DEAD Weight

I awoke slowly, the morning sun filtering in through the curtains. For a moment, I was disoriented, confused about where I was. Then awareness came flooding back. The apartment. Saya's family estate. We had made it, found refuge here, at least for now.

I became aware of a warm weight pressed against my side, an arm draped loosely over my chest. Glancing down, I couldn't help but smile. Saeko. She was still asleep, her features soft and relaxed. I took a moment just to look at her, appreciating how peaceful she seemed. After everything we had endured, it was good to see her resting easy.

Careful not to wake her, I shifted onto my side so I could see her better. Her hair was mussed from sleep, fanning across the pillow. I reached out and gently tucked a stray strand behind her ear. Saeko murmured softly, nuzzling into my touch but not fully waking.

God, she was so beautiful. And not just on the outside. She was the strongest, bravest, most badass woman I had ever met. But also caring, fiercely loyal, with hidden wells of vulnerability she only shared with me. I didn't know what I had done to deserve someone like her, but I thanked my lucky stars for it.

Just then, a soft knock sounded at the door. Before I could respond, it opened a crack and one of the maids poked her head in.

"Pardon the intrusion," she said politely. "Miss Saya asked me to inform you breakfast is ready whenever you'd like to come down."

"Thank you," I replied with a small smile. "We'll be down shortly."

The maid nodded and withdrew, closing the door behind her.

The brief interruption had roused Saeko. She blinked up at me sleepily, a smile curving her lips. "Good morning."

"Morning," I murmured, leaning in to brush a soft kiss over her mouth.

Saeko hummed contentedly. "I could get used to waking up like this."

"You'd better," I said with mock sternness. "Because you're stuck with me now, Busujima."

She laughed, the sound low and throaty in the quiet room. "Is that so?"

"Mmhmm." I trailed kisses along her jaw, down the side of her neck. "I'm never letting you go."

Saeko shivered, tilting her head to give me better access. "Well, when you put it like that..."

I continued my path downward, lips gliding over her collarbone, the swells of her breasts. Saeko's breath hitched, her fingers tangling in my hair.

"Kai," she gasped as I took one rosy peak into my mouth. "The others...breakfast..."

With a regretful sigh, I pulled back, meeting her darkened gaze. "Duty calls."

Saeko nodded, though she looked just as reluctant as I felt to leave our haven. But the world waited beyond these walls, and we had responsibilities to the others.

Rolling out of bed, I extended a hand to help Saeko up. We dressed quickly and made ourselves presentable. But just before we left the room, I pulled Saeko close once more, capturing her lips in a deep, lingering kiss.

"To be continued," I murmured, resting my forehead against hers.

Saeko smiled, her fingers coming up to brush my cheek. "I'm counting on it."

I take Saeko's hand as we make our way downstairs, still floating a bit from the intimate moment we just shared. Despite the horrors of this new world, I'm grateful beyond words to have her by my side. With Saeko, I feel like I can face anything.

We find most of the group already gathered around the large dining table when we enter the ornate room. Saya sits at the head, looking weary but determined as always. Takashi and Rei are next to each other, speaking in low voices. I notice the tension still lingering there and make a mental note to check on them later.

Shizuka beams when she sees us, bubbly and cheerful as ever. "There you are! We were starting to wonder if you'd forgotten about breakfast."

I rub the back of my neck, feeling a warmth rise in my cheeks. "Yeah, sorry about that. We, uh, got a late start this morning."

Saeko just smiles serenely, unembarrassed. She gives my hand a squeeze before moving to take a seat beside Saya.

I sit down next to Takashi, who greets me with a nod. His eyes are shadowed, shoulders uncharacteristically slumped. Definitely need to talk to him soon.

But for now, I take in the spread of food before us with appreciation. Eggs, fresh fruit, toast - after so long scavenging and surviving on scraps, it's nice to enjoy a real meal again.

"This looks amazing," I say, loading up my plate. "Seriously, thank you for this."

