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Chapter Text

“Good morning, Wednesday! Time to get up!” Enid chimed, putting her hands on Wednesday’s legs and shaking her awake.

Wednesday’s eyes darted open, her arms crossed over her chest like a corpse, as usual. She sat up, glaring at her roommate. “Remove your hands or you won’t have them when you wake up tomorrow,” she threatened. Even though they were girlfriends, she did not enjoy touch, particularly in the mornings. She scowled when she felt an incredible dryness in her throat. She suppressed a cough, reaching over and taking a sip from her water cup on her bedside table.

The werewolf smiled in amusement, removing her hands. “You weren’t getting up.”

“What time is it?” Wednesday asked. It was a school day, and normally she would get up to her alarm slightly earlier than Enid to shower. She preferred morning showers, while Enid preferred them at night.

Enid looked at her phone. “7:50. We’ve got class in ten minutes.”

Wednesday’s eyes widened and she ripped her covers off her legs, standing. She quickly changed into her uniform, then sped into the bathroom, brushing her teeth and washing her face as fast as possible. She tried to ignore the growing soreness in her throat.

It was harder to ignore as she sat in her least-favorite class: Werewolf Pup Development. She despised any species of children, and she was only taking the elective because Enid wanted her to.

Grumbling under her breath, she pressed pen to paper, mindlessly taking notes. She only tolerated it because she cared about her girlfriend next to her—though she’d never admit it.

At lunch, Enid stopped mid-sentence while talking to Yoko when Wednesday sat down. Her lunch tray contained only a package of vanilla pudding and a glass of water.

Enid scowled. “That’s an interesting choice,” she commented.

Wednesday opened the pudding, once more suppressing a cough as she dug her spoon in. She eyed Enid’s heaping plate of pork ribs. “Not everyone is a carnivore, you know.” She then looked at Yoko, slurping her blood-bag. “Or a vampire.”

Enid shrugged. “I guess you’re right.”

Glad she’d dodged Enid’s concern, Wednesday tried to swallow the pudding, but the pain in her throat was too much to bear. She powered through the first spoonful, but gave up, taking out a textbook and studying instead.

Fencing class came along that afternoon, and Wednesday was feeling increasingly weak and achy. She knew she was coming down with some sort of illness, but she did not want to resign to it just yet. She despised people fussing over her; in her family, they would give her medication and allow her to recover on her own, but she knew that Enid would most definitely fuss over her if she found out.

So she pushed through her match with Bianca, wanting to beat her once more.

Wednesday was unsurprisingly off her game, her muscles weak and achy, and Bianca easily won. In fact, Wednesday lost so bad that she fell to the floor, her backside slamming into the ground. The siren smirked when it was over, delighting in the disappointed expression on Wednesday’s face.

Enid, however, who’d been watching from the sidelines, knew something was up. She approached her girlfriend, putting a hand on her shoulder. “Is something wrong?” she asked, helping her to her feet.

Wednesday glared up at the girl. “No. Bianca is just doing…well today,” she said, her words physically paining her to say. She did not like admitting defeat of any kind.

Enid narrowed her eyes, reading straight through her lies. “Mhmm.”

Wednesday suppressed another cough, but this time Enid noticed.

“You okay there?”

Wednesday shot her another glare and wordlessly left the fencing room to change for her next class.

That evening at dinner, Wednesday was overheated, sweating, achy, weak, and her throat was so sore she could barely talk. She did not want to miss dinner, fearing Enid would worry more if she didn’t come. So she sat at their table, staring at the sandwich on her plate in front of her, knowing she couldn’t fathom taking even one bite. She was zoned out, not contributing to the conversation, not even realizing when Enid said her name.

“Wednesday!” she exclaimed rather loudly, dramatically if Wednesday had to judge it.

The girl turned and looked at the young werewolf inquisitively. “Yes?” she croaked, her voice now obviously abnormal.

Enid noticed Wednesday’s flushed complexion, her sweaty bangs, her unusually slumped-over position. “What is the matter?” she said quietly so none of their other friends could hear.

“Nothing—” She coughed, covering her mouth with her napkin. It was a deep cough, the pain reverberating down deep into her chest and lungs. She took a deep breath, trying to clear the mucus from her airways. “Nothing is wrong.”

Before Enid could respond, Wednesday stood from the table, swaying on her feet in weakness. She straightened herself up. Pull yourself together , she thought to herself.

“I am going to go study,” she told Enid, hoping to quell her worries for at least a little while. She dragged herself out of the dining hall, making her way to her dorm. She nearly collapsed inside. She knew she should check her temperature, take some NSAIDs, or at the very least drink some tea, but she was so fatigued and lethargic, the only thing she could do was collapse onto her bed in a sweaty, overheated heap. She groaned, her whole body aching, her throat burning. She did not enjoy being ill as much as she enjoyed other forms of pain. Illness was caused by something natural like a virus or bacteria; other pain such as injuries were caused by violence. She much preferred the latter.

Wednesday tossed and turned in delirium, unable to find comfort when her body was in such a state. She groaned in annoyance just minutes later when she heard the creaks of Enid’s footsteps outside their dorm.

The werewolf rushed inside, her face falling at the sight of her roommate. “Wednesday!” she exclaimed, rushing to her side, turning her over so she was lying on her back. 

Wednesday glared at her in annoyance. “I am fine , Sinclair.”

“I thought you were passed out!” Enid insisted, stepping back a little. She put her hands on her hips. “I’m well aware that you’re sick, Wednesday, it’s painfully obvious.” She sighed, walking over to her side of the room and sitting at her dresser. She started to remove her makeup. “When you’re ready for me to help you, just holler.”

Wednesday rolled her eyes, groaning as she sat up. Her vision swayed from even that movement. She moved to stand, but her legs got the better of her and she collapsed to the floor.

Enid jumped up from her chair, rushing over to her girlfriend. Wednesday was humiliated, but did not have the strength to get herself up.

“Oh my gosh, Wednesday!” She crouched down, sliding her arms under Wednesday’s armpits and lifting her to sit on the bed. She supported her back with one hand and felt her forehead with the back of her other hand. “Jeez, you’re burning up. You really are sick.”

“Unfortunately,” Wednesday mumbled. She couldn’t push off caring for herself any longer, so she didn’t deny it.

“Let’s get you out of these clothes,” Enid remarked, making quick work of her blazer. Wednesday allowed it, her body too overheated and uncomfortable to resist. Enid slid off her tie, then bent down and removed her shoes and socks. She stood and helped Wednesday to lie down, her head lying comfortably on her pillow.

Both girls heard the pattering of Thing across the floor. He approached Enid, flipping over to expose his palm, which held a thermometer and wet washcloth.

“Thank you, Thing,” Enid responded as she took the items from him. She sat down on the edge of Wednesday’s bed, then gently tapped her chin. “I gotta check your temp.” Wednesday nodded slightly in compliance, opening her mouth a little and raising her tongue to allow Enid to insert the thermometer. The werewolf then folded up the wet washcloth, tenderly brushing her bangs out of the way and placing it on her burning forehead.

As she waited for the thermometer, Enid leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead. “Why didn’t you tell me you weren’t feeling well?” she asked. She wasn’t worried about catching whatever Wednesday had come down with; werewolf immunity was definitely stronger than that of humans.

Wednesday opened her eyes a little, meeting Enid’s. “Why would I?”

Enid scowled. “I’m your girlfriend, who loves you very much.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “That makes me your number one caretaker.”

Wednesday narrowed her eyes in mild annoyance. “I have a mother, Sinclair.”

Enid nodded, her eyes focused on her hand, which was gently rubbing Wednesday’s leg. “And she isn’t here right now.”

Wednesday sighed ever-so-slightly. “I can usually take care of myself in such situations, but it appears I am more ill than usual,” she admitted.

“Mhmm,” Enid agreed, her hands moving to take the thermometer out of Wednesday’s mouth. She gasped. “104?! This is like, seizure levels!!”

“Almost,” Wednesday mumbled, her medical knowledge relatively extensive for her ripe age. “If it gets any higher, it may be cause for concern.”

Enid furrowed her brow in worry. She stroked Wednesday’s hair, much to the girl’s chagrin. “You’ll be okay.” 

Wednesday narrowed her eyes at that. Enid smiled a little, glad Wednesday at least still had her snarky wits. She pulled out her phone, Googling the quickest method to reduce body temperature. She looked up at her roommate. “It says here you should take a cold bath.”

Wednesday groaned. “No.”

Enid raised her eyebrows. “Yes. Do you want to have a seizure?” She smirked a little, coming up with a smart motivator. “A seizure means a trip to the hospital.”

Wednesday’s eyes widened at that thought. “Fine,” she mumbled. Enid could tell she was fading fast and that she’d have to get her bathed quickly before she fell asleep. The werewolf stood, sliding her arms under Wednesday and lifting her into her arms bridal-style. She was stronger now, empowered by her awakened Lycan DNA. Surprised that Wednesday wasn’t protesting, Enid brought her to the bathroom, sitting her on top of the toilet lid as she turned on the bath tap and clogged the drain. 

Wednesday’s eyes were closed, her back slumping against the toilet. Enid knitted her eyebrows in pity, worried about her girlfriend. She wordlessly began to unbutton her uniform shirt, removing it completely and tossing it to the floor. She then removed her skirt and tights. She averted her eyes as she helped Wednesday out of her undershirt, then she wrapped her arms around her midsection, supporting her as she helped her to stand. Wednesday leaned heavily into Enid as she reached down and removed her own underwear. She collapsed back into her when she was done, exasperated from just that menial task.

Worried, Enid lifted the smaller girl into her arms once more, bringing her to the tub and laying her in it. Wednesday winced at the cold temperature, her body beginning to shiver. Enid placed a fresh washcloth under the stream of water, then gently began to wipe Wednesday’s face of sweat. The girl’s eyes were closed, her breathing shallow and abnormal. Enid knew she would have to get the nurse; this was not just your run-of-the-mill common cold.

Enid worked gently and tenderly, cleaning the sweat off of Wednesday, desperately trying to cool her down. Once she was done, she lifted Wednesday back into her arms, not caring how wet she got her uniform. Enid stood her up, once more supporting her weight as she wrapped a towel around her body. She gently dried her off, her movements tender and kind. She then sat her back down on the toilet lid, the towel wrapped around her body as Enid rummaged through the medkit.

“Thank you,” Wednesday mumbled.

Enid turned her head in mild surprise, smiling at the girl. “It’s what I’m here for.” She grabbed the Tylenol and Wednesday’s cup, filling it with water. She turned and crouched in front of Wednesday, holding out the pills in one hand and the water cup in another. Wednesday took the pills, plopping them in her mouth then taking a sip of the water. She coughed, covering her mouth with her elbow. She winced a little at the pain it caused in her chest.

Enid helped Wednesday to her feet, leading her out of the bathroom and to her dark side of the room. She helped her into her pajamas, once more supporting her weight. She unmade Wednesday’s bed and helped the shivering girl under the covers, then tucked them right under her chin. Enid realized Wednesday was already asleep, and smiled a tiny bit. Finally, she was at-ease.

Wednesday awoke in a cold sweat, her body lurching to a sitting position. She groaned in pain, the sudden movement hurting her aching muscles. She coughed, her airways burning.

After a moment of gathering herself, Wednesday turned and swung her feet off the bed, feeling admittedly better than she had before her long rest.

“You’re up!” came Enid’s cheerful voice. She looked up from watching TikToks, then turned off her phone. She approached her girlfriend, smiling. “How are you feeling?”

Wednesday swallowed. “Better.” She scowled, eyeing Enid’s pajama pants. “Why aren’t you in class?”

Enid smiled goofily, giggling. “It’s Saturday, silly.”

Wednesday pursed her lips. “Hmm.”

Enid stood, grabbing a takeout cup off her desk and bringing it to Wednesday. “Here, I brought you some tea with honey from breakfast.” 

Wednesday nodded in appreciation, taking the warm cup into her hands. She leaned forward and took a sip, the warmth permeating through her stomach. She breathed it in, the steam clearing up her airways.

“Thank you,” she muttered.

Enid smiled and nodded, perching on the end of Wednesday’s bed. “I had the wildest dream,” she told her.

Wednesday looked up from her tea, glaring as if to egg on her story.

“I was like, super tall, right? Like probably eight feet! Abraham Lincoln vibes.” She laughed to herself. “And I was walking across campus, except I was so tall I couldn’t see below the clouds! It was so crazy, and then you wouldn’t believe—”

“Unless it was fog, eight feet would not be tall enough to exceed the clouds,” Wednesday remarked, setting down her tea for a moment. She coughed a little.

Enid pursed her lips, thinking. “I guess you’re right.” She shrugged. “Anyways, I saw this dog running across the clouds, and he was super tiny. Like, as big as an M&M at max. He was green too! Maybe he was an M&M…”

“You’re making no sense,” Wednesday mumbled as she took another sip of tea.

Enid frowned. “That’s the point. I’m trying to make sense of this! I talked to our friends during breakfast about this this morning and they called me crazy.”

“They aren’t entirely incorrect,” Wednesday retorted.

Enid shot her a playful glare. “Anyways,” she said, standing from her bed. “Let’s go to the nurse.”

Wednesday scowled as she set her cup down. “No.”

Enid crossed her arms over her chest, stubborn. “Yes. You need to get checked out, Wends. You were really sick last night.”

Wednesday glared at the other girl. “I’m much better now.”

Enid scowled, skeptical, and leaned forward to touch her hand to the other girl’s forehead. “You are still burning up.”

“I’m much stronger, though,” Wednesday insisted. She planted her feet on the floor, moving to stand. To her embarrassment, her brain swam around in her skull and she got dizzy, almost falling over. Enid caught her around the waist.

“Mhmm, so very strong, huh?”

Wednesday cursed under her breath, allowing her roommate to guide her to the door. Both slid on their shoes, then headed out of their dorm, Enid’s arm around Wednesday at all times to support her.

“You are…more intuitive than I thought,” Wednesday commented as they made their way up the stairs.

Enid smiled smugly, her chin raising a little. “I’m glad you finally admitted I can actually be helpful sometimes. Sickness does not equal weakness, Wednesday, even the strongest warriors come down with stuff from time to time.”

Wednesday gave no response until they finally made it to the infirmary. She shot daggers at the nurse’s concerned face, not wanting to be poked and prodded. But Enid was so very insistent, so she let it happen.

The nurse instructed her to sit on a bed, then took out a clipboard. She first took her temperature and blood pressure. She squinted at the thermometer as she took it out of the girl’s mouth, studying it. “102. A little high, but not too concerning,” she remarked. She set it down and removed Wednesday’s blood pressure cuff, then wrote something down on her clipboard. “I’d like to ask a few questions.”

Wednesday nodded in understanding. Questions didn’t involve touching. Questions were acceptable.

“What symptoms have you been experiencing?”

Wednesday pursed her lips, not wanting to respond. She did not like admitting weakness, and having to verbally lay out all her current weaknesses was torture, and not the good kind. “Just a sore throat.”

Enid, who was sitting on the bed beside her, glared at Wednesday. “Come on , Wednesday.” The raven just glared back at her. Enid scoffed, directing her attention to the nurse. “She’s also been extremely weak, dizzy, and fatigued. Not to mention her nasty cough. And her fever was 104 last night before she took meds!” Enid turned back to Wednesday, who was now glaring even deeper at the werewolf.

The nurse raised her eyebrows in surprise, then wrote it all down on her clipboard. “How long have you been feeling ill?” she asked.

“Since yesterday morning,” Wednesday replied. “I woke up with a sore throat.”

The nurse nodded in understanding, taking her stethoscope out of her pocket. She moved to stand behind Wednesday, then pulled up her shirt, pressing the scope against her back. “Take a deep breath in for me.” Wednesday complied, feeling the mucus in her throat and chest as she breathed. “And out.” The girl coughed as she exhaled, unable to suppress it. The nurse pursed her lips and removed her stethoscope, writing something down. “I’d like to test for a few illnesses. Luckily it’s most likely not any form of pneumonia; your lungs themselves sound relatively clear, free of bibasilar crackles.”

Wednesday nodded, knowing what the medical terms meant. Enid just looked at the nurse, confused, her level of medical knowledge normal for her age. Wednesday had delighted in reading medical books since she was a child, enjoying particularly the drawings of old, crude medical devices and treatments from the past centuries.

The nurse stood and went to the infirmary supply room. The two teens eyed each other.

“‘Just a sore throat’? Really , Wednesday?! Are you trying to get cleared faster?” Enid chastised.

Wednesday just stared at her. “I don’t like weaknesses.”

Enid rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. “What did I just tell you?!” She stopped her criticism when the nurse re-entered, a basket of tests in-hand. 

The nurse sat back down by the patient, taking out the first bag. “Strep first. Open your mouth and say ahh .”

Wednesday obeyed, a little annoyed that the nurse was treating her like a child with that language. She gagged when the swab touched the back of her throat, and once she took it out of her mouth, she went into a coughing fit.

Enid immediately placed a hand on her roommate’s back, rubbing it gently in an effort to soothe her.

“Oh, you poor dear,” the nurse said, a look of pity on her face. Wednesday resisted the urge to slice that expression right off her face with a knife. She despised pity.

The nurse placed her used swab in a biohazard bag, then took out the next test. “Just one more,” she assured the girl as she took out another swab. She inserted it into Wednesday’s nose, twisting it a few times. She removed it then placed it in its own bag. Wednesday broke out coughing again.

The nurse eyed Enid, both showing concerned expressions. “I will make sure to get some cough medicine, too,” she said as she stood, taking the tests and going back to the supply room.

Enid shook her head in dismay, placing a hand on Wednesday’s shoulder as the girl attempted to get a good breath in. “I’m so sorry, love…”

Wednesday shot her a sharp glare between coughs, then went into a bigger fit. She grabbed the pillow and smothered herself with it, trying to stop the coughs. Enid stood up, rushing to the nurse’s desk and grabbing a water bottle. She rushed back to her girlfriend, desperate to help her. She unscrewed the cap and gently pulled the pillow away from Wednesday’s face, putting the bottle up to her lips.

Wednesday gratefully took it from her, taking a few sips. Eventually her coughs slowed, then stopped altogether. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

The nurse was watching, concerned. “It appears you have influenza,” she announced, looking at her clipboard. With Nevermore’s special resources, test results came quicker than regular medical offices. “I brought you some Tamiflu, which you should take for the next five days. You’re very lucky you came in when you did; had you waited a day longer, you would be ineligible for the medicine.” She handed her the Tamiflu bottle as well as some cough syrup. “Bedrest for today and tomorrow, and no school until your regimen is done.”

Wednesday glared at the nurse. She did not like missing classes for something as menial as healing.

“Thank you,” Enid said for her. She nodded at the nurse. “I’ll make sure she follows the rules.” Wednesday glared at Enid. The latter just smiled cheerfully.

The girls left the infirmary, Enid still supporting Wednesday’s weight as they made their way back to their dorm. The werewolf unsurprisingly forced her girlfriend into bed.

“Come on, it won’t be so bad!” she chimed. “I will bring my laptop over and we can cuddle and watch baking shows all weekend!” She was half-joking, knowing it would annoy Wednesday.

Wednesday glared at her. “No.”

Enid smiled. “I will respect your boundaries, but my offer still stands.” She pointed to the medicine bottles. “And take your meds.” She turned on her heel and skipped over to her side of the room. She pulled out her laptop, laying on her stomach on her bed, her legs kicking up behind her like a typical teenage girl.

Wednesday glared at Thing as he hopped up onto her bed, grabbing the medicine bottles and dragging them right up to her.

“Come on, you irksome creature. You know I dislike Western medicine.” Thing dropped the bottles on her lap, then frantically signed. She glared again, trying to suppress a cough. Finally another fit broke out, the pain pressing deep into her torso. She grabbed at her ribs, as if the violence of the coughs could break the bones. 

Enid looked up at the sound, worried. She stood from her bed and rushed to Wednesday’s side. Quickly she grabbed her water cup, pressing it to her lips again. Wednesday gratefully took a sip, glad to breathe again.

Enid gently took the cup from her hands and set it back down on her nightstand. She grabbed the cough syrup. “You are taking this now ,” she said. Thing signed in agreement. Wednesday just continued to shoot daggers at the two of them as Enid poured a dose of the syrup into its tiny cup. She handed it to Wednesday, who begrudgingly swallowed it. She then gave her the Tamiflu, which hurt like hell as it scraped down her sore throat.

Enid sighed, knitting her eyebrows in pity.

“Quit looking at me like I am on my deathbed,” Wednesday snapped. “I have influenza. I am in somewhat good health and I am young. I will survive.”

Enid sighed, rubbing Wednesday’s arm affectionately. “I just don’t like to see you suffer.”

Wednesday reached over and touched Enid’s hand, meeting her eyes. “I will be okay. Thanks to you forcing me to accept assistance.”

Enid nodded, smiling. She took Wednesday’s hand fully in her own, gently squeezing it. “That’s what friends…and girlfriends…do.”

Wednesday’s heart fluttered a little at that. She nodded and wordlessly scooted over in her bed, leaving space beside her. 

“One episode,” she mumbled, barely audible.

Enid indeed heard what she said. She immediately perked up, racing over to her side of the room and grabbing her laptop. She skipped back over, sliding in under the covers and pressing play on the baking show. The bed was so small their legs had to touch. For once, Wednesday didn’t mind.

Enid wrapped her arm around the girl, knowing she was taking a bit of a risk. To her surprise, Wednesday melted into her touch. She rested her head on Enid’s chest and relaxed her aching muscles. The werewolf smiled, her heart fluttering in joy as she kissed the top of Wednesday’s head.

Wednesday was most definitely going soft for her.

Chapter Text

“I won, you are an imbecile if you think otherwise,” Wednesday snapped at Xavier. The teens were at dinner, and Xavier had challenged Wednesday to an arm wrestle. Considering he had over a foot on her height-wise, Xavier thought it would be an easy win. But Wednesday was surprisingly strong for her small stature, and held her own for much longer than anticipated. Just as she was about to win, Kent sneezed loudly, distracting her. Her eyes darted to the allergic siren, giving Xavier the perfect opportunity to slam her hand into the table. Her eyes shot back to the psychic, glaring straight through his soul.

Xavier smirked. “It’s hilarious how impossible it is for you to accept any kind of defeat.” He smugly leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest.

Wednesday glared at him for a moment more before directing her attention to the girl next to her. Enid was hunched over her plate, anxious.

“Are you alright?” Wednesday asked quietly. 

Enid’s eyes met Wednesday’s. “I…I don’t know,” she answered, her leg bobbing up and down rapidly. She looked at her heaping plate of pork and beef. “I’m not hungry…I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

Wednesday’s brow furrowed a little. It was very unlike Enid to not have an appetite; werewolves needed significantly more calories and protein than humans. She reached her hand up to feel Enid’s face, but it was a normal temperature, so she pulled away. “Does your stomach hurt?”

Enid shook her head. “I really don’t think so. It just…feels like it’s all closed up and I can’t eat anything.”

“Are you nauseous?”

Enid bit her lip. “I’m not sure. I’ve never felt like this before.”

“Try to eat something, maybe?” Yoko chimed in from her seat across the table. “That usually helps.”

“How would you know?” Eugene asked, snickering. “You don’t even eat. You drink blood.” The vampire shot him a glare.

Enid nodded, unable to resist her werewolf instincts as she began to scarf down her meal. She cleared the whole plate. She leaned back, clutching her full stomach. “Maybe that was too much,” she admitted. Her eyes widened and she slapped her hand over her mouth, pushing her chair out and rushing away to the bathrooms.

