The morning of the first day of school goes surprisingly well. Unsurprisingly, humans stick with humans and zombies stick with zombies even though they all share classes together. Well, that's one thing that should make her mom happier. Addison shivers just thinking about it. Breakfast hadn't been a bad; it had been a fucking roadkill.
AZAZAZ
Her father had been on his phone, arguing with someone and his alpha voice had been spilling out of his every word. Even though it hadn't been directed to her, Addison had to take a moment to compose herself. Alpha voices were the ban of her existence. They sent her instincts in a frenzy. Every. Single. Time. The few days after she'd presented had been the worst. Thankfully, Bree's dad had told her parents she'd gotten sick over the weekend, and they hadn't look too close at her behaviour. For months, she had felt like she was walking on eggshells wherever she went. Nowadays though she had gotten skilled at hiding and controlling her reactions. Finally, her dad had grumbled something about work and had left after wishing her a good first day.
Without her husband to complain to, her mother had turned to her. For a politician, she sure was oblivious to the fact that Addison didn't give a damn. Her mom had started by complaining about integration not according to plan. So apparently it really had been in the plans. The big wrench in her mother's plans being that human and zombie students had meant to be separated by fences and classes in the basement. Addison had rolled her eyes behind her back because that wasn't really integration. The Zombietown High incident had garnered too much attention for that, and they couldn't just half-ass it. Then she had gotten on her case about the try-outs.
"Addison, I can't believe you went over Nancy." Her mother chided.
"Let me guess her mother called you." Addison sighed, stabbing a piece of melon with her fork with more strength than necessary.
"Addison, what were you expecting? I can't believe that you tried to pull this?"
"It's Timothy! I was not asking a perfect stranger, mom." She chewed thoughtfully. "I thought he might like to stay on the squad."
"He's an omega, dear, and Nancy is his betrothed alpha. Of course he wants to do what she wants."
Addison stops breathing for a fleeting moment. She knows she's gaping at her mother. She can't be serious. Does she really think that omegas just want what their alpha wants? That they suddenly cease to have any personality?
"You don't understand because you're a beta, darling. Alphas and omegas share a special bond."
Addison, suddenly feeling sick, pushes her bowl away from her. She perfectly understands… That her hometown thinks omegas are brainless and incompetent. It's not a special bond, it's fucking brainwashing! And anywhere else in this stupid country it would probably be considered abuse. Addison pulls a face.
"What would you have me do then?"
"I just don't understand why you had to kick her off the team. Think about it, Addison. Your little omega friend would be back on the team as well."
"She consciously let a girl fall."
"You mean a zombie."
"Yes, mom. A zombie. A zombie omega. A bonded zombie omega."
"Hmph. Maybe her alpha should protect her better."
"You really want the press to learn that the school endorses a human alpha injuring a bonded zombie omega when we're supposed to be integrating."
Her mother purses her lips but, just like Addison thought, she doesn't argue. Her mom can't handle bad PR, appearances are the most important thing for her.
AZAZAZ
So far so good, everyone is getting alone. Hard not to when everyone is staying with their own people. Addison walks into the cafeteria and groans. There might not be any fences, but there's an invisible line in there, just like in the classrooms. Soft pinks and baby blues on the right, dark greens and deep maroons on the left. Besides her, Bree makes a vaguely agreeing noise from beside her. They grab their food trays and head towards their usual table, smack in the middle of pastels.
"Hey, cheerleader!"
Addison stops right in her tracks. Even if she didn't recognize his voice, she'd still know that she's the one being called out. She turns on her heels, cocking her hip to face the zombie alpha.
"Jock. Anything I can help with you with?"
"Can't a guy say hello?"
Addison narrows his eyes at him, suspicious. Zed's slow heartbeat speeds up at the fire in her eyes. It wasn't a fluke. She really is that stubborn.
"Maybe you should have opened with that then."
He winks at her, smirking when she rolls her eyes.
"Why hello there, cheerleader."
Addison huffs, but she can hear Bree's bubbly giggle at her side.
"Hello, jock."
A snort draws Addison's attention to the rest of the table. Izobel is holding a hand to her face, evidently very amused by their interaction.
"Hey Izobel! How's your ankle?"
"I wouldn't risk any gymnastic, but I can walk on it without trouble."
"That's great news!"
Addison grins widely at the zombie. She's really relieved to her she's doing well; she still can't believe what Nancy tried to pull off.
"I should be top shape for practice."
"You shouldn't push it," Bree pipes up.
Everyone at the table turns to look at her. She flushes.
"Hi! I'm Bree. We didn't get to do introductions yesterday," Bree waves shyly but happily.
