Addison was back home, safe in bed and she really should have been sleeping; but sleep was eluding her. She knew the reason. Her mind kept going back to the kiss she shared with Zed that afternoon.

AZAZAZ

Addison's mind was still reeling from all the sensations she was experiencing; she pulled away, ready to tell Zed that this couldn't simply be practice. All her nerve-endings were tinkling, and her stomach was the prime stop for fireworks; she couldn't be the only one feeling this fired up. Like a scene for a bad movie, Zed's phone rang before she could force the words out of her mouth. Her eyes still glazed over, she felt more than saw him jumped at the noise. Addison shook her head to try and focus again. He' was pulling – or trying to – his phone out of his pants' pocket. She watched him fumble with it and drop it on the floor; something she had hardly ever seen him do on the football field. Picking it up, Zed finally answered the call; the conversation was kept short, the unfamiliar inflections of zombie tongue filling the hallway. Once he ended the call, Zed turned to Addison with an amused smirk.

"That Warner guy doesn't know what he's talking about, Addie. That was a good kiss. Come on, dad and Zoey are waiting for us."

AZAZAZ

He'd pulled her along him, meeting up with his family before they'd all left together. Zed had offered to walk her home, but Addison had declined, citing his brush with the cold the night before. Zevon had sent her a wide grateful smile and she'd known she'd made the right the decision; even though it hadn't been the only reason for it. She'd walked home in a rapid pace, relieved when she noticed the absence of her mom's car in their driveway. Chances were, her parents had received a dinner invitation while at the country club. She'd eaten dinner alone, something light over the kitchen's sink. It all brought her back here, safe in bed yet unable to drift into sleep.

She could still feel the ghost of Zed's lips on hers; compelling her to run a trembling finger over them. She had never been kissed that way before. Every time she closed her eyes, she was transported back to that deserted hallway: Zed solid form pressing against her body, the feel of the little hair at the back of his head, the sharpness of his scent, the tight muscles she knew were hiding under the shirt she'd grabbed… and then she'd felt the swell of him against her thigh. For a moment, she thought it might have been the proof of something being real between the two of them. She'd been ready to call him – and herself – on their bluffs.

And then he told her it was a good kiss.

A good kiss? She thought it deserved to be called great, at the very least; but she'd had vastly different words in mind: electric, fiery, world-shattering… Zed hadn't thought so, obviously.

Sure, his body reacted to their kiss, but nothing said it was because of Addison herself. She knew her body was attractive even if her hair took away from it. Her mom had always told her she'd be stunning if not for that white mess.

Zed had physically reacted to their kiss. So what? She'd hear enough stories from the girls on the squad to know that boys didn't really care about whose body it was as long as it was a hot one. Some of the girls cared, some didn't. Addison had never weighted in on the debate because she was ashamed. She'd been having sex with Warner even though she couldn't say she was really attracted to him, physically or otherwise. Not that she had never entertained the idea of a one-night stand with someone attractive, but she could understand the need for release. That was probably it; Zed had just been horny and she'd been convenient.

A little treacherous voice at the back of her head reminded her of the heat that had pooled in her stomach simply from his body leaning against hers. Imagine how it would feel to have him really touch her. Addison felt the hot flashes of want and need all over her body. She might not have entertained the idea of one-night stands before, but something told her that she would take whatever Zed would offer her. If it was going to end in heartbreak, it might as well be worth it. She'd suffer the consequences later.

AZAZAZ

Zed was sitting in bed, resisting the urge to repeatedly slam his head against the wall behind him. He didn't because he didn't want to have to go to Zombie Containment if he got hurt and because the noise would probably prompt his dad to come and check on him. He was such an idiot. After hanging up with his dad earlier, all he had managed to say was that it was a good kiss. Damn it!

Kissing Addison was life-altering, heart-stopping, earth-shattering. Good translated into exactly none of these. Just the thought of her scent and of her small body against his made Zed's inner zombie growl and push for control. Addison had seemed into their kiss too, the sounds she made… Zed groaned. It made him wonder how she would sound if he ever managed to really get his hands on her. Would her scent spike again or would it change to something completely different? He felt his pants tighten again. This was ridiculous. He'd never gotten an erection over a kiss before, even as a fumbling sixteen years old.

The most embarrassing part was that he knew she had felt how hard he'd been; maybe that was why he had told her it was a just a good kiss. Downplaying the entire situation had seemed like a brilliant idea at the time. Which brought him back to the aforementioned: he was such an idiot! He had probably ruined all his chances by acting like an idiot. He'd give anything to kiss Addison again, never mind more. He knew if the occasion presented itself again, he would take whatever he could get.

