A/N So I've already told my peeps on Tumblr, but I'll explain here too. I was very productive yesterday on my day off. I wrote over 2.5k on pt 2 of 'Love Spell' and have reached almost 9k total. Problem is… it's still not near the end. I don't honestly know how much more I have to write. This story is basically writing itself and I've decided not to force it to an end quite yet. I know exactly how the ending will go. But getting there?

In short, there will be a part 3. This isn't the end. I completely love this story though and can't wait for you guys to read what I have so far. I hope you guys like it!

As always, any background zombies mentioned belong to CallMeLy who is brilliant and gracious enough to let me borrow them!

"Oh yeah. This is so much better." Eliza mused sarcastically. Zed scowled down at her but he couldn't disagree. They were sent directly to the basement that was half set up like a classroom. Sure, there were desks and a chalkboard, but it was still a dingy, rundown basement. "So much for change." She added under her breath.

'Change.' The word rang in his head. He had an idea. But he'd need to sneak out of 'class' to find Addison.

So he slowly stepped back as their new 'teacher', Mr. Zeck, started explaining what they were going to 'learn' first. Not even Eliza or Bonzo noticed his slow escape as he slid out the door and closed it quietly behind him. And he took off. He might not have much time before he gets caught.

He stuck close to the walls. Ducked down around the windows. Tried his best to stay quiet. But, of course, he hadn't paid attention to where he was going around one corner and his shin slammed into a student newspaper rack. He yelped out in pain then groaned as he stumbled towards to opposite wall to assess the damage.

"Ah! Rouge zombie!" He heard a female shriek.

"Wait, what?" He questioned. Then the Z-Alert started to siren. "Wait, are you serious?" Then the halls were suddenly flooded with panicked students, running around frantically. "It's completely fine," he tried to calm them but it fell on deaf ears, "you don't have to, worry about it." He sighed. No one was listening.

"There! Zombie!" He turned when he heard someone yell. A group of burly football players came barreling his way. His eyes widened.

"Oh shit!" He cursed and took off running, knowing he'd be in for a beating if he was caught.

XxX

"What's everyone making such a big deal for? Don't they know about the Zombie Safe Rooms?" Addison muttered to herself as she calmly walked through the scrambling crowd. But suddenly she was bumped into and nearly knocked to the floor.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry!" The girl apologized, still looking around nervously.

"No! It's ok! Are you afraid of the zombie?" Addison asked, comfortingly taking the girl's hands in hers. She nodded vigorously. Addison offered her a reassuring smile.

"It's ok! I'm Addison! We can go to the Zombie Safe Room together!" She said. The girl visibly relaxed and smiled back.

"Thanks, I'm Bree!" She replied as the two girls began walking side by side. Bree still glanced around nervously.

"It's great to meet you Bree! You have some great energy! Have you thought about trying out for the Cheer Squad?" Addison tried distracting her. Bree's eyes lit up at hearing the word cheer.

"Of course! I've always dreamed of being a flyer! Just soaring in the air as the crowd roars." She said dreamily. Then her expression drops into a frown. "That's a stupid dream."

"No! It's not! You can definitely be a flyer! My cousin's the Cheer Captain so I can put in a good word! We can try out together!" Addison encouraged. Bree smiled excitedly, then her face faltered again. She saw a zombie. The rouge zombie, running into the Zombie Safe Room. "Bree? What's wrong?" Addison asked.

"Ahhh!" She screamed, taking off in the opposite direction.

"Wait!" Addison attempts to stop her but she's already gone. Suddenly, a gang of football players push past her and she just shakes her head. "Everyone's gone crazy around here." She murmurs to herself, pushing open the Zombie Safe Room door and entering.

"Zombies Safe Room secure." A robotic woman's voice informed. The lights were out but the red alert lights were still flashing. She heard some boxes shuffle and she stiffened.

"Hello?" She called softly.

"Hello?" A male voice called back.

"Hello?" She asked more firmly. He realized who she was.

"Why hello!" His voice replied confidently.

"Don't get any ideas Buster. The only thing more deadly than my high kick, is my low kick." She warned. He chuckled.

"Or you could probably turn me into a frog?" He joked. Addison's brows furrow as she squints into the darkness.

"Zed?" She questions. He walked around the last shelf to get to her.

"The one and only!" He teased. Her face breaks into a huge grin.

"Zed!" She exclaims as she launches herself into his arms as soon as he's in reach. He gladly hugs her back.

"Hey Addy." He whispers as he buries his nose into her hair. Then she pulls back enough to look up at him.

"You're the rouge zombie everyone's freaking out about?" She asks with a raised brow. He laughs and scratches the back of his head nervously.

"Yeah, about that. It's a long story." He did NOT want to tell her he's just clumsy and someone got the wrong idea. He led her by the hand over to sit on one of the stretchers.

"Ookay?" She decided not to argue so she smiled. "How's your first day in human school going?" She asked excitedly.

"Well, um, that's kinda why I came to find you." He said.

"Why? What's wrong?"

"It's horrible! They've just shoved us in the basement and call that integrated!" He vented.

"Oh Zed that's awful." She placed a hand on his shoulder and rubbed it comfortingly. He pulled his leg up onto the stretcher so he could turn and face her fully.

"I was thinking. Maybe you can change things!" He said excitedly. She looked at him stunned.

"What?"

"You know! Use a little of your manipulation spell to persuade Principal Lee to give us a little bit more leeway, no pun intended, then us zombies can win over the humans! I can join the football team, Eliza can join computer club, and Bonzo can even join a music group! You haven't met him yet, but you'll love him." He rattled out his idea enthusiastically.

"Zed, I'd love to help, but I don't think I can. Changing someone's mood is one thing, but a decision like that might not be so easy." She told him with concern in her voice.

