A/N: Here's a long one for you guys since it took me so long to update! ;) Enjoy!~
Zed's POV
It's been about a week since I had that crazy nightmare. And Addy was right. It was just a dream. I haven't had any like it since. Of course Addy was right. I had to have just been under so much stress, from the argument with her dad and being away from her, that my brain was bringing up my worst fears. But everything's great again!
Better than great actually.
I sat down on the plush cream colored soft beside our very studious wedding planner, AKA Bucky. He was on his phone adding check mark emojis on a spreadsheet labeled 'Baby Addison's Zombified Wedding' beside various boxes of the 'To-Do' section. I roll my eyes but my attention is drawn back to the dressing rooms as the one with the girls in it opens.
Addison comes out with a huge smile, but this trip to the dress shop isn't for her this time, she steps aside and out comes a bubbly Bree and grouchy Eliza; both clad in frilly, blush pink, knee length dresses. Bree bounced over to the trio of full length mirrors, twirling around happily with Addison close behind. I get up from my seat to talk to my frowning friend.
"What's wrong E? That dress looks great on you." I assure her quietly as to not draw too much attention as she opens up about her feelings. She rolled her eyes at me.
"This shade of pink makes me look sickly." She complained. "It's definitely not my color." I chuckle, stepping behind her and taking each shoulder in my hands to guide her over to where Addison and Bree were standing.
"This color is amazing with your skin tone Bree!" Addison chirped to her best friend.
"Right? Oh my gosh! It's so perfect! I'm so excited to wear it beside you at the altar!" Bree gushed, both girls giggling excitedly. Eliza fidgets nervously, staying quiet as the other two girls adore the dress on Bree. I clear my throat and Addison turns to us with a beaming smile, it dropped instantly when she saw Eliza's face.
"What's wrong Zom-bae~?" Addy tried lightening Eliza's mood by tickling her midsection. Eliza smiled stiffly but was obviously still uncomfortable.
"It's nothing. I'm fine." She brushes off. I frown and Addison looks at me similarly in concern, soften and cross my arms over my chest as I turn to fully face Eliza.
"'Liz." I warn, using the childhood nickname she hates. Just so she knows I'll tell Addy if she doesn't. So she sighed in defeat.
"Ok ok! I hate it." She admits, giving Addy an apologetic look. "This color is horrid on me and it doesn't fit me very well. I don't have the same bust as Bree does. But," she voices her concerns but then shifts from foot to foot, "if this is what you want me to wear, I can suck it up. It's your day." She says sincerely, directing it to both Addison and I.
Addy looks up at me. Her eyes silently asking my opinion, though I know she's already made the decision I'd make, and I give her a nod to confirm.
"You do know it's weird when you two do that, right? That weird 'talking without talking' thing? Yeah. Stop being weird and talk out loud like normal people." Eliza complained. Addison and I chuckle before she takes a step in towards my best friend to take her hands into her own.
"Eliza, we knew these dresses wouldn't be comfortable on you." Addy told her honestly. Eliza looked surprised and confused as she looked between us.
"Really? Then why have me tag along? Trying them on and shit?" She questioned. Addison giggled, swaying from side to side and, in turn, forcing Eliza to do the same.
"I wanted to give you the option if you did end up liking one!" Addy teased, making Eliza laugh lightly from how girlie this all was.
"And you're sure that Zed's it. You know I had a tiny crush on you freshman year right?" Eliza joked, knowing just what to say to get under my skin. I scowl, crossing my arms over my chest while the two girls laugh. But once it settled, Addy gave her a soft, genuine smile.
"Zed actually insisted we invited you," she tells her, I get a raised brow from the only other zombie in the shop, "'cause he wants you to have you involved as much as possible. He really values your opinion." Addy informs, finally letting go of her hands to sidestep into my arms. "So yeah, he's definitely it." She added teasingly. I tighten my arms around her shoulders, smiling down at her before looking back to Eliza.