"You're on the team too," Izobel realizes.
"Yup! Since freshman year, but I didn't mind the try-outs. Addie and I have been best friends for like … ten years. OMG! Not that it has anything to do with me being on the team. That came out wrong." Bree stumbles on her last words as she realizes exactly how it sounds.
Zed chuckles at how flustered the omega girl—Bree—is.
"You girls want to sit with us?"
Zed doesn't know who's the most shocked. His friends, the two human girls or himself. Sitting beside him, Eliza growls in warning, but he ignores her, keeping his focus solely on Addison. She's staring at him, and he can't keep the smirk off his mouth.
Addison is aware that she's somewhat gaping at the boy in front of her, but she just can't help it. There are so many reasons why she should say no. There's the obvious like the fact that they're zombies and the less obvious like the fact that Bree and she are two omegas sitting with unfamiliar alphas. Through all of that, Zed's gaze is challenging. He's daring her to accept his offer. Not because of their dynamics—thank goodness he's in the dark about that—but because he can, the smirking asshole.
He's daring her to sit with zombies, daring her to upset Seabrook's perfect status quo. She knows what she should do, knows what everyone expects her to do. But more important than that, she wants to wipe that smirk off his face. Addison places her tray on the table and sits, sending the alpha a cheeky smile. Their eyes lock together. Addison is vaguely conscious of Bree sitting down next to her, but she's not breaking first.
Neither is Zed for that fact. He has no idea why he keeps riling her up, but he just can't stop himself. In the end, Eliza elbows him in the ribs; years of friendship dictate he has to glare at her. He doesn't wince when he realizes that he broke eye contact first, but it's a close thing.
Addison feels pretty smug when she wins, that is until she's suddenly hyperaware of how silent the cafeteria is. And, of course, people are going to make a big deal out of this. As always, she refuses to give in to people's expectations. She starts on her salad, resolutely ignoring the silence. They can waste their lunch period, but she won't. Around the table, others start eating again and they get back to their conversations. Addison sends a mental thank you that zombies are, apparently, indifferent to her breaking all the rules.
Eventually, the staring dies down. Even though she can hear the whispers, she's not too worried. Maybe she would have two years ago, when Bucky was still in charge and she'd been terrified of being labelled as different. It all changed when she presented. Where she thought it would make her crumble, it actually made her stronger, more confident. Sure she still hides her hair, but that's like her dynamic: Seabrook sucks and it's nobody's business. There's a tap on her shoulder, forcing her to turn to look at the culprit. Her eyes narrow at him; he's Izobel's alpha.
"Hi," he says. "I'm Enzo. I just wanted to apologize for the try-outs."
"Really?" Addison raises a perfectly plucked eyebrow. An alpha apologizing to a beta, now she'll have seen everything.
"Yeah."
"Thank you," she finally says. She's being honest too. "It can't happen again, though."
"I know. Izo read me the riot act last night. If I don't behave, she won't let me in a fifty-foot radius of cheer and I get to sleep on the floor." His tone reveals he's greatly entertained and the look he sends his omega his fond.
Around the table, there are snorts and good nature teasing. Addison's head is spinning. Omegas aren't supposed to boss alphas around. She chances a look at Bree who seems just as perplexed. Enzo is still looking at her though.
"Right. Don't distract my team and we won't have any problems you and I."
Enzo as well as Izobel are beaming at her. She can't take it, so she looks away. Her eyes meet with Zed and he's studying her like she's a math problem he has to solve. She's flustered, but she refuses to let it show.
"Can I help with something?"
Zed startles at her words but the jerk has the audacity to chuckle at her.
"Nah. All good, cheerleader."
Part of her wants to roll her eyes and part of her wants to smile so she doesn't do anything. She keeps her face neutral and turns to talk to Bree. She's not all that hungry she thinks as she plays with the food that's left on her plate. She's listening to Bree go on about cheerleading when her eyes fall on Zed's tray. His plate has been picked clean and he's looking enviously at the cupcake on his friend's tray. She can't explain what possesses her to do it, but her fingers move before she's aware of it. Only then does she get up. The movement gathers the attention of Z—the others.
"Sorry I've got to meet with Principal Lee," Addison explains. She doesn't owe anyone any explanation, but she does it anyway.
"See you around, cheerleader."
"Bye, jock."
Addison is not surprised when Bree follows her away from the table, then out of the cafeteria. She can't even say she's not expecting it when Bree grabs her arm the second they're alone.
"I saw that."
"It's nothing."
"Huh, Huh."
It does not mean anything, damn it!
Still, she wonders if he'll be happy about it.
