Here a long one for your guys! Hope you like it! ~

Addison's eyes were burning and she could barely see where she was going as she hurried through the hallway. She kept her head down to hide her tear streaked face from the other students but she couldn't hide how much she didn't fit in. So all eyes were still on her until she finally reach the administrator's office.

She pressed her back against the wall beside the glass window, trying her best to control the sobs that constricted her throat. She vigorously wiped her eyes with her forearm to get rid of the evidence, she didn't even notice when the tall boy with green hair caught up to her.

"Hey! Addison! What's wrong?" Her head shot up to see Zed's concerned expression staring down at her. She wiped her face again just to be sure no tears were remaining on her cheeks and forced on a smile.

"H-hey, Zed! It's nothing! I'm fine." Her words losing their strength the longer she spoke. Zed's brows knitted together, knowing she was lying and making him worry even more.

"Did I do something wrong? I mean, I'm sorry for upsetting you. I can make it up to you!" He told her sincerely with enthusiasm. She smiled softly and shook her head. She knew he was genuinely concerned and didn't want her to have a bad first day at his school.

"You didn't do anything Zed." She assured him. She wanted to laugh when he sighed in relief but her smile had already faded as her thoughts returned why she was actually upset to begin with. "It's just, I don't fit in here." He looked at her in confusion.

"What are you talking about? Did someone say something to you?" She could see his anger all over his face. She could picture this was the way he looked when he was on the ice. She smiled and shook her head once again.

"No. No one said anything. But, um, it's kinda obvious." She said timidly, grabbing the skirt of her dress as emphasis. Realization flashed across his features. Then he grabbed her hand, much to her surprise, holding it gently.

"Addison, you look beautiful." His voice was soft and sincere. It made her stomach fill with butterflies.

"Thanks." She breathed. They stood there for a moment just staring into each other's eyes until their surrounding began to sink in again. She shyly ducked her head. He noticed her shift and tugged her to walk with him.

"Come on! I'll show you my spot!" Addison made a face that made him blush when he realized what she thought. "No! Not like that! Come on. I have a hang out that no one uses during school hours. It's more private there." He explained, pulling her along gently.

"I really shouldn't. I have to get my schedule and figure out where my classes are-" He laughed, successfully cutting her off from rejecting him.

"We'll get your schedule with plenty of time! And I'll personally escort you to all your classes so you can relax about not being late your first day." He gave her a wink, making her giggle and relax. It didn't take long before Zed pulled her down a hallway that was pretty empty, then glanced around before opening the door and leading her inside.

It was room with a lot of medical equipment lining the walls and cushioned treatment tables spread out around the room. Addison walked around curiously before she turned back to Zed, who was watching her from his seat on one of the tables.

"A nurses office?" She asked. Zed chuckled.

"They call it an athletic therapy room." He corrected. "Don't tell anyone, but," he paused and leaned forward like he was about to tell her a secret, "it's actually a Zombie Safe Room." Addison giggled again and took a few steps closer with an amused grin.

"Zombie Safe Room huh?" She asked teasingly. "Are you zombies, dangerous?" He smiled wide and played along.

"We can be." He replied as he hopped off the table and started towards her at the same leisurely pace she was taking. "Are you scared?"

"Don't get any ideas Buster. The only thing more deadly than my high kick, is my low kick." She threatened lightheartedly.

"With moves like that, I'm pretty sure you could take anyone who even looked at you funny." He joked, making her giggle. They were right in front of each other now.

Even though the height difference between them was so significant, they felt so much on the same level that it didn't matter. How can two people, who just met over the weekend, feel like they've known each other all their lives?

"So I'm not getting low kicked?" He asked quietly. They were close. He could feel the tension in the air. Her eyes never broke their contact.

"You're safe, for now." She joked back. He breathed a laugh.

"Oh good." He feigned relief.

The ring of the first warning bell jarred them back into reality. Zed cleared his throat and took her hand again to lead her back out.

"Let's go get your schedule." He offered sweetly. Addison smiled and nodded.

As promised, they got her schedule and he showed her to the first classroom on the list with time to spear.

"I'll come back after first period." He told her with a smile.

