Addison glanced over her checklist one more time to make sure she had everything ready to go, while she was surrounded by excitedly cheering Mini Shrimp, and just as excited Mighty Shrimp to go along with them. She could barely control her own excitement either. Summer cheer camps had always been one of the highlights of her year, and while she had done more amazing things in the past year than she could have ever dreamed before, camp would always have a special place in her heart, and even more now that she knew she could expect a certain someone to be waiting for her tonight.
Bree and Bucky walked over to join her.
"Need anything from us Captain?" Bucky asked her.
"Yeah, actually you two can each take these." Addison handed each of her co-captains a clipboard with a pink sheet of paper. "Bree, can you go stand by the Mini Shrimps' bus and just make sure every kid is here that's supposed to be? And Bucky you can do the same with the high schoolers, just make sure everyone's here."
"You got it Addie." Both Bree and Bucky playfully saluted her and then Bucky happily blew his whistle to grab everyone's attention and started directing the crowd on where to go before he took his place beside the bus, while Bree walked over to the other bus and started letting the kids on.
Addison meanwhile hung back near the edge of the crowd so she could answer any last-minute questions from parents or anyone else that needed anything. There were a few questions, but Addison handled them all with ease.
But her already cheery smile grew even brighter when she saw two familiar green heads walk up to her along with Wyatt and Willow.
"Hey, you two. Zoey, aren't you excited?"
"You bet I am, I've been waiting for today practically all summer! And I know it will be even more fun than vacation!"
"I'm sure it'll be fun too, but I still think our vacation will be pretty hard to beat, don't you agree Zed?" Addison asked him.
"Oh yeah, I totally agree, especially since I can't go with you guys this time." Zed shot Addison a wink that wasn't hidden at all. Thankfully it was over Zoey's head, but Wyatt couldn't help himself from snorting with laughter.
"You ok there Wyatt?" Addison asked.
"Oh yeah. I'll be fine." Wyatt chuckled, "let's just say Eliza's already warned me about how Zed was like the last time you went to camp without him. I may have to call Wynter to help me bury him when he gets too mopey like last time."
"I know Zed was so mopey that week!" Zoey laughed out loud. "You should have seen him Willow unless he was playing with me, all he would talk about was how much he missed Addison. It was hilarious! And also a bit annoying."
"Yeah, don't worry Zoey, it's only three days, really more like two. Everything will be fine. But that won't stop me from giving both you and Addison the biggest goodbye hugs ever." Zed wrapped his arms around Zoey and lifted her up in the air.
"Ah! Zed, let me down!" Zoey screeched with laughter.
"Goodbye Zed!" Zoey shouted when he let her down. "Come on Willow let's go get on the bus. I hope we can sit by Kinzley and Gram!"
"Me too Zoey! This is going to be so much fun! Awooo!" Willow howled and then both girls took off toward the bus like a rocket.
"So, what exactly are the plans tonight?" Zed walked closer to Addison to give her a hug.
"Well, everyone has some free time from 7-8, and then it's lights out at 10, so I'd say we'll come to find you guys around 10:30 or so. Or Bonzo and Bree will join us at least for a bit and then go back to the lodge. But then I'll have to be up at 5:30 the next morning to make it back depending on where you guys put your campsite."
"We'll have it close as possible but where we aren't intruding. In fact, there's a human campground right next door to the cheer camp place." Wyatt told her. "That's where we're setting up our sleeping bags."
"And when are you guys heading out?"
"We're heading back to Zombietown right after this to get Eliza and then we're hiking out to the campground. Willa and Wynter will meet us on the way. I was in charge of making sure all the wolf cheerleaders made it here on time." Wyatt explained.
"Wait, you guys don't have to hike, the camp's like ten miles outside of town, I know that's no trouble for you, Wyatt, but I feel like Eliza might have some choice words for you," Addison warned him,
"Oh don't worry, she already made me and Zed promise to carry her if her draggy foot starts acting up," Wyatt reassured her.
"Well, how about you play it safe and just take my car?" Addison turned to dig her keys out of her duffel bag. "I think everything will be faster and everyone will be much happier. Plus I don't need my car this weekend."
"Sure thing Addie, you sure you can trust us?" Zed teased her as she handed him the keys.
