The next morning, Zed woke up with a smile on his face, that was the first thing he noticed. The second thing he noticed was that he wasn't in his own bed, it usually wasn't this fuzzy, and his bedroom walls weren't gray stone. Then he looked down and saw the faint glow of white, still beautifully shining in the darkness that couldn't quench its beauty. Addison's head was tucked just beneath his chin, her breath warm against his neck. He just sighed in contentment and looked down at her. Nothing would ever be as perfect as this, him holding onto her right there beside him.
Zed's eye's roamed the space, he could see Bree and Bonzo cuddled up together, it looked like one of Bonzo's arms was tossed over Bree, and he was still snoring softly. Zed smiled at his friends, he hoped he and Addison looked just as cute as they did.
They were all he could really see around him, but his zombie senses could still fear the low rhythms of the multitude of heartbeats surrounding him in all the caves. He could tell most were still sleeping, but a few were starting to wake up and move around. But Zed was perfectly content to stay right here.
He turned his attention to Addison once more, squeezing his arms around her just the littlest bit tighter. Her could hear her sigh in her sleep and she shifted against his chest like she wanted to be closer to him as well. Her nose tickled against his neck for a few moments before she settled down, and Zed had to focus his dead nerve powers to keep from laughing and waking her up.
Zed didn't really know how long he stayed there, just studying as much as Addison as he could, not that he could really see much beyond her hair and the silver fur of her vest, but she eventually shifted against him again, and she raised her head up to meet his eyes.
She yawned, "Good morning."
"Good morning Addie." Zed pressed a kiss to her temple, and she then returned the favor by pressing a quick peck to the side of his neck.
"Did you sleep well?"
"Of course, I did, I was with you all night silly." She smiled up at him through her eyelashes.
"Good, as you can probably guess, I slept like a baby. I never dreamed a cave would be as comfy as this."
"I agree, but I don't think it's all the fur that made me comfy last night."
"I totally agree. I could sleep on a rock if I could hold you all night."
"And I would too. Is anyone else up yet?"
"Some of the other werewolves are up, but none of our friends in here."
"So we have some time to kill?"
"I like the way you're thinking I can almost see it," Zed said, seeing the sparkle in her eye.
"Hey, that's my line." She giggled.
"My bad. I hope you can forgive me."
"I'll always forgive you." Addison unwrapped her arms from where she had been holding him around his torso all night, snaking them up to wrap around his neck instead. "As long as you make it up to me." She kissed him sweetly for just a moment.
"I think that can be arranged." Zed grinned. He let go of Addison for just a moment to push himself up into a sitting position, pulling Addison up with him so she was sitting across his lap with her legs off to one side. He pulled her close once again, capturing his lips with his own. And once again he lost all track of time.
Addison's hand traveled over his shoulders, through his short green hair, down his back, while his hands roamed up and down her back too. He almost wished she didn't have the vest, but once he got a taste of her tongue against his own, he forgot about everything else entirely.
When Zed finally opened his eyes again, he met Addison's a moment later, they separated for air one last time, and Addison let go of him and turned herself around so she could relax into him completely, her back resting against his chest while she still sat in his lap.
"Now that's a wake-up call," Zed whispered and nibbled her ear. He felt her shiver with happiness beneath him.
"Zed, you were right," she whispered, "we have been spending way too long apart. As you like to say, I need my vitamin Z too."
"And you'll always have me ready and willing Addie," Zed promised, hugging her close to his chest once again.
They took turns just whispering in each other's ear, including awe-ing over how cute both Bree and Bonzo, and to their greater surprise Eliza and Wyatt looked, even if for the latter they still had plenty of space between them.
But eventually, their alone time together came to an end as everyone woke up around them.
Willa led them back out to the main den area and everyone gathered all of their things before Wyatt led his friends back to Zombietown and Seabrook, Eliza walking right beside him.
Everyone broke off in different directions when they made it back to Seabrook, Wyatt insisting on walking Eliza back through Zombietown, despite her halfhearted protests, while Bree, Bonzo, Zed, and Addison continued together into Seabrook for a while before they too parted ways.