"Ok, thanks." She was still nervous but really did appreciate all his help. He noticed her shoulders slightly slumped and placed a gentle hand on her arm.

"Don't be nervous. You're great! People are gonna love you." He assured her quietly. Her back straightened with a little confidence and nodded.

"Thanks Zed." She thanked with a smile. He returned the gesture and then started to take off.

"I'll see ya after class!" He called halfway down the hall. She giggled before walking into the classroom.

XxX

By the end of the day, she was so happy it was over. She was absolutely exhausted, even though it did go much better than she expected. Luckily, Zed was in 3 of her 7 classes; 2nd, 4th, and 5th. And Zed introduced her to his friend Eliza who was in her 3rd and 6th period.

Addison was pretty sure Eliza didn't like her. As soon as Zed left them alone to head to class, Eliza rolled her eyes and muttered something about babysitting under her breath. But she did try giving her tips on how to get by in their school, so she must not hate her too much.

But now, Addison was putting the last book in her bag when someone walked up behind her.

"Well well, if it isn't Blondie the ice princess!" She turned around to see the bulky hockey player from Saturday. What was his name again? Ziryan, right?

"Oh right! You're the block head hockey player." She countered sarcastically. The students surrounding them started murmuring and backing away.

"Looks like we have last period together! Aren't you excited!" He chuckled. Addison rolled her eyes and walked around him towards the door. "Oh come on! You could like me if you tried!" He teased.

"I'd die before that happened!" She yelled cheerfully over her shoulder. As soon as she was out of the room, she saw Zed and Eliza waiting outside, one looking much happier to see her than the other.

"Hey! Addison!" Zed waved her over.

"Hey!" She breathed when she reached them.

"Ice cream, you in?" Eliza offered flatly before Zed could ask. Addison looked between them then smile.

"Sure! I'll just text my parents and let them know I'll be late!" She said, earning an eye roll from the green haired girl who promptly walked away. Addison watched her in confusion. Zed threw his arm over her shoulders and watched his friend leave too.

"It's alright. She'll warm up to you." He assured her.

"I don't know. I think she hates me." Addison countered. Zed laughed as they started following her.

"She definitely doesn't hate you. It would be very obvious if she hated you." He assured her further. "I think she's just worried is all." He added quietly. She wasn't even sure if he intended for her to hear it but he changed the subject before she could ask what he meant.

"So! How was your first day?" He asked, earning a long sigh from the blonde.

"Exhausting!" She whined. He laughed again.

"Don't worry. It'll get easier." He said.

"I sure hope so."

They got to the ice cream shop fairly quickly, it wasn't far from the school. The shop was adorably small and reminded her of Seabrook with the splashes of pastel. She was surprised that the shop had a flavor called 'brains' to go along with the mascot theme. Zed convinced her she'd love it and, since it was basically just strawberry, she did.

They sat at a little booth, Zed choosing to sit beside her while Eliza was across from them, and started talking.

"So Zed tells me you guys met on the ice. My guess is you don't play hockey." Eliza assumed.

"Yeah, definitely not. No offense." Addison told Zed.

"None taken." He assured jokingly.

"I'm a figure skater." Eliza made a face.

"Glitter and costumes and all that?" She asked for clarity. Addison nodded enthusiastically.

"Yeah! I wanna try out for the team here since I can't compete with my old team." She added, her mood shifting somberly.

"Oh, tough luck. Our school doesn't have a team." Eliza shot her down. Addison gaped at her.

"What? I thought every school had a team!" She was nearly in a panic. She looked to Zed like his best friend might be lying but his face showed his sympathy.

"This is more of a hockey school. There weren't enough people interested in figure skating to keep the program up and running." Zed confirmed. "Sorry Addy."

Her eyes dropped to her ice cream cup and she stayed quiet as they continued talking and eating.

Zed tried including her in their conversation but she would just give a short answer with a smile before zoning back out. He wanted so badly for her to enjoy it there. To not miss her old school or friends. But how could he do that if they didn't have a team for her favorite past time?

"I have an idea!" He blurted out, interrupting Eliza's rant about her latest software project.

"Idea for what?" Eliza asked in confusion. He turned to face Addison fully.