"Oh my Z, Zed, are you serious?" She asked in heartfelt disbelief. For a second, I could swear there were tears in her eyes. It's so rare for Eliza to cry, for any reason, that I release my hold on Addy and step forward to hug her. She hugs me back for once rather than complaining or arguing. "I'm so incredibly honored to be your friend, Z. You're the best." She whispers for only me to hear.
"No, you are the best, E. Gotta make sure this wedding is the zom-bomb." I joke, earning a chuckle. We pull apart and I return my arm around Addy's shoulders. "Besides, you're the only person I know who can oppose our 'amazing' wedding planner." I emphasize sarcastically.
"I heard that String Bean!" Bucky called a few feet away on the couch. The four of us laugh and return our attention to Bree's Bridesmaid dress. Now that Eliza knew she didn't have to match her, she was much lighter and more talkative.
I eventually leave the girls to their dress browsing again and return to the sofa beside Bucky. He doesn't even falter with whatever task he's doing on his phone. Not that I care much, I'm more content with watching my beautiful fiance across the room laughing with our friends. My chest bubbles with pride. I could never have asked for anyone more amazing in a million years. She's everything I've ever dreamed of and then some. We were meant to be.
"Geez you really do have it just as bad as she does." I hear Bucky mutter beside me. I pull my eyes away from Addison to raise a brow at him.
"Is there a problem with looking at the girl I'll be spending the rest of my life with?" I ask curiously. Apparently, I'm funny because he starts to laugh.
"No, I suppose not." He snorts. "You'd just think you two would like to have some alone time every now and then." I chuckle with him.
"I mean, we do, it's just," I pause and sigh dreamily as my eyes land back on Addison looking tentatively at the white dresses, having snuck away from the other girls, "I can't help wanting to spend every waking moment with her. She's my world." I admit.
Bucky hums in response. I was surprised when he had shoved his phone in his pocket to give me his full attention. "I've always had my reservation about my baby cousin dating a zombie."
"You don't say." I interject with a chuckle.
"Shut up." His eyes narrowing at me. "And I have no idea what the deal is with this whole marking shit, I momentarily wanted to murder you for biting her before she explained by the way." I drop my gaze to my lap in shame. I don't think I'll ever be able to get over this feeling of guilt when people admit they're mad I hurt my own mate. His hand lands heavily on my shoulder suddenly and my eyes lift to meet his.
"But from the sounds of it, now you'd do anything to keep her from hurting, and you make her really happy, and I'm getting a new sweet little baby cousin out of you two, so I guess I can deal with calling you my cousin-in-law." He said in true 'Bucky dramatics' fashion.
The smile that spread across my face quickly spread across his too as we laugh together. He lifts his hand towards me and I clasp it for a high five handshake. I pull him in for a half hug, ignoring his protests, and glance over to see Addison smiling over at us. I let him go and he scowls, brushing out any potential wrinkles to his jacket that I may have created. Z forbid.
I chuckle and excuse myself, jumping out of my seat and rushing over to gently wrap my arms around my love's waist, tugging her just about a foot around the corner of the aisle out of view. "Hey." I breath.
"Hey." She greets with a soft giggle, sliding her hands up my chest to curl around my neck. "I see you and Bucky are buddies now." She teases, fingers brushing through the hairs at the base of my skull as I lean down closer to her lips.
"Not really, just playing 'cousins' for a certain pretty girl I'm trying to marry." I joke, still closing the gap between us. She breaths a laugh, pink dusting her cheeks in anticipation of our deeply craved affections.
"Well this girl would be stupid to turn down an amazing man like you." She whispers.
"I'm actually the lucky one in the relationship." I reply breathily, lips so close they brush hers as the last word escapes.
"Addy~!" Bree's sing-songy voice calls, successfully breaking us out of our fog. Addy jumps back a couple inches in surprise but my hold around her waist doesn't relinquish. I groan in vague annoyance but stand upright just as Bree turns the corner. "There you are!" She chirps cheerfully, rushing forward excitedly to pull my girl out of my arms and over to whatever dress thing she was babbling about.
