The next day at school, Zed was called down to Principal Lee's office about halfway through the morning. Zed walked down slowly, he had a feeling he knew what was coming and just tried to stay calm and in control. He walked in the door and sitting in front of Principal Lee's desk, was Pierce, still with his cocky, self-assured smile on his face, but it was marred by his bruised and swollen nose.
"Good morning, Zed. Pierce informed me of an incident last night, you wouldn't happen to know anything about that do you?" Principal Lee said with a slight frown on her face.
"Actually, I do, and I can tell you right now whatever story Pierce has come up with is a bold-faced lie." Zed said confidently.
"Oh really, because he claims you attacked him in the school hallway because you were still mad at him for taking Addison out on a date last weekend. Where you had attacked him before. Is that true?"
"Not at all." Zed said evenly, "I did not lay a finger on his 'handsome face.'"
"Then what really happened Zed?"
"Yeah, brainless don't deny you attacked me."
"If you mean I pulled you off Addison last Friday when you latched yourself onto her even after she told you no."
"Is this true Pierce?" Principal Lee asked, her voice hardening at this new information.
"Of course not, that brainless zombie is lying through his teeth, and who are you going to believe, him or me?
"If you are implying I trust Zed less because he's a zombie, I'm afraid you are mistaken Pierce, Zed deserves to have his voice heard just as much as you do as we work to discover the truth."
"Principal Lee, this can all be settled easily, we can just watch the tapes."
"What tapes?" Pierce asked nervously.
"The security cameras, I believe it was the same camera that caught the Aceys the last time, at about 5:45 last night."
"Alright Zed let me look it up." As she was searching through the security footage, both Pierce and Zed dropped their calm facades and started glaring daggers at each other.
Principal Lee turned her computer screen so they could all see the footage. They could see Addison emptying her locker for the day, when Pierce walked up behind her. They watched them talk for a few minutes and then Addison backed away quickly, but Pierce grabbed her chin and leaned forward. They watched as Addison pulled back and hit Pierce square in the nose.
"As you can see, Principal Lee," Zed said, now with a slight growl in his voice, "this jerk tried to force himself on another student, my girlfriend, on school property, and she rightly defended herself, then he tried to blame what happened on me to try to force me out of school because he thinks that will make Addison fall into his arms."
"Is this true Pierce?"
"What, no, of course not. I…"
"Do you really want to keep going?"
"No, fine, Addison was the one who punched me, not him, but I wasn't doing anything wrong, she was just playing hard to get."
"I think the evidence disagrees with you. Pierce, for now you are suspended from all classes and school activities, further punishment may also be in order. Wait outside my office while I call your parents."
"Fine." Pierce stormed out.
Principal Lee dialed her phone quick, "Hi DeAnne, can you call Addison Wells down to my office? She's already here? Well, send her in then."
Addison rushed in and stood next to Zed.
"Don't worry Addie, everything is taken care of." He told her.
"You two don't have to worry, I knew something smelled fishy about his story, for one he claimed that you two had quote-unquote, 'an amazing date' before Zed attacked you."
"He totally made that up, my parents did make me go on a date with him but I hated every second, and when I told him no to a kiss he just grabbed me, thankfully Zed was there to scare him away. And at school last night, I did punch him, but it was only in self-defense."
"Yes, I can see that, and trust me there will be further investigation. But he shouldn't be bothering either of you again. Addison I may call you in later to file a report but for now, you two can go back to class."
"Thank you, Principal Lee." They both said before walking out. Outside the door, Pierce was still sitting there glaring at them. Addison just lifted her head and ignored him but Zed let out a snarl and bared his teeth.
Pierce flinched away, and Zed and Addison continued walking on, hand in hand until they had to separate to go to their classes.
A few days later, it was finally Friday, school was out, and it was time for the Halloween Block Party. Everyone in Zombietown was rushing around putting the finishing touches on everything. Bonzo and Zed were hanging a large banner from the Zombietown Gate, "Zombietown Welcomes Seabrook!"
Eliza was putting the finishing touches on the music, while Zevon was busy cooking enough cauliflower on a stick for everyone. Zoey was running around sticking balloons and streamers everywhere she could reach, still with Zander at her side like always.
Pretty soon everything was done, and the zombies all waited in nervous anticipation. The clock struck noon, and soon a crowd of people was walking through the gate, Addison at the lead in a beautiful pink dress covered in flowers, with Bree and her parents right behind her.