"I trust you with anything, I already know you're a good driver, plus I'm sure all the rest of you would be great too," Addison added to Wyatt.
"It's fine, I know Eliza's parents have a car too now, but none of the wolves really need a car. I may have my license but the last time I drove was when I got my test. I'm perfectly happy with Zed or Eliza driving." Wyatt laughed.
"OK then. I guess this is goodbye." Addison said, turning back to Zed.
"Only for right now," Zed promised her. "I love you Addie." Zed leaned down to softly kiss her lips for just a moment.
"I love you too," Addison smiled up at him. "and I'll see you tonight," Addison whispered in his ear.
"I can't wait. Oh, should I pack one sleeping bag, or two?"
"Hmmm." Addison thought for a minute, "you decide, but if we can fit together, I see no reason you should overpack when you don't have to." Addison's eyes sparkled.
"I'm sure we can do it, it might be a tight squeeze, I hope you don't mind close quarters."
"If I have to share with you, I think I'll manage."
"Hey Zeddison!" Wyatt called out with a chuckle, "You two might want to remember where you are, and just how many werepup and little zombie ears there are around here."
That was enough to break Zed and Addison out of their bubble, but when they looked around, no one else seemed to be paying any extra attention to them thankfully.
"Thanks, Wyatt, I'll see you when we get back," Addison said, a bit overenthusiastically.
"Right." Wyatt winked obviously at her. "I'll miss you too Addison."
"See you Gorgeous," Zed said.
"Bye Zed." Addison finally stepped away, by now just about all the other cheerleaders were already on their buses, and raring to go.
"Bree, Bucky," Addison called out. "Is everyone on?"
"Yep, everyone's accounted for." Bree nodded.
"And they're all ready for the best summer cheer camp ever!" Bucky added.
"Alrighty, let's go!" Addison cheered.
The three captains got on their own bus, Bucky sat in the front seat and Addison joined him, while Bree joined Bonzo across the aisle. They were soon on their way, and Bucky and Addison took the chance to catch up with each other.
"So Cuz, how's your life been going? I almost never see you outside of cheer practice anymore." Addison asked him.
"Oh you know, working at the museum is still great. And there hasn't been any drama lately with Mom and Dad, although I hear you and Zed aren't afraid to stir up some trouble." Bucky teased her.
"How did you hear about that? Did my mom say something to your mom?"
"No." Bucky started grinning widely, "I just guessed, now spill Cuz. What happened between you and Zed?"
"Wait, what are you talking about?"
"Well, OK I didn't really hear anything, but I figured if I acted like something interesting happened, that's how I would get the best gossip. Now are you going to spill?"
"It's nothing Bucky, you know I went on vacation a few weeks ago with Zed's family," Addison said evasively.
"I'm sure it is, that's why you're blushing right?" Bucky pointed out, which made Addison's face feel even warmer.
"It's nothing you need to worry about Bucky. Everything with Zed is just as great as it always is."
"If you say so." Bucky let the matter drop, "Should I be on the lookout for twenty love letters in the mail again for the next three days? Or should I be watching out for a certain fullback showing up at camp?"
Addison shook her head, "No, we talked about it and we know we'll be alright with only 2-3 days apart. I know everyone thinks we're crazy, which we are. We're crazy for each other, but we aren't that bad."
"OK then if you say so. I actually have a bet going with the Aceys over whether he's going to try to sneak into Cheer Camp or not."
"Seriously Bucky?"
"Yep, now because I know you so well, I know my favorite cousin would never let anything distract her from something as important as Mini Shrimp Cheer Camp, and Tracey agrees with me. But Stacey, Jacey, and Lacey think that even if you specifically told him not to, that wouldn't stop him from showing up and convincing you to meet him, but I bet that's ridiculous. Am I right?"
"Oh yeah, ridiculous. But enough teasing about me and Zed, Cuz, have you found anyone yet?" Addison attempted to change the subject.
"No, I'm a cheer god, I don't need anyone, plus everyone loves me already, I can't be too greedy." Bucky waved the idea off.
Addison shook her head at him, "come on, there isn't anyone for you? Not even the Aceys? Didn't you go to Prawn with Lacey?"
"No," Bucky look almost scandalized, "all four of them are my best friends, and do I adore them? Yes, just as much as they adore me. And we all went to Prawn as a group, and when we went we decided to have three of us in blue, and two in pink. You know we could have had an even split if you were an Acey."