Addison glanced at her watch, it was about ten a.m. already. "So, I don't suppose I can convince you to stay for lunch?"
"I suppose you can. Those berries the wolves gave us before we left were great, but a big, strong, handsome zombie like me needs a lot more than that." Zed smiled down at her.
"Let's see what we can do about feeding you, I know Mom won't let you go away hungry."
"Well, yeah, she would never want a hungry zombie running loose around Seabrook." Zed joked.
"Shut up, you know they love you. Just like I know your dad loves me."
"Yeah, don't worry, although I doubt they love me as much as Pops loves you, as he likes to say, I finally found someone that can keep me mostly out of trouble."
"Come on." Addison laughed at him, "I'm pretty hungry too, so let's keep going."
They soon arrived back at Addison's house, and greeted Missy and Dale in the kitchen, Dale had the Sunday paper open in front of him, while Missy looked to be busily tapping on her phone.
"Morning Mom and Dad." Addison waved at them, finally getting them to look up, when they did they sent both of the teens, happy but confused smiles.
"Did you join a rock band?" Dale asked jokingly, but Missy lightly slapped his shoulder.
"Good morning dear, so I see you must have had plenty of fun with your friends yesterday."
"Yeah," Addison looked down at her wolf outfit. "Yeah, I like it, and my friends like it. Yesterday was great, I really felt like part of the pack. Believe it not, we even got Eliza to buy something pink yesterday, but last night we were all rocking the werewolf look."
"You bet you were," Zed whispered in her ear.
"And Zed, we overheard you get escorted out of here, I hope you still had fun yesterday too." Dale laughed.
"Oh yeah, Bonzo, Wyatt, and I had our own fun. Even though I would have much rather been here with Addison, and then of course our big group sleepover more than made up for it." Zed smiled, he felt Addison squeeze his hand lightly in reassurance, and a moment later he squeezed hers right back.
"But anyway Mom, we were hoping to get lunch soon, the wolves were great hosts, but we chose to just stick to the berries they had for breakfast."
"Oh of course dear. Will eggs be ok with both of you?"
"That would be great Mom."
"Sounds delicious Missy."
"I'll get right on it then." Missy stood up and headed over to the stove, turning up the heat and cracking eggs.
Zed and Addison sat down at the table side by side, but of course still holding hands under the table.
"So Zed, what have you been up to lately?" Dale asked, closing up the paper and placing it down on the table.
"Oh you know, lifting and agilities in the mornings, then working all around town with the froyo cart."
"Oh yes, I hear you and Coach are giving Cheery on a Top a run for their money. I don't suppose you two get into competition over froyo."
"Of course not Dad. Even I'll admit Coach's is better with a lot more than just vanilla. But we decided that we're tied, 'cause I have AC and the Aceys, but Zed has Coach as a boss and a bit more excitement to his days."
"Yep, it's never quite the same. Although I do have a line of regulars lined up for me everywhere I go. But Coach has promised that when we do take over Seabrook, Addison will be welcome to join us."
"I wouldn't count your chickens before they hatch, Cheery on Top is about to reveal a new flavor."
"Oh let me guess, it's Triple Vanilla."
"Maybe," Addison pouted, "just don't tell the Aceys I let out a trade secret." She giggled.
"Your secret's safe with me," Zed laughed. "Not like it even matters with me and Coach in the game."
"Alright, here you two are." Missy brought them over two plates of scrambled eggs and buttered toast. "Dig in you two. Did I miss anything? All I heard was vanilla and froyo." She laughed, taking her seat again next to Dale across from them.
"No, I think that covers it." Dale laughed, "sounds like things are heating up around Seabrook."
"I think you mean cooling down." Zed grinned, "cause you know, froyo."
"Wow, you're so hilarious," Addison said sarcastically.
"You know you love me."
"You bet I do."
"Thanks so much Missy. This is delicious." Zed said after he took his first bite.