Zed reached for her hand the moment she crossed over, and she happily leaned into his shoulder, as the rest of the zombies gave a round of polite applause. Many of the Seabrook residents brought pies with them and everyone was excited to dig in.
Missy gave a short speech promising this would be the first step in changing Seabrook for the better, and officially announced that Zombies were allowed to have pets again.
Zoey, who was playing with Zander while the speech was going on, completely missed the announcement. Zed and Addison found her playing by her doghouse without a care in the world.
"Hey Zoey, look what Addison got you."
Zoey looked up and couldn't believe her eyes.
Addison was holding a white-furred adorable puppy in her arms, wearing a pink and green bow on his collar.
Zoey froze for a moment, unable to say anything before she reached up. "A puppy? My very own puppy." Zoey said with the brightest smile on her face. "Zander this is Puppy." She introduced them. To which Puppy gave a bark in greeting. Pretty soon Zoey was running around all over, with Puppy already following loyally behind her.
Zed just gave Addison a look, silently thanking her for being her amazing self. A look that Addison returned right back, telling him no thanks were needed.
Pretty soon everyone was enjoying themselves, people and zombies alike were having a great time. Everyone loved the pies Seabrook brought, and a few adventurous humans even tried some of the zombies' cauliflower treats.
Everyone was happily listening and swaying to the music, before Eliza paused the song, and announced, "Now it's time to do it like the zombies do." Before starting a familiar track.
The Zombies stormed the middle of the street, ready to show off their moves as Bamm started blasting from the speakers. Following Eliza's lead Addison quickly joined in. After a few beats she motioned to some of the other cheerleaders who joined in and got in the groove like they were natural zombies.
As Addison danced with Zed she could see Zevon jumping around to the beat, his arm thrown around Dale, who was holding a plate that looked to be mostly caulibrains much to Addison's surprise and delight. Both held wide grins on their faces.
When the song finished everyone was sharing hugs and hi-fives. Including Bree and Bonzo Addison noticed out of the corner of her eye as Zed gave her a hug. What shocked her even more was seeing Bucky and the Aceys had joined in the dancing as well. She pulled away from Zed and quickly grabbed Bree pointing to the former cheerleaders.
Addison and Bree walked up to them calmly, but Bucky froze when he saw them coming.
"Hey Cuz," Bucky said slowly, with a nervous smile on his face.
Addison asked them, "Bucky, what are you all doing here? I thought you hated Zombies."
"Maybe I've been a little wrong about the zombies. Plus, you know, who am I to miss a party?"
"Maybe Zombies aren't so bad, they never actually did anything except when we hacked their Z-bands." Tracey said.
"Are you guys actually apologizing?" Bree asked.
"Yes, what we did was wrong. I still don't think it's fair that we were all cut from the Mighty Shrimp though, how can there be cheer without me?" Bucky asked them.
"Cheer has been going amazing for your information." Bree said.
"Thanks to our wonderful Captain Bree." Addison supplied.
"And our amazing Captain Addison." Bree added.
"Bucky, Lacey, Stacey, Tracey, Bree and I have been talking, and now that we're both captains, and trying to turn the cheer squad into a force for change and unity, we were thinking that we could use your shish boom bah back on the team." Addison offered.
"Well of course you do, I'm me." Bucky said.
"Hold up, we have some conditions." Bree interrupted.
"You'll all have to try out for the team on Monday, and you'll only rejoin if a majority of the cheer squad thinks you deserve it." Addison said.
"Number two, Addison and I are still captains, you will just be like everyone else on the team, maybe later you'll be promoted to assistant captain again but that depends on your behavior."
"Number three, Cheer is no longer the Bucky show, cheer is about showcasing the best of everyone not just you."
"Four, if we hear even a whisper of you still spreading Zombiephobia, you'll be off the squad like that." Bree snapped her fingers.
"And finally, all of you go apologize to Zed, Bonzo, and Eliza for the homecoming game, you put their lives in serious danger, don't you ever forget that."
"Is that all Cuz- I mean Captain Addison, you uh got it. Aceys let's go." They walked away and immediately cornered Eliza who went from confused, to flabbergasted, to humbled in about 10 seconds, she shook all their hands and the Aceys managed not to cringe about Zombie germs.