Saya waves off my gratitude. "It's the least we can do after everything you've been through." Her voice softens. "I'm just glad you all made it here safely."

"We're grateful for the refuge," Saeko replies. "But we cannot stay indefinitely. There is still much we must do out there."

Saya nods, mouth set in a determined line. "I know. And we'll figure it out, together."

I'm about to respond when the rumble of engines outside catches my attention. The rest of the group pauses too, all of us looking up at the sound. It's more vehicles than I've heard in one place since everything went to hell.

Saya's expression tightens, lips pressed into a thin line. "That'll be my father. He's back."

She stands abruptly, chair scraping against the floor. The rest of us follow her lead and make our way upstairs to the balcony overlooking the front drive.

Below, a convoy of armored trucks and SUVs has pulled up, military-grade and bristling with weaponry. Hard-faced soldiers pour out, posturing with their rifles as they take up positions around the vehicles. It's an impressive show of force.

Then the door to the center SUV opens and a man steps out. He's tall and broad-shouldered, with an air of command that's unmistakable even from this distance. The soldiers around him snap to attention.

"My father," Saya says, voice taut. "Souichiro Takagi."

At her words, the soldiers below bow in perfect sync. It's clear this man expects discipline and obedience from those under him. I wonder how that will translate to our ragged band of survivors.

Takagi surveys the scene with a critical eye, hands clasped behind his back. When he speaks, his voice carries clearly to us on the balcony. "Report. What's the status here?"

A soldier hurries to deliver an update. Even from a distance, I can see the man's spine straighten under Takagi's stare. This is not someone I'd want to disappoint.

"It seems Saya's friends have arrived, sir. They've taken shelter here as she offered."

Takagi gives a curt nod. "I see. We'll need to...assess them." His eyes sweep over the mansion's facade, landing unerringly on the balcony where we stand. "Thoroughly."

A chill runs down my spine at his words. Takagi's calculating gaze seems to pierce right through me, weighing and measuring our worth. This man could easily become an ally, or a dangerous enemy. Either way, it's clear he'll have a pivotal role to play in whatever comes next for us. For better or worse, our fate is now tied to him and the power he wields here.

I stood tall as the guards escorted us down the long hallway. The walls were lined with ornate screens and antique weaponry, a reminder of the power and tradition of the Takagi family.

We reached the end of the hall and the guards slid open a set of imposing wooden doors. I caught a glimpse of a large, open room beyond before we were ushered inside.

My first impression was one of stark grandeur. The space was traditional Japanese style, with tatami mat floors and rice paper screens along the walls. At the far end of the room was a raised platform, upon which sat a solitary figure.

Saya's father. Souichiro Takagi.

He was flanked on either side by armed guards, their postures rigidly attentive. Takagi himself sat with perfect poise, exuding power and command despite his relaxed position. His piercing gaze settled on us the moment we entered, assessing and weighing.

I straightened instinctively, resisting the urge to fidget under that penetrating stare. Around me, the others seemed to be having similar reactions, shifting uncomfortably as the guards directed us to stand before the platform.

The atmosphere was tense, charged with unspoken power dynamics. This was Takagi's domain, and we were very much at his mercy here.

After a moment, Saya stepped forward from our group. She moved with grace, stopping at a respectful distance from the platform's edge. Then, to my surprise, she sank down into a deep, formal bow.

"Father," she said, her voice steady despite the charged energy in the room. "Thank you for granting this audience."

She rose smoothly and proceeded to introduce each of us in turn, starting with Shizuka and working her way down the line to me at the end. I was impressed by her composure.

When the introductions finished, Saya met her father's gaze unflinchingly. "We have been through much since the outbreak began," she said. "Our journey was long and arduous, but we supported each other, relied on each other, to make it this far."

Takagi remained silent, his expression impassive as he listened to Saya recount our struggles - the loss of our families, the horrors we'd faced, the sacrifices we'd made to survive. His gaze swept over each of us critically as she spoke, as if re-evaluating his initial impressions.

