AUTHOR'S NOTE: Small tiny time jump from the last chapter. This chapter takes place five days after the last.
Halloween Day
"Zed! Wake up!" Zoey said as she jumped onto his bed. "It's Halloween!"
Zed groaned looking at the clock on his nightstand. "Zo, it's 8 am."
"So? Look how cute Puppy looks!" she said excitedly as she held her dog in front of her.
Sitting up to get a closer look, Zed laughed. "What is he supposed to be?"
"Sebastian the crab," she said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"Who?" Zed laughed as his little sister rolled her eyes.
"From the Little Mermaid. Remember...I'm going as Ariel and you and Addison said you'd go with me before Eliza's mash."
"That's right," he said as he ran a hand through his hair. "I was supposed to tell you that Addison has costumes for her and I. Sorry I forgot. It's been a long week."
"Yes! She's the best!" Zoey said as she hugged Puppy.
"Yes, she is," he agreed as he let out a yawn.
As Zoey walked out the room she called back "Oh yeah, Dad wanted me to tell you that breakfast is ready."
"You could have started with that Zoey." Zed laughed as he stretched his arms over his head, yawning again. Without thinking, he brought his thumb down and traced the spot over his heart that Addison had bit last Sunday. Over the last week, whenever he was at work and thought about her he found himself looking down at his chest and smiling. Glancing down now he frowned. Her teeth marks had begun to drastically fade. With a loud, exaggerated sigh, he threw a t-shirt on and headed downstairs for breakfast.
As Zed sat at the small kitchen table eating his scrambled eggs and cauliflower brains, a crazy idea suddenly ran through his head. He dropped his fork and stood up quickly.
"Zed?" Zevon asked as he looked up from his newspaper. He laughed when he saw the look on his sons face. "Uh oh, you've got that 'I'm about to do something crazy and there's nothing you can do to talk me out of it' look."
"You know me well, Pops," Zed laughed as he pulled out his phone to text Bonzo and Bucky.
"Two questions," Zevon asked as Zed shoved his phone back in his pocket. "One is it illegal. Two is it dangerous."
Zed let out a loud laugh, shaking his head. "No, and only if Addie kills me," he said as he went to go get dressed.
"Follow up question, Zed," Zevon called out as Zed started up the stairs, "Do I even want to know?"
"Nope!" Zed yelled down as he got to his room.
An hour later Bucky pulled up to Zed's house. Zed was already outside waiting, bouncing from foot to foot.
"Dude, what is going on?" Bucky laughed as Zed sat down in the van. "You're buzzing more than Bree when there's a sale on soap."
"Zaruga zon," Bonzo laughed, agreeing with him.
"Ha. Ha." Zed mocked. "I've got this idea and I need both of you. I know Bonzo will encourage me and I know you'll try to talk me out of it." Zed rushed out.
"What's this idea?"
"Just start driving towards South Z street, and I'll tell you when we get there."
Twenty minutes later, the van parked outside a small dilapidated strip shopping mall.
"Zar!" Bonzo exclaimed, suddenly knowing exactly what Zed was up to.
"Okay, Zed. Start talking. Where are we and what are you expecting me to talk you out of."
Zed took a deep breath, "So Sunday when you and Eliza were over at the yacht club, Addison and I got a little carried away and things got a little rough."
"Zed, I really don't want to hear details about my baby cousins sex life," Bucky said shaking his head, trying to get the mental images out.
"I'm trying to give context here," Zed rushed out.
"Fine. Continue."
"Anyway, one thing led to another and she ended up biting me really freakin hard."
"Again, Zed, TMI."
Zed rolled his eyes and ignored him. "Point is, it left a pretty good mark and I've really liked being able to look down all week while I was at work, or at home away from her and see her teeth marks on me. Unfortunately, they're really starting to fade. Hence the reason we are now parked outside of Zombie Town's best tattoo shop."
"What!" Bucky exclaimed. "Are you trying to tell me you want to get her bite permanently tattooed on you?
"Yeah!"
"Z0es! Zag tozga gazat!" Bonzo said as he high-fived Zed.
"Thanks, man, I knew you'd be on my side."
"And how did you know that?" Bucky asked pinching the bridge of his nose.
"The owner is Bonzo's cousin, Zayne," Zed shrugged. "and Bonzo already has three."
"And why do you need me here?"