"It's no problem Zed. From the sound of it you're on your feet pretty much all day. I'm sure a growing young man like you can use all he can get."
"I think you just described Zed's stomach perfectly." Addison laughed.
"Still growing? I think we're in trouble if he's still growing." Dale joked.
"And now you sound just like Pops whenever my pants magically get too short again." Zed laughed.
Pretty soon Zed and Addison both cleaned their plates, and then they headed over to the living room and cuddled up in front of the TV. They scrolled through the channels looking for something interesting to watch for a while, eventually settling on of all things, a nature documentary about wolves. Zed just laughed, and they spent a while imagining just what all their friends would have to say about something like that.
But after a while, Addison started feeling a little warm, so warm she started fanning her face to try to combat the heat.
"Are you ok? You look hot."
"Zed..." Addison grinned back at him with a blush.
"Not like that, even though you definitely are." Zed grinned at her, before he turned serious, "I can always hear your heart you know, even though we're just sitting here, it's elevated, plus you know, fanning yourself."
Addison glanced at the nearby windows, they were open. "I think my parents expected it to be a bit cooler today if they have the windows open, so my Dad probably has the AC off right now. Plus all this fur felt great last night, but it is pretty warm."
"Then go change, whatever makes you comfortable, while you do look great, I'm sure the wolves understand form over fashion."
"Oh you have no idea, Wynter and Willa went off yesterday over the useless pockets they put on girls' clothing." Addison stood up from the couch. "I'll be right back, I promise."
"I'll see you then. Don't keep me waiting too long." He winked at her.
"I'll see what I can do." Addison laughed and then ran upstairs to her room for a few minutes.
When she came back down, in addition to changing out of her werewolf clothes, she had also wiped the purple makeup off her face, she still had some of her new jewelry on her wrists, and of course her hair and nails, but otherwise she was back to her normal style in baby blue shorts and a pink Mighty Shrimp T-shirt.
"So how do I look?" Addison asked, twirling around in a circle in front of Zed, just for the fun of it.
"I'd say you look a lot cooler but just as hot." He grinned at her. He leaned back into the couch again and Addison once again snuggled up beneath his shoulder. "Do you feel better?"
"Yeah, who knows, maybe this fall I'll break it out again, but for now, in the summer sun, it is way too hot for me, I don't know how the wolves wear it pretty much all the time."
"Who knows maybe that's another one of their powers."
"Is that your answer for everything?"
"Well, yeah, really isn't everything a superpower? Like your superpowers include singing, dancing, cheering, being an amazing leader, on and off the Cheer squad, the best girlfriend ever, of course, I'm sure you have some froyo powers too by now, though not as amazing as me obviously, what else…" Zed tapped his chin for a moment and looked like he was about to continue on until Addison interrupted him with a kiss.
"What was that for?"
"I think I get the point, and now it's your turn."
"My turn for what?"
"All of your superpowers, an amazing football player, the best boyfriend ever, the best class president ever, the best big brother ever, an amazing musician, chef, and dancer, I'll admit you probably do have froyo powers, but I guarantee I'm the real froyo master. But should I go on?"
"I think you forgot my quick wit and charming smile."
"No, I don't think I did." Addison grinned at him.
"Oh, it's on now!" Zed shouted, reaching his arm around her to tickle the side of her stomach.
"Ha ha ha. Zed!" Addison laughed, and tried to tickle him back for a few moments, but then stopped when she remembered. "No fair, stupid zombie powers!"
"All's fair in love and war Addie," Zed said, but he did stop his barrage.
"In war maybe, but definitely not love. But I'll forgive you, just this once. If you give me tribute."
"Tribute huh?" Zed asked.
"I think you can guess."
"Oh I think I can, however, will I be able to repay you as penance?" Zed kissed her for a long drawn-out moment, "Better?"
"Better. I forgive you."
"Good."
They settled back down for a while and continued watching TV, flipping through a couple of different shows that caught their interest, until finally, hours later, they both knew it was time for Zed to head home.
