Chapter Text
Wednesday had found a lead on phoenixes. Nevermore in the current semester was distinctly lacking in any mysteries for Wednesday to pursue, and she liked having something to put her Addams family drive towards. There was no other reason she sought out the mystery.
Not because of her lack of writing; the typewriter sat alone in their dorm room.
No, her abandoned cello at Ophelia did not push her this way.
Never would the missing unbearable sweetness from her tongue push her to such distractions, either.
Nor did she miss the warmth brushed up against her, the all encompassing silence and comfort and contentment .
No, it would never be any of these things, because Wednesday was happy and fine alone. Like always, Wednesday had pushed her friend away, and she was fine with the consequences that came.
So what if the walls she had put up had started to slowly crack? She could build up new ones.
Wednesday didn’t need these thoughts. This was exactly why she wanted to go searching for the phoenix in the first place.
All she knew so far from her research was the renewal cycle. Although the typical form was the avian type, there were some of the species that had deviated into humankind. These human species presented as completely regular except for when they needed to turn to ashes, in which they’d disappear for a week before returning, appearance completely new.
Based on her and Thing’s intel, only one person had aligned with the research Wednesday had done from the Nightshade library books. Nasima Fayed, who, sadly, was Yoko Tanaka’s roommate.
Wednesday hoped Lady Luck would be on her side for this interrogation.
…
This was getting ridiculous. After a week of not seeing Wednesday, Enid was becoming an addict going through withdrawals. Those cakes the baker had given her were rotting in a bag somewhere in their (her? Enid didn’t want to think about it) room, the thought of cakes cheering her up a memory from a less stupid Enid. But everywhere she went, it was Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday.
When she saw the Jericho police brandishing their guns, all Enid could think about was how superior Wednesday would say the knife is.
When she’d see Ajax give spare glances to her in the halls, instead of butterflies, she’d remember the first cake Wednesday had stolen for her.
When she would take trips to Jericho, her eyes would eventually wander to the bakery. Enid was pretty sure the girl hated strawberry cakes, and yet, without fail, she managed to steal one every time.
When she’d see the untouched, colorless bed on the other side of her room, she was reminded that she was a coward.
Then she’d remember how strong the urge to kiss her friend had been.
Nevermind that.
After a week of deliberation, Enid hoped that this would be enough for Wednesday.
Enid tapped Bianca’s shoulder. She whispered her idea into the siren’s ear.
…
It turns out that stalking a phoenix was going to be more difficult than Wednesday thought.
Nasima did not like being alone. Every waking moment, she seemed to be surrounded by her friends. Occasionally, Wednesday would see her with Tanaka, thankfully without Enid in tow.
But this time, she was there.
The werewolf was next to the vampire, simply on the edge of the conversation. She looked awkward, taking glances at her surroundings. Wednesday’s eyes were drawn to her like a starving lioness at a gazelle grazing. Her eyes ran down her face, her lips, the nervous extension and retraction of her claws.
Was she really this desperate?
“Hey, Wednesday—“
She whipped around, knife out. How did someone sneak up on her? Wednesday was typically the one who crept in. Enid had distracted her to the point of insanity. Luckily, the person on the other end of her knife was someone used to that position.
“Barclay. Do not sneak up on me unless you wish to never fence again.”
“I’m glad to see you too. I haven’t seen you in over a week, Wednesday. And there’s been a distinct lack of werewolf around you lately.” Wednesday found herself wincing.
Wednesday Addams did not wince.
“Enid has simply needed space. I am giving her that. I owe her for all I’ve put her through.” Wednesday pushed herself off the pillar she’d been leaning on to fully face Bianca, arms crossed.
“She’s kinda putting this on herself, honestly,” Bianca sighed, shaking her head.
“How so?”
“I think that’s something for her to tell you. But I heard that a certain girl you’re stalking is going to the edge of the forest tonight. Heard from Yoko she’s doing some kinda phoenix ritual at 9:00.”
“From my research, they do not have such rituals.”
“Well, I actually talk to people, and I’m sure of it.” When Bianca got closer to try to pat Wednesday’s shoulder, the short girl’s nose wrinkled. She smelled strongly of coffee. Wednesday backed away from the touch.
“Friends do not get to touch me.”
“What about Enid?”
“She’s…my—I,” Wednesday frowned as she stuttered. Enid was her friend, wasn’t she? Then why was she so different from Bianca? “Her nature as a werewolf conflicts with mine, but I cannot deny her that.”
Wednesday was certain her reasoning was sound. She patted herself on the back for that one.
