So I loved Zombies 2 but really wish we'd gotten more Zeddison moments! Since I started this before the movie was released, I am completely ignoring the sequel but might revisit it in future fics.


The holiday season was the only time Zed had seen the Seabrook color scheme deviate from its usual pastels. Gradually, he'd noticed deeper greens and even a few (rare) pops of vibrant red work their way into the town's decor.

Seeing the two colors, both so entwined with Zombie culture, showcased throughout the human district had made him more emotional than he cared to admit. He knew it just a reflection of the time of year, but seeing the color schemes coexist side-by-side made him hopeful for the future of the town.

"Someone's feeling the holiday spirit," Addison's voice pulled him from his thoughts, automatically drawing a grin to his face.

"You could say that," he agreed, turning away from the festive window display to greet his girlfriend. He hadn't explained to her how seeing the dual color schemes reminded him of their relationship, afraid of coming off as too cheesy. He offered her one of the two to-go cups in his hands, "Hot chocolate?"

She was quick to accept, hands seeking onto the warmth of the drink in the cool winter air. Addison was bundled up in a pink wool coat, matching scarf and fuzzy earmuffs. Though she wasn't a fan of the cold, she'd insisted they attend the town's tree lighting ceremony.

"Aren't you freezing?" She asked, shivering as she gave him a quick once-over. His outfits hadn't changed much since the late summer as he never wore anything heavier than a light jacket. She had noticed he'd cut back on the one-sleeve look, but she'd never once spotted him with a scarf or gloves.

Zed shook his head with a laugh, pointing at himself as he explained. "Zombie, remember? I don't really feel the cold. Or heat, really. It's one of the few perks of the whole 'being undead' thing."

Addison frowned in response, but didn't say anything. She had noticed, of course, that his body temperature was much lower than the humans she knew, but she'd simply chalked it off as a zombie thing and never given it a second thought. The idea of not feeling temperature differences was a strange concept.

She pried one of her hands off the warm cup and reached for his hand. Sure enough, it was just as icy as the wind cutting through the streets. She ignored it, pulling him closer to her as they walked towards the city center.

"This is nice," he said after a moment. "Look at us–side by side. Out in the broad..."

Addison raised her eyebrows as he trailed off, taking in the darkening sky and string lights hanging in the shop windows. "...Starlight?" She finished, with a grin.

He nodded. It was almost better than daylight, he supposed, considering the fact that he was a zombie on the other side of the barrier after curfew with no escort. Sure, he had a written note from the Chief stashed in his pocket and a direct line to Z-Patrol headquarters programmed into speed dial, but so far he hadn't needed to explain himself.

In part, he was sure this area of town had grown used to seeing him out with the Donnelly's at all hours. It also didn't hurt that his reputation as star athlete for Seabrook High had made him an easily recognizable face in the town.

Their interlocked arms swung between them as they walked, Addison's soft humming filling the otherwise quiet street.

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Zed had never attended a tree-lighting before, and was surprised to see such a large turnout when they arrived at the scene. It appeared that a majority of the town was already there, gathered in groups around a giant tree in the center of the square.

"C'mon!" Addison said, bouncing on her toes for a moment before pulling him through the crowd. "I want to get a picture before it starts."

They got a few strange looks from people as they posed for a selfie in front of the tree. Zed supposed that at his height, even if he hadn't been a zombie, he would have had a hard time blending in to the crowd. He just wished that the gazes fixed on them weren't full of suspicion.

Addison didn't seem to notice, and he forced himself to shake off the discomfort and keep the smile fixed on his face. He was relieved when Bree found them, immediately dominating the conversation and distracting him from his thoughts.

Her cheer was contagious and soon he and Addison found themselves laughing as she explained why tree lightings were her favorite tradition. As always, her descriptions were dramatic and her joy was clear on her face.

"Also, you guys look so cute tonight! Did you already get a picture with the tree?" She asked, continuing on before giving them a chance to answer. "I'm gonna take one for you!"

Zed wrapped an arm around her shoulder, leaning into her as they smiled for the camera. Once the camera flashed, he insisted he take one of Bree and Addison together. The pair adopted a cheer pose, causing him to roll his eyes. "Always the cheerleader."

"You're one to talk, zombie." Addison teased.

He held his hands up in mock surrender, "You got me!"

He handed Bree's phone back to her, and her eyes lit up when it started ringing. "It's Bonzo!" She explained, gesturing to the phone as she started to step away. "I'm gonna go take this – see you guys later!"

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"I can see why you like it so much," Zed admitted as they gazed up at the brightly lit tree. "It reminds me of the zombie light garden."

They were sitting on the curb across the street, slightly removed from the noise of the celebrating town. Addison leaned her head onto his shoulder, "Yeah, it's always seemed a bit like magic to me. I love the holidays."

He tilted his head down to meet her eyes. "What's your favorite part?"

"Of the holidays?" She asked, looking up at him. "A year ago, I would've said spending Christmas morning with my parents. Now, though? My favorite part is just being here with you."

He squeezed the arm wrapped around her, planting a soft kiss on her forehead. "This is my favorite, too."

She sighed. "I wish I could freeze this moment forever. Tomorrow is my least favorite part of the holidays."

"Oh?" He asked.

She sat back, hand reaching up to play with the ends of her hair as she spoke. It was a habit he'd learned to recognize as a sign of stress for her. "We're hosting the annual family holiday party. Everyone's gonna be there, and it's going to be miserable."

"Why? They're your family."

She groaned, closing her eyes. "Remember what Bucky was like at the beginning of the year? Amplify that by about a million and you've got the majority of my extended family. Since I ditched the wig, I'm going to be their favorite person to pick on all night."

"I'm sorry," he said. "That sounds awful, they shouldn't–"

She held up a hand to cut him off. "I know, but they will. It's fine, I'll get through it. I just hate feeling so alone." She sighed. "It's only one night though, and at least Bucky will be there."

"I know it's a family thing," he started, an idea forming. "But, just say the word, and I'll be there."

She looked at him in surprise. "You'd really do that?"

"Of course."

For a moment, a smile lit up her face. Then it fell as she contemplated the idea. "Zed, they're awful. I can't imagine what terrible things they'd say to you."

"I don't care." Zed insisted. "I'd be happy to be the verbal punching bag if it spares you."

Tears were welling up in her eyes as she lurched forward to hug him.

They stayed like that for a moment or so before she pulled back, wiping at her eyes. "You really are the best, you know that? Gar garziga. I mean it."

He repeated the words without hesitation. "Gar garziga."

"Let me just ask my parents, first."


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