Homecoming Week
Saturday (part 1)
As Addison slowly began to wake, she could feel the warm morning sun shining on her face and Zed's cool body pressed against her. Her breath caught when she opened her eyes to the sight of his handsome face peacefully sleeping. As she shifted slightly, the strong arm around her tightened ever so slightly and his head nuzzled into her neck. It was a very nice way to wake up. A large smile spread across her face as she thought about just how right everything was at that very moment.
Zed didn't move when he felt Addison shift slightly as she awoke. He remained still, his eyes open just enough to watch her become aware of her surroundings. The happy smile on her face when she saw him next to her would have left his heart pounding if his heart did that kind of thing. Last night had been the most incredible night of his life. All of the worrying he had done about his Z-band had been for nothing. He had dreamed of being with Addison for so long that he could hardly believe this was a reality.
"Don't think I can't feel you smiling against my neck, Zed" Addison giggled as she reached up to run her fingers through his thick green hair, "what are you thinking about?"
Realizing he'd been caught, Zed let out a small laugh of his own. "Us. How right this feels. Is this real life or am I still asleep?"
"I know exactly what you mean. I don't know what I'm going to do Tuesday morning when you aren't here with me. I've never felt so content in all my life."
Zed lifted his head and kissed her lips softly. "Are you feeling okay? I really tried to be gentle."
Taking a quick inventory as she stretched out, Addison winced ever so slightly. "I'm a teensy bit sore, but all in all, I feel amazing," right on cue, her stomach growled, "and also hungry."
"Well, since we can't have my first choice for breakfast..." Zed joked, pretending to gnaw on her neck, "I guess we should head downstairs and see what we can whip up in the kitchen."
"Mmmm...pancakes..."
"Pancakes it is, gorgeous." he kissed her softly once again before getting out of bed.
After a very long, very hands-on shower, Addison and Zed went downstairs to start on breakfast.
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Addison gasped. "Oh, wow..." she said in disbelief as she took in the scene before her. Their wet clothes from the night before were haphazardly strewn about. Zed's shoulder pads were precariously perched next to an overturned lamp. The coat rack by the door had been knocked over and her parent's pictures on the wall were crooked.
"Well, I think it would be an understatement if I said we got a little carried away last night," Zed laughed as he jumped up to grab one of his socks that was hanging from the ceiling fan. "How did that even get up there?" he mused out loud examining the sock in question.
"At least we didn't break anything," Addison shrugged as she began to retrieve their discarded clothing.
Zed laughed as he dumped a bouquet of flowers and some broken glass from his football helmet. "You spoke too soon."
"Good thing my mom never liked that vase," she laughed, "I'll just blame Bucky," shaking her head in disbelief as she pulled a pom pom off of the fruit bowl.
After about twenty minutes, Addison declared their clean up efforts a success. "That was a lot more work than I was looking to do this morning," she groaned as she plopped down on the couch.
Zed sat next to her and put his arm around her. "Still want those pancakes?"
Glancing at the clock on the wall, she let out a sigh, "No, the gang is going to be here soon. I'm just going to text Bucky and have him grab donuts."
"Sounds like a plan," he said kissing her cheek. "Ooh..make sure he gets the sprinkle kind," he said as she typed the message on her phone. "Remind me again why everyone is meeting here at 10:30 if the dance doesn't start until 7?"
"Because not all of us can be as naturally cute as you," Addison giggled laying her head on his shoulder.
"Well obviously" Zed laughed resting his head on top of hers.
"This is nice. Just being here like this"
"I couldn't agree more, gorgeous"
"Knock, Knock. Coffee and donut delivery," Bucky called out as he and Eliza walked into the house.
"Oooooh...coffee…." Addison moaned from her spot on the couch.
"That was oddly quick," Zed laughed as he hopped up to greet their friends.
"Yeah well, we figured you guys would probably need the caffeine and carbs this morning. We had already stopped by the donut shop when we got your text" Eliza explained as she set the donuts on the kitchen table. "And yes, Zed, there are sprinkles."
"And that, right there, is why we are best friends." he laughed as he and Eliza exchanged a high five.
Zed walked over and helped himself to three donuts, one in each hand and one in his mouth. Addison gave him an amused look as he walked past her. "What?" he asked around the donut in his mouth, "no one likes a hungry zombie."