"Oh." Zed's smile fell but he quickly replaced it with a smaller one that didn't reach his eyes. He turned back forward and wrapped one arm around her to pull her into his side. "It's no problem! We'll figure something out! We always do!" He assured her, kissing the top of her head. "It was just a thought."

She couldn't help feeling horrible though. "Maybe," she started to say against his chest, "I can at least try." Zed looked at her with a huge smile that warmed her to the core.

"Thank you Addy! You're the best!" He hugged her with both arms tightly. She hugged him back, happy that he was happy.

"I'll do what I can, but you might need to do the persuading." She said. Zed nodded eagerly.

"Yeah! Of course!" He agreed. She smiled at how excited he was.

"Ok. But I have to make cheer tryouts first." She said, pointing at him warningly. He raised his hands in surrender.

"Ok ok!" He laughed. "It means that much to you, huh?" She nodded.

"Cheer is my passion! I've been going to cheer camps as long as I can remember!" Her enthusiasm was clear in her voice and Zed smiled. But then she looked unsure. "I just hope I'm good enough to make the squad." Zed grabbed her hand resting on her lap.

"You're gonna rock it. I believe in you." He encouraged. She bit her lip to hide how big her smile was that he was supporting her.

The lights flipped on and both of them shielded their eyes briefly as they adjusted. Addy hopped off the stretcher and Zed followed her to stand.

"I guess we gotta head back to class." She said, disappointed she wouldn't get to spend more time with him.

"I guess." He agreed, sounding equally as disappointed. He stepped forward and gently pulled Addison into him by her waist. "You know you're the light in my gloomy day, right?" He told her with a grin. She giggled and wrapped her hands up around his neck.

"Shut up and give me a kiss." She teased. He chuckled but didn't hesitate to comply. The two feeling like a weight lifts off them as their lips press together. Each of them holding the other close and never wanting to let go. Zed's the one who pulls back first, just slightly. His nose brushing hers.

"I don't want to get you in trouble." He whispered breathily. She ignores his comment and pulls him back to kiss her again. He doesn't fight her, returning her affections gladly. But he pulled back again to press his forehead against hers. "Wanna sneak back here at lunch?" He asked. She giggled and nodded. He gave her another peck before they made their way out of the Safe Room, parting ways to go back to class.

XxX

Zed was counting the minutes till the lunch bell would finally ring. His leg bouncing anxiously as he stared at the clock. Bonzo was the first to take notice and quickly alerted Eliza.

"Grozig zozig ag Zedka." (Something's wrong with Zed.) Bonzo whispered worriedly. Eliza glanced at the zombie in question.

"Yeah, he's been acting like this all day." She agreed quietly. She leaned over towards their friend to whisper and get his attention. "Psst! Zed! Hey!" He didn't even seem to hear her since it didn't change his behavior at all. Eliza frowned in irritation. So she gave his chair a swift kick.

"What was the question?" Zed exclaimed, causing the class of zombies to laugh. Zed slid down in his chair in embarrassment. Mr. Zeck raised a brow at him.

"I didn't ask you anything Mr. Necrodopolous. It's nice of you to rejoin us though." He commented. Zed chuckled nervously.

"Sorry Sir." He apologized then Mr. Zeck continues to 'teach' the lesson. Zed whipped his head around the glare at his friend.

"Welcome back." Eliza whispered. Bonzo chuckled under his breath at Zed's expense.

"Ha ha ha ha," Zed chuckled along, "ha ha HA!" He snapped quietly. Bonzo jumped and settled back into his seat, glancing at Eliza who shrugged with a smirk.

"What are you so anxious about?" Eliza asked. Zed's cheeks turned a light shade of pink and he looked away.

"Nothing." He quickly replied. Eliza and Bonzo exchange a look.

"You sure Bud? You seem pretty distracted." Even though her words were demeaning, her tone showed her true concern. Zed sighed.

"You can't tell anyone." He finally said. Both his friends nod in agreement, he leans in closer to them to whisper even quieter. "I'm gonna sneak to meet with Addison during lunch." He told him with a grin of excitement. Bonzo's face was fearful and concerned while Eliza's was shocked.

"Ru grag gazee zruble." (You could get in trouble.) Bonzo voiced his worries.

"Trouble is an understatement." Eliza corrected.

"I'd only get in trouble if I get caught." Zed quirked a brow at her cheekily. Eliza rolled her eyes.

"You will definitely get caught." She said as a matter of fact. Zed scoffed.

"I didn't get caught during first period." He countered. Both Eliza and Bonzo's heads snapped in his direction.

"First period? When the Z-Alert went off?" Eliza asked for clarification. Zed scratched the back of his head and chuckled nervously as he nods. Eliza's eyes narrow on him. "You did get caught and you're the reason all of us were shoved against a wall and treated like animals this morning." Eliza hissed. He looked between his friends in surprise. Bonzo looked like his feelings had been severely hurt and Eliza was pissed. Zed's face fell in shame.

"I'm sorry guys. But it was important!" He tried to explain. She raised a brow for more details. "Um, but I can't tell you about it."

"Excuse me?" Eliza fumed. Zed shook his head.

"Just trust me, ok?" He begged. His friends looked between themselves for a silent discussion before Eliza sighed.

"Fine. But I better get a full explanation soon." She agreed. Zed smiled.

"You guys are the best!" He thanked just as the lunch bell rang. "Cover for me?" He asked. Eliza rolled her eyes and waved him off to go. His big toothy grin was contagious as a smirk made its way onto her lips. Zed snuck to the door while everyone was standing and grabbing their lunches.

XxX

Addison managed to slip out of the cafeteria without drawing much attention to herself. She was nervous. She wasn't usually one to break the rules. She carefully pushed the Safe Room door open and peaked inside, she didn't see Zed so she slowly walked in. As soon as she passed the door, a part of strong arms wrapped around her with a hand covering her mouth to keep her from screaming.