"Why don't you join the kids who help out cleaning up pucks after warm ups and intermissions and stuff to see how you like it! At least you'll be able to be on the ice!" He offered. It didn't sound particularly exciting but she knew he was trying to help and it made her smile.

"Ok. I'll give it a shot." She agreed. Zed smiled even wider.

"Cool! Our last regular season game is Friday. We can go to the arena after school together!" His excitement made her giggle.

"Great. Now can I get back to my story?" Eliza butted back in. Both of them laugh as she continued, Addison finally getting more engaged with their lighthearted banter.

XxX

The rest of the week went fairly smooth. Addison said she was going to make her mom take her shopping for a new wardrobe but Zed convinced her not to. That she didn't need to change anything about herself, she can fit in while still keeping her own style. So she did.

The other students warmed up to her pastel vibes and she started making a few acquaintances that she could talk to during classes but they didn't seem to be too interested in being buddy-buddy outside of that.

At least she had Zed and Eliza to talk to. They got close. Like best friend close throughout the week.

Eliza loved how great of a listener Addison was and would be able to rant out all her frustrations until she felt better. And Addison was good with advice too. She helped Eliza out many a time that week to find her best option for situations.

And Zed. Man, Zed was the best. Even though no one asked him to, he had taken it as his duty to make sure she adjusted well to their school. And no matter what time of day she texted him, a response was always quick to came back. As long as he wasn't at hockey practice that is.

The point is, he was always there for her. Always.

So that leads to today. Since he was always supporting her and doing his best to help her fit in, she'd take his offer to skate as the 'clean up crew' after warm ups and intermissions. Even if she wasn't exactly thrilled about it.

So there she sat, with a couple other girls and guys, waiting for the players to go out onto the ice for warmups. She felt absolutely ridiculous. He told her the crew wears all black, well the only things she owned that were black was a faux leather jacket, leotards, and a pair of yoga pants. She wore her blonde wig styled straight and slicked back because, well, if she's gonna stick out like a sore thumb, she might as well rock it right?

The players came out of the locker room hooting and hollering with hype for the game. A few of them noticed her and gave her an up and down glance but ultimately kept walking. Then a certain hockey player stopped in front of her.

"Whoa! Addy! That outfit's," he paused for a second to find the right word.

"Absurd?" She offered.

"Hot!" He corrected and she immediately flushed.

"Thanks." She breathed a smile growing from his contagious one. He stayed there with her a few extra seconds until they were the last two in the tunnel.

Or so they thought.

The moment was ruined when Ziryan threw his arm over Zed's shoulders with a laugh then, as if he just noticed her, he looks Addison up and down. It made her uncomfortable the way his eyes scanned over her, like he was undressing her in his head. She fidgeted in front of them.

"Trading in your pastel for some leather? You totally look like a babe now!" He exclaimed with a chuckle. Addison's eyes narrow at him.

"Watch it buster. You're about to be on the receiving end of a low kick." She threatened. Ziryan laughed then looked at her in amusement.

"I'd love to see you try girlie." He countered. Zed took it as his cue to defuse the situation and turned so he was facing his teammate and partially blocking Addison from his view, to hopefully distract him.

"Ok guys! Why don't you go get warmed up and I'll be right there!" Zed suggested. Ziryan thought for a second then smiled and clapped a hand on his shoulder pad.

"You got it buddy!" He agreed overly enthusiastic before his expression dropped the next instant. "Let's keep our heads in the game." Zed clenched his jaw but wasn't about to create another argument when he just wanted him to go away. Ziryan gave Addison a quick smirk when he passed Zed but continued onto the ice.

"Sorry about him." Zed apologizes. Addison gives him a sweet smile.

"You're not his keeper. He digs his own graves!" She joked and successfully makes the hockey player laugh.

"Don't hold it against him too much. He's a good guy underneath it all." Zed says.

"Then he has zero people skills." Addison huffs in response. Zed chuckles and points to the 0 in his jersey.

"I guess I need to switch him numbers." He teased, getting Addison to laugh with him.

"Why do you have the zero?" She asked out of curiosity. Zed shrugged.

"I guess it just keeps me motivated. Reminds me where I came from." He told her like it was no big deal. He really doesn't know how amazing he is, does he?

"Well anyways, good luck out there." She told him sincerely.

