Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The massive ship hovered ominously over the town. Humans were scattered and taking cover. Except for a few brave, young individuals. All bold with their unique appearances and willing to stand up for others who can’t for themselves.

They stood their ground as a blinding light beamed down in front of them. Three figures appeared when it dissipated, perfectly uniform with their stances, feet together and arms crossed behind their straightened backs. But the most unnerving part about these strange beings were the face guards, making them seem even less like individuals and more of just a single unit. 

“Greetings, Earthlings,” a robotic voice emerged when the one in the middle spoke. “Our Armada Leader has decided your plant will be suitable for our people to reside.” The group of humans glanced amongst themselves hesitantly before the being continued. “Please evacuate the premises immediately.” 

“Wait, evacuate?! You’re not taking our homes!” 

Zed put a hand up to keep Eliza from rushing forward, his eyes trained on the creatures intently. “Respectfully, we can’t do that.” He said, taking a step forward. “Maybe we can make some kind of arrangements though? Could I speak to your leader?” He offered instead. 

The group tilted their heads in unison, obviously confused or possibly curious. They reached up and removed the visors, their faces emotionless. 

Then for the first time, they move out of synchronization, turning instead to face each other. “Let us remove our emotion suppressors to better understand these creatures.” The shorter-haired alien suggested. 

“I agree. They seemed very…angry…about our request.” The male replied. 

“It’s decided then.” The third with a clean-cut bob stated.

Once again in unison, they lift their wrists and suddenly their faces morph with enlightenment. “Oh! This emotion of excitement is so exciting!” The first one said giddily. 

“Riiight,” Zed cautiously interrupted, “so you’ll let me talk to your leader?” 

They straightened again to address him with polite smiles this time. “I am sure our leader, A-dison would be happy to negotiate terms to make the move for your people as peaceful as possible!” The excitable one confirmed. 

They lifted their wrist again and, suddenly, the beam of light began to engulf him. 

“Zed!!” His friends shouted behind him. 

“Don’t go in alone!” That was Willa.

“Stop!” And Wyatt. 

But none of them could reach him before he and the aliens were beamed up. A rush of panic flooded his system when his feet felt solid ground again. He flinched away from the blue-haired invaders. 

“Do not be alarmed!” The male said.

“We are not dangerous!” The girl with a bob assured. 

Zed still stood ready to defend himself so the first one took a step forward. “I am A-spen. This is A-li and A-lan.” They introduced, then turned back to Zed. “And you are…” 

“Zed.” He replied cautiously. 

“Hello, Zed! Wonderful! Now we are all acquaintances!” A-spen exclaimed happily. 

Zed was unsure if he could trust them but decided he had to, at least for the time being, until he could reason with their psychotic leader. So, he relaxed his shoulders and straightened his back, fake smile tugging his lips. 

The aliens seemed thrilled.

“Right this way,” A-lan instructed, already walking in unison with the other two. His curiosity was getting the best of him and he had to ask.

“Why do you all move like that?” When they gave him a confused look, he elaborated. “I mean, any move you make, all of you make it.” 

“Oh~! You must mean our mind link!” A-li chimed in. 

“The Stardust Spark we possess allows us to read each other's minds,” A-spen explained. 

“Yes,” A-lan agreed, “except if we choose to disconnect. But we are a very harmonious people.” 

“We have no need for disagreements,” A-li added proudly. The three of them smiled at one another, Zed on the other hand is thoroughly confused.

But before he could question it any further, they were leading him through a doorway. He was slow to follow, cautious of the foreign ship. Making sure to take in his surroundings should he need to defend himself, or escape… if that was even possible.

But then his eyes land on a figure staring out across the landscape of Seabrook. Though it looked more like a monitor rather than a window. 

“The humans have requested to meet with you, A-dison.” A-spen announced, motioning an arm towards Zed. “We have brought their representative! Zed!” 

The leader of the Alien Armada turned to face the guest on their ship. Zed felt like time instantly slowed, his heart skipping a beat in his chest. 

The dimension in her curls from faint hues of white like the wisps of clouds dancing across a clear summer sky. Her face held no emotion but her beautiful blue eye pierced through him nonetheless. She was the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen.

“Hm, I see.” She mused. “And you wish to deter us from making our new home on your planet.” 

“What? No! We don’t mind if you want to live here! As long as we don’t lose our homes.” Zed explained. A-dison’s brows knitted in confusion. 