"Don't scream." He whispered in her ear, she instantly relaxed against him. The door shut and he removed his hand from her mouth.

"Don't scare me like that." She breathed in relief. Zed chuckled.

"Sorry." He apologized. Addison spun in his arms and kissed him hard. Then quickly pulled back. He looked at her in confusion but her mischievous smirk made him gulp.

She lifted her arm and snapped her fingers. Zed was pushed back to slam lightly into the wall a few feet away. His eyes were wide but Addy was close a second later, pressing against him as she kissed him feverishly. And damn did it make him hot. He kissed back with equal intensity. His hands skimmed her side down to her hips then around her back, hugging her tight to him.

He gingerly licked her bottom lip as an offering. A chill ran down her spine. She opened her mouth to meet his tongue. It was a whole new sensation. Neither of them having the experience to know what they were supposed to do but just followed what felt good. And man did making out feel good.

Addison slid her hands down his shoulders the grip his biceps, his flexed muscles under her small hands made her feel safe in his arms. Like she was meant to be there. She loved the feelings she got when he looked at her, held her.

A sudden image of chaos flashed across her mind, it was dark and people were scrambling for safety as walls crumbled around them, but it was the last sight that rattled her and the sound of Zed screaming in agony as tears streamed down his face. She instantly pulled back as she gasped in a breath like she'd been punching in the gut. She was panting from panic and tears pricked the corners of her wide eyes.

"Addy! Are you ok?!" Zed asked frantically, checking her for something that might be hurting her. She looked up into his worried eyes and knew she couldn't tell him what she saw. She choked back the sob that wanted to escape and cleared her throat.

"Y-Yeah. Sorry. I just, um, got a tickle in my throat." She lied. Zed rubbed her back for comfort.

"Do you need to sit down?" He asked, not even waiting for her reply before guiding her gently to the stretcher beside them.

"I'm really fine!" She laughs, putting on her best smile to reassure him that she's ok. He looked at her skeptically but slowly smiled himself. He leans in and plants a tender, lingering kiss to her lips.

"You promise?" He asked. She nodded, guilt flooding her chest for lying but she can't tell him about that vision. He gave her one last peck then held out a hand to her. "Ok. I believe you. But you need to go eat something for lunch. Cheer tryouts are last period right?" He asked.

"Yeah. That's when the cheer team has the gym." She added, taking his hand as he walked them to the door.

"Good luck. Though I don't think you need it." He teased, tucking a curl behind her ear. She giggled.

"Your luck is all I need." She said with a sincere smile.

XxX

So far, so good. Cheer tryouts were rough, but Addison was a fantastic cheerleader. Bucky would be crazy not to let her on the squad, even if she wasn't his cousin.

Not only that. He let Bree on the squad. Well, sort of. He let her on as a stand in. But she was still a cheerleader either way. And Addison couldn't be happier about it. Bree had quickly become her best friend.

It was a strange feeling. She'd always made a point to keep people at arms length. It wasn't until she met Zed that she made a conscious effort to open up. Not about her secrets, of course, but enough to try making friends.

Speaking of Zed.

"Hey! Addison!" Zed called from the fence. She looked around and jogged over to him.

"Hey." She greeted with a wide smile.

"How'd tryouts go?" He asked.

"I'm on the squad!" She nearly squealed in excitement but composed herself quickly. Zed's grin grew.

"I knew you would!" He praised. With a shy tilt of her head she shrugged as a blush stained her cheeks.

"Thanks! It was nothing." She tried acting coy. Zed chuckled. Could this girl get any cuter?

"Zed!" Eliza called where behind him. He turned to look and then back to Addison.

"I gotta go." He said in disappointment. Addison offered a smile.

"It's ok! I'll see you tonight. Promise you won't hate me because of anything my parents might do?" She pleaded. He laughed, putting his fingers through the fence links. She laced her fingers in his.

"I like you for who you are, Addison. Nothing's gonna change that." He assured her. She nodded thankfully.

"Zed! Come on!" Eliza yelled again.

"I'll see you tonight." He told her as he skipped backwards to meet up with his friends.

"See you." She whispered, watching him run off. The image from earlier haunting her mind and makes her shiver. Her fingers sliding off the metal as she headed towards the ice cream shop.

XxX

The walk to the ice cream shop wasn't long from the school. It was a popular hang out spot, especially after school so the place was hopping with energy.

"Addison! Over here!" She heard her mother call. Her parents were sitting at an outdoor table under an umbrella. She made her way over to them, avoiding bumping into the busy servers rushing around or the patrons entering and exiting the establishment.

"Hi Mom and Dad." She greeted as she sat in the chair across from them.

"Do you want an ice cream, Hon? Let me order you one." Missy insisted, waving over the girl helping them and ordering a vanilla for her daughter.

"So how'd cheer tryouts go?" Dale asked with a smile.

"I made the team." Addison replied.

"Oh Addy! That's great!" Missy congratulated.

"Great job, Honey! We knew you'd make it!" Dale told her proudly. "So! Did you tell this zombie that we'll be paying his family a visit?" Addison nodded.

"Yes Dad. Through the fence they had separating the humans and zombies." She added with just a hint of attitude. Dale leaned forward with the 'you-know-that's-the-way-it-has-to-be' look.

"Addy, we put those security measure in place to keep you kids safe. Zombies can be unpredictable." He explained, as if she didn't already know their thoughts about zombies.

"So can witches." She argued in a whisper. Missy started frantically 'shh'ing her.

"Why don't talk about that in public young lady!" Her mother hissed warningly.

"My point is, they're not normal. And neither are we. We just have better ways of hiding it." She continued to plead her case. Her parents give each other an unsure look. Addison could see their inner turmoil and knew this could be her chance. "All I'm asking is that you open your minds and give them a chance." She begged, even folding her hands to grovel.