Yoko and Wednesday eyed each other. “I’ll handle it,” Wednesday said, then stood and followed her girlfriend to the girls’ restroom.

Wednesday’s muscles went rigid when she heard the sound of vomiting coming from one of the stalls. She did not like the sound, the smell, or anything to do with vomit. But she unfortunately cared about her girlfriend enough to push past her hatred for the illness. Wednesday knew her love for Enid was a weakness, one she resented, but one she would never give up.

“Sinclair,” she said, finally moving towards her girlfriend. Her stall was open, swinging on its hinges. Enid was hunched over the toilet, vomiting everything she’d consumed that day. Wednesday stepped into the small stall and stood beside the other girl. Not knowing exactly how to help, she decided to gently move her hair out of her face and hold it for her until she was done.

Finally, the ailing werewolf leaned away from the toilet and laid back against the wall, her breathing labored. Her face was sweaty and clammy and her hands shook violently.

“Come on, Sinclair,” Wednesday said, crouching down to wrap her arms around Enid’s shoulders. She helped her to her feet and they exited the stall. Wednesday stole the small trash bin from under the sink, carrying it in her free hand as she dragged her girlfriend along to their dorm hall. The werewolf only needed to utilize the bin once on their journey, and Wednesday had to stop herself from gagging as she held the bin out for her.

Once at their dorm, Wednesday deposited Enid in front of their toilet. As the other girl sat hunched over it, Wednesday rinsed a washcloth under the sink. She turned and crouched down beside Enid. She gently held her chin and turned Enid to face her, then dabbed at the corners of her mouth with the washcloth.

Enid opened her eyes. “Thanks, Wends,” she croaked.

“I cannot say this is something I have ever done before,” Wednesday said, continuing to wipe the werewolf’s face with the cold washcloth.

Enid smiled a little. “You’re a natural.”

Wednesday shot her a glare. A natural ?! At being a nurse ?! At taking care of someone?!

“You should rest,” the raven said as she stood, rinsing the washcloth then wringing it out. She laid it to dry on the edge of the bathtub, then bent down to help Enid back to her feet. She led her out of the bathroom, but just a few feet into their dorm, Enid collapsed. Wednesday luckily managed to catch her head before it hit the floor, and she lowered Enid gently, placing her head in her own lap. She began to panic, unsure what to do in such a situation. Enid was sick, very sick, and Wednesday had no idea what to do. Should she give her medicine? Wake her up? Let her sleep? Call 911? She ran her hands up and down Enid’s body as if that would do anything. Her heart raced in fear. Even with all the murders and monsters she’d encountered, Wednesday was never more scared than when it came to Enid. Enid gave her something to lose. Someone to love .

Her thoughts were interrupted by the familiar pattering of Thing on the wood floor. She looked up to see the hand scampering towards her. He stopped right in front of Enid and began to sign frantically.

“I should lay her on her side so she doesn’t choke?” she asked, repeating Thing’s “words.”

Thing shot her a thumbs-up in affirmation. Wednesday obeyed and gently placed her hands on Enid’s shoulders, turning her to her side. She reverted her attention back to Thing, waiting for his next advice. He signed once more.

“Nausea and antidiarrheal medicine?” Wednesday scowled at the hand. “She isn’t—”

Thing signed as if to say, “It works the same.”

Wednesday nodded in understanding, watching as the hand scampered across the room to the girls’ bathroom. He hopped up onto the counter, opening their cabinet and taking out a few pill bottles. Once he’d sorted through them and grabbed what he needed, he hopped back down, scuttling back to Wednesday. He “handed” her the medicine.

“Thank you,” Wednesday muttered, taking the pills from him. She froze, confused. “How do I get her to swallow them?”

Thing crawled right in front of Enid’s face and swung back, then abruptly slapped her.

“Thing!” Wednesday chastised. He shot the raven a middle finger then pointed at Enid, who was now stirring. The werewolf groaned and turned to lay on her back. She opened her eyes and met Wednesday’s.

“Hello?”

Wednesday offered a tiny smile of relief. “Enid, you’re alright.”

Enid nodded a little, her eyes tired. 

“Here,” Wednesday said, helping Enid to sit up. She held out the pills for her. “Take these.”

Trusting her girlfriend, Enid took the pills and dumped them into her mouth, swallowing them as best she could. She luckily managed to keep them down.

Wednesday looked back at Thing, who signed to tell her to put Enid to bed. She nodded in understanding and once more helped her to her feet, guiding her to her bed. She pulled down the covers and helped Enid slide underneath them, then pulled them up over her body.

Wednesday awkwardly sat down on the edge of Enid’s bed, wanting to comfort her but not knowing how. She wasn’t good at this whole caretaking thing.

“I…am glad you are not dead,” Wednesday mumbled. Really? she asked herself. That’s what you came up with?!

Enid smiled and giggled a little, amused by her awkwardness. “I am too. I just passed out, Wends, it isn’t like I…” She shook her head, still smiling.

Wednesday stood and grabbed the trash bin from the bathroom, bringing it over to her girlfriend and setting it right beside her bed. She stood awkwardly beside her, unsure of what she needed now.

“Would you…” Wednesday began, “like me to sit with you?”

Enid beamed and nodded, scooting over in the bed and patting the space beside her. “I’d love that.”

Wednesday hesitantly kicked her shoes off, then slid under Enid’s grossly colorful covers, settling in beside her. Her breathing hitched a little when their thighs touched and Enid laid her head on Wednesday’s shoulder. Unsure of what to do, Wednesday rigidly moved her arm to wrap it around Enid. The werewolf nuzzled into her girlfriend’s touch, savoring the moment.

The moment was interrupted by a feeling in her chest. Her eyes widened and she turned away from Wednesday, sitting up on the bed as she grabbed the trash bin and immediately vomited into it.

Wednesday resisted the urge to jump up from the bed. She did not want to get vomit on herself. She held her breath and gathered her bearings, trying to get over her disgust. She reached over and gently rubbed Enid’s back, trying to soothe her as best she could. The werewolf lifted her head for a moment, the vomiting temporarily ceasing. Not five seconds later, it resumed. 

Wednesday leaned forward and slid a ponytail holder off Enid’s wrist. As the girl continued getting sick, Wednesday gently pulled her blonde hair away from her face. She formed a ponytail, tying it off with the elastic.

Enid coughed into the bin, her stomach finally completely empty. She leaned back, falling into Wednesday’s arms, exhausted.

Wednesday stared blankly down at her girlfriend, unsure of what to do with her. She couldn’t say she’d ever been in this situation before.

Asking her, “Are you okay?” was all she came up with.

Enid nodded. “Yes. I think…I think it’s done.”

Wednesday hoisted Enid up, then repositioned both of them on the bed into a more comfortable position. She laid Enid’s head on her lap and found herself beginning to stroke her hair.

What the hell was happening to her? Enid was almost always the one to initiate physical contact. This was abnormal for Wednesday. It was wrong. No, no it wasn’t. This was how her parents fell in love. They couldn’t get away from one another.

“I love you,” Enid mumbled, falling asleep on Wednesday’s lap. 

Wednesday’s lips quirked up into a tiny smile. She leaned forward, planting a gentle kiss on Enid’s head. “I love you, too, Enid Sinclair.”

When Enid awoke, she and Wednesday were a tangle of limbs, both still fully-dressed in their school uniforms from the day before. She looked down at the girl beside her, who had her arms and legs completely wrapped around Enid’s body like a little monkey needing warmth. She giggled a little, moving her hand to rub the back of Wednesday’s head. She was so cute like this. Despite her cavalier, cold exterior, inside she was just as loving as anyone else.

Wednesday gasped and shot upright, her eyes wide. She was not used to waking up with someone else beside her, and her initial thought was that the person was a threat. When she realized it was Enid, her cheeks flushed as the other girl laughed.

“I apologize,” Wednesday mumbled. She quickly stood from the bed and slid her shoes on. She approached the door and slid on her backpack, but stopped when she heard Enid’s voice.

“Don’t go!”

Wednesday turned back around and met her eyes. “I’m going to go get you a few things from town. Stay here.”

Enid sighed and sunk back into bed, her body too tired to protest.

Wednesday soon returned with three shopping bags hanging off her short arms, all of them from the Jericho drugstore. She set the bags down on Enid’s dresser then reached into one, pulling out a package of saltine crackers and a bottle of ginger ale.

“You need to consume nutrients,” Wednesday told her, handing her the items. “These should suffice for now, and should not cause you to retch again.”

Enid nodded gratefully, taking the items from her girlfriend. She opened the package of saltines and pulled a cracker out, squinting at it in contemplation.

Wednesday sat down on Enid’s bed and took out her own food from the store, which was just a package of black licorice. Enid smiled. How very Wednesday of her.

“I expect you are feeling better,” the raven remarked. “You look less…disheveled than last night.”

Enid winced in embarrassment, her eyebrows knitting together. “How bad was it?”

Wednesday pressed her lips together as she twiddled a piece of licorice between her index and middle fingers. “I dislike the idea of vomit. It was not pleasant. But what I disliked more was seeing you suffer.”

Enid leaned forward and took a tiny bite of the saltine in her hand, enjoying the mild salty taste in contrast to the acid and bile still on her tongue. Wednesday Addams disliked seeing her suffer? The girl typically relished in any type of pain. Enid took a few more bites of the cracker, slowly swallowing. One full cracker was all she was comfortable with for now, so she set the rest of the package down.

Wednesday stood from the bed, brushing her skirt off. “I assume you would like to shower,” she guessed.

Enid nodded. “I feel disgusting.”

Wednesday looked her up and down. “As do I.” She turned and rummaged through Enid’s dresser, pulling out a pink nightgown and yellow fuzzy socks. She turned and slid her arm around the taller girl’s waist, hoisting her to her feet on the wooden floor. She led her to the bathroom, then let go of her to turn on the showerhead to allow it to heat up.

Wednesday visually searched the room, then set Enid’s clean clothes down on the counter. She turned to her girlfriend. “I have to go to second period. I’ll be back at lunchtime to check on you. Do you have everything you need?”

Enid nodded, smiling a little. She felt both flattered and guilty that the girl had missed her first class to take care of her. “Thank you, Wends.”

Wednesday only nodded in response, then leaned forward and kissed Enid’s forehead. She turned away before the werewolf could see her blush, then rushed out of the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

Enid spent her morning nibbling on saltine crackers as slow as a minnow and watching Dance Moms. She was so enthralled that she jumped in surprise when Wednesday entered their dorm.

“I got excused from class for the rest of the day,” she announced as she shut the door behind her, kicking off her black shoes and backpack. She approached her own bed, sliding off her blazer, tie, and sweater vest.

“How did you manage that ?” Enid asked, impressed that Wednesday Addams herself was willing to miss class for her .

Wednesday approached her girlfriend, folding her hands in front of herself. “I have a way with words.”

Enid smiled and watched as Wednesday got back into bed with her, putting her arm around the werewolf. Enid rested her head on her girlfriend’s chest.

To both girls’ horror, someone else burst into their dorm. Their heads turned to see Yoko, who was now sporting a very surprised expression.

“Shit, didn’t realize what I was walking in on,” she remarked, eyeing their intimate positions.

Enid groaned, burying her face further in Wednesday’s chest. “I wish I never gave you our spare key,” she mumbled.

“Yoko, what do you want?” Wednesday asked.

The vampire cleared her throat. “I came to see how my friend is feeling.”

Enid emerged from Wednesday. “I’m feeling better.”

Yoko smirked a little, seeing how angry the girlfriends were at her interruption. She stepped back, putting her hand on the doorknob. “Well, I’ll leave y’all to it,” she said. Her eyes darted back and forth between the girls. “There better not be a goth-rainbow hybrid baby running around here in nine months.”

“YOKO!” Enid shouted, chucking one of her plushies at full power at the vampire. Yoko just laughed as it slammed into her chest. She then stepped out of the dorm, shutting the door behind her.

Enid rolled her eyes, blushing as she looked at Wednesday. “So sorry about her. She’s unhinged sometimes.”

Wednesday just smiled a little. “I don’t mind.”

Enid giggled.

“What? What are you amused by?”

Enid just laughed even harder at that, once more burying her face in her girlfriend’s body. Her body continued to shake with laughter. Wednesday couldn’t help but grin as she pulled Enid away from her. The werewolf stopped laughing for a millisecond, but as soon as she met Wednesday’s eyes, both broke out in hysterical laughter.

For once, Wednesday was elated about something so very human .

Chapter Text

Oh, Christmas break. A distasteful time full of family, food, and festivities. Wednesday’s least favorite time of year.

Of course, the worst part about it this year is that she had to spend it away from Nevermore. She did not want to leave the eerie confines of the boarding school, nor her secret girlfriend Enid. The girls had confessed their love right before break, but were not yet ready to reveal it to their friends or families, for fear of losing the ability to room together.

Enid had promised to call Wednesday every evening. The werewolf could hardly stand being away from her girlfriend for even twenty minutes; two weeks was torture , as she’d put it.

“Two more days,” Enid said, grinning from ear to ear as she studied Wednesday’s face on the FaceTime camera.

Wednesday nodded. “I look forward to moving back in with you.”

Enid’s grin widened, if that was possible. “I got you a present!”

Wednesday raised her eyebrows. “Oh, Enid, you really shouldn’t have–”

The werewolf was holding up a little box, neatly wrapped in shiny black wrapping paper and silver ribbon. “I can’t wait for you to open it!”

Wednesday cracked a tiny smile. “See you soon, mi amor . Good night.”

Enid blushed a tiny bit at the affectionate name. “Love you too, Wends. ‘Night.”

Wednesday hung up and set her phone down on her bed beside her. She laid back, resting her head on her black silk pillowcase.

“Calling that girl again?” came a pubescent male voice. Wednesday sat up and glared at her brother.

“Her name is Enid, and yes,” she replied, grabbing her phone before Pugsley could take it.

The boy smiled mischeviously. He had one hand behind his back, holding something. “I brought you a surprise!”

Wednesday narrowed her eyes. “You know I abhor surprises, unless they involve death or destruction of some variation.”

Pugsley smirked and nodded. “Only the best for my sister.” He brought his hand out from behind his back, and it was clutching a white plastic grocery bag. He tossed it onto Wednesday’s bed.

Wednesday furrowed her brow and leaned forward, grabbing the bag. She reached in and pulled out a small laboratory vial. Her lips quirked up in excitement when she turned the vial around in her hands and saw the label: RUBELLA VIRUS, 09/23/1967.

She looked up and met her brother’s eyes. “A fifty-year-old live virus, nearly extinct in most nations? This is quite satisfactory, thank you.” She looked down at the vial and continued studying it. “Where did you get this?!”

Pugsley shrugged. “Some old lab. I got bored a few weeks ago when you were still at school, and I found this creepy abandoned science building. You would’ve loved it there.”

Wednesday nodded in agreement. Her eyes widened a little when she saw a small problem with the cap of the vial. It was not sealed properly, and there was a small opening at the lip. She squinted and pulled it closer to her face to study it. She ran the pad of her thumb across the little opening, causing the entire cap to pop off. A horrible, putrid smell shot straight into her nose from the vial. She coughed and quickly screwed the cap back on. She tossed the vial back into the grocery bag.

“Very interesting. Thank you, brother,” she said, nodding at Pugsley.

Once she was alone, Wednesday stood from her bed, taking the grocery bag and moving to her bedroom fireplace. In such an old home, almost every bedroom had its own fireplace. She took the poker, pushing the logs around a little and watching the embers fly around. She tossed the sealed vial into the fire, then watched as the plastic melted.

Wednesday was not one to panic. Rationally, she was just fine. There was no way the virus could have survived so many years, especially with its cap not on properly. And beyond that, she was probably vaccinated against Rubella as a child. She was only burning this for safe measure.

She stood from her kneeling position on the floor, dusting her pants off. She walked over to her desk and sat down, deciding to occupy herself with writing her novel.

“Oh my gosh, I am so freaking glad to see you!” Enid chimed as soon as her girlfriend stepped into their dorm. She pulled her in for a hug, but Wednesday’s body was rigid as usual. Enid pulled away, smiling. “I missed you!”

Wednesday nodded. “As did I. Family time makes me want to remove my intestines and braid ropes with them.” She pushed past Enid into the room, setting her suitcases down beside her bed. She turned around, her eyes widening when she saw how close her girlfriend was to her now, her face lit up with a ginormous smile.

“What is it?” Wednesday asked.

Enid’s smile widened and she pulled her hand out from behind her back, revealing the little black gift she’d shown her on FaceTime. “Open it,” she said.

Wednesday narrowed her eyes and took the gift, carefully removing the ribbon and paper. Underneath was a little white box. She slid off the lid, blinking when she saw what was inside.

There were two gold necklaces; a larger crescent moon charm, in which a smaller sun charm fit.

Enid reached into the little box and carefully grabbed the sun necklace, clasping it onto her own neck. She then grabbed the other necklace and gently put it on Wednesday.

“Because you’re my moon, and I’m your sun,” she said, her smile now full of a deeper emotion, one that Wednesday could not particularly identify.

“This was very kind of you, Enid, thank you.”

Enid leaned in and kissed Wednesday on the cheek. The raven finally allowed herself to melt into the touch as the werewolf wrapped her arms around her waist. She pulled her in for another hug, planting more kisses across her neck and face. Wednesday allowed her feelings to surface, her heart racing, her stomach fluttering with butterflies.

She felt an itch on her cheek and reached up, gently nudging Enid away to scratch it.

The werewolf pulled away, scowling. “Did I hurt you?”

“Of course not, Sinclair.” Her nails weren’t scratching it well enough, so she tried to rub at it with her sweater sleeve. 

“Stop it,” Enid said, gently grabbing her girlfriend’s wrist and pulling it away from her face. “You’re going to make your pale face all red.”

Wednesday narrowed her eyes. “That would be repulsing.”

“Exactly!” Enid grinned. She tucked a strand of Wednesday’s jet-black hair behind her ear and heaved out a big, dramatic sigh. “I hate breaks. I can’t stand being away from you for so long.”

“Or is it because you despise watching your primal brothers pounce upon one another every living second?” Wednesday inquired, her eyebrow quirking up.

Enid giggled. “You get used to it. But most of the time, they drag me into their brawls, too. Especially now that I’ve wolfed out.”

Wednesday narrowed her eyes. “If they ever hurt you, I will shove daggers so deep into their chests they will—”

“Wednesday!” Enid laughed, shaking her head. “They just play around. It’s okay, really.”

Wednesday just glared at that, watching as Enid moved to her side of the room to continue unpacking her clothes.

“Did you get any good Christmas presents?” the werewolf asked as she pulled out her newest purple sweater. Her parents had gotten it for her, but she’d shown it to Wednesday on FaceTime right away.

Wednesday pulled out a fancy dagger with a marble handle, complete with a monogrammed authentic-leather sheath. She held it up for Enid to see. “From my father,” she remarked.

“How…nice!” Enid said.

Wednesday nodded, twirling it around in her hand once before placing it neatly in her desk drawer. “I hope I can use it this semester.”

Enid scowled. “That doesn’t seem like the best goal…”

The roommates decided to DoorDash dinner instead of going to the dining hall with everyone else. Enid wanted to spend as much time with her girlfriend as possible, and Wednesday was always up for the minimum amount of socialization.

When Wednesday swallowed a sip of her Sprite, she noticed for the first time her sore throat. Taken a little aback, she coughed, the soda getting all over her face and shirt.

“Oh!” Enid exclaimed, scrambling to grab a napkin. Wednesday was staring off into the distance, her body frozen, her hand still gripping the soda cup. The werewolf dabbed at her girlfriend’s face, wiping away the Sprite. “You okay?”

Wednesday’s eyes moved to Enid. “Yes,” she replied with some hesitation. She allowed Enid to continue cleaning her face, which was growing increasingly itchy.

Enid scowled as she studied Wednesday’s face. “You’re looking even more red than earlier. Sorry if this is rude or something, but are you breaking out? I know I usually do right before my period, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

Wednesday’s eyes widened at the realization. Her mind raced, the itching starting to spread down her neck. She grabbed at her skin, scratching it hard with her painted black nails. She gently nudged Enid away and stood from the multicolored bed. She rushed to their bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror.

Her entire face was covered in little red spots. She lifted her bangs to reveal the spots covering her forehead. She quickly reached down and grabbed the hem of her sweater, tearing the garment off her body. With her tank top on, she could see the spots covering her neck and beginning to spread to her shoulders.

Wednesday cursed under her breath. “Pugsley, releasing an extinct disease on your sibling is something only I should be able to do,” she mumbled.

At that moment, Enid burst into the bathroom, her face covered in worry. Her eyes widened as they moved up and down Wednesday’s body. “Oh my God!” Her face scrunched up in a mix of disgust and shock. “What is wrong with you?”

Wednesday turned to her girlfriend. “It appears I am afflicted with Rubella,” she said, annoyed.

Enid’s jaw dropped. “What the heck is that?!”

“A form of measles that was eliminated in the United States before we were born.” Wednesday sighed a little. “It’s mild, unfortunately.” She turned back to the mirror, reaching into their cabinet and pulling out their thermometer. She turned it on and dragged it across her forehead, then looked at it when she heard the beeping. “Low-grade fever.”

“How– How did you even–”

“My brother Pugsley brought a vial to me as a gift. He did not realize it was not sealed. I have no idea how the virus managed to survive in it for over fifty years.”

Enid took a step back, away from her girlfriend. “Am I gonna catch it?”

“That is unlikely,” Wednesday replied as she put the thermometer back. She turned and met her girlfriend’s eyes. “You most likely received the vaccine as a child. Apparently, my parents neglected to.”

Enid smiled and stepped towards her, cupping her cheek. “Good, because there’s no way I’m letting you take care of this yourself.”

Wednesday narrowed her eyes as she looked up at the other girl. “It is a mild disease.”

Enid nodded. “But it will get worse before it gets better.”

Wednesday sighed a little. “My joints are beginning to ache. It’s a common symptom in young females. I would enjoy a rest.”

“C’mon,” Enid said, smiling down at her. Much to the other girl’s surprise, she swept her up into her arms, carrying her out of the bathroom.

“Why are you doing this?” Wednesday questioned. She wasn’t particularly bothered by the gesture, but only because it was Enid. If anyone else so much as attempted to carry her, they would not live to see another day.

“‘Cause you need someone to take care of you when you’re sick,” Enid said, plopping the smaller girl onto her own multicolored bed. She kicked off her slippers and laid down beside her, pulling her into her chest to be her little spoon.

“When I said I wanted to take a rest, I was not implying I desired this.”

“I don’t care what you were implying,” Enid mumbled, her face buried in Wednesday’s neck. “Cuddles always help.”

Unable to resist, Wednesday finally relaxed into her touch, allowing her heavy eyelids to close.

The raven was abruptly awoken by excruciating itchiness across her arms. She scratched at her limbs frantically. No matter what, she could not stop the sensation. It only got worse as she continued scratching. She whimpered a little in pure frustration and agony.

Enid lifted her head, now awoken by her girlfriend’s struggling. She reached over and grabbed both of her wrists, stopping the frantic scratching. Wednesday groaned in frustration, her body continuing to itch incessantly.

“Come on,” Enid mumbled, sitting up fully, her hands still gripping Wednesday’s wrists. She stood, once more sweeping her girlfriend into her arms, rushing her to the bathroom. She set her on the closed toilet lid and began to rummage through their cabinet. She grabbed the anti-itch cream and turned, tutting when she saw Wednesday scratching herself again. She grabbed her wrists and pulled her hands away.

