AUTHOR'S NOTE: This chapter is rated M

Holiday Break

Christmas

"ZED! WAKE UP! IT'S CHRISTMAS!"

Zed opened his eyes to find his sister sitting on top of him.

"Good! You're awake! Let's go!" she said eagerly as she hopped off his bed and made her way to the door.

Zed looked over towards his clock. "Zo, it's 6:30 in the morning," he groaned.

"So! It's Christmas! Santa! Presents! Eggnogggggg!" she shrieked as she ran out of the room.

Zed laughed and sat up in his bed. He grabbed his phone and sent Addison a text before getting up and following his sister downstairs.

"I tried to hold her off as long as I could," Zevon said sleepily as Zed walked into the den. "She woke me up and hour ago."

Zed laughed and plopped onto the floor next to his sister. "Well, thank you for the extra hour of sleep."

"Merry Christmas."

"Okay, enough you two...Presentssssss!" Zoey said excitedly bouncing in place.

"Alright, my little zombie angel. Let's open presents," Zevon said. He sat down on the floor next to his kids and pushed a large bright red package towards Zoey.

"Eeeekk! I can't wait to see what Santa brought me!" she said excitedly as she began to rip into the bright red paper. "AHHHHHH! My very own personalized cheer robe, megaphone, and jacket!" She began to jump up and down. "THANK YOU SANTA!"

"Alright son, I think this one might be for you," Zevon said as he handed him a small narrow present.

"Do you think Santa will be offended if I don't scream and jump all around?" Zed said with a smile.

"I don't know if he'd be offended, but my ears would certainly thank you," Zevon laughed.

Zed unwrapped the bright red box and carefully lifted the lid.

"What is it!" Zoey shrieked, almost jumping onto his lap to get a look.

"Oh, wow," Zed said softly as he lifted it out of the box to show Zoey. "It's a watch." he quietly appreciated the detail of the black leather band and the silver trim. "This is awesome."

"I guess Santa thought that you could use one now that you don't have a Z-band occupying your wrist," Zevon said with a smile.

Zed carefully buckled it onto his left wrist. "I love it. Look, Zo!" he said as he held it out for her to see.

Zoey gazed at the simple watch in wonder. "I can't wait until I can get a Z-ring….Okay, back to presents!"

Zed and Zevon laughed.

"Alright, Zoey. This one's from me, sweetheart," Zevon said handing her a small velvet box with a green bow on it.

"Thank you, Daddy!" she said as she held up a silver necklace with a silver 'Z' hanging from it. "It's so pretty! Look Big Bro!"

Zed smiled as his sister shoved the necklace towards his face. "Very pretty, Zo. I think it would look even prettier with this..." he said, handing her a smaller velvet box.

Zoey opened up the second box and shrieked when she saw the small silver megaphone charm inside. "Zed! It's perfect!" she threw her arms around her big brother. "Open mine next!"

Zed took the small gift box from his sister. When he opened it, he let out a small laugh. "I guess there was a jewelry memo that went out this year," he said as he held up a gold chain. "I love it, Zo-Zo-Bear, Thank you." He hugged his little sister tight before hooking the chain around his neck.

"Alright," Zevon said as he stood up and pushed a large box towards Zed. "This one is for you from me."

Zed began to pull back the green wrapping paper from the large box. "Luggage? Are you that excited to get rid of me, Pops?" he said with a laugh as he got up to hug his father.

"You never know when you'll need a good set of luggage," Zevon smiled as he hugged his son back. "I can't believe this is our last Christmas with you home full time."

"Hey, none of that until he moves in August," Zoey said as she wiped her eyes. "Here, Daddy...this one's from Zed and me," she said, handing him a present and changing the subject.

"Now what do we have here?" he asked out loud as he began to unwrap the present. He lifted the lid and pulled out a brand new leather briefcase. "Come here you two," he said as he opened his arms to hug his kids. "I absolutely love it. I've never had a brand new briefcase."

"We know, silly! That's why we got you one," Zoey said with a laugh. "Oh! We have to give Puppy his present!"

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Addison awoke with the same excited feeling she did every Christmas morning. Christmas had always been her favorite holiday, but the last few years had by far been her favorite. Zed seemed to have a knack for making every Christmas they spent together more and more special. As she sat up in her bed and reached for her phone, she smiled at the framed picture now sitting on her nightstand that Bree and Bonzo had given her the night before. Her smile grew even larger when she saw that she already had a text from Zed. She read his message and called him.

