A/N Phew! This is the last chapter! Well, I still have an alternate ending, but this is the true ending. Hope you like it!
Normal POV
"I can't believe she's going to turn 3 in a few months." Zed commented with a sigh of depression.
He'd missed everything, every monumental event in her little life. Her first words, her first steps, her first everything. Except breath. His heart swelled proudly in his chest as he remembered her first moments of life and how he was able to be there beside Addison as she slept in their arms that night. But then his chest deflated again. How much more was he going to have to miss before this nightmare was over?
"Yeah. And you'll be graduating." Addy commented quietly. They had to keep their calls to each other a secret from even Kynzlee since she could accidentally slip while talking with her grandparents. So Addison would wait to call Zed after Kynz was asleep and whisper while they talked. Zed groaned from her comment.
"Don't remind me! Everything about school is monotonous anymore." He scoffed. Addison giggled.
"You're just too smart for it anymore." She corrected. He scoffed again.
"Yeah right! I'm not smart at all!" He paused. "If I'd been smarter, I would have been able to prevent this entire situation." He mumbled to himself. Addison frowned sadly.
"Don't say that, Zed." She said firmly through her whispered voice. "I know our situation isn't ideal, but if we hadn't messed up back then, we wouldn't have Kynzlee now."
"You're right Addy. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it to come out like that." He apologized sincerely.
"It's ok. I know you love her with all your heart." She smiled and he could hear her softened tone though his Z-band speaker, causing him to smile too.
"I love you just as much." He added. She giggled again.
"I've never doubted you for a minute." She teased. He chuckles on the other end. "But I love you more than I can put into words." She replies in a soft whisper.
"Mmm." He hummed appreciatively. "I love hearing you say that to me." He admitted.
"I love you Zed Necrodopolous." She whispered seductively. Zed shivered.
"Ooo, you're giving me chills baby." He breathlessly whispered back. A wave of want and disappointment washed over Addison all at once as tears pricked her eyes.
"Oh, Zed. Why does it have to be this way?" She cried, putting a hand over her mouth to keep quiet. His heart broke as he once again had to listen to her sobs with no way to comfort her.
"Hey, don't cry baby. This won't last forever!" He told her confidently. She sniffed and wiped her eyes as she listened. "I promise, Addy, I'm not giving up on getting you and Kynzlee back." He assured her. "Do you trust me?" He then asked.
"Mhm." She agreed without hesitation, but not trusting her own voice.
"Good. Because someday I'm going to give you my last name! Maybe we can have another baby? One I can help you raise from day one!" He exclaimed excitedly. Addison smiled at the thought but didn't interrupt him. "We could move far away from Seabrook and start over, or stay here and get a little house. I don't really care! As long as I have you and Kynzlee, I'll follow you anywhere." He could rant to her all night about how much he loves her and their daughter, but sighs. "I know that these are all just words and I can't exactly prove any of it yet but, if you'll wait for me, I promise I won't let you down Addy." He vowed. Addison closed her eyes, taking all his words to heart, and smiled.
"I couldn't dream of a better life than to be with you again." She breathed. Zed released his held breath and smiled wide.
"I'm gonna make it real. Someday." He said. Addison smiled.
"Someday, this could be, this could be ordinary.~" Addy sang in reply, earning a laugh from the zombie.
"Someday, could we be something extraordinary?~" He sang back.
"You and me side by side.~" She continued.
Zed join her as their voices harmonize. "Out in the broad daylight.~"
"If they laugh, we'll say,~" Zed cues before they sing in harmony again softly and allow their voices to fade at the end.
"We're gonna be Someday.~"
"I'll make sure of it." He added as a promise to his love. Addison believed him with all her heart.
"Someday, for sure." She agreed.
XxX
A few days later, Missy and Dale found Zed in the old library after school.
"Hello Zed." Missy said behind him. He jumped in his seat, looking up from the book he was just reading and turned to roll his eyes at them.
"Geez! I figured people with zombiephobia wouldn't 'sneak up' on an unsuspecting zombie." He sarcastically said as he looked back down to the book he was interrupted from reading. They didn't seem to get his hint to leave him alone since they ignored his comment, sat down in the chairs across from him, and continued talking to him.