“Please, Enid…” Wednesday grunted, frustrated. “It itches…let me–”

“You’re going to make yourself bleed,” Enid said, raising her chin as she squeezed some of the cream into her own hand. She gently let go of one of her wrists, then began to apply the cream to her spotted arm. She gently rubbed it on her entire arm, then the other arm, and her chest, neck, and a little on her face. Once she was done, her eyes darted to her girlfriend’s legs, clad only in black-and-white sleeping boxers. The rash was already beginning to spread down her lower limbs. Enid squirted more cream on her hands and applied them to her entire legs to be proactive. She stood, turning around to rinse her hands in the sink.

“This is much better, thank you,” Wednesday mumbled as her girlfriend placed the bottle back in the cabinet.

Enid smiled, helping her girlfriend to her feet. “Can’t say I told you so.”

Wednesday stared into the nurse’s soul as she pressed the tongue compressor down and shined a flashlight into her throat. Enid was standing beside the nurse, her arms crossed across her chest. The older nurse nodded, clicking off the flashlight and removing the wooden stick from her mouth. “Yep. The German Measles. Can’t say I’ve seen this in the last twenty years.” She stood and walked to the infirmary’s cabinet, pulling out two bottles and handing them to Wednesday. “Here’s a refill on your Hydrocortisone cream, and some Ibuprofen for that joint pain and sore throat.” She wrote something down on a clipboard. “You should be all cleared up within the next few days.”

“Wonderful. I will go purchase my weekly Sunday morning quad at the Weathervane now.” She moved to stand from the bed, but was pushed down by Enid.

“No! You need rest.”

The nurse nodded in agreement. “Your friend’s right, sweetheart. Stay in your dorm, take your medicine, and you’ve got a good shot at getting better soon.”

Wednesday huffed a little, frustrated. “Fine.” She stood, Enid following her as they exited the infirmary. Wednesday shrugged on her jacket, keeping her eyes forward as she walked down the steps.

The main hall was unfortunately bustling with students, all chatting and discussing their holidays with one another. Wednesday kept her head down, and she and Enid tried to get through them as quickly as possible. Yoko unfortunately ran into them.

“Enid!” she chimed, grinning as she pulled her friend into a hug. “I missed you!”

“I missed you too!” Enid exclaimed, her face lighting up.

Yoko pulled away from her friend. “Girl, do I have shit to tell you! I’ll text you about it tonight.” The vampire let go of Enid, then directed her attention to Wednesday. She immediately scowled when she saw the red spots covering her face. “Oh my…” Her eyes darted back and forth between Enid and Wednesday. “Is this a bad time?”

Wednesday nodded. “Extremely so.”

Yoko’s mouth was still open in shock. “Are you…Are you okay?”

Wednesday huffed. Without a word, she pushed past the vampire and headed towards her dorm.

Enid just shrugged at Yoko. “Don’t ask me!”

That evening, the roommates were hanging out in their dorm, enjoying their last evening before beginning their classes. Though Wednesday would miss her first day, she was going to have a lot of make-up work to do.

As Enid worked on her adult coloring book, Wednesday was typing on her typewriter, continuing her novel. She was unable to focus very well, however, because her whole body was itching. She tried to resist scratching, but ultimately gave in, dragging her black nails across her speckled skin. She scratched every itchy inch of her body, the horrible sensation only growing worse as she continued.

“Wednesday!” Enid scolded, rushing to her side. She knelt beside her and grabbed her wrists. “Stop, stop!”

“No!” Wednesday shouted, trying to yank free of her grasp. “Let me! I–” She tried to break free once more. She did not succeed, and tears began to pool up in her eyes. They trickled down her cheeks as she began to sob, her body shaking.

“Oh, oh Wends…” Enid began as Wednesday collapsed into her chest, practically falling out of her desk chair. It was so unlike the girl to cry, let alone in front of someone else. Enid didn’t know what to do, but for now, she just embraced the smaller girl, rubbing her back as she shook with sobs.

Thing stopped coloring in Enid’s book when he heard the crying from the other side of the room. Concerned, he shot Enid a thumbs-up when she looked at him, understanding what he had to do. He scampered over to the bathroom and grabbed the first aid kit, dragging it to Enid.

“Thank you,” the werewolf whispered to the hand. She reached into the kit and grabbed two rolls of bandages, tossing them over to land on Wednesday’s bed.

Enid wrapped her arms around Wednesday completely, keeping her hold on the smaller girl as she stood. She carried her to her bed, laying her down gently on top of the black comforter. Wednesday’s sobs had slowed to little cries now, and her eyes were closed. Enid could tell she was falling asleep.

The werewolf gently took Wednesday’s left hand and moved her fingers to form a fist. She began to wrap one of the bandages around her fist and wrist, covering her entire hand. She then repeated the process on her right hand, leaving Wednesday unable to access her nails for the time being. It looked like she was wearing little tan mittens.

Enid undid Wednesday’s bed then helped her under the covers. She pulled them back over her body, tucking her in neatly. She leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead.

“Sweet dreams, Wends,” she whispered. “I love you.”

Wednesday nodded, finally at peace. She reached down and grabbed her moon necklace from around her neck, holding it in her bandaged hand. Her eyes looked up to meet Enid’s. “I love you too.”

Chapter Text

Today was Wednesday’s Knife Maintenance Day. The day came around twice a year, during which the girl would gather every knife and dagger she owned, inspect them, and clean and polish them thoroughly. It was one of her favorite activities.

Today was the first Knife Maintenance Day that Enid had ever witnessed. She sat on her bed, hugging her large narwhal stuffed animal, watching her girlfriend from a distance. Wednesday had all her knives lined up on her desk and she was inspecting each one intently, her hands covered with black leather gloves.

Wednesday lifted her smallest pocket knife to her eyes, squinting at it as she examined it. “Ah, my favorite.”

Enid sat up a little. “Is that the one you keep in your shoe?”

Wednesday’s eyes moved away from the little knife to look at Enid. “Yes,” she responded. She set the knife down and picked up a bottle of polish. “Pure sterling silver. My father gave it to me for my thirteenth birthday.”

Enid froze. “Silver?”

Wednesday looked up from polishing her knife. “Yes, silver. I am blessed to be born into wealth, and my parents do gift me with expensive items as a way to show their affection. Since I don’t allow much hugging or touch, I benefit from receiving gifts like these often.”

Enid swallowed, her face still holding a shocked expression. “ Silver ,” she repeated, heavily accentuating the word. 

Wednesday raised her eyebrows. “What’s wrong?”

Enid shook her head and stood from the bed, approaching her girlfriend. She stood in front of Wednesday’s desk, anxiously fidgeting with her fingers. “It’s just that…silver is the only thing that can kill werewolves. Ever heard of a silver bullet?”

Wednesday’s eyes widened at the realization. She immediately set the knife on the desk. “Oh, Enid, that seemed to have slipped my mind, I apologize.” 

“Yeah, you just forgot the very important fact that your girlfriend could die from something you’re always carrying around with you,” Enid huffed.

Wednesday stared at her girlfriend. She removed her gloves and moved around to the front of her desk, stopping inches from Enid’s face. “I can dispose of it, if you’d like. It’s the only silver weapon I own.”

Enid shook her head. “No, don’t, I’m not scared of it. What I’m upset about is you didn’t even think of me. Wednesday, how could you forget?”

Wednesday let out a tiny sigh. “I am deeply remorseful, Enid. I know I am poor at demonstrating my feelings, but truthfully I am sorry.” Enid was still looking at the floor in anxiety, so Wednesday grabbed her wrist and made her meet her eyes. “I would never do anything to hurt you.”

Enid’s gaze softened, a tiny smile appearing. “I know that, Wends.” She placed her hands on Wednesday’s waist, pulling her in close. “I forgive you.” She tilted her head and leaned in for a kiss. Both girls’ faces blossomed with tingles as they pressed their lips together, their hearts racing.

Their kiss was rudely interrupted by the entire room shaking. They frantically pulled their faces away from one another, but kept their arms around each other in fear. They looked around, confused.

“An earthquake, here ?” Enid inquired, scowling.

Wednesday shook her head as she looked out the window. Rain was pouring and lightning struck. “Thunderstorm.”

“Funny, I didn’t hear it,” Enid remarked.

Wednesday’s lips quirked up a little in amusement. “You were too focused on me, perhaps?”

Enid blushed. “No, I…of course not!” She dropped her arms to her sides and moved past Wednesday, going to her desk to look at her knife collection. She raised her eyebrows, impressed. “Wow, you have so many!”

Wednesday nodded, moving to stand next to her girlfriend. “My prized possessions.”

Suddenly, thunder struck again, this time ten times harder than the last. Time seemed to move in slow motion as Wednesday watched her knives vibrate and shake across her desk. As if some evil force of nature or the ghost of Crackstone himself was out to get Wednesday again, the tiny silver pocket knife slid in just the right way, at just the right angle, to tumble straight off the edge of her desk and towards the floor—lodging itself straight into Enid Sinclair’s bare foot.

Enid screamed, falling backwards in shock. Wednesday’s eyes widened and her heart pounded in her chest as she dropped to her knees, crawling to her girlfriend’s side. “Oh, mi amor , what have I done…” she mumbled, her eyes moving up and down Enid’s body as she quickly tried to come up with what to do. She grabbed the little knife and ripped it out of Enid’s foot before the girl could say another word. Enid screeched in pain, her foot now profusely bleeding.

Wednesday set the knife down and sat on the floor, grabbing Enid’s foot and setting it in her lap. She inspected the wound, noticing the green area surrounding it that was quickly spreading down to her toes and up to her ankle. It bled profusely, so Wednesday grabbed the clean rag from her desk and pressed it against the wound.

“I need…the antidote,” Enid managed to get out between pained breaths. Her face was scrunched tightly in agony. “The…nurse should have it.”

“Okay, yes,” Wednesday mumbled, panicked. She was trying to be calm and collected for her girlfriend’s sake, but she hadn’t been this scared since Thing almost died.

As if he heard her thoughts, Thing appeared right then, hobbling in through the stained glass window. He was soaking wet, as he’d got caught in the rain while taking an evening stroll. When he saw what was happening in the dorm, he scampered towards the girls, signing frantically.

“Thing, get my phone and call Yoko,” Wednesday ordered. Immediately understanding, the hand shot her a quick thumbs-up before moving to do as he was told. Wednesday looked down at Enid, who was now fully lying on the floor, holding her leg against her chest in agony. The green had now spread up her calf. Wednesday knew she had to get her help before it reached her heart. She knew what she had to do.

Wednesday leaned forward and cupped her girlfriend’s cheek. “Enid,” she said. The girl’s face was still scrunched up. “ Enid ,” she said with more urgency. The werewolf opened her eyes, and Wednesday could see the terror and desperation in them. “You are not going to make it to the infirmary. I am going to go now and get you the antidote. Thing is here for you, and he’s calling Yoko right now. You stay on the phone with her. I’ll be back, mi amor .” A ginormous lump had formed in Wednesday’s throat, and she had to fight the tears from escaping her eyes.

Enid nodded in understanding, in too much pain to speak. Wednesday stood and turned her head away as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

Snap out of it, she told herself. You have to act fast.

Wednesday shook her head and rushed out of the dorm. She ran as fast as her short legs could take her out of Ophelia Hall, across campus to the infirmary. It was nighttime, so almost no one was out of their dorms and in her way. The rain soaked through every inch of her clothes and hair, but not one part of her cared.

Wednesday burst into the infirmary, soaking wet, her eyes darting to the nurse at the desk.

“How can I help you, sweetheart?” she asked.

“Silver poisoning…antidote,” Wednesday blurted out between breaths. She had just sprinted for minutes at once; she was exasperated. “ Now .”

“Oh!” the nurse exclaimed, immediately understanding. She stood from the desk and rushed to the cabinet, pulling out a bottle and a syringe. Wednesday took them from her. “Who is it?” the nurse asked.

“Enid Sinclair,” Wednesday responded before swiftly moving to exit the infirmary. She knew the nurse was following behind, trying to keep up, but she continued as fast as her younger legs could take her, driven by the passion of her heart.

Wednesday burst into her dorm, her eyes moving to her girlfriend on the floor. Yoko was sitting next to her, holding her hand. The green had spread up past her waist. Wednesday dropped down beside the other girls, frantically unscrewing the cap on the antidote bottle. She tossed the cap away and inserted the syringe needle into the solution, pulling the plunger to fill it up. She quickly flicked it to tap away the air bubbles. Without a moment of hesitation, she stabbed it into Enid’s neck. The girl cried out in pain and her body convulsed as Wednesday pushed in the plunger, shoving the antidote directly into her bloodstream.

A few seconds later, Enid’s body relaxed, her face no longer scrunched up in pain. The green began to fade from her skin, the poison being neutralized by the antidote. Wednesday pulled Enid’s head into her lap and began to stroke her hair, needing desperately to touch and feel her girlfriend, as if reassuring herself that she was alive. Enid relaxed into her touch, her eyes closed in blissful relief.

“What the hell happened?!” Yoko demanded. She looked up when the nurse entered the room, out of breath from running all that way.

The nurse eyed the knives sprawled across the desk and the bloody silver one on the floor. She furrowed her brow, meeting Wednesday’s eyes. “What happened here, young lady?”

“I was cleaning my knives and the large thunderclap shook the room enough for my silver knife to fall onto her foot from my desk.”

“Forgive me, but I have a hard time believing that,” the nurse remarked as she crouched down beside the unconscious Enid and opened up the first aid kit she’d brought with her.

Yoko looked at the nurse. “Ma’am, I can assure you that Wednesday would never even think of harming Enid. I promise you.” Wednesday met Yoko’s eyes and she offered a little nod of gratitude.

The nurse narrowed her eyes and looked from Wednesday to Yoko then back to Wednesday. “Hmmph,” she mumbled, then took out some wound-cleaning supplies and got to work on Enid’s foot. Wednesday watched intently, as if she was worried the nurse would hurt Enid somehow.

“Will she be okay?” Yoko asked as the nurse finished cleaning the wound.

The nurse nodded. “Luckily Wednesday got the antidote to her just in the nick of time.” She pressed a clean gauze pad against her wound. “I’ll keep her in the infirmary overnight, but with her strong Lycan physiology, she should be back up and about in no time.”

Wednesday looked down at Enid’s peaceful sleeping face. She cupped her cheek, rubbing her thumb across her soft temple. “Never do that to me again,” she whispered.

Enid’s eyes fluttered open to the sight of the sunny infirmary. She was tucked into one of the beds and could feel a thick bandage wrapped around her foot. Her eyes moved to the chair next to her bed—Wednesday was asleep, her head resting against her own shoulder, her neck craned uncomfortably. Judging from the unusually dark circles under her eyes, she had been there all night.

Enid smiled a little, knowing how deeply Wednesday cared for her. She sat up, reaching out and placing her hand on her girlfriend’s knee.

Wednesday jolted awake and she sucked in a breath. Her eyes darted to Enid, and she relaxed when she saw that she was okay. “Enid, you’re awake.”

Enid nodded. “I feel great.” She stroked Wednesday’s knee with her thumb. “Thanks to you.”

Wednesday looked Enid up and down. “Anyone would do what I did,” she said dismissively.

“I don’t think so,” Enid said. “You ran across campus in the pouring down rain, lightning, and thunder, for me .”

“And you fought off a Hyde to save my life,” Wednesday retorted.

Enid grinned. “I guess we just love each other that much.”

Wednesday’s usually pale face reddened a little. She swallowed. “I suppose so.”

The nurse arrived then at Enid’s bedside, interrupting the girls. “Sleep well?” she asked.

Enid nodded. “I feel completely normal! Other than the, uh, cut in my foot.”

The nurse nodded. “Keep weight off it for today as much as you can.” She wrote something on her clipboard. “Well, you’re good to go by my standards. Get some rest today, and you should be back to normal by tomorrow.”

“Thank you!” Enid chimed, smiling. The nurse nodded and walked away. Wednesday stood and moved to Enid’s side, pulling the covers off her legs and putting her arm around her shoulders. She helped her to stand, then assisted her in sliding on her shoes. She guided her out of the infirmary and onto the sidewalk.

“Yoko has disposed of my silver knife for me,” Wednesday made sure to tell Enid.

Enid giggled. “You didn’t have to do that. I’m pretty sure what happened to me was a complete freak accident. One in a million type thing.”

“You can never be too certain,” Wednesday said as they continued to walk, Enid hobbling beside her. They came across a large puddle in a dip in the sidewalk, and Enid whined in annoyance. They couldn’t go around the puddle either; both sides of the sidewalk were flanked by wet mud.

“Disgusting,” Enid muttered.

Wednesday blinked, thinking. She slid an arm behind Enid’s knees and swept her fully into her arms, making her squeal in surprise. She carried her bridal style as she stepped through the puddle, then gently set her down on the dry sidewalk beyond it. Enid had been too surprised to say anything, and her mouth was still open in shock.

“You didn’t need to get your bandage wet,” Wednesday told her, making up an excuse.

Enid raised her eyebrows and laughed as they continued walking. “I’m just confused as to how you did that.”

“I am stronger than I appear. Physically and mentally.”

“Clearly. I have to say, when I look at you, my first thought isn’t that you lift,” she joked.

Wednesday gently nudged Enid’s side in lighthearted anger. “I may be small, but that is what makes me even more frightening. No one suspects me.”

Enid just giggled. Wednesday never failed to amuse her, especially when she didn’t intend to.

“Do you have everything you need?” Wednesday asked. She had tucked Enid into her own bed, stuffed animals surrounding her on all sides. “Can I get you any snacks? Tea? Your laptop? What do you need?”

Enid smiled. “You.”

Wednesday’s cheeks flushed with warmth. “Me? You would like me to–” She stopped speaking when Enid patted the spot on the bed next to her. Wednesday blinked, flustered. She would ordinarily refuse, but she was so exhausted from her sleepless night that she could not resist. She stepped toward Enid’s bed and stiffly sat down next to the girl. She slid under the covers and did not resist when Enid cuddled closer to her, putting her head in the crook of her neck. The girls snuggled into each other’s touch, feeling the warmth radiate between one another.

Enid was about to ask if Wednesday wanted to watch a show with her, but she stopped herself when she saw the girl already asleep, her eyelids closed and her lips parted ever so slightly. She looked so adorable then, blissfully asleep, her little body cuddled up against Enid’s. She smiled and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. She leaned her own head back and relaxed it against her pillow, asleep before she could count even one sheep.

Chapter Text

It was an Instagram post by a local news station that first piqued Wednesday’s interest in the recent Jericho disappearances. With her new phone, she didn’t much enjoy using social media, but she did use it to keep in touch with Enid’s blog and local news. In the last month, over half a dozen Jericho hikers had gone missing. The post said that all the hikers had one thing in common: they told people they were going to the woods to pick the new spring flowers.

Wednesday knew she had to investigate the situation. Seven people missing with the same last words was too suspicious to be a coincidence. She stood from her desk and moved across the dorm to grab her boots and sweater.

“Where are you going?” Enid asked from her desk. It was late afternoon, and the roommates had been working on homework since class ended for the day.

Wednesday slid her phone in her black jeans pocket. “A walk. I want to investigate the woods.”

Enid narrowed her eyes. “Is this about those missing people?”

Wednesday raised her eyebrows in affirmation.

Enid shook her head. “And what exactly are you going to be searching for? The kidnapper that’s got all of them locked in his dark and scary basement? You want him to take you too?!”

“You have zero evidence to support that ludicrous theory. And besides…” Her lips quirked up in mild excitement, “that would be enjoyable.”

Enid rolled her eyes and went back to her math problem. “Yeah, whatever. Just don’t get yourself killed.”

It was early spring in the Northeast, and the ground was perpetually damp and cool. The air was foggy and cold, and it rained often. To most people, such weather would be incredibly unpleasant, but not to an Addams. It was their favorite kind.

Wednesday trudged through the wet undergrowth of the Jericho woods, searching for bodies or some kind of flowers. She was hoping she would not run into any of the police officers, or worse, Sheriff Galpin. She always liked to begin investigations on her own and consult such professionals only if absolutely needed.

Half an hour into her search, Wednesday’s efforts were still fruitless. She felt a fat raindrop land on her cheek and looked up at the sky. Dark clouds were drifting overhead. She hadn’t packed a raincoat. She would have to get back soon.

Wednesday pulled out her phone. She had planned on using its map function to guide herself back to Nevermore’s campus. She, however, failed to realize that the map function required cellular data, which was not available in her remote location, and therefore neither was calling or texting. She knew she could find her way home by following her footsteps from before, but the rain was picking up in intensity. The footprints would soon wash away.

Wednesday turned and started back the way she came as it began to downpour. Her sweater soaked all the way through and her bangs formed tendrils around her face. After a few minutes of walking, her earlier footsteps were fully gone. Wednesday stopped for a moment, and for the first time felt her legs shaking beneath her. Her entire body shook, the cold, wet clothes clinging to her skin. It was only about 40 degrees outside, and the temperature was falling fast. The hypothetical kidnapper wouldn’t get Wednesday this time, but hypothermia certainly might.

Wednesday turned and started in a direction she thought might be right. She kept going, the water soaking through every layer of her clothes. The visibility within the forest became so low she could only see up to five trees ahead of her. Time stopped making sense, and Wednesday no longer had any idea where she was going. Her body trembled violently and her thoughts progressively became less and less coherent. She tripped over a tree root and face-planted straight into the mud.

Wednesday groaned and raised her head from the ground, spitting out the wet soil. She grabbed the tree and hoisted herself to a sitting position, resting her back against the trunk. She took in shallow breaths, her lungs feeling half their usual size.

She knew she should get up, but her mind was so disheveled and her limbs were so dysfunctional that it felt impossible. In fact, she fully intended on standing up, but her body would not cooperate. She slumped against the tree in resignation, feeling the low thumping of her heart in her chest. She groaned as she moved one arm towards the other and slid two of her fingers to press against the opposite wrist. She felt for her pulse and realized how weak it was.

She was showing all the signs of hypothermia. Shivering, mental confusion, shallow breathing, weak pulse, clumsiness, drowsiness.

What a pathetic way for an Addams to die. Not by violence, not by the hand of another man, but by the hand of Mother Nature. The weather wasn’t going to kill Wednesday Addams, no, it couldn’t.

But right now, Wednesday Addams had never felt so human.

“Gosh, I am starving ,” Eugene said as he started to dig into his heaping plate of peas, meatloaf, and mashed potatoes. He shoveled it into his mouth like he hadn’t seen food in centuries. Enid raised her eyebrows in surprise. Oh, to be a pubescent boy with a hollow leg who could eat more than his own body weight at every meal.

Enid looked down at her unusually small plate of pork chops and sighed. She had too much worrying her to work up much of an appetite.

“What’s the matter?” Yoko asked between sips.

Enid looked up at her friend and realized the entire dinner table was also looking at her. She swallowed. “It’s Wednesday. She said she was going out to look for those missing people in the woods. She left at like, four in the afternoon…it’s been two hours, and I haven’t heard from her.”

Yoko shrugged and swallowed a big gulp of blood. “She’s Wednesday. She literally saved us from an undead pilgrim with magical powers. She’s fine.”

Eugene nodded in agreement. “She’s crazy good at holding her own,” he spat out with his mouth full.

Bianca met Enid’s eyes from across the table and squinted. “Was she acting weird at all when she left?”

Enid shook her head. “I don’t think so. Just her usual…Addams self.”

Bianca made a “hmm” noise. “And you’re sure she hasn’t called or texted you?”

Enid nodded. “I think something’s really wrong. I feel it in my bones.”

Yoko rolled her eyes. “ I think you’re overreacting.”