"Thanks." He breathed with a smile. They stayed there for a few more long seconds before the buzzer to begin warmups startled them out of their daydreams.

"I gotta go. I'll see you out there!" He called as he hurried towards the ice. Addison gave him a small wave before he disappeared through the doorway.

XxX

Her 'job' on the cleanup crew was just about as exciting as being a janitor. Which is exactly what she was doing, pushing a mop around the ring along with four other kids. It was only warmups too. She sighed after taking her seat on the end of the bench. At least she would get a great view of the game.

The lights of the arena suddenly started to cut out and an array of spotlights began to flash as the music started up, lighting the arena with a glowing green hue. It was one of those crowd hyping songs where they could stomp their feet and clap their hands along with the beat. All the electricity of the arena gave her goosebumps. She watched with wide eyed excitement when the announcers voice boomed from the speakers.

"Welcome to the game from your hometown Zombies!" The crowd roared. And right on cue, someone in an oversized zombie costume came barreling out into center ring, earning even louder cheers as he pumped his arms and dramatically skated around until he knelt down on the far end of the rink facing the door he'd exited out of, facing in her direction. So she glanced over and saw some of the boys waiting in the doorway.

"And now, introducing your 2019 Zombies team! Fowards, #12 Levi, #3 Nathan, #7 Jesse, #15 Trevor, #25 Micah, #8 Aaron, #10 Mason, #4 Dennis, #19 Will, #22 Peter, and #11 Sawyer!" With each name, a different player skated out then joined the mascot, lining up alongside him. "Defensemen, #27 Eric, #9 Jerome, #13 Owen, #21 Harvey, and #5 Vince! Goalies, #20 Daniel and #16 Cooper!" Both of them skate out and wave to the crowd briefly before coming up beside their teammates. After they were all in place, the lights cut off.

Addison was confused. Zed or Ziryan were nowhere in sight! Why would they end introductions without them? But her confusion was quickly replaced with anticipation when the two big white spotlights started to swirl the center of the rink.

"Let's get a big round of applause for Co-Captain and Lead Defenseman, standing at 6 foot and weighing in at 180 pounds, #1, Ziryan!" The spotlights pointed to the door as he stepped onto the ice and did a lap around pumping his arms to get the crowd's cheers up. He then arrogantly shoved one of the smaller players, that timidly moved out of his way, and took the spot right beside the mascot, only being off center by one person. Addison rolled her eyes. But her attention was back on the announcer when she knew it was Zed's turn.

"And now, Head Captain, Lead Forward, standing at 6 foot 3 inches and weighing in at 165 pounds, the Lean Green Monster! Number Zero, Zed Necrodopolous!" The entire arena exploded into cheers and was on their feet when he came skating out. He had his hockey stick and helmet in one hand and a towel in the other that he was swinging around over his head, a huge smile spread across his face as he hyped the fans.

Then he seemed to search the bench area for something till his eyes met hers. As he skated over, he motioned for her to meet him a few feet over, out from behind the glass protecting that section. She hurried to her feet and met him at the half wall.

"Enjoy the game." He told her with a wink as he handed her the towel. She holds the towel to her chest like it's a precious artifact that needs protecting and it takes her a second to actually move, even though he'd already went to rejoin his team. She ducks her head and returns to her seat.

"So are you dating him or what?" The girl beside her leans in to ask in a hushed tone but Addison just shakes her head, never taking her eyes off of the hockey player in question.

"And the visiting team, the Ferocious Groundhogs!" The crowd gave them a mild clap as they all entered and lined up along the opposite side of the Zombie.

"All rise for the singing of our National Anthem." The announcer said. Addison stood like everyone else, but she wasn't really paying attention to the woman singing. She couldn't tear her eyes away from Zed.

He was at the far end of the line. He was head captain but he didn't try being center stage like Ziryan did. It made her so proud that he was such a team player, that every player is important. He really is the best, isn't he? She sigh, subconsciously daydreaming and hadn't realized the music stopped and people were starting to sit. It wasn't until a second later when Zed was on the move that she realized she was the only one still standing at the bench. She blushed furiously and quickly sat, thoroughly embarrassing herself.