“Sure,” Bianca responded, completely convinced. Wednesday was getting too skilled at this socializing thing. “Just go, alright? I know you want that phoenix girl to add to your monster knowledge, or something.”
The Addams watched her walk away. She bit the inside of her cheek in response to what her inner Enid was telling her. That werewolf made her soft.
“Bianca. Thank you.”
She smiled, giving a thumbs up and a “Good luck!”
Wednesday did not need luck.
…
“Are you sure this’ll work?”
“If there’s anything Wednesday is, she’s stubborn.”
“And one-track minded,” Enid laughed, closing the cardboard box. “Thanks a lot, Bianca. I really appreciate you helping me make it up to Wednesday like this.”
“If I have to watch you two act like lovers separated by war one more day, I’m going to siren song myself to eternal sleep,” Bianca joked, faking a gag.
“I still think Wednesday just sees me as a friend.”
“Respectfully, Enid, you’re an idiot.”
…
Thing was so dramatic. Wednesday was nothing like him, honestly.
“Wednesday, I miss Enid. Can you just talk to her?”
“No, I will wait until she reaches out to me.” Wednesday put the last Nightshade book into her bag. “I am not missing her like you.”
“Then why is there a cake in your bag?”
“In case her werewolf is unleashed and I need to calm her down.”
“Maybe you’re the drama queen. Admit it; the cake is for when Enid wants to see you again. ‘Cause you miss her.” The hand closed into a fist as though it were crossing its arms. Wednesday was already out the door, locking the hand in. He frantically slapped his message on the door. “Stop being stubborn, Wednesday!”
Thing was foolish. Wednesday had half a mind to rip each finger from him when a buzz came from her coat pocket.
Moths took flight in her stomach as she saw the sender.
Enid Sinclair
hey wends
um so i know you hate surprises (crackstone lol)
so this is me telling you
be ready for a surprise! at 9 pm! meet me! haha
I will be occupied.
please?
ill be at the forest
please come, willa
…
Wednesday!!! <3333
Wednesday!!! <3333 is typing…
Wednesday had been typing for five damn minutes! Enid had paced away the wood of their dorm floor with how bad her nerves were. Next to her, the box she and Bianca had prepared was sitting on her desk.
The little cardboard box lay waiting in front of Enid, taunting her, teasing her. Enid, tell her how you feel, and Enid, this gift won’t be enough! she could hear it say.
God, Enid was going insane on Wednesday withdrawal. She broke her attention from the damn box to check her phone.
Wednesday had left her on read, her typed message deleted.
She felt silly.
This whole thing was her fault, in the end. Being upset at Wednesday was worthless when it was Enid who had run away first.
It was her mistake, and it was going to be her apology.
…
Fayed was nowhere to be seen. The phoenix could easily blend into the dark forest, though, so Wednesday pressed on, shoddy flashlight checking every possible spot of the forest edge.
Thing was right. Wednesday was being stubborn and stupid. The phoenix research was irrelevant; Wednesday had no interest in the Nasima girl. Not when she could spend time with someone else.
Wednesday missed Enid.
What would she do if Enid were here right now? Ready, willing to take Wednesday back in? Wednesday sat on the soft dirt next to a tree, the flashlight beside her still lit. Would she be able to face Enid?
And what if Enid were okay with the word “friend”? Could Wednesday take advantage of her like that? She knew already that Enid was no ordinary friend; the siren had already confirmed Wednesday was capable of a “normal” friendship.
So what were they? “Besties”? Wednesday gagged at the thought, wrapping her arms around her knees.
Did Wednesday want more?
Her mind wandered to the night with Tyler, when she’d kissed him. She still didn’t really know why, perhaps a morbid curiosity for the human act. Maybe a defense mechanism from the boy that always looked on the verge of tears. She didn’t want to think about him anymore.
A little voice in her head told her to substitute Tyler.
Instead of curly brown hair and big, bony hands, Wednesday replaced them in the memory with blonde locks and the rough palms of Enid’s. In place of green, bulging eyes were Enid’s soft blues, always upturned in joy. That urge to vomit was replaced by a strange sensation, as though the fluttering of bats in the night sky ran through her veins. The coffee smell, which was perhaps the most tolerable part of the memory of Tyler, was replaced by a soft perfume, nearly unnoticeable. Wednesday had no idea Enid wore perfume until they hugged a year ago, her deep breath catching a huge waft of gentle, fruity perfume.
They weren’t even actually kissing, but Wednesday felt her heart race.
Bianca would not extract these feelings out of her. This meant Enid was a friend more akin to pre-Hyde Tyler.
So, it meant…
Oh.
Oh.