He sighed and looked at the time on his Z-band. He needed to get some sleep; he was meeting up with Addison in a few hours.

AZAZAZ

Zed was supposed to meet Addison at the mall by 10 am and of course he was running late. He'd slept through his alarm and Zoey had been the one to wake him up, asking when he was going to drop her off at her friend's home for the day. He'd panicked, threw on clothes as fast as he could, brushed his teeth and hurried his sister out the door. The little detour to Raiza's house meant he was almost twenty minutes late. He'd sent a text to Addison to let her know, even though he couldn't help but feel that it was a terrible impression to send her parents. Which meant he felt even more guilty.

As he was about to walk through the doors, he noticed a man carrying a pile of boxes through the parking lot. The tower was taller than he was and it just couldn't be safe. Looking back at the time on his Z-band, Zed sighed; guess he was going to be even later. He made it across the lot and to the man just in time to catch him stumble.

"Are you alright, sir? Let me help you!"

Zed grabbed some of the boxes to find himself looking straight at Addison's father.

"Chief! Oh, sorry. I didn't recognize you."
"Zed. Weren't you supposed to meet with my daughter earlier?" Chief Dale questioned.
"Yes, I'm late." Zed admitted. "I texted her, I swear. But then I saw you, well not you, you. You know? Like, I didn't know it was you. I just saw someone with all the boxes and I figured I might as well help someone out."

Addison's father narrowed his eyes at him, mannerism Zed had seen Addison do many times; Zed knew the man was searching for something, was trying to understand him. In the end, he just sighed.

"Well come on then, I'm meeting them too. You can help with the boxes."

Zed refrained from pointing out the very obvious fact that he was already helping him. They walked in silence for a while, crossing the parking lot. Once they made it inside, Dale turned back to Zed.

"So… Why are you late?" He kept his tone pleasant, trying to keep any accusation out of it.
"I had to bring my little sister to her friend's home. She's eleven, she still needs a babysitter if everyone is going to be out all day." Zed explained.
"Your parents?"
"Just my dad, sir. He's been working overtime during the holiday season and Zoey just got out of school so I offered to take her so they could both get more sleep. I didn't expect to sleep in late."
"That's awfully nice of you, kid"

Zed shrugged; in Zombietown, everyone helped out as needed. His dad had babysat most of the neighbourhood children and their parents had babysat him and Zoey in turn. Zed had started helping out with the kids years before he made it to high school. Zombies didn't get the best jobs, the best salaries nor the best schedules. Everyone pulled together to ensure no one was in need of anything. Zed could see that Addison's father had many unanswered questions, but seemed to know Zed didn't want to answer them. Chief Wells finally directed them through a set of swinging doors.

The room was insanely busy, but, as always, Zed's eyes instantly located Addison in the crowd. She was crouching down next to a little girl; they were too far for Zed to hear what they were saying, but he could spot the twinkle in her eyes and the childish-like grin on her face.

Zed was too busy staring and smiling at Addison to notice the pensive look on her father's face.

Addison threw her head back in laughter before answering the child's question. Feeling observed, she turned her attention to her surroundings and noticed Zed immediately. He was taller than anyone in the room, his green hair was as eye-catching as ever. She couldn't help the fond smile tugging at her lips as she waved shyly at him. She said goodbye to the girl before standing up and making her way to him.

"Zed! You made it!"
"Wouldn't miss it, Addie."

She took a deep breath and worked up the courage to stand on her tiptoes and press a chaste kiss to the corner of Zed's mouth. She wasn't sure who inhaled the sharpest, Zed or her father; but Zed beamed at her and balanced the boxes on one arm, pulling a lock of her hair behind her ear. She felt her heartbeat pick up, but she was quickly distracted by the sound of her father's clearing his throat. A flush crept across her cheeks even as she managed to greet him. He rolled his eyes before waving both teenagers off. Addison didn't wait for him to change his mind and all but pushed Zed towards the table she'd been occupying.

"Not that I'm not happy to be here, but what exactly are we doing?" Zed asked, putting the boxes down on the workspace.
"Preparations for the mayor's Christmas Gala." Addison explained, the eyeroll clear in her tone.

Zed raised an eyebrow at her, making her giggle.

"Gift wrapping for the kids, gift basket as prizes, table centerpieces, etc."

Zed let out an impressed whistle. "No wonder this place is busy. Don't know anyone who's ever been invited to that, but apparently, it's quite the…party?"
"Affair is the word you're looking for." Addison chuckled. "Mom's prized event. And you do know someone who's invited."
"I do?"
"I thought you'd be my date?" Addison squeaked anxiously.
"Sorry I was just teasing. It's Friday night, right?" Zed confirmed, backtracking quickly.
"Yes," she sighed in relief.