"I promise you we don't all act that barbaric around food. It's a Zed thing, not a zombie thing." Eliza said rolling her eyes at her best friends behavior.
Just then Bree and Bonzo arrived. The group enjoyed their impromptu breakfast before the madness of the day began.
"Okay, here's the schedule for the day" Addison announced as she opened her laptop from her spot on her boyfriend's lap.
"Addie sweetheart, is that a spreadsheet?" Zed asked as he looked over her shoulder.
"Yeah, no one likes an unprepared cheerleader," she joked as she reached back to kiss his cheek.
"It's not a cheerleader thing, It's an Addison thing," chimed Bucky.
"Oh you hush," Addison admonished. Returning her full attention to the screen in front of her, Addison began to call out marching orders for the day. She had the entire day carefully scheduled.
11:30 check on venue/ sound check
12pm- flowers delivered/ final decoration touch-ups
1pm- quick lunch
2pm- hair and makeup (girls)/ Zed's house to get ready (guys)
4pm- Limo arrives to shuttle around to parents houses for photo ops
5pm- Dinner
7pm-10pm-Dance (8:30, king and queen announced)
"Alright, let's do this, people!"
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When they arrived at the Seabrook Yacht Club Addison and Bree jumped into decorating while Eliza busied herself behind the DJ booth.
"How's the volume from over there?" Eliza called out to the boys who were lingering by the entrance, not quite sure what they were supposed to be doing at the moment. The three of them held up their thumbs, letting her know it was good.
"Um, Addie? What are we supposed to be doing?" Zed asked, trying not to get in the way of the decorating tornado that was currently occurring.
She called out from somewhere under a pile of streamers,"flowers should be arriving in a few minutes. Can you guys help unload and put them on the tables?"
"Sure," he said with a shrug, as the three headed towards the delivery entrance to wait.
"Those girls are kind of scary when they're in decorating mode," Zed laughed as leaned against the brick wall.
"Anzigrabra," Bonzo laughed.
"Definitely safer out here," Zed chuckled.
As they were waiting, Zed noticed that Bucky kept stretching out his shoulder as he paced in front of them.
"What's up with you, Bucky?"
"I'm just a little stiff," he said rotating his shoulder once more. "Eliza and I camped out in the van down at the beach last night. Super fun, but super uncomfortable," he sighed as he leaned against the wall next to Zed and Bonzo. "I wish my parents would just get over themselves. It kills me that Eliza and I have to sneak around them. They never acted like that when I was with Lacey. Which just proves how poor their judgment is."
"Zagruzig Elizegabra"
"That's the crazy part Bonzo, they do like her, just not as my girlfriend. Before I asked her to prom last year, they loved her."
"Do you love her?" Zed asked.
"I do. I really do," he said with a smile. "I know we haven't been together as long as you and Addie or you and Bree," he said glancing at Zed and Bonzo. "And heaven knows I fought my feelings for her for years. I mean we are complete opposites. I'm full of pep, and she's 100% snark. But, she knows how to put me in my place and I know how to lighten her up. In our own weird way, we just work. I hate being away from her every day. And I hate myself for putting her through what I did this past month."
"Look, Eliza is my best friend and I want her happy." Zed said with a sigh as he raked his hands through his hair, "and, I know how it feels to have to sneak around. Addie and I had to do that for months when we first started dating. Why don't you and Eliza stay at Addison's tonight? You guys can use the guest room downstairs." he suggested.
"Are you sure you two don't want the house to yourselves tonight?" Bucky asked with a smirk on his face.
"As long as you two keep it down, I doubt we will even notice you're there." he laughed. "Besides, I bet Missy and Dale would probably be relieved knowing you were there. I still can't believe they let her stay at the house alone."
"Yeah, that was definitely a shock yesterday morning" Bucky laughed as the delivery van pulled up.
Forty-five minutes later the whole gang stood in the middle of the dance floor appreciating their efforts. As promised, there were enough pink and green streamers to cover the entire yacht club. The tables were covered in crisp white tablecloths and the pink rose and green hydrangea centerpieces were perfection.
"Good job everyone!" Addison clapped. "The only thing missing are the crowns, and Principal Lee has those with her."
"Let me get a group picture for the yearbook!" Bree said as she pulled her phone out. "Okay, on the count of three everyone say 'cheese'! One...Twoooo….Three…."
