Highschool of the Dead: Fanfiction Darkpenn

The AMerican Adventures part 6:

Part 6: The Breakfast Incident

"Damn, this is beautiful," said Sam, as they rode along the track. Around them were sweeping vistas of mountains, trees, and cerulean skies.

"According to my map," said Dean, "this is Yosemite National Park. Whatever a National Park is."

"I'm guessing that even before the Collapse there weren't many people here," said Jill. "Which is not a bad thing."

The trail led them to a row of little huts in a clearing - 'hiking huts', according to the sign. They were simple but serviceable - and, amazingly, they had real beds. There was a river of clear water close by, large enough for bathing.

"We should go a few miles further on, find a place to pitch our tents," said Rise.

Everyone stared at him.

"Don't you know a joke when you hear one?" he said.

"It's a good thing you said that, because I was just about to shoot you," said Jill.

"Well, I guess if no-one has a sense of humour, it's a sign we could all use some time alone," said Rise.

"Alone, together," said Hotaru, looking at Kazuki.

Hotaru was brushing her hair, looking at herself in the mirror. It seemed to her that no matter how much she brushed it, however she arranged it, it didn't look any better.

She looked at her ... what was the English word Jill had used ... cleavage, that was it. There was not a great deal of it. She doubted that the little that was there could be displayed to any real advantage. She thought, not for the first time, that she had her father's muscular build on her mother's light frame. She had never been particularly pleased with the combination.

She looked at Kazuki, who was lying on the bed, repairing a shirt. Compared to her, he had inherited the best from each of his parents: his father's chiselled features and impressive height, his mother's perfect skin and chestnut-coloured eyes.

"Kazuki," she said. "Jill is attractive, isn't she?"

"Meh," said Kazuki.

"And so is Lian, right?"

"Again, meh," said Kazuki. "Don't get me wrong, I like both of them, but ... attractive? Maybe. I don't really know, and don't really care."

"And you are attractive too."

"So people keep telling me. Never really seen it, myself."

"Your mother is very lovely."

"That's what everyone says. To me, she's just my mum. Tells really bad jokes and can't cook. She once burned water, trying to boil it. She's smart, but a ditz."

"Huh. And do you think I am attractive?"

"Oh yes. Very much. Do you remember the first time we kissed, in Shanghai, as you were going off to hunt the zombie Blue?"

"Yes."

"Did you know that I had been watching you for weeks, months, even before we left Japan? Trying to find a way to speak to you, just the two of us? And trying to work up the nerve, as well."

Hotaru started in surprise. "I ... I never dreamed ... if I'd known ... " she stammered.

"Did you realise that I nearly always rode behind you? So I could watch you from the back. The way you sway when you're riding. The way you hold your shoulders. And your two guns, in the holsters at your waist, above your pretty butt. Very sexy."

Hotaru stared at him. "I thought ... you only liked me because I can kill zombies," she said.

"Uh, no, that's not it. Got nothing to do with it. I appreciate your skill and courage, of course, but ... that's not it."