"I'll always be Addison, Bucky."
"I know, I'm just messing with you, but no, I don't need one person when I have everyone to love me. Besides, to be worthy of my cheer-godliness, I require the absolute best of the best. They'd have to be out of this world. And care just as much about being the best as I do."
"You know what? I'm sure there's someone out there for you too Bucky."
"I'm sure there is too Addison, but cheer will always hold my heart first and foremost."
"I'm sure you'll understand someday." Addison sighed as her mind drifted to Zed once again, she knew she only saw him about a half hour ago, but she was already anticipating tonight.
Bucky and Addison continued to enjoy their bus ride, Bucky even brought up how when Addison had been gone, he and his parents had dinner at her house one night, and if there was one member of the Necrodopolis household his mom actually liked. It was Puppy, who had really worked his charm on her, so much that now even his mom, who was just as much of a neat freak as Missy was around the house was seriously considering getting a dog of her own.
Addison just laughed, she figured it was physically impossible to not fall in love with Puppy, even though she felt the same for the rest of his family too.
Once they finally arrived at the camp once again, Addison, Bree, and Bucky were quick to make sure everyone was organized and knew what needed to be done, mainly getting all the kids divided into groups that would be led by two to three cheerleaders each and then sending everyone into the main lodge so they could all claim their sleeping spots and set down all their bags.
She smiled as she watched Zoey confidently walk next to Bonzo and Lacey as they led her and a pack of her friends. Most of the groups were completely random, but Addison may have made sure to give Zoey a group of her best friends that were in cheer. She somewhat wished that she could be with Zoey's group the whole time, but she, Bree, and Bucky were all busy leading everyone that they wouldn't get their own groups this weekend, but even though she had somewhere else she was excited to be in a few hours, she didn't want to miss too much of camp.
After triple checking that everyone was sorted and on their way inside the lodge, the three captains rushed to unload all of their things in their rooms, (being the captain had some perks) before running back outside and unrolling a giant Mighty Shrimp Themed breakaway banner. And they made it just in time, only about thirty seconds after Bucky and Addison got it completely unrolled, the first kids started coming out, a few of them quickly started dashing for the banner, but Bree, who was still at the top of the hill with them, blew her whistle to grab their attention.
"Hold on Mini Shrimp!" Bree was borrowing Addison's megaphone for the moment. "Wait for everyone to get back out here!"
They all waited patiently, but even from fifty feet away, Addison was pretty sure she could see most of them vibrating with excitement.
"OK, now that everyone's here, we want to welcome all of you to the 51st annual Mini Shrimp Summer Cheer Camp!" Bree announced and was met with a roar of applause, cheers of excitement, and fired-up howls. "So this weekend is going to be 3 days full of so much fun, and also hard work because we know that someday all of you are going to be Mighty Shrimp just all of your group leaders. We have a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it, so we're going to get started right away. At the bottom of this hill behind Captain Bucky and Captain Addison is a stage where we're going to have our first practice. But to make it there you need to break through that banner with the brightest cheertastic smiles on your faces, and then when you get down to the stage you can find your groups and we can begin!"
Bree paused for a moment. "Are you ready?"
"YEAH!" About 50 mini shrimp cheered.
"Then On your mark…" Bree stepped off to the side, most of them may still be mini, but she wasn't in the mood to be run over by the stampede. "Get Set…GO!" And then she blew her whistle to set them off.
All the kids took off at a dead sprint down the hill, a few of the werewolves were slightly ahead, but only barely, all of them were moving so fast, Addison could barely count to ten before all the kids were tearing through the banner like it wasn't even there. She had just enough time to brace herself before they made contact and if the paper wasn't so weak, the pole she was holding on the end probably would have flown out of her hands.
All the kids howled and cheered some more, but with one whistle from Bree gathering their focus again was easy and everyone spread around the stage in groups of five with their leaders to begin the stretching routine and other warmups.
Addison walked around through all the groups checking in with everyone, but even though it had been a few months since the Mini Shrimp had their last practice, they all knew what to do like second nature. Most of the kids she talked to, were mostly excited to see her again, or to be back at cheer camp with all their friends and were happy to share just how excited they were.
