Zed's POV
It's starting to get late and I'm totally wiped. Laying in Addy's bed, with her scent completely surrounding me, makes me wanna pass out right now. I sigh contently face down into her pillow, earning a giggle from the girl in question. I smile and turn my head towards her where she sat on the edge of the bed texting with Bree. She turned her whole body so she was facing me too, a soft smile on her lips.
"You can go to sleep ya know." She assured me. I stretch my body, my feet still hanging off the edge even though I'm lying diagonally on her mattress.
"I'll only be comfy if you're laying with me. I can wait for you." I decline. She shakes her head fondly and crawls onto the bed. I turn on my back and she moves over top of me until she straddling my hips, my hands rubbing up her silky thighs till they come to rest on her ass. She giggles as I give her a light squeeze then leans down to plant a few sweet kisses to my lips. She gives me a last lingering kiss then lays her forehead against mine.
"You should get some sleep." She insists softly. I sigh and wrap my arms around her for a tight hug, I can feel her underlying anxiety.
"You sure you're alright?" I question. She softens even more at the concern in my eyes.
"Of course. I'm just being a worried mother about the baby. I'm texting Bree and she's helping me through it." She rolls to the side off of my hips and gives me a smirk. "It won't be long before I'm snuggled up in your arms again." She teases. I laughed heartily then lean over to give her another loving smooch before she scoots out of my reach and re-grabs her phone to read and reply to Bree's latest message. I pull the blankets over me and burrow into them, burying my face in her pillow again and start to drift to sleep.
XxX
Addison's POV
I take my phone over to my desk, flipping on the lamp then going to turn off the over head light so Zed can fall asleep a little easier. I return to my desk chair and plop down as I reply to Bree again.
Addy, 9:43 pm
I love this baby so much already...
Addy, 9:44 pm
I just don't understand why there
would be a murmur...
Bree, 9:44 pm
I know it's scary to think there's
something wrong...
Bree, 9:45 pm
But if the doctor said not to worry
yet, then you shouldn't!
Bree, 9:45 pm
Worrying might even be worse
for the baby!
I sighed, knowing she's right. Stress can be super dangerous when you're pregnant. I take a deep breath and let it out, dispelling all the negative tension in my chest. And it's replaced with a feeling of bliss.
Addy, 9:47 pm
You're right. I shouldn't worry!
I should be excited!
Addy, 9:48 pm
Omg Bree, when we heard
the heart beat it was the most
incredible feeling!
I typed and sent, letting the phone relay against my chest as I dreamily remembered that sound of my baby's heart beating. Her phone quickly buzzed.
Bree, 9:49 pm
Aww! I wish I coulda been there!
That's so sweet!
I smiled as I read the message. Bree really was my best friend, aside from Zed of course. She has always been there for me and been so supportive no matter what. I guess we've had this kind of bond since day one of freshman year. Best friends through thick and thin. I look over and see Zed's green hair peaking out from the top of the blankets, I smile lovingly before bringing my eyes back to my phone.
Addy, 9:51 pm
I'll try getting a recording
next time so you can hear!
Addy, 9:52 pm
But I'm gonna get to bed.
Addy, 9:52 pm
Zed's lookin' pretty comfy
in that bed. ;)
Bree, 9:53 pm
Oooo!
Bree, 9:53 pm
Make sure you're gettin' actual
sleep and not just gettin' that Zed!
I giggle at her teasing, putting my phone on the charger and flipping off the desk lamp. I pad quietly across the room and carefully pull up the covers to climb in next to Zed. I wiggle in close and he wraps his arms around me to pull me in closer. I sigh contently and snuggle my face into the pillow, drifting off into a dream filled sleep.
XxX
The final bell of the day rang and I stretch my arms over my head. "Geez! I feel so stiff today!" I complain. Bree laughs.
"First week back from break and being off cheer is making you less limber!" She joked. I laugh with her and gather my things. Zed's waiting outside the classroom for me and I give him a quick kiss before any teachers could see before we all head for the exit.
Suddenly Zed's Z-band starts to vibrate. He looks down to see his dad is calling. Bree, Bonzo, and Eliza all stopped to wait on Zed and I. He notices and waves them off.
"You guys go ahead. We'll see you later." He tells them.
"Ok we'll catch ya later." Eliza says. He nods then swipes the screen to answer the call.
"Hey Dad, what's up?" He greets.
"Zed. I got a call from your doctor and he wants you to come in for a checkup." Zevon told him. Zed shrugged.
"Ok, I guess I don't have much choice then. I'll head over there after I drop Addy off at home." He said.
"Well, he had mentioned maybe having Addison go with you? I'm not sure why. He was very brief with that part. But he seemed pretty adamant." Zevon continued. Zed's brows furrowed.