I know she can feel my disappointment from the apologetic look she gives me as she mouths an 'I'm sorry' over her shoulder to me before turning her attention to Bree instead. I sigh knowing this is what we came here for but we haven't gotten much 'alone time' since last weekend when her parents were out of town. We agreed that we needed to go back to sleeping at our own houses most nights, not only to spend more time with our families but also to practice separation.
Football conditioning will be starting soon, I need to get a job to save up some money for Addy and I before the baby gets here, and college will be here before we know it. We aren't going to be able to be together 24/7 like we have been so we're just trying to get used to it a little.
It's fine. Grrr.
There's a little nagging in the back of my mind but I ignore it. Addy and I are stronger than ever. I can handle sleeping across town from her, grrrrrr. She's assured me multiple times that I still satisfy her needs, even when I can feel her arousal spiking when I'm not around, grrrrrr. It's just 'cause she's thinking about us, there's definitely no way she'd go looking for someone else while I'm busy, grrrrrr!
I realize a little too late that my breathing has quickened and become raspy as I grit my teeth, lips pulled back into a snarl. I lift my wrist and see the vibrant orange screen of my Z-band reading UNSTABLE. Oh fuck.
My zombie obviously didn't like my train of thoughts and was taking matters into his own hands. Shit fuck. I squeeze my eyes closed trying my best to regain control of my shaky muscles.
XxX
Addison's POV
One minute I'm picking between dress accessories with Bree, while Eliza and Bucky are bickering about who knows what, and the next Zed's emotions slam against my chest like a freight train. My body goes rigid with the blend of fear, anger, and panic swirling in my gut.
'Addiska…' I hear in the back of my head. Oh no. Zed's gone zombie.
I snap upright out of my bent position over the display case, half startling the others as they look at me in surprise. Zed's scared. I need to not draw attention to him. So I let out a forced laugh.
"Whoa! I suddenly have to pee so bad! Pregnancy bladders suck!" I rush out. All of them exchange strange looks but I don't really care. I start backing away to look for Zed. "I'm gonna take a potty break! Be right back." I turn tail and disappear from their view down an aisle of dresses.
Seconds later I'm snatched up by solid arms, my gasp swallowed by his greedy mouth covering mine for a sloppy kiss. My eyes roll back as I return his affections. A low growl rumbles in his chest and my senses are snapped back to reality. I pull my lips from his as cradle his jaw in my hands.
"Sh sh sh!" I whisper. His dark eyes boring into mine, an unrelenting gaze firmly fixed in them. His hold tightens around my waist, pulling me flush against him. A silent demand for a need I can feel in my stomach. My body begging to just comply with him. But my brain knows that isn't an option.
At least not right here in the middle of the shop.
"Promise you can stay quiet for me?" I ask him, one hand caressing his cheek while the other slides down his vein covered neck, down his chest, sliding between our stomachs until I'm cupping his length in my palm. He sucks in a sharp breath and nods roughly, slamming his lips back over mine. I giggle and pull back again, another growl emitting from his throat.
"Come with me Baby." I remove my hands from his body and grab his hand, entwining our fingers and pausing momentarily. "And remember," I put my finger to my lips with a quiet, "shh." Giving him my best attempt at a wink, basically just blinking one eye harder than the other, earning a gruff snort from the zombie.
My zombie.
I pull him further down the aisle, he's close behind me. Everytime I peek around a corner, his nose is buried in my hair and taking in deep breaths of my scent, I assume to calm himself. It wasn't long though before we're able to sneak into the small fitting room off to the side of the main one's the girls and I were in before. I glance around briefly to make sure the coast is clear before shoving Zed inside and rushing in behind him, closing the door as quietly as possible and flipping the lock.