Eventually, Addison made it to Zoey's group and checked in with them. "Hey, you guys how's everything here?"
"Grreat!" Bonzo grinned and shot Addison a thumbs-up while he was in the middle of stretching out his hamstrings.
"Addison! What's everything we're going to do this weekend?" Zoey asked excitedly.
"We're going to have a whole lot of fun and everyone will get to learn a new cheer. Addison promised evasively, but that's all I'm saying right now Zoey, I don't want to ruin the surprise."
"Even for me?" Zoey asked, giving her best puppy dog eyes.
"Yes, even for you Zoey." Addison laughed, "And don't you think if Zed can't break me on surprises, that you can? Especially when I know you love surprises."
"OK, But no hints at all?"
"You're just like your brother, aren't you?" Addison teased her, "always wanting a hint."
"But we're both cute enough to convince you, aren't we?" Zoey asked, "especially since I'm much cuter than he is." Zoey kept smiling up at her.
"You're the cutest little zombie I know Zoey, but for this, you'll just have to wait like everyone else. A good cheerleader is patient enough to know when to dance and when to hold a pose, Right?"
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Zoey admitted, "but can I see you later?"
"Of course, you will Zoey. I'll make sure to see you at dinnertime ok?"
"OK!" Zoey's smile brightened again.
"See you later everyone. Keep stretching out good, we only have a few minutes left before we really start." Addison waved at them and walked past the last few groups to check in with them, and everyone was doing just as great.
Then Addison blew her whistle, and with the help of her wonderful co-captains, she started leading the combined squads through their first routines, most of them were cheers they had learned a few months ago to start out with, and just about all of the Mini shrimp were proving that once a cheerleader, they were always a cheerleader, and they were all fired up, and it was much more at play than just the music giving them energy.
The rest of the afternoon flew by quickly and before everyone knew it, it was time for dinner, and the easiest thing that was guaranteed to satisfy the wide variety of tastes and guaranteed to be loved by all kids, was pizza, and none of them lasted very long with all the hungry cheerleaders attacking them. Being cheertastic builds up quite the appetite.
A few hours later after all the kids were settled down for the night and all the older cheerleaders were ready for bed as well, Bree and Addison snuck out of the room they were sharing and tiptoed their way past Bucky's door right beside them but seems they had stealth on their side since the only other cheerleader that saw them was Bonzo when he joined them right outside the front door.
They crept through the empty campground, it was already late and dark outside, but the moon was shining enough that Bree and Addison had no difficulties navigating the grassy hills that surrounded the camp. Addison pulled out her phone and checked Zed's location to help them navigate. And just like Wyatt had said, their campsite was only about a football field away from where the edge of the woods that surrounded the cheer camp began.
So it wasn't long before they arrived to see a small fire pit dug into the ground that was just barely burning enough to produce heat, but not enough to cause any stress for anyone, with how many campouts and visits to the Wolf Den they had had, even Bonzo was perfectly fine with it as long as he had Bree with him. Plus he knew it was pretty much guaranteed smores would be part of the party tonight.
When they joined the circle of various tree stumps and logs they were using as benches, Zed immediately stood up and circled around the rest of his friends to wrap Addison up in a hug. "There you are! What took you so long?"
"We had to make sure everyone else was asleep silly." Addison giggled and hugged him back.
"Alright, I get it. Stealth is pretty important tonight. We don't want anyone to know about wild beasts in the woods." Zed joked.
"I think that secret's been out since the last time we were here Zed." Addison laughed, "I even made sure to remind Bucky to not use the same monster story as last time, but he told a much better one."
"What's that?"
"Oh it's nothing, just an old legend us cheerleaders have about why we have the Mighty Shrimp as our mascot."
"Oh now, this I've got to hear. So just what was the great inspiration, or let me guess how Bucky put it, Cheerspiration?" Eliza shook her head in exasperation.
"Actually yeah, how'd you know that Eliza? Is our cheeriness rubbing off on you?" Bree teased her.
"You know, you're always welcome to try out," Addison added.
"Yeah, no thanks, while I do agree your cheeriness is contagious, I would like to add so is pink eye, so I'll play it safe and pass."
"Well if you ever change your mind…"
"I highly doubt that's going to happen, Addison, besides I think you already have plenty of cheerleaders that can do the zombie tilt. You don't need me, and I don't need a prissy pink cheer uniform."
