Zed couldn't help but notice something had shifted in the dynamic between himself and the Chief. The events of his recent check-in appeared to have won him favor with Addison's father. Suddenly, invites to the Donnelly house for dinner became a weekly occurrence.

He wasn't sure what had shifted the man's opinion, but he wasn't going to question the change. It was weird at first, being treated with genuine kindness from the man in charge of the Zombie Patrol. He'd been wary the first few times, convinced it was some sort of trick to lure him into messing up in some way.

Eventually, he couldn't deny that the chief had changed. Addison had brought it up, wanting him to know that he'd been praised several times when he wasn't around. He'd earned respect from one of the most important people in her life.

"Who knew my boyfriend was such a charmer?" She'd joked, mock-punching him gently in the shoulder.

He'd responded with a suggestive smirk and a raised eyebrow.

Mayor Missy had been warming up to him too, but he still caught the occasional flash of fear in her expression when they spoke. He tried not to take it too personally, but it still stung. At least she was meeting his eyes now, and willing to shake his hand. It was progress, and he vowed to be grateful for it.

When Addison texted him the weekly dinner invite, he asked if he could bring anything to contribute. Perhaps Missy would appreciate him shaving some time off her meal prep schedule.

Addison's quick response had made him laugh.

A: No cauliflower.

He'd rolled his eyes at the accusation, snapping back an equally sassy response.

Z: How about...sauteed brains?

He sat there for a moment, grinning at their conversation. Then, when she didn't immediately respond, he wondered if the joke hadn't gone over well. Sometimes he forgot that the type of humor popular in Zombietown didn't always line up with Seabrook's own.

Z: Just a joke! (obviously)

A: You're ridiculous.

He released a breath that he hadn't realized he was holding.

Z: Seriously though – can I bring dessert or something?

A: Dessert would be great. See you tonight 3

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He arrived on time to the Donnelly house, striding up to the door with more confidence than he'd have been able to muster just a few weeks ago.

After the first few visits, he'd ditched the pastel look in favor of wearing the jewel tones common in Zombietown. Now that Addison's parents were more comfortable with his presence, he didn't feel it was necessary to hide behind Seabrook colors. He was a zombie – and he wasn't going to hide it.

Addison had also significantly influenced the decision by reminding him of how much she loved him in darker colors. After hearing those words, the pale blue coveralls were exiled to the back of his closet.

He shifted the tray of brownies to his left hand and rang the doorbell.

Missy opened the door, phone pressed to her ear as she argued with someone on the other line. Seeing Zed, she smiled and ushered him inside, shutting the door behind him and wrapping up her phone call.

"Yes, I will be in the office at eight and we can address it then. Goodnight, Sal."

After hanging up the call, she let out a deep breath, reaching up to run a hand through her hair.

"Everything ok, Mayor?" Zed asked, still standing in the foyer.

"It'll be fine," She said, waving him off. "Just losing my lead a bit in the re-election, but it's still early. I'm sure it's nothing to be concerned about."

Zed bit his lip, a thought crossing his mind. "You know, zombies are getting a vote this year. I know it's not much, but I'd be happy to talk to the adults I know to encourage them to vote for you. You were the first mayor in Seabrook history to take steps towards integration – I think a lot of zombies would want to honor that."

Missy seemed surprised by Zed's suggestion. "I would really appreciate that, Zed. Thank you."

He just smiled in response, stepping past her to drop the brownies in the kitchen.

Maybe this would be just the opportunity he needed to help win Missy's approval.

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Dinner always ended too soon, and he dreaded having to say goodbye to Addison.

The brownies were a hit, and he hadn't even had to explain that he'd used a boxed recipe. He'd also neglected to mention that Eliza had overseen the entire process, making sure he didn't ruin them in any way.

He accepted the compliments, excusing himself as usual to begin his walk home.

"Stay."

Addison begged when he stood to leave.

"I can't," he shot her an apologetic look. "I have to leave now if I'm gonna be home before curfew."

Dale and Missy exchanged looks, seeming to reach an understanding without words.

"Zed," the chief said. "We're going to rent a movie and you're welcome to stay if you'd like. I will personally drive you back to your house afterwards so that you aren't punished for breaking curfew."

Addison squealed, giving her father a hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Zed was stunned. Curfew had always been set in stone, a non-negotiable part of his life that had dictated his evening plans for as long as he could remember. The idea of not being subjected to it for even a night seemed impossible – and impossible to refuse.

"Are you sure? I don't want to make you go out of your way." He asked, wondering where the catch was with this offer.

Dale shook his head, dismissing the concerns. "It's no problem at all. Just call your dad and let him know."

Zed nodded, thanking them before stepping about to dial Zevon's number. He couldn't believe that he was going to be the first zombie to ever have explicit permission to ignore the curfew for a night.

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