Missy is the first to nod her agreement, smiling fondly at her daughter. Then she turned to her father with hopeful eyes. He glanced between her and his wife until he eventually caved, sighing in surrender. Addison squealed with glee, jumping to her feet and rushing around to hug her parents gratefully. Then returned to her seat with a wide grin.

"You really like this boy, don't you?" Missy asked, already knowing the answer. Addison's cheeks flared pink at the blunt question. But then she thought about his kind smile, his gentle touch, how encouraging and supportive he was towards her.

"Yeah. I do." She smiled shyly, her features showing the enlightenment from her admission. Dale narrowed his eyes at that however and Missy gently grabbed his hand to give it a reassuring squeeze, mouthing 'we'll talk later' silently.

The waitress came with Addison's ice cream, which she gladly accepted, and they took their time enjoying their frozen desserts. Catching up about their day and spending this time as a family.

XxX

"I don't know Zed. You're getting pretty consumed with this girl." Eliza stated warily.

"I can't explain it E! She's amazing!" Zed exclaimed in euphoria. "She kind, brave, eccentric, beautiful, cool, and," a witch, he thought but didn't say out loud, "talented!" He finished in awe.

"How on earth can you think she's eccentric?! She is cookie cutter Seabrook!" Eliza couldn't believe his word of description. Zed laughed.

"I've really gotten to know her. I feel a connection, ya know?" He tried explaining. She shook her head.

"I just think you're jumping in carelessly. You don't exactly have a lot of history with girls so I don't want you to fall too fast. She could really hurt you." She expressed her concern.

Zed rolled his eyes thinking, 'You have no idea.' But plastered on a big smile.

"You don't have to worry E! I'm a big boy! I can handle myself!" He teased, earning an elbow to the ribs. "Oof!" He grunted as he hunched over in pain. Eliza burst into laughter at his expense and didn't stop to help him.

"You better get home lover boy!" She called behind her. "Your future in-laws'll be showing up soon!"

Zed glared at his friend but forced himself upright to walk the rest of the way home.

He walked in the door, considerably early compared to how long he'd usually stay out with his friends on a school day.

"Dad?" He called. Zevon came around the hall corner with a surprised look.

"Zed! You're home early." He said in slight amusement.

"Yeah. About that." Zed replied, combing his fingers through his hair. Zevon's brow furrowed in confusion from his sons behavior. "Addison's family are coming to visit this evening." Zed finally admitted. His father was taken aback.

"They're coming here? Humans are wanting to come here?" He asked to help his coherence of the situation. Zed nodded.

"They want to meet us." He confirmed. Zevon sighed and scrubbed his face with his palm.

"Ok. Go get cleaned up and make sure your sister is dressed nice. I'll tidy up the house." His dad instructed.

"Yes Sir." Zed agreed, making his way towards the stairs. But Zevon stopped him short with a hand on the front of his shoulder.

"You really like this girl, don't you?" He asked his son with a knowing smile.

"Yeah." Zed said. He couldn't hide his grin. Zevon gave him a pat and told him to get going. Zed skipped up the stairs. His father watching on with his hands on his hips.

"They grow up so fast." He mused, then shook his head before heading to clean the kitchen.

XxX

Zed tugged at the sleeves of his old maroon dressy coveralls he'd worn a few years ago for a zombie wedding that Eliza's mom had sown for him. It was obviously too small for him now, his wrists and ankles exposed due to his growth since then, but it was the best outfit he had to look nice for Addison and her parents.

A knock came to the door. All three of Necrodopolous' jumped up out of their seats in the living room and Zed could see the uncertainty on their faces, specifically his little sisters. He bent down to her level and straightened her old hand-me-down dress, smiling to reassure her that everything would be alright.

"Don't worry! Just be yourself and they'll love you. Addison does!" He encouraged. She smiled at her big brother and nodded. Zed's own excited smile brightening his face as he stood, catching his father's proud expression. He gave him a nod to go answer the door and Zed excitedly ran across the living room. He flung the door open with his signature wide smile but it quickly dropped and his eyes go wide with slight panic.

"Um, hi." He managed.

"Hey Zed. These are my parents." Addison introduced. Zed gulped as her father, Chief of the Zombie Patrol, stared at him with a stone cold expression. Not to mention the Mayor of Seabrook was beside him. He forced himself to smile again and laughed nervously.

"Uh, hi! I'm-" he started to introduce himself but Dale quickly cut him off.

"Zed Necrodopolous. Yes, we know." He seemed irritated. Missy gave him a nudge and smiled.

"Are you going to invite us in?" Missy asked politely. Zed blinked and stepped aside.

"Oh! Yeah! Of course! Come in please!" He extended his arm for them to enter.

"Thank you!" Missy thanked nicely. Dale entered first, like he was making sure it was safe for his family inside, with Missy close behind and Addison following in last.

"You could have warned me about who your parents are." He whispered. She sheepishly waited for Zed to shut the door and gave him a quick hug that only lasted long enough for her to whisper 'I'm sorry' before pulling back so her parents wouldn't be too suspicious. The two teens return their attention to their families, Addison audibly groaned and stepped further in to keep up damage control.

Her mom has gone full Campaign Mode, talking a million miles a minute and shaking Zevon's hand way too much, along with all but kissed Zoey on the cheek, still slightly fearful of zombie germs that don't exist. Dale was looking around 'inspecting' the house with his arms crossed, completely ignoring the zombies in the room. Addison decided enough was enough.

"Will both of you stop it?!" She exclaimed, shutting up her mother and drawing both of their attention back to her. "You can't just barge into my boyfriend's house acting like this!" She scolded, tears forming in the corners of her eyes out of frustration and embarrassment. Seeing their stunned faces made her realize what she'd just said. Zed came up behind her and placed a supportive hand on her shoulder.