"Alright, we get it Eliza." Addison backed down, and instead leaned in closer to Zed with a yawn, "Woah, sorry guys," Addison rubbed her eyes, "I know the three of us just got here, but it's been a long day today."
"We understand. We all watched you guys for a little bit, and I'm impressed, I knew the wolves that have been going to your practices in the morning were always learning so much, but even the pups cheer like it's second nature to them. You two are both natural leaders, maybe even Bucky…a little bit." Willa admitted and grinned.
"Thanks, Willa, that means a lot coming from you, but we're great leaders because we work together and with Bucky." Addison smiled at Bree, "and we also have the greatest team ever."
"I'm sure you do." Willa nodded respectfully.
Zed hugged Addison slightly tighter to his side, "you know if you're that tired already, we could just get our shut-eye now." He whispered in her ear.
"Zed, I love you and can't wait to be with you, and I know I have to get up early tomorrow, but I do want to have fun with all my friends." Addison playfully elbowed him in the side.
"OK, I can be patient."
"Oh yeah, we've all heard that before." Eliza rolled her eyes at him. "So Addison just what do you want to do?"
"I don't know, by chance do you have smores?"
"When do we not have smores?" Wyatt grinned and quickly passed out several sticks with marshmallows already speared on the ends.
"We've already had plenty, but there's always room for smore." Wynter laughed happily, even while Willa noticeably growled at the joke.
So they sat around roasting marshmallows and crunching down on smores, Addison, Bree, and Bonzo happily shared how fun cheer camp was so far, but eventually, Bree glanced down at her watch and realized how late it was.
"Sorry guys, but Bonzo and I should really go back if we still want to be all cheery bright and early tomorrow."
"Yeah Bree, you're probably right." Addison yawned again. "You know what Zed? I think I'll take you up on your offer now."
"I won't argue with that," Zed promised her.
"So Addison what time are you going to try to make it back?" Bree asked her.
"I'm going to set my alarm for 5:30 and then hopefully I'll be back before Bucky will want to get up at 6 so we're ready to wake everyone one else up and get them going."
"OK, then. Let me know when you get back in the morning Addison."
"Don't worry Bree, I'll make sure she's safe and sound," Zed promised.
"Oh yes, how could she possibly survive walking through a quarter mile of woods without a big strong man to protect her." Eliza teased him.
"I won't complain. Thanks, Bree, goodnight you two." Addison waved them goodbye.
"Grood Nochez!" Bonzo waved to everyone, and then he and Bree walked back off through the woods.
"Right this way." Zed pulled Addison up and walked her a few steps away, "I found ze perfect spot."
"Oh really? Now you've got my expectations up."
"Well, don't put them too high, we're still in the woods," Zed warned her. "But look!" Zed spread his arms wide dramatically, to reveal a sleeping bag and a pillow lying in a grassy patch of moonlight.
"Don't worry, I made sure there aren't any sticks and stones or anything else, and… "Zed pointed at another bundle resting beside his backpack, "I did still bring a second sleeping bag, just in case, but I'm hopeful we won't need it.
Addison thought for a moment before smiling. "I'm sure we'll be fine, as long as I'm with you, I always feel like I'm sleeping on a cloud."
"You say that now, let's just see how this works." Zed smiled back, then looked down at the sleeping bag like he was trying to measure something in his head before turning back to Addison "Um, how do you think this should work?"
"Well, you're bigger so you go first, and then I'll see if I can squeeze in," Addison suggested.
"OK then." Zed grinned, he laid down in the sleeping bag and then zipped it up to about his waist level.
"Come on in Addie. I need you with me."
"And I need you too." Addison crawled in so that she was lying on top of Zed. Her legs tangled with his and she held her head up above his chest, while placing her hands on his shoulders.
"You good Addison?"
"Yep, I get to spend all night wrapped up with you don't I?"
"Yes you are. You aren't getting away from me now." Zed reached down and slowly zipped up the sleeping bag closed all the way, as he did so, Zed and Addison gradually felt themselves being pressed tighter and tighter together until she could feel the pulse of Zed's heart beating against her chest.