XxX

The game was amazing. She was having so much fun watching and cheering for the Zombies, especially Zed. As much as she hated to admit it, she could also see why Ziryan was put up on a pedestal as well. He was good. Great support for Zed. They worked really well as a team.

The clock ticked down and the buzzer went off. First intermission. The guy in the zombie mascot costume skated out with a tee shirt canon and was pumping up the crowd while the players filed off the ice. Zed looked exhausted, he had been on the ice most of the first period after all. She stood up and rushed over to catch him at the half wall before he went off the ice.

"Hey!" She greeted with a bright smile. As soon as he saw her face, his own smile spread across his face.

"Hey." He replied breathily. She just stared at him for a second, even with sweat dripping off his face and his hair a complete mess, she could help wanting to run her fingers through it. He raised a brow at her with teasing expectancy. She cleared her throat to try composing herself and realized she still had his towel in her hand, quickly offering it to him which he gladly accepted to wipe the sweat from his face.

"You're playing great out there!" She told him excitedly. He chuckled.

"Thanks! You enjoying your seat?" He asked. She giggled.

"Yeah! It's great! Was that your plan all along? Nothing to do with skating?" She accused with a teasing smirk. He laughed.

"Maybe. I gotta go. See you before the second period." He said with a smile, handing her back the towel and disappearing off the ice. She should have been disgusted by the soiled towel covered in man sweat, but she held it close anyways. The crew was getting ready to go back out because the crowd were about to start throwing pucks with numbers, that they were able to purchase for a raffle, into the rink. Once the winning puck was picked, they had to clean up the mess. Perks of being a janitor. She sighed and got her mop ready.

The rest of intermission was a guy playing games with kids in the stands, displayed on the megatron for everyone to see. So Addison just sat on the bench, waiting. The players came back out onto the ice to do a light warmup.

Addison jumped when Eliza came barreling into her to sit on the bench beside her.

"Eliza what the hell!" She exclaimed in confusion.

"Help me get Zed's attention!" She ordered in a panic. Addison looked at her in concern but helped her wave him down as discretely as possible. They quickly caught his eye and he skated over with furrowed brows.

"What's wrong?" He immediately asked.

"Bonzo is sick!" Eliza didn't hesitate. Zed looked shocked.

"What? What d'you mean he's sick?" Zed asked for clarity.

"Like he's in the bathroom puking and can't finish the game!" Eliza snapped.

"Um, who's Bonzo?" Addison asked softly.

"Bonzo's our buddy who's a couple years older than us. He graduated last year, but was allowed to stay the mascot as long as he wanted cuz everyone loves him." Zed explained, his face showing he was trying to think of someone to cover for him. "The intermission's gonna suck without him! We gotta find a replacement."

"I'll do it." Addison instantly volunteered. He looked at her in shock.

"You're gonna put on the giant Zombie costume and skate around? Yeah, I don't think you'll be able to fill it." Eliza said sarcastically beside her. Addison rolled her eyes.

"Of course not. I mean, I'll perform. I can do a routine to fill time!" He looked at her hesitantly at first.

"Are you sure? This town isn't really into figure skating." He warned. Addison smiled.

"Even if they don't enjoy it, I love skating. I'll at least be able to fill some time so the fans aren't completely bored to death while you rest." She teased. His smile made her heart flutter.

"You're the best, ya know that?" He said.

"Excuse me! I thought I was the best!" Eliza interrupted with a huff making both her friends laugh.

"You're the best for other reasons." Zed told her. "I gotta tell coach about the change of plans. I'll talk to you guys after the game!" He was already backing away with a wave just like that.

"Good luck!" Addison called back.

"So what're you gonna do? Do you have one of your pretty outfits with you?" Eliza asked.

"No, but I don't need one. I can make this work." She told her confidently, her mind running over her scheme. "I need to start stretching. You should stay and watch! You might change your mind about figure skating!" She offered cheerfully.

"Pff! I don't think that's gonna happen honey, but I'll be here. Just to show support." Eliza agreed. Addison giggled.

"Ok, fair enough. See ya!"

"See ya." Eliza agreed, heading back to her seat. Addison went out to the hallway towards the locker rooms and started doing her stretches.