AZAZAZ

Zed and Addison spent the next few hours wrapping gifts and baskets for her mother's events. Or at least she did. With school out for Christmas break, many women had brought their younger children along to help. While most of them had been weary of Zed and giving him a wide berth at first, a very small girl had stepped up to him in awe of how tall he was; before long, Zed turned into a one-zombie jungle gym. It had attracted the attention of the mothers had first, but soon everyone got back to work, grateful for the reprieve of having no children running around. Addison wasn't sure who was having the most fun, Zed or the kids. They were all laughing and making airplanes noises.

It was a glimpse of the man Zed would grow to become; her mind effortlessly painting the picture of him running around with tiny versions of himself, green hair and warm chocolate eyes. Her heart throbbed at the thought and she had to ignore the sharp stabbing pain that came with knowing she was never going part of that future. She'd busied herself with preparations instead.

Zed's infinite energy finally seemed to be abandoning him and she decided to go and rescue him. She chased off the kids with a few playful threats, managing not to promise them she'd bring him around again and pulled Zed by the hand. She grabbed their coat and they walked into the mall's busy hallways.

"Thanks, Addie! I swear if we could bottle their energy, we could be rich." Addison chuckled at the thought and Zed couldn't help the pride blooming in his chest. "So where are we going?"
"Food court. Even a football superstar like you must be hungry by now."

Zed's stomach chose that precise moment to growl loudly, earning him an amused look. He did wish his body hadn't betrayed him that way. Sharing meals had so far been avoided, but the conversation about dietary needs and restrictions had been kept at bay for a reason. This was an awkward conversation he didn't want to have with her. While not restricted to a full vegetarian nutrition, zombies still needed to incorporate brain substitutes on a daily basis and many humans were still uneasy with them eating meat – somehow convinced that there was a simple step between enjoying bacon and human flesh. Still trying to figure out how to explain it all, he let himself be lead through the crowded mall hallways. Addison came to a sudden halt and Zed braced himself for what came next.

"This is the best pizza in town! It might not look like it because, well, it's in the mall. But this is the best." Addison declared with a beaming grin.
"Pizza?" Zed repeated, dumbfound.
"Yes! It's cheer diet approved." She explained. "Not the greasy kind, but the veggie, melt in your mind kind. I swear that's where most of my high school allowance went."
"Addie, I…"
"Figured I'd take a safe choice. I know you eat meat, but I also know people are complete idiots…" She whispered, nervously twirling a lock of hair around her finger.

Zed knew he was gaping at her, but it was impossible not too. How had he gotten so lucky?

"Did I cross a line?" She asked in a quavering voice.
"No, no, no, no! Um… I mean…thank you. That's actually really nice of you."
"Come on, one bite and you'll admit it's the best pizza in the world." Addison teased, smiling back at him.

AZAZAZ

Leaning back in the plastic court food chair with a groan, Zed looked at the large metal pan on the table, enjoying the soft giggle coming from Addison.

"So, was I right or was I right?" She bragged.
"I admit you were right. Best pizza I ever had. I can't believe we ate the entire thing?"
"We? No way, mister. You ate most of this. I had like two slices."
"Fiine!" He whined. "I would like to point out that as a football player, I need more calories than most people."

Addison nodded with a serious expression on her that almost stood up to scrutiny until she dissolved into a fit of giggles. The sound was music to Zed's ears and he basked in it, secretly hoping to hear the adorable noise that came with her snorting. He had to concentrate to keep the pout off his face as she finally gained control over her laughter.

"I'll pretend I believe you!" She joked.
"That's besmirching, Miss Wells… But I'll allow it just this once." He replied with a smirk.

They were both silent for a while, staring at each other. Zed was suddenly very uncomfortable and he blurted the words before he knew it.

"So, have you finished your Christmas shopping yet?"
"Oh! Yes, I think so." Addison said taken by surprise. "You?"
"Almost… I want a little something more for Zoey, but I haven't figures out what yet."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah. Maybe something cheer related? She'll be in junior high next year and they're saying zombies will be allowed to try for the school team."
"I got just the thing!" Addison squealed, grabbing his hand and pulling him along yet again.

AZAZAZ

Addison stopped just before they reached their destination and turned to face Zed. She tugged at the hem of her pink dress, resisting the urge to pinch her tights in the off chance she caused a run. That would send her mother in a fit, she just knew it.