Addison scooted up, bringing herself level with his face to look directly into his eyes that were still able to sparkle in the moonlight, while the rest of her was pressed tightly against Zed, her nose just barely hovering over his. And once Zed finished zipping up the sleeping bag, she could feel his arms snaking around her waist.
"Now you're trapped with me until morning. I'm not letting you go now." Zed joked, his breath warm against her face.
"I don't want it any other way." Addison leaned down to capture his lips with her own, and with no room to move, they had nowhere to go, and no reason at all to separate any more than absolutely necessary. They quickly fell into a loving, confident rhythm with much more than just their lips. Addison started to feel a familiar warmth begin spreading through her, the kind that filled her whenever she was with Zed in their most private moments.
After a good long while, Addison did finally break away and managed to pull herself back as much as she physically could, and meeting Zed's eyes again, she knew he got the message too that she had enough, and she really needed to get to sleep soon. Maybe this wasn't the best idea, because as long as Zed was with her, she could stay up all night.
"Gar Gar Gaza Zed."
"Gar Gar Gaza Addie. Are you comfortable like that? Just laying on top of me? Or do you want us to try something else?"
"I think this is perfect Zed. As long as you're ok with being my bed for tonight?"
"If I had to, I would gladly sleep out in the woods every night of the year if it meant I got to spend it with you."
"I believe you." Addison stretched her neck forward to meet his lips one more time, "but I really need to get to sleep now if I want to have any energy tomorrow."
"Whatever you need, I'll give it to you," Zed promised her. "I love you Addie, goodnight."
"Goodnight, I love you too."
This time Zed bent his head forward to capture Addison's lips one more time before resting his head back on his pillow and closing his eyes.
Meanwhile, Addison scooted further back into the sleeping bag, and with her hands still circled around the top of his shoulders, she laid her head down on his chest, her ear sitting right over his slow, strong heart. Every breath he took, and every beat she heard seemed to relax and calm her down further and further until she drifted off into sleep.
Early the next morning, Fired Up started loudly ringing through the forest. Both Zed and Addison's eyes shot open, and they both started wiggling against each other to try to reach for it, but with both of them moving they weren't really getting anywhere except more tangled up in the sleeping bag.
Addison though was eventually able to grab her phone from the ground and shut off the alarm.
"Really? That's your alarm? Why do I feel like all the times we spent the night together I never knew that?" Zed asked with a still slightly bleary smile.
"Cause whenever I'm with you, I want to wake up slowly feeling you around me." Addison's arms moved in a circular motion around his chest. "But today I actually do have a time limit. So I have to get going."
"Not without this." Zed stretched his neck up to catch Addison's lips before she could even react. "You need your good morning kiss after all."
"Yeah I did, but don't get any ideas buster, if we start anything Bucky is definitely going to catch one of us."
"And I know, you don't want to get in trouble. Let's get you back to camp Gorgeous." Zed reached for the zipper and opened up the sleeping bag so they could both slide out. Addison quickly made sure she had everything she brought with her and then they walked hand in hand through the woods and back towards the camp.
"Zed, were you comfortable last night?"
"Well, it obviously wasn't my bed, but you will always be worth it. Were you comfortable all night?"
"Of course I was, I had the best pillow/teddy bear I could ever ask for." Addison rested her head against Zed's arm.
"Great, think you can handle one more night?"
"For you? I can handle a lot more than that. It was just as great as always."
Once they made it back to the Cheer Camp area, they quickly ran into the main lodge, but Addison stopped Zed before he could open the door.
"I don't think so Zed, if Bucky or Zoey see you, we're caught for sure."
"I know you're right, and I promise none of us will get in your cheerleaders' way. You're going to have everyone rocking it."
"You bet we will. I love you." Addison gave him a good morning kiss of her own.
"I love you too," Zed replied, turning around to start jogging back to where everyone else was still sleeping.
Addison watched him leave and then entered the main lodge, walking as carefully and quietly as possible through the hallways. She finally made it back to the room she shared with Bree, and slowly opened the door. And when she did, she couldn't help smiling.
With the early morning sunrise beaming through the window, there was just enough light in the room to make out Bree and Bonzo cuddled up together on Bree's bed. Bree's head was resting in the crook of Bonzo's elbow, and they just looked so cute together, she didn't want to ruin the moment and wake them up.
But the choice was taken out of her hands when Bree's alarm started going off and they both woke up. They both stretched themselves out a bit and smiled at each other for a few moments.