Bianca looked at Yoko. “Honestly, I don’t think she is.” She turned back to Enid and nodded at her, standing from the table. “I’ll come with you if you want to look for her. She’s probably fine, but better safe than sorry.”

The girls grabbed their warm jackets and umbrella and began their trek into the woods. Enid took her phone out and tried to track Wednesday’s, but the signal was too poor to do so. And besides, Wednesday almost always had her location turned off.

Enid lifted her head and began sniffing the air, trying to use her heightened werewolf senses to detect her girlfriend. “I can smell her faintly in…” She scanned her pointer finger around, eventually stopping when it pointed west, “that direction.”

Bianca nodded in understanding and followed the girl into the woods, trusting her werewolf instincts. Seconds turned into minutes, and minutes turned into twenty. Finally, Enid spotted a dark figure slumped against a tree in the distance.

“WEDNESDAY!” she shouted. She darted towards her, Bianca following close behind. Enid collapsed to her knees beside her girlfriend, whose eyes were closed, her entire body soaking wet. She put her hand on her cheek and gasped at its icy-cold temperature. “Wednesday, love, can you hear me?!” She gently shook her. “ Wends !” Tears of pure fear streamed down her cheeks. “Holy shit, oh my God, what do I do? What’s wrong with her??” Enid frantically ran her hands up and down Wednesday’s body.

Bianca crouched beside the other girls, sheltering them with the umbrella, and visually examined Wednesday. Her face was deeply pale, even more pale than usual, and her lips were a faint hint of blue. “If I had to guess, hypothermia.”

Enid was now crying, panicked. “Is she gonna die?!”

Bianca calmly pressed her fingers against Wednesday’s neck to feel her pulse. “She’s okay for now, but we have to get her indoors ASAP.”

Enid nodded in understanding and wiped her nose with the back of her sleeve. Bianca handed her the umbrella and Enid watched as she slid her arms under Wednesday, gently lifting her into her arms as she stood. Enid kept the umbrella over her girlfriend and kept up beside Bianca as they ran through the forest back to Nevermore. There was a sense of urgency they both felt, and the adrenaline made them run and think faster than normal.

“Here, my dorm’s on the first floor right nearby, we’ll go there,” Bianca suggested. Enid nodded in agreement and followed the siren to her dorm building. They rushed inside and Enid simply tossed the opened umbrella to the floor carelessly as she followed Bianca down the hallway to her dorm room. They burst inside and Bianca gently laid Wednesday on her own bed. 

“How do we fix her?! Is she going to die??” Enid was pacing back and forth.

Bianca shook her head. “We just have to get her warmed up. Come on, help me get these wet clothes off her.”

Enid nodded in understanding and stepped closer to the bed. She helped Bianca peel the soaking wet sweater from Wednesday’s body, tossing it to the floor. They worked quickly, pushed by their desperation. As Enid removed the final pieces of clothing, Bianca went into her own closet and grabbed a towel and a blanket. She approached the bed and covered Wednesday’s cold, damp body with the oversized towel. She helped Enid dry her off, removing the cold water from her skin. Then as Enid worked on towel-drying her hair, Bianca covered Wednesday’s body completely with the blanket to preserve what little warmth she might have.

Enid stopped working on Wednesday’s hair and knelt beside her, cupping her cheek affectionately. Her skin was a little warmer than it was the last time she’d touched it. “What do we do now?”

Bianca had grabbed her first aid kit and thermometer, and she now knelt on the other side of Wednesday and gently swiped the device across her forehead.

“96 degrees,” she declared.

Enid’s eyes darted to the other girl. “That’s really low, right?!”

“Yeah. Yeah it is.” Bianca stood and pulled out her phone, Googling something as Enid continued stroking her girlfriend’s hair. “It says here hypothermia qualifies as 95 or lower, so she’s actually warming up.” She slid her phone back into her pocket. “I’m going to go get a warm bath started, are you okay here by yourself?”

Enid nodded, not taking her eyes off her unconscious girlfriend.

Not one minute later, Wednesday began to groan a little, her face scrunching up in discomfort and confusion. She mumbled some incoherent words.

“Wends?!” Enid grabbed her hand to ground her. “I’m here, babe, it’s me, Enid.”

Wednesday’s eyes opened slightly, softening when she saw her girlfriend beside her. “Enid,” she mumbled, her voice weak.

“Yes,” Enid sighed in relief, her eyebrows knitted together as she pressed Wednesday’s hand against her own chest. She leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. “You’re okay,” she whispered.

Wednesday nodded slowly. “Fortunately I did not have to suffer such a…” She coughed a little, “humiliating demise.”

Enid shook her head in amusement. “Humiliating? Freezing to death is not humiliating, it’s f-ing horrifying.”

“And a product of my stupidity,” Wednesday muttered.

Enid raised her eyebrows. “So you admit it was stupid to go out there all alone in the freezing rain?”

“To be fair, it was not precipitating at all when I left.”

Enid just rolled her eyes in mild annoyance. She then met Wednesday’s and her gaze softened. “I’m just glad you’re okay,” she whispered. 

Bianca exited the bathroom then, her sleeves rolled up from testing the water temperature. “Addams, you’re awake!” she exclaimed.

Wednesday nodded. “I’m not sure why I’m residing in your dorm, but regardless I am thankful you and Enid saved my life.”

“You’re welcome, weirdo,” Bianca quipped. She pointed to the bathroom with her thumb. “I’ve got a nice warm bath going for you. You should probably take one before you go anywhere; you’re still really cold.”

Wednesday nodded in agreement and allowed Enid to help her sit up, then stand from the bed. She clutched the blanket tightly around her bare body and Enid helped her into the ocean-themed bathroom. Bianca allowed the girls some privacy and went to text their friends about the situation.

Cafeteria Squad 🍴

Bianca: Guys, turns out Enid was right.

Yoko: huh?? did wed get abducted or smth?

Eugene: What happened?

Bianca: We found Wednesday hypothermic in the woods.

Eugene: Is she OK??

Yoko: holy shit. now i feel bad.

Bianca: You kind of should. If we didn’t get to her when we did she probably wouldn’t have made it. But she’s OK now.

“Bianca, do you have any extra clothes she can borrow?”

Bianca looked up from her phone to see Enid poking her head out of the bathroom door. She nodded. “One sec.” She moved to her dresser and rummaged through it, grabbing the smallest sweatshirt and pair of sweatpants she owned, as well as some fuzzy socks and a beanie. She turned and approached Enid, handing the bundle of clothes to her. “There you go. I doubt they’ll fit her, but too big is better than too small.”

Enid nodded in appreciation and went back into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

A few minutes later, all three girls were settled on Bianca’s couch, the girlfriends cuddling “for warmth,” as Enid put it. Bianca knew damn well what they were doing. They were practically breathing on one another, Enid stroking Wednesday’s hair. Bianca stayed at her respective side of the couch, her limbs not entangled with anyone else’s.

Bianca turned on the home and garden channel, but couldn’t fight the awkward third-wheeling feeling she was getting. She occupied herself by gathering up every blanket and coat she owned and giving them to Wednesday to keep warm. She noticed how unusual it was for Wednesday to be publicly showing her affection for Enid like that; she had never seen this “soft” side of her before. Part of her felt honored that the raven felt so comfortable with her knowing and seeing that part of herself.

Later that evening, Enid and Wednesday were standing in the doorway of Bianca’s dorm, getting ready to leave. Bianca was helping Wednesday into one of her own puffy coats, not wanting to risk her getting cold again. She handed Enid one of her own umbrellas to borrow.

“Stay safe. You guys are welcome here anytime,” Bianca told them.

Enid nodded. “Thank you so much, Bianca, you don’t even know how grateful I am.”

Bianca’s eyes moved from Enid to Wednesday, then back to Enid. “I think I do know.”

Wednesday nodded at Bianca. “Thank you for saving me from such a degrading death.” Enid rolled her eyes at that and moved to open the door, gently pushing her girlfriend out of it in mild annoyance. Bianca smirked and laughed, waving goodbye to the girls as they made their way down the hallway.

“Ok, now that you’re better…what the hell , Wednesday?!” Enid exclaimed as soon as they set foot in their own dorm across campus. Wednesday turned and blinked at her girlfriend.

“I was simply investigating, Enid, my intentions were not to become hypoth—”

“Yeah, I know that, Wednesday! It doesn’t matter your intentions, you made a dumb ass decision that almost got you killed. And this isn’t even the first time! Hell, not the second time, either. You probably make decisions like these on a daily basis! Do you have any regard for your own life? Or maybe for the feelings of the people who care about you and would very much not like to see you dead?!”

Wednesday blinked again. Her moment of hesitation was so tense it felt like centuries. “Yes.” She stepped closer to Enid and took her hand in her own. “You mean the world to me, Sinclair. This was a mistake I made today, yes, but I am still learning to consider others in my decision-making. It is a process.”

Enid sighed. “Yeah, well, hurry up, because I never want to see your lifeless blue body on the forest floor again.”

Wednesday’s eyebrows lowered. “I am apologetic that you had to see that.”

Enid shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. What matters now is that you’re here, and you’re okay.” She leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. She grabbed both of her cheeks, moving her face to meet her eyes. “Don’t ever do that to me again, Wednesday.”

Wednesday didn’t take her eyes off Enid’s. “Anything for mi amor .”

Enid’s cheeks flushed a little and she dropped her hands from holding Wednesday’s face. “You are incredibly frustrating, you know that?” she joked.

Wednesday smiled a little. “The feeling is incredibly mutual.”

Chapter Text

Wednesday enjoyed pain. Very much so, actually. So when she woke up with a vague stabbing pain in her side one morning, she relished in the feeling throughout the day. During her classes, she got to focus on the increasing pain, like someone was stabbing the knife in further and further. What she did not enjoy, however, was her inability to eat. Her stomach felt closed, off-limits, unavailable. If she tried to put anything in her mouth she involuntarily gagged.

“What’s wrong? I literally haven’t seen you eat anything today,” Enid told Wednesday as they sat at their dinner table. She had leaned in to say it, quietly enough for their other friends not to hear.

Wednesday, who had been staring at the empty spot on the table in front of her, looked up to meet her girlfriend’s eyes. “I am not quite feeling myself,” she admitted.

Enid furrowed her brow and pressed the back of her palm against Wednesday’s forehead. “You’re a little warm. Does your stomach hurt?”

Wednesday scowled, thinking. “Not in the way it usually does. I am vaguely nauseous, and the pain is oddly similar to what I felt when I was stabbed.”

“WHAT?!”

Wednesday grabbed her girlfriend’s wrist to calm her, meeting her eyes. “I have not been injured, Sinclair, I will live.” She pushed back in her chair and stood from the table, brushing her uniform skirt off. “I am going to go to our dormitory and bathe.” She stepped away, but Enid shouted at her to wait. She turned back around, raising her eyebrows a little in anticipation.

“I’ll come with you,” Enid panted once she caught up with her. Wednesday made a little noise of mild annoyance before allowing her girlfriend to follow her up to their dorm.

Wednesday sat on her bed then moved to lie flat, staring at the ceiling. She was deep in thought, finally realizing what was most likely going on.

Pain in her right lower quadrant. She pressed her fingers against McBurney’s point and winced. It was tender.

“What are you doing?” Enid asked in mild alarm. Wednesday was so weird.

Wednesday turned her head to look at Enid. “Self-examination.” She sat up slowly and swung her legs off the side of the bed. “I have reason to believe I am just experiencing indigestion, coupled with general unwellness of some kind,” she lied. She stood from the bed and moved across the room to their shared bathroom. She knew she had appendicitis, but wanted to take advantage of the situation. After all, she only had one appendix, and only one chance to experience it rupturing.

Wednesday let the bath tap run as she undressed. She folded her clothes neatly and set them in their dirty laundry hamper. The pain was growing, and her forehead was damp with sweat.

She turned off the hot side of the tap. A cold shower might do her better. She pulled the tab and watched the water move up to the showerhead, then stepped inside. She hummed in satisfaction; she loved the cold.

Once she was done washing up, Wednesday dried herself off and re-braided her hair. She grabbed the forehead thermometer, dragging it across her hairline and looking at the reading: 100. Not bad, but not normal.

She put the thermometer away and stepped out of the bathroom with her towel wrapped around her body. Enid was sitting on her black bed next to a cafeteria tray, smiling. On it was a cup of soup and some crackers.

“I got you a little something to eat,” the werewolf told her. “You don’t have to have any, but you should at least try. It would probably do you good.”

Wednesday nodded in agreement and wordlessly moved to her closet to change. She emerged wearing her favorite black zip-up hoodie, striped shirt, and black sweatpants. She moved to her bed and sat beside her girlfriend.

“What kind of soup?” she asked. Though she found it astonishingly difficult to eat, she was feeling too weak and hungry to go on without it.

“Just plain chicken broth,” she responded, handing her the spoon. Wednesday took it gratefully and lifted a spoonful of broth to her lips. She slowly swallowed it, the warmth moving down through her digestive system smoothly.

“Delicious,” she remarked as she took another sip. “Thank you, Enid.”

The werewolf nodded and smiled, leaning forward to plant a kiss on her girlfriend’s forehead. “Anything for you, babe.”

Wednesday looked up between bites, glaring at her. Enid raised her hands in surrender and repressed the urge to burst out laughing. “Okay okay, I know you’re not a fan of that nickname. I’ll try to stop.”

Satisfied, Wednesday’s eyes moved back down to focus on her dinner.

Once Wednesday was done eating, she and Enid sat on her bed to watch a show on Enid’s computer. Wednesday was too hot to fully cuddle, but she allowed Enid to hold her hand. The werewolf was stroking it with her thumb, affectionately running the pad of her finger across Wednesday’s soft skin.

Suddenly, Wednesday felt an overwhelming sense of nausea. She quickly pushed away from Enid and stood from the bed, her head spinning a little.

“Wednesday? What’s wrong?” she asked once she’d regained her balance.

Wednesday’s eyes were wide in fear, and she rushed into the bathroom. She slammed the toilet seat up against the back, hunching over the bowl. She promptly vomited up the contents of her dinner, the acid and bile burning her throat.

As much as she enjoyed suffering, Wednesday hated vomit. It smelled, it hurt, and it was humiliating. She couldn’t think of anything worse.

“Oh, oh, babe, oh no…” Enid sputtered when she rushed into the bathroom. She crouched down beside her girlfriend and tenderly moved her braids behind her back as she hurled. She rubbed her back in gentle circles to comfort her. Enid knew how much she hated vomiting.

Finally, Wednesday had disposed of every content of her stomach, and leaned back against Enid, exasperated. The werewolf held her back against her own chest, letting her catch her breath. She gingerly moved her sweaty bangs out of her face, watching her face intently as she recovered.

“I’m…better now,” Wednesday informed her before promptly standing and moving to the sink. She turned on the faucet and rinsed her face with the cold water. 

Enid stood too. “You think you have the stomach bug like I did that one time?”

“Precisely,” Wednesday lied. She turned off the faucet and shook her hands off, then stepped back from the sink. “I should not have eaten.”

Enid bit her cheek. “Anything I can do to help?” She watched as Wednesday dried her hands and face off with their hand towel.

Wednesday shook her head. “I just desire sleep.” She moved past her girlfriend and out of the bathroom. She then removed her jacket and climbed under the covers of her own bed.

Enid was now perched on her own bed, watching her girlfriend like a hawk, as if she would die if she looked away.

“I can feel your eyes, Sinclair,” Wednesday said without opening her own eyes.

“I can’t help it! I’m worried!”

“The best thing you can do for me presently is allow me to rest.”

Enid swallowed. “Okay, okay, you’re right. I’ll just do my homework.” She stood from her bed and settled in criss-cross on her desk chair. “Holler if you need me.”

“Goody Addams. You haunt me still. You will suffer the same fate you bequeathed me. Now burn in the eternal fires of hell.” Crackstone stabbed her, then twisted the knife. Wednesday gasped, falling down against the column behind her. She was going to die, and she knew it.

“Wednesday!” someone shouted. Oh, what a sweet voice…who was it? She seemed familiar. Enid, yes, of course Thing would go to look for Enid. She smiled a little. Enid would be a nice person to die beside.

The werewolf burst into the crypt, moving down to her girlfriend’s side. “Oh God, Wednesday!” She grabbed her shoulders and shook her. “Wednesday, please!”

Wednesday blinked, but when her eyes opened, she was no longer in the crypt. Enid stood above her in their dorm, worry across her face. She was indeed shaking her awake. Though she had snapped back to reality, Wednesday still felt like she’d been stabbed; her abdomen hurt that much worse than before.

“Oh, thank God,” the werewolf panted, her face softening.

Wednesday blinked again. “I was having a nightmare.”

Enid raised her eyebrows as she moved to sit on the bed. “No kidding. I looked over and you were tossing and turning. I came over to check on you and you were mumbling nonsense and sweating like crazy.”

“Fever dreams,” Wednesday offered. In truth, her side now hurt almost as bad as it did when she was stabbed. It was almost unbearable. She knew her appendix was close to rupturing; she just had to get through it a little longer.

Enid rubbed Wednesday’s leg from under the blanket. “Want me to stay with you? Y’know…to keep the nightmares away.”

Wednesday looked at her girlfriend in mild amusement. “I enjoy nightmares.”

Enid giggled. “Of course you do.”

Wednesday’s face was feeling hotter and hotter as the pain in her side increased. She pressed her hand against it out of instinct, feeling for the nonexistent blood. Her face paled; this was now unbearable, even for an Addams.

“Wends? You okay?”

Barely hearing her girlfriend, Wednesday mumbled some sort of response under her breath as she stood from the bed. She gripped her side, her steps shaky and uneven as she stumbled in the general direction of the bathroom. Alas, she felt an agonizing pop in her abdomen and cried out. Her legs folded and her eyes rolled back into her head, and she passed out.

“Wednesday! Oh my God!!” Enid screamed, collapsing to the floor beside her. She shook her, trying to wake her. “Holy shit, oh gosh, what do I do??” she thought out loud. She knew she should get an adult’s help, but they were currently short a dorm mother—“Miss Thornhill” was hard to replace. That left Weems; she was the only adult Enid was certain was awake at this time.

“C’mon Wends, let’s get you help,” she said as she slid her arms under her girlfriend and hoisted her up. Wednesday’s head was resting against her chest, her little body nestled against Enid’s. Determined, the werewolf swiftly left the dorm and made her way to Principal Weems’s office.

“Excuse me, my office hours are over—” Weems began when she saw her office door open. She stopped herself right away when she saw the disheveled Enid enter, barely holding onto the unconscious Wednesday in her arms.

“Oh, good heavens, what happened??” she asked as she quickly moved away from her desk and approached the girls. She gently took Wednesday from Enid’s arms and into her own, tenderly carrying her to the couch and laying her down. 

The wide-eyed Enid shook her head in dismay. “I have no idea. She wasn’t feeling good at dinner and stuff and she threw up, and then, like, out of the blue she screamed and passed out.”

Weems pressed the back of her hand against the teenager’s forehead, her eyebrows knitted in concern. “Dear God, she’s scalding hot.” She pressed two long fingers against the girl’s neck to check her pulse. “I fear something may be very wrong with her. I really should call an ambulance.” She looked behind her at Enid, who was wringing her fingers out anxiously. “Could you fetch my phone for me, dear? It’s on the desk.”

Enid nodded anxiously and obeyed, bringing the phone to the woman. Larissa took it and immediately dialed 911.

“Yes, this is Principal Weems of Nevermore. One of my students is ill and she has passed out inexplicably…Yes, she’s feverish…Um, she’s sixteen…Yes sir…Yes thank you…Will do.”

She hung up and set the phone on the couch cushion as she stood. “They’ll be here in ten minutes,” she told Enid. Larissa knew she had to be strong for the young girl beside her; if she showed her own panic, Enid would surely have a breakdown.

“Is she gonna…is she gonna be okay?” the girl asked as she looked up at Weems with teary and pleading eyes. She had knelt beside Wednesday, and was stroking the unconscious girl’s hair affectionately.

The principal pressed her red lips together. “I don’t know. But she’s young and strong. She has survived worse.”

Enid nodded and turned back to her girlfriend, watching her sleeping form through blurry eyes.

The ambulance arrived a little earlier than anticipated. The paramedics burst into the office, going to work on Wednesday immediately. They put a blood pressure cuff on her arm and got her hooked up to heart and oxygen monitors.

“Who was with her when this happened?” one of the men asked.

“I was,” Enid replied, her voice shaky with fear.

“Was she in any pain before she passed out? Was she dehydrated? Hungry?”

Enid nodded. “She was having stomach problems all day. She didn’t eat. I made her have some soup for dinner but she uh, she threw that up. And not long after she passed out.”

The man then looked to one of the women, who nodded at him in understanding. She immediately pulled up Wednesday’s shirt and began to palpate her stomach, shaking her head in dismay when she touched a certain spot.

The woman looked up and nodded at the man. “Tenderness over McBurney’s point,” she told him. 

He moved to the woman’s side then examined Wednesday himself. He nodded in confirmation. “Yep. Appendicitis. It probably ruptured. We need to get her to the hospital right away.”

“Oh my God,” Enid mumbled under her breath. She was biting her nails in anxiety, standing in the corner of the room as she watched.

The paramedics hauled Wednesday up onto a stretcher and strapped her in, then moved to exit the room.

The man looked to Weems. “We can only take one other person in the ambulance,” he informed her. “Preferably a guardian.”

Weems nodded in understanding. “She’s legally under my care while she’s at school. I’ll come.” She turned to Enid, who was now crying. She approached her and put a hand on the trembling girl’s shoulder. “She will be okay. Go back to your dorm and try to get some rest, if you can. I’ll be back for you as soon as I possibly can.”

Enid nodded in understanding, unable to respond at the moment. She watched as Larissa left with the paramedics, taking away Wednesday on the stretcher, paler than Enid had ever seen her before.

Enid never took her eyes off Wednesday’s sleeping form as she sat beside her in the hospital room. As soon as she was taken in for emergency surgery, Larissa drove back to Nevermore to pick up Enid and bring her to the hospital. The two waited anxiously in the waiting room during the two-hour surgery, Enid biting her nails the whole time. Her colorful gel nails were completely obliterated by now. She originally started getting them done when she was a pre-teen because of her bad nail-biting habit, and she only reverted back to it when she was extremely afraid.

“Wednesday, I know you probs can’t hear me right now, but…” She grasped at her girlfriend’s limp hand, covered in bandages from the IVs that had been placed there. “I love you. I really do. Seeing you so hurt, I think it made me realize how much I genuinely care about you. You could have died , and you didn’t even say anything, you idiot. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you…” Her voice broke, the tears trickling out of her eyes.

“She can’t do without you, either, Miss Sinclair,” came Weems’s voice from the doorway. Enid’s head whipped around to see the principal standing in the doorway with two coffee cups in-hand. She had returned from a trip to the cafeteria. Enid sniffled and wiped her nose and eyes with the back of her pajama sleeve, watching as the woman pulled up a chair to sit beside Enid. She handed her one of the coffees. “She needs you just as much, if not more, than you need her. As much as she would never admit it, you’ve changed her, dear. You’ve made her a better—well, a more normal —person. You have made her feel. Never have I seen her care about anyone the way she cares about you. I know it’s real.”

Enid smiled a little through the tears, still not taking her eyes off her girlfriend. “I really am so lucky to have her in my life.” She shook her head and laughed a little. “And to think we started out by taping off our sides of the room.”

Larissa chuckled, her voice booming throughout the room. “Oh, Wednesday! What ever shall we do with her?”

Enid, much to her dismay, had in fact dozed off when Wednesday finally awoke. The werewolf jolted awake at the slightest sound of her movement, her wide eyes darting to Wednesday.

