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 15: Life with the Dead

I was in the corridor outside the Look out; most of the group was there except for Rei and Alice. Some rules were needed about the position. My main concern was the other survivors nearby; this was because we knew nothing about them or their intent. So we needed to know what to do about them. So I called for a team talk about the subject.

"So what is it you want James?" Takashi was first to speak if a little irked.

"Well it's about this look out and the way it advertises that we are here, to every man, woman and dickhead out there. Also if we as a group want that sort of attention?" it was short and to the point so as to start the discussion.

After a few moments thought Takashi then replied to my questions. "We will sort out up here first. Then go onto what we do about other survivors … so what is there to sort?"

"Well most of what I do is all about covertness… In other words with nobody knowing where I am, so that I can observe without being observed ... standing next to the window is a bad idea, but we also can't be that far back that we can't see what is going on. So in that corner where the dark screen is. "I point to the area of the room I have set up with a Navy blue screen. "Is the area that you will look out from?" the dark background is to hide any shadows and silhouettes that may be present.

"Next are some rules." I then start to lay out the law. "First and foremost, there is to be absolutely No light in here at any time…

Weapons with optics must have anti-glare coating or have covers over them, such as the honey comb cover on the sniper rifle, to prevent refection of moon or sun light.

Movement is to at a minimum. We as humans are naturally drawn to movement it goes back to primal instincts and it is just the way we are wired.

No noise especially at night as sound travels further…. one because it attracts the zeds and any agro we give them will alert others to our presence.

At night, there is to be no light whatsoever on the top floor. so we may want to move to the middle floor at night keeping all the rooms we live in curtains closed.

An alert of some sort needs to be set up, so that if we have someone or any of them in the compound we will know what to do.

As well as some sort of emergency escape plan needs to be thought up and practiced."

Takashi thought for a moment before replying. "Ok… I can go with that, set it up how you like. As for, If we come into contact with other survivors. I think it would be best to play it out case by case. If they are armed we have Kohta and you, as top shots covering me as I talk to them. Saeko and Rei when she is well enough will guard the inside, as a second line of protection for Shizuka, Saya and Alice."

Saya then added to the mix "We want to avoid anybody that we are not looking for or it could destabilise our little family. We should also start to have a routine and work chart for us all if we are going to be here for some time. What I'll do is take note of what we need and mark it up. the next main concern is water as I have no idea how long until the pressure drops off it could be a day or a week we had best be moving off by then, if we can if not then work out something."

Takashi nodded his approval then asked "James have you looked at that generator yet?"

I had not I was caught up in my issues and forgot all about it. Inwardly slapping myself I answered. "Not yet… it's next on my to do list."

"Ok" came the reply "Well everyone has their tasks let's get it done." with the leaders words the group broke up to start work.

I worked my way down to the Generator room in the basement to find it was beyond repair.

The ECU(electronic control unit) that controlled the EDC (electronic diesel control) system was fried, with no way to bypass it and no spares. It was a long shot but oh well.

There was however a smaller portable 5kva generator and a large stock of dry cell batteries, running some 5000W inverters providing 100v, probably to recharge some of the medical equipment , also a large fuel tank that had about 500 imperial gallons of diesel.

In the store cupboards I also found more lamps of the bright LED type. Not a bad find after all.

The only problem being, the small generator would sound like the devil's own fart… in the silence of the city so we could not use it here. However we were going to keep it for when we eventually left the city.

After I had been down the basement I went to see Takashi to tell him the situation, Finding him in an office with Saya. "It's fucked." was my only comment.

"Is there any." cutting Takashi off mid-sentence to try and explain better.

"No way it's dead as the dodo. But there is a second prize though." I then informed him and Saya of my findings "It's not like we need electricity anyway the water is solar heated and that works there is gas and some gas cylinders for cooking so we should be ok."

Saya huffed out a bit of a groan then rolled her eyes "Well at least it was not a total loss and we have more than we can uses now."

ooooo

That was 6 days ago.

Now however I was bored.