"Gruenos diaz." Bonzo said to Bree, smiling brightly.
"Good morning to you too Bonzo." Bree smiled back at him. "We better get up before Addison gets back."
"Um, actually you two, I'm already here." Addison waved to grab their attention. They both flinched in surprise for a moment and then Bree started blushing.
"Ohh! Addison! Its…this was…."
"No need to explain anything Bree." She pointed at the door over her shoulder. "My boyfriend's camped out half a mile away in the middle of the woods so we can spend the night together. I'm the last person to judge you." She smiled brightly, "Accept telling you two how cute you are."
"Thanks Addison. But Bonzo, you really should probably go before anyone else wakes up." Bree said, still blushing madly.
"OKZ. Verr latarr!" Bonzo and Bree untangled themselves, stood up for the bed, and met each other for a hug, and then Bonzo slowly crept out of the room, heading back to the room he was supposed to be in.
"So Addison..."
"Bree really, you don't need to worry. I know I'm literally the last person that can say anything. I know exactly how comforting it is to fall asleep wrapped in your zombie boyfriend's arms."
"OK, so I assume you slept as good as I did? Or was camping out in the woods about as fun as it sounds? All that dirt." Bree shuddered.
'Don't worry, all I need is Zed and I'll be happy. And that's all I'll say on the matter."
Bree and Addison both quickly ran to the showers to freshen up for the day and then headed back to their room to get ready, and right on time, Bucky knocked on their door.
"Are you two ready for another cheertastic day?" Bucky asked them.
"You bet Bucky. Let's do this!" Addison cheered.
Just like everything else at cheer camp, even waking everyone up was a big deal. Bucky was happy to play some pepped-up music full blast as well as grabbing everyone's attention with his personal megaphone to make sure they all got out of bed ready for the day.
Then once all the kids and older cheerleaders ate a delicious breakfast it was back to the grind. But it was still the time of Addison's life. While they of course cheered plenty over the next few days, there were still plenty of other fun things for everyone to do, from attempting the cheerleader obstacle course, or going swimming in the nearby lake, everything they did was just as much about team bonding as it was about creating the perfect cheers.
Addison's heart lit up seeing all the cheerleaders, but especially Zoey, her enthusiasm was way too infectious, she was more than just a natural cheerleader, she was also a great leader for her friends in every activity. Addison honestly couldn't wait to see everything Zoey would do in the future. She wasn't only taking down every new move or cheer with ease, but she was also an excellent teacher for her friends when they struggled with a difficult move.
Addison did laugh out loud at one point, as Zoey must have somehow convinced Bonzo to let her and her friends bury him in the sand so only his head was showing. Neither Bree nor Addison could contain their laughter at seeing that sight. Or hold themselves back from taking plenty of pictures until Bonzo dug himself out to chase them around the beach.
She never saw any sign of Zed or the rest of her friends that were camping out, which was probably for the best as neither Bucky nor Zoey were any wiser than they were here. Later that night Addison, Bree, and Bonzo once again hung out for a little while before everyone went to sleep, Bree and Bonzo once again heading back, while Addison cuddled up with Zed once again, which she would never get enough of, thankfully she once again made it back, and surprised Bree and Bonzo again when she did.
The next day went off without a hitch as well, and before she knew it, Addison had the whole group of excited cheerleaders gathered in front of her, Bucky and Bree. Taking a deep breath, she smiled brightly. "Good job, no, not just a good job, you were all absolutely cheertastic this week, and we couldn't be prouder of all of you, the cheerleaders of today and tomorrow!"
"Yep I agree, the future of the Mighty Shrimp will continue to shine bright as my smile for years to come!" Bucky added. "And its all because of your hard work and dedication to be the best of the best."
"And also because you all want to be on the best, most united squad in the world that cares about every single one of your teammates, none of this could happen without every single one of you giving it your all!" Bree joined in.
"So everyone, let's give ourselves a round of applause for keeping up our record of holding the best Mini Shrimp Summer Cheer Camp for the 51st year in a row!" Addison cheered.
"YEAAH!" Everyone cheered and clapped along in a massive round of applause.
"OK, that's all we've got. Everyone make sure to check that you have absolutely everything you've brought with you." She looked down at her watch. "We have about 45 minutes until the buses are going to leave and we can head back home."