"Sorry Addie, I have to go back home, early morning you know."
"Yeah, I do." Addison sighed, still resting her head on his shoulder in their position on the couch. "But you'll be here tomorrow morning to walk me to school though, right?"
"You bet, I wouldn't miss it for the world."
"I know you won't. And hopefully tomorrow we can start working out our lunch breaks so we can see each other more."
"Just tell me when, I get to have mine after the rush dies down, but whenever I want."
"OK, I promise I'll see you tomorrow." Zed and Addison both stood up and held each other close for a few moments, each breathing in the feeling of being together once more.
"I love you Addie."
"I love you too Zed."
"Good-"
"Wait, don't tell me goodnight yet." Addison interrupted him.
"Why not?"
"Cause you have to call me at bedtime remember?"
"Like I would ever forget that, It's a good thing Eliza doesn't charge my phone for my minutes or however that's supposed to work, I'd probably pay her enough every month she wouldn't even need her job, and I'd have to get a second one. I'll call you when I get home and in bed, even though I'd much rather snuggle up with you again."
"You know I want that too, and I promise, we will do it again whenever we get the chance. Now you better go so you can call me."
"Whatever you say Gorgeous. Talk to you in a little bit."
"Talk to you in a bit," Addison replied back as he finally made his way out the door, there was still plenty of sun, so she had no worries about him making it home, but she stood in the doorway, watching him walk away from her until he turned around the corner and out of her sight.
She ran back up to her room, eagerly awaiting his call, about a half hour later, her phone rang and she picked it up excitedly.
"Hello?"
"Hi Addison, you ready for bed too?"
"Yeah, today was the greatest, but I'm ready to sleep. How about you?"
"Yeah, I'm so ready to hit the hay, I won't keep you up for long, Gar Gar Gaza Addie."
"Gar Gar Gaza Zed. Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Zed replied.
Addison hung up her phone and couldn't stop smiling, even if she wished she had someone to share her bed with tonight.
It was Monday and Zed like usual was standing in the middle of one of Seabrook's parks, equally spaced between the playground, and the nearby gazebo, he had plenty of customers like usual, but the lunchtime rush was starting to die down. He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket, and seeing as he didn't have any customers for the moment, fished it out. He had a text from Addison.
When's your lunch break? Where R U?
Anytime, I just finished the lunch rush, and I'm at the park, shouldn't take you more than five minutes to get here.
Great. Wait for me Handsome, I'll be right over. I love you.
I love you too. See you soon Gorgeous.
Zed slid his phone back into his pocket and waited, he served a few more customers with a smile, until he caught sight of a familiar smile, and he smiled even wider in response. He shut the top of the cooler and pulled out the little On Break sign he had, as well as his own lunch box.
"Good morning Addie."
"Good morning Zed." She grabbed his hand and pulled him in for a quick kiss. "You ready to eat?"
"When am I not ready to eat?" Zed laughed as they walked over to a nearby bench and sat down, "Although, of course, it's a million times better now that you're here."
They sat down and started eating their lunches.
"So what do you have today?" Addison asked him.
"PB and J." Zed answered, "well three PB and J's to be specific. Plus the usual, some fruit, granola bars, and chips. How about you?"
"Ham sandwich." Addison held hers up, "otherwise same as you, an apple, granola bars, chips."
"What kind? I've got Doritos."
"Potato chips."
"Want to trade?"
"Sure, honestly I take just about the same thing every single day." Addison tossed her bag of chips over and Zed tossed his right back.
"So how's your day been?"
"It's been good like always, except apparently, my wolf style doesn't exactly fit the health code." Addison laughed. "Normally I just wear a bun or a ponytail tucked into my shirt, but whatever magic Willa did to make my hair this wild, doesn't really work for food service. I've had to wear a hairnet all morning."
"And how did that feel"
"Just weird, I'll probably undo all the braids and go back to normal when I get home and shower tonight."
"Well whatever you do, know that you always look perfect."