"Because I need to know what the likeliness is that my girlfriend, your cousin, is going to kill me or at the bare minimum low kick me if I do this."
Bucky laughed. "Why don't you just ask her to bite you again? Seems like it would be a lot less painful and a lot less permanent."
"I'm sure she would do it, but I want the permanent," Zed rushed out, starting to vibrate in his seat more.
"If you're so set on this whole tattoo thing, why not get her name?"
"That's a great idea, Bucky," Zed laughed as he took his shirt off and looked at his chest. "I could put her name right here in the middle, it would look perfect!"
"I meant instead of the bite! Why does it have to be that?" Bucky exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air.
"Za gaz zom."
"I don't get it," Bucky said "What do you mean 'It's so zom'?" he asked as he looked between Zed and Bonzo.
"The majority of zombies have some sort of bite mark on them from when they were changed," Zed began to explain. "My dad has a rather gruesome one on his left shoulder blade, and my mom had one on her leg. The only ones that don't have them are the original ones from the power plant accident and us younger generation that was born, not changed." He sighed and raked his hands through his hair. He took a deep breath and looked at Bucky,"Everything about doing this feels right to me. Addison changed me forever. It's on my chest right above where my heart should be beating, it may be quiet but she still owns it. Always."
"Alright then," Bucky said quietly.
"What?"
"If you explain it to Addison like that, you should be safe."
"Yes! Thanks, man," Zed said slapping Bucky's shoulder.
"Zaru Buzc?"
"Yeah, Bucky! What do you say?"
"I say you're both crazy," Bucky said shaking his head. "I'm not doing anything to this perfectly toned bod."
"Suit yourself," Zed said as he put his shirt back on. "Let's do this!"
Forty-five long painful minutes later, Zed sat up and looked in the mirror. A large smile spread across his face. "Wow, this came out even better than I imagined. Thanks, man," he said as he shook Zayne's hand.
"Happy to do it, Zed," Zayne said as he started to clean up his equipment. "Bonz, you almost ready?" he asked as he looked over to where Bonzo was drawing an intricate design around his calf.
"Zo," he laughed.
"He's too artistic for his own good sometimes," Zayne laughed. "What about you?" he asked looking over at Bucky.
Bucky's head snapped up from the large portfolio he had been flipping through. "Me?" he asked pointing towards himself.
Zed laughed. "Bucky doesn't want anything marring his 'perfectly toned bod'," he said doing a bad impersonation of Bucky.
"Actually," Bucky said shaking his head and walking over to the tattoo chair, "I think I do."
"What?!" Zed said, clearly shocked.
"Look, I'll admit, I thought the two of you were out of your damn minds," he said, "but, Zayne's work is really good. The more I looked through his books, the more I could see the appeal."
"Thanks, man, I'm touched," Zayne said as he held his hand over his heart.
"So what are you going to get?" Zed asked.
Bucky laughed, "Well I don't think I'm quite ready for something too big or elaborate. So, I'm thinking I keep it simple. Zayne, can you do a green E in some sort of script right here?" he asked pointing to the side of his ribcage.
"In my sleep," Zayne laughed. "Sit."
Zed looked at Bucky like he had suddenly sprouted a second head.
"What?" Bucky laughed looking over at him.
"Nothing. I'm just in shock."
"That makes two of us," Bucky said as the tattoo gun started back up.
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A couple of hours later Zed, Bonzo, and Bucky walked into Zed's house.
"Hey, Pops."
"Hi boys. Good to see you all in one piece."
"Bucky!" Zoey shrieked as she ran down the stairs and threw her arms around her favorite cheerleader.
"Oh, that hurt!" Bucky cringed as he hugged Zoey back.
"What did?" she asked looking at him.
"Nothing at all, Zoey," he smiled shaking his head. "Look at you! That Junior Shrimp cheer outfit really suits you. I can't believe you're already old enough for Cheer Clinics." he said changing the subject.
"Thanks. I'm super excited! Zena and I are going over together!" she said excitedly.
"That sounds like a lot of fun. I always loved the cheer clinic days," he said.
"I can't wait to see what Addie's come up with!" she smiled.
"Zo, please try to remember that Addison is there to teach, not to hang out with her boyfriend's little sister," Zed laughed.
"I know that," she said. As she stuck her tongue out at her brother, a car horn sounded outside. "That's Zena's mom. Bye Daddy! Bye guys!" she said quickly as she ran out the door.
