AN: Ahh, the last chapter . It's mostly just a closer to wrap things up, but it's got some good stuff in it. Be sure to add me to your author alerts for the sequel. I'll talk about it in the footnote.

Left 4 Dead is property of Valve.

Happiness Is Not a Smoking Gun -18- Ending Start

"Yup, you're pregnant."

Sophie and Cas couldn't help but smirk at their friend as she dropped her head against the office desk. After six months at the makeshift reserve, Chelsea had gone to Cas with a apprehensive look. After that, the two had gone to the medic for her confirmation.

"It's not that bad," Cas comforted with a shrug. "Plus, you end up with a cute, lil' baby that'll keep you up all night."

Chelsea groaned. "That's what I'm afraid of."

Seeing as her friend had already gone through it, Cas' words were slightly reassuring, but then again, she was stuck with a one month old boy. As she had claimed, he did indeed keep them up all night.

"Well, I should go relieve Ellis of baby watch," Cas informed, standing up. "We'll talk later."

Receiving a sluggish wave, she left towards her house. Oddly, Ellis enjoyed watching his son, and when asked, would gladly take over for Cas. She was surprised to see his enthusiasm towards the boy, but it was a good surprise. It saved her from endless hours without sleep.

Lillian had been the first to jump on the repopulation bandwagon (whether intentionally or not). She and Keith hadn't taken long to follow in their friend's footsteps and a month later had discovered that she had also gotten pregnant. Like Sophie, she too didn't necessarily enjoy the thought of kids, but with a little coaxing from Keith, she (with a little resistance) was accepting of her new addition. Keith, like his best friend had been, was nothing less than excited by his girlfriend's news. He hoped for a boy, but it would take a little more effort to get Lillian to agree to go see Sophie for a gender. She was already a month overdue, but with his busy schedule he had to let it slide. Being one of the only handymen in the group, he and Ellis had been put in charge of any and all construction projects. It was a job that took up many hours, but it was satisfying. He just hoped Lillian was as happy as he was. Despite her uncertainty with a child, it was likely she was.

"Any questions?"

Nick leaned back onto his desk, his eyes scanning over the students in front of him. Once again, they didn't have any further questions.

"Alright, class dismissed."

After the children left, he turned and packed all his belongings. Even though all bets had been against him, the conman was not only able to keep his job, but he found that he didn't hate it. Hell, he liked it.

Of course, he wouldn't openly admit it though (or to himself for that matter), but it was quite evident that the job was a good fit for him. After the first few weeks of work, he found that he became more compliant when he had to go in. That and the frightening discovery that he liked kids. It shocked him more than it would anyone else.

Back at his house, he found Sophie working in the kitchen, making dinner. It was always a satisfying thing to come home to after a full day of work. Plus, her cooking was by far his favourite.

Wrapping his arms around her, he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and rested his chin on the top of her head.

"So, how was work?" She asked.

"Same as always. God, I love those kids," he replied.

She couldn't help but chuckle. "Trust you to make a full turn around and end up being good with kids. They all love you too, you know."

He had been trying to find the best time to ask her. After spending six months with other people's children, and with all of his friends having children, he began to want one of his own. He knew she would be completely against the idea.

"They like to too, you know," he said slyly.

Sophie scoffed, "They think I'm the Wicked Witch of the West. Kids don't like doctors, Nick. It's just a fact. I know what you're thinking, Nick—we're not having kids."

"Why not?"

"Because I'd be a terrible mother."

"I'd be a great father."

"And I'll get fat."

"I don't mind."

"I do. I'd be a terrible terror as a pregnant lady."

"I could calm you down."

"There would be no one to deliver the baby."

"Coach's wife and the other mothers could help."

"We're not having a baby."

"How can you stop that?"

"I know enough about my body to tell when I can and cannot get pregnant."

"We'll just have sex all the time."

"I won't be in the mood all the time."

"Please?"

"They cry and scream and poop. We are not having a baby."

"I'll take care of it! You won't have to do a thing."

"You sound like Cas asking for a dog."

"Don't make me get Cas to nag you for me."

"Her arguments are even less effective than yours."

In the community, the new houses were small. In fact, they were more like huts than anything. It was a family per hut and thanks to the handy men and crafts people, each house had a wood stove, a nice bed, a table and chairs, and a cupboard. The school was a single room with something that resembled a chalk board, and the medical clinic was the doctor's house. Sophie's and Nick's house.

It wasn't the best way to live, but it was pretty damned good for civilians pooling resources. No government influence involved, hardly anything from the outside world, and with minimalist tools.

Eventually a group of survivors made it without crashing a boat. It became their main means of acquiring resources and seeking adventure. Keith and Lillian were the only two of the group to go on these boat trips. Cas had the baby, Ellis had Cas, Coach had his family, Brandon and Chelsea had important jobs, Nick was the only teacher, and Sophie was the only doctor.

It was a small town by definition—population 35 (and growing).

Cas came to get her and little Keith's check up. Sophie had instructed her to come back for a formal look some time this week. First she made sure Cas was in good health, feeling happy when everything checked out. She then picked up Keith in her arms and while cradling him, made sure he was healthy. For not having his shots and being in such an environment, the kid seemed as healthy as his mother.

Keith was a good baby. Sophie didn't mind him in the least and didn't much care when Cas occasionally asked her to take care of him. Best of all—she could give him back at the end of the day.

"So," Cas started, "I hear Nick wants a rug-rat too."

"You heard right," Sophie grumbled.

"No need to get angry about it. You're just going to tell him 'no' anyway."

"Yeah, except I'm two weeks late."

Cas blanched.

"What?"

"I'm two weeks late. Therefore, pregnant."

"Uhmm, I'd say congrats, but…"

"I know you're dying to. I'll take care of Keith; run off and tell Nick. While you're at it, do it in-front of his class just so the whole community knows."

"Okay!"

"Wait!"

She meant it as a joke.

Life would improve, time would move on, people come and go, and no one could complain. This was it. Life was just starting just as the world was ending.

FN: That line gets me everytime, way to go Soph. Anywho, sequel! We figured we didn't want to bore you guys with life on the island, and if there was a third apocalypse for those survivors, my char would probably kill herself lol. So, we got to thinking and we realized that we left out two of our close friends. That led to 'let's get them to safety too!' And thus, the sequel will be about them meeting up with a few people *cough*l4d1*cough* and getting to safety. The story will also switch between them and the survivors on the island, so we're not leaving them out. Hmm... what else... I'll give you guys a little snippit from it, but I think I'll just leave it at that. Be sure to add me on author alert!

A minute of shuffling later she announced that it was safe for him to turn back around. The two stood in awkward silence, fidgeting with their weapons.

"So, um, what brings you 'round here?" She asked.

"Oh, I was vacationing with my family and they turned into zombies."

"Oh, I hate when that happens."

"Yeah."

"Yeah."

Heh... I can picture it so it's pretty funny for me XD Anyways, author alert me and wait patiently :) Thanks for sticking around people!