"I know, so anything exciting happen to you today?"
"Actually yeah, I have great news. I talked to Coach, and he said it's alright with him if I go within walking distance of Cheery on Top so we can eat lunch together more often."
"Really? That's great!" Addison side-hugged him.
"Yeah, he's fine with it as long as I'm not right outside the door."
"Probably, then my boss would probably be mad at you too if you were being that obvious trying to steal our customers."
"Yeah, so is your lunch break always this time? I can take a half hour whenever I want after the lunch rush cools down every day."
"Yeah, usually about at about one is when it cools down for us too, I have the same, about a half hour, but if you're close enough we can always have at least twenty minutes together."
"That sounds so great. Oh, and Pops said you are always welcome to join us for dinner anytime, so want to come over tonight?"
"I would love to Zed. I told Mom about our plan too, and she said the same thing, just to let her know in advance so she can be sure to make something you can eat." Addison giggled, "She also said it would give us all an excuse to eat a little healthier."
Zed laughed along too. "Please, like any of you need to worry about that, but if your parents think I'm a good influence I won't complain. Do you want me to call Pops to tone it down on the caulibrains tonight?"
"No, I will always be fine with whatever the rest of you are eating," Addison promised.
"If you're brave enough to face Pops' caulibrains again and again be my guest." Zed laughed.
They sat together for a few more minutes finishing up their food, just chatting, and cuddling a little bit longer. Until Addison glanced at her watch and saw she had to get going soon to make it back on time.
"Sorry, Zed, I have to go."
"It's totally fine Addison, this is all I needed. Thank you for doing this for me."
"It's not just for you, I can admit I needed this too, just as much."
"Besides I still get to see you tonight?"
"You bet you will. I'll see you later Zed."
"Oh wait, do you want any to go?" Zed motioned to his cart.
"While I would love to, the Aceys all know I'm out here fraternizing with the competition. I don't think it would look the best walking back in with a cup of peanut butter and bones." Addison laughed, "but if you want to save me a scoop for tonight, give me something to look forward to?"
"Oh, you need something to look forward to? One handsome zombie isn't enough incentive?" Zed wrapped his hand over her shoulder and leaned in close so he was hovering over her.
Addison gulped, "Oh it's plenty of incentive, but I wouldn't mind a little bit more."
"How about this then?" Zed leaned even closer and pressed his lips against hers for a long, drawn-out moment.
When they finally parted Addison sighed in happiness, "Alright, you convinced me, I'm yours."
"I know, just like I belong to you and only you."
Addison glanced down at her watch once more, and her eyes widened, but she was still smiling. "Zed, I love you but I really have to go now or I'll be late."
Addison jumped up and started to jog away, but Zed couldn't help himself from reaching out his hand to hold her back and give her one more quick peck on the cheek, "I love you too, now go show that vanilla who's boss!" He cheered her on.
"I'll see you tonight!" Addison yelled as she jogged away.
Zed sighed in relief, yep this was exactly what he needed, now he was all fired up for the rest of the day, and just like Addison, he had something to look forward to tonight.
Later that night, Zed heard a knock on the front door and he ran over to answer it. But when he did, he almost couldn't believe his eyes.
Addison's hair was indeed back in her usual style, but that wasn't what caught his attention. He was of course used to only seeing her in pink or blue and occasionally green during their scattered sleepovers, so he was quite surprised.
Addison was wearing a dark green blouse that was obviously made from the zombies' coveralls, along with a matching dark green skirt that reached just above her knees. Despite the usual bagginess of zombie chic, the whole ensemble hugged her figure beautifully.
"So how do I look?" Addison twirled in front of him with a smile, sending her hair flying around her face.
Zed stepped closer to gently brush a lock of her hair out of her eyes. "You're always beautiful Addison." He hugged her close, taking all of her in, from the top of her head to the bottom of her heart that he always loved to hear so close to him. "You should know by now there's only one answer I will ever give you when you ask that question."