She needed to be limber and warmed up which took about an hour so perfect timing. Maybe she'd even be able to watch Zed play a little bit in the second period. A small smile curled her lips just thinking about the compliments the green haired boy gave her about the outfit. She knew the perfect routine to go with it too.

This was her chance to impress people. She only had one shot. This might work out for everyone. She can only hope.

XxX

"And now, welcome to the center rink, Addison Davis with your final intermission performance!" The announcer exclaimed excitedly for the crowd.

She skated out, waving and smile for her audience. She caught sight of Eliza in the stands clapping for her, even her parents were there, looking surprised that she was skating out there for a routine. And was that, Bucky?! If she wasn't so comfortable skating, she'd probably have tripped that he was there. She took a deep breath and looked towards the boxes.

The players were on their respective benches, inside said boxes, getting water and cooling off, receiving a short pep talk from the coaches. Her eyes made contact with Zed's. He was sweaty and tired again but damn did me make her mouth run dry. But she needed to focus!

He gave her a smirk, making her gulp since he had so much faith in her. She wanted so badly to impress everyone. To show them how amazing figure skating really is. But she didn't have that much certainty in her own abilities.

She did, however, hold her head up high and straightened her back with a confident smile on her lips anyways. She was doing this for herself. Just for fun. It wasn't a competition for once. The house lights went out around the arena so all attention should be on the ice that was still completely lit.

She halted into position and dropped her head as she waited for the music to begin.

It started soft as a whisper and faded in. Her body swayed with the music. It started in sounding eery. She opened with super easy tricks that most could pull off if they'd been skating for any period of time, proceeding to skate around to gain momentum.

Zed watched her in curiosity. He'd assumed she'd use one of the ones she'd shown him, but obviously she had other plans.

"Pfff! This is a joke." Ziryan mocked beside him. Zed scowled but returned his attention to the blonde on the ice.

Her first high leg extension got people's attention, then pretty much lead right into her first spin. With her hair still down, I fell into her face from the rotations. She stopped suddenly, still all part of her routine, putting her hair into a low ponytail.

Zed was on the edge of his seat, worried she'd messed up and was panicking, but her face showed otherwise, she was smirking at the crowd.

Then the singer got loud with "I'm a survivor!" Quiet again. She's unzipped her jacket with the words. Zed's eyes widened and his heart pounded. Oh god she was hot.

"Hell yeah! I didn't know they strip in figure skating!" His disrespectful teammate commented. Zed punched his arm, hard.

"Shut the fuck up Ziryan." He threatened, his eyes were then back on Addison. She was skating toward him. She laid her jacket on the half wall in front of him and smirked at him. His heart had definitely skipped a beat.

She pushed off the wall as the music ticked with a quick beat. A beat that allowed her to really get her momentum going and the crowd clapping along to it.

With her first jump, people were cheering. With the second, only a moment later, they were on their feet. She skated around, giving small technical moves to continue her momentum then right into her third jump, right with a crescendo of the sound effects. People were screaming in excitement.

Her first spin combination was basically a rest moment for her and when she pulled out of it, she stopped dead center on the ice for a little dance number along with the music.

People were cheering and whooping for her as she swayed her hips. Zed was smiling ear to ear. He couldn't take his eyes off of her.

She went back into skating around to gain speed and then extended one leg straight up as she touch her toes of the other foot. Without putting her foot down she went right into her next triple turn jump perfectly timed to go with the snap of the music. The crowd was going crazy.

She went into a back bend and her finger tips grazed the cold ice.

The music began to lull. Her last spin combination was definitely the hardest. It was a mix of extensions and, obviously, spinning at breakneck speeds. Any normal person would have fallen on their butt from going dizzy but it was a cake walk for her. She went into illusion kicks in place then finished grabbing her skate and fully extending it so her legs were in a perfect vertical line, still spinning around and around.

Zed was amazed. The crowd was also in awe, nearly silent as they watched her. Then she came out of the spin and leisurely skated over, picking up her jacket, throwing it over her shoulder, taking out the ponytail holder to free her blonde strands, and skating back to center rink. And with the final snap sound, she whips her head around to look at the crowd over her shoulder, more specifically Zed, with a sly smirk.

The arena erupted.