"I'm gonna go stand by Bonzo and help play translator. See you later Addison."
Addison walked back to Zed. "Hey how's it going, what did Bucky want?"
"You'll see." Addison turned around quick and stifled her laughter at Bonzo lifting Bucky up off the ground in a ginormous hug.
Soon enough, once Bree convinced Bonzo to let everyone go, Bucky and the Aceys walked up to Zed and Addison.
"Zed, I want to apologize for all the zombiephobia I've been saying the last few weeks, and I'm sorry I planned to hack your Z-Band."
"We're sorry for hacking your Z-band." The Aceys all said together.
"Thanks, what brought this on?" Zed asked.
Bucky was about to answer, but Addison interrupted them. "They've just finally realized the error of their ways and after a little encouragement were ready to make things right."
"I'm sure that's all there is," Zed said, smiling at Addison, "but there's one more thing I want you to do."
"What's that Zed?" Bucky asked slightly nervous.
"Apologize to Addison for all your insults about her being different, because we are all different, and that's what I like, and for trying to force her to choose between me and cheerleading."
"OK, Addison I'm sorry I was a jerk to you for most of this school year, I'm sorry I tried to control you, especially by mentioning your hair." Bucky said
"We're sorry for insulting your hair." Lacey said
"And forcing you away from Zed and the zombies." Tracey said.
"And calling you a freak." Stacey finished.
"Thank you, you guys. This means a lot to me, I hope we can all be friends again."
"Of course we'll be," Bucky said giving her a hug. "Who wouldn't want to be friends with me. See you on Monday, Captain."
Bucky and the Aceys walked off.
Zed turned to Addison. "Thanks for that."
"What are you talking about I didn't do anything. I should be thanking you for making them apologize to me."
"I could hear everything you were saying to them. Zombie hearing."
"Oh."
"It's still nice of you, everyone deserves a second chance, even them, and hey, they came here voluntarily so no matter what they are willing to change at least a little bit."
"Do you think we made the right choice, letting them back on the team."
"Well, I for one would love to see Bucky have to follow your orders, and I guarantee you'll make the Aceys worship you like they worshipped Bucky by the end of the week. Also, I bet I'll make every single shot if I have Bucky cheering for me."
"Oh yeah, that will totally happen."
"You're a leader Addison, at way more than just cheer, did you think this could have all happened at the beginning of the school year."
"Never in my wildest dreams, but reality is so much better."
"I couldn't agree more." Zed said leaning in for a quick chaste kiss as there were still plenty of people around.
Eventually, evening arrived and after a fun afternoon, most of the Seabrook residents were heading back home to celebrate Halloween with traditional trick-or-treating.
Addison was hugging her parents goodbye. "See you tomorrow." She said.
"Be good." Missy said.
"Have fun tonight, but not too much fun." Dale told her.
They started walking back to Seabrook as well, with a doggie bag of caulibrains in tow, for when Zed comes over. They claimed.
Addison went back to standing beside Zed as they walked to his house, "So what are we gonna do now?"
"This will be super fun, all the little kids will be running around in the dark, and all the adults will be sitting on their porches with bowls of candy. The kids have to sneak up on the adults and let out a big roar to try to scare them to get the candy. And no matter what you have to act like every kid is the most terrifying thing you've ever seen."
"Wow, that sounds like so much fun."
"One of the only times we get to embrace being scary for fun."
"So are we handing out candy then?"
"Yeah, Bonzo, Eliza, and I have our own little tradition, so they'll be at my house handing out candy too."
When they arrived Zoey was just walking out, "Addison are you ready for trick or treating?
"You bet I am, I can't wait to see you scary you are."
"Aren't you coming too?"
"Addison's too old, she'll be handing out candy with me, and hey that just means you'll get to scare her."
"Ok, besides you're too pretty to be scary."
"I couldn't agree more Zoey. Now you better get going, you don't want all the other kids taking all the good candy."
"OK let's go Puppy."
"Bark!" Puppy ran right along behind her.
"Wow, she has Puppy trained really well already." Zed said, sounding impressed.
"I'm sure she's an expert after training you." Eliza butted in as she walked up to the porch.
"Ha Ha." Zed said as Bonzo and Bree also joined them.
Within a few minutes, there were dozens of kids running up and down the street, jumping out of the shadows to scare each other. Zed's house definitely wasn't being overlooked, and several of the kids gave Addison and Bree actual frights, both of them instinctively latching onto Zed and Bonzo's arms a few times. Not that either of the boys were complaining.