“You…don’t mind if we reside amongst your people?” She asked. 

“Well yeah!” Zed breathed in a sigh and smiled at her. He could have sworn there was a sparkle that shone in her eyes for a moment. 

Then, as quick as lightning, she lifted her wrist and did something to the lens in her bracelet. The same thing the other aliens had done. Her body shook for only a few seconds before her face was alight with expression.

Her eyes lifted and met his, as though it were for the first time. 

“I…would be happy to hear your suggestions.” She said slowly, carefully. Zed’s smile widened. But then she straightened her back properly and put on a neutral expression. 

“A-spen, A-lan, A-li. Please prepare the others for landfall.” She instructed, Zed felt the blood drain from his face and he was sure he must look panicked because her face creased with worry before she asked, “Unless you do not think your people would appreciate an introduction?” 

Zed physically relaxed with a sigh, his smile returning. “Yes, I think they’d very much appreciate that.” 

A-dison giggled and he swore his stomach did a flip. Her smile didn’t fade as she turned to her companions. “It’s decided then! We will beam down before the sun sets to properly greet the humans.” She said with an upbeat tone. 

The three aliens bounced with excitement before disappearing out the door. Leaving Zed completely alone with A-dison. 

By the time he turned back to look at the beautiful girl, she was standing directly in front of him, leaning forward into his personal space and analyzing his face as if she’d never seen anything like him before. 

“I am very drawn to you.” She said, face scrutinizing his every feature. “But also very confused.” She continued to admit. Zed tried to gently place his hands on her shoulders but was instantly zapped. A-dison squeaked in surprise. “I’m sorry!” 

Zed managed to right himself enough to smile, albeit stiffly. “I’m alright.” 

A-dison looked at her hands in disbelief. “And now I am having trouble controlling my spark? What are you doing to me, Zed?” 

He let out a chuckle. “I can’t tell you what you’re feeling,” he started, reaching forward and carefully tucking a blue curl behind her ear, “but I’ll gladly stick around while you figure it out.” 

They were lost in each other’s eyes, a magnetic pull drawing them closer. But the moment Zed’s hand lifted to cup her cheek, ZAP! 

Zed hissed, shaking his hand as if he could shoo the volts out of his hand. “I’m sorry!” A-dison apologized again. Zed just smiled. 

“Don’t be. We’ll work on that.” He assured her with a wink, earning a wide smile in return. If he could hear the beautiful laugh that bubbled from her just once a day, he’d die a happy man. 

She took a step back and a deep breath to recompose herself, her wide smile still in place when she looked back up at him. “Why don’t we discuss some kind of arrangements for our peoples to coexist in peace.” She offered. Zed quickly nodded his agreement before she guided him over to the Mothership central controls. 

~*~

“Ready?” Zed asked quietly, so the other aliens wouldn’t hear. She took in a shaky breath. 

“As I’ll ever be.” She agreed. 

Zed hated how nervous she seemed. He wanted her to be excited! Like he was! But he also understood. Change is hard for everyone. 

Gingerly, he slid his fingers across her palm. When there wasn’t a static charge immediately shocking him, he laced his fingers with hers. A-dison gasped as she quickly looked down at their entwined hands then back up with an elated smile, slowly tightening her grip. 

“Hey! It doesn’t hurt anymore!” He laughed.

“I think I’m learning to control my powers around you.” She teased, making him smile even wider. With her grip on Zed’s hand, she found the courage to hold her head up high. 

“Mothership, please beam us down.” She paused, looking up at Zed beside her with stars dancing in her sky-blue eyes. “All of us.”

He kept his eyes on her profile as they all began to dissipate into light fractures. He wasn’t sure if he’d ever see anything as beautiful as her glimmering face for the rest of his life. So he tried to etch it into his memory. In case he never saw it again.

The next thing he knew, they were back in the middle of the streets of Seabrook. A-dison immediately coiled back, her free hand gripping his bicep in fear as humans surrounded them. He realized there was shouting from a lot of angry humans and patrol vehicles with flashing lights that were scaring the aliens even more. 

“Stay here.” He told A-dison softly. She gave him a fearful nod before he rushed to the front. 

“Whoa whoa! Everyone calm down!” He shouted, putting his hands up to try and ease his people’s nerves. “They don’t mean any harm! It was a big misunderstanding!” 