I don't even have time to breath a sigh of relief before I'm spun around and back pressed to the wall, pinned between it and a certain hungry zombie. I sigh contently against his lips, finally getting some much needed stress relief by loving on my fiance. And I know he feels the same. The way his kisses are frantic and needy, his hands groping any piece of flesh he can reach, telling me he's desperate.
And I wouldn't dream of denying him.
His hands grip under my thighs and hoists them up to wrap around his waist, needing little to no effort lifting me with the zombie strength coursing through his veins. His touch is rough and clumsy, but I can tell he's trying his best to be gentle as well as quick. I try to focus my emotions on soothing him; kissing him slower, palm pressed affectionately against his black veined cheek, other hand sifting through his emerald green hair. His zombie seems to understand as his arms hold me just a little tighter and he stops his attempts at removing my clothing, or should I say trying not to rip them off.
I take the opportunity of his calmed state to slide my hand from his cheek down between our bodies, undoing his pants (with only slight difficulty) and freeing his hard manhood. My hand wraps delicately around his shaft and his groans quietly into my mouth. I swallow any noises he makes as I stroke him an extra minute, letting him enjoy their short time away from everyone.
But he seems a little impatient, hips thrusting against my hand in a rough rhythm. I release my hold on him, hiking up the hem of my dress up to my hips to show him I'm ready. He wastes no time reaching between us and pushing my panties aside before thrusting all the way inside me. I suck in a sharp breath from the sudden fullness.
He seats himself to the hilt and stops. Our eyes locking.
It felt like the rest of the world fades away and it's just us; united in body, mind, and soul. I am lost in his darkened brown eyes. A swarm of emotions collide in my heart; relief, pride, love. An overwhelming love that makes my heart race.
His eyes told her so much more than words could. Even if she wasn't able to feel what he was feeling. His emotions are so raw when he's zombied out like this, unmuddled by fear or anxiety. It's intense.
And extremely hot.
I throw myself forward to reconnect our lips. He low approving growl rumbled in his chest as his hands slid from my back to each hip, grip tight and kisses sloppy. I pull him closer around his neck so there's not an inch between us.
I feel so connected to him. His intense emotions fogging my brain and fueling the acceleration of my heart rate. I didn't even realize my hands were groping at his shirt, his shoulders, fingers gripping in his hair. My hips grinding against his, a moan building from his tip stroking inside me at just the right spot.
Then he withdraws from the warm, cozy cocoon I provided just for him, a quiet whine subconsciously leaving me before he slams back in. I have to physically bite my lip to keep from screaming. He uses the hold he has on my hips with the force of his own thrusts to ram into me at an insanely fast and rough rhythm.
I can't even breath. His tongue is sprawled against my neck, his lips attaching the area to kiss and suck the delicate flesh there as he pounds into me. The warmth deep in my belly turning into molten lava as he pushes me closer to the peak of orgasm. It's coming so fast, he's going so fast, I'm not gonna last. I dig my nails into the tough cotton of his customized coverall jacket on his shoulders and my heels pressing into his backside as my toes begin to curl.
"Agrapzo, zu ag, Garziga." (Let go, for me, Love.) He panted in a gruff whisper close to my ear. I gasp and frantically grab at him, pulling myself as close as possible. His hands release my hips to hold me.
"ZedZedZedZedZed." His name tumbling off my tongue like a whispered waterfall as I cling to him for dear life. My body spasming in orgasm as he thrusts into me a handful more times before he joins me off the edge.
He lifts his head a second later and plants a firm kiss to my lips. A rough, desperate kiss that I gladly return his affections, attempting to wash away this biting feeling of uncertainty that seems to be eating at him. He separates our lips, both of us slightly out of breath and panting, his features still darkened by his zombiefied state.
My brows furrow. Usually his zombie settles back after we've coupled, that's usually all he needs to feel secure. I lift a hand to cradle his clenched jaw. He leans into my palm, his eyes fluttering shut like he's smelled something intoxicating. But my worries don't fade.