“Wends! You’re awake!!”

Wednesday coughed a little as she tried to sit up in her bed.

“Nah ah, not so fast,” Enid said gently as she pushed her shoulders to make her lie back down. She grabbed the water cup on the bedside table, holding the straw up to Wednesday’s lips. The girl gratefully took a few generous gulps.

Wednesday leaned back and fiddled with the oxygen cannula under her nose. She furrowed her brow and looked at Enid. “What happened? I can’t…can’t seem to recall.”

Enid patted Wednesday’s leg from under the blanket. “Your appendix ruptured and you passed out.”

Wednesday’s face lit up and she faintly smiled. “I did it,” she said under her breath.

“You… what ?!”

Wednesday blinked. “I…made it through surgery, it appears,” she covered.

Enid nodded. “You did. Wednesday, did you feel the pain before it ruptured? You said you just had the stomach bug, but like…appendicitis is supposed to hurt way worse.”

Wednesday blinked. “I did,” she replied honestly. If she was going to date Enid, the werewolf should probably get used to her authentic self sooner rather than later.

“And you didn’t tell me ?!”

“Affirmative.”

“You could have died . Easily. You could have died , Wednesday! That shit is permanent !”

Wednesday sighed a little. “A shame I didn’t.”

“Shut up !”

Wednesday’s eyes met Enid’s and she felt a twinge of guilt. The werewolf had genuine fear behind her eyes; despite her socially ineptness, Wednesday did know that Enid cared for her deeply.

“I wanted to experience my appendix rupturing at least once in my life. And, naturally, I only have one appendix.”

“You’re sick,” Enid muttered, burying her face in her hands.

“I am. But I will heal soon.”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it,” Enid mumbled, her words muffled by her hands.

Wednesday raised her eyebrows a little. “Regardless of whether you perceive me as abnormal, I am who I am, and that is not something I am willing to change.”

Enid emerged from her hands and shook her head at Wednesday. “I don’t want you to change. I love you for you. I want you to change a few things that you do .”

“Such as?”

“No more hiding your medical issues from me, for one. You do it all the time . I know you’re very versed in medical and anatomical knowledge, but jeez, Wednesday, you can’t be your own doctor.”

“ You’re not my doctor.”

“But I’m your girlfriend , Wednesday. I am here to take care of you and love you. You do the same for me, and you have to let me return the favor.”

Wednesday nodded in understanding. “Okay. But only because I love you.” She reached for her girlfriend’s hand. “This stays between you and me.”

Enid nodded, smiling a little at her victory. “Always.”

Chapter Text

It was a gorgeous spring day on the Nevermore campus. The birds were singing, the creeks were flowing, and the flowers were blooming and swaying in the warm sunny wind. As soon as classes let out for the day, the students rushed outdoors to enjoy the sunshine. The sirens were splashing around in the river, boys were running around tossing frisbees and footballs, and girls laid out on the lawn to suntan. The only people who didn’t come outside, it seemed, were vampires. And Wednesday Addams.

“Come onnnnnnn,” Enid whined as she dragged Wednesday by the arm. The raven was standing stubbornly by her desk in their dorm, her feet planted firmly, refusing to budge. Enid huffed in frustration and let go, crossing her arms. “It is so pretty outside, and all of our friends are waiting for us!”

“I have a strict writing schedule I must keep to, Enid, I cannot just—”

“Yes, you can just have a little fun once in a while! Come on, some sun will do you good, you look like a sickly Victorian child.” She knitted her eyebrows in mock concern as she placed the back of her hand against Wednesday’s pale cheek as if checking for fever.

Wednesday’s nostrils gave a little puff before she finally sighed in resignation. “Fine. Only because I want to observe my peers for suspicion.”

“Whatever you say.” The werewolf grabbed her girlfriend’s arm and dragged her out of their dorm.

“Took you long enough!” Ajax snickered once the roommates met up with the friend group in the quad.

Enid rolled her eyes playfully, pointing to Wednesday. “ This one didn’t exactly come willingly.”

Wednesday did not justify that with a response other than glaring at Ajax as if he was her arch-nemesis.

“Come on guys, I wanna check out this year’s flowers. My bees are gonna be so happy!” Eugene chimed. He was dressed in a red-and-yellow-striped T-shirt and khaki shorts, and he reminded Wednesday strongly of her brother. She, Enid, Ajax, Bianca, and the twins followed the bee-boy out onto the front lawn. The teens had to duck out of the way of the airborne frisbees and other various mysterious projectiles flying through the air.

“Jesus, wasn’t planning on a concussion today,” Bianca muttered as she ducked out of the way of a decently-sized stone.

“Oh my goodness!” Eugene exclaimed as he crouched down beside a grouping of daffodils next to a tree. “Gorgeous, gorgeous, they will love these!” He gasped as he looked up, admiring the hundreds of yellow daffodils spotting the area. “Couldn’t have asked for a better year!”

“Alright, can we stop nerding out and take a swim?” Kent asked in mild annoyance.

“I’m with him,” Bianca added, one eyebrow raised. She looked to Enid, who’d planned the get-together. “Mind if we go ahead of you guys?”

Enid shook her head and smiled. “We’ll catch up.”

Bianca nodded and started off towards the bay, Kent and Divina following.

Wednesday turned around to see Eugene attempting to stuff at least half a dozen daffodils in his pocket . She stared at him. “What are you doing?”

Eugene finished shoving the flowers into his pocket, then pushed his glasses up with his now-yellow, pollen-covered index finger. “I wanted to test a few samples, and maybe give my bees a treat.” He grinned excitedly and looked to his three friends. “Hey, listen, I’m really not a fan of water, so you guys go have fun. I’m gonna do this.” He turned to start toward his hive.

Ajax nodded. “Thanks, bro.” He smirked at Enid and Wednesday. “Last one there is a severed finger!” He laughed and started running down towards the bay, his long legs taking huge strides down the grassy hill.

“HEY!” Enid yelled as she started off right after him. Wednesday smirked from behind. Ajax didn’t stand a chance next to a werewolf . She started off after her friends, and though she was relatively athletic, she knew her short legs wouldn’t take her very far.

The teenagers were almost to the beach when Enid tripped over a rock. She tumbled to the grass, landing in a messy heap of blonde hair and bright-colored clothing. Ajax chuckled and kept running to the beach, his feet splashing the water a few feet into the air when he entered. Wednesday stopped, resigning to her loss.

The sirens poked their heads out of the water, laughing at Enid’s stumble.

“Haha, looks like the pup couldn’t quite keep up!” Bianca teased with a smirk. Enid was sitting up now, and looking very cross.

When Enid didn’t stand up, Wednesday jogged down the hill to her girlfriend. She stopped beside her, looking down at her frustrated expression.

“Didn’t you want to dip your feet in?” Wednesday asked, offering her hand to help her stand.

“She’s such a sore loser!” Ajax joked, letting out a loud belly-laugh, the sirens joining in.

Enid didn’t respond, and Wednesday knew something was wrong. She squatted down beside her, meeting her eyes. “What’s the matter, Sinclair?” she asked monotonically.

Enid sighed, her shoulders slumping. “I can’t get up.”

Wednesday furrowed her brow, her eyes moving to visually examine the werewolf’s legs. She was wearing lavender ruffle socks with yellow Vans. Though she’d never say it out loud, Wednesday found that positively adorable. Regardless, Enid seemed unharmed.

Enid grunted as she leaned forward to remove her left shoe and sock. She pointed to her ankle, which was now red and beginning to swell. “I think I twisted it.”

Wednesday blinked and touched her fingers gently to her injured ankle. Her skin was warm, an indication of increased blood flow and thus, injury. Enid’s breath hitched in pain at the slight touch.

“I think you did, too,” Wednesday remarked as she stood. She slid her arm under Enid’s shoulders, hoisting the girl to her feet. “I’ll transport you to the infirmary.”

“Aww, she needs her girlfriend’s help getting up?” Kent teased.

“Oh, she’s 16, you say? I would think she was 87,” Ajax added jokingly.

Wednesday’s head whipped around to the boys in the water. “Hold your tongues, imbeciles, she’s injured,” she snapped sharply. The boys’ faces immediately paled in remorse at the realization. She narrowed her eyes. “I’ll be taking her to the infirmary.”

The girls turned and started up the hill, Enid hobbling along beside Wednesday like a dramatic eight-year-old during a soccer game.

“Thanks, Wends,” Enid said as they made it to the gravel path outside the school.

“Don’t mention it. I’m actually quite ashamed of how tender-hearted you make me, but I can’t seem to rid of it.”

Enid giggled. “Oh, I’m well aware. I was thanking you for sticking up for me. It was badass and…kinda hot.”

Wednesday’s cheeks flushed ever-so-slightly at that. “Yes, well, someone has to defend you.”

“It isn’t like I’m defenseless, Wednesday, I’m a lycanthrope with ten times your strength.”

“ Physical strength, absolutely. Any other kind of strength? I don’t think so.”

“Hey!”

Wednesday’s lips quirked up a little at that. She stopped in front of the door to the infirmary building. In front of it were two concrete steps.

“Hold on tight,” Wednesday instructed. She didn’t give Enid time to react before swiftly scooping her up into her arms bridal-style. She carried her up the stairs and kicked the door open with her foot, then set her down on the tile floor below.

“Holy moly, Wednesday, I don’t know how you do that,” Enid remarked. Wednesday studied her girlfriend’s face, which was admittedly redder than usual.

“I’m stronger than I appear, and you’re not exactly equivalent to a sumo wrestler in mass,” she responded, helping Enid to the infirmary entrance.

“Thanks for the compliment,” Enid responded sarcastically.

The girls entered the infirmary, informing the nurse of the situation. She got Enid situated on a bed then retrieved her a few supplies.

The nurse returned and sat beside Enid’s bed. Wednesday stood gloomily over her girlfriend, watching vigilantly as the nurse prodded at her injured ankle. Enid hissed in pain when she tried to twist it.

“Hmm, it appears you have a sprain,” she announced. She squinted as she gently turned her entire leg, examining all sides of the injury. She leaned back, writing something down on a clipboard. “It’s unlikely you broke it, but I’ll keep an eye on it. Come back here immediately if the pain becomes too much, or if it looks extremely bruised.”

Wednesday nodded in understanding, knowing full well she’d make sure Enid followed the medical professional’s advice.

The nurse took out an ace bandage and began to wrap the injury. “You’ll need to keep this on for at least a few days. It will help with the swelling and pain,” she told Enid. Once she finished wrapping her ankle, she tucked in the end of the bandage and gently patted her foot. “There you go, sweetheart.” She grabbed a reusable ice pack and kneaded it to move around the cold gel inside. “Ice it for 15 to 20 minutes, at least five times a day for the next two days.” She handed it to Wednesday and pointed an accusatory finger at her. “You help her remember.”

“Of course,” Wednesday replied.

The nurse reached behind her and grabbed a set of crutches. “You can use these for the time being.” She began to fiddle with the height settings, then looked up at the patient. “How tall are you, dear?”

“Five-five,” Enid replied.

Wednesday scowled. “You are not .”

“I’m sorry you’re jealous, shorty,” she teased.

Wednesday shook her head. “You are clearly five-three.” She turned to the nurse. “Ma’am, if you check her medical records, I’m sure you’ll find her accurate height measurement, I’m not sure why she’s being so difficult— ”

“I’ll just set it to five-four, how’s that?” the nurse interrupted cheerfully, not wanting to listen to the girls bicker any longer. Enid raised her chin smugly, knowing she’d almost beat Wednesday in an argument, for once.

Finally, the nurse handed Enid the crutches. “You’re good to go, dear. Take plenty of pain medication and come back here if you need anything. Stay off that leg for at least three days.”

Enid nodded in understanding as she planted her good foot on the ground and leaned on the crutches to stand. Wednesday placed a gentle hand on the small of her back as she did to help guide her.

The girls made their way back to their dorm, Enid moving slightly faster than she had before her trip to the infirmary. Fortunately, Ophelia Hall did have an elevator available, albeit sketchy and ancient.

Enid groaned as she collapsed dramatically backwards onto her bed. “Wow, I am pooped.”

“You’re what?” Wednesday turned around from her position by her dresser.

Enid sat up. “You’ve never heard that before?”

“I am not four years old, so no,” Wednesday replied as she turned back around, rummaging through her drawers to find her pajamas.

Enid giggled. “I forget you’re not from a normal family.”

“I’m not sure of your definition of normal, because you in fact live in a pack of werewolves.”

Enid just rolled her eyes playfully, her ankle feeling better by the minute.

The girls spent their evening huddled up on Enid’s bed (she managed to convince Wednesday with her “puppy dog eyes”), watching Say Yes to the Dress . Why there was an entire show dedicated to traditional white wedding dresses, Wednesday did not know. She despised the show, but considering her girlfriend was injured, she let it slide.

Wednesday found herself vaguely interested in it after the fifth episode they watched, but her focus was interrupted by the movement of Enid’s head. She looked down to see that the werewolf was resting her head on her chest, her face sleepy and peaceful. Normally, the raven would feel nauseous and rip this invader of her personal space off her immediately, but right now, she didn’t want to move ever again. She lifted her arm and wrapped it around her girlfriend, her hand stroking her back as she, too, drifted off into peaceful slumber.

Chapter Text

It was Enid’s first full moon as a wolfed-out werewolf. The girl was “nervited” as she’d put it, and she stood in her dorm, meticulously analyzing her outfit.

“I think that one is perfect,” Wednesday told her for the fourteenth time, annoyed. She was wearing a shiny purple athletic shirt and little pink running shorts with yellow knee socks and blue tennis shoes. She looked so very Enid .

Enid scowled at herself in the mirror. She turned her body to look at her back. “I just don’t know. It isn’t giving.”

“Oh, it is absolutely giving,” Wednesday said, standing from the bed to stand beside her in the mirror. “I can’t imagine a better outfit for you, Enid.” In truth, she was only saying it to make her stop. Enid knew this, but decided to listen to her anyway. She smiled.

“Okay, I’m ready then.” She turned to meet her girlfriend’s eyes and frowned. “I wish you could come.”

Wednesday huffed a little. “I would if I could. Principal Weems is not a large proponent of her students getting mauled by one another, though.”

Enid nodded. “I don’t want you to get hurt, either, of course…but don’t worry, I’ll tell you all about it when I come back!”

Wednesday nodded.

Enid bit her lip nervously. “I can do this, right? I’ll be fine?”

Wednesday nodded. “I am confident you will be. You could defend yourself against a Hyde, my love, I think you can handle your rowdy brothers and friends.”

Enid giggled and nodded in agreement, taking Wednesday’s hand in her own and giving it a little squeeze. “Wish me luck!”

“You don’t need it,” Wednesday assured her as she skipped away, exiting their dorm with a pep in her step.

Wednesday sat at her desk, tapping away at her typewriter as she worked on her novel. She stopped when she began to hear the howls permeate through the walls of Nevermore.

She stood from her desk and rushed out to the balcony, searching the grounds outside for the werewolves. She zeroed in on some movement going on in a clearing in the woods. The wolves were running around, howling and playing with one another. Wednesday sighed. She wished she could be there to observe, but all non-werewolf students were under strict lockdown on full moon nights.

Wednesday turned and went back to writing, confident that Enid was having the time of her life.

It was nearly two in the morning when Wednesday’s dorm door burst open. Her eyes shot open and she sat up from her bed right away. Her eyes moved to her intruder, who was now stumbling messily into the dorm, barely able to walk.

Wednesday stood from her bed and turned the lights on. Human Enid, her body covered in dirt and blood, was wincing as she held onto the wall for support. She was clothed only in a filthy towel draped over her shoulders. She rushed to the ailing wolf’s side, wrapping her arm around her waist to steady her.

“Enid?”

The girl shook her head, fighting back tears. “It hurts. Please, just— help me clean it up.”

Wednesday nodded in understanding, guiding her to their bathroom. She started the shower water, then took out a first aid kit and began to rummage through it.

Enid was fully crying now, her shoulders slumped as she sat on the edge of the tub.

Wednesday’s eyes moved to observe her girlfriend. She wanted to know what was going on inside her head, but she also didn’t want to overstep her boundaries. She knew that if she were in the same position, she wouldn’t want Enid to press.

“Where are you hurt?” she asked, figuring it was an objective enough question.

Enid sniffed and pulled the towel away from her side, revealing her bruised torso. Little cuts covered her entire body, and Wednesday was sure she’d broken at least two ribs.

“I’ll help you clean up, then we can tend to those, alright?”

Enid just nodded, knowing her words would betray her if she tried to speak.

Wednesday tested the water’s temperature. Satisfied, she helped Enid to stand and move under the stream, averting her eyes when she took the towel away from her. She tossed it to the floor.

Enid was sobbing as she stood frozen under the water. Her body shook with the sobs, unable to function. Without hesitation, Wednesday removed her pajamas and stepped into the shower with her, clad only in her underwear and camisole.

Wordlessly, Wednesday helped Enid clean up, gently scrubbing soap across her dirtied skin and wounds. Enid relaxed into her touch, eventually resting her head in the crook of Wednesday’s neck out of pure exhaustion.

Wednesday wrapped her small arms around her girlfriend’s body as she helped her exit the shower. She grabbed two fresh towels and helped Enid dry off before peeling the wet undergarments off her own body and wrapping herself up in a towel. The wolf’s cuts were all superficial enough that they didn’t require much attention, especially considering lycanthropes’ expedited healing. She tenderly dried off Enid’s hair, then brushed all the tangles out of it. She then put her own pajamas back on and led her out of the bathroom. She sat her down on her multicolored bed, taking out a pair of heart-spotted pajama pants and a pink T-shirt from her dresser.

“Arms up,” she said. Enid obeyed, barely awake as the other girl slid the shirt onto her body. Wednesday then grabbed her upper arms and hoisted her gently to her feet, allowing Enid to hold onto her shoulders as she helped her into the pants. She then collapsed back down onto her bed.

Wednesday helped her under the covers, tucking them neatly beneath her chin. She leaned back and stood rigidly above her, feeling like she should do something else to help her, but not knowing what.

Wednesday did not know how, but in a few seconds she found herself under the covers, laying beside Enid as her big spoon, her chest pressed against the wolf’s back. Enid was already fast asleep. Wednesday relaxed into the soft mattress, allowing herself to drift off into peaceful slumber.

Enid awoke to the smell of food wafting into her nose. She opened her eyes to see Wednesday sitting at the foot of her bed reading, a tray of food placed neatly on her bedside table.

“‘Morning,” Enid coughed, sitting up with a wince. She pressed her back against her headboard.

Wednesday looked up from her book. “Good morning.” She set the book down and reached for the breakfast tray, placing it on Enid’s lap. “I brought you your favorite from the dining hall.”

Enid smiled at the feast before her eyes. A stack of Belgian waffles with blueberry compote and powdered sugar stood on one plate, and a pile of bacon on the other. There was also a cup of steaming-hot peppermint tea, complete with two packets of sugar—just how she liked it. How Wednesday knew exactly what she liked, she didn’t know. She’d never told her any of this.

“Thank you, this is amazing!” she exclaimed, her face lighting up in delight. She immediately began to dig in, ravenous after her busy night.

Once she’d allowed her a decent amount of time to scarf down her breakfast, Wednesday brought up the elephant in the room: “Are you comfortable discussing last night’s events yet, Sinclair?”

Enid swallowed a humongous bite of waffle and looked up at Wednesday. She bit her lip nervously. “Yeah, I uh, I guess I am.” She wiped her mouth off with a napkin and sighed. “I was enjoying myself at first. My brothers showed me their favorite spots and we horsed—I mean wolfed—around for a bit. But then this, this boy , that one from math class that won’t leave me alone, no matter how many times I tell him I’m taken…he approached me. He wanted to hang out, wolf-style. I tried to politely decline and go back to my brothers, but he got really angry and attacked me. He would’ve hurt me really bad had my brothers not tackled him off me.” A tear trickled down her cheek. She shook her head in dismay and continued, “I don’t even know if he’s okay. They got super aggressive with him. They’re very protective of me. After he hurt me I turned back human, and I ran away before I could see the end of it.”

Wednesday was burning with rage. “I will gather my knives and ensure he is not okay after what he did to you, that son of a bitch doesn’t deserve to be alive. I will kill him slowly, I will ensure a very slow, excruciatingly painful—”

“Wednesday, no, stop,” she interrupted, looking up at her through blurry eyes. She took the raven’s hand in her own. “I’m okay now. My brothers are going to go to Weems and report him. I’m safe, it’s okay.”

“It’s absolutely not okay ,” Wednesday insisted. “That was utterly unacceptable, if anyone ever lays a finger on you, I will skin them alive and watch them burn to nothing but ashes.”

Enid smiled a little through her tears. “You have the strangest ways of expressing love, you know that?”

Wednesday blinked. “Okay, ‘I love you.’ Is that normal enough for you?”

Enid nodded and giggled. “Yes, Wends. I love you too.” She leaned forward and planted a kiss on her forehead over her bangs. She leaned back, beaming. “Thank you for helping me last night.”

Wednesday blinked. “As your lover, I am obligated to care for you. You are an extension of my own heart, I must.”

Enid giggled again. “You talk about our relationship like Shakespeare.”

“Is that a problem? I can attempt to stop, I can brush up on teenage slang, if you would like.”

Enid shook her head and leaned in close to kiss her on the cheek. “I wouldn’t have you any other way.”

“Anyway,” Wednesday mumbled, a little flustered as she leaned away from Enid. “We should tend to your injuries.” She reached for the hem of her shirt, pulling it up to examine her ribs.

“I’m fine,” Enid insisted. “We heal fast.”

“I am aware,” Wednesday said, gently running her fingers across Enid’s bruised skin. The werewolf winced a little. “But you still need to take care of yourself.”

Enid sighed a little, looking down at her bruised body and the cuts covering it. “Fine.”

Satisfied, Wednesday retrieved a few first-aid items and returned to Enid’s bedside. She applied petroleum jelly to each of her cuts, her movements tender and methodical. She then helped her to lie down with a pillow beneath her torso. She wrapped an ice pack in a washcloth and placed it gently on her injured ribs.

“Keep that on there for about fifteen minutes, then repeat an hour later,” Wednesday instructed.

Enid nodded. “Thank you, Wends.”

“It is my obligation. I want you to heal as quickly as possible,” she replied as she gathered up the trash.

Enid smiled. “You do?”

Wednesday looked up at her and blinked. “I do.”

“So…” the wolf began, a smirk beginning to form on her face, “you’d be willing to do anything it takes to help me get better?”

Wednesday’s eyebrows lowered a little. “Yes…” she responded skeptically.

“I think…I think the best way to make me get better is cuddles.”

“Cuddles? You mean, physical touch?” Wednesday looked flustered, her pale face unusually pink.

Enid nodded, smiling. “C’mere.”

Wednesday rigidly and reluctantly settled down in the bed beside Enid, her breath hitching as the werewolf wrapped her arms around her and laid her head on her chest.

“Is this…helping?” Wednesday asked after a few moments of silence.

Enid nodded against her chest. “More than you know.”

Chapter Text

It was finally June in Jericho, and the Nevermore students were enjoying the outdoors as they finished up their last days of classes and exams for the summer.

Enid had recently obtained her driver’s license, and she couldn’t wait to drive Wednesday around. Due to some renovations going on at the Addams household, her parents had agreed to let her stay at the Sinclair’s for the first few weeks of the summer.

“Hurry up! You are the slowest packer, like, ever!” Enid exclaimed in exasperation as she tried to drag Wednesday’s steamer trunks toward the dorm door. Lurch, who’d arrived to help transport the girls to the airport, grunted and gently nudged Enid away to lift Wednesday’s trunks. He left the dorm to make his third trip to the hearse.

