Author's Note: Hey everyone, hope you are all doing well and are happy to see an update! As always, I love seeing your reviews. In this chapter, Qamar makes a discovery, and Addison finally tells the girls about her and Zed's engagement!

ZzZzZzZ

Qamar groaned as he laid there on the treacherously slick floor, staring up at the ceiling. Stupid footwear! In his peripheral vision, he could see the plume of dust and plaster that emanated from the back of the bowling alley, where his disastrous throw had pummeled the equipment and the wall. Several strands of hair had come loose from the tight knot atop his head, and were partially obscuring his vision. He blew a puff of air upward, attempting to clear some of the hair from his face.

Immediately, he heard Bucky's brain snap into action as he watched Qamar tumble to the ground.

Oh, poms! He gasped inwardly. I have to make sure my favorite alien is okay! Then, as he realized what he'd just said to himself, Wait, what? Am I losing my mind?

Of course, Qamar had been listening to Bucky's rather loud thoughts the entire evening. They ran the gamut between being paranoid that someone would see him bowling with a group of monsters, and being secretly pleased that he'd ben included in the guy's night. In between these two opposing trains of thought, he'd also been sneaking several glances at Qamar when he wasn't actively bowling. He could see the images of himself in Bucky's mind, sitting and pretending to watch the others play while he was bombarded with Bucky's inner monologue. Qamar had tried to ignore him, but he could hear him so clearly in comparison to everyone else in the bowling alley, that it had become distracting.

Actually, Qamar hadn't really consciously noted that fact until this moment. He felt his eyes widen as he considered it, and as Bucky and the others' steps pounded towards him. He could hear Bucky so clearly. Clearer than anyone else in the surrounding area... Clearer, in fact, than anyone he'd ever met, including his parents and his best friends. Which meant...

Oh no. NO.

"Qamar, are you okay?" Bucky yelped. "How many fingers am I holding up?"

Qamar blinked as three fingers were thrust directly in front of his face. Bucky was radiating a nearly frantic concern, as he began to mentally check him over for signs of injuries. Behind him, Zed, Bonzo and Wyatt were approaching, less frantic but still worried that he had been stunned by the fall.

But it wasn't the fall that had immobilized him, having only knocked the breath out of him. Rather, he was stunned into inaction by the dramatic realization he had just made. Qamar knew that his people had a particularly clear and special connection with their soulmates. He had seen it with his parents. And, more recently, he had seen it with his best friend Mayar and her new mate, Wyatt.

He, Mayar and Aruna had discussed it one night, sitting together amongst the pile of pillows in Mayar's room. She had admitted to them that yes, she was certain Wyatt was her soulmate, though he was not yet aware of it. The connection they had together was new, but it was irrefutable. Although, she hadn't exactly explained that fact to Wyatt. There were some things about Lunites that Wyatt didn't yet know, and she was worried about what these facts might change for him. Never-the-less, soulmates they were, despite being a different species.

So Qamar knew that it wasn't a phenomenon which happened strictly between Lunites. But... With a human? And not just any human, but Bucky. The most shallow, self-absorbed human in the world.

Except that he wasn't. Not the Bucky on the inside. The one who risked his life to protect rogue zombies. The one who was protective and caring of his cousin, Starlight. The one who was willing to put himself in peril in order to help an assorted group of monsters, and the community of Seabrook. The one who was making more and more appearances, lately, it seemed. Was it possible that his prejudices against humans were simply not allowing him to give Bucky a chance to show that he was good?

"Qamar, buddy, are you in there?" Bucky was asking, going through a list of possible injuries in his head. He was still holding the three fingers in front of Qamar's face. Being a cheerleader, Bucky was no stranger to minor injuries, and was trained in CPR and first aid. Apparently. At his back, Zed and the others were gathering in to peer down at Qamar as well.

Oh, jeez, what if he has a concussion? Bucky was wondering worriedly. Do I need to do mouth to mouth?

"Three!" Qamar yelped, quickly pushing Bucky's raised fingers out of his face as he rapidly moved to sit up. He was acutely aware of the smooth warmth of Bucky's hand as he did so. Around him, Bonzo, Zed and Wyatt were all peering down with matching expressions of concern and bewilderment. He could hear the questions before they could even ask them aloud.

"I'm fine, I'm fine. I just got the air knocked out of me." Qamar gasped.

Boy, had he ever.