"Merry Christmas, Gorgeous," Zed answered after only one ring.

"Merry Christmas, Handsome, I'm guessing Zoey woke you up bright and early?"

Zed let out a laugh. "You know it, we've already finished unwrapping presents. We've been watching Elf for the last hour."

"I am just waking up," she said as she stretched back out in her bed.

"Lucky. I'm definitely going to take a nap before this evening."

"Speaking of...What time are you coming over? Bucky and my Aunt and Uncle are planning on getting here around 4."

"What time do you want me there?"

Addison smiled and glanced back at the picture on her nightstand. "Now?"

"I'll make you a deal," he said in between a loud yawn. "After I finish watching the movie with Zoey and Pops, I'll take a quick nap and be over before lunch."

"I can work with that," she said with a smile. "I love you, Z."

"I love you too, Addie. I'll see you in a few hours."

"See you then." Addison hung up the phone and held it close to her chest, smiling.

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At a quarter to twelve, Zed brushed the snow off of his jacket and hair and knocked on Addison's door.

"Merry Christmas!" Missy said as she opened the door for him.

"Merry Christmas, Mayor Missy."

"Zed!" Addison exclaimed as she ran down the stairs and threw her arms around him, knocking him into the door.

"I'm happy to see you too, Gorgeous."

Missy smiled at the two teens before excusing herself to the den.

"I'm so glad you're here," Addison said kissing his cheek. "My parents are being all cryptic about my Christmas present and wouldn't let me open it until you were here."

Zed laughed and pretended to pout. "And here I was thinking that you wanted me over to spend time together."

"Put the lip away," she said kissing his pouty lips. "You know I love you and want to spend every second of every day with you...but right now I really want to go open my present!"

"Well, by all means, lead the way. Oh, and I love you too," he said throwing her a wink. Addison grabbed his hand and pulled him into the den.

"Zed, Merry Christmas," Dale said standing up and patting him on the shoulder.

"Merry Christmas, Chief."

"Daddy, Zed's here...can I open my present now?" Addison asked impatiently.

Dale let out a soft chuckle. "Missy, what do you think dear. Should we let her open it now?"

Missy pretended to ponder for a moment. "I guess so, although now that Zed's here we should probably tell you that you have to share your present."

Addison looked back and forth between her parents with a confused look. Dale smiled and handed his daughter and Zed matching red envelopes.

"Alright, on the count of three," Missy began. "1...2...3!"

Addison tore open the envelope at the same time that Zed started to carefully open his.

"A plane ticket?" Addison said as she opened up the airline booklet. "To Hawaii!"

Zed caught up and began to examine his ticket. "This is during our Spring Break..."

"WE'RE GOING TO HAWAII FOR SPRING BREAK!" Addison screamed jumping up and down and hugging on to Zed.

"THIS IS SO AWESOME!" Zed said as he grabbed Addison and swung her around. He placed her back down and they both hugged Addison's parents.

"Thank you, so much," Zed said staring at his ticket in amazement. "Now I know why my dad got me luggage," he laughed.

"Santa brought me new luggage, too!" Addison said as she hugged him once more.

"I think they're excited," Dale said as he hugged his wife into his side.

"I think so," she said with a smile.

"I haven't been to Hawaii since the summer before high school started. You're going to love it, Z! And I already know you're going to be surfing like a pro! Oh my gosh, I don't have my wig anymore...I can actually learn how to surf!" Addison gushed.

"We'll be staying at Grandpa Donnelly's old compound," Dale said. "The adults will all be in the main house and you kids will have run of the pool house."

"Wait...all adults? Who else is going?" Addison asked.

"Well, it'll be your mother and I and your Aunt Kitty and Uncle Trevor. I believe Bucky and Eliza are getting the same cards for Christmas that you two just opened."

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Later that evening after Eliza, Bucky, Kitty, and Trevor had left, Zed and Addison were snuggled up on the couch watching "It's a Wonderful Life," with her parents. Zed silently got Addison's attention, motioning to the door with his eyes. She discreetly nodded her head.

"Mom, Dad, Zed and I are going to go for a walk. We'll be back later," she said as she stood up from the couch and walked over to kiss her father's cheek.

"Don't be too late. I want you back before ten," he told her. He looked over to Zed, "remember what we've talked about..." he warned.

Zed ran a nervous hand through his hair. "Yes, sir. I remember."

Addison stared back and forth between her boyfriend and father. "What are you two hiding?" she asked suspiciously.