"I know. Thank you, Zed." Addison lightly kissed his cheek and then he motioned her inside ahead of him.
"You're right on time," Zed promised her, closing the front door behind him. Addison walked to the kitchen ahead of him.
"Good evening Zevon, it smells delicious," Addison said, as she sat down at the dining table which was already covered with plates.
"Good evening to you too Addison." Zevon smiled at her from the stove, "I've just got one last thing to finish up."
"Thank you for having me."
"Please, you're always welcome here. I know the other two would agree with me wholeheartedly on that count."
"You got that right Pops." Zed smiled as he took his seat beside Addison.
"Oh yeah, that reminds me. Zoey! Dinner!" Zevon yelled out.
"Coming!" Zoey yelled back before they heard the pitter-patter of little feet running down the stairs.
"Addison!" Zoey screamed loudly and launched herself into Addison's arms for a welcome hug. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to eat dinner with you guys."
'Yay! Zed why didn't you tell me?" Zoey demanded.
"Cause I wanted it to be a surprise, and if you knew you'd have spent the last half hour asking me when Addison was going to be here." Zed ruffled her hair affectionately.
Zoey just stuck her tongue out at him for a moment, making sure Zevon didn't see anything before she turned back to Addison. "And I love your clothes, they look like mine!" In fact, they did match Zoey's coveralls in shade, even though she was wearing a T-shirt and shorts made out of the same material.
"Thanks so much, Zoey, I love your clothes too."
"Thanks, Addison. Zed, who do you think is prettier?"
Zed just shook his head, "Not happening Zoey, I'm smart enough not to answer that question. In fact, I'm pretty sure that's how the Trojan War started."
"What's that? Isn't that about a pony or something?' Zoey asked.
"Um…sort of, it's ah. Any help?"
"Oh no, you're doing just fine Zed." Addison laughed at his confused expression.
Zed scratched his head like he was thinking, "Um, I know it has something to do with the Greeks and I assume the Trojans? And I know some poor shmuck chose who was the prettiest out of three goddesses or something, and then a lot of people died so they were sad, until one side won by using a giant horse. Does that sound right?"
"Like I know about any of that stuff Zed." Zevon shook his head while he brought over the last plate. "Everyone dig in!"
And everyone did just that, digging into the pile of golden corn on the cob, slices of watermelon, grilled cauliflower steaks, and a pasta salad. Not much was uttered for the next few minutes besides compliments to the chef. Which Zevon greatly appreciated.
When they finished eating, Zoey took Puppy out for his evening walk and Zed led Addison upstairs to his room, they sat down on his bed, Zed leaning back against the headboard, with Addison sitting in between his legs, leaning back into his chest.
"So anything else exciting happens since lunch?"
"No, not really, just the same old vanilla." Addison joked. "Anything with you?"
"No, nothing really special about today other than lunch. That of course was very special." Zed kissed the top of her head.
"I know it was special to me too."
"So, now that you have zombie chic, which you look absolutely fabulous in," Zed said, gently rubbing her shoulders, and feeling Addison relax against him even more. "Does that mean the rest of my closet is safe now?"
"Probably not, it's safe, for now." She turned her head to grin at him, "and by that I mean tonight only. Next time though…"
"I'm starting to think once school starts again, I'll be walking to your house every day just so I have something to wear."
"And would that be such a bad thing?" Addison asked in a low voice.
"No, it wouldn't be," Zed smirked, moving his hands lower to gently rub her shoulders.
"Oh Zed, that feels heavenly, I didn't even know I needed that." Addison closed her eyes in bliss.
"Whatever you need, I'll be there for you." Zed continued his ministrations.
"Oh yeah, right there. Don't stop." Addison sighed.
"Then I won't," Zed whispered in her ear, and while he continued, he began gently pressing a trail of kisses up and down the sides of her neck, his every touch up and down her back making her melt even more.
"I love you, Addie." He whispered after several minutes, his hands coming to rest, hugging her tight against his chest around her waist.
"How do you always make me feel so amazing?"