When their candy bowl was about half gone, and after Eliza had to slap Zed's hand away a few times, she interrupted their current conversation. "OK, it's time."
"Time for what?" Bree asked.
"Every year the three of us exchange gifts with each other."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner, Bree and I don't have anything." Addison pouted to Zed.
"It's alright and you being here is the only gift I need. Plus, even I sort of forgot about this until the last minute with everything that's been going on."
"Awe Zed." Addison said.
"Enough of that I'm first." Eliza interrupted them, "and you two will probably like these just as much as they do." She handed out two small boxes to Bonzo and Zed.
They both slowly opened them, and both grinned when they did. "Eliza explain." Zed demanded.
"Well you know how the Z-patrol wouldn't give me back my laptop, so I started looking for parts to replace it. Then I got the idea of instead of a laptop I should make myself a phone, then I realized it would be totally useless if no one else had a phone so Happy Halloween. It took me a long time to fix them though, I don't understand why they make them so complicated."
"Thanks, Eliza, this is amazing. Addie, I can call and text you now."
"This gonna be so great, I'll be able to hear you and see you whenever I want."
"And I'm already regretting this."
"Thank you, Eliza." All of them surrounded her in a group hug.
"So Eliza what can they do?" Zed asked.
"They should have most of the apps that normal phones have, and I hacked them so you don't have to pay for service or anything. They also connect to your Z-Bands so you can see any problems, and yes you can of course talk, text, facetime, etc. So yes, you two can make googly eyes to each other 24/7 I suppose. Oh, and Bonzo it does have a Zombie-English translator."
"This is officially the coolest thing you have ever done." Zed exclaimed.
"OK you guys what are your numbers we all need to add each other immediately." Addison said, pulling out her phone.
The friends went about swapping numbers before another kid jumped out, and made Addison drop her phone into the bowl of candy much to everyone's laughter.
Bonzo was next, he pulled out a bunch of canvases, unwrapped but everyone was glowing at his thoughtfulness, each thought their picture was perfect.
Addison was holding a painting of Zed in his football jersey, and to her, every detail from his emerald green hair down to his shoes was perfect, especially the charming smile on his handsome face.
Zed's picture was of Addison cheering on the sidelines, arms spread with a perfect smile and eyes that seemed to lock into his own. Most importantly she had her beautiful white hair framing her head like a halo.
Eliza's picture was of her jamming out at her DJ booth at the power plant, a crowd of zombies cheering her on and moving to the beat in the background.
Bree's picture took her breath away, it was her in her cheer uniform, but she had her arm spread wide, surrounded by clouds, and she could have almost sworn that some of the clouds looked like wings.
"Ahh thank you Bonzo, it's beautiful. Grazias." Bree said.
"Breezka, Graza Grutifulz Rill gru me girlzgriend?"
"Bonzo, of course I would. I rowld gru yourg girlzgriend."
Both surrounded each other in a tight hug, Bonzo lifting Bree off her feet.
"About time you two." Addison said laughing at them.
"We're fine the important thing is that we're together now." Bree said, blushing.
"And suddenly I'm the 5th wheel, that's just great."
"I'm sure we can find someone for you Eliza." Bree said
"No thank you. I'm not complaining about being single, I'm complaining about being the only single."
"Thank you Bonzo, all your paintings are beautiful. This is going right next to my bed tomorrow." Addison said.
"Right where mine will be too, so it will always be the first thing I see when I wake up will be your beautiful face." Zed added.
"See this is why I'm complaining. Change of topic, Zed what's your gift?" Eliza shouted.
"Oh, right here." Zed said, pulling out two envelopes.
"You better not have been lame and gotten us gift cards or something." Eliza told him.
"Just open them and you'll see."
Bonzo and Eliza both opened them and found a sheet of paper, both started reading them, as their eyes continually rose higher in surprise until Eliza looked up in shock. "Is this true?" She demanded.
"Yes, it is."
"What is it?" Bree asked.
"It's a copy of the speech Missy is going to give next week at the city council meeting asking them to vote on officially ending the zombie curfew as well as reviewing all the anti-zombie laws, along with several specific proposals to changes we want to make." Zed explained.
"We?" Eliza asked.