"What would he need Addy to be there for?" Zed question.
"I don't know Son, but he seemed like she needs to be there." Zevon replied uncertainly. Zed sighed in defeat.
"Ok, I'll ask her. But if she doesn't want to go he can't make her." Zed stayed firmly. Zevon chuckled.
"I know you want to keep her as far from Containment as possible but you know she'd be safe if she's with you." Zevon assured him like any good dad would. I smile and rub Zed's arm. He looks down at me with furrowed brows.
"Ok, we'll go." He finally agreed.
"Good, 'cause he sent a Zombie Patrol Officer to escort you." Zevon said with an unamused tone, indicating he was also not happy with the situation. "I'll meet you there." He added before the line disconnected. Zed nearly growls and he drops his wrist aggressively.
"You've got to be kidding me." He grumbles. I hug myself against his arm for comfort and he realizes my concern. He sighs and turns to wrap his arms around me, burying his nose in my hair. "I don't like this." He murmurs against my scalp. "Why the fuck is he so insistent on you being there?" I rub his back soothingly.
"I'm sure you're just overthinking it Babe." I try but his arms tighten around me slightly.
"You don't know him like I do. I've been dealing with this guy for over 3 years. He doesn't do anything without a purpose." Zed argues. "Serious scientist doctor." I laugh and pull back to look at him.
"But has he done anything to hurt you?" I ask with a knowing smile. He pouts his lips.
"No." He grumbles. I soften.
"Then he won't hurt me." I add gently. I can see the hesitation in his eyes but he agrees with a small smile and nod. Then I give him a teasing smirk. "Besides, you'll be right there to protect us." His hand instinctively slides around from my back to my front. I feel his worries start to evaporate.
"You're right Addy." He said, leaning in to close the distance between our lips. "You're always right." His words came out in a whisper and his lips brushed mine. A shiver slides down my spine and I'm quick to steal a kiss. He chuckles into my mouth but doesn't deny me, but rather encouraging me by gripping my hips and lifting me to wrap my legs around his waist. It's my turn to giggle.
"Zed, were in the middle of the hallway." I scold lightly mere centimeters from his face.
"If it weren't for the fact that no one else is allowed to look at you, I wouldn't care if they watched." He said seriously. I laugh and loosen my legs, he sets me down on my feet.
"Since when are you so kinky?" I tease as we link hands and start walking to the front exit again.
As promised, a patrol car was waiting at the curb with an officer standing there, looking as thrilled as possible to have the job of chofer-ing two teens back to Zombie Containment. His eyes land on us and he quickly opens the back door. Zed leads me over and let's me climb in first, then climbs in himself.
Zed situates himself in the seat and lifts his arm to offer for me to scoot closer for cuddles. I eagerly wiggle under his arm and wrap my arms around his muscular torso, laying against his chest. He pulls me in tight around my shoulders protectively, like I'm going to disappear if he lets his guard down.
"Zed-" I start to scold, but he leans over and gives me a single rough and lingering kiss. The intensity of his sudden emotions gives me goosebumps and I kiss him back, hard. I slide my hand up his chest and grip his shirt for grounding. His other hand finds my knee just as he pulls back and presses his forehead to mine.
"No matter what happens," he whispered low so the officer wouldn't hear, "don't leave my side. I don't care what anyone says. Ok?" My hand relaxes and I can feel his heart hammering against his ribs. He's terrified.
"Zed." I whisper, raising my hand to caress his cheek. "I'll never leave your side." I assure him quietly. He releases a relieved breath and presses into my palm affectionately.
"I fucking love you Addy." He breaths and kissed me again before I could respond. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer.
"Ah hum!" The Officer cleared his throat loudly to interrupt. Our lips disconnect and he drops his head in defeat. I giggle and run my fingers through his hair.
"I love you too Zed." I whisper in his ear. He leans back against the seat with a smile and pulls me to lay up against him, kissing the top of my head.
The rest of the ride is silent as we wait to arrive at the front gates of Zombie Containment.
XxX
Zed's POV
It's been 3 years since Addy's been to Containment. The night she risked everything to save me. The thought of what could have happened makes my stomach churn. I hate having her here. I don't feel like she's safe here. I want to take her as far away as possible.
I feel her hand squeeze mine, she can feel my fear and dread. I take a deep breath and let it out, trying to relax. As long as she's with me, she's safe. I just keep repeating that in my head.
The officer escorts us to the front desk. The receptionist glances up and when she saw who we were, she quickly jumped to her feet.
"Oh, it's you!" She exclaimed excitedly. She scurried around the desk and waved for the teens to follow. "Right this way." She lead us through the haunting white hallways until we reach an empty exam room. "The doctor will be with you shortly." She assured us before disappearing behind the closed door.