"In the end, we had nowhere else to turn but here," Saya finished quietly. "I know you have no cause to shelter us, but I hoped..."

She trailed off, shoulders stiff with tension as we awaited Takagi's response. For a long, uneasy moment, he simply looked at us, his dark eyes inscrutable.

Then, he spoke, his voice deep and authoritative in the hushed room: "You say you have survived, supported each other. But I see only a pack of frightened children, stumbling blindly through horrors you do not comprehend."

Around me, I saw shoulders slump, expressions faltering. But Saya stood firm, chin lifting defiantly.

Takagi continued, ruthless in his assessment. "You boast of teamwork and sacrifice. But can you follow orders? Obey commands? What use is a soldier who cannot?" He waved a dismissive hand. "I have an army already. I see no need for untrained, undisciplined youths."

The rejection stung, even as part of me rebelled at being dismissed so easily. We had endured, survived, when so many others had fallen. Did that count for nothing?

Saya opened her mouth to respond, but Takagi cut her off with a sharp gesture. "Enough. I will permit you one night's rest to recover from your ordeal. But come morning, I expect your friends to be on their way." His eyes narrowed, steel beneath the surface. "They can stay at the tents but not here. The world has no place for those who cannot pull their weight. Not anymore."

I tensed as Saya stepped forward to respond, ready to jump in if needed. This was her father, but I'd be damned if I let him dismiss us so easily. We had fought, bled, sacrificed everything to make it this far. That had to count for something.

But Saya held up a hand, stopping me before I could speak. Her eyes never left her father's face.

"With all due respect, you know nothing of what we have endured," she said, each word clipped and controlled despite the anger simmering beneath the surface. "We have faced horrors beyond imagination out there. Seen things no one should ever have to see."

Saya's voice grew tighter, fists clenching at her sides. "We have lost families, friends. Watched the world fall apart around us. And still, we survived. Through teamwork, sacrifice, compassion." Her chin lifted, eyes flashing. "You may call us children, but we have been forced to grow up fast in this new world."

I saw Takashi shift out of the corner of my eye, pride and concern warring on his face as he watched Saya stand up to her father. Takagi's expression remained impassive, giving nothing away.

"We may not be soldiers," Saya continued relentlessly. "But we are survivors. That should count for something." Her voice softened just a fraction. "Please, give us a chance to prove our worth, contribute what we can. We have nowhere else to go."

The room was silent, all eyes fixed on Takagi as he considered his daughter's impassioned plea. For a long moment, he simply looked at Saya, his gaze assessing.

Finally, he spoke. "You show spirit, at least. Not many would dare speak to me in such a way." His eyes swept over all of us. "Very well. You may stay for now, integrate into the civilian population." His expression hardened. "But you will have no contact with my soldiers. I will not have you interfering with their discipline and training."

Relief swept through me, and I saw the others relax fractionally. It wasn't perfect, but it was better than nothing. We had a place to stay, recuperate, plan our next move.

But of course, Takagi wasn't finished. His gaze landed on Kohta, zeroing in on the pistol at his hip. "Weapons are to be surrendered upon entry," he said, voice crisp with command. "I do not tolerate untrained civilians carrying firearms on these grounds."

Kohta paled, hands twitching nervously near his gun. "I-I'm sorry, sir, I didn't..." he stammered, clearly uncomfortable under the sudden scrutiny.

Anger flashed through me. Kohta was a better shot than most of the soldiers in this place. He had saved our asses more times than I could count. And now Takagi wanted to disarm him, treat him like a child playing with something dangerous?

I stepped forward before I fully realized what I was doing. Takagi's gaze shifted to me, eyes narrowing.

"Kohta is not some kid who found a random gun," I said, fighting to keep my voice respectful. "He is very skilled with firearms, an expert marksman. And he is responsible, always careful about handling his weapons safely."