Wednesday, who was finishing packing her final trunk, shoved in a pair of socks. “You are simply impatient.”

Enid grunted in annoyance and watched as Wednesday gathered the trunk into her arms and started out the door.

“I eagerly anticipate my stay with you,” the raven muttered as they made their way outside.

Enid giggled, shattering her angry facade. “For real though, I am excited.”

Wednesday hid her tiny smile, her back to the other girl as she stepped out the doorway to the gravel driveway below. She could spend every minute of the summer with Enid.

The girls’ flight went smoothly, arriving five minutes early in San Francisco. As they gathered up their suitcases to leave the plane, Enid groaned.

“I really don’t want to see them,” she muttered.

“Your brothers?” Wednesday asked. The boys had flown back last week, as their final exams had finished earlier.

Enid shook her head. “Mainly just…my mother.”

Wednesday narrowed her eyes. “I am going to have difficulty not causing severe harm to that woman at the slightest rude remark towards you.”

Enid chuckled darkly. “You’re gonna have those urges often, I’m afraid.”

Wednesday’s face burned slightly in anger. She despised anyone who would harm Enid, but especially her mother. She knew the woman nicked a nerve in her daughter and was the root of most of her issues. If Wednesday had it her way, Esther would be long gone from Enid’s life.

Alas, the woman was waiting for the girls right outside the terminal, looking overly enthusiastic.

“Girls, girls!” she exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear, her wide eyes searching the both of them from head to toe. She pulled Enid into a tight embrace, squeezing every ounce of air from the poor girl’s lungs. She pulled away, her face concerned, looking her up and down once more. “Oh, you’ve gotten so thin! What have they been feeding you?! Are you eating enough for your newly awakened werewolf?!”

Enid grunted and pushed away from her mother, brushing off her clothes. “It’s good to see you too, Mom.”

Esther clicked her tongue and tucked her hair behind her ears. “You’ve been gone much too long. It’s good you’ve come home.”

Enid didn’t justify that with a response, and watched as her mother directed her attention to Wednesday. To the seer’s horror, the woman pulled her into a hug, cupping her head into her chest as if she were her own child.

Wednesday grunted and pushed the werewolf away from her, a deep scowl on her face.

Esther grinned at her. “I’m so glad you’re joining us, dear. Enid talks about you all the time.”

Wednesday looked over at her friend, whose face was redder than usual. She looked back at Esther. “Thank you for allowing me to reside with you.”

The woman laughed. “You’re a funny little thing, aren’t you?”

Wednesday blinked. Both girls stood there, rigid, their faces blank.

Esther clapped her hands together excitedly. “Let’s get you girls home. I’m sure you’re eager to try my famous beef Wellington.” She looked them both up and down. “Looks like the both of you could use some iron in your systems. I should get you all tested for anemia, really.” She bent down to help carry Enid’s bags. “I mean, do they just keep you inside that dungeon of a school all day?! Don’t they let you play outside? Really, to keep young people healthy, they must let you go out into the sun…” She continued to babble on.

Wednesday smiled a little; she enjoyed being called pale. Enid scoffed and rolled her eyes, insulted, but decided now was not the time to argue.

After dinner, the girls got settled into Enid’s bedroom. Though her family wasn’t particularly wealthy, Enid got a room to herself, as she was the only girl in the house. It was decently sized, and her father had blown up an air mattress for Wednesday on the floor beside the window. Outside was a view of their tiny backyard cactus garden, complete with the panoramic view of the city landscape behind. The Sinclairs lived high up on the hill overlooking the bay.

Enid changed into her pajamas while Wednesday took out her typewriter and fiddled with it.

“I’m so sorry about my mother,” Enid mumbled as she slid her PJ pants on. She looked in the mirror behind her door and brushed her blonde hair out. 

Wednesday kept her eyes on the typewriter, sliding something into place. “Don’t apologize to me. I can handle an unhinged middle-aged woman. You’re aware I have a mother too, correct?”

Enid giggled, now applying face lotion. “Yes, Wednesday. Just don’t let her hurt you. She really likes to pick on people’s insecurities.”

“Once again, I’ve defeated a dead pilgrim and a psychotic botany teacher, as well as avoided death by a monster on multiple separate occasions. And that is all just in the past year. Your mother will not be the death of me.”

Enid groaned and collapsed backwards onto her bed, frustrated. “She might be the death of me .”

Wednesday turned around to meet Enid’s eyes. “I will not allow that.”

The girls fell asleep quickly, exhausted from their day of travel. The bedroom window was open to allow the summer breezes in, but San Francisco’s moody temperatures made for a particularly frigid evening.

Wednesday was awoken by a cold gust. Sleeping next to the window, it made her shiver. She enjoyed the feeling, considering she frequented morgues for fun, but it was a little distracting from her sleep. She could get up and go to Enid’s closet to access her own suitcase and grab a sweatshirt, but she didn’t want to wake the werewolf up. So she just lay in the darkness, her eyes open and her arms across her chest as she thought about embalming to occupy her mind.

Enid awoke at the next cold gust of wind. She dramatically gasped awake, her eyes shooting open. She shivered and pulled her covers up further under her chin. She continued to toss and turn, unable to get warm, goosebumps forming on her skin. She turned over to her side facing the window, jumping at the dark silhouette inches before her eyes.

“Holy shit! Wends, you can’t do that!”

“You are cold,” the seer told her. It was not a question.

Enid nodded. “Yeah, aren’t you?”

Wednesday nodded. “I enjoy it. But I do not enjoy seeing you suffer.”

“We could just close the window, it’s no problem—”

“Would it be more efficacious to conserve our body heat?”

“What do you—” Before she could finish asking the question, Wednesday was climbing under the covers beside her. She nestled her body up against Enid’s, and the werewolf couldn’t help but wrap her arms around her in response. Wednesday laid her head on Enid’s chest, perfectly comfortable, and fell asleep. Enid too, finally warm, fell into slumber.

The next morning, Enid decided she’d take Wednesday on a driving tour of the outskirts of San Francisco. She wanted to show her the California countryside, something vastly different from the landscape of Wednesday’s New England upbringing.

Enid granted Wednesday the aux, a decision she regretted almost immediately. The girl played only songs from the 1930s and 40s. She was lucky Enid loved her enough to let it slide.

Enid was cruising down the two-lane highway, telling Wednesday all about the birds of California, when a pair of deer appeared out of nowhere and ran in front of the car. Enid shouted and swerved out of the way. In the spur of the moment, she’d swerved left into the other lane, directly into oncoming traffic. A semi happened to be barreling down the other lane at that exact moment. Horns blared. A deafening crash. Then, nothing.

“Wednesday? Wednesday! Oh God, please wake up…”

Wednesday’s heavy eyelids staggered open to the sight of a terrified Enid hovering over her. She was apparently lying down on the side of the highway, the dust and dirt caking the back of her body. She was met with a rush of excruciating pain coming from her head and leg, and reached up to touch the steady trickle of blood coming from her forehead.

“You’re okay!” Enid heaved, a hysterical smile appearing on her face. She cupped Wednesday’s cheek. “Thank God. The ambulance is on its way. You’re gonna be okay.”

Wednesday leaned to the side and coughed. When she looked up, she saw for the first time the gathering of spectators. At least half a dozen random adults were surrounding the girls, all of whom had stopped to help when they’d witnessed the crash. A man with ash and grease covering his clothing—clearly the semi’s driver— was hunched up against a tree, smoking a cigarette, looking defeated. With so many people watching her, Wednesday had an urge to bolt, but knew her leg would most certainly not hold her up.

“Careful, honey, try not to move so much,” an older lady told her, a look of pity on her face.

Wednesday turned back to Enid and laid her head back on the ground. “Are you okay?” she rasped.

Enid nodded, tenderly tucking a strand of Wednesday’s hair behind her ear. She looked like she was fighting back the urge to cry. “Werewolf DNA,” she whispered, loud enough for only Wednesday to hear.

“The ambulance is here!” one of the men called. The sound of sirens became louder until it was deafening. Wednesday screwed her eyes shut, groaning as the loud wailing worsened her headache. Finally, it stopped, and a group of paramedics hopped out the back of the ambulance, carrying a stretcher.

“Is she the only injured one?” one of them asked Enid.

“Yeah, I think she broke her leg,” the girl told him. She bit her lip as she looked at Wednesday’s thigh, purple and bent out of shape.

To Wednesday’s embarrassment, the paramedics strapped a neck brace onto her and lifted her onto the stretcher. They asked Enid a myriad of questions as they ushered the girls to the ambulance and got Wednesday hooked up to every possible monitor. The girl found herself drifting in and out of consciousness as she was pumped full of pain medication and rushed to the hospital. Finally, her head throbbing, she drifted into restless slumber.

Wednesday awoke to the sound of Enid arguing with her mother. She groaned a little, wanting to go back to sleep, but alas, she had been discovered.

“You’re awake!” Enid immediately stopped her arguing and her face lit up.

Wednesday mumbled something under her breath and looked down at her leg, which was encased entirely in a black fiberglass cast.

“Unfortunately,” she muttered with a sigh.

“I’ve called your parents,” Esther informed her, a mix of pity and guilt across her face. “They agree it is probably best for you to recover here; traveling across the country would not be ideal for you at this point.”

Wednesday narrowed her eyes. “How bad is it?”

Enid swallowed, her hands folded nervously in front of her. “You broke your femur in two places. You’ve had surgery already, and you’re going to need, like, physical therapy and stuff.”

“And you have a massive concussion,” her mother added.

Wednesday huffed. “One car crash and I’m out for weeks.”

“Wednesday, dear, this is nothing to be ashamed of,” Esther told her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Just because you’re of a weaker species, doesn’t mean—”

“MOTHER!” Enid shouted, livid. Her face was red with anger and embarrassment. Esther turned to her, surprised. Before she could retort, Enid pointed harshly to the door. “Leave. Now .”

Esther clicked her tongue in disappointment and gathered up her purse and belongings, exiting the room with passive aggressiveness in her step.

Once Enid had settled down, she pulled up a chair and sat beside Wednesday, taking the girl’s hand in her own. “Sorry about that.”

Wednesday only nodded in response, too tired to care.

“How are you holding up?”

“I am in pain. So I suppose I am happier than usual,” Wednesday replied.

Enid sat up. “Oh, should we call the nurse? They might need to up your pain medication dosage, you’ve been out for a few days, maybe they—”

“Enid, I’m fine.”

Enid huffed and nodded, her nerves evident by the chewed-off fingernails and messy hair. And judging by the bags under her eyes, she hadn’t been sleeping, either.

“I’m just worried. You’re my best friend, and I could’ve lost you. And it would’ve been all my fault .”

“Enid Sinclair, as far as I am aware, you do not control all the deer of the Northern California area. This is not your fault. No one is to blame here.”

“But I was driving you!”

“But nothing. I am here, I am alive, and I will recover. That is all that matters. There are far worse things you’d have to do to me to make me get rid of you, Sinclair.”

Enid blushed a little, a tiny smile appearing on her lips. “You mean it?”

“I am not one to lie to make someone feel better.”

Enid smiled a little wider and leaned forward to plant a tender kiss on Wednesday’s forehead. She gently brushed her bangs back into place, cognizant of the butterfly strips holding together the gashes on her head.

Wednesday was sent home two days later, instructed to come back to the hospital twice a week for physical therapy sessions. Thankfully, the Sinclair’s house was only one story, so Wednesday wouldn’t have to wheel herself up or down any staircases. Enid opted to move onto the air mattress and gave Wednesday her bed for easier access.

The girls were relaxing and watching TV together in Enid’s bedroom when Wednesday had the sudden urge to use the bathroom. Embarrassed that she knew she couldn’t go on her own, she contemplated waiting it out. Alas, the urge became too prominent, and she knew she had to give in.

“Enid.”

The werewolf paused the TV and turned to her. “Yeah?”

Wednesday swallowed, refusing to make eye contact with her. “I need to use the restroom. I may need some…assistance.”

Enid smiled and nodded, standing from the mattress and moving to her bedside. “Do you mind?”

Wednesday nodded in response as Enid slid her arms under her back and thighs, hoisting her into her arms bridal-style. She gently lowered her onto her wheelchair, helping her get situated.

“This is humiliating,” she muttered as Enid pushed her down the hallway to the family bathroom.

Enid giggled. “No one’s watching you. You broke your leg and need help moving around; it isn’t like you peed yourself.”

“It’s comparable,” she muttered as Enid opened the bathroom door, pushing her inside. The girls stood there for a good few seconds, unsure of how to proceed.

Enid finally broke the silence: “So how much help do you need?”

Wednesday blinked. “I cannot yet stand.”

“No prob, let me just…” The wolf wrapped her arms around Wednesday’s torso, lifting her against her own body and supporting her weight as Wednesday pulled down her pajama pants. She averted her eyes as she helped her sit down on the toilet seat, then turned around as Wednesday did her thing.

“I am not one to usually be bothered by awkwardness, however this is another level entirely,” Wednesday muttered.

“I can sing,” Enid offered. “ Yankee Doodle went to town, a-riding on a pony— ”

“Enid, dear God, stop ,” Wednesday groaned. “Why was that your first thought?”

Enid shrugged, her back still facing her. “I dunno. It sure brought me back to first grade, though.”

“I’m done,” Wednesday told her. Enid turned around and kept her eyes averted as she helped Wednesday up, supporting her weight as she pulled her pajama pants back up. She then sat her back down on her wheelchair and moved her to the sink to wash her hands, getting the soap for her because it was out of her reach. 

That night, Wednesday fell asleep quicker than usual due to her exhaustive previous night in the hospital. Enid was not so fortunate; though she was also exhausted, she couldn’t sleep. She was restless knowing Wednesday was in the room with her, yet not in her arms.

Alas, she couldn’t help herself. She climbed into bed beside her best friend, careful not to wake her, and pulled her into her arms. She held her close, feeling her breathing against her own chest, her skin warm and alive.

“I almost lost you,” Enid whispered to her, a lump forming in her throat. “Never do that to me again.” A tiny tear trickled down her cheek. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“I don’t know what I’d do without you, either,” came a tiny whisper. Enid’s heart skipped a beat when she realized that Wednesday had been listening. The seer reached her hand down to grasp Enid’s, and she squeezed gently. “You are my sun, Enid Sinclair.”

Enid smiled and burrowed her face in Wednesday’s back, her soft pajama shirt drying her tears. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too.”

Chapter Text

Winner’s Roller Rink was the ultimate social destination for normie teens in Jericho. Bianca’s friend Lucas had somehow convinced the entire Nightshades friend group to come to the rink for his seventeenth birthday party, promising that his bully ex-friends would not be there.

Enid somehow managed to convince Wednesday to come to the party with her. The raven would usually not have under any circumstances, but something about Enid broke down her wall of stubbornness.

It was also a miracle that the werewolf was able to coerce her into actually skating . Wednesday had only ever ice skated on various ponds around her childhood home, and it usually ended with her dragging her shivering and soaking wet brother back home after falling through the ice.

But roller skating was much harder. There was absolutely no friction, and falling backwards was inevitable. Wednesday was already awkward, but she was especially so as she clutched onto Enid’s hand for dear life on the rink.

“Don’t let go!” she snapped at the wolf when she tried to skate away to talk to Yoko. True fear was plastered on her face.

Enid laughed. “I think you were less scared when the Hyde tried to tear you to pieces.”

Wednesday did not respond, but kept her death-grip on Enid’s hand. Yoko skated up to the pair, amused.

“First time?” the vampire asked.

Enid nodded and smiled down at her girlfriend. “She’s a little nervous.”

“I am not,” Wednesday snapped. She scowled. “I do not get… nervous .”

Yoko raised her eyebrows dubiously, eyeing Wednesday’s white knuckles. “Mhmm, I totally believe you.”

Enid’s face lit up when she saw a group of kids forming a conga line in the middle of the rink. “Come on!” she shouted at her friends, keeping a hold on Wednesday as she dragged the both of them towards the line.

“Enid!” Wednesday exclaimed, her heart racing. She had never gone that fast before in her life. Somehow their hands slipped free of each other, and hands all around her shoved her around like waves in the sea. The music blared, kids shouted, and she was overwhelmed.

An unfamiliar boy in the dance circle put his arm around Wednesday’s shoulders, nearly making her slip and fall. “I haven’t seen you around before!” he shouted over the music. She looked up at him. He was dressed a lot like Tyler, his hair very similar save for the color. He pulled her in closer. “What’s your name?!”

Wednesday pushed the boy away, trying desperately to escape the crowd of teenagers. He looked angry, but let her go. She fell backwards into a group of older girls, who all glared at her in annoyance as they begrudgingly pushed her back to her feet then skated off to join the group. People continued to shove past Wednesday, and she desperately searched for Enid, Yoko, even Bianca… anyone she knew. 

Suddenly a girl grabbed her arm to get past her, and Wednesday was thrust immediately into a vision, her eyes widening and her head lurching up towards the ceiling.

“Where’s Wednesday?!” Enid shouted to Yoko as they joined the conga line, laughing and kicking their feet.

“I don’t know! She’s prob here in the line somewhere!” the vampire responded.

“No!” Enid said. “She can’t skate for her life. She’s probably freaking out. I gotta find her.”

“She’s fine! She’s Wednesday!” Yoko shouted.

“I guess you’re right!” she shouted back, once more smiling as she danced along with the other teens.

Suddenly, the mood changed, and kids stopped shouting jokes and started panicking.

“What the hell?!”

“What a freak!”

“What is she doing?!”

Enid’s heart dropped and she pushed away from the crowd, her head darting around, searching for the commotion. Her heart sank when her eyes fell upon Wednesday, in the center of the rink, in the middle of a vision.

“Wednesday!” she shouted, skating over to her as fast as her legs could take her. Just before she could catch her, Wednesday’s vision ended, and she fainted, her skates making her slide straight backwards onto the rink, the back of her head slamming down hard .

“WEDNESDAY!” Enid collapsed to her knees by the girl’s side. She gently lifted her head and laid it down on her lap. She looked up at the gawking teens in front of her. “What are you doing just standing there?! Help me!”

Most of the normie kids were too shocked to help, but Bianca, Lucas, and Yoko pushed through and skated to the pair. Together, they lifted the unconscious Wednesday from the floor, gently carrying her off the rink.

As soon as Lucas laid her down on a bench, Enid immediately started examining her head, tears welling up in her eyes when her prodding fingers came across the blood in her black hair.

“We have to get her to the hospital,” she told her friends, wiping her nose with the back of her sleeve. She turned around to look at them. “Can any of you drive?”

Lucas nodded, his eyes still wide from shock. He reached into his pocket and took out his keys. “Come with me.”

After messily ripping off their skates, the teens stumbled to Lucas’s car. Bianca took shotgun and Yoko and Enid laid Wednesday across their laps in the backseat, holding tightly onto her.

“The ER is only a mile or two away,” Lucas told them as he started the car. “No stoplights.”

Enid nodded in relief, not taking her eyes off her girlfriend’s face as he pulled out of the parking lot.

Wednesday started to mumble and stir in Enid’s arms. “What the hell…”

“Wednesday, shh, you’re okay,” the werewolf assured her, gently stroking her hair.

Wednesday’s pained expression broke Enid’s heart. “It feels like when Thornhill knocked me out with a shovel,” she groaned.

Lucas made a turn. “Almost there,” he told the girls.

Lucas pulled up under the portico of the emergency room and the girls nearly leapt out. Enid insisted upon carrying Wednesday herself, and Yoko came alongside for support. Lucas and Bianca stayed in the car to find parking and so as to not overcrowd the ER. 

“Put me down,” Wednesday mumbled as Enid stumbled across the pavement. “ Please .”

Enid begrudgingly lowered Wednesday gently to her feet, and each girl wrapped an arm around her as they helped her inside. A nurse at the front desk’s eyes widened and she instructed the nurse beside her to grab a gurney.

“How can I help you, ladies?” she asked.

Yoko nodded at Wednesday. “She fell pretty hard on her head on the skating rink.”

The nurse looked her up and down. “I’ll say.” She typed something on her computer. “Lucky for you, we aren’t super busy tonight, so we should get you in right away.” She got her information then printed out a hospital bracelet, snapping it onto her wrist. Her head then turned to see the other nurse, who had returned with a gurney. “Go ahead and hop on, sweetheart, let’s get you back.”

Wednesday nodded slowly in understanding, allowing Yoko and Enid to help her up onto the bed. The nurse helped her lie down then turned to the other girls. “Only one visitor can come back with her.”

Yoko turned to Enid. “You go on back. I’ll stay here to wait for Lucas and Bianca.”

Enid nodded in gratitude, then followed the nurse as she pushed the gurney back into the emergency room.

After a while, Wednesday was all pain-drugged-up, lying content in her own little emergency room, clad in a papery white gown, Enid and Larissa Weems seated beside her. They were awaiting the results of her CT, but the doctor said he was almost sure she was concussed and that it was a wonder she hadn’t thrown up yet.

Enid gently stroked Wednesday’s hair, trying to make it look better around the large white bandage covering the back of her head. The half-conscious girl looked at Enid through narrow eyes, her face somehow full of admiration despite her situation.

“You are so pretty,” she mumbled.

Enid smiled and had to hold back a giggle. She knew Wednesday was too doped-up to really know what she was saying. “I am? Thank you.” She rubbed her arm. “So are you.”

Wednesday nodded drowsily. “Your eyes are so…perfect. They’re like the blue sky. I don’t even like the blue sky, but your eyes make me like it, you know?”

Enid bit her lip to keep from bursting out laughing, and she turned around to see Larissa’s reaction. The woman had to cover her own mouth with her gloved hand to keep from chuckling. Enid turned back to her girlfriend. “Thank you, Wednesday. You know, your eyes are pretty, too.”

Wednesday scowled like a little kid. “But they’re boring and dark. Everybody has brown eyes. Not everybody was blessed by Aphrodite like you.” She raised her head a little to make eye contact with her girlfriend. “One of these days, I’m going to marry you. I don’t care if love is a weakness; I’d become jello if it meant getting to spend my life with you.”

Enid blushed, her heart skipping a beat. “I— Wednesday, you—”

Luckily for Enid, a nurse came into the room just then. “We have her CT results,” she told them, looking down at the clipboard in her hands.

“Yes?” Larissa asked.

“She’s definitely concussed, but there are no signs of brain bleeding or skull fractures.”

Larissa heaved a sigh, her hand pressed against her chest in relief. “Thank God. I will inform her parents right away.”

The nurse nodded. “It’s good news, but the doctor would like to keep her overnight for observation. If all goes well, she should be able to go back to Nevermore tomorrow morning to recover in her dorm.”

“Thank you very much, dear,” the principal said to the nurse.

“Of course. We’ll be back shortly to transfer her up to her own room.”

Wednesday fared well throughout the night, with Enid passed out in the easy chair by her bedside. In the morning, she was given the all-clear by her doctor and a bottle of pain medication. Larissa drove both girls back to Nevermore in time for breakfast. She deposited Enid in the dining hall and nearly had to drag Wednesday to her dorm to force her to rest.

“Into bed you go,” Larissa ordered Wednesday.

The girl, stubborn as she was, was too tired to refuse. She climbed in under her black covers, narrowing her eyes at Weems as she tucked her neatly in. She took the pill bottle out of her purse and set it down on her bedside table. “You are to take these every four hours. Doctor’s orders.”

“I know. Why are you mothering me?”

Larissa narrowed her eyes and sat down on the foot of Wednesday’s bed, her gloved hands neatly folded in her lap. “Because while you are here, I am your interim mother. And you were seriously injured.”

