubbly.
So there I sat with a tube in my arm giving blood, a first for me and by heck was the needle a big one.
I sat there filling the bag as Kohta came back in.
"The clinic is clear… We found a kitchen Saeko is making some soup for later…" He then looked over at me. "What you doing?"
"Giving blood I'm O- so I can give to anyone."
"How much more would you need as I'm O- as well."
This perked up the ears of Shizuka she turned and ran at Kohta, grasping him in her death hug "mmmfffmfmfmf." was all I could hear from him, causing me to laugh a bit as the boy struggled to breath, he was getting the full attack by boobzilla.
She then let him go he look completely bewildered and very stunted. Leaning over to him I said "that would be such a nice way to go."
He looked at me red faced "Ye...Yes… man ….very much so." He had the biggest smile I had ever seen from someone on his face.
Miss Shizuka had us siting as she did the vampire act to a worried looking Kohta "I'm going to take your blood" pushing the needle into his arm giggled away. "Ok I shall be back soon" she waked back over to Rei to check on her.
I turned to Kohta and asked. "How can someone so clever be so dumb?"
He looked back to me then spoke in a low voice so only I would hear. "That she is… but what the fuck were you playing at earlier?" I knew this would happen he was asking about what happened with Saya.
Looking at him with a neutral expression, I answered honestly "I have no excuse… if you are asking would I of done her? Then yes probably if I was not stopped."
I was looking directly at him, I was not about to lie about it. "Do I regret it… well now that is the million dollar question…. And now yes very much so… Would I do it again? Well my balls are not crystal so I do not know" I then turned looking at Rei sighing hard.
"I would have killed you if you hurt her, still would if you try again." Kohta almost spat at me
"I would expect no less from you to be honest Brother" I answered looking back at him
"I'm not your brother."
"It's a Scottish term of endearment to a close friend…. if I try to hurt your… well just what are you two?" I asked puzzled at what the two of them are to each other
"Is complicate."
"It is at that…. well just take me out before I do something to her."
I continued on "Mind if I tell you something between just us as it's fucking me up." I needed to tell someone shit like this just fucks with your head.
"What?"
"I'm worried and scared"
Kohta then looked directly at me confusion in his words "What the hell about man. You fight them without a care in the world."
"It's not about them, it's about Saeko if she is pregnant. About Rei if she dies because of my fuck up, I still have her blood on me for fuck sake." looking down at the staining still on my hands and clothes.
"About this whole mess. About working in a team, fuck I am use to just looking out for me. Then in the last 3 days I'm now in a team of survivors, the world is going the way of the dinosaur, I nearly killed a friend, almost shot your girl, maybe have a kid on the way and well things are just fucked."
Whistling out Kohta then answered "No wanders you snapped Heavy man Heavy…" He then stopped as he computed something. "Wait… What? Saeko… you.. a kid?" his head whipping round to double take me.
"Yep accident… her birth control failed so now I have 8 more days or worrying about it till I find out"
"B…b….b..but pregnant how?"
Oh boy "Well you see, when two people love each other very much the man puts his pee pee in the woman's fufu." looks like my sarcastic streak still works.
He came back with his own though. "Yes then a stalk comes… want me to shoot it first."
I laughed at that "It would help a lot."
I brought the mood down again "Well we have something and it works between us. But you need to do something about yours."
"I know but I confessed to her before and she shot me down. How did you do it."
"In an argument" I explained to one now baffled Kohta. "Women brother…, are a puzzle and a mystery wrap up in an enigma… if you ever figure it out let me know. But I would say take your time she will let you know when she is ready." that has always been my assessment of women, the most complicated creatures there is.
He let out a long sigh "You're probably right… you know you're alright… but I won't forgive what you did."
"I don't think I ever will get forgiveness for that or for what I have done, ether in the past or what I am yet to do. So there is no point asking. I fucked up and fucked up bad sorry if that sounds harsh, but I'm the one that has to live with it and with those I wronged. Thanks for listening brother." I was grateful to him and his honesty. Granted one talk was not going to solve my problems, but it was a steep in the right direction. I put out my hand ad he reached over and grasped it as he spoke.
"Any time man" he replied and then with a wink he added "Just don't try and kill Saya before I speak with her." Funny fucker was all I thought.
0000
James was not himself and I was worried about him. He was just a robot only able to do tasks that were simple. Whatever happen with him and Rei in that store had affected him badly.
When we arrived he just sat in the driver's seat, not saying or doing anything. I will have to do something about this and soon. Or risk him losing himself.
Walking over to sensei I needed to ask her about this kind of stuff I just hoped she could be serious for a bit. Taping her on the shoulder I began my inquiry "What is wrong with James?"
Again with the taping of her cheek. "Hmmm I don't know but at a guess I would say combat fatigue but I don't know his past what do you know?"
Should I tell her was the prime question? I stared back at him standing there looking at the ground fidgeting with his pistol.
"It's ok I won't tell anyone."
Shizuka brought me out of my thoughts "Ok but where do I start. Well you see he is not what he's seems to be, he is a hitman, or as he calls himself a contract killer." I then proceeded to tell her what I knew. I felt like I was betraying him considering he had sworn to me that he would tell no one of my secret.