"We just thought you'd be interested in hearing about how Kynzlee is doing." Dale said. Zed looked up at the mention of her name.
"Oh yeah? Since when are you so willing to tell me how my daughter is doing?" Zed accused with narrowed eyes. Missy chuckled unhumorously.
"If you're not interested, we can just go." She said while they stood. Zed stood as well.
"Ok, wait." He sighed. "We can walk and talk. There's another book I need to grab." Addison's parents nodded as they started rambling on about Kynzlee, things Zed's already heard from Addy so he was half listening as he searched the shelf for the book he needed. He briefly wondered if they'd realize they were in an isle with law books lining the shelves. If they did, they didn't mention it. But one phrase caught his full attention as he whipped around the face them.
"Which preschool?" He asks. Missy got a smug look on her face, as if to say now that I have your attention.
"Silver Wings Elementary." Dale replies.
"Hmph." Zed snorts. "You're sending your own granddaughter to a mediocre school because she's part zombie, huh?" Missy and Dale look at each other in surprise. Completely caught off guard that Zed would make such an assumption just based on the school's name. Little did they know, Zed had done his research on the local schools and knew the good from the bad. Zed continues.
"If I were still in the picture, I would have picked a school like Fenwick Preschool. Their elementary school has produced the highest test scores for over 25 years. If she went to their Preschool, she'd almost be guaranteed to get into their elementary school!" He ranted, then glared at the adults in front of him.
"I want what's best for my daughter, that I'm not even allowed to see. While you, who get to see her everyday, treat her like a mutt because of who her father is. I wish I could be there to teach her that she doesn't deserve to be treated that way. That she's her own person and she matters." Zed's eyes shifted from angry to pride and his back straightens.
"Lucky for me, Addison saw that in herself before you tore us apart, so I'm sure she is showing our baby girl that she's worth more than this." He said, looking them up and down. He then turned away from them in case his eyes started to water. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go to work. I plan on continuing to support my family even if I can't see them." He said, tucking the book he'd been searching for under his arm and stomping past Addison's stunned parents to grab his bag.
XxX
Zed had spent all his time strengthening his case. Using every hour he wasn't working or sleeping to research, study, educate himself in the laws and the system.
Then the day came.
He'd graduated from Seabrook High and had turned 18 that past winter. And even though everyone told him it was a bad idea without a lawyer, he filed for an appeal.
XxX
"Are you sure about this, Zed?" Addison asked.
"Absolutely! I know every allegation they could possibly throw at me, I've got our friends who'll testify, and they have no evidence that would indicate you or Kynzlee would be in any danger with me around!" He explained excitedly.
Tomorrow was the big day. He would fight tooth and nail, figuratively of course, to get his family back. And he was confident that all his hard work would pay off.
"I'll be cheering you on." Addison whispered supportively. "I believe in you."
XxX
So far, so good. He's been able to hold his own against everyone in the room, lawyer or not. He knew what his rights were and he knew the system like the back of his hand. He wanted to be with his family, and he was going to fight to get them back by every means necessary.
Addison was sitting across the courtroom next to her parents and their lawyer with her 3 year old baby girl in her lap. Though, none of them didn't seem to be putting up much of a fight against Zed's defense.
He was a sight to see. He'd argue ruthlessly with her parent's big shot lawyer as if he'd graduated from Harvard Law instead of Seabrook High. Addison was smiling as she watched him. While the little girl stared at him intently the whole time.
"Can I go play with Daddy soon?" Kynzlee whispered in her mommy's ear. Addison smiled sadly at her.
"Maybe not today, Sweetie." Addison whispered back.
So Kynzlee's eyes stayed glued to Zed as he argued with the lawyer, not understanding what they were saying, but knowing enough that he was trying to be with her all the time.
A handful of people were called to the stand, even Addison at one point. No one had anything too bad to say about Zed. Their lawyer brought up his past a lot. Like when he'd hacked his Z-band Freshman year, or when he'd been caught out past curfew for Zombie Mashes. But overall, nothing too bad. Even Bucky stuck up for him. He hated how miserable his cousin was and wanted her to be happy.
After everything was laid out on the line, the judge dismissed them for a recess while he deliberated his final judgement on the case.