"She's been calling our house all week to get suggestions from Pops and I. I promise change is going to come."
"Grazias, Zedska." Bonzo said.
"Well," Eliza said, "it's pretty lame as a gift but this is so great, but I demand you not do this stuff behind my back, I can't have you messing it up because you're distracted by someone."
"Sure, I'll keep you in the loop, but she just sent us this last night and I wanted to surprise you guys. Plus I may have been forgotten about this from being so busy this week." Zed admitted.
"You're a great leader Zed," Addison said, looking into his eyes, when suddenly…
"RARRR!" Zoey jumped right in the middle of their circle, making both Bree and Addison clutch onto their boyfriends and let out identical screams before they could stop themselves.
The other three burst out laughing and gave Zoey a round of applause.
"Wow Zoey, you were really scary, I didn't even hear you sneaking up on us at all." Eliza said.
"Here, you deserve the rest of the candy, there's only a few pieces left anyway." Zed said.
"Can we go inside and start our sleepover then?"
"You bet Zoey. Let's go, see you later everyone." Addison said.
Eliza walked away towards her house, while Bree and Bonzo headed for the barrier, holding hands for the first time.
The remaining three entered the house with Puppy also following them inside.
"How did my little zombie angel do tonight?" Zevon asked.
"Great I got so much candy! And Puppy is a good boy he followed me around all night and was just as sneaky as I was."
"Good to hear, and how was your first Halloween in Zombietown Addison?"
"It was fun, a few of the kids got me good, including this scary little monster." Addison said.
"I'm gonna go change in my pajamas and then we can start our sleepover Addison." Zoey told her, she was about to run off before she stopped and turned to Zed pointing her finger at him. "And Zed don't even think about stealing my candy. I know for a fact there are thirteen Reese's Cups in my bag so I'll know if you take any. Got it?"
"Ah you wound me, would I really do something like that?"
"Yes, you steal my candy every year." Zoey said before sprinting off.
Once she left the room, Zed immediately reached for her bucket of candy, but Addison slapped his hand away.
"Don't, be nice." she scolded.
"Don't worry, she'll forgive me."
"What if I have something better that will make it worth your while?"
"And what is that?" Zed asked with a smile.
Addison reached behind her and hid something behind her back. Gazar nutty gar zangar shtick.
"You rubbed peanut butter on my umbrella?" Zed asked confused.
Addison revealed what was behind her back, she opened the umbrella and the entire topside was covered in dozens of peanut butter cups, which she knew was Zed's favorite candy.
"Addison, forget the phone, this is literally the best thing I've gotten all day, maybe ever." Zed said in awe.
"You really like it?"
Zed took the umbrella and wrapped her in his arms, "I could kiss you right now, but I need to go hide this before Zoey makes me share." He then sprinted up to his room and hid his candy in his closet, before changing into his pajamas. Leaving an amused Addison to head to the bathroom to change as well.
Pretty soon they were all sitting on the couch in front of the TV and watching a movie. Zoey was of course sitting right in between Zed and Addison, she was sharing her candy, but only with Addison, and Puppy was sitting happily in her lap. Also, at one point Zed tried to be smooth and reach his arm around Addison's shoulder but Zoey wouldn't even let him do that without yelling "Gross!"
The movie ended and Zoey tried to stifle her yawns.
"Are you tired Zoey?" Zed asked.
"No, I'm not." She denied.
"I think you are, it's already way past your bedtime."
"Well I don't care it's a sleepover, and it's Halloween so I'm staying up all night. I know, Addison I'll show you my new cheers I've been working on."
"OK, dazzle me Zoey."
Zoey jumped up and grabbed her pom-poms.
"We are Fired Up, We are Fired Up. Take it from the top or take a Lay-up."
"Great Job Zoey, that cheer got me really fired up, how about you Zed?"
"Awesome Zoey, I feel like I could go against the Eels right now."
"You really like it?"
"Of course we do, you're an amazing cheerleader Zoey."
"How about this one?"
I say number you say one, Number!
One!
Number!
One!
I say beat'em you say bad! Beat'em
Bad
Beat'em
Bad
I say spirit you say got it, Spirit!
Got it!
Spirit!
Got it!
I say pink you say green, Pink
Green
Pink
Green
"Wow that cheer was even more amazing Zoey, and by the way you did a great job teaching Bonzo how to cheer, everyone wanted him on the team when he tried out."