As I finished my story sensei came to a conclusion "Wow you know how to pick them." she then slapped herself "Think straight… any way it is a combat stress reaction Saya was just the trigger. He is going to need rest and to talk with others that were there. So you and Takashi possibly Rei when she wakes. That will help but keep a close eye on him as this can develop in to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder if left unchecked there is good news though if he gets the rest and gets whatever is on his mind out he should be ok in a day or two."
Takashi then came out of the front door "Well let's set up home."
Hugging Shizuka "Thank you I'll do what I can."
"You find anything." A voice from the end of the hall it was Takashi he was holding up well all things considered with Rei.
"No just more rooms and a large ward."
He then walked back down the hall towards me "Well that is this place all cleared."
"We should get back to the others." we made our way in silence, back toward the first floor of the clinic as we got to the bottom of the stairs we ran into Kohta and Saya.
"Hello there man." Kohta sounded out patting Takashi on the back. "All clear down here."
"Yes it's the same upstairs, looks like we have had a bit of luck."
"Don't jinks us baka" it was Saya back to normal after earlier on. we all looked to her a bit stunted
"What can't I believe in luck" she angrily put to us.
"No it's just surprising that you do" was all I could say to her
"Oh and what do you believe Saeko-sempi?" asking me directly hands on hips.
"That we shape our own fates within our actions good or bad."
She stood there for a minute looking at me "That is…. a good answer actually."
The small talk continued until Takashi took over "Ok you two, we need to get sorted for the night. Seako, Saya can you get some food on, I'm going to sort out rooms to live in Kohta can you help me after you check on the others to make sure they are ok."
I was confused that he would not go and check himself so I sent Saya ahead of me, When Kohta took his leave. I called to him "Takashi-kun may we talk?"
"What's there to talk about?" was his short reply.
"Why you are not checking on Rei for one." I said to him perhaps a bit too firmly.
"Do you think I don't care?... that I am avoiding her. avoiding after what has happened?" he spoke with fire in his eyes clearly annoyed at my question.
"So why are you here?" I asked again.
"Because we are not safe yet, as soon as everyone is sorted then I can deal with my own stuff. I'm the leader of our group and if I don't check that you lot are ok, then what sort of leader am I?"
He had a point but at this rate he would burn out. "So long as you get some rest and go to her side. We can deal with anything; I shall let you know if you are needed. A good leader knows when to nominate and delegate, you can't do it all yourself." I told him full of concern.
He stood there looking down thinking for a moment as if choosing his words he then looked back up "Saeko you have leadership experience, you know being the captain of the kendo team and all."
I shook my head slowly "I am not taking over as leader."
"No.. no.. not that. I was going to ask…. well." he was starting to scratch the back of his head "If you could be the sub leader… my second in command if you will?"
"Me? Why not James he seems a more logical choice."
"No" he shook his head "To many unknowns with him and his personality clash with Saya, would not help.., not Saya for the same reason and she is well… you know how she is. Kohta is not ready for it… he is still a bit shy, sensei is our medic so she is out and Alice well she is just Alice." he paused then pointed at me "So it just leaves you, with no reason not to."
"Then I will be honoured to do as you ask.. But the first thing I will do as sub leader… is send you to Rei… the next is to make some soup…"
Takashi laughing a little at this commented "Then thank you sub leader. I shall do as you demand." we then shook hands as he turned to leave he said thank you again and walked off as I made my way to the kitchen.
After a short walk I arrived at the kitchen to find Saya peeling potatoes in the sink.
"Hello Saya-chan what can I do to help?"
She did not look at me just grunted and indicated to some other ingredients on the work top "You can chop them up."
"Ok" was all I said as I started my work.
After 5 minutes of silence' she spoke again. "Are you going to stay with him James that is?"
I did not hesitate in my answer. "Yes… A woman's place is to bare her man's decisions with him… good or bad."
"And if he is asked to leave?"
"I stand by my decision to stay with him. I may not agree with what happened with you two. But I still love him for other reasons."
"I would not want to lose you over this Saeko. but what he did to me…." she looked over to me now, stopping what she was doing tears clearly in her eyes. " I was so scared…. I ..I.. even…."
She could not finish her sentence so I move over to her embracing her as I had done back in the high school. "It's ok… You were there for me once, now let me be here for you." I softly told her.
"But I.. peed myself a little." she then added, through the sniffles and soft whimpers, Saya was now making.
Knowing that it is part of the human fight or flight response I could understand. "It's still ok we can't control that when we get scared."
"I Don't know why he did it… I was too demanding but…. but… I did not expect that."
I did not know what to say, on one hand I had Saya a friend and little sister to me and then I had James, my love and calming force on the other. I just held her.
After a few seconds she continued on. "Even if he apologises again, I still cannot forgive him. The look in his eyes still terrifies me now. But I would have him stay if it meant you would stay….. but why did he do that?
"We all react different under pressure.. He just snapped under his." It was all I could say. I was not the best to give advice for this sort of thing. Knowing that if it was me in full blood lust, I would have not hesitated like he did.