Zed was escorted out first, followed by his father and Zoey from the front row behind him, then Addison's parents with her and Kynzlee in tow. The large room separated the two parties.
Zed glanced over at Addison and Kynzlee with desperate eyes. They were so close, yet so far away. He wanted so badly to just run over and hug them, but he couldn't. At least, not without being detained for breaking the restraining order. But his attention was drawn back to his family as his sister tugs his arm as she bounces beside him.
"You did great Zed! The judge is sure to drop the order now!" The almost teenage Zoey excitedly exclaimed. Zed couldn't help his glances back over at his daughter and Addison, the love of his life. Zoey caught it this time and her expression saddens. "They still love you just as much. You know that right?" Zed looked at her and nodded.
He knew they loved him, but how much longer could Addison wait on him? If the judge kept the order in place for the remaining time, would she wait 7 more years for him?
Zoey could see his inner turmoil and hugged her brother, squeezing him reassuringly. Zed sighed and returned the gesture.
Bonzo, Bree, and Eliza walked up to the embracing siblings with bright smiles. "Wow Zed! That was impressive in there!" Eliza compliments. Zoey lets go of her brother and gives his arm an encouraging pat before heading to sit beside their father.
"Za!" Bonzo agreed in excitement while the energy radiating off of Bree was almost visible with floating pink hearts.
"And the passion when you talk about Addy and Kynz! I'm sure the judge can see the love you two share when you look at each other!" Bree gushed. Zed felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead.
"Easy Bree. I'm sure the judge isn't as much of a hopeless romantic as you are." Eliza said flatly.
The three friends continued their light hearted bickering to keep Zed optimistic.
Across the room, the three year old watched her father. Kynzlee tugged at her mother's hand. "Can I go play, now?" She asked impatiently.
Addison bent down and whispered 'not now' before glancing up at Zed just as his eyes glanced her way as well. His eyes met hers and it felt like a spark ignited in her chest. She wanted to just run up and embrace him, say screw the legal bullshit and take her lover back. But she forced her eyes away before her heart could break any further because she knew she couldn't. The consequences would be far worst than the pleasures she'd selfishly receive.
Kynzlee caught his eyes looking their way as well and excitedly squealed, waving frantically at him.
"Kynz! Shhh!" Addison scolded picking her up quickly. She could see Zed chuckle and wave back. Unfortunately, her parents didn't miss how Kynzlee reacted to Zed.
"Have you been sneaking around to see him?" Missy asked, already knowing the answer. Addison's expression angered.
"What would it matter? It's not like Kynzlee knows her father the way she should! He's completely willing to be in her life and take care of her, us! But you've denied her that! She needs him in her life and I'm going to make sure she has him. One way or another." Addison says her last words threateningly in a low voice. She turned with Kynzlee in her arms and runs past her parents down the nearby corridor.
Zed heard her yelling at her mother then saw her run off. His face reflecting his worry something else had upset her. He started to chase after her but Zoey quickly grabbed his wrist to stop him.
"You can't Zed." She told him sadly. He pulled his wrist free.
"I have to." He said, pained that all his work to do this the right way may have been for nothing. But he couldn't let Addison suffer alone anymore, she's done that enough.
He ran after her.
Missy and Dale watched on as he took off in the direction of their daughter.
XxX
She stopped in a deserted hallway and leaned her back against the wall. Kynzlee hugged her mother around the neck as she sobbed. A big hug that could usually help her mother stop crying.
"Are we not gonna see Daddy anymore, Mommy?" She asked quietly. Addison choked back her next sob to try and compose herself for her baby's sake. She put on a fake smile.
"I hope we can, Sweetie." She said brushing her green bangs from her face.
The sudden sounds of quickly approaching footsteps made Addison turn her head, expecting to see one of her parents, or even her friends, coming to check on her. But her eyes widen when she sees Zed round the corner. Their eyes met.
"Z-Zed." She stuttered out in a quiet gasp. She knew what this could do.
"Addy!" He didn't hesitate to run towards her and immediately engulf both his girls in his arms. Addison buried her face in his chest, inhaling his scent that she always missed so much. Kynzlee wrapped her own arms around Zed and giggled with excitement.