"Thanks, we practiced lots, and I tried to teach him everything you taught me." Zoey stretched her arms up one more time as she yawned, "maybe it is time to get ready for bed." She admitted as she rubbed her eyes.
"How about I play a song to help you fall asleep?" Zed offered.
OK, you can play one song, then you have to leave because this sleepover is girls only. Zoey started unrolling two sleeping bags out in the living room and throwing pillows down beside them. "Addison this one is mine, Zoey said, pointing at the bright green one. You can have Zed's sleeping bag. She said pointing at the maroon one.
"Alright, Zoey." Addison said, wiggling into the sleeping bag, and she tried to hide her blush as she was surrounded by Zed's scent inside it, making him literally all she could think about.
"Don't worry I promise I'll leave you two alone after this." Zed said, coming back downstairs with his guitar, after a few moments of tuning, he began to softly sing and play.
Baby last night, was hands down, one of the best nights, that I've had no doubt
Between the bottle of wine and the look in your eyes at the Marvin Gaye
Then we danced In the dark under September stars in the pouring rain
And I know that I can't ever tell you enough all I need in this life is your crazy love
Zed continued playing, his beautiful voice entrancing both girls, neither couldn't look away or help the smiles that grew on their faces. Zed's eyes couldn't help but lock onto Addison's while his voice put all his emotion into the song.
Addison felt her heart warm with affection, she wanted to sing along with him but also didn't want to change a thing about this beautiful moment, so she just laid there next to Zoey, content and wanting this moment to last as long as possible.
Pretty soon Zed was finishing his song.
I could die a happy man. Mmm-mhm.
Zoey was already sound asleep, Puppy curled up in her arms, he too gave one more small yawn before closing his eyes and settling down for the night.
Zed gently set his guitar down and stepped lightly over to Addison.
"How was that?"
"Beautiful, I could die a happy woman just hearing you sing."
"No need for drastic measures." Zed joked.
"Shouldn't you be heading up to your room?"
"Only if you join me."
"Zed, we can't do that here as much as I want to, Zevon will probably check in on us at some point, and we did promise both of our parents to be good. Plus what if Zoey wakes up and I'm not here? She'll probably panic."
"Well looks like I'm staying down here then."
"That I have no problem with, but I'm pretty sure you'll still get in trouble with your dad."
"Not if we're both still awake and not sleeping together." Zed suggested. "How about we look through my new phone and you can teach me how to use everything?"
"Alright, I can do that." Addison left her sleeping bag and snuggled up to Zed on the couch. Zed immediately covering them both with a blanket.
"Zed we are not sleeping here."
"I know, I just don't want you to get cold."
"Fine." Addison said, leaning her head against his shoulder. "So what's all on there?"
"Well let's see," Zed opened it up and was surprised that Eliza had made her own unique app icons, so many he couldn't even tell what most of them were.
"Well, I have the phone, texting, facetime, internet."
"Do you want pictures for your contacts?"
"Oh sure."
"Which ones do you want?" Addison gave him her phone to look through.
"Let's see, oh Zoey looks cute in that one, she can be the house number, how did you get a picture of Eliza actually smiling?"
"I have my ways." Addison said mysteriously.
"I'll definitely need that one, here's one of Bonzo, and Bree. Hmm." Zed continued scrolling for a few minutes.
"What's taking you so long slowpoke?"
"I can't choose just one picture of you, you look perfectly cute in every single one."
"Do you need my help?"
"No I think I found one." it was a picture that Addison had taken that very morning, she was holding Puppy and had a brilliant smile on her face.
"Oh yeah, I couldn't hold in the surprise so I told Bree about how adorable Puppy is and how excited I knew Zoey would be, so she then demanded a picture."
"I think both of you look adorable." Zed said, "So how do you send it to me?"
"I'll just do it." Addison said, taking her phone back.
Zed's phone vibrated, "Thanks Addie." he whispered as he began setting each contact.
"What else does it have…wow Eliza already downloaded the Mash playlist, and a bunch of my other favorite songs, sweet."
"That was thoughtful of her."
"Woah, Eliza put in something so it can connect to my Z-band."
"Let's try it out."
Zed connected his phone to his Z-band and felt both give a slight vibration as they paired up. Zed was surprised at how many options he now had. "Look Addison," he said as he continued to scroll, "it has all my biometric info, there's an exercise tracker, I can disable most of the restriction settings, I can even take it off myself. Or change the dosage levels."