Zed's gaze follows Addison as she leaves and it's not because he's disappointed. No, really! it's only because one can't not stare at her backside when her hips sway that way in that dress … still he pouts at the empty seat in front of him. He ducks his head with a sigh. He needs to get a hold of himself. That's when he sees it. He beams as he picks up the cupcake that suddenly appeared on his lunch tray. His first instinct is to thank Eliza but when he turns around she's finishing her own. His head swivels to face the door; an even wider grin spreading on his face.
"Zedka?"
He turns his head to find Bonzo looking at him in concern.
"All good, man."
"She's human." Eliza points out and annoyance washes over Zed like a wave.
"Clearly."
"She's a beta."
Zed rolls his eyes but inside he's boiling with resentment. He knows that, okay. He knows she's a beta and they're not biologically compatible—not that her being human doesn't already mess with that—but he can't help himself. Addison might look all sweet and nice but there's fire and spunkiness inside of her … and setting it ablaze is just so damn addictive.
He can't very well start telling his best friends that in the middle of the cafeteria, so he bites into his newly acquired cupcake and ignores the alpha voice in his head trying to read more in the gesture than there really is.
AZAZAZ
Addison gets out of her meeting with Principal Lee with a headache. Bucky liked to change uniforms every year and if anything Addison's choice is less over-the-top than her cousin's previous choices. She's glad she settled on mostly white uniforms earlier this summer; it will suit everyone on the team. Principal Lee still gives her an earful—or is it a pep talk?—about Seabrook's cheer legacy before letting her know they've received the order. Addison should be surprised by the speedy delivery, but this is Seabrook.
The first bell has already rung, and Addison has to hurry to her next class. She barely makes it before the second bell, sliding into the seat next to Bree with a sigh. She would probably be excused for running late since she was with the principal, but they have a new teacher and Addison has been raised according to etiquette and good impressions.
The teacher is rambling about literature while Addison counts down the minutes until the period is over. Don't get her wrong, she likes English class. Their teacher is young and dynamic and she's probably more interesting than their old teacher—Mrs. Allen, 75 years old and still not retired. Addison knows she should be more attentive, but her headache is not waning. She's just mentally present enough to hear the words "group project" out of the teacher's mouth. Everyone—her included—groan. Why would anyone assign group projects on the first day of school?
Addison nods at Bree's silent offer to be her partner and she can see people around them do the same. However, Addison's day is set to turn into a disaster. The teacher clears her throat in a way that chills her students to the bone. They know perfectly well what is about to come next and everyone groans again when she announces that she'll be assigning partners. By the time the third team is named, there seems to be a collective sigh of relief. She's pairing humans with humans and zombies with zombies while also being mindful of dynamics by not pairing alphas and omegas together…
Until Addison's name is called alongside one Zed Necrodopolis. There are whispers even as the teacher explains they were the last ones left to pair up. Addison wants nothing more than to slam her throbbing head on the desk, but she still has some shred of dignity left. Thankfully, the whispering is about him being a zombie. They don't know she's an omega, she reminds herself. As far as they all know, she's a beta and pairing her off with an alpha isn't noteworthy, except that he's a zombie. Addison focuses on the teacher's instructions rather than the burning sensation at the back of her head. She'd bet anything that if she turns around, she'll find the alpha staring at her. She wants to glare him down, but something tells her he'll just smirk back and she's not about to let him win. Even though she's not sure what he'd be winning exactly…
Addison never thought of herself as a coward; yet she ushers Bree to their next class as soon as the bell rings, acting as if she doesn't see Zed heading her way. She doesn't want to face him anymore than she already has today. It doesn't matter how illogical she's being and that they're going to have this project together, he makes her feel … something. Something she can't quite describe, and she doesn't like it.
AZAZAZ
Remember when she said Seabrook was a cheerleading town? It really is and it freaking sucks. Halfway through sixth period, Principal Lee makes an announcement over the PA system, their winning cheer squad can collect their uniforms during seventh period and after school. As cheer captain, she has to be there to oversee the pick-up. There'll be no avoiding Zed now. Addison wishes the ground would open up and swallow her.
Zed doesn't show up during seventh period.
You'd think she'd be relieved but instead she's annoyed. She knows for a fact all seniors have a free seventh period today which means he's avoiding her. Who does he think he is? A little voice at the back of her mind points out that she avoided him first, but it only infuriates her further.
Yes, she's heard of hypocrisy. She doesn't quite care at the moment.