“Zed!” He turned toward the call of his name. Out rushed his friends as they nearly tackled him to the ground in a relieved group hug. 

“We were so scared we’d never see you again!” The very emotional Bree exclaimed. He chuckled, embracing his friends, well, as many of them as he could reach. 

“Guys, I’m fine! And the aliens are great!” He assured, pulling back to motion towards A-dison. She cautiously stepped forward, the other aliens moving out of her way as she approached the strangers. 

Zed rested his hand on the small of her back, intending to show he was there to support her but inadvertently made her cheeks go a little pink. “This is A-dison, their leader. She brought her people here to find a home.” 

Eliza took a step forward, arms crossed over her chest. “Yeah. To put us out of ours.” She countered. 

A-dison looked back up at Zed for reassurance. He gave her a nod, his thumb brushing across her back for comfort. She took in a breath before turning back to the people who care about Zed, the one who makes her stomach flutter and heart race. They can’t be that bad if they’re friends with him.

“I would like to apologize for the miscommunication. We did not know we would be able to…mingle…with your people.” She tried out a term Zed had used during their discussion earlier, sounding a little unsure but quickly switched to a more upbeat tone. “But we would be happy to coexist with your people peacefully!” She finished hopefully. 

Eliza looked her up and down, then back to Zed, and then towards their other friends. “I’m not getting a bad vibe from her.” She said, casually walking away. Willa, Wyatt, and Wynter took her place in front of the blue and green-haired duo. 

“How can you trust them? They’ve come to take over our town!” Willa yelled harshly. When she went to take a step forward, Zed shoved himself between them, gently pushing A-dison back a few steps. 

“You don’t know them, Willa.” He said, warning in his tone. 

“Wow!” The sudden interruption distracting both of them. It was A-spen rushing forward with amazement in their eyes. “You have so much passion!” 

“I—uh…” Willa stammered as a blush crept up her cheeks. 

“Um,” Zed put a hand up to stop A-spen from getting too close, “she wants to rip your heart out.” He told them.

“She can have it!” A-spen replied, pushing past his hand to get closer to the wild woman. 

Zed looked back at A-dison, they exchanged a shrug, since the aggression was defused, and let it go. Zed led A-dison to the Mayor to finalize some treaties between the humans and aliens. And once they had an understanding, both races threw a massive block party for the whole town. 

A chance for everyone to get to know their new neighbors and friends. 

Zed draped his arm around A-dison’s shoulders as they drank their fruit punch, laughing and goofing off with the misfit group that oddly fit in so perfectly together. He couldn’t wait for what the future was going to hold for them. Especially the petite bluenette under his arm. 

“It has been so long since we’ve had somewhere to stay .” A-li pointed out as it was finally sinking in. 

“Yes,” A-lan agreed, “it feels…nice.” He sighed.

“We have found our new home!” A-spen cried, happy tears threatening to brim their eyes. 

The whole group chuckled and huddled in for a group hug to welcome the aliens to their new home. Seabrook was more than that, however. It was their new family.

Chapter Text

“Earth is so beautiful, Zed.” A-dison sighed. “So colorful and bright. But your people are the most interesting.” She continued to muse. “All of you are unique and…quirky.” 

That made Zed laugh, the sound contagious to the alien as her lips curled up into a smile. “You might find that you and your friends have some pretty interesting differences once you branch out a little bit.” He countered, tapping the tip of her nose playfully. 

A-dison’s cheeks flared pink but she was quick to turn away in an attempt to hide it. She wasn’t quick enough for Zed not to notice. His smile widened before he gently tugged A-dison along by the hand. 

“Come on! I’ll buy you a froyo! I think you’ll really like it.” He offered, graciously not mentioning the alien’s blush. She smiled and hurried to fall in step with him. 

He had let go of her wrist, the two walking in awkward silence. A-dison nervously wringing her hands in front of her. She hated this feeling, especially when it came to him. She wished she hadn’t gotten embarrassed just then. She hoped he didn’t regret doing it. Because she really liked when he flirted. 

Now that she understood what ‘flirting’ was. 

The conversations she’d been having with Bree, ‘girl talks’ as she kept being told, have been very enlightening. She discovered the flutter of space moths in her stomach, or when her palms were sweaty, when she was around Zed meant she liked him. Bree almost confused it with space flu but quickly changed her tune the more A-dison talked about Zed. 