“I’m—”

“Fine? No. You’re not. You have a severe concussion and narrowly avoided a brain bleed. You deserve concern.”

“I did not ask for it.”

“Have you learned nothing in the past year? You do not get to choose who cares for or worries about you, Wednesday. Especially Enid. Don’t you dare push her away any more than you already do. She cares deeply about you. You’re her favorite person.”

Wednesday blushed ever so slightly, at a loss for words.

“Regardless,” Larissa said, picking a piece of lint off the comforter. “Care to tell me about this newest vision?”

Wednesday blinked. “It was nothing. The girl who bumped into me was arguing outside the rink with another girl. It did not frighten me.”

“And yet, it left you concussed. These visions are getting dangerous for you, Wednesday. I believe you should talk with your mother about this while you’re still cooped up in bed.”

“But—”

“But nothing. As your headmistress, I am ordering this. I will be calling Morticia later today to hear how it went.”

Wednesday groaned a little in annoyance as she watched the woman stand, hand her her phone, then leave the room, smug as ever.

Enid returned after her last class of the day to find Wednesday hunched over her typewriter at her desk, typing feverishly.

“How was your day?” she asked as she hung her backpack up next to the door.

Wednesday did not leave her passionate trance, obviously enthralled in whatever she was doing. Enid approached her, standing behind her chair as she tried to read what she was writing. “What’s that?”

Wednesday finally acknowledged her roommate’s presence by stopping her typing. “Just my sequel.” She then resumed typing, her fingers moving fast.

“Stop it, you’re tiring yourself out,” Enid chastised, gently taking Wednesday’s hands in her own. The girl finally met her eyes, and she saw how tired they looked. “You need to rest your head, too, not just your body.”

“I’m fine,” Wednesday replied, trying to hold back a yawn.

“Yeah, sure,” Enid said, moving to her side of the room to freshen her bed up. She grabbed the bottle on her bedside table. “Have you been taking your meds?”

Wednesday nodded, immediately regretting the action. Her head throbbed, and she gritted her teeth in pain.

Enid raised an eyebrow dubiously. “You have?”

Wednesday blinked. “Fine. I have not. It must have slipped my mind.”

Enid clicked her tongue and shook her head in disappointment. She dumped a pill out and grabbed Wednesday’s water bottle, bringing both to her girlfriend. Wednesday took the medicine, grateful for the relief that it might soon provide.

“You have to take better care of yourself,” the werewolf told her as she gently grabbed her elbows and helped her to her feet. She guided her back to her bed and sat her down, fluffing her pillows up then helping her lie back on them. “Take a rest. Stay off your devices and don’t read or write for a while.”

“Fine,” she mumbled, less stubborn than usual because of how exhausted and pained she was. “Thank you, Enid,” she said a few moments later, once the other girl had settled down to do her homework.

Enid looked up and smiled at her. “Of course.”

“You mean so much to me.”

Enid blushed a little, reminded of Wednesday’s accidental confession the previous night.

“Enid? Did I say something to upset you?”

Enid shook her head to snap herself out of her reverie. She went back to solving the math problem on her paper. “No, no, of course not, you’re fine, nothing’s wrong.”

Wednesday narrowed her eyes in suspicion, but succumbed to the darkness of slumber before she could think more about it.

A few days later, Wednesday had recovered enough to go back to class. Enid had been acting strange ever since the accident, blushing more than usual, evading certain topics of conversation with Wednesday. She knew something was up with the werewolf, but could not figure out what . Before first period, she decided to stop in Principal Weems’s office.

“Come in!” she shouted when Wednesday knocked. The girl stepped inside, closing the massive door behind her. “Wednesday!” she chimed cheerfully with a smile. She gestured to the couch in front of her desk. “Have a seat. How are you feeling, dear?”

“Much better than a few days ago, thank you,” Wednesday replied politely as she sat down.

“What is it I can help you with, Miss Addams?”

“Why is Enid acting so strangely towards me?”

Larissa raised her eyebrows in surprise. “What do you mean?”

“She’s acting differently than usual. She’s almost avoiding me. I was wondering if anything happened that I don’t know about?”

Larissa swallowed, contemplating whether to tell her the truth. “You may have…confessed a few things while you were heavily medicated in the emergency room.”

Wednesday raised her eyebrows a little. “Such as?”

Weems pressed her lips together. “You said you wanted to marry her one day.”

Wednesday’s eyes widened. “Dear God, what have I done?” Without another word, she stood from the couch and bolted out of the office.

“I said I wanted to marry you?!” Wednesday exclaimed as she burst into their dorm. Enid was finishing up getting ready for the day, and she turned around and smiled a little at her girlfriend.

“I believe the quote was, ‘I’d become jello if it meant getting to spend my life with you.’”

Wednesday’s face turned cherry red. Enid giggled and stood from her dresser. “Who told you?” she asked as she approached her.

“Principal Weems.”

Enid giggled again. “Yeah, well, she was right. You did in fact say that.”

“I deeply apologize, Enid, I am not sure what got into me, I must not have meant—”

“It’s okay,” she assured her with a smile. She took her hands in her own, looking into her eyes in admiration. “We may not quite be ready for that, but it reassured me just how much you truly love me. After all…” She rubbed the back of her hand with her thumb. “They do say drunk words are sober thoughts.”

Wednesday blushed. “They, yes, well…”

“Don’t worry. I’m not scared off just yet.” She beamed and planted a kiss on her cheek. “We defeated a Hyde, a dead pilgrim, and a psychopath dorm mom together; I think we can handle a little drunken confession.”

“I was not drunk, I was simply medicated.”

“Same outcome,” she whispered into her neck, making Wednesday’s spine tingle. She planted a kiss on her neck and Wednesday thought she would surely lose it. “I love you, Wednesday Addams.”

Wednesday swallowed and finally relaxed into Enid’s touch, planting a kiss on the werewolf’s head. “I love you too.”

Chapter Text

Wednesday was ready for Regionals. She’d spent every moment of her free time the past month practicing—alone or with Bianca—for the upcoming fencing competition. She and Bianca both had a fighting chance in the girls’ division, and Wednesday would never accept defeat. 

Tomorrow was the big day. Coach Vlad was already getting the buses arranged to bring the team to Pennsylvania. For a final practice, Wednesday met Bianca in the practice room after dark.

“Wasn’t sure if you’d actually show,” Bianca said to the raven, circling her while smugly looking her up and down. She twirled her sabre, her freshly-trimmed and polished fingernails shimmering in the moonlight. “Thought you might come out of the darkness and stab me to death so I can’t beat you tomorrow.”

Wednesday met her eyes, her small form causing her to look up to do so. “I play by the rules, Barclay. But I’ll make sure you can’t beat me, rest assured.”

Bianca chuckled and slid her mask down over her face. “We’ll see about that.”

The girls jousted for several minutes, evenly matched as usual. Wednesday’s adrenaline was coursing through her veins, in part due to the excitement of the day to come.

Whether it was a lapse of brain synapses or intervention from an outside spirit, Wednesday suddenly lost her footing. Bianca’s sabre tip then whacked into her side and she fell to the mats below, at just the right—rather, wrong —angle.

Wednesday’s shoulder slammed hard into the ground and she felt a crunch and a breathtaking wave of pain. She gasped and rolled to her back, struggling to breathe as she stared at the ceiling.

Bianca smirked and crouched down to be closer to her opponent. “Gotcha.”

Wednesday gasped and tried to reach up and remove her mask, but pain shot through her chest at the movement. She winced and lifted her other hand instead, ripping it off aggressively and tossing it to the side.

Bianca scowled with concern, searching Wednesday visually for injuries. “You okay, Addams?”

Wednesday knew she could not concede and show her pain. If Bianca knew she was injured, the siren would make sure Coach Vlad was aware just so she didn’t have to play against her in the competition. Or…maybe out of the kindness of her heart. Regardless, Wednesday didn’t want her knowing.

“No, I’m just a little fatigued. We should get some rest before tomorrow.” She sat up, ignoring the shooting pain in her shoulder and arm at the movement. Bianca reached down to help her up, and she reluctantly accepted with her good hand.

“You’re right. I’d say good luck, but then I’d be wishing for myself to lose.”

Wednesday smirked and Bianca chuckled before both girls parted ways, only one girl certain of the day to follow.

Wednesday grasped her shoulder as she trudged back to her dorm, coming up with all the possible ways to hide her injury from Enid. She did not want her to find out—she was also on the fencing team and would make sure she rested, went to the infirmary and, most of all, did not compete tomorrow. Wednesday simply couldn’t have that.

“About time you came back,” Enid mumbled when Wednesday stepped inside their dorm, shutting and locking the door behind her. She removed her shoes awkwardly using only her one good hand then moved toward the bathroom.

“You aren’t gonna say hi?”

Wednesday closed her eyes in mild annoyance before turning slowly to meet her girlfriend’s eyes. “Hello, Enid.” She turned back around and put her hand on the bathroom doorknob. “Did I not just see you two hours ago at dinner?”

Enid huffed and crossed her arms. “I still missed you. You’ve been gone way too much lately.”

“Practice makes perfect,” Wednesday said with a quiet wince, this time for emotional reasons rather than physical. She had been working so hard the past month, only for her to get hurt the day before. She usually wasn’t bothered by such trivial things, but her thirst for triumph was strong. She knew she could push through. She could handle a little pain.

Wednesday stepped into the shower, letting the hot water run across her sore body. The entire right side of her shoulder and chest was a bright red color, sure to turn a dark purple by morning. Wednesday knew she’d broken something, but refused to let it stop her and let Bianca or anyone but her win.

Wednesday exited the bathroom with her towel wrapped at an odd angle to cover her shoulders, avoiding Enid as she darted into her closet. She slid on her black silk pajamas then got under the covers, the pain too much to keep going.

“Good night. We’ve got a big day tomorrow,” said Enid from her comfortable sleeping spot beneath her mountain of plushies.

“Good night, Enid.”

Wednesday stared up at the ceiling, her body in agony, knowing she didn’t have a prayer of sleeping well tonight.

“Twenty-eight, and…twenty-nine. Good. Everyone’s here,” Coach Vlad said as the fencers exited the bus. They had arrived at the convention center in Pennsylvania, and each student was clutching their duffel bag containing their sabre and uniform. Enid walked beside Wednesday, their shoulders touching, the raven unusually hunched over in pain and anxiety.

“Hey, you got this,” Enid assured her, squeezing her hand as they entered the registration line inside. “You’re the best on the team.” She looked up, searching for Bianca and heaving a sigh of relief when she saw that the siren was out of earshot. “Don’t tell her I told you that.”

“I won’t,” Wednesday grumbled, a bead of sweat trickling down her forehead. The pain was growing, and she had to cradle her entire right arm up against her torso to steady it. Enid noticed her friend’s discomfort, but passed it off as competition-day jitters.

The team got changed into their uniforms then met in the practice arena to do warm-ups. Coach Vlad led it, instructing the students to stretch their arms out. Wednesday was physically incapable of doing so, and sweat continued to form on her forehead as she pushed through the pain.

“Wednesday, are you good?” Ajax whispered from beside her. He looked her up and down, scowling with concern.

Wednesday nodded, attempting to stretch as best she could. “I’m fine. Next time someone asks me, their eye sockets will have to say goodbye to their precious eyes.”

Ajax shook his head in mild annoyance and went back to focusing on himself.

Finally, the competition began. Wednesday was the fifth event in the Junior girls division, Bianca the third. They’d each go against a girl from another school, and eventually, if they both made it far enough, each other.

As Bianca stepped onto the mats, Wednesday’s heart picked up even more in speed. She sat hunched over on the bench, her black uniform making her nervous sweating worse. Enid sat beside her and insisted they hold hands, and Wednesday finally begrudgingly agreed to give her her good hand. They watched Bianca as she thrust and parried, easily winning her match. She turned to the audience and took a smug bow, smirking and making intense eye contact with Wednesday.

“Get ready, you’re up next,” Coach Vlad told his star player with a tap on her shoulder. Wednesday closed her eyes and groaned a little, knowing there was no way she could win or even play the match at all.

“You got this. As much as I want to beat you, I hope you win this one,” Bianca said to her as she sat down on the bench beside her, wiping off her own face with a sweat towel.

Wednesday nodded in thanks then stood from the bench, trying to keep her feet steady through the waves of pain coursing through her body. Coach Vlad handed her her sabre, and she lifted her right arm to grab the handle. The movement sent shots of sharp agony throughout her shoulder and chest, and she couldn’t help but let out an audible wince.

“Miss Addams, are you alright?” Coach Vlad asked her.

Wednesday nodded. “Yeah, I’m…perfectly alright.” She bit her lip to distract from the pain, her body burning. She could barely keep a grip on the sabre, her arm weakened by the broken bone.

As soon as Coach Vlad was out of eyeshot, Wednesday shifted the sabre to her left hand. She was somewhat ambidextrous, after training herself as a child to write with both hands in case she lost one of them like Thing. It seemed to come in handy now; she swung her sabre around with ease. Though, she doubted her ability to conquer Bianca in this fashion.

Wednesday stepped onto the mats, ready to duel her opponent. In front of her was a very tall, very muscular girl with an expression of rage on her face. Wednesday wondered how she was possibly young enough to be in the Junior division. Nonetheless, her opponent offered her hand to shake it. Wednesday bit back a wince as she took it with her right hand, the pain shooting down her body. The girls nodded at each other then slid on their masks.

Wednesday was managing better than expected. Her opponent was not as skilled of a fencer, and Wednesday was able to parry most of her thrusts with her left hand. Alas, fate caught up with her, and the other girl’s sabre whacked straight into her right side. It sent a shooting pain through Wednesday’s injury, causing her to gasp and drop her sabre. She lost her footing and landed on her right side on the mats. Her vision swam and finally went black. She felt as dizzy as her final moments in Crackstone’s crypt. The room went silent. No one had ever seen Wednesday Addams like this before.

Her opponent laughed from behind the mask, lifting it to reveal her smug expression. She looked down at Wednesday, offering a hand to help her up. In shock and too much pain to register, Wednesday did not accept the offer. She rolled onto her back, groaning silently in agony.

At the realization that Wednesday was badly hurt, people started shouting her name and rushing to her side. Someone’s strong hands lifted her from the ground and brought her somewhere to lay her down. The psychic opened her eyes a little to see a concerned Enid, Coach Vlad, and Bianca hunched over her.

“What’s the matter with you?” Coach Vlad asked, a mix of concern and disappointment on his face. Concerned for his pupil, but disappointed that one of his strongest fencers was most likely down for the count.

Wednesday moved to speak, but grunted in pain instead. It was unbearable at this point. She couldn’t move her right arm at all, and kept it pressed against her midsection as if it were in an invisible sling.

“Wends? Are you with us?!” Enid asked, tears welling up in her eyes.

Wednesday slowly nodded. “I believe…” she grunted in pain, “I may have broken my collarbone yesterday evening.”

Coach Vlad’s face turned bright red in anger. “ Yesterday ? You—” He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm himself.

“It was my fault, Coach,” Bianca told him. Wednesday scowled, confused, but Bianca shot her a look to shut her up. The siren turned back to the adult. “I was practicing with her last night, and I got carried away and made her slip. I didn’t know how hurt she was, and maybe she didn’t know, either.”

Coach Vlad shook his head in dismay. “Alright. Well, judging by your demeanor, I believe this is a serious injury and needs to be tended to by a doctor. I’ll have them call in a non-emergency ambulance to bring you to the hospital. Meanwhile, I have a competition to coordinate. Miss Sinclair, you take care of this…” He gestured to Wednesday on the bench, “ situation while I make some phone calls. Miss Barclay, go warm up. You’re going to have to perform at your best to make up for our loss.”

Wednesday scowled in frustration. There went her opportunity to win.

Vlad and Bianca left to get her ready for her next event, and Enid leaned in to help Wednesday to her feet. She was gentle with it, but the psychic could feel her girlfriend’s disappointment.

“Once again, you didn’t tell me,” Enid mumbled as she led Wednesday away from the bench and towards the medical tent.

“What use is your incessant fussing over me? It would not have benefited my abilities in the competition today.”

Enid groaned and stopped in her tracks, grabbing her girlfriend’s good shoulder and turning her to meet her eyes. “Not everything is about your stupid competitiveness, Wednesday. You should care about your body, or at the very least, be concerned for my feelings.” The psychic looked into her eyes, reading the hurt within them. She felt a twinge of guilt that began in her stomach and spread quickly up to her usually-guarded heart.

“I am working on considering others’ feelings, especially yours,” Wednesday responded. “You matter to me, despite my inability to show it.”

Enid sighed and nodded in satisfaction. “Alright, I’ll take it. Come on, let’s get you fixed up.”

After much struggle, the nurses at the hospital were able to rid the stubborn Wednesday of her fencing jacket and treat her very obviously broken collarbone. When her injury was revealed, everyone in the room—including Enid—gasped. Deep, dark shades of purple and blue covered Wednesday’s shoulder to her neck. She was sent immediately to radiology.

Once she was doped up on pain meds and lying beneath a layer of ice packs, Wednesday laid on the hospital bed, watching Enid’s favorite Barbie movie as they awaited imaging results. The raven complained that she, as the ailing patient, should be the one to choose the movie.

“Your favorite movies aren’t even available to the general public,” Enid responded to that remark. “They’re on the, like, ultra dark web.”

Wednesday pressed her lips together as she watched Chelsea and Stacy play under a sprinkler. “The shades of pink are blinding,” she grumbled.

Enid smiled. “Much of my inspiration for my personal style came from all the hours of watching these movies as a kid.”

“I’m glad to know that you strive to be as repulsive as the stereotypical characterization of women on television and in toys.”

A knock on the exam room door interrupted the girls’ viewing. A doctor entered, who was intensely studying Wednesday’s medical chart.

“Afternoon,” he greeted them, pulling out the swivel stool and seating himself by the desk. He typed a few things on the computer and pulled up an image of Wednesday’s recent x-ray.

Enid gasped, and Wednesday sat up to study it curiously.

The doctor turned on the swivel to meet his patient’s gaze. “Cool, isn’t it? Bad news is, your collarbone is fractured, but good news is, you won’t need surgery. However, because you have been moving it for a period of time since the initial injury, we will have to set the bones back in place.”

“What does that entail?” Wednesday asked, excited.

“Typical realignment procedures. We’ll push the broken bones back together. Don’t worry, we’ll have lots of nurses in here to support you, and up your dosage of pain medication—”

“That won’t be necessary. Just do it now.”

“Excuse me? Miss Addams, you’re only lightly medicated with ibuprofen, I don’t think you understand how painful—”

“I do understand, and I would like it done as soon as possible, if you are willing and able to perform it right now.”

“Wednesday!” Enid scolded.

Wednesday turned to her girlfriend. “When have I ever been unable to handle pain?”

“I mean, I can’t think of—”

“Exactly.” She turned to the doctor. “Will you?”

The doctor sighed. “If you’re sure that’s what you want.”

Wednesday nodded as the man approached her, sliding on a pair of gloves. He lifted the ice packs from her body, setting them aside as he examined her injured collarbone. He swallowed, nervous.

“I’m ready. I have an inhumanly high pain tolerance,” she reassured him.

“I can’t watch,” Enid wailed, turning around to look at the wall.

The doctor sighed. “Alright.” He shook his head before placing his hands on either side of her broken clavicle. Wednesday held her breath as he shifted the bones back into their proper position. The pain was excruciating, but once it was over, she felt immediate relief that her bones were in the right place. 

“That should do it,” the doctor declared as he removed the gloves and trashed them. Enid turned around and smiled a little at her girlfriend, reassured that she was okay. 

The doctor pointed a chastising finger at Wednesday. “Don’t try to move anything until the nurses come back. They’ll get you bandaged and sling-ed up.”

Wednesday nodded in understanding as he left.

“You know, you’re insane,” Enid told her. She shook her head in dismay. “You gotta be crazy to willingly go through that.”

Wednesday smirked. “I know.”

Wednesday was sent home with a large sling wrapped around her torso, fixing her bent arm to her body to force her collarbone to stay in place. She was to wear it for 4-6 weeks. Coach Vlad picked the girls up from the hospital and let them join the bus back to Nevermore. He instructed Wednesday to rest in her dorm, excusing her from fencing practice until she didn’t need her sling anymore and from classes for the next day.

That evening, both girls were exhausted and in desperate need of showers. Wednesday opted to cleanse herself on her own as best she could, skipping the shampoo. She knew she’d need Enid’s help with hair washing for the foreseeable future, but she wanted to spare her the effort when she knew she was so tired.

Alas, Enid was insistent, and climbed into the shower with her girlfriend. She respectfully averted her eyes as she scrubbed the lathering shampoo across Wednesday’s full and dark scalp. It almost put the injured psychic to sleep; it felt like a massage. Plus, the presence of Enid was generally calming for her.

“Time to rinse,” Enid whispered, her lips inches from Wednesday’s ear. Wednesday snapped awake (she had been dozing off??) and turned her body to allow Enid to run the water through her long hair. 

Enid giggled a little. “You fell asleep on me there.”

Wednesday blushed a little. “My apologies, I didn’t intend to, I must be tired, I am deeply sorry—”

“Shh, babe, it’s okay,” the werewolf whispered, leaning in close to plant a kiss on her girlfriend’s forehead. She cupped her cheeks and rubbed her thumbs across her temples. “You’ve had a rough day.”

Wednesday nodded. “Thank you…for helping me through it,” she muttered. Verbal expressions of gratitude were not easy for her.

Enid pulled away a little to beam at Wednesday, her hands still holding her face. Wednesday’s heart raced; she had never been this close to another person’s face in her life. “Of course. I love you, Wednesday.”

Wednesday smiled back this time. “I love you too, Enid.”

Chapter Text

Wednesday is no stranger to physical pain. From the countless torture sessions she’s endured in her lifetime to the random injuries obtained from her various investigations and escapades, she knows how to handle discomfort.

Today, however, Wednesday experienced a new kind of pain. As she was eating lunch with Enid and her friends, her stomach burned and ached. It didn’t occur right after eating like indigestion normally did for her; it happened as the food was freshly arriving in her stomach. She elected to stop eating, and began to think through the possible causes of her pain.

“You okay?” Enid asked her girlfriend, noticing her spaced-out appearance.

Wednesday blinked then met Enid’s eyes. “Yes, I’m rehashing the events of this morning.”

Enid’s face lit up in excitement. “Oh my gosh, did you see the fight?! I’m so jealous.” The girl went on about all the gossip she’d heard about the two gorgon boys who’d been fighting over a girl in the hallway. Both of them ended up stoning each other, and it was a huge spectacle that distracted the students from their lessons.

Wednesday, however, did not listen. She remained zoned-out, staring at the table with her hand cradling her torso as her stomach burned and burned.

The pain dwindled throughout the night, and Wednesday was able to fall asleep after a few hours of uncomfortable tossing and turning. When she woke up the next morning, she felt virtually no pain. Slightly disappointed, she went on about her day, putting on her uniform and heading to class.

As usual, Wednesday skipped breakfast, and her stomach continued to get better and better during her morning classes. She had nearly forgotten about the whole debacle until the lunch bell rang and she was off to the dining hall.

“Mmm, blue corn nachos, it’s like they made it specially for you,” Enid remarked with a twinge of disgust. The two of them stood in the lunch line, looking at the pile of black chips on the buffet.

“It fits my ‘aesthetic,’ as you’d call it. I suppose I have no choice but to try them,” Wednesday said, taking a serving spoon and scooping a sizeable portion onto her lunch tray. She drizzled the queso on top, then black olives.