He lifts his left hand to place it over mine. The orange screen and faint buzzing suddenly catching my eye.
"Zed? Baby? Why is your Z-band unstable?" I ask him softly. "Did something happen to you?" I continue in worry. His hand slides off of mine to brush my cheek comfortingly, the intensity in his eyes nearly taking my breath away.
"Za Addiska zet ongzi ag?" (Is Addison still only mine?) He asks. Suddenly, his unwavering feelings weren't so unwavering.
"W-what?" My heart feels hurt by his questioning of my loyalty but his arms quickly tighten around me for comfort and I blink away my surprise. "Zed, of course I'm only yours." I assure, both hands caressing his face affectionately.
"Bak," (But,) he counters quickly, "agz briz… droz'grog." (we're busy…a lot.) He finished. It took a second to register what he said.
"B-busy? Oh Zed." I soften, lunging forward for a hard kiss. His shoulders relaxing from the contact. I pulled back just enough to press our foreheads together. "Just because we're busy, doesn't mean I'll ever stop loving you." I whisper sincerely.
"Zaziga?" (Really?) He questioned hopefully. I giggle and nod.
The raw happiness in his eyes makes my heart flutter. He pulled me flush against him, lips finding mine and total relief washing over him. The kiss grew softer, gentler. When we finally separated for air, his black veins had receded back into place and my kind hearted Zed was in my arms instead of my protective zombie he once was.
I reflect his breathtaking smile as I give him one more peck. "We really need to get back before they notice." I tell him. He chuckles, readjusting our clothing before setting me on my slightly wobbly legs, still holding me close so I won't fall even if my legs did collapse underneath me.
"Pretty sure they already know and we'll never live it down." He half joked. I pout my bottom lip playfully, knowing he's right. He chuckles, tightening his arms around me for reassurance. "We got this Adds." He said and I smiled once again. Of course we got this, we're together! I can brave anything as long as I have him by my side.
But then his smile faded, replaced with mildly worried brows. "You promise we're good though? Even with how crazy everything is gonna be? I mean there's college, and football, and working, and—" he rambles before I press a finger gently to his lips to interrupt.
"Zed. We're always going to be the type that life gets busy and chaotic. It's who we are, it's what we do! But," I pause to smile softly up at him, "coming back to you is what I look forward to the most."
"I love you so much Addy." He sighs, tension evaporating from each and every muscle in his body as relief washed over him.
"I love you too." I say, pulling him down for another soft kiss.
Suddenly, a trio of loud knocks makes us jump in surprise. "Addison! Are you in there?" Bucky calls. My face pales, knowing my cousin is going to kill me.
"Uh, yeah! I'll be out in just a sec!" I manage through my panic. Zed's arms are still tightly wrapped around my waist, securing me against him for comfort.
"I swear to god Addison..!" Bucky whisper-yelled through the door. "If you're fucking Zed in there..!" I'm sure my mortified face was all it took for Zed to know I didn't have an excuse for him because he spoke for me.
"Relax Bucky." He called back in his normal tone. "We were just talking, I had a little…panic attack…but we were just about to rejoin you guys." Zed tells the half truth flawlessly. And I can tell 'cause Bucky is silent for a moment on the other side of the door. I give Zed a squeeze around the waist thankfully.
"Fine, whatever. Just get your asses back out here before someone else finds you." He snaps and we hear him stomp away. I let out a relieved sigh, Zed chuckles and sways us from foot to foot while he holds me comfortingly.
"Thanks. He definitely wouldn't have believed me." I admit as I look up at him.
"I know. That's why I stepped in. Ya know, I kinda think he likes me as a cousin more than you now." He teases with a smile. I laugh and hug myself close to him.
"Thanks Zed." I say sincerely.
"Anytime Adds." He gives me a squeeze then releases me completely. "Alright. Ready?" I smile, taking a deep breath and letting it go.
"Let's do this." I agree.