She was so scared she was ruining things and decided to just blurt it out. 

“Zed, I—”

“A-dison, listen—”

Both of them were cut off by the other, neither realizing they’d both been silently worrying over the same things. But the moment broke their silence, and lightened the mood, making them laugh. 

“Go ahead, Addy,” Zed gave her the floor first, ever the gentleman. A-dison’s smile faded as she took a deep breath then exhaled sharply as she spoke.

“I am sorry, Zed!” She nearly shouted, startling the man. “I do not mean to make things uncomfortable between us! I am just new to the customs of courtship,” Zed’s face flushed from her bluntness and only got redder as she continued, “and get flustered when you make your advances and my heart starts to pound and I cannot speak properly or sometimes control my actions!” She rambled in her panic. 

Then she paused to take a deep breath and try to settle down. “But I do not want you to stop.” She admitted softly. Zed sucked in a sharp breath of air. “I very much enjoy the warmth that fills my chest when we spend time together. And how bouncy I feel when you hold my hand.” 

Zed let out the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding as a smile tugged his lips. Her confession was so heartfelt and sincere. She was pouring her heart out to him. Her smile mirrored his as she finished. “I really really like you, Zed,” she breathed, “I hope you like me, too.” 

A chuckle bubbled up from his chest, her face seeming to falter for a second before he replied. “Addy, I’ve loved you from the moment I saw you on the Mothership.” 

A-dison’s throat constructed with moisture welling up in her eyes. His own confession triggering a realization that she’d loved him all along. From the moment their eyes met. Even with the emotion suppressor, she loved him at first sight. And he loved her, too. 

Zed could see the tears forming and his smile shifted to a frown of hurt and concern. “I’m sorry, A-dison. I shouldn’t have said that out loud.” He apologized quietly. 

A-dison lunged forward the next instant, hugging tightly around his torso as though he would disappear if she didn’t keep a firm grip on him. “I love you, Zed. I love you.” She cried into his shirt. He was stunned for a moment but quickly wrapped his arms around her for comfort, a loving smile returning to his lips. 

He planted a kiss to her scalp, giving her a tight squeeze before pulling back to look at her again. “Don’t cry, I’ve got you.” He assured her gently. Her eyes lifted to meet his gaze and his heart skipped a beat. 

Those bright blue eyes peeking up at him from under dark lashes were going to stop and reanimate his heart, he was sure of it. Maybe he’d be happy living as a zombie if he’d still have A-dison at his side. He gulped through the dryness in his mouth and smiled down at her, nodding towards the path they were once walking. 

“Let’s go get that froyo I promised!” He offered, taking her hand and slipping it around her shoulders. She smiled waterily and gladly leaned into his side as he led her to Coach’s Froyo Shop . 

~*~

“Never had froyo before?!” Coach exclaimed in shock. Zed chuckled and rubbed A-dison’s shoulder where his arm was still wrapped around her. 

“Nope! Haven’t…you noticed the aliens around town?” Zed questioned cautiously. Coach was sometimes easily spooked and Zed didn’t really want to be the one to have to tell him. 

Coach’s lips raspberried as though Zed was being completely ridiculous. “Of course I’ve seen aliens walking around town! But you’re telling me that there’s no froyo in space?! No. Nah uh. I can’t stand for that!” He proclaimed, taking out one of the largest cups and grabbing his scoop. “Your first order is on-the-house, Young Lady! What’ll ya have?” 

A-dison blinked at the stout man then looked up to Zed for guidance. She had no possible idea what to pick. Zed gave her an encouraging smile, telling her to go on and pick whatever she wanted. “Uh…do you have a suggestion for where to start?” She asked cautiously. 

“Well, vanilla is kinda the base for everything but—” Coach started before A-dison cut him off.

“I will try the froyo of the vanilla then, please!” She stated proudly. Coach was a little thrown off by her abruptness but Zed just chuckled and gave her a light squeeze of praise. 

Then he leaned in close to her ear to whisper, “Vanilla’s my favorite. You’re gonna love it.” Feeling his breath fan across her skin made her shiver against his side. She gulped back the lump in her throat and nodded, watching Coach as he scooped out her froyo. 

“Here ya go!” Coach said cheerfully, handing the two their cups. “Two vanilla froyos!” 

A-dison’s face morphed with concern. “But! Um, Zed had not asked for the vanilla…” she voiced, growing quieter the longer she went on. Coach laughed heartily as he handed their cups over anyways.