"Daddy! Do we get to come home with you?" She asks looking up at him with hopeful eyes. Zed pulled back to kiss the little girl's forehead.
"I'm not sure yet Baby Girl!" Then he cupped Addison's face in his palms and looked her dead in the eyes. "Are you ok? What happened?" He asked in a rush, knowing their time was short. She nodded quickly.
"Y-yeah. I'm fine. Just an argument with my mom. Nothing new." She said, then she looked up at him in concern. "You should go before-"
"Zombie! Freeze! Get your hands were I can see them!" An authoritative voice ordered. Their bodies stiffened as their heads shot in the direction of two Patrol Officers.
"Oh no." Addison gasped. Zed raised his hands in surrender. The officers rushed forwards. Addison stumbled back slightly, clutching Kynzlee for dear life, as the officers grabbed Zed away from her. The officer wrenched his arms behind his back and tightened the cuffed to the point of discomfort.
Kynzlee started crying when she saw her daddy being arrested. Addison pulled her head to rest on her shoulder so she couldn't see what was happening. She saw the growing crowd behind them from the commotion created by the Zombie Patrol and her heart pounded fast in her chest. Her parents, their friends, Zed's family. All of them watching in horror as they roughly handled Zed and separated Addison from him.
"No! Wait! Please! This is all a misunderstanding!" Addy begged in a panic. The other officer raised his hands to calm the young woman. Her head darting back and forth to look around his form.
"Stand back. He's being detained." The officer informed firmly but she interrupted before he could continue.
"No! He-he didn't do anything wrong! This is a mistake!" She insisted, stepping forward again to make sure Zed was ok.
"Daddy!" Kynzlee cried into Addison's neck.
"Miss. I won't ask you again." The officer's voice reflected his irritation and Zed didn't miss it. He pulled slightly to face her.
"Addy! Kynz! It's ok! It's ok." Both the girls looked up at him with watery eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I was selfish. But do what he says, ok? Please." His eyes pleading for them to comply. He didn't want Addy to get in any trouble. He'd take the fall. He'd take it all if she could be safe.
With fresh tears spilling down her cheeks, she reluctantly took a step back and nodded, never breaking their eye contact until they forced Zed to walk. She saw the faintest sad smile on his lips as he was turned away from her.
The officer Addison had been arguing with escorted her along as well. They passed the murmuring crowd with their stunned friends and family. Kynzlee was quietly hugging her mother around the neck but Addison knew she was still very upset and rubbed her back soothingly.
Addison's eyes fell onto her parents for a brief moment, were they happy now? Seeing what they've done? Such an innocent act treated like a crime? If they were, their faces didn't show it. But Addison just shook her head and focused on her path behind the officer shoving Zed forward.
They stopped, switched his cuffs to the front and the officer forcibly pulled Zed down to sit in a chair just outside the courtroom. Addison's hand reflexed in his direction but quickly replaced it on Kynzlee's back before either officer would notice.
"Sit here until the judge is ready for you." The officer behind her instructed towards a seat on the other side of the door. Addison put her head down and sat where she was told, like Zed wanted her to. She cradled Kynzlee in her lap and glanced over at Zed.
He was leaned forward with his elbows resting on his knees and the heels of his hands pressed against his eyes. Addison glanced around, the officer that detained him was talking to another officer a few feet away. She'd take her chances. Zed needs her.
"Hey." She whispered softly. He turned his head to rest his temple against his hands. He gave her a sad, small smile.
"Hey." He whispered back. Addison kissed Kynzlee's head and she lifted it to look at her mother.
"If you stay quiet, Daddy's over there." She said softly. Kynzlee's back straightened immediately as her head shot in his direction. Tears welled up in her eyes and she opened her mouth only to shut it again.
"It's ok Baby Girl." Zed assured her.
"But you're in trouble Daddy." She murmured. Zed chuckled.
"It won't be too bad." He leaned back in his chair. "Maybe I can sweet talk the judge." He said with a wink. Both the girls giggled quietly. Zed closed his eyes, sighing as he soaked in the sweet sound. Who knows when he'll get to hear it again.
Suddenly, the doors opened, all three of them jumped from the unexpected sound.