She pulled away after that "We best get this done or we will have a riot of hungry guests soon."
We then set to work silently cooking.
oooooo
Everybody was now gathered in the ward Rei had been moved to. eating the soup that had been prepared. Quietly chatting among themselves.
Once finish Takashi stood up and addressed everyone.
"Right we are going to be here for the long run, with small expedition's now and then, we will go out to find our parent's and any supplies we may need. Also Saeko is now the sub leader, so if I am not available then please go to her." this news got a chorus of nods and well done directed at Saeko.
He then continued on giving out tasks for the next few days "We will stay here for the next two days, getting settled, so if it is not urgent we are not going out.
James you have the generator to sort out, Kohta sort out the weapons and set up some look out positions, Saya see if you can finds some more maps and phone books mark-up points of interest for us. Saeko take note of our supplies then when you are all done let me know. However start tomorrow as its late now."
Kohta then interrupted "I will take the guard tonight you lot just rest then we will work out something better tomorrow."
"Thanks Kohta" Takashi then added finishing off with "Any questions?" there were none "Ok then see you all in the morning" and with that the group broke up to their rooms.
0000
My arm was grasped by Saeko "This way." she murmured. All I could do was follow her lead, as we walked in silence up the stairs.
She had taken me into into a large room with two beds in it "Help me push this bed next to this one" I did as I was told, pushing the beds into one. Once that was complete she pulled me into the shower room attached to the ward pulling off my clothes "I brought our stuff up here, so we have some clean things to sleep in."
"You should have said, I would have done that for you." I replied looking at her as I stood there naked.
She then took of her own clothes but I was too fucked up to notice, all I could say was. "The water will be cold."
"It's not this is a new clinic it has solar water heaters." she smiled at me; all I could do was grunt a reply. Saeko then pushed me into the shower with her turning on the water.
It was hot a nice hot and then I felt her hands start to wash me god it felt good. That was until I looked down at the blood washing off of me. Rei's blood again a pang of guilt assaulted me, as the image of my knife in her gut and the look on her face as the pain hit her, flashed my mind.
Saeko noticed and embraced me pushing her breasts into my back, Women they know a good distraction. She then spoke softly. "It's ok to feel like this. You did do all you could to help save her. Miss Shizuka thinks she will be fine after the blood Kohta and you gave her." she then continued to wash me until the water ran clear and the last of the blood disappeared down the drain.
As she began to clean herself I moved in behind her and washed her back I still had nothing to say to her until. "You know I regret what happened with Saya…"
"I know. For a start, you did not just shoot her and your arm was shaking, so I knew you were in conflict." she was right but I still think in the end I would of.
"true.. true. But I don't think I will enjoy the moment, when I have to talk with her."
She stopped what she was doing "Are you going to beg forgiveness." She sounded strange, a tone of voice I had never heard from her, almost like she was scalding me.
"No I don't deserve forgiveness for that. But we need to get it out and sort out our differences."
"ah… I see." she had changed her tone back again. "Are you going to just wash that same spot?"
"Eh" I asked her "ooh right I had been washing her shoulders the whole time.
I worked my way down her back. "You will need your stiches out soon you have healed up well" I told her as I got to the small of her back I noticed a red line across her left butt cheek I smiled inwardly a bit, remembering our fight yesterday morning.
Saeko then turned to look at me, cocking her head to the left slightly, as she caught my goofy grin. "What?" she asked.
"I seem to have bruised your ass a little" I told her a bit happier.
"Cheap shot…. and you still lost." she smirked, as she turned off the water.
We got out of the shower and Saeko picked up two towels handing me one. I took the towel but started to dry her with it.
Standing there she allowed me to dry her before stopping me and moved in for a kiss. After a bit of kissing and fondling, she then dried me off and took me over to our bed.
We lay down as she moved so that my head onto her breasts. The pair of us just lay there for a little while, close so to enjoy each other's warmth in the cold spring night air. Saeko then started slowly stroking my hair and softly hummed a tune. This had its desired effect I started to drift off. The last memory I had, of that moment was of her, as she softly said.
"Go to sleep and dream of me."
oooo
Up in the new look out, a dark figure sat watch, looking out to the now dead city. He sighs a little, noting that the only light that he could see, was the occasional torch and some fires that still burned. Thinking to himself so this is what a war zone is?
He felt her presence before he had seen her "What is it?"
A sweet voice then answered "I couldn't sleep, so I thought you would like some coffee and company." it was Saya she sounded different more grown up. But then they had all had to do some serious growing, in the last few days.
Kohta answered. "Thank you Takagi-san. I would like that." He heard her move next to him and sit down. "its Saya just Saya." she then handed him the coffee. As he reached out to take it, there hands touched and a spark passed between them. She quickly drew her hand back but then surprised them both and locked her arm around his.
"Saya just lean against me and sleep." he spoke softly to her.
"Thank you for being there for me" Saya then kissed him on the cheek his heart lifted
"Saya!"
"Shut up don't ruin this moment we will talk later let's just sit now." she then cuddled into him more and drifted off to sleep.
He sat there silently watching over her, as the light for the new day broke he made a promise to himself, I will protect you no mater what.