Zed laughed as he helped Addison into her coat. "Absolutely nothing...let's get going."

"I'm going to drop this, but just remember one thing...You're a terrible liar," she said standing on her toes and kissing his cheek. Zed smiled and shook his head as he zipped up his letterman jacket and followed her out of the house.

The snow was falling lightly as they stepped off the porch. Zed reached out and grabbed her hand pulling her back to him. He ran his hand down the side of her face slowly closing the distance between them and kissing her deeply.

"I've wanted to do that all day," he whispered when they pulled apart.

Addison smiled and kissed him again. "I am so in love with you, Zed Necrodopolus."

"As I am with you," he said softly, gazing into her blue eyes. "Come on, Gorgeous," he said pulling her with him as he started to walk.

Addison smiled wide as they started off towards the old power plant. "The mood is right...The spirit's up," she began to sing.

Zed smiled and twirled her around in a smooth dance move. "We're here tonight, and that's enough."

"Simply having a wonderful Christmas time. Simply having a wonderful Christmas time," they sang together.

"The party's on. The feeling's here..."

"That only comes, this time of year."

"Simply having a wonderful Christmas time. Simply having a wonderful Christmas time."

When they reached the old power plant, Zed opened the door for her. "After you my dear."

"Why thank you, my good sir."

When they reached the light garden on the top floor, Addison let out a laugh. "When did you have time to set this up?" she asked, gesturing to the blue plaid blanket and picnic basket sitting on the floor.

"I may have asked Eliza for a favor before she left earlier," he said as he wrapped his arms around her from behind.

Addison reached up behind her and pulled his face down to hers, kissing him softly. "Thank you."

They walked over to the blanket and sat down. Zed took out a thermos from the basket and poured them both a cup of hot chocolate.

"To yet another wonderful Christmas with the love of my life," he said, holding his mug up in a toast.

"I couldn't have said it any better," she smiled, gently tapping his mug with hers before taking a sip.

Zed set his mug down and reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out an envelope. "Merry Christmas."

Addison leaned over and kissed him as she took the envelope. She carefully opened the flap and pulled out the card. "A girl like you is very rare to find..." she read from the front before opening it. She moved a second envelope out of the way to continue. "Luckily, I'm handsome and cool so you noticed me easily. Merry Christmas. Forever yours, Z," she laughed and leaned over to kiss him again. "This is like the best card ever."

"I thought you might like it. The present part is in the other envelope," he said pointing to the white envelope inside the card. She picked it up and opened it. "A suite at the W!"

"Corner suite on the top floor. Perfect for watching the fireworks on New Year's Eve," he said pulling her in for another kiss.

"Oh my God! I can't wait!" she said excitedly kissing him back. "Wait a second… won't my mom's office have a list of everyone staying at the hotel for the party? How did you get a suite for that night without them knowing?"

"Relax, Gorgeous. The reservation is in Pops name. As far as your mom's office knows I'm sharing a room with Bonzo and Bucky and Pops will be staying in an extremely oversized over the top suite with floor to ceiling windows and a fireplace the night of the Mayor's New Years Eve Party."

Addison smiled and shook her head. "You, my wonderful boyfriend, really do think of everything," she said pulling him back in for another kiss. "I love it! I can't wait to have another night alone with you."

"Merry Christmas," he said kissing her again, "and Happy New Year."

"Your turn, handsome," she said pulling out a small wrapped box out of her coat pocket. Zed took it from her hand and began to unwrap the shiny green wrapping paper. "I got this before you got your Z-ring," she said with a trace of nervousness in her voice. Zed opened the small leather box to reveal a thick silver ring with "Z&A" engraved across it.

"Addie..." he said pulling the ring out and sliding it onto his ring finger and then onto his index finger next to his Z-ring. "I can't tell you how much I love this," he said as he leaned down and captured her lips in a passionate kiss.

Addison pulled back, slightly breathless, "I was worried it be too much with the Z-ring, you never really wore jewelry before. I mean, I have your senior ring on my necklace. And now you have two rings, and…." Zed cut her off with another deep kiss.

"I. Absolutely. Love. It." he said, kissing her between each word.

"Really?" she asked with a shy smile.

"Really. I can tell you right now that it's my absolute favorite thing that I have ever owned."

Addison smiled and kissed him once more. "Merry Christmas, Z."

"I've got one more thing for you, Gorgeous," he whispered into her ear. Zed pulled a small velvet box out of his jacket pocket and balanced it on her knee.