It was the officer who escorted Addison exiting the courtroom. "All parties involved in case Z67352 report." He announced loudly. Addison stood with Kynzlee in her arms. The other officer yanked Zed up out of his seat by the arm. The three year old fearfully flinched as she clung to her mother.
"He's ok, Baby. Daddy's strong." Addison assured her daughter. Zed heard and his back straightened instinctively. He walked into the room with his head held high.
He saw the judge still sitting at the bench. He glanced up as the zombie is escorted to his seat and roughly seated as before. He gives Zed a raised brow but receives nothing as he looks away in half shame of his actions.
Missy and Dale came up behind Addison. He placed a hand on her shoulder. She jerks away from his touch and followed the officer towards their table. Zed watched her from his seat and she couldn't even force a smile, knowing she might not see him again for a while, looking away as tears prick her eyes.
Kynzlee couldn't smile either. But she lifted her hand to give him a small wave as she was carried past. With a sad laugh and smile, Zed returned a small wave with his cuffed hand.
Once the two parties were back in their seats, the officers opened the courtroom for anyone spectating in the galley. Zevon and Zoey rush quickly to the front row behind Zed and worriedly ask him if he's alright in quiet whispers. Zed hushes them and assures them that he's fine.
When it was clear there weren't anymore spectators, they closed the doors.
"Department One of the Superior Court is now in session. The Honorable Judge Stephen Titus presiding." The bailiff officer announced.
"Thank you Pete." Judge Titus said. The bailiff bows his head briefly in return. Then Judge Titus turned his eyes back to the plaintiff and the defendants.
"Now. Mr. Necrodopolous," he starts firmly, "when you walked into this courtroom without council, I expected this to be a quick open and closed case. But, I was inclined to agree with your appeal!" He said, sounding astonished even with himself. "You were a good kid. A smart kid. And now you seem like a good young man!" Then he sighed and shook his head. "But then, before I can even revoke the restraining order, you go and make physical contact with Ms. Davis and your daughter. Now, I'm basically forced to throw your arguments out and charge you in contempt of court!"
He leans forward and looks at Zed with an earnest expression. "Do you have anything to say for yourself?"
"May I stand?" Zed asks. Judge Titus gestures with his hand for him to go ahead. Zed stands, his hands cuffed in front of him.
"Your Honor, in my defense, I heard arguing between for Ms. Davis and her parents. I am aware that my decision to chase after her myself wasn't the wisest." He paused to glance over at Addison and Kynzlee who were watching him intently. "But I couldn't stand back if she was suffering." He stated sincerely. Addy smiled at him and hugged their daughter a little tighter. He turned back to the judge with a straight and poised back.
"As author Edgar Allan Poe once stated, 'I was never really insane except upon occasions when my heart was touched.' And my fear for her wellbeing overpowered my logical judgement. I love those girls more than anything in the world. Even my freedom, if that's the cost." He said, looking back to Addison with sad eyes. The sound of the judge sighing drew his eyes back to the podium as he still stood before him.
"Those are all good points, but it doesn't change the fact that the restraining order was still in place. I'm sorry, but, as I said before, I have to charge you with contempt of court for not abiding by the court order." Zed was sure he could talk him out of it. He even said he was going to abolish this whole thing. His head dropped in disappointment, his nostrils flaring as tears threatened to fill his eyes. "The maximum punishment for this misdemeanor is one year imprisonment with fines up to $1,000." He paused, thinking over his decision. But the silence was broken by the opposing lawyer clearing his throat.
"Ah hum. Your Honor, if I may interject?" He asked as he stood. The judge raised a brow curiously and motioned for him to continue. "Um, my clients have decided they want to dissolve the restraining order."
Zed's eyes widen and his head snapped in Addison's direction. Her face was a reflection of his so he knew she had no hand in the decision. Sounds of surprise and chatter began to spread across the gallery behind them. Judge Titus slammed his gavel over and over.
"Order! Order!" He exclaimed to calm the courtroom. A hush fell across the room. Zed looked back up at him hopefully. "Well, this has definitely changed things." He starts. "But it doesn't change that you broke the order before charges were dropped."
Addison's heart plummeted to her stomach. Her parents were finally giving in! Why can't this nightmare just be over?!