After 5 days of boring routine. Getting up, breakfast then go on watch, coming off watch do some training. completing 200 sit-ups, 2 hundred press-ups, 100 crunches, 100 wide arm press-ups, 100 alt v sits, 100 x thumb press-ups and as many pull-ups on the door frame as I could manage, then run up and down the stairs for 30 minutes, cool down by stretching for 15 minutes, then bask in the endorphin high for a few minutes as my body said thank you for the exercise and have a shower.

Go on watch again. Lunch, spar with Saeko as she trained me in Kendo getting my ass handed to me mostly and on the odd occasion getting up to 2 points and one time actually winning (although I think she let me something about a man's pride and his woman's place to support it) but also improving on my own sword skills.

Have a brake, train Saeko in how to use her pistol, So that it becomes second nature to her, going through the drills of drawing, reloading, advancing, and withdrawing using with a sword and without a sword. I would also train with Kohta in CQC, going through the same drills with pistols and rifles. As most of what he had done in the US for his 4 weeks there was static range work. Then go on watch again.

Then evening meal, this was actually some fun. As most of us would be together and chat about nothing. On day 3 Rei was finally allowed out to join us, much to my relief.

After that Saeko and I would shower together, sometimes leading to other things that lovers do. Then during the night I had another watch as did Saeko. Normally she would be after me, problem with that was it could and did lead to some very interesting distractions.

Dam it I'm a young man after all, what do you think was going to happen. Certainly not as you see in the films where the hard killer shrugs off all emotions, then each night sit in his chair opposite the door to sleep with his gun. Not that I had never done this… But I was in a place where there was an early warning, so plenty of notice I did however still sleep with a five seven under my pillow and P90 close at hand what can I say force of habit. But I digress back to the subject at hand.

I would take over my watch from Kohta, finding Saeko and I was not the only ones. As I did catch Saya and Kohta on more than one night, cuddled together doing some heavy petting. So I would have to turn around and cough to get their attention, which would lead to some embarrassment as Saya rapidly sorted out her blouse, as I tried to look anywhere but at her. Looks like those two have started something together. I would also fist bump Kohta on the way out with a whisper of "good on you brother."

The only ones that did not do a watch, was Rei for the days she was not allowed out of bed, Alice as she was to young and Miss Shizuka she was the medic and may be needed at any time, although she did do a few on the sly.

During those 5 days, I had actually started to get on very well with Kohta. Granted we had some shared interests and we could talk for hours on weapons and there use, much to the rolling eyes and shouts of don't encourage him from Saya. Then when the women folk where not around the subject would end on them.

He was very much the shooter and dead set against swords, to the point he would have arguments with Saeko, he reckoned that they are inefficient and would dull over time. All I would say to him is that it gives another option and does not require ammunition, also when up close to a mark there is no substitute for bladed weapons not just swords quick and quiet . So I had started to teach him the use of a combat knife. He had a Ka-Bar hunting knife very similar to the, us marine fighting knife, that he had salvaged form Miss Shizuka friend's flat and I had a Fairbairn-Sykes as that was my preference, again the differences were, one was more utility the Ka-Bar and the other more pure Fighting the Fairburn-Sykes.

I tried to explain to him that, in close-quarters fighting there is no more deadly weapon than the knife.

With a knife there are two important factors to keep in mind: balance and keenness. The hilt should fit in your hand naturally, and the blade should not be so heavy that it tends to drag the hilt from your fingers in a loose grip (i.e. drop it) or when the body reacts to the knife as you remove it. So no big ass fucking shit as you can get Rambo Knives their heavy unwieldy and generally useless. It is essential that the blade has a sharp stabbing point and good sharp cutting edges, because an artery torn through tends to contract and stop the bleeding. If an artery is cleanly severed, the wounded will continue to bleed rapidly leading to exsanguination and death

The only problem with this covenantal type of fighting was the fact that even as one of them bleeds out it still won't be dead. So we would have to concentrate on the week spots. Such as the base of the scull, temples, under the chin and up, through the eye sockets and lastly and defiantly not advised unless you had the reach of a sword, was through the mouth. Also cutting the ligaments in the legs, to immobilise the zed. So you can get away in a pinch.