“Oh, Wednesday!” Wednesday whipped around, seeing a pink coat running towards her from deeper in the forest.
No, no, no, no, Wednesday could not face Enid after this revelation if it took herself that long to reconcile with it! She would push Enid away again. She would hurt her. She’d lose her.
And so she picked up the flashlight and ran.
And ran she tried, but Wednesday was never the more athletic of the two.
Within minutes, Wednesday was tackled to the ground, hands pinned either side of her head. Enid hadn’t even broken a sweat, but underneath her, the Addams girl panted, trying to recapture the breath that was lost unexpectedly. Aside from the heartbeat pounding in her ears, all Wednesday could focus on was the warm palms against her wrists, a heat so overwhelming she forgot why they were in this position in the first place. Wednesday blinked slowly, noticing the glint of Enid’s fangs before her eyes flickered to Enid’s. Wednesday found herself going over the deep crevices of her irises; she could see her pupils widen more than she thought possible.
It was enrapturing. Wednesday considered switching from phoenixes to werewolves once again.
She was getting distracted. Enid must have tactically planned it; she would not let her win with such dirty tricks.
Wednesday thrashed, trying to push Enid off her with her legs and arms. Enid was too strong though, her weight staying firmly on top of Wednesday with little room to budge. She had this weird, angry blank face, one that would fit better on Wednesday than the werewolf. But Wednesday’s face wasn’t her own either: she was blushing, eyes wide in fear and admiration for the girl above her.
Still, she squirmed and wiggled. Wednesday did not go down easily.
“Wends stop! The cake is gonna go bad.” Wednesday did not take orders. But she did stop. “Good.” Within a breath, Enid was off of her, arm extended for help. Wednesday Addams did not take help.
But she took her hand anyway.
They walked silently, Enid pulling along Wednesday hand in hand. For a girl so bright and soft, Enid’s hands were rough. It was comforting. Wednesday tightened her grip and walked closer.
The pair came up to Enid’s surprise: a little table set up with a black cloth covering. Atop the cloth was a white box, slightly crumpled and smushed. Enid laughed nervously, finally letting go of their hands.
“Surprise! I’m sorry, Wednesday, for avoiding you.” She opened the box to reveal a small brown cake. “I know you don’t really do colors, but tiramisu is coffee cake, so I thought you’d like it more than the other cake that you didn’t cut, not that I’m still upset about that, I promise I’m not; I just thought that maybe you would like this more—”
“Enid.” The werewolf raised her shoulders, smiling sheepishly.
“Right. Sorry.”
Wednesday approached the cake. She pulled out the knife she had nearly pulled on Bianca the other day, hovering over the cake.
The replacement memory flashed in her mind. Her hand, that traitorous thing, was trembling.
“Enid,” Wednesday whispered softly. “Why did you leave?”
Rather than answer immediately, Enid stepped up behind Wednesday silently, putting her hands over both of Wednesday’s smaller ones. Wednesday stilled from the heat that seemed to radiate from the girl, watching as Enid guided her hands to cut the cake, her rough, steady hands stabilizing her shaking ones.
“I was scared,” Enid admitted. Wednesday looked in her eyes, her lips, her stance, anything to show that Enid was lying. But she was completely open and vulnerable. “I realized some stuff. About me, us, you know. I was scared of what it could mean, I guess. But if this week has made me realize anything, Wends, I hate not having you with me.” Tears welled up in the werewolf’s eyes, her arms struggling to find a spot that wasn't her side.
Wednesday needed to make her happy.
She pulled away from Enid to dig through her bag for the strawberry cake she had made this morning. Her hands fumbled to push the cake into Enid’s hands. The taller girl let a small laugh pass.
Enid bit into the cake. She furrowed her eyebrows as though she were angry, but Wednesday knew what her eyes meant.
“Willa.” A part of Wednesday wanted to run again, to avoid these displays of vulnerability. To shrink away from this admittance from Enid like it were Gomez’s kisses. But she knew she needed this, that they needed this. And so, she did something selfish.
Wednesday grabbed Enid’s hands and pulled her into a hug.
“I’m here, Enid.” The arms wrapped around her back squeezed tighter.
“I missed you so much, Wednesday. I don’t care if you’d push me away at anything more, I would be happy just for you to call me your friend.”
“Anything more?” Wednesday asked, eyebrows raised, separating from Enid’s arms to search for an answer on her face. “What do you mean?” She swallowed the spindles of hope that blocked her throat.
“Well, you know, like, more than friends.” Even in just the moon’s reused sunlight, Wednesday could see the deep blush on her cheeks. She wondered if her own cheeks betrayed her stoic facade. Wednesday’s insides screamed at her to cup her cheeks, to comfort her, and cradle her in her arms.