But she took off past him towards the door. Zed watched her as the door closed behind her then turned back to the adults. Her parent's expressions showed their shock from Addy's outburst but he didn't know what to say in the slightest that could possibly defuse the situation.

"Excuse me." He said before chasing after the blonde. He looked around outside and quickly found her sitting on a makeshift seat on the side of the porch, illuminated by the lightbulb art sculpture Bonzo had erected last summer.

He jogged down the steps and rounded the corner. "Hey Addy." He said softly as he approached.

"Zed!" She exclaimed in surprise, wiping her face quickly to hide the evidence that she'd been crying. "I'm so sorry." She apologized as she got to her feet. He shook his head.

"I'm sorry. For making things difficult for you." He countered sincerely. She let out a dry laugh.

"My parents are the powerhouses of Seabrook, embarrass the hell out of me, I drag you into my crazy magical life, and you're making things difficult for me?" She joked. Zed chuckled.

"Don't worry about your parents. Us zombies know how to take discrimination, especially from your dad." He teased, making Addison giggle quietly. But his joking tone subsided as he reached out to hold her hand. "You have definitely made my life magical though." He said sweetly. Addison could have sworn her heart skipped a beat.

"I think you're the one casting a love spell on me." She told him as they stepped even closer, leaning in so their lips could brush.

"I think it's fate, not magic." He differed, not wasting another second before capturing her lips for a fervent kiss. Zed was the first to pull back and pressed his forehead to hers, the connection quickly becoming a thing for the couple. "I missed you." He whispered. Addison hummed her agreement and closed her eyes to enjoy the contact with him. "I was a nervous wreck waiting for you to get here." He admitted. She pulled back and looked into his eyes.

"I was too. That was bad, but I was afraid it'd go down so much worse." She agreed. Zed laughed lightly.

"I thought it went pretty well! You admitted that I'm your boyfriend." He teased. Addison smirked and grabbed the collar of his shirt to roughly pull him down for another searing kiss. She pulled back with a small smirk.

"Don't make me regret it." She teased back. Zed gently pulled her body against his.

"I'll be everything you want me to be." He said with a sly smirk of his own. "If you call me yours." Her face softened.

"You are mine and I am yours." She agreed, sliding her finger up his neck till his hair comb through his hair. "My heart's been yours since the moment we first met." His expression mirrored hers as they stared lovingly into each other's eyes.

But the moment was cut too short when the front door opened, both teens heads snapping in its direction. Both relaxed when they saw Zoey peak over the railing at them.

"I was sent to check on you guys and tell you to come back inside." Zoey informed, not waiting for a response before running back indoors.

Addison turned back to look up at Zed who gave her a reassuring smile. "We'll handle this together." He told her, lacing their fingers. She squeezed his hand and smiled.

"Together." She agreed. Zed led her up the stair and took a deep breath before reopening the door.

To both of their surprise, everyone was sitting in the living room, talking, when they walked in. Zoey was sitting on her father's lap and finishing up her story about her stuffed pet Zander. Both Missy and Dale smiling and nodding along in amusement.

"Well that's different." Zed leaned down and whispered in her ear. She giggled, grabbing the attention of the adults in the room. Addison quickly withdrew her hand from Zed's, hoping they hadn't noticed.

"Zed!" Missy stood. "We're sorry for being so rude. We've already apologized to your lovely family." She said, motioning to his dad and sister.

"Oh! Uh, it's no big deal! Really!" He assured. She stepped forward and extended a hand out to him.

"I didn't thank you for protecting our daughter last night. Who knows what could have happened to her if she hadn't found a safe place to stay." Zed accepted her hand, Missy placing her second hand over his to show her sincerity.

Then Dale stood as well, stepping next to his wife. Addison gave him a scowl in warning. He briefly raised his hand to her as a peace offering that Zed didn't miss before Dale's hand extended towards him. Zed gripped his hand firmly, knowing a weak handshake could make or break a first impression, and they shook.

"Don't you dare hurt her, Necrodopolous." He threatened quietly. Addison's face turned beet red at the statement.

"Never, Sir." Zed replied seriously. Addison's breath hitched. Missy leaned towards her daughter without turning away from the young zombie.

"He is very sweet." She whispered. Addison's cheeks were burning from her blush.

"Ok! I think that's enough of that!" She exclaimed, pushing between her parents and Zed. Missy laughed and hugged her husband's arm.

"I guess we should head back home." Dale announced. They turned back to Zevon who was now standing with Zoey in his arms.

"So soon? You're more than welcome to stay a while longer!" Zevon offered.

"We very much appreciate your hospitality but we should really be going." Missy declined. Dale shook Zevon's hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you personally. I'm sure we'll be seeing each other much more often from now on." He said, all the zombie's faces seeming to go a slightly paler from his comment. "No! I meant because of the kids!" He quickly corrected, loosing his composure for a moment, then cleared his throat and straightened back up. "I trust my daughter's judge of character. You don't need to worry."

Zoey wiggled out of her father's grasp and hurried over to hug Addison around the waist. "I'm really happy that Zed found someone like you Addison." She said, then looked up at the blonde. "We can do all the things Zed won't do because he's not a girl!" Everyone laughed and Addison bent down to hug Zoey back.

"We can definitely do all the girlie things Zed won't do." Addison confirmed, shooting a smirk over at Zed who rolled his eyes playfully.

"Ok Princess! It's getting close to your bedtime!" Zevon interrupted, scooping Zoey back up.

"Zed will see us out. You do what you need to do." Missy assured.

"You're all welcome back anytime!" Zevon said as he headed to the stairs with his daughter in tow.