Addison looked at him in surprise. Her breath caught and her hands began to shake as she reached for the small box. She closed her eyes and smiled as she lifted the lid. "Earrings," she said letting out the breath she was holding. Zed couldn't help but notice the look of disappointment that momentarily crossed her face. "They're beautiful, Zed. Thank you," she said as she looked at the emerald and diamond earrings resting in the velvet box.

"Addie?"

A single tear fell from her eye. "I really do love them, I just...I thought..."

Zed suddenly realized exactly what she had thought was in the box.

"Addison, look at me," Zed said taking both of her hands in his. "I love you. If I had it my way, there would have been a ring in that box."

"Zed..."

"No, you asked earlier what your dad and I were hiding, and now I'm telling you. I've already asked him for his blessing, and he said yes. But he also made me promise to wait….Addie, my whole world spins entirely because of you. I love you."

Addison sniffled and wiped her eyes. "You asked my dad?"

"Yes. It was the first thing I did when I woke up after the Z-ring procedure."

Addison smiled widely and threw her arms around him, "I love you."

"I love you too, Addison, so much."

"I really do love the earrings. They are absolutely beautiful."

"They pale in comparison to you." Zed's hand cupped the right side of her face and his lips trailed slow light kisses along her neck to her ear. He softly ran his nose along the outer rim of her ear, sending a flash of goose bumps across her body.

Addison held onto his left hand and brought it to her mouth, kissing his palm gently. She held his hand out to look at it and interlocked her fingers into his.

He pushed their clasped hands back so that they were next to her head as he laid her down and pressed himself firmly against her. He brushed away a long strand of hair from her face and kissed her again, their tongues softly stroking one another.

She needed him more than she could say. She moaned into his mouth, and that seemed to be his complete undoing. There was no possibility of them stopping now.

His hands were firm as he slid them under her coat and removed it, flinging it behind him. Addison was clawing at his jacket as well, desperate to feel his skin against her. They struggled through their winter layers, cursing in-between kisses at the inconvenience of being in the cold.

When they finally managed to remove all the offending apparel, Zed whispered in her ear, "I've always wanted to make love to you up here…" He began to trail heated kisses along her neck. Despite being naked in a bare empty room in winter, their body temperature spiked to a boiling point.

Addison lifted her head and looked into his brown eyes. The soft glow from the garden's light making him look even more breathtaking. "Merry Christmas."

He positioned himself between her bent knees. "Merry Christmas, Gorgeous." His eyes never leaving hers as he smiled and ran his hand down the side of her face. He didn't restrain his desire, or hold back. Instead, he rubbed his hard length between her soft folds eliciting an unabashed moan shooting straight from her core.

"I need you," she whispered. "I want to feel you inside of me…please."

"How could I ever tell you no?" He attacked her mouth trying to swallow her breath and she let him. She watched as he felt wildly around for his jeans. When he finally found them and pulled out the foil package from the pocket, they both smiled. Kneeling between her legs, he rolled the condom down his large erection then bent down over her. He kissed her twice before lowering his middle to hers. She took a deep breath in anticipation as he pressed down on top of her. He positioned himself and then slid inside of her, his own breath catching as his eyes met hers. "Beautiful," he whispered. Without warning, he pulled back and slowly pushed forward again.

Addison's nails gently scratched his shoulder blades as she moved to meet his thrusts. The resounding growl in his chest made her even wetter, and the need for him to go faster, harder, and deeper became greater. She tilted her hips when he pulled back and met him full force when he thrust forward. Their rhythm became erratic and pushed them closer to the ecstasy they both desperately craved.

Moving his hand to her most sensitive bud, his fingertips worked her. It didn't take long before she finally fell from the ledge, letting herself free fall. She tightened and squeezed around him causing him to lose control and join her in release.

Zed rolled down beside her and pulled her into him. Her body was still trembling as she tried to catch her breath. He pulled the remainder of the blanket around them and whispered in her ear, "I love you, Addison."

"I love you, too."

"Merry Christmas, Gorgeous."

"This will always be my favorite Christmas ever."

Zed smiled and kissed the top of her soft hair, "I guess I'll just have to try and top it next year."

"I'm already looking forward to it."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Merry Christmas (in the dead of summer)! I really hope everyone is enjoying this story so far. If there is something you particularly enjoy, let me know. If there's something you don't like, let me know that too. If there is something you wish I'd include, please tell me (I promise more info on Graham will be revealed next chapter).