I immediately start looking around to evaluate our surroundings, taking note of every piece of furniture, every tool, every monitor or equipment, everything. My guard is up and on high alert as long as Addison is in harm's way.
Addison's soft hands on my face draws my attention back to her and I instantly forget what I was doing. Her expression is tender and I can see the abundance of love and support shining in her eyes. It's like a weight lifts off my shoulders when I look at her.
"I'm right here." She tells me gently. "As long as we're together, we're safe." Her words work wonders as all my muscles relax. I wrap my arms around her and pull her in for an embrace.
"I promised myself I'd keep you safe no matter what and," I pause to swallow the slight fear in my voice, "I don't like you being in this place." I confide. Her fingers brush through the hairs on the back of my head affectionately.
"You'll keep me safe. I know you will." She assures confidently. I smile. It still blows me away how much she trusts me.
I must be doing something right.
The click of the door opening makes me stiffen again as it opens. We turn to see a familiar face enter. He smiled brightly at the two of us.
"Zed! It's great to see you!" He greets me.
"Dr. Reid." I respond flatly. He laughs at my unamusement then turns to Addison with an even brighter smile that make me suspicious.
"And you're, uh," he taps his chin in thought, "Addison! Right?" He recalled enthusiastically. Addison smiles as she nods and reaches out to shake his hand.
"Yes, it's nice to see you again." Addy politely greets, to which he eagerly accepts and shakes her hand. With that out of the way, he gestures for us to have a seat on the exam bed.
"Please please! Make yourself comfortable!" He urges excitedly. I narrow my eyes at him, and I know he notices, but I help Addy up onto the mattress before sitting beside her myself without argument. Dr. Reid rolls a chair up to sit in front of us with a file opened on his lap. "Thank you both for coming in on such short notice!"
"Like I ever have a choice." I retort with a scoff. Addy rubs my arm soothingly, slowly sliding her hand down to my wrist with the mark she put on me. My entire body starts to tingle pleasantly.
"Be nice Zed." She whispers as a gentle scold. Her touch on my mark is like an instant full body message, relaxing my stresses away.
"Sorry doc." I apologize. Dr. Reid's brows are knitted together in confusion.
"No, no, it's alright. Um, may I ask, what, what did you just do there?" His question directed towards Addison.
"Oh, well, it's kinda a long story, but if we rub our marks, it's pretty soothing." Addy tried to explain. His face showed his surprise.
"Marks?" He turned to ask me. "Your zombie marked her?" I avoid looking at his as I wrap my arm around Addy's waist and kiss her head as my answer. "Oh." He scribbles something down onto the file then looks back up at us with even more excited eyes.
"There hasn't been a marking with zombie couples in decades! I've read about those couples but unfortunately they're long gone." He readies his pen and leans forward intently. "So how has that affected you two? Do you feel differently? Does it change the way you two act? You seem more defensive than usual Zed." He pointed out. I sigh, knowing I can't keep withholding information.
"Yeah. We can feel each other's emotions and I feel a lot more protective of her." I admit. He scribbles quickly on the file then looks back up.
"That's so fascinating! So how did it happen? And how did you figure out it was marking?" He continued to question. Before I can respond, Addy speaks up.
"Like I said, it's a long story, but in short, Zed was having difficulty keeping his zombie under control and it turns out he was subconsciously worried he was losing me, so one thing led to another and he bit me." She pulled the collar of her shirt to the side to expose the teeth marks indenting her shoulder. "Had his zombie not instinctively offered for me to bite him back, I probably would have bled out." I was grateful she told the story 'cause those words definitely couldn't have come out of my mouth. My arm tightens around her and my throat constricts to stop the whimper threatening to come up. She leans into me as a gesture of comfort.
"Eliza's mom is a Zombie Healer. She know a lot about our heritage and history. And since she's an expert in zombie remedies, I thought she'd be the best person to ask questions." I add. The doctor nods in understanding and then rolls his chair a little closer.
"Do you mind if I just take a peak at both your markings?" He asked. Addy nods and I'm hesitant but agree as well. He stands and checks out Addy's shoulder first, then quickly looks over my wrist before jotting more notes down and closing the folder completely.
"Fantastic! All of this is so fantastic!" He enthuses while Addy readjusts her shirt. Then he settles himself down but the wide smile doesn't leave his face. "Please excuse my excitement. You two are my dream patients!" He admitted happily. I frown and Addison's brows furrow as well in confusion.
"Um, one problem. Addy isn't your patient." I argue. A sudden knock comes to the door.
"Oh perfect timing! Come in!" Dr. Reid calls.
To both our surprise, Dr. Carter comes walking in with a smile.