I met Takagi's stare head-on, refusing to back down. "That gun has saved all our lives more than once out there. Kohta is a vital member of this team. He stays armed."

I sensed Kohta staring at me, stunned and grateful. The others watched tensely, likely wondering if I had just signed our death warrant with my defiance. But I would not stay silent and allow Kohta to be treated this way.

Takagi regarded me for a long, tense moment. I wondered if he was contemplating having me thrown out or shot for my audacity. But finally, the corner of his mouth twitched upward. It wasn't quite a smile, but about as close as I suspected this man ever got.

"You show spirit as well," he remarked. "Very well. The boy keeps his weapon, for now. We shall see if he lives up to your lofty praise."

I let out a slow breath, relief crashing over me. That had been a gamble, but it seemed to have paid off. I shot Kohta a subtle nod and saw his shoulders relax slightly, color returning to his face.

"I will have rooms prepared for you all to rest and clean up," Takagi continued briskly. "We can discuss more permanent arrangements later. For now, you may remain here as guests."

I cleared my throat as the others began to shuffle towards the door, catching Souichiro's attention before he could dismiss us entirely. This was our chance to prove ourselves useful.

"Sir, if I may have a moment more of your time," I began respectfully. "I believe my friends and I can offer valuable skills during our stay here. Allow me to explain..."

I went on to outline each member of our group - their key abilities, knowledge and experience that could contribute to the estate. Takashi and Rei's athleticism and combat skills made them ideal for security patrols. Saya's intellect and strategic thinking could assist in managing resources and planning. Kohta was unmatched in firearms and could help train soldiers.

As I spoke, Souichiro's expression remained impassive, but I could tell he was listening intently, considering my words. When I finished, he gave a short nod.

"Very well. I will have my men assign you each duties and quarters suited to these...skills, as you describe them. We shall see if you live up to your promises."

I let out a slow breath as he gave orders for us to be housed in connected rooms with balconies, allowing us to remain close. It wasn't total trust, but it was progress. I caught Saya's eye as we turned to go, and her relieved smile told me she agreed.

Just as I moved to follow the others out, Souichiro's voice stopped me. "A moment, Kai."

I turned back, pulse quickening slightly. The others hesitated, but I waved them on. "I'll catch up in a minute."

Once alone, I met Souichiro's considering look with as neutral an expression as I could muster. I had a feeling I was being re-evaluated based on my willingness to speak up against him earlier.

"You are either very brave or very foolish to address me so directly," he remarked. His tone was mild, giving nothing away. "What made you defend the boy and insist he remain armed?"

I chose my next words carefully. "Necessity breeds capability, sir. Out there, Kohta went from an average student to an expert marksman because our lives depended on it. His skills saved me more than once. I owed it to stand up for him."

Souichiro's eyes bored into mine, as if testing my sincerity. "And if I ordered you to turn over your weapons regardless?"

I held his gaze evenly. "With respect, we've seen what happens when people are unable to defend themselves in this new world. Kohta's capabilities are an asset - one you won't find in many of your sheltered soldiers here."

One corner of Souichiro's mouth lifted a fraction. "No, I suppose most have not been forced to adapt as you have." He considered me a moment longer, then said, "Tell me, Kai - how far are you willing to go to protect your friends?"

The question caught me off guard, but I answered without hesitation. "Whatever is necessary, sir. Their safety comes first, above my own."

Souichiro gave a single nod, seeming to come to a decision. "Good. That conviction will be needed in the days to come." His expression turned grim. "There are difficult trials ahead. But perhaps together, we can face them."

I sensed a dismissal in his words. As I turned to go, he spoke once more, so softly I almost missed it: "Take care of my daughter, Kai."

Startled, I glanced back, but his face was already impassive again, the guards stepping forward to escort me out. I left with my mind spinning over the conversation. What exactly did he have planned that required such conviction? And why ask me to look after Saya?

One thing was clear - Souichiro Takagi was a man of many layers. I would need to stay alert and ready for anything in the days ahead.