Bucky had backed away, giving him some space, and was walking back to retrieve the soft drink he'd left sitting on the floor.

"Dude, are you sure?" Zed asked. "That was a crazy fall. Epic throw, though," He said as an afterthought. "Have you ever thought about playing football, Qamar?"

"What?" Qamar warbled, as he heard the approaching brain of a concerned bowling alley employee.

The zombie, a middle-aged man named Enzo, reached the small group of young men. Groaning, he put a hand on his head and ran it through a thinning head full of hair. Qamar took a moment to be glad that particular symptom of aging didn't happen to Lunites. Enzo stared at Zed, looking dissapointed.

"Really guys? Zed, Bonzo, this is the third time this year!" He sighed, and Qamar followed his gaze down the lane to the back wall. He winced as he saw the damage he had inflicted. Oops.

"I know, Enzo, I'm really sorry," Zed started, "It may take me a bit, but I promise I'll cover the costs to fix it-"

"I'm so sorry, Sir," Qamar interjected, not wanting Zed to be blamed for his own mistake. "It was entirely my fault. I'd be happy to pay..." Qamar paused. How, exactly, did he expect to pay for the repairs? The Lunites were a non-monetary society. Perhaps he could barter food or services? "I'd be happy to work to repair the damages myself, sir."

"I can pay for the damages." Bucky interjected. The expression on his face indicated that he couldn't belive he'd actually said that aloud. Wyatt and Bonzo looked similarly taken aback, and Qamar resisted the urge to smile. There was that "nice" Bucky, making another quick appearance.

"Uh, I appreciate the offers, guys," Enzo said, "but we're ensured. I mean, this kinda thing happens all the time. Zombie strengeth and all, ya know." He chuckled. Then, for the first time, he seemed to actually really look at Qamar. He could hear Enzo mentally taking in his snowy white hair and inhumanly blue eyes.

"Ah, if you don't mind me asking, kid, what are you exactly? I mean, obviously you aren't a zombie, but..." But you aren't human, either. He finished mentally.

Qamar arched an eyebrow.

"I'm an alien, actually." Qamar deadpanned, too distracted with his current inner crisis to bother with tactfulness. What did it matter, anyway? In three days, the Lunites would be revealing themselves to the people above.

Behind him, he heard Bucky cough as he spat out the large gulp of soda he had been drinking.

Qamar grinned.

"...Ahh." Enzo said, unable to think of a single reply.

"Um, sorry again, Enzo," Zed said, still trying to do damage control. "We were just getting ready to finish up our game and leave, anyway."

"That might be for the best, for today." Enzo said, glancing nervously at the manager's office in the corner. Zed and Bonzo nodded in agreement.

Qamar felt a sting of guilt as he watched the other four males begin to gather their personal items and untie those wretched shoes. He hadn't meant to ruin their fun. In fact, while he hated to admit it even to himself, he had actually been having a pretty good time. Initially, he had only come along to appease Aruna and Mayar. These new friendships in the above were important to them. However, he was starting to realize that he was actually enjoying having more friends, as well. Current inner turmoil aside, of course. The corners of his mouth pitched down into a light frown as he untied the evil, awful shoes.

"Hey," Zed said behind him, gently clapping a hand to Qamar's arm before grabbing up his green hightops. "It's no big deal, really. Bonzo and I get kicked out of here five times a year."

Qamar arched an eyebrow doubtfully. "...Seriously?"

Zed shrugged. "What can I say, we don't know our own strength." Both he and Qamar released a short chuckle. "Anyways, we can always go to Zombrews or something. We've got plenty of time."

Qamar nodded, grinning in spite of himself. It made him feel better to know that they weren't cross with him for his unfortunate bowling skills. And that they still wanted him to hang out with them.

"Actually, gentlemen." Wyatt cut in. "I think I know the perfect place to go." He looked slightly mischievous as he completed the re-lacing of his leather moccasins.

Bonzo, Zed, Qamar and Bucky all turned to face him.

"Where?" Bonzo asked, retying his own worn maroon boots.

Wyatt's grin broadened, and the dim bowling alley lights reflected sharply off of his fangs.

"Have you guys ever been to the Old Seabrook Cemetery?"

To his side, he heard Bucky audibly whimper. Qamar grinned again.

ZzZzZzZ

"Hey guys," Addison said, her voice cutting into the mingled conversations around her. "I have something to tell you."