“Zed’s a regular! And it’s always vanilla.” He finished seriously. A-dison looked horrified but then Coach burst into laughter again. Her face lit up with embarrassment. Zed jumped in to her rescue, however. 

“Coach and I go way back, Addy. He knows my order like the back of his hand!” He told her with a chuckle, offering Coach a fist bump before they moved out of the line for the next person to get their order. “Thank you for making sure I got what I wanted though.” He thanked, leaning in to kiss her temple. 

She couldn’t help the giddiness bubbling in her chest when his lips touched her skin. And she couldn’t stop herself from leaning into his touch. 

Suddenly, her eyes brink in surprise, darting down to the cup in her hands just as they reach a table. “Oh! It is very cold!” She mused excitedly. Zed pulled the chair out for her with a smile. 

“Yeah! It’s frozen!” He confirmed, hurrying around to his own seat across from her. “That’s the ‘fro’ in ‘froyo’.” He explained. 

After a brief examination, A-dison’s brows jumped. “This seems to be very similar to a digestible bacterial fermentation of lactose at sub-zero stasis that my people had developed!” Zed’s face seemed to drop in disappointment for a fraction of a second, though he tried to hide it from the alien across from him. 

She didn’t miss it. 

“But I am still very eager to try the Earth variation!” She assured, his features softened and the smile gracing his lips made her heart pound. And she’d do anything to keep him smiling. 

So she quickly took a bite.

The blue in her eyes seemed to sparkle with excitement as soon as the spoon left her lips. Only a moment before her eyes rolled to the back of her head and a moan crept up from her throat. 

“Oh, my galaxies! This is far better than our inadequate attempt!” She exclaimed with glee. “Zed! This ‘froyo’ is incredible!” 

Zed smiled wide, the disappointment that she had seen behind his eyes evaporated to be replaced with delight. “I’m glad you like it, Addy. Next time you’ll have to try a different flavor.” 

A-dison surged forward. “There are more flavors?!” She questioned excitedly. Zed laughed and nodded, taking the first bite from his own cup. 

“Coach has the biggest selection in all of Seabrook,” Zed confirmed through his mouth full of froyo. A-dison gasped and bounced in her seat happily as she shoveled spoonfuls of her frozen treat into her mouth. 

About halfway through her helping, she began to slow down, Zed making light conversation and the two of them laughing together happily. It seemed easy to jump from one topic to another, both interested in learning everything they could about the other. 

They had even gotten comfortable, their hands gently resting in the other’s on the table. Occasionally, Zed had to fight a shiver when A-dison would mindlessly trace circles on his palm or wrist while she talked.

With their froyo all eaten and conversation still flowing, Zed finally suggested, “let’s get outta here.” A-dison was glad to follow his lead. And she was quick to retake his hand as they walked out, thoroughly enjoying the contact. 

“Thank you, Zed, for sharing your people’s deliciously flavored rations with me!” A-dison graciously thanked him as they got further from the shop. Zed smiled, leading her along another path through town. 

“Don't mention it, Addy! Everyone is welcome to have froyo in Seabrook! It’s nothing special really,” his voice losing confidence as he said the last part. It was clear that his thoughts trailed off somewhere a little distant. A-dison’s brows furrowed in confusion and concern. 

“But it is special to me.” She argued, drawing his eyes back to hers. “It is always special when I am given the opportunity to spend time with you.” 

Zed’s eyes widened for only a moment before his features relaxed into a grateful smile. “You’re right, A-dison. Any little thing is special when it’s done with someone you love.” 

A-dison’s bright eyes shone up at him, those eyes that he could stare into for an eternity and find more flecks of starlight than if he drifted off into space. But he was sure he’d gladly follow her to the ends of the universe if she wanted to. He leaned forward and pressed his forehead to hers, both of their eyes drifting closed at the intimate contact. 

“There’s so much more I wanna show you,” he told her. She wrapped her arms around his middle and squeezed him tight, never losing the contact between their faces.

“We have all the time in the galaxy,” she whispered just for him.

Chapter Text

Being the Armada leader of a telepathic species meant having quiet moments with her own thoughts was rare for A-dison. It seemed like there was always someone chirping into her mind with a question or request for her opinion. 

The majority of the time, she didn’t really mind. It was natural to their people. But her time on Earth began to make her question whether she enjoyed letting everyone into her mind so freely. 