Addison puts up a smile and tries to be as cheerful as ever, but she can see the way Bree keeps glancing at her with growing concern. When they're finally done, someone suggests Cherry on Top but Addison just can't fake it for a couple more hours. She waits until Bree agrees to bow out herself, prompting her best friend to send her the look. The one that says she knows very well that Addison is trying to dodge her and that she won't get out of it forever.
Once everyone is gone, Addison breaks down the last of the cardboard boxes. The repetitive motions are oddly relaxing, improving her mood enough that she decides she might stop for froyo after all. She's about to leave for the day when the door opens abruptly, making her jump.
Life really hates her today because it's Zed. Her annoyance comes back with a vengeance and she's about to tell him off for startling her when she takes him in. He's wearing an old football jersey and shorts, both of which are stained; his hair is sticking up all over and he looks … angsty?
AZAZAZ
There's not a single thing Zed loves more than football and there's exactly five people he loves more than football. None of which are interfering with him trying out for the football team. Yet, for the first time since he threw his first football, Zed wants it to be over. This is Seabrook and he's not exactly surprised when he gets to the field to see few people trying out. He is, however, very surprised when the coach goes on a rant that ends with him declaring that everyone made the team … without even touching a ball.
He's not the only one taken aback by it because there are various complaints from the human players. Coach shuts them up with a reminder that they have been ordered to get along or that they will all be disqualified. He adds something about finishing last either way, but at least they could play and pretend to have a shot. He can't argue with Zayn's "how bad is this team," comment behind him.
The speed of Coach's try-outs does present the benefit of him being able to go talk to Addison about their project. He's about to leave when someone suggests a friendly game. Their tone isn't exactly friendly, and Zed recognizes the other alpha straight away. Williams. The guy's smirking face is challenging him, and it triggers all his alpha instincts. Zed clenches his teeth, his hands curling into fists even as he breathes in slowly. This asshole isn't worth getting himself kicked off the team; he's rude and egotistical but Izo can take care of herself. His inner alpha—and ain't that a kicker that it's also his inner zombie—definitely does not go straight to Addison. That would be ridiculous because:
She's proven she can take care of the jerk.
She's not his to protect.
She's not an omega.
The fact that she's indeed not an omega being far down on his mental list almost makes him blush. Almost. He's still a zombie and that doesn't happen very often. He's got absolutely no reason to want to go all alpha on Williams' ass. Which is why he politely declines. He's not about to let his instincts get the better of him. Of course as he walks by the dude, he hisses quietly enough for Zed alone to hear.
"You need the beta bitch to fight for you?"
Zed freezes. He can't pretend he doesn't know exactly who he's talking about. The challenge has been issued. Even knowing he's lowering himself to William's level, every fibre of Zed's being can't back down.
AZAZAZ
By the time Coach finally puts a stop to their friendly game, school has been over for more than an hour, never mind seventh period. Zed's shirt is never going to be clean again, his muscles are stiff and sore, and he definitely wishes he'd had his shoulder pads on, but zombies won the game … or would have if they had kept score. The fact that Williams looks like he sucked on a lemon might be the high point of the game. Only because he probably shouldn't be so damn happy about hypothetically giving a teammate a black eye.
Zed should head to the showers, seeing as he's a sweaty mess and all. One look at the time tells him this might be his last chance to catch Addison if she's not already gone. He grabs his back and heads back inside. Once he's out of sight, he jogs down the hallway, his throat tightening as he realizes that the hallways are pretty empty. She's certainly gone home by now, Zed thinks to himself as he pushes the door with a little more strength than necessary.
He stomps in to see Addison jump at the noise and something relaxes inside his chest. He can see the moment she registers that it's him. He can practically feel the change in her demeanour as she opens her mouth—to chew him off no doubt. She surprises him by pausing. Her eyes narrow as she studies him. He doesn't blush, but he would if he were human. He treads closer, trying to remind himself he's there to speak to her about their English project. He's maybe three feet away when a flash of something runs across her face. Zed frowns. He's not scaring her, is he? He's about to take a step back when her nostrils flare.
Oh… OH!
AZAZAZ
Zed looks like he's gone to hell and back, but she still doesn't expect it until it hits her head on. She knew he smelled good, okay. She was also convinced it was more of a Zed thing than an alpha thing, seeing as alphas' pheromones weren't her thing. At all. While she knew some omegas would gleefully bask in sweaty alpha scent, more often than not Addison wrinkled her nose at it. And yet there he was, standing there a mess of sweat and pheromones, and the most enticing thing she had ever smelled.