Everyone turned to face her, looking expectantly. Addison's heart was pounding in her chest, and she was instantly full of nerves. Suddenly, she was unable to articulate what she wanted to communicate to them. Instead, she quietly help up her left hand, facing outward so that the oval aquamarine stone was visible.

There was a long beat of silence as her friends took in the ring, and a general buzzing in her head of growing excitement as each person realized the significance of the rose gold band on her finger.

"Oh my gosh!" Bree gasped, breaking the silence with a gleeful squeal. "Oh, Addy! Zed proposed!?" She instantly stood from her seat, hands waving happily in her enthusiasm. She jumped up and down with excitement as she rushed to hug Addison. Next to her, Willa and Wynter were grinning broadly, flashing their fangs as thy did so. The Lunites were smiling serenely, obviously not surprised but still looking pleased.

"I knew it!" Eliza shouted, pumping a fist victoriously into the air. "I knew Zed was acting weird the other day! I can't believe he finally popped the question. He's been talking about that ring for ages."

"Really?" Asked Addison, blushing lightly. The knot that hat settled in her stomach was beginning to loosen. Now that she was seeing their positive reactions, she was beginning to wonder why she'd been so worried about it in the first place. Of course their friends were happy for her and Zed. They loved them. They accepted them, and wanted their happiness. Like any true friend would.

"Well, you've definitely got plenty of bridesmaids to choose from," Bree stated, gesturing around the group. "Oh, maybe Bonzo could design the dresses!"

"Oh, wow, that would be amazing!" Addison said sincerely. In all honesty, she hadn't really put any thought yet into those kinds of details. But if this year's uniforms were any indication, Bonzo's dress design skills were probably pretty epic.

"Have you picked a date, yet?" Willa asked, still grinning as her hand slipped absentmindedly into Eliza's.

"Oh, gosh, no." Addison quickly replied. "We haven't even talked about any details yet. I mean, obviously we'll be waiting until after we graduate, so, maybe next summer? I don't know. I've just kind of been enjoying being engaged... And being nervous about telling you guys." She admitted a bit shyly.

"Oh, Ads," Bree said, brows dipping down. "Why in the world would you be nervous about telling us something so amazing?"

"I don't know, I just... I know that we're going to experience a lot of prejudice, even more than we do now." Addison said, frowning as she considered it. "Honestly, I don't even know if zombies and humans are allowed to get married, legally speaking." Addison was momentarily sidetracked by this thought, and made a mental note to do some research on that matter.

"But the thing is," she continued, "I really couldn't care less what the rest of the town thinks. Or even what my parents think, really. The only people who's opinions matter to me are our friends. I love you guys. You all mean the world to me."

Several 'aww's resounded amongst the small group of girls. Even Eliza felt unexpectedly touched. The remaining worry and nerves were now falling away from Addison's heart completely, replaced with the joy, love and support radiating from her friends. Addison smiled.

You are so fortunate to have such lovely friends, Starlight. Aruna said offhandedly, briefly touching Addison's ankle to better communicate.

Yeah, I really am. Addison said. She paused for a second. You know, they're your friends, too. You guys are part of the group, now.

Mayar and Aruna grinned, and they were both feeling almost... hopeful?

"Care to fill the rest of us in on the conversation?" Wynter said, sounding both annoyed and amused. It was so easy to forget that everyone couldn't hear each other the same way she and the Lunites could.

"Sorry," Mayar said with a short laugh. "We were just discussing how lucky Starlight is to have such a lovely group of friends."

"Yeah, well, welcome to the family." Eliza said, sounding somehow both sarcastic and sincere at the same time. "It's a little weird and dysfunctional, but we're happy to have more weirdos to add into the mix."

Addison watched as Mayar ans Aruna smiled. They were sincerely happy and excited to be counted amongst the group of unique friends. She squeezed Mayar's hand again. Addison was glad that the Lunites would soon be joining the rest of the Seabrook community. Their added culture, traditions, and influences would create an even greater sense of diversity and inclusion in the community. The more they could set aside differences and enjoy the uniqueness of each different being, the greater and more unified the City of Seabrook would become.

Everyone deserved the opportunity to have friends like hers.

Suddenly, the long, dramatic chime of a very loud doorbell resounded through Bree's house.

"Alright everyone!" Eliza said with a good-natured roll of her eyes. "Enough mushy stuff. Lets eat some pizza!"