Missy and Dale went in the opposite direction for the door. "Alright, let's get going Addison." Dale said. Addison hung back beside Zed as they exited.

"I'll be right there." She told them. They turned to assess their daughter. Then Missy smiled warmly and continued towards the car while Dale looked between the teens.

"Don't take too long." He said, giving her a pointed look, then followed his wife. Addison stepped onto the porch with Zed behind her then she turned to face him, sliding her hands into his gently.

"What was that with your dad earlier?" Zed asked curiously. Addison rolled her eyes.

"My dad's a sword. He could have hurt you with just a handshake, if he wanted to." She explained, but received a confused and slightly frightened look in response. She smiled and continued. "Don't worry, he won't. If my dad does one thing, it's keeping his word. Male witches can only use magic either offensively or defensively. Offensive males are known as swords, defensive males are shields." He was still confused.

"'Male witches'? Like a sorcerer? Like that Raven guy you told me about?" He asked. Addison shook her head.

"Sorcerers use black magic. They're all bad. Every witch possesses white magic powers. It comes from our hearts, not our heads." She clarified, her demeanor faltering. "That's why they hunt us. If they rip out our heart, they steal our magic. It keeps them young and strengthens their power. But it can only be females. 'Cause we can use both types of magic." Zed squeezes her hands comfortingly.

"Shouldn't your mother be hiding too? She's the freaking Mayor!" He questioned in concern.

"No no! My mom's human!" Addison laughed, then she calmed herself again. "That's why Raven is after me. I'm the first female witch in my family line since my great grandmother." Zed got a look of enlightenment that switched to fear.

"What about Bucky?! Can he hurt me?!" He asked in a hurried tone. Addison giggled again and stepped closer to comfort him.

"Bucky's a shield. I can protect you from him." She teased affectionately. Zed smiled and freed one hand to wrap around her waist.

The car horn honks loudly. "Hurry it up Addison! And keep it clean!" Her father yelled warningly. Addison giggled and stretched up to give Zed a surprise peck on the lips.

"Meet me in the Safe Room before school tomorrow?" She asked eagerly. Zed's smile widened as he nodded in response. She excitedly flashed a toothy grin at him then turned and skipped to get in the back seat of her dad's car.

Zed waved goodbye as the car pulled away.

"You kids seem close." Dale said suggestively. "Has there been anything more than kissing going on that I should know about?" Addison face burned bright red.

"Dad! No! Oh my god!" She screeched. Missy giggled in the passenger seat.

"It's ok to be sexually active Addison. We just want to be sure your being safe!" She added. Addison covered her face with both hands.

"Dad, can you just kill me now?" She asked, muffled by her hands.

"I'd kill him first, Honey." Dale corrected. Their daughter groaned in misery while they laughed at her embarrassment.

XxX

The next morning, Addison was quick to get out of bed. Enthusiastically going though her morning routine, just at a much quicker pace. She put on her cheer uniform and made sure her hair and makeup was perfect. She had to look nice for him.

But the way she was scarfing down her bowl of fruit gave her parents the alert that something was going on.

"Going to see Zed this morning?" Missy mused nonchalantly.

"No!" She denied quickly then sank down into her seat. "Yes." She muttered. Missy laughed but Dale peaked over his newspaper at her suspiciously.

"Aren't you spending a little too much time with this boy?" He asked. Addison pushed the remaining fruit pieces around with her fork. Missy noticed her sulking and decided to step in.

"Well, I remember when we first met and wanted to spend every waking minute together." She said with a sweet, reminiscent smile. Dale looked at his wife for a moment then smiled himself, also remembering the early days of their relationship. When his parents would question him about dating a human. He looked back to his daughter with a loving look.

"Your Mother's right. We were in your shoes at one time." Addison's eyes were hopeful. Dale made a head motion for her to get going. "Go see your boyfriend. We'll see you after school."

Addison smiled and hopped up out of her chair, taking a minute to go around the table and hug each parent before rushing out the front door.

XxX

Zed has gotten to the school early, really early, so he could sneak to the Safe Room. He sat on a stretcher right in front of the door with a mini 'bouquet' of wild flowers he'd pick along the the edge of the barrier on the way. His foot bounced anxiously on the floor as he waited for his girlfriend to show up.

XxX

Addison had her textbooks in her arms as she speed walked up to the school doors.

"Well aren't you here early!" Addison froze. She turned slowly to find her cousin approaching with all three Acey's close behind.

"Oh! Um, hi Bucky! Yeah! I'm just, uh, here to meet with a study group!" She lied. Bucky's eyes narrowed.

"There's no one else here." He pointed out. "You're coming with us. We're setting up the gym for the pep rally this morning." He said, walking past her inside while Stacey and Lacey linked each of her arms to force her along.

"But! I really-" She tried to protest. Bucky stopped in his tracks and spun around to get in her face.

"I know when you're lying to me. You're here to see that zombie, aren't you?" He accused. Addison was at a loss for words. Does she say yes and risk blowing their secret meeting spot? Or just give in and leave Zed waiting? She really didn't want to unveil their place they can sneak off to.

"No, Bucky, I'm not here to see my boyfriend." She emphasized with a glare of defiance. Bucky looked at her completely stunned. "I guess my study group can wait if you really need my help." She finishes, ripping her arms away from the Acey's and pushing to march past Bucky towards the gym.

Hoping Zed will forgive her for making him wait just for her to not show up.

XxX

The longer he waited, the more discouraged he got.

"I guess she's not coming." He sighed. He sat the flowers aside on the stretcher and got up to leave, his shoulders slouched as he made his way to the basement before the first period bell could ring.

He walked into the basement where his friends were already seated at their desks. He plopped into his seat and immediately laid his head on the desk.

"Why so glum? I thought your dad said you went to see Blondie?" Eliza asked with a raised brow.