When did Wednesday become so touchy?
Rough fingers held her chin, but her eyes didn’t follow until she heard Enid utter her name so softly, it felt like her brother had thrown a grenade at her. Blue eyes were boring into her, searching Wednesday’s face for something. Wednesday’s hand cupped Enid’s. If Wednesday let this keep going, she was going to tackle the blonde.
“Enid. The tiramisu.” Wednesday’s words seemed to snap Enid out of whatever trance she was in.
“Oh my gosh, I almost forgot!” Enid took the cut piece of cake, a cheap paper plate in hand.
Wednesday took a bite.
Typically, when the pair would eat cakes, Wednesday would only have her portion to satisfy Enid. The aftertaste of the cakes would be tolerable in the girl's glowing joy, her hatred of sweets forgotten in her adorable glee.
Somehow, Enid had found a cake that actually brought that joy to Wednesday. She let a smile escape.
“Bianca helped me. With the cake. And some other stuff, I guess, like getting you here, but I don’t really know what she told you?” Enid was stammering again.
Wednesday remembered the strong coffee aroma from Bianca. The phoenix ritual.
“I’m going to skin Barclay alive.” Enid’s laughter filled the forest.
“Whatever she did, it worked, didn’t it?”
“Maybe so.”
The two girls finally sat down on the grass, their own cakes in hand. They only got to eat in silence for two minutes before Enid opened her mouth.
“Can I try some? I helped Bianca a little, but I saved the first taste for you.”
Rolling her eyes, Wednesday scooted closer to the werewolf to offer her fork, bite already loaded. Enid, for once, took a soft bite, taking in the flavors of coffee while Wednesday absorbed the tension of their unspoken words. Somehow, even Enid’s gentlest bite was messy, Wednesday’s eyes staring at the yellow cream next to her lips.
With a swipe of her finger, Wednesday licked the cream that came from Enid’s cheek. It was sweet, yes, but not as sweet as the growing blush spreading from Enid’s face to her shoulders.
Wednesday had to stop running away.
“Enid. I know I am not the best with emotions either,” Wednesday muttered, taking a hand to hold Enid’s cheeks, taking in the warmth beneath her fingertips, “but I would face these fears to forever have you. Even on the day my corpse has long withered away, your hold on me will never falter.” Enid’s eyes widened.
“Wends…”
“I have always considered hope and love debilitating things. They rely on others—a type of connection I always despised. But with you, Enid, I hope that what I was running from was the same fear plaguing you.” She smiled as she felt Enid lean into her hand, so tender and faint that only this close could Wednesday feel it. “At first, I feared it was because you did not see me as your friend. I wanted to give you the space I felt you deserved after everything I put you through our last school year. But after our time apart, I realized that I yearn for your touch like no other.” Enid’s eyes fluttered shut as she rubbed circles into her cheek. “Enid Sinclair, I love you. And perhaps the more you wished for after friendship was simply a different form of platonic love. But I will hope anyway, my heart laid bare for you like this.”
There were tears forming in Enid’s eyes.
“God, I love you too, Wednesday. I don’t know how, but you’re right. I did run because I was scared of loving you,” Enid sighed into Wednesday’s hand, still cupping her cheek. “I was so careful that, after everything with Tyler and Xavier, I respected your boundaries. But maybe, that became an excuse to hide my feelings.” A hand was placed on her waist, pulling her closer to Enid. “You’re weird, Wends. But the way you show love sweeps me off my feet every time, especially with these damn cakes. You’re the sweetest murderer I’ve ever met, and I think being stuck with you for the rest of my life would be the biggest blessing.”
Crows threatened to swarm her heart.
This was it.
She did not know who leaned in or pulled away first. All she knew were the hands on her sides, holding her close as they kissed.
Enid, Enid, Enid. Wednesday could get used to this overwhelming sensation of her. The faint perfume, her warmth, the taste of strawberries and sweetness, and Enid.
Everything else didn’t matter.
Here, in Enid’s arms, Wednesday was where she belonged.
…
Bianca felt nauseous watching Wednesday and Enid hand-feed each other cake. Wednesday’s eyes were completely lost in Enid’s, her entire weight in Enid’s lap. The werewolf wasn’t any better; her cheeks were completely flushed, and she didn’t even pay attention to the paper ball one of the Furs threw at her in disgust.
“It’s been a year, and they still act as though they got together yesterday. They’re terrible.” Yoko smiled at the siren, leaning back in her spot at the Quad.
“They really are.”