This day in particular had her questioning their extraterrestrial habit.

‘ A-dison, the transmission division is doing maintenance on Mothership this evening. ’ A-spen’s voice chimed in her mind. 

‘ Wonderful. Thank you for the update, A-spen. ’ She replied silently as she applied a new lip gloss Bree had suggested for her date with Zed tonight. 

‘ I donated my thermal overgarment to a human who was displeased by the temperature so they would stop their constant complaining. Can I borrow one of your extras, A-dison? ’ A-li asked, sounding very annoyed to begin with. 

‘ Of course. I always keep an extra in the Command Room aboard Mothership. Feel free to take that one. ’ A-dison offered through the mind link. At the same time finished her lips with a pop and set the tube aside. 

She stared at herself in the mirror; blue hair curled, makeup done, lips plump from her new gloss. The dress she’d picked out at a human shop felt soft, flowy, and breathable on her body. A very pleasant contrast to the skin-tight bodysuits she was accustomed to. But it still hugged her waist just enough to show off her curves perfectly. She smiled at her reflection, excitement and space moths fluttering in her stomach thinking about showing Zed this new look. 

‘ I’ve decided to participate in an event called “The Olympics”. It consists of numerous competitions on strength, speed, and endurance. ’ It was A-lan this time, interrupting her thoughts. A-dison audibly huffed in frustration. But before she could reply, another voice piped in.

‘ Do you think you should leave the humans something of their own to compete over? ’ A-spen asked curiously. 

There was a brief pause before A-lan answered. ‘ The joy of competition has consumed me and, unfortunately, I am just so good at winning. ’ 

A-dison’s annoyance rose as A-spen went back and forth with A-lan about his decision inside her head. But she took a deep breath and let it go, opting to try tuning them out as she finished getting ready. 

That was until—

‘ A-dison? ’ She froze at A-spen calling her name. ‘ You’ve been quiet for all of this. Would you like to offer your opinion? ’ 

‘ Um! I, uh, ’ she tried piecing together a response, ‘ A-lan is allowed to make his own choices. We should let him explore his emotions! ’ She mentally patted herself on the back for managing to come up with something halfway believable on such short notice. 

‘ Hm, that is a good point. ’ A-spen agreed, sounding calculated and almost hesitant. 

‘ Excellent! I am eager for the humans to eat my stardust! ’ A-lan then added proudly, ‘ I’m practicing the “trash talking”. ’ 

A-dison chuckled to herself at his excitement, happy that her people were having such fun in their new home. A gentle smile graced her lips as she finished the last few things she needed to be ready for her date.

For the thousandth time, A-dison mentally responded to another question posed by the maintenance team to her via the mind link. She hadn’t even realized her expression had blanked out, again , until Zed was snapping her out of her internal conversation with a clear of his throat.

She blinked rapidly as she refocused on the green-haired boy in front of her once more. “I am sorry, what were you saying, Zed?” 

She didn’t miss how his smile had already dropped and his shoulders sagged in disappointment. “Uh, nevermind, it’s not important.” He sighed, poking his half-melted froyo with his spoon. 

“But it is important,” A-dison insisted as she reached a hand out to touch his free one. “I enjoy hearing about your interests.” 

He glanced up at her from under his lashes skeptically, trying to tell if she was messing with him or not. “No offense but you don’t seem very interested to hear me talk about football.” 

She quickly shook her head with wide eyes in denial. “No, I very much am interested, Zed! Listening to you speak of something you’re so passionate about has my chest warming to magnitudes that rival the sun!” 

Zed ducked his head shyly, the tips of his ears burning red as he couldn’t help but smile and laugh. His smile doesn’t fade as his fond eyes lift to look at her, his hand squeezing hers as he once again abandons his spoon in favor of drinking her in. “I believe you, Addy.” He assured her, then tilted his head towards the door. “Why don’t we get out of here, it’s getting pretty crowded. Maybe we can watch a movie or something at my place?” 

Her eyes lit up at the suggestion, taking one last bite of her vanilla froyo before she jumped up from her seat. “Yes, let’s! The prospect of getting the ‘cuddles’ while watching a fictional dramatization depicting the culture of your plant sounds wonderful!” 

Zed can’t help but chuckle, getting up and happily taking her hand as they exit the popular froyo shop to head for Zed’s house. 