I also started teaching him Krav maga for close in fighting although he did not care to much for this.

Kohta was also rapidly losing his chubbiness, so much so that he had to go to the shop across the road to get some clothes that fitted him.. He would also turn up when I was doing my training; reckoning he had to seriously think about getting in shape.

As he told me in private it was more for Saya than him, as he wanted to protect her better. I could understand this even if we did have our different opinions on the girl that and I knew he was infatuated with her.

The only thing he would complain about during the training was the running, as he absolutely hated it.

ooooo

James and I were fast becoming inseparable. If he was not looking for me I was looking for him unless I knew he had man's work, then I would leave him too it and I was getting pissed off getting an oil smudge on my face almost every time he was working on something mechanical.

Or if he was taking or training with Kohta who looked as if they were becoming good friends.

If I was training, he would leave me to it as we both had our different styles and techniques. He would however watch me regularly stating, "In a world filled with horror and disgust it is rare to see such beauty in motion that and there is no TV." this would cause be to smile in joy. Yet my inner self the more serious side that is not use to such complements, would be rolling its eyes thinking smooth bastard.

Some of our best times together, would be when we would spar together; he would normally lose only scoring a point or two. I did however go easy on him once, to save his pride that was taking a large dent. It is woman's work to support her man's pride after all.

If I was not with him, Then I would spend time with sensei Shizuka or Saya, whom I see as my closest friends. Not that I did not see Rei as a friend, I just found her a bit whiney and a little immature.

She would always want to do the girl talk thing in some bid to compare James and Takashi. She was acting a bit queen bee to be honest and this would annoy the other girls as well as myself.

But right now I was however very nervous, as I was now two days late in my cycle, this has happen before as with all women, as you can go two to five days ether way with it but seeing as how I was pure before my last and now I am a woman I had causes to be concerned. I said I would give it 12 days but something was nagging at me.

I was in the lookout for my shift before evening meal. But I was not able to concentrate on this, as I found myself reading the instructions for the test called, clear blue 3 day before; that sensei had given me.

I also had another two tests called Check One, which Saya had found as she was looking for something else, in the family planning section of the clinic.

The odd thing about that is she would not tell me what she was looking for, not that I could not guess, as I needed some of them as well but got them from Shizuka quietly… well as quiet as she could make it, earning me another spank to the ass and making me promise to tell her all about it.

Only to find out later that James found a pack of 50. He was grinning from ear to ear as he held them out triumphantly. Only for me to punch his arm, telling him that he best not have any plans on using them all too soon.

After Saya came up to let me go I ran to a part of the clinic that we did not use much and mumbled "Ok I have 3 tests" so I could do one now then another in a few days. After a few minutes of finding my resolve, this was difficult.

I would rather solo fight one hundred of them than do this was my thinking.

Having finally built up the courage to take the test, I slowly walked over to the toilet, but found I was so nervous I could not pee. After some time arguing with myself, I managed to fill the small cup in the box, put the test into it taking it out putting the cap back on. Then after the longest 3 minutes of my life picking up and putting down the test I checked on it.

"…."

Now I pride myself on the ability to remain calm, no matter the situation. But this was the most emotions I have ever felt at once, as my mind flooded with relief, horror surprise, worry, joy and sadness. All this hit at once causing Tears to begin to form in my eyes.

Then to make matters worse for myself, I took another test the same result the same emotional roller-coaster only amplified from the last result and inability to pee again.

Luckily I still had time to think before I would let him know the result.

ooooo

On day 6 at evening meal Takashi gave some instructions. He was looking excited with a bit of a spark in his eyes. "Rei has been given the all clear so we will start to look for our families from tomorrow".

The whole group was there to hear this including the look out. The atmosphere in the room changed to a dead silence from the normal chit chat

"We will use a modified plan… the change being that we are going to leave here and return here. Each day as the homes are fairly close to here… Kohta and Saya you will stay to guard Miss Shizuka and Alice with Zake to help. Rei, Saeko, James and I will go out to my house in the morning then then come back next is the police station then finally as it is furthest away is Rei's home. Last place to visit will be Saeko's home…Then two days to look around in case your friend is around sensei, so as to look about for her."