Everyone was on their feet cheering for the blonde figure skater. Zed was amongst them with most of his teammates joining him on their feet clapping and hooting for the intermission entertainment. Not only was her routine fun to watch, her music choice got everyone pumped for the game.

Zed had on a face splitting smile as he clapped and stared at the girl waving to the crowd. She then bowed, four times, to every direction of the stadium.

He caught her eye again and hurried towards the ledge of the half wall separating them. He was about to vault it, like he's done countless times before, but his arm was grabbed to stop him. He turned to find Ziryan scowling back at him.

"Don't let a pretty face get in your head Necro. You need to focus!" He scolded. Zed's never been distracted from their games by a girl before. He was afraid this new girl would throw him off his game with her blonde hair and blue eyes. Zed smiled and scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"My head's totally in the game! Playoffs are way too important." Zed assured his teammate.

"Good. I wouldn't want a lose hanging over your head. Or hers." Ziryan left with his threat stunning his teammate. Would he really do something to hurt Addison? No. Zed's known him since grade school! He wouldn't go that far over a game, right?

Zed turned back to see Addison leaving the ice towards the locker rooms. He sighed and tried to get refocused on the game.

XxX

"Zombies win! Zombies are going to the playoffs!" The announcer celebrated. The crowd cheered along. The arena was buzzing with excitement. The team was celebrating with each other, the people in the crowd were celebrating together.

Zed looked around at how happy everyone was. He caught sight of Addison chatting with Eliza off to the side of the rink and he was about to go over to them when he was grabbed again. Ziryan.

"Remember you got this win 'cause you weren't distracted. Don't forget that." He added, giving him a light shove. Zed frowned. What was his deal? Why did he suddenly care so much about his personal life?

He just brushed it off as competitiveness and wanting to win the playoffs. He turned back to see very concerned looking girls watching him. He smiled wide and skated over to them.

"Hey guys!" He greeted.

"What was that about?" Eliza basically demanded. Zed let out a nervous chuckle.

"Oh, him? It was nothing! Just some after game banter! Ya know." He was losing fuel as he went, so he quickly changed the subject. "Addy! You were amazing out there!" He praised. Her face lit up.

"Thanks! Apparently everyone loved it! Principal Lee already asked me about performing at more games and I convinced her to let me start a team! As long as I can get enough participants." She informed him excitedly. He beamed. This really was perfect.

"Wow! That's great Adds!" He congratulated, going in for a hug. She gladly accepted, even if he was sweaty and gross. "I'm really proud of you." He whispered in her ear. She sucked in a shallow breath.

"Hey Z!" Someone called behind him back onto the ice. He pulled away and realized they needed him back on the ice.

"I gotta go! I'll text you later!" He exclaimed as he skated off.

"Whoa. You got it bad." Eliza chimed beside her. Her eyes widen as her head snaps in her direction.

"W-what are you talking about?!" Addison tried and failed to deny with her bright red cheeks.

"Oh honey, it is written all over your face." She said as though she needed to be clued in. Addison blushed harder and buried her face in the sweaty towel she was given.

She mentally noted that the towel held his distinct smell, not the stinky kinda smell she expected, but the smell that was just so Zed. She could have gotten lost if Eliza wasn't still assaulting her with accusations.

"Just ask him out." She urged.

"No! I could never-" Addison started but was cut off.

"Or I can tell him to ask you out." Eliza said nonchalantly. Addison's jaw dropped open.

"What?! No! Absolutely not! Don't you speak a word of this to him! I swear to god Eliza." Addison wasn't one to threaten people but she had her teeth clenched and she'd fight her friend if she had to. Eliza laughed however and waved her off.

"I'm kidding! But seriously, ask him out! I'm pretty sure he likes you too." She offered with a shrug before walking away. "By the way! Way to go Blondie! You really crushed it out there!" She yelled without even turning around. Addison smiled before turning back to watch Zed for a few more moments. Maybe, maybe Eliza was right. If he does like her, it'd be a perfect match! But, what if she's wrong. What if he only likes her as a friend?

Her smile drops and her fingers subconsciously curl around the blonde strands of her wig. What if he finds out about her hair? She immediately feels panic start to grip her chest.

She turns and starts down the hallway towards the parking garage where her parents would be waiting.