"However, the charges are being dropped." He added in deliberation, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Mr. Necrodopolous, you're being charged a fine of $250 for contempt of court and you're free to go. Case dismissed." He stated quickly then slammed his gavel as a finality.
A roar of applause and cheers erupted in the courtroom. A patrol officer came and released his wrists from the cuffs. Zed turned towards Addison immediately. It only took a second before she and Kynzlee were in his arms. He took Kynzlee in one arm and pulled Addison close by the other, leaning down to kiss her in public for the first time in over 3 years.
Kynz had a death grip around Zed's neck afraid that she might be ripped away from him again. Zed focused his attention on his daughter.
"Hey Baby Girl! What's wrong? Aren't you happy?" Zed asked quietly. She pulled back and looked at her daddy with teary eyes.
"What if they decide to take you away again?" She asked back with a little sniff. Zed presses his forehead to hers and wrapped both arms around her for a tight hug.
"No body's gonna ever take me away from you again. I promise." He told her with a smile. The little girl looked unsure and searched his eyes for a second. "It's gonna be you, me and Mommy from now on." He added for good measure. Kynzlee's face broke out in a grin and hugged him around the neck tighter.
"Zed." The strong voice of Addison's father called their attention. Addison stepped closer to his side and he tucked her under his arm comfortingly.
"We know that we've made things rough for you two in the past. But we hope you can forgive us for our mistakes and let us stay in your lives as well as our granddaughter's." Missy told them professionally.
"How dare you-" Addison started angrily, but Zed kissed the top of her head as stopped her in her tracks. Then he turned back toward them.
"Tensions are high right now, but once we get things sorted out, we'll keep you guys in consideration." He told them with equal professionalism. Missy gave him a grateful smile. He returned a small nod.
"So! You girls ready to go? I have a surprise for you!" He asked. Kynzlee smiled wide at her mother then back to Zed, nodding enthusiastically. Addison gave him a curious look but he just shrugged to not spoil the surprise.
Of course they were bombarded with hugs and congratulations all the way out. Their friends all excitedly telling them how happy they can all hang out together again. Bucky even shaking Zed's hand supportively.
Zed's family meeting Kynzlee for the first time was heartwarming brought tears to everyone's eyes. Zoey was taking as much time as she could to coddle her niece while Addison talked with her a little bit. Zevon took the chance to pull his son aside, giving him a big hug.
"You did great son. I'm very proud of you." He said close to his ear, then pulled back with watery eyes. "And she's beautiful. Reminds me of your mother." Zed choked back a whimper and hugged his dad again.
"Zed?" Addison asked from a few feet away with her daughter back in her arms. Zed wipes his eyes dry and smiled at her. "You ok?" She asked in concern. He chuckled.
"Yeah! I'm better than ok!" He joked. "Ready?" She smiled and nodded.
"I asked Bucky to go get our stuff from my parent's house." She said.
"Cool. I'll just shoot him a text." Zed replied, whipping out his Z-band from under his sleeve and tapping a quick message. Addison's brows furrowed in confusion.
"He knows where your dad's house is Zed." She argued. He gave her a sly grin and shrugged again without answering her. Just leading her out of the justice building and towards his beaten up car with a brand new car seat he'd gotten for his little girl to ride home in.
XxX
As expected, they rode into Zombietown but when she expected him to stop in the alleyway beside his father's house, he kept driving. "Um Zed? I think you missed your turn." She commented in confusion.
"I did no such thing!" He teased. Then before she could comment further, he pulled the car to a stop.
"Zed, what-" She started to ask but he leaned over and pulled her into a searing kiss. He pulled back with a wide grin.
"Welcome home baby." He said. Her eyes widened. The next instant she's got a face splitting smile on her face and she's kissing him again.
"You bought us a house?!" She nearly cried. He nodded enthusiastically.
"I couldn't take my girls back to live in my dad's house." He said matter-of-factly. Addison laughed excitedly, then jumped out of the car. Zed doing the same and pulling Kynzlee out of her car seat. Once he had her in his arms, he walked to Addison's side who was looking at their new little home in excitement. He wrapped his other arm around her shoulders.
"Let's go home." He stated in relief that this was finally his reality. He had his family back. And no one would ever come between them again.