"What can I say, I'm exceptional Zed, I guess."
"Yes you are, you're exceptional." Addison turned herself around and smiled at him. "Now it's your turn."
"What do you have in mind?"
"This." Addison lunged herself forward to capture his lips and threw her arms over his shoulders. Zed happily joined in, once again, pulling her as close to him as possible. The only thing breaking them apart was their annoying need for air every minute or so. But each time they went right back, drawn together by the magnetism of their love for one another.
They eventually had to call it a rest, they would never have enough of each other, but they had enough for the moment. So then they reversed their previous position, so now Zed was sitting between Addison's legs while she gently ran her hands up and down his broad, muscular back that she could see through his gray T-shirt.
If Addison was being honest, she didn't know what she enjoyed more, being pampered by Zed, or feeling Zed's muscles beneath her hands. And based on all of his sighs of relief, she had no doubt about it, he was enjoying it too.
"Forget froyo Addie, you should be a professional massager." Zed sighed.
"You mean a masseuse?"
"Sure, whatever it's called, see you're an expert already."
"Thanks, but you're the only one I could imagine doing this with, with you I'm just showing how much I love you."
"I love you too." Zed sighed, "and you're right. Thanks so much for this again. Today has been amazing."
"There's no need to thank me, obviously I enjoyed today just as much as you have."
"I know. So, are we doing this tomorrow?"
"Lunch for sure. We are doing that every day from now on. Forget coffee, you're the best pick-me-up I could ever imagine."
"Sounds good to me. And dinner?"
"I'll tell my mom to break out the vegetarian cookbook for tomorrow."
"Tell her I can't wait then."
Just then Addison's phone pinged. "It's my Mom, she says if I'm ready to go she'll come to pick me up."
"Already what time is it?"
Addison glanced at her phone again, "Wow, it's already nine? And I got here at like 6:30, why does time always seem to fly when I'm with you? Why can't work go this fast?"
"You know what they say, time flies when you're having fun, and when I'm with you, I think time hops in a supersonic jet just to spite us."
"But we'll never be apart for long."
"No, we won't." They shared another kiss and then Zed pulled Addison up from his bed and they went downstairs to wait for Missy.
"Thank you so much again, Zevon." Addison said when they made it to the living room.
"It's greatly appreciated but there's no need to thank me. I love having you here just as much as Zed does. Well, maybe not quite as much since he's Zed, but you are always welcome in our home."
"I know Zevon."
"Wait, Addison. Are you leaving already?" Zoey came down from her room.
"Yep I am Zoey, but I promise next time I'm here we can hang out," Addison said, kneeling down to meet her in a goodbye hug.
"Just us?"
"Can't Zed join us?"
"Only if he's nice to me." Zoey warned him.
"When am I not nice?"
"I'm just kidding, if Addison says you can play with us, then you can be there too big bro."
"Feeling the love Zoey."
Outside the window, they could all see the glow from Missy's headlights parked right outside the house.
"I guess this is goodbye for now."
"I guess it is. See you tomorrow though?"
"Of course. Gar Gar Gaza Addie."
"Gar Gar Gaza Zed."
They shared one more chaste kiss and then they walked outside. Zed opened the passenger door for Addison so she could slide in.
"Good evening Zed. How was your night?"
"It was great Missy."
"It really was Mom, today was what we both needed."
I'm just glad you're both happy.
"Hey Mom, can Zed come over for dinner tomorrow?"
"Of course he can. Zed dear, you're welcome in our house anytime." Missy smiled at him.
"Thanks, Missy, I guess I'll see you tomorrow then. Goodnight."
"Goodnight Zed," Missy said.
"I love you," Addison repeated, reaching out to hold his shoulder one last time.
"I love you too." Zed returned, gently closing the car door and then walking back up his porch. Even though Addison was leaving, he still had a smile on his face, this was exactly what he had been missing the past few weeks, he knew he couldn't wait to see what tomorrow would bring. All that mattered was that Zed and Addison weren't going to let anything keep them divided for long.