Earth’s customs still confused A-dison at times but she could really get used to these films they call ‘RomComs’. Not only did they help her understand Earth dating culture slightly better, a great source material for research, but she also found them incredibly enjoyable. Even if she had to occasionally avert her focus to answer someone popping into her mind link. The story was still lighthearted with plenty of opportunities for laughter and she found herself glancing up at Zed every time something romantic happened between the protagonists. 

Maybe their story could have been in one of these ‘RomCom’ movies. 

She absentmindedly played with a button on his shirt as the movie went on. Her fingers tracing the circular pattern above his heart. 

Zed had seen this movie a hundred times over the years, one of his favorites if he was honest. And he knew what was coming. It was almost to the great climax where the guy confesses to the girl. The groundbreaking moment when they leap into each other’s arms to share their first kiss and live happily ever after. 

Zed knew exactly what was able to happen. So why was he so nervous about it? 

Oh yeah. The girl he’s in love with is cuddled in his arms and is about to witness a very passionate kissing scene probably for the first time and he most definitely wants to replicate said scene with her . And he inwardly wondered if she would want to kiss him too.

The way her delicate fingertip drew shapes over his hammering heart made him wonder if she could tell. Did she know what she was doing to him? Was she doing it on purpose to tease him? No. As much as he would enjoy being teased by the alien, she was way too naive to know how much of an effect something so small had on him. Only because it was her doing it.

The scene began to play out on the screen. As the man confessed his feelings to the leading lady, Zed’s cheeks burned but he still tightened his hold around her shoulders, rubbed his hand up and down her arm in a gentle gesture. 

A-dison didn’t pay his movements any mind, eyes fixed on the screen. Tears were welling up in the actress’s eyes as a smile spread across her face. A-dison felt her heart begin to race, unsure of how they would further express their love. The human woman rushed forward and the man did the same until they were embracing, A-dison’s hold instinctively tightened around the man in her own arms. 

Zed pulled her that much closer, his eyes ignoring the movie in favor of gagging her reaction, completely mesmerized by how beautiful she is when she’s focused. 

The characters stared into each other’s eyes, transfixed on seeing into their lover’s soul, seeing the love reflecting equally as passionately as their own. He started leaning in, his eyes flickering to her lips, hers hooded with anticipation. A breath is lodged in A-dison’s throat as she held it there, watching at the edge of her seat to see how the humans express their true feelings for one another. 

Because even as an alien, she knows intimacy when she sees it. 

The moment their lips had touched, A-dison let out a quiet gasp. She watched their expressions, trying to read how they were feeling, the music swelling into a dreamy euphoria as an assistive depiction. 

Suddenly, she turned to Zed. Her eyes were wide and wild as they bounced around his face, something he had never seen with her. 

“Zed,” she breathed, “can I— we— I would really like to experiment with you what they are doing.” She finally rambled out, already scooting herself up and closer to him for better access to his mouth. He couldn’t help but chuckle, cheeks burning from her bluntness. 

“Yeah Addy, you can kiss me. I’d like that too.” He confessed, eyes flicking to her glossy lips. 

Her heart was beating harder than it ever had before. There was a brief second that she worried it was going to explode right there in her chest. 

He allowed her to make the move, giving her as much time and space as she needed. As she grew closer, he could feel her warm breath fan over his lips, subconsciously wetting them with his tongue in anticipation. A small noise falling from her as she caught sight of the movement. 

She wasn’t even sure why the sight of the appendage felt so attractive to her. But the prospect of what it might feel like to taste him made her legs begin to shake. 

There was a momentary pause, a hesitation from her inexperience. Her eyes slipped back up to meet his, big blue orbs full of innocence and begging for guidance. His heart melted with adoration, his hand reaching to cup her cheek gently. He closed the gap.

Their lips touch light as a feather and A-dison worried for a moment that her stardust spark had gone haywire again. But when she peeks her eyes open when they pull back, Zed showed no sign of being in pain, eyes still closed and a blissful smile gracing his features. 

When Zed finally opened his eyes to see her reaction, his smile widened. The 1000-watt smile that lit up her face made the whole botched date worth it. Watching this cheeky movie was the best choice he’d ever made in his life. 

“Oh, Zed!” She said in breathless eagerness. “That was interstellar!” He ducked his head shyly but the wide smile he wore didn’t falter. “May we please engage in more of the kissing?” She nearly begged. 