"She didn't show." Zed grumbled against the hard top.

"I told you. Human's are bad news." Eliza tsked. Zed lifted his head to shoot her a glare.

"Something had to have happened. My girlfriend wouldn't just ditch me." He snapped.

"She's your girlfriend?!" Eliza nearly screamed. Zed shushed her and glanced around to see most of the zombies in the room had turned to listen.

"Ru garziganook ro greeska?" (You're dating a cheerleader?) Bonzo asked in surprise.

"What?! Now Zed's got a girlfriend too?! I'm going to be alone forever!" One of their friends, Zach, exclaimed. Most of the room began to laugh at his dramatics. Then his friends intervened, each of them having a role in the zombie cover band of 'Bowling for Soup'. Bowling for Zoup.

"Maybe you'd have less trouble if you'd set some standards for yourself." The drummer, Roz, said from her propped up position trying to sleep.

"It's ok Bud. You'll find the one for you in due time." The lead guitarist, Zephyr, assured.

"Or you'll be alone forever. But at least you'll have us!" Zephyr's boyfriend who was also the singer and backup guitarist, Alonzo, teased as he threw an arm over his shoulders. Everyone laughed again but then Mr. Zeck spoke up.

"Hey! What- There are no human students in the basement." He said pointing towards the door. Everyone turned to see the blonde cheerleader standing in the doorway, holding a little bundle of wildflowers in her hand. Zed jumped to his feet.

"Uh, someone yakked in the cafeteria." She lied easily.

"Oh right. Still the janitor." Mr. Zeck mused. After grabbing his mop he headed out. Zed walked up to her, his eyes on the flowers.

"Addison, what're you doing here?" He asked. She looked up to make eyes contact.

"Apologizing." She said without hesitation. Zed chuckles and takes another step closer to take her hand in his.

"Addy-" He starts but she cuts him off.

"No. My cousin, he's a huge jerk about zombies. He caught me as I was walking in. I'm so sorry." She told him sincerely.

"Well, what if Bucky sees us talking?" Zed asks in concern. She shrugged innocently.

"I already told him you're my boyfriend, so..." she left open ended. Her smile growing as they both began to laugh.

"I see you did try to catch me." He said, gesturing to the flowers he'd abandoned. She pulled the bundle up to her heart.

"I did. They're wonderful, Zed. Thank you." She said, stretching up to her tiptoes and planting a quick peck to his lips. It wasn't until she heard a variety of gasps that she remembered they weren't alone. She pulled back with a gasp of her own.

"Oh." She said as she saw the group of zombie students staring at her. Then many of them began to murmur amongst themselves. Everything from 'Wow he really does have a human girlfriend' to 'Maybe humans aren't so bad' to 'Do you think she's using him?'

"Don't listen to them Addy." Zed whispered, leaning in for another kiss. When he pulled back she smiled again, stepping back so she could address the other zombies as well.

"So, I'll see you guys at the pep rally this afternoon?" She asked. Eliza marches up.

"Um, zombies don't do pep rallies." She denied with an attitude. Zed turned to give her a look that said 'shut up'.

"We'll think about it." Zed clarified for his friend's rudeness and gave her a wink to say he's definitely going.

Then a tall zombie, around the same height as Zed but not as lanky, came up to her excitedly.

"Hug-ga!" (Hug!) He said, opening his arms as he walked closer. She quickly looked to Zed for translation but he just laughed and stepped aside.

He then wrapped his arms around her and lifted her into the air for a big hug. She laughed and patted his back. When he put her back down his smile was face splitting.

"Wow! That was a great hug! Thank you!" She said returning wide smile.

"Addison, this is Bonzo. Bonzo, Addison." Zed introduced.

"Hello!" She greeted happily.

"Zi!" (Hi!) He returned.

"Yes, this is all very nice. But the bell is going to ring any minute." Eliza interrupted. It seemed to jog Addison's memory.

"Oh, right!" She agreed, sliding back up to Zed for a kiss. "See you at the pep rally." She whispered. He smiled and nodded before she hurried out the door. The zombies returned to their seats and Zed turned to Eliza.

"I told you she wouldn't ditch me." Zed boasted to his friend.

"Yeah. She chose her psycho cousin over you." Eliza countered with a raised brow. Zed scowled at that but he couldn't exactly deny it. That wasn't true was it? It did kinda make sense. But she said she'd told him that he is her boyfriend! That counts as progress, right?

XxX

The first three classes dragged by. Everyone excited for the pep rally during fourth period just before lunch. The cheerleaders, of course, got to leave early from their third period to get ready in the cheer lounge.

Addison fixed her half pony tail in the full length mirror, minding her own business, when Bucky comes up to her, without the Acey's this time.

"Do Aunt Missy and Uncle Dale know?" He asked quietly. Addison's brows furrowed in confusion.

"Know what?"

"About the zombie!" He whisper shouted.

"Oh! Yeah! They met his family yesterday. They like him." She told him casually, continuing to mess with her bow.

"Fine! But I forbid you see him when you're in uniform!" Addison turned to him in outrage.

"What?! You can't do that!" She protested.

"I can, and I will! I will not have zombies ruining my pep rally!" He declared as he crossed his arms.

"There are zombies at the pep rally!" Bree exclaimed suddenly, grabbing all the cheerleaders' attention. Addison's face lit up as she ran to look with her friend.

"They wouldn't dare." Bucky snarled. The Acey's rushing to his side as they too ran to check if Bree was correct. Sure enough, Zed, Eliza, Bonzo, and about a dozen other zombies were filing into the gym.

Addison was smiling ear-to-ear as she watch Zed climb the bleachers. He was really going to get to see her cheer! And she couldn't be more fired up.