"I don't know how much you wanted to spend, but I have an idea. It can be from the two of us." She said softly.
"Addie?"
"When I was 5 and started cheer, my grandmother got me this charm bracelet. I've added charms through the years. And even though I don't wear it much, it's one of the best gift I've ever received. It was our special thing."
"Was?" Zed asked.
"She died a week before I started high school."

Addison mustered a sad smile. Her grandmother was always a bittersweet subject; she'd been her only supporter. She had never outwardly disagree with her family, but she'd shared Addison's love of cheerleading and had never berated her for being different. Ignoring it had been enough for her as a child, though sometimes she wished her grandmother had told her she was beautiful white hair or not.

"My mom died giving birth to Zoey. I was 8."

Addison recognized it for what it was; not sympathy or pity because they'd both had enough of that, but a shared understanding of the pain and the grief that came with the loss of a loved one. She finally let go of her dress and intertwined her fingers with Zed's. He squeezed her hand for the short time of a heartbeat before he motioned to her to lead the way.

They stepped into the jewellery store, still holding hands. An electronic chime announced their presence. The noise prompted the sales assistant to look up from what she'd been writing. The bright smile she was sporting seemed to freeze as her eyes stopped on Zed. It took less than a second for Addison to feel Zed tensing next to her. A frown appeared on Addison's features; this wasn't fair. She'd accompanied her mother and grandmother multiple times before and the one time Warner had brought her here to buy that stupid necklace, that woman had all but unrolled the red carpet while flirting with him.

Rage burned through her at the injustice. It made Addison want to shatter every single glass case around the store, but it wouldn't help anything. Instead, Addison weaponized every lesson she ever received from her family. She straightened her back, held her head high and walked to the counter like she owned the damn place, her eyes cold and calculating in a perfection imitation of her mother. The sales assistant opened her mouth, but Addison didn't leave her the chance to speak.

"Good afternoon. We're looking for a charms bracelet."
"Miss Wells, it's always a pleasure to have your business… however."
"If the words that are about to come out of your mouth are even vaguely discriminatory, I'd think it over twice. I can take my business elsewhere."

The woman squeaked but stayed silent and pulled out different trays for their perusal.

"Thank you, you can leave us alone now." Addison commanded.

The woman didn't hesitate and scampered off to the back. "Good riddance," Addison thought. She looked to her right to find empty space. Frowning, she turned around to realize that Zed was still standing at the front of the store, an expression on his face that she just couldn't place. She saw him shake his head before walking to stand beside her.

In the end, they chose a simple bracelet, similar to the one Addison owned. They also picked a few charms to get Zoey started. The sales assistant had almost passed out at the two of them arguing about who was going to pay; but in the end, they agreed to split it even and she held on. Addison's parting words to the woman were polite, but cold; the entire scene would have made her mother rather proud.

The second they were out of the shop, Zed grabbed her hand and pulled her along. Zed was tall, his long legs and fast strides making it difficult for her to keep up with him. He pulled her through the service corridors and through an employee exit door. Had she overstepped? Everything had seemed fine in the store.

AZAZAZ

Zed knew he was going fast, but he couldn't help it. That girl had no idea the things her behaviour was doing to him; it was all very primal, and Zed wasn't sure whether he liked it or not. He welcomed the fresh air as they walked through the exit door. He finally let go of her hand to rub his face with his own. He felt exhausted.

"For fuck's sake Addison. This could have repercussions."
"I'm… I'm sorry. I didn't want to make things harder for you." She stammered, crossing her arms around her stomach.

For him? Zed had to pause and breathed. She really had no idea.

"Me? Addison, what about you? You're the mayor's kid." He challenged.
"I'm not a kid anymore! Her behaviour was unacceptable!" She yelled back at him.

Silence. Many seconds went by.

"People shouldn't treat you like that just cause you're different." Addison relented, bowing her head. "I just wanted to help. I'm sorry if I embarrassed you."

Embarrassed him? Was she for real?

"Embarrassed? I swear to the Z, the only one doing that is myself."

Zed couldn't see her face properly, but he could make out the start of a frown. His hand reached out for her cheek on its own; that girl was killing him. She was so unsure of herself. He caressed her cheek with his thumb, bringing her eyes up to meet his.

"You have no idea how hot you looked in there." He spoke quietly.

Deep red colored Addison's cheeks, the heat of her flush practically a burn next to the coolness of his skin. Something undoubtedly vulnerable flashed across her face, but before Zed managed to pinpoint it, confidence took over her features.

AZAZAZ

Addison knew she was bright red, yet she also felt oddly self-assured. Maybe she was reading this wrong, but would she really get another shot at this. She moved before she started doubting herself.