“Of course, Baby,” his eyes softening as he tucked a stray blue curl behind her ear. “As you said, we have all the time in the galaxy.”

Even after nearly 15 minutes, A-dison was still far from getting bored of this newfound connection she could feel with Zed. Their lips locked and tongues tangled in this unknown dance of passion. Her legs seated on either side of his hips, his hands on her waist while hers cup his cheeks, tangle in his hair. 

Now and then she managed to pull the sweetest noises from him; soft gasps, needy moans. Not that she was fairing much better. But she craved to hear more out of him, testing how different touches and pressures on certain parts of his body drew the sounds louder from deep in his throat. 

Her lips trailed down the strong line of his jaw, experiencing with gentle scrapes of her teeth along his skin. Trailing down the column of his throat and giving the tender flesh a trustingly harder bite—

‘Greetings A-dison!’ A-spen’s voice rang loudly in her mind. Being startled with her teeth against her lover’s neck, her jaw clamped unexpectedly and made Zed yelp. ‘I hope I’m not interrupting your evening!’ 

A-dison quickly pulled back. “Zed! Are you ok?! I am so sorry!” She apologized frantically, checking the spot on his neck for any punctures that might need attention. Sighing in relief at finding none too serious.

“I’m ok, don’t worry,” he assured her with a flushed smile, still affected by their extended make-out session. “What happened? Are you ok?”

“Uh, yeah! I’m alright!” She let out a nervous laugh but quickly decided she could not keep trying to hide it from him. With a heavy sigh, she opened her mouth to explain— 

‘Ummm? Hello? A-dison? Are you conscious? Do I need to call the medics?’ A-spen once again interrupted. 

‘I am fine, A-spen! No need to alert the medics. I was just, in the middle of something.’ She replied in the mind link. 

‘Oh! Apologies! I will allow you to complete your task and return with my inquiry shortly!’ And with that, they were gone again. 

“—dison? A-dy? Are you sure you’re ok?” Zed’s worried voice broke through her thoughts, hands gently gripping her shoulders. 

“Yes! I’m fine! I-I’m sorry Zed,” she murmured, dropping her head in defeat. Unsure of what to do now. “I have not been completely honest with you this evening.” 

Zed blinked in confusion. “What do you mean, Baby? Is something the matter?” His brows furrowed with concern. 

“No no, there’s not anything wrong with me . It has more to do with…my nature.” She admitted. “I’m sure you have heard about our mind linking abilities?” Seeing him nod along, she went on. “They are doing maintenance on Mothership as we speak and all night I have been intercepting communications with the crew. Answering questions, giving my opinion, or advice,” she listed off with another sigh. “And just now, I had gotten surprised by A-spen popping in out of nowhere and ended up almost hurting you.” She said, pinching the bridge of her nose in exasperation. 

When she opened her eyes again, he could see the frustration and sincere apology swimming in her stormy blue orbs. “I never meant to ignore you, or hurt you! I wanted our date to be special and all I did was mess it up…” 

Zed lifted his hand to cradle her jaw cheek, stroking his thumb across her cheekbone affectionately. “You didn’t mess up anything, A-dy. Tonight has been one of the best nights of my life!” 

“Really?” Her eyes sparkling with hope. 

“Yeah, really.” He assured her, leaning back in for a soft kiss to her lips. “And if you wanna continue where we left off~,” he said with a wiggle of his eyebrows, “maybe you can just cut the connection for a little while? It can be just us for a bit.” 

She wanted to mentally smack herself. Why hadn’t that option even crossed her mind? 

Without a second thought, she zoned into the universe mind link with her people. ‘Greetings everyone. For the remainder of the evening, I will be unavailable via mind link. Please refer questions to A-spen, as my second in command, or I will be available to answer tomorrow morning. Thank you.’  

Then she disconnected. Not waiting for a response. Not explaining herself further. Just disconnected. 

There was a strange wave of relief that washed over her in that moment. Relief of the responsibilities. Relief in knowing no one would pop into her head without warning or consent. Relief of knowing she could relax for once. 

And the adrenaline rushing through her veins from actually doing it! 

Her wide, wild gaze snapped to Zed’s. He could practically feel the shift in her energy, his hands sliding back to their comfortable place at her hips giving them a light squeeze of encouragement. 

“Now where were we?” She teased before diving back in for more of those delicious kisses.