"Stacey! Lacey! Tracey!" Bucky barked. "Bust out the spirit sticks." He said smoothly, a menacing smirk tugging on the corners of his lips. Addison and Bree looked at each other in worry.

XxX

The rally was going great! Addison was keeping as much eye contact with Zed as she possibly could as she performed the routine and seeing him show his support make her want to try harder.

It was almost time for her toss.

"Lets turn up the heat!" Bucky exclaimed. The sparklers were lit and one thrown to Bucky. "Let everyone see them for what they really are. Monsters!"

Bonzo started to shake and hiss in fear of the flames. Zed grabbed his shoulders.

"Don't worry about it!" He told him, then saw the other zombies looking fearful as well. "A little fire's not gonna hurt us!" He announced to them all to calm their nerves. But Bonzo couldn't contain his pyrophobia.

"Fire!" He screamed. Bucky was smirking as he saw the fear across their faces. Except a certain zombie he'd been hoping to scare off. Zed grabbed at his friend's arms again.

"It's gonna be fine!" He tried. But Bonzo shoved him off as he pushed through the bleachers towards the front. When Zed broke his fall, his Z-band smacked against the bleacher. He looked up just in time to see Addison go up in the air, then down to Bonzo's retreating form.

He watched his friend for a second in horror that everything was going so wrong. But he has to do something. "Bonzo no! Stop!" Zed yelled. He hurried to his feet and pushed his way to the stairs.

Suddenly, he was stopped in his tracks as the electrical pulses started to get weaker and further apart. He groaned in pain and resistance as brain cravings start to cloud his head, looking at his wrist to see the UNSTABLE warning flashing across his screen with black veins creeping across his skin. His eyes shoot back up when he hears screams.

"Bonzo!" He yells, his voice deep and scratchy, when he sees him chase away the small group of cheerleaders. Wait. Those where the cheerleaders that threw up, "Addison!" He screamed in horror, not wasting a second to run down the stairs with heavy steps from his malfunctioning Z-band.

Addison was already half way up in the air when she heard screaming. She was completely upside down when she looks down to see her bases running away, leaving only hard wood floor beneath her. She could use a spell, but then the entire school would see. She can't disclose her century old family secret! Is this the end? Is this really how she's going to die? In front of everyone?

Bonzo had chased the handful of cheerleaders straight into Bucky, knocking him to the ground and nearly trampling him. The sound of the poster behind him ripping then the clank of someone heavy running into the support beam made his head shoot up to look straight above him. The top beam swayed unsteadily.

He'd be crushed if that beam fell on him. His eyes widen, he needed to use a protection spell if it falls. All of the sudden, he feels hands pulling on his arm to get him to his feet. His eyes jolt away from the swaying beam to the person trying to get him off the floor.

"Hurry! We gotta move!" The zombie exclaimed. Bucky could see the chaos all around them but he stared at this zombie's face for a long moment. Then the snap of a beam rings out. He grabbed the zombie who put himself in danger to help him and with the swing of his arm, like throwing a cap overtop of them, a translucent, pale blue barrier encased them just as the beam crashed on top of them. Before anyone could notice they were in the midst of the debris, Bucky pulled the zombie away and out a side door.

Even with the screams and destruction, Zed kept his eyes on the one person in the most danger. His girlfriend. He didn't even noticed the row of football players he mulled over as he kept his focus on the girl now falling from the air.

Addison squeezed her eyes shut, anticipating the pain of hitting the ground. But instead felt two solid arms beneath her.

The impact of catching her snapped his Z-band back into ONLINE mode and the black veins began receding back, his normal pale skin returned. Addison opened her wide eyes that she was safe.

"Hi." Zed breathed a sigh of relief. Addison felt a lump form in her throat as a sob threatens to escape.

"Hi." She squeaks out. Zed smiles and starts to lean in but suddenly a voice yells out.

"We gotta talk!" The football coach points at the zombie still holding the cheerleader. Zed looks back at Addison in panic. She grabs his face and sends a soothing wave throw him with her magic.

"Calm down. You can do this." She assured. Zed physically relaxed and gave her a grateful smile.

"Are you ok?" He asked first. She smiled.

"Only because of you." She agreed. He stood and set her on her feet, starting to lean in again but she placed a finger on his lips to stop him.

"You just saved my life for the second time. I want this kiss to be special. Not in front of the whole school." She teased. Zed chuckled.

"As you wish, My Lady." He replied jokingly, leaving her to follow the coach while Bree bombarded her with hugs.

XxX

"Wha-What was that?!" The zombie asked through his heavy breathing, more out of adrenaline from almost being crushed.

"What were you thinking?! You would have been killed!" Bucky exclaimed, ignoring the question and shifting the topic away from his magic. The zombie looked up at the furious cheerleader from his hunched position.

"I-I don't know! I was with my friends chasing down Bonzo to stop him, then I saw you were in trouble and, and I couldn't let someone as perfect as you die!" He explained. Bucky huffed and pulled him to stand up straight, the zombies had a few inches on him so he had to look up to his face. And man did he have a handsome face. Bucky felt his face start to heat up so he quickly looked away, checking the zombie for any injuries.

"Are you hurt?" Bucky asked in a softer tone. The zombie didn't fight as Bucky checked his arms and torso.

"No, I'm good." He assured, then as Bucky grabbed his wrist, he placed his other hand over his. "What about you? You could've died too." He pointed out with a concerned expression that caught Bucky off guard.

"I- you, you saw what happened. I'm fine." He said firmly and continued his meticulous checking. But the zombie forced him still again.

"I did see what happened. And it was incredible. But I wanna make sure you're ok." Bucky was speechless. No one's ever cared if he was ok. He'd never let anyone from the outside in before. And the only person who really knew him was Addison.

"Who are you?" Bucky asked in awe. The zombie smiled a smile that dazed the cheerleader further.

"I'm Zach."