"So for now, all we need to say is…Let's Go Mighty Shrimp!" Bucky cheered to another round of applause, and then it really became a madhouse as everyone started rushing back inside the lodge to pack all their bags.
So then, 45 minutes later, Addison was once again sitting beside Bucky on the bus home. And this time, she was reasonably certain she didn't have to expect any surprises showing up outside her window.
"So Addison, we made it." Bucky sighed in happiness.
"Yeah we did." Addison nodded her head.
"And let me guess, you're counting down the minutes until you see Zed again? Am I right?" Bucky had a teasing grin on his face.
"Oh yeah, definitely. It's been so long already." Addison said while smiling. Even though it wasn't as long as Bucky thought it was, any time away from Zed made her miss him. She honestly was counting down the minutes.
"Well even if you were missing him these for the three days you were apart, you didn't let it show for a minute. I don't think anything could take the cheerthusiasm out of you Addison. You were on point every single day."
"Thanks Bucky you were great too. I know everyone had lots of fun this week, including me, and you were a big part of it too."
"Thanks Addison, but even I can admit you and Bree really ran the show, I was just following your lead most of the time, and it really was the best summer cheer camp ever."
"Thanks Bucky, the important thing is that we did it together."
"You know we did. Nothing can take us down. And in another 10ish years when Zoey's captain, those Eels won't even show their faces in Seabrook."
"I was thinking that too. I can't wait to see everything she, but also just what all of them will do." Addison nodded excitedly.
Addison and Bucky continued their animated discussion and it allowed the minutes Addison was still counting down in her head to just fly by and before long they were back at school.
This of course meant that Bree, Bucky, and Addison had one more job of making sure all the kids found their parents and all the cheer gear they brought with them was properly stowed away, and pretty soon it was just them, Bonzo, the Aceys, Zoey and…
"Zed!" Addison happily hugged him immediately after walking out of the gym for the last time. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too." Zed smiled down at her and pressed his lips against the top of her head.
"Seriously you two? It's only been three days."
"Are you saying you didn't miss me too Zoey?" Zed asked.
"Maybe just a little," Zoey admitted and wrapped her arms around Zed's legs. "But I was having so much fun. Like did you know there's a giant obstacle course there? I got to climb the wall, and ride a zipline, and also play in the mud. It was so fun!"
"You'll have to tell me and Pops all about it Zoey." Zed smiled down at her. "And I don't suppose Addison will give us a ride?"
"Of course, I will. See you later Bucky, Aceys." Addison waved at them. "Bree, Bonzo, do you need a ride?"
"Yes please." Bree and Bonzo both nodded.
"See yah Cuz!"
"Bye captains!" The Aceys waved and then the five of them walked over to Bucky's van.
After a quick drive over to Zombietown, Bonzo gave Bree one more hug before hopping out, while Zoey quickly ran inside the door, excited to see Puppy again.
Zed turned to Addison to give her one more kiss on the cheek. "I'm glad Zoey didn't notice or ask why my bags were in your trunk already." He grinned at her.
"She's just still way too excited, every part of this weekend was so much fun."
"You know it was."
"Um Zed, do you really think your dad isn't going to suspect anything?" Bree asked from the backseat.
"I'm pretty sure he knows it wasn't a coincidence that I went camping with the wolves the same weekend Addison went away to cheer camp, but he can't prove anything, and he let me go in the first place, so I think we're good. And I went camping with the wolves, just like I said I would."
"I hope he doesn't ask too many questions."
"Don't worry Addie, everything's gonna be fine," Zed said confidently.
"Ain't no doubt about it." Addison agreed, "but you better get in there, or else my parents are going to have questions of their own about why I'm not home yet."
"We don't want that do we?" Zed grinned, "I love you, Addison, I'll call you later."
"Talk to you soon then, and I love you too," Addison replied and then Zed hopped out of the car and grabbed his stuff before heading to his door.
"Ready to go home Bree?"
"Yep, and Addison, I think I'm starting to feel a bit like you."
"What do you mean?" Addison glanced back at Bree in the rearview mirror while she drove off.
"I'm already missing going to bed without Bonzo tonight. How do you two do it?"
"Oh Bree, trust me, I could tell you some stories." Addison laughed.