"CHEESE"
"Yay! That one's a keeper." Bree gushed as she sent the picture to the group.
Addison
laughed as she looked at the picture on her phone."Oh my gosh! Bree! I'm a mess!"
Zed leaned over her shoulder to peek at the picture. With her hair piled high on top of her head and a cheesy smile on her face, he couldn't disagree with her more."You look perfect." he whispered in her ear before giving her a soft kiss on the cheek.
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After a quick lunch at their favorite diner, the gang split up to begin getting ready for the dance. The guys were heading to Zed's house, while the girls were dropped back off at Addison's.
Addison's pastel pink bathroom had been transformed into a makeshift beauty parlor. Makeup and styling products were strewn across the counter.
"Okay, I can only handle so much 'girly' time. I need to put on some music, it'll distract me." Eliza said suddenly jumping up from the chair right as Addison was about to apply another layer of eyeshadow onto her eyelids.
"Eliza, you're almost done" Bree whined
"You said that thirty minutes ago. Music first, then I'll sit back down and behave. I promise"
"Deal."
Eliza was on her laptop for a few minutes before she walked over and hooked it up to Addison's speakers. "There, the perfect 'getting ready' playlist," she said out loud, clearly proud of her work.
The room was suddenly filled with The Donna's Take it Off.
"Alright you two, do your worst," Eliza said as she sat back down.
"Interesting song choice." Bree laughed as she set back to work on Eliza's hair.
"Just wait," Eliza laughed. "Last night was sweet. Tonight...well, let's just say 'sweet' isn't what I'm aiming for."
"Please try to control yourself until after the dance," Addison giggled. "This hair and makeup took too long for you to mess it up any sooner than that."
"Ha! You're one to talk Addison. Don't think for one second that half the town didn't see that little display on the field last night" Eliza laughed
"Hey, at least it was after the game"
"Speaking of last night..." Bree giggled, "did you two finally..."
Addison blushed a deep crimson before breaking into a large shy smile.
"Oh. My. God. Look at her face. You totally did, didn't you!" Eliza teased looking at Addison in the mirror.
Addison shook her head in confirmation.
"So….how'd it go…?" Bree smiled and nudged her.
Sighing wistfully, Addison sat on the bathroom counter. "It was...there are no words." she smiled. "Wonderful, amazing, life-changing, romantic...none of them are enough."
"Awwwww..." her two best friends said in unison.
"Is it bad that all I can think about is the next time?" Addison asked as she blushed and hid her face in her hands.
"Not at all" laughed Eliza.
"And….Voila!" Bree announced as she sprayed Eliza's hair with setting spray.
Eliza's normally curly green hair had been straightened and parted deeply on one side. Her eyes were rimmed charcoal and her lips colored a dark berry.
"Wow."
"Is that a good 'Wow' or...?" Addison asked with concern.
"It's a good 'Wow'...I think...I just look...wow...who knew makeup and hair products could perform miracles." she joked as she stared at her reflection in the mirror.
"Oh stop, you are beautiful. All we did was enhance it." Bree laughed as she hugged Eliza. Turning her attention to Addison, she pointed to the chair. "Your turn."
Before long all three girls were singing along with Britney Spears about needing release.
"Ok, hair and makeup done, time to get these dresses on," Bree said as she turned the curling iron off.
When the music switched to Bruno Mars, Gorilla, the girls all shrieked and turned up the music even louder. Eliza's playlist was certainly setting a mood.
Bree was the first one into her dress. She wore a pale pink chiffon gown with a sheer crystal overlay on the top. With her dark hair piled high on her head in an elegant chignon, she truly did look like a princess.
Eliza had chosen a strapless black dress with bright colors blending up from the bottom of the skirt.
Addison was the last to get dressed.
"Oh. My. God. Addie!" Bree shrieked when Addison came out of the en-suite.
"Does it look okay?" she asked nervously "I know it was a bold choice, but I just loved it when I tried it on."
"Addison, it's a good thing Zed's heart doesn't beat, because you look absolutely heart stopping in that dress!" Eliza said as she buckled the strap of her high heel and stood up.
"Well, Bucky's does beat, so be careful when he sees you tonight, E. You both look amazing!"
"The boys should be downstairs by now, I miss my zombie." Bree gushed as the three girls walked out of the bedroom.