Addison pulled her body flushed to Zed's. Bingo. His breath caught sharply in his throat, and she could feel him grow against her. She raised herself on her tiptoes and caught his lips with hers in a chaste kiss. It might have felt like hours had gone by, but Addison knew it had only been three seconds at most. She didn't get to worry as Zed responded immediately to her kiss.

The hand on cheek tangled in her hair as he swiped his tongue against her lips. Before she realized they'd moved, her back was hitting the wall of the building. She'd always thought that kind of situation was filthy and well, not proper; but Zed's was strong and firm against her and the hand not in her hair was gripping her waist like he was afraid she'd disappeared. Maybe it wasn't proper, but she was definitely enjoying it. She moaned loudly and wrapped an arm around his neck, trying to bring him impossibly closer, her eyes closing shut as she lost herself in the buzz her body was experiencing. His answering groan spurred her on; her free hand reaching for the bulge in his pants. The tip of her fingers had barely brushed it when his hand left her hip to grab her wrist and pull her fingers away. It took all of her strength not to whine at him, even more when he detached his lips from hers.

"Addie." He said, his voice hoarse and stirring something inside of her.

She recognized her name as the question it was. The problem was, she didn't know what answer to give him. Was she ready to risk losing what little she had of him? Didn't she – just last night – promised herself to take whatever she could before it was too late?

"I… I need better than good."
"Wh-what?"
"Yesterday. You said I was a good kisser. I want better than good. I need better than good." She pleaded with him.
"A-Addie."
"Warner, there's only been him." Addison knew she was blushing again. "You obviously don't mind…"

She cut herself, gesturing to his pants but too embarrassed to say the words. Zed visibly swallowed but didn't say anything. Addison felt her stomach drop. She had to fix this, she had to; it made her heart lurched painfully, but she managed to get the words out of her mouth.

"We're already helping each other out and we're kinda friends, right?"

AZAZAZ

Zed couldn't catch his breath; he knew he sounded dumb, but his head was spinning. What the hell was she doing? There was that word again, torturing him. Good. The confidence she'd be exuding just minutes ago was cracking. Her ex had clearly done a number on her. Even though he didn't know what he'd exactly told her, Zed wanted to pummel the guy. He forced himself to get back to the problem at hand before his zombie took over. Addison thought he didn't mind being with her. As if being with her was a chore, something to endure, as if he hadn't been dreaming about so much more with her.

Part of him wanted to reveal everything to her, tell her he was already head over heels for her; but then she said it. Kinda friends.

Zed wasn't even worth the title of a full friend; the realization gnawed at his heart. They weren't friends, but maybe if he did this…

"Are you… friends with benefits?"

Zed wasn't even sure his words formed a proper question, but Addison nodded. Friends with benefits implied they had to be friends, right? That they had something there, some kind of relationship. At least it wasn't fuck buddies. Though something told him she wouldn't use that type of language, so maybe that's what she had in mind.

Zed was torn, but his zombie won out in the end. He craved Addison like an addict craved his next high. Forget about eating brains, his zombie only wanted her.

"O-Okay."

Addison's shoulder slumped in relief and Zed realized how tough it had been for her to even offer. She looked back at him with a skittish expression. Damn if it didn't want to make him cherish her. He'd take his time with her, learn what made her moan and whine; he'd do anything to show her how precious she was.

"Hey! We go at your pace. You're calling all the shots here." He assured her.

Zed looked around. While they were in a more secluded section of the parking lot, it was less than a week before Christmas and anyone could walk by. He took a deep breath and willed his erection away.

"But maybe not here." Zed added playfully.

Addison seemed to remember where she was and she straightened up, pulling away from the wall. She ran a hand through her hair, dusted her dress off and looked back at him.

"Al-alright." She began, her voice slightly uneven. "Does that mean you're done with your Christmas shopping?"
"Yes." He confirmed, going along with her abrupt subject change. "I just got to get my suit for Friday."
"You don't have your suit!" Addison all but shrieked in his ears.

The past week has been very busy and I've been sick on top of that. I really wanted to get this out by the end of the weekend and I did.

I first intended to make this chapter longer and do One chapter for one day until the end. It was getting longer, but the pacing was strange so I cut this chapter a little shorter. It does mean that I got a chunk of next chapter done however so hopefully it'll be out quicker than this one.

As always, comments - no matter how short - make my day so let me know what you think of this new chapter.

PS. I try to answer all the reviews, but as it sends in private messages, sometimes I might miss one. So thank you for the reviews if you're not the type to look at your PM.