All looked on and agreed to what was going to happen, there was an air of anticipation as everybody was feeling cooked up and just the thought of getting away for a bit was exciting .

However the chatter soon died down again as Saeko then spoke "Not that I wish to interrupt but I would like to visit my home sooner…" she paused for a bit then continued on. "So I will be going when we get back from your home Takashi"

The room fell silent then Takashi answered her request "I don't think that is a good idea and I don't think I can risk everyone for something that may take all night."

Saeko then spoke again still calm but her face had changed to a look of deadly expression "I do not think that I require your permeation…. nor did I say that everyone should go…I shall be going when we get back tomorrow." She sat there staring at him awaiting his reply she did not have to wait long.

Takashi then gave her the answer "I still don't think it is a good idea to go on your own."

A voice from behind Saeko then spoke "Who said she will be alone….. I distinctly remember telling you, where Saeko go's I go." it was James. He was now standing behind Saeko with a hand on her shoulder.

Takashi took a moment to reply looking at the two lovers. "And I can't persuade you otherwise?"

"No" was the answer from Saeko "I have given you my word, I will help you and I will. But I am very close to my home and there are things I need to do, now more than ever…."

"Ok then so tomorrow, you and James will be gone for a few hours possibly overnight …. if there is anything else now is the time." nobody said anything. The small confrontation had broken the mood of the group and an air of awkwardness now descended casing some to scramble away to avoided any possible arguments.

0000

as the group broke up for the night Saeko then turned to James who had sat down talking to Kohta she waited patiently until they had finished their conversation, "James can we go outside to the koi pond."

James looked back towards her "Certainly I will accompany you." The pair said nothing on their walk outside until they reached the pond.

The night was clear and the stars glistened, the sound of distant gowns and crickets could be heard. The moon illuminated the gardens as light sparkled on the surface of the water, as the young pair crossed onto the small bridge that crossed the pond.

Looking down Saeko followed the path of some of the Koi as they swam under them she exhaled hard as she thought about what to say. What she had to say was important, she did not know what to say her thoughts of how do you tell someone something so important that will change their lives and the bond they share for the rest of their lives. Again the roller-coaster of emotions took hold as he grasped his hands she enjoyed the warmth of the grasp, but she was unable to look him in the eye. With her heart in her throat she then began to spill her heart to him again. "I know I told you twelve days… but I...I... took a test today."

He knew what she meant He knew the answer before she could say anything. Letting go of her hands he stood stock still for a moment his own thoughts of ohhh fuck, running through him.

She started to hesitate more he had let go of her not moving. What does this mean? That he will now reject me. Is he going to take this bad?

After a moment just as she was going to drop to her knees bow deeply and say that she had failed him, she felt a warm hand placed gently on her lower abdomen. and another under her chin gently razing her gaze to look into his eyes.

He realised his error that he let go of her hands. Her shoulders slumped slightly as he thought of a way to correct the error.

Reaching out with one hand and then placing it on her to where her womb would be. With the other hand he slowly lifted her head so as to gaze at her eyes. James then spoke softly, "Does this mean that we…."

He was interrupted as she placed a finger to his mouth hushing him and then softly and lovingly replied whilst nodding "Yes I am."

He took his time to say anything else. But decided that words were not needed he just kissed her. Then softly moving her into his arms, picking her up into a princess carry then waked her back to their room. She placed her head on his shoulder felling the warmth of his embrace hearing the steady beat of his heart wrapping her arms around his neck wondering why he had said nothing to the news. Only the motion of his carrying her in a tight embrace reassured her that it was not going to be bad

On arrival he placed her on the bed, and then whispered into her ear, "This changes nothing between us… or my feelings for you, Other than to love you more."

Saeko was overjoyed at his words as a tear of joy rolled down her cheek she truly had found someone that cared for her. He was hers and hers alone that is all that mattered now.

He now lay besides her again placing a hand to her belly. She accepted this by placing her own hands on top of his as they both fell asleep in a loving expecting couples embrace.