"Alright, let me see them," Zevon said as he stood up from the couch.
"See what Pops?" Zed smiled trying to hold in a laugh.
"The tattoos. Don't even try to deny it. Zoey's hugs are strong, but they've never made anyone yelp out in pain," he laughed.
"I didn't yelp!" Bucky defended.
"You kind of did," Zed laughed.
"Whatever."
"Boys. The tattoos." Zevon said.
Zed let out a loud, exaggerated sigh. "Fine." He pulled his t-shirt over his head as Bucky unbuttoned his and Bonzo pulled up his pants leg.
Zevon laughed as he looked at Zed's chest. "I do not want to be around when Addison's father sees that."
Bucky laughed,"Aw man, I didn't even think of that. Enjoy containment, Z."
Zed gulped loudly.
Zevon laughed. "Just wait until Zohn across the street sees that green E on your side," he said looking at Bucky, quickly silencing him. "Wow, Bonzo. Zayne did a great job. I'm guessing you drew it out?"
"Za."
"Why doesn't he get a scary threat?" Bucky asked.
"Because he didn't get his girlfriend's name tattooed on him," Zevon laughed.
"That's because he did that last year," Zed mumbled.
Zevon laughed as he shook his head, "you kids are crazy."
"So you're not upset?" Zed asked as he put his shirt back on.
"Nope. You're 18. You could have done something a lot stupider," he said with a shrug.
"Thanks, Pops."
"Yeah, it's not going to go anything like that with my parents," Bucky said slightly panicked. "Speaking of which, I need to get back home and put in an appearance before the mash tonight. Pick you up around 8:30?"
"Sounds good, man," Zed said as he gave him a bro hug.
"Bye, Mr. Zevon."
"See you later, Bucky," Zevon called out as Bucky walked out the door. "I don't even know why I'm bothering to ask this, but do you two want to go grab some lunch?"
Zed and Bonzo laughed as Zevon grabbed his keys.
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Zoey couldn't remember the last time she had been this excited. Not only was today Halloween and her brother and his girlfriend were taking her trick or treating, followed by a sleepover at her best friends house, but she also got to see her all-time favorite cheerleader, Bucky, and today was the very first time she was old enough to attend one of Seabrook High's famous Junior Shrimp Cheer Clinics. Best. Day. Ever!
"I wonder who's group we're going to be in?" Zoey asked her best friend, Zena, as they drove from Zombie Town towards the high school.
"I'm pretty we're going to be in my sister's group."
"Awww. I was kind of hoping to be with Addison," Zoey pouted. "Not that there's anything wrong with Zara! She's great!" she quickly added, not wanting to offend her friend.
Zena laughed, "I told Zara you'd say that! She said Addison and Bree will be overseeing all of the groups."
"That makes sense. I can't wait to see the routine Addie came up with!" Zoey said as they pulled up to the high school.
"You girl's have fun! Don't give Zara too much trouble," Zena's mom called to them as they opened the door and ran towards the gym.
When the two young zombies walked into the gym, Zoey immediately spotted Addison. She smiled and waved over to her. Addison walked over and gave her a big hug.
"Hey, peanut! You ready for this?"
"Definitely!" Zoey said with a large smile plastered across her face.
"You're going to crush it!" Addison said with certainty as she pulled her in for another hug. "And I can't wait for tonight! Just wait until you see the costume I got for your brother," she laughed.
"I can't wait! You should have seen his face when I showed him Puppy this morning! Are you still coming back to my house after the clinic?"
"I sure am. Zara's mom is picking us all up," Addison told her as Bree caught her attention and motioned towards her watch. "Looks like it's time to start!" she said with a smile. Addison blew her captain's whistle and called the room to attention. She welcomed them all to the clinic and explained to them what they would be learning today. She then introduced the senior cheerleaders who would be working with each group. Each senior cheerleader then began to call out names, separating them into their groups for the afternoon.
"Zoey Necrodopolus?" Zara called out from the roster.
"That's me!" Zoey said cheerily as she walked up to Zara.
Necrodopolus, as in Zed Necrodopolus?" Kelly giggled from behind Zara.
"Um, yeah. He's my brother."
"Oh, you're just so cute! You're going to be my new best friend today," Kelly said as she moved to give Zoey a hug. Zoey leaned away from her giving her a strange look. "Isn't she just the cutest Kasie?"