"Oh shoot. I forgot my necklace." Addison said, "I'll meet you guys downstairs in a minute."
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When the boys walked into Addison's house at a quarter to four, music and laughter could be heard coming from upstairs.
"Well, it sounds like the girls are having fun up there," Zed remarked as he walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed the last 2 slices of pizza.
"Dude, we're going to dinner in an hour," Bucky said glancing at his watch.
"It's just a snack," Zed said with a mouth full of food.
When the song changed the girls could be heard shrieking and the music suddenly got louder.
"Garuzica zon"
"I have no idea what's going on up there Bonz, but judging from their song choice, I have a feeling they're up to no good." Zed laughed as the girls could be heard singing along loudly with the suggestive lyrics.
About ten minutes later they heard the girls coming down the stairs. As Bree came around the corner to the kitchen, Bonzo quickly stood up and rushed to her side.
"Beuziga," he said a little breathlessly.
"Awww, Bonzo. Thank you. You look so handsome," Bree gushed as she took an appraising look at him in his paint-splattered tux.
"Wow E, you look….hot?" Zed said as Eliza walked into the room, causing Bucky's head to snap up.
"Eliza!" He said as he crossed the room quickly and crashed his lips into hers.
"Watch the makeup Bucky," Bree warned.
"Oh, sorry," Bucky said sheepishly as he collected himself. "You look amazing, baby." If Eliza could blush, she would have.
"You don't look so bad yourself Jazz Hands." she smiled at him in his classic black tuxedo and bow tie.
"Where's Addie?" Zed asked standing up and walking towards the stairs.
"She forgot her necklace, she'll be down in a ….second," Eliza said as Zed sprinted up the stairs. "$10 says one of us is going to have to go pull them apart."
"Don't you dare mess up her hair Zed! She's not the only one with low kick skills you know!" Bree hollered up the stairs.
Zed quietly laughed at his friends as he reached the top of the stairs. When he walked into Addison's room he stopped dead in his tracks. She was a vision in a bright pink mermaid gown that hugged her curves perfectly. The deep v-neck showing just enough skin to make his mouth water. Her white hair was pulled to one side, cascading down her shoulder in soft curls.
"Addison," his voice was barely a whisper. "There are no words in human or zombie to describe how beautiful you look right now."
Addison's breath caught when she saw Zed standing in her doorway. His light gray tux fit him impeccably, the shade of his long tie matched her dress perfectly. "Zed." she breathed out, licking her suddenly dry lips.
"Do you need help with your necklace?" he asked, his voice never rising above a whisper. All Addison could do was nod her head.
Carefully, Zed took the ends of the silver necklace and clasped them behind her neck.
Addison's eyes fluttered closed when she felt him breathe a kiss on the base of her neck.
"Addie, my self-control is only so strong," he whispered as he slowly trailed kisses down her shoulder. "We need to go downstairs...now."
Addison again could only nod. Zed took her hand in his as they walked down to their friends.
"Seriously?!" Eliza muttered a few zombie curses under her breath as she fished out a $10 bill and slapped it into Brees outstretched hand.
"Limo is here, guys," Bucky announced coming back into the room and grabbing his crown off the table. "Awww, Baby, did you lose the bet?" he laughed at Eliza's sullen expression. "Come on, let's go."
"Oh, I almost forgot! Guys, we'll be right out." Zed said as he grabbed Addison's hand and led her back towards the kitchen. "I figured since I'm wearing pink to match you, you should probably have something green to match me." he winked and pointed to his hair. He took her hand and kissed the top of it before sliding the green corsage onto her wrist.
"Zed, it's beautiful. Thank you," she said quietly while gazing into his eyes.
"You're welcome, gorgeous," he said pulling her closer and kissing her softly.
Addison opened her lips and deepened the kiss.
Zed's fingers ached to run through her hair, but with Bree's warning still fresh in his mind, he moved his hands lower instead. Her dress hugged so tightly that he could feel every part of her through the soft satin.
Addison moaned and molded her body around his. Just as she started to remove his jacket, Eliza walked in.
"Ha! I knew it! Pay up, Bree!"
"Zed! Her hair better be perfect still!" Bree called from outside
"Oops." Addison giggled as she straightened out Zed's jacket for him. "You're not the only one with weak self-control it seems."
Laughing, Zed kissed the top of her head and led her outside to join their friends.