“Don’t want to add a little color to your plate?” Enid asked, smirking as she held up a spoon with red bell peppers.

Wednesday shot her a wordless glare.

Enid giggled, dishing the peppers onto her own tray. “I know, I know, you’re allergic.”

The roommates made their way to their friend group’s usual table, sitting down at their usual seats across from one another. Enid immediately dove into conversation with the rest of the teens, her chest nearly bursting with the new “tea” she’d gathered about yesterday’s fight.

Famished, Wednesday dug into her plate of nachos, taking several bites before the pain returned. This time, it was even more severe. It felt like someone had stuck a lighter down her throat, into her stomach, and then ignited it. She enjoyed it at first, but the pain rapidly escalated into agony. Sweat beads began to form on her forehead, and she grabbed at the edge of the table, her knuckles white.

Her hands shaking, Wednesday grabbed for her water glass, desperately taking a sip in hopes of easing the burning. The cold water slid down her esophagus, but the moment it touched her stomach, she had to bite her tongue to keep from screaming. It felt like something had torn inside her. She became overwhelmed with nausea. Her mouth filled with saliva, and she knew that her body was preparing to vomit. Her friends were still distracted by their “juicy” conversation, and didn’t notice as Wednesday stood from the table, her whole body trembling. She covered her mouth with her hands as her body attempted to heave.

Wednesday barely made it three steps away from the table before she hunched over, grabbing her stomach in agony. She groaned before her body emptied the contents of her ailing stomach. A mix of both bright and dark red blood came out onto the cafeteria’s tile floor.

“Wednesday, oh my God!” Enid shouted, immediately standing from the table and rushing to her girlfriend’s side. Dizzy and weak, Wednesday’s eyelids drooped closed and she passed out onto the floor beneath her.

Enid caught her head before it hit the hard floor. “Wednesday!” she exclaimed, examining her pale, unconscious face. Blood stained the corners of her mouth, and Enid thought, morbidly, that she looked dead. Still unconscious, the psychic began coughing up blood, clearly struggling to breathe.

“Turn her on her side,” Bianca instructed Enid, remembering her first-aid training back when she lifeguarded one summer (aquatic sirens make great beach lifeguards). “That will keep her from choking on her own vomit.”

Enid nodded in understanding and used her trembling hands to turn Wednesday onto her side, allowing her to cough up the remaining blood and vomit in her system. After a few moments of everyone freaking out, Wednesday seemed to be able to breathe again, and her body relaxed into Enid’s arms.

Enid looked up at her friends, who were now all gathered around their ailing friend. “What the hell is wrong with her?!”

“Beats me,” Ajax responded, scowling as he stared at the puddle of blood on the floor. Yoko was pinching her nose, resisting her vampire urges due to the delicious smell of Wednesday’s blood.

“I do know that throwing up blood is not good,” Bianca remarked, crouching down and pressing two fingers against Wednesday’s neck to check her pulse. Satisfied, she stood back up. “We should get her to the infirmary right away.”

Enid nodded in understanding, sliding her arms beneath her girlfriend before standing up. She ignored the boys’ offers to carry Wednesday and kept her in her arms the entire journey to the infirmary.

Once inside, Enid laid her girlfriend down on one of the beds, then stepped back, wiping the sweat from her forehead. She nearly collapsed into a chair beside the bed, watching as a nurse approached.

“Good heavens, what happened to her?”

Enid took in a breath. “She threw up blood at lunch. It came out of nowhere.”

The nurse was immediately concerned. She asked Enid a myriad of questions she didn’t have the answers to, as she ridded Wednesday of her blazer and began to palpate her stomach.

“It doesn’t feel like an intestinal issue,” the nurse remarked as she stopped her palpations, pulling Wednesday’s uniform shirt back down over her stomach. She furrowed her brow in thought. “At her age, it is most likely an ulcer.” She grabbed a wet washcloth and began to wipe away the blood from Wednesday’s mouth. When she was done, she stood. “I’ll go get the materials for a blood test.” She left the room for the supply closet, leaving Enid alone with her ailing girlfriend.

The werewolf leaned forward, resting her head on the mattress, her face inches from Wednesday’s as she stroked her hair affectionately. She stared at her pale skin, a few shades lighter than usual, if that was even possible.

Wednesday’s eyelids fluttered, her eyes opening in slits and moving to meet Enid’s. She opened her mouth to speak, but instead began to cough violently, her throat dry and painful from the stomach acid. 

“Shh, shh,” Enid soothed, continuing to stroke her head. “It’s okay, Wends, don’t try to talk.”

Wednesday blinked then swallowed. “I’m fine,” she croaked, her voice scratchy and hoarse.

Enid scowled. “You are not fine, not in the slightest bit. You threw up blood, Wednesday, no one is fine after that.”

Wednesday laid her head back on the pillow. “This is the kind of pain…I don’t enjoy,” she mumbled.

Enid scoffed, about to respond with a witty remark, when the nurse returned with her testing supplies. She slid Wednesday’s sleeve up, then tied an elastic around her bicep to make her veins more prominent.

“You can hold my hand for this part,” Enid told Wednesday when the nurse took out the needle.

Wednesday narrowed her eyes. “I enjoy needles, Enid, I do not need your moral support.”

Nonetheless, the psychic took her girlfriend’s hand, just to appease her. The nurse took her blood, then left to bring it to the laboratory for testing. That left the girlfriends alone once again.

“I thought you were going to die,” Enid finally admitted as she stared off into the distance.

Wednesday turned to her girlfriend in contemplation. “I didn’t.”

Enid directed her attention to Wednesday. “Yeah, but it’ll take me a bit to recover from what I felt as I held your pale body in my arms. It was terrifying. I could…” Her voice broke, tears threatening to pour out at any moment. “I could not survive in a world without you.” She buried her face in Wednesday’s chest and sobbed, soaking the girl’s button-down in her tears. Wednesday was notoriously bad at comforting people, but she lifted her arm and stiffly stroked her girlfriend’s back in hopes of calming her down. It seemed to work at least a little, because Enid’s sobs slowed to muffled cries.

“Peptic ulcer, just as I suspected,” the nurse told Enid as she entered the room, staring at the clipboard in her hands. “She tested positive for an H. pylori bacterial infection.”

Enid scowled. “What does that mean? Is it curable?”

The nurse nodded, setting a pill bottle down on Wednesday’s bedside table. “We’ll treat her with a course of antibiotics and bedrest.”

Wednesday groaned a little at the thought of being cooped up in the infirmary for several days.

That evening, Wednesday sat under the covers of her infirmary bed, dressed in the Nevermore-issued infirmary pajamas (blue-and-white stripes were not her style), eating her dinner of lemon pudding and chicken broth. An IV port was stuck in the back of her left hand, connected to a drip bag containing her new antibiotics. As she ate her dinner, Wednesday contemplated ways to overcome her writer’s block and continue Viper’s story.

Enid burst into the infirmary then, the sudden entrance nearly causing Wednesday to jump. Her eyes danced over her girlfriend’s body as she tried to analyze her current state.

“Boy, do I have tea for you!” she exclaimed excitedly, pulling up a chair and seating herself by Wednesday’s bedside. Without asking for permission to proceed, she went on: “Okay, so, Patrick, you know, the guy who started the fight…well, turns out, he asked out Jack’s girlfriend even though he kinda knew they were a thing! If he even suspected they were dating, he shouldn't have gotten anywhere near her. He deserved the black eye he got, if you ask me.”

“I agree,” Wednesday mumbled as she shoveled a spoonful of pudding into her mouth. Such gossip was trivial and boring to her, but she cared about her girlfriend enough to let her entertain herself in her presence.

“Right? Well, Jack’s girlfriend, I think her name’s Lila…she’s in my math class, can you believe it?!”

“Shocking, really.”

“I know!! So tomorrow, I can ask her all about it. I will have so much stuff to post on my blog.”

“I am thrilled for you, Enid.”

The werewolf smiled and nodded in satisfaction, her chin raised with pride. “Anyway,” she said, tilting her head affectionately toward her girlfriend. She placed a hand on her leg beneath the blanket, gently rubbing it. “How are you feeling?”

“A bit better now.”

Enid nodded. “Good. I’m glad. Do you need me to stick around tonight? Or are you fine on your own?”

“You have a history exam tomorrow, I can’t ask you to do that. Besides, I’m extremely self-sufficient.”

“I know you are, but it’s okay if you want me to be here, even if you don’t need it.”

“Only if you want to,” Wednesday said, setting her spoon down and pushing her tray to the side as she finished her dinner.

Enid smiled, pushing the dividing curtain back and the bed beside Wednesday’s closer to her. She climbed onto it, kicking off her shoes before sliding under the covers. She yawned. “It’s only nine, but I am exhausted. ‘Night, Wends.”

“Good night, Enid.”

Wednesday awoke to an urge to use the restroom. She sat up in her bed, looking over at the peaceful, sleeping Enid in the bed beside her. She didn’t want to wake her, but also knew she’d have trouble walking all the way to the restroom on her own. Not only was it difficult to navigate with an IV in her hand, but her body was weakened and in pain, recovering from the ulcer. Alas, she elected to let the werewolf be, knowing her exam tomorrow was more important than preventing a little pain for Wednesday. She enjoyed the sensation, anyway.

Wednesday folded her covers down and swung her legs to the side, clenching her teeth at the burning pain in her stomach from the movement. She slid off the bed, planting her feet on the floor and standing. She grabbed her IV post and used it for stability as she began her trek to the bathroom on the other side of the infirmary. She trudged along, one arm holding her side, the other clutching the IV post, as the pain shot through her torso. She had to stop a few times to gather herself, the pain becoming worse and worse as she went along. She began to sweat, her body protesting her every move.

By some miracle, Wednesday made it to the bathroom and stumbled inside. She clumsily worked around her IV as she washed her hands, a task that proved far more difficult than it needed to be. She then used a wet paper towel to wipe the sweat from her forehead before setting out again, ready for the trek back to her bed.

The psychic was able to power through most of her journey, but just a few feet from her bed, her body finally gave up and she collapsed onto the floor. Her metal IV post tumbled to the floor alongside her, its clanking ringing loudly throughout the entire room. Enid immediately shot up from her bed and looked around for the source of the noise. When her eyes fell upon Wednesday, she gasped and immediately rushed to her side.

“Oh my gosh, Wends, are you okay? What the hell are you doing?!” she asked as she wrapped an arm around her side, hoisting her to her feet. She kept a strong hold on her as she guided her back to her bed, then helped her lie down.

“I’m fine, I was just using the restroom,” Wednesday muttered, embarrassed at her own weakness.

“You should’ve asked for my help,” Enid said, pulling the covers up over Wednesday’s body. She reached up and affectionately tucked a stray hair behind her ear.

Wednesday swallowed, her stomach still burning, distracting her from the conversation. “I didn’t…want to wake you,” she mumbled.

Enid noticed her pain and scowled in concern, pressing the back of her hand against her head to check for fever. “Gosh, you’re burning up. Let me go get the nurse–”

Wednesday stopped her by weakly grabbing her forearm. “No…” she mumbled. “Just…stay with me.”

Enid just looked at her girlfriend wordlessly as she moved over to one side of her bed to make room for the werewolf. Enid stared at the empty space on the bed for several seconds before climbing onto it, sliding underneath the covers beside Wednesday. She wrapped her arms around her small form, pulling her in to be her little spoon. She set her chin on top of her head and held her close, watching as her eyelids slowly closed over her dark eyes. She smiled a little at how adorable Wednesday was when she was sleeping. She pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head before allowing her own heavy eyelids to close, comforted by the fact that her girlfriend would be okay.

Chapter Text

Enid was not okay. Wednesday was sure of that.

It started out with little things. Enid would space out a lot, and it was difficult to get her attention at times. She was talking more slowly, and leaving more food left over on her plate after every meal.

Then, it started to become more visible. Her shoulders seemed to slump more, in sharp contrast to the usual pep in her step. She also stopped wearing makeup, and spent extended amounts of time in the shower. Used water cups cluttered her bedside table and desk, and dirty clothes littered the floor. Piles of unfinished homework papers covered every surface. She got out of bed later in the morning and usually skipped breakfast, something extremely uncharacteristic of any werewolf, let alone Enid Sinclair.

Wednesday wouldn’t normally think much of such behavior (emotional support is not her strong suit) but Enid was both her roommate and her girlfriend, and she paid more mind to the blonde. In truth, she was extremely concerned. At night, she struggled to fall asleep, her mind running through all the possibilities of what could be wrong with her no-longer-cheery girlfriend. As much as her enthusiasm annoyed Wednesday, it was also what made her fall in love with the girl. She hated to see it fading away.

One morning, Wednesday woke up to complete silence. Usually at this time, Enid would be loudly blasting k-pop and singing to herself as she did her makeup and hair before school. But this morning, she remained a sleeping lump beneath her blankets.

Wednesday yawned and climbed out of bed, her socked feet padding across the wooden floor as she moved to Enid’s side of the room. She gently nudged the werewolf’s shoulder to wake her.

“Enid?” she said softly. No response. She nudged her again. “Enid, you need to get ready for school.”

The lump groaned from beneath the covers. A small portion of her face emerged, her hair messy, dark circles under her eyes. “Go on without me,” she mumbled groggily. She laid her head back down. “I’ll catch up.”

“Enid,” Wednesday said, sitting down on her mattress. She met her groggy eyes. “What is the matter with you?”

Enid sighed. “Nothing, Wednesday, leave me alone.”

“Never once in our relationship have you disliked attention. Tell me what’s wrong, Sinclair, or I will personally drag you to the infirmary and force you to undergo every medical test available.”

Enid sighed again and sat up in her bed, her back still hunched over, the blankets wrapped over her head like a nun. “I told you, I’m fine, I’m just a little tired. Didn’t get enough sleep last night.”

Wednesday pushed a little air out of her nostrils in frustration. She would leave Enid alone for the time being, but no way in hell would she stop watching her vigilantly. “Fine,” she muttered coldly, standing from the bed and dusting off her uniform skirt. “I have to get to class.”

As soon as her girlfriend left the room, Enid collapsed back onto her pillow and groaned.

Wednesday went about her day, trying and failing to take her mind off of Enid. When she got to the lunch table and she wasn’t there, the panic began to set in. Something really was wrong with Enid. Wednesday knew that if she were in her shoes (granted, she had been a few times when she was a pre-teen), she would want to be left alone, but something inside her—instinct, maybe—was pushing her to do everything in her power to make Enid feel better.

Wednesday skipped class and made her way to Ophelia Hall, knocking on her and Enid’s dorm door. 

“Enid? Are you in there?” she shouted through the thick wood. When there was no response, Wednesday’s heart dropped in her chest. She burst inside, rushing to Enid’s bed. She ripped the blankets off the mattress, panicking when she found no one beneath them.

Why are you panicking?! You don’t panic , Wednesday Addams, she thought to herself as she fervently searched for her girlfriend.

Alas, she heard the familiar sound of the showerhead running, and heaved a sigh of relief. She began to regain her bearings and moved to their shared bathroom, knocking on the door. 

“Enid?” she said. There was no response. Once more panicking, Wednesday flung the door open, her heart sinking at the sight.

Enid was curled up in the bathtub, hugging her knees, her yellow nightgown still on, now soaking wet. She was crying, her body shaking with the sobs.

“Enid,” Wednesday said softly, stepping toward her girlfriend. She crouched right in front of the tub, placing a hand on her shoulder. Enid looked up through the wet tendrils of hair obstructing her face to meet Wednesday’s eyes.

“What do you want?” she asked, almost angrily.

Wednesday blinked. “To know you’re okay,” she replied, taking her hand off her shoulder to smooth down her wet hair. She noted her sunken, tired eyes, and her unusually pale skin.

Enid sobbed again, burying her face in her knees. “Well, I’m not,” she snapped, her voice muffled. “Sorry to disappoint.”

Wednesday stood from the tile floor, crossing her arms over her chest. “Come on, stand up and get out of that soaking-wet nightgown, and take a real shower. Meet me outside when you’re done, so we can talk.”

Enid scowled as she emerged from her knees. “ You ? Talking with me?”

Wednesday raised her chin. “I may not be skilled at handling or understanding emotional responses, however I can be supportive when I truly desire to be.”

Enid bit her lips to stop from smiling. Wednesday’s awkwardness never got less adorable. “Fine,” she said, grabbing the wall and standing up. “I’ll be out in a bit.”

Satisfied, Wednesday nodded and turned on her heel, exiting the bathroom to let Enid pull herself together.

Several minutes later, Enid emerged from the bathroom, wearing a fresh pair of sweatpants and a clean t-shirt. Wednesday was finishing making her colorful bed, thoughtfully arranging her plushies over the pillows.

Wednesday turned at the sound of Enid’s footfalls. “You look better,” she remarked, then turned back to her work. “I changed your sheets. I gather it’s been a while.”

Enid nodded ashamedly, sitting criss-cross at the foot of her bed, staring at her (very attractive) girlfriend. Once she finished making her bed, Wednesday walked over to her desk, picking up a plate of food and bringing it to Enid.

Enid smiled a little as she took the plate from Wednesday, noticing that she’d cut up her favorite fruits.

“Just fruit, very mild and safe foods,” Wednesday told her as she joined her in sitting on the bed. She picked up her hairbrush. “Would you like me to brush your hair for you?”

Enid popped a grape into her mouth and grinned as she looked up at her girlfriend. “Since when are you such a mother?”

Wednesday’s cheeks flushed a little as she settled in behind Enid, beginning to comb through her blonde locks. “I am no such person.”

Enid shrugged, popping a strawberry slice in. “I’m just saying, you don’t seem like the type to have any sort of caretaking instincts.”

“Well, I’m…” Wednesday blushed, pausing her brushing as her pale cheeks turned a new shade of pink. “I’m not sure where this has come from, either.”

“It’s cute,” Enid said, smiling as she set her plate to the side. “Listen, I uh…I’m sorry for the way I’ve been acting.”

Wednesday set the brush down, moving to sit in front of her girlfriend. She met her eyes. “I don’t need you to apologize, Enid, I want to know what’s going on with you. I’m worried. I have never seen you like this.”

Enid was flattered that Wednesday noticed her suffering, and cared enough to do this. Her heart swelled. “Honestly, Wends, I don’t know what’s going on with me,” she responded, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. She looked up at her face, studying every feature of it. “It’s like I’m living inside my head. My whole life, I’ve felt every little emotion so deeply…I cry a lot, I laugh a lot, I just feel a lot. But lately, I haven’t been feeling anything. It’s like I’m trapped up here,” she pointed to her head, “and I can’t escape.”

Wednesday nodded in understanding. “So, you are feeling numb?”

Enid nodded. “Yeah, I guess you could say that. I’ve also lost my motivation to do…most things.” She looked down at the floor, ashamed. “I feel so lazy. It started with procrastinating my homework, but now I can’t even get out of bed anymore.” She shook her head, fighting back tears.

“You are absolutely not lazy,” Wednesday told her, placing a hand on her knee and meeting her eyes. “You’re going through something right now, and it’s not your fault.”

“But Wednesday, I have no reason to be sad!” Enid exclaimed, her voice breaking as the tears poured out of her eyes. Her lip quivered. “Nothing bad has happened to me! I have great friends, and the most beautiful, amazing girlfriend in the world, yet I’m here cooped up in my bed all day, wallowing in my sorrows. I have nothing to be sad about!”

“You don’t need a reason to be depressed.”

Enid froze, and she looked up at her girlfriend. “You’re right,” she said quietly. “I am depressed.”

Wednesday nodded. “That’s exactly what’s happening to you. It’s a chemical imbalance in your brain, Enid, you don’t need any particular reason to feel this way. It is beyond outside influence.”

Enid swallowed, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand. “But I’ve never had depression before. Why is it here now? Am I ever going to be cured?”

Wednesday sighed a little. “Depression is a complex illness, and unfortunately a very common one. I believe you’re experiencing what’s called a depressive episode, like a wave of sadness that comes and goes. There are ways to manage the symptoms, and things will get better.”

Enid shook her head in dismay. “I just feel so guilty. There are kids who have real problems and actually have reasons to be sad. They’re the ones who need happy pills and therapy, not me.”

Wednesday scowled, angry. “Why do you feel that way, Enid?! Who taught you this?”

Enid groaned a little. “My mother.”

“I should have known,” Wednesday muttered. She shifted her weight to sit more comfortably on the bed. “I promised myself I’d never share this with anyone, but I feel it’s necessary.” She sighed a little. “When I was twelve, I had a bad depressive episode. I refused to get out of bed for weeks, and my father ended up having to carry me to the doctor. The doctor told my parents that it had something to do with my hormones and puberty, but I know it was depression. I’m not a very feeling person to begin with, but during that period of my life, I didn’t even feel alive. I barely remember those days.”

“How did you get over it?” Enid asked.

Wednesday blinked. “I didn’t, not fully. The doctor prescribed me some vitamins, which didn’t help, but eventually I just started to regain my energy again. I still feel like that sometimes. It’s the main reason I’m so unfeeling all the time.”

Enid studied her girlfriend’s face, now viewing her in a whole new light after learning more about her past. “I had no idea, Wednesday, I’m sorry.”

Wednesday looked up. “Don’t apologize. I’m trying to explain to you that a lot of people go through bouts like this. It isn’t normal, it isn’t easy, but it happens. Most of the time, it comes out of nowhere. You don’t need to go through something terrible to be depressed. It’s difficult, but you will get through this.”

Enid smiled a little and nodded. “Thank you, Wednesday.”

“Don’t thank me.” She stood from the bed, offering her hand to Enid. The werewolf took it, standing up beside her girlfriend. “Are you ready to get the help you need?”

Wednesday sat outside the Nevermore school counselor’s office, writing passionately in her ideas notebook. She was waiting for Enid to finish her session, and she hoped it would be helpful. She was glad she’d opened up to her earlier, but wanted her to get better, and knew she couldn’t heal her by herself.

Wednesday stood when she heard the office door open. Enid stepped outside, holding a slip of paper in her hands, smiling a little.

“How did it go?” Wednesday asked.

Enid looked up at her girlfriend. “She recommended me a therapist in Jericho. My first session is Thursday after classes.”

“Good,” Wednesday said. “I’m proud of you for taking initiative.”

Enid sighed a little, folding up the paper and tucking it into her pocket. “I wouldn’t have, without you.”

“Everyone needs a little help from time to time, despite whatever bullshit your mother taught you.”

Enid giggled. “I need to stop listening to that woman.”

“Yes, yes you do.”

Chapter Text

It was the evening of the Nevermore Spring Formal. Finals were over, classes were soon to be let out for the summer, and the energy on campus was full of happiness and excitement. Enid had asked Wednesday to the dance as her date, and after much coercion, she accepted the invitation.

Wednesday refused to wear anything besides the dress she bought for the Rave’N last semester, but Enid purchased a beautiful yellow cowl dress, made of high-quality satin that shimmered in the moonlight. Wednesday thought she looked absolutely striking, and expressed this by staring at her for an extended period of time when she was showing the dress off. Seeing her girlfriend like this, Wednesday was almost getting excited about the dance.

One thing that was raining on the excitement, however, was Wednesday’s health. In the last month, she’d been unusually tired, and got dizzy after just a few minutes of fencing practice. In the mornings when she washed her face, she could swear she was even more pale than her usual paper-white. She knew dancing may be a struggle at the Formal, but decided she could sit and drink punch if she was ever on the verge of passing out.

“I literally can’t wait,” Enid exclaimed, grinning in excitement. She was staring at herself in the mirror as Wednesday zipped up her dress for her. Once she was done, she turned around and pulled the small girl into a very tight hug. “Thank you so much for coming