"Hu hem," Addison coughed and Zed looked over and saw her disapproving look.
"No hacking my Z-band for games I promise."
"Good because you don't need to change anything about you."
Zed continued scrolling. He paused and had to read something over again. "Eliza I love you!" He whisper-yelled to himself.
"What is it?" Addison said laughing, "should I be jealous?"
"Absolutely not, because Eliza included one of the best possible features for us."
"And what is it?"
"I can turn off the active tracking feature of the Z-Band, and set it up so it looks like I'm somewhere else, so if your parents are ever out of town again and you want to have another sleepover…"
"You can still come over and they won't even know it." Addison finished for him in excitement.
"Exactly."
"Plus I'm just excited that we'll be able to talk at night, and it will be so much easier to make plans as a team. I will definitely be calling you every night before bed."
"I can't wait for it, it will be like you're with me 24/7 just a phone call away."
"Yeah and, YAAAAH." Addison let out an involuntary yawn. "Maybe it's past my bedtime too." she giggled.
"I can't have you missing your beauty sleep, not that you need it. Just relax here."
"Zed you know we can't."
"You know you want to."
"Yes I do but I also know what your dad expects from us." Addison pulled away from him reluctantly, but not before leaving him a lingering kiss on the lips. "Be a good boy and you'll get more tomorrow."
"Ruff Ruff, I'm a good boy." Zed said, he couldn't help but tuck Addison back into her sleeping bag, making sure she was comfortable and leaving her one more quick peck on the lips before he said, "Goodnight beautiful." And walking up the stairs, he just barely heard her "Goodnight." back to him.
Zed almost felt a physical pain as he walked up to his room, and it took everything in him to not sprint back down and throw his arms around Addison.
Zed was about to turn into his room as he saw Pops exiting his bedroom. "Don't worry Pops they're both down there fast asleep."
"And there's nothing I need to worry about right son? This was mostly a Zed and Addison patrol, just as much as checking on Zoey."
"Hey, they just settled down so I'm going to my room to sleep. All alone."
"Just what I like to see. I fully expected to have to come down and separate you two by force."
"Please we can control ourselves, and besides Zoey's down there, you think she would let us get away with anything in front of her? I couldn't even hold Addison's hand because she was sitting between us."
"Well goodnight son, I'm gonna go check on them anyway." Zevon said with a chuckle.
"Night Pops." Zed said, as he laid down in his bed, he attempted to sleep, but the thought of Addison downstairs, so close to him yet so far out of reach, made it impossible for him to relax as he felt the emptiness beside him. He felt like he couldn't resist the pull of knowing she was so close to him while he couldn't be with her.
About an hour later into the night as Zed was still tossing and turning, he heard a knock on his door, before it slowly opened.
"Zed are you awake?" Addison whispered
"Yeah I am, is there a problem?" Zed asked, sitting up and immediately alert.
"Nothings wrong it's just…" Addison paused, and if the light was on Zed would see her cheeks blushing scarlet. "I couldn't get to sleep downstairs and I can't stop thinking about you all alone up here, so can I sleep up here with you? I think it would help."
"I can't sleep either and you will always be welcome to join me." Zed said, happily pulling back his covers.
"Thanks, but I am setting an alarm so I can go back down early so your dad doesn't find out."
"You're so smart, you always think of everything." Zed said as he snaked his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him, and giving her a light kiss to her hair. while Addison snuggled deeper into his warm embrace. "Goodnight Addison."
"Goodnight Zed." Within moments both were sound asleep. Lulled into peaceful dreams by the heart beating beside them.
At 6:00 am the next morning Addison's alarm went off and she tried to leave the bed, but Zed was putting up a sleepy protest refusing to let go. "Come on Addie, stay with me," Zed begged, "just five more minutes?"
"No Zed we don't want to get caught remember. I love you, and I'll see you at breakfast." She gave him a kiss that distracted him enough that she was able to slip out and hurried stealthily back downstairs. She slid back into her sleeping bag and closed her eyes pretending to sleep, when not even 10 minutes later, Zoey was whispering to her. "Addison are you awake?"
"Yes Zoey I am." she said, opening her brilliant blue eyes and letting out a soft smile as she stretched her arms above her head.
"Did you sleep good?"
"You bet I did."