Before they piled into the limo, Addison asked the driver to take a group picture of all of them in front of the car to send to her parents.
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When the car pulled up to Zed's house, Zevon and Zoey, along with Eliza's parents and Bonzo's parents, were already outside waiting for them.
"Addie! You look like a movie star!" Zoey gushed as she gave
her brother's girlfriend a tight hug.
"Aww. Thank you peanut," she replied hugging her back.
"Alright Zo, give Addison some space," Zed said as he ruffled his sister's hair. Zoey stuck her tongue out at him before giving him a hug as well.
"Bucky!" she shrieked, seeing him and Eliza exit the car. "I haven't seen you in forever!" she said running and giving him a big hug.
"There's my girl," he laughed returning the hug. "Sorry I missed you earlier. How was cheer practice?" he asked. Zoey quickly launched into a full recap, much to Bucky's amusement.
"Oh Eliza," her mother said, wiping a tear from her eye. "You two look wonderful"
"Ok, let's get some pictures!" Bonzo's mom said as she excitedly started to snap pictures on her camera.
They took a few group shots before splitting up to take couple shots. Zoey insisted that she get a few pictures with Addison and Bucky.
"E, can I ask you a favor?" Zed whispered while the others were occupied taking pictures.
"Sure, what's up?"
"Can you add a song to the dance playlist for me? I have an idea." Zed said with a large smile on his face. When he whispered his plan into her ear, Eliza's face lit up.
"Zed! That's perfect! She'll love it!" She excitedly whispered giving him a huge hug.
"What are you two plotting?" Bucky asked as he and Addison walked back over from taking pictures with Zoey.
"Nothing at all," she smiled.
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Soon they were all back in the limo heading towards Tony's Restaurant. As the car pulled up, Bree's family was waiting for them.
"Welcome to Tony's," Bree's sister-in-law, Gabby, announced as they exited the car.
"Oh man," Zed moaned as he sniffed the air appreciatively, "I can already smell the marinara!"
"Aww, is my zomboy hungry?"Addison giggled as she hugged him around his waist.
Zed laughed as he kissed the top of her head, "You know it, gorgeous."
The group posed in front of the large fountain in the restaurant's entrance as Bree's family snapped a few hundred pictures.
"Alright everyone, let's let them go enjoy their dinner," Gabby smiled at her family. Turning to the teens, she mouthed 'sorry'. "We have you set up in the private dining room in the back. Please order whatever you'd like, it's on the house tonight."
"Yes! Bree, your sister-in-law is the best!" Zed excitedly said.
"You really shouldn't have said that," Addison laughed as she hugged Gabby. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me just yet," Gabby whispered. "I believe my husband needs to speak with you for a moment."
Right on cue, Gus walked up to them.
"Addison, can I speak with you for a moment?"
"Sure, Gus," Addison said. "Guys, I'll be right there," she called to the group. Turning her full attention to Gus, she asked, "What's up?"
"I don't really know how to say this, so I'm just going to say it. You and Zed may want to stay inside tomorrow until it's time for school on Monday," he rushed out nervously.
"Well, that's an odd request. It's just me and Bucky at the house." Addison said, suddenly getting nervous herself.
"Addison, your father has had me on lookout since they left town Thursday morning. I know Zed has been at the house. Tomorrow is my day off and Richard will be on duty."
"Are you serious? My dad has had you watching me? Oh my god. I'm dead," she said with wide eyes.
"Relax, I'm not going to tell him anything," he laughed, trying to ease her worry. "Your my little sisters best friend. She would never speak to me again," he joked. Suddenly becoming serious again, he placed a hand on her shoulder, "Richard, on the other hand, is vying for a promotion. Please stay inside," he warned.
"Thank you, Gus. I owe you big time." Addison said, giving him a hug.
"Enjoy the dance kid. But can you do me one more favor?" he asked looking down at her.
"Anything!"
"Can you wait until your inside the house tonight before you attack Zed again?" he said laughing.
"I'm going to go now!" she said, turning bright red. "Good talk Gus." Addison quickly turned on her heels and walked to the private room to join her boyfriend and their friends.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: So I went back and forth about making this 1 really long chapter or splitting it up. Splitting it up won...sorry! Drop me a message and let me know what you thought of this weeks chapter! Next week we'll be at the Homecoming Dance! As always, your reviews and pm's make my week!