"Super cute!" Kasie giggled.
"That's enough you two," Zara said as she rolled her eyes at the two freshman cheerleaders. "Zoey, you can go stand next to my sister," she smiled motioning over to Zena.
Addison saw the exchange across the room and clenched her hands into fists. Before she could storm over, Bree placed a hand on Addison's shoulder, silently shaking her head. Addison took a deep, calming breath before she plastered a smile on her face and began to teach the first half of the routine.
When the time came for their break, Kasie and Kelly made sure they sat next to Zoey and Zena.
"So, Zoey," Kelly said as she leaned in closer to her, "What's Zed like? I bet he's just the best!"
Zoey gave her a strange look, but being the polite zombie she was, she responded, "Yeah, he's the best big brother I've got."
"He's so hot," Kasie giggled.
"Does he like, walk around shirtless?" Kelly asked.
"Barf! He's my brother! You two do know he has a girlfriend, right?" Zoey said a little too loud, causing Bree to look over in their direction.
"Slight detail," Kelly laughed.
"Really? You do realize his girlfriend is cheer captain, right?"
"Everyone knows she's only the captain because Bucky is her cousin," Kelly said as she flipped her ponytail.
"Kelly!" Kasie warned.
"What? There's no way anyone would actually elect a freak like that."
"Actually, she got the job because she's an amazing cheerleader and I'd appreciate it if you did not talk about my future sister-in-law that way," Zoey said as she stood up, noticing Bree standing close by.
"Future sister-in-law? Aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself?"
"No," Zoey said matter of factly, "he already has the ring,"
"Kelly, Kasie, I need to see you in the cheer room... immediately," Bree said, catching them by surprise. "Zoey, would you mind coming as well?"
"Sure, Bree."
Addison saw the small group walk away. Concerned, she jogged over to them. "Hey, what's going on here?" She asked looking at the four of them.
"I got this, you go start the second part of the clinic," Bree said cooly.
"You okay, Zo?" Addison asked putting her hand on Zoey's shoulder.
"I'm fine, Addie," she smiled up at her. "Can you catch me up on what I miss?"
"Sure thing, peanut," Addison said as she gave her a tight hug. She glared at Kelly and Kasie, before looking over to Bree, "Fill me in after," she said as she walked off to resume the clinic.
When the four reached the cheer room, Bree looked over at Zoey, "I'm sorry you're missing the next part of the routine. I'll get you back out there as soon as possible."
"It's fine," Zoey shrugged. Glaring at Kelly and Kasie she added, "I'm sure Addie can show me what I missed tonight when she comes over."
Bree laughed, "I love this kid!" Turning her attention to Kelly and Kasie her expression became serious, "I should kick you both off the squad right this second."
"You can't do that!" Kelly said as she jumped up from her spot, "You're not even the captain!"
Bree held her hand up, cutting her off. "I can. I'm the co-captain and believe me when I tell you that the captain would not object. You two have a serious lack of respect."
"But all we were doing was talking!" Kasie whined.
"People have been kicked off this squad for far less, trust me. But, I'm a nice person. I like to see the good in everyone. So, instead, you two are suspended from all cheer activities for two weeks. You will not wear your cheer uniforms to school, and you will not be sitting with the squad at lunch."
"But that will ruin our reputations!" Kelly cried.
"You're doing a good job of that on your own," Zoey mumbled under her breath, earning her a smile from Bree.
"After the two-week suspension is up, your re-admittance to the squad will be on probationary terms. You two step out of line even once, you're gone. Am I understood?"
Kelly and Kasie both nodded their heads.
"One more thing," Bree said dropping her voice to barely a whisper, "If either of you ever speak about Addison that way again or even look in Zed's direction, I will make it my personal mission to make sure you end up at the reject table like * that," she said as she snapped her fingers.
With a look of fear in their eyes, Kelly and Kasie both left the cheer room.
"Now that was impressive," Zoey laughed, "and I thought Eliza was intimidating."
Bree laughed, "what can I say, I look after my friends," she said with a shrug. "So, what's this I hear about a ring?"
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Halloween night is coming up next week! I hadn't originally planned for this to be two chapters, but it kind of took on a life of it's own and became a lot longer than I originally anticipated. I promise we will get Zeddison back next chapter!