Arousal flows through her body, and she barely keeps herself from shivering, subtly pressing her thighs together. She mentally sends a thank you to whomever invented blockers, knowing that if she weren't taking them he'd easily recognize her true dynamic. As it was, she feels wetness at her core, but nothing compared to the slick her body can produce. Her instincts scream at her to be a good omega, nice and sweet and obedient. The smug expression on his face tells her that he knows his scent is affecting her. She might blush deeply under his gaze, but fuck her stupid instincts. She might be nice, she can be sweet and she sure as hell isn't obedient. Addison is a pro at ignoring her instincts. So she looks him up and down and channels Bucky levels of disdain.
"And you called me a jock?"
She crinkles her nose at him for good measure, savouring the way he frowns at her.
"Sorry," Zed winces. "I really needed to talk to you about our project."
Addison sighs. "We can start working on it tomorrow if you'd like." The sooner they get to it, the sooner it'll be done.
"Sure. I'd like to avoid the library though. I can only take so much of school." They both know he's talking about the stares that have been following zombies all day, but neither will admit it aloud. "We can work at your place if it makes you feel better."
It's Addison's turn to wince. Yeah. No. That's only happening if she wants to start World War III.
"We're not going to my house. We can work at your place."
Zed frowns at her quick answer. In his experience humans only go to Zombietown to cause trouble or make fun of them. Resentment makes him lash out.
"Why? So you can tell all your friends about slumming it down in Zombietown?"
The bitterness in his tone constricts Addison's chest. Her parents have guarded her from anything zombie related her whole life. She had no idea what life was like for them. That thought sparks another in her brain. She cocks her head to the side and blinks at him.
"You have no idea who my parents are, do you?"
Her voice is bewildered, her expression soft and open. It breaks through the fog of Zed's emotion. She's being weird.
"It's not like you know mine either?"
Addison giggles. It's light and musical, but not ditzy like so many others. It makes him want to smile, but he doesn't. Instead he stares her down. Addison rolls his eyes at him.
"That's fair. I guess I forgot that we haven't been in the same year since kindergarten. Everyone in Seabrook knows my parents."
"Whatever," Zed shrugs. "I can handle anything."
"Alright, suit yourself. I didn't think you'd like to be working on this project with the chief of Z-Patrol in the next room, but sure we can go to my house."
Addison bends down to gather the boxes she'd left on the ground. She contains a smile. She doesn't want Zed to think she's making fun of him, but this situation is hilarious to her. Looks like they both need to stop making assumptions.
Zed gapes at her for an embarrassing long time before his brain kicks back online.
"Addison Wells … as in Chief Wells," he slowly connects the dots. "And your mother is the…"
"Mayor?" Addison raises her head, her face blank. "Yes. But like you said, you can handle anything, right?"
"Oh… I … um…"
"I mean, if you're certain we can't work at your house," Addison takes pity on the alpha, offering him a way out. Not that she wants to meet at her house anymore than he does. She grabs her bag while she waits for his answer.
"You know what, I think I can figure something out."
"Great."
Addison lifts the pile of boxes to carry them to the recycling bin. Zed's first instinct is to take them from her. He doesn't think she'd appreciate the gesture, so he bites down on his instincts. He holds the door open for the cheerleader and lifts the lid of the bin for her. She doesn't comment on it, but she does thank him. Zed counts it as a win. They walk down the empty hallways together until they're standing in the exact same spot as the day before. He's not sure what to say next and is relieved when Addison takes the matter in her own hands.
"Tomorrow then? I have to be home for dinner tonight."
"I've got practise through 7th period and after school."
"So do I. After then?"
"No wild Friday night's plans?"
Addison almost snorts at the thought. Seabrook doesn't do wild parties; it just wouldn't be proper now, would it. She might go out with the squad every once in a while, but never anything outrageous. And at the end of the day, Bree is the only one Addison trusts.
"Do you?"
"Nah…" Zed laughs. "So you'll meet me at the field after cheer practise?"
"Or you'll meet me after you're done."
There's a challenge in her voice, though Zed doesn't rise to it.
"Pretty sure we'll need more practise time."
He winces, reminded of the terrible disconnect between humans and zombies. Addison beams proudly at him so it's worth admitting that the football team is not as good as the cheer squad. Not that it's a secret, everyone knows it.
"Fine then. I'll wait on the bleachers."
"Does it mean I get my own personal cheerleader?" Zed teases.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, jock," Addison replies, but there's a playful smile tugging at her lips.
"I'll see you tomorrow, cheerleader."
Thank you for the reviews on the previous chapter!
This is not a spicy chapter just yet, but bear with me. It's coming, I promise.
Also yes this is a very poorly subtle way of saying I didn't like the uniforms from Z3. I hope this still caught your interest.
Let me know what you thought and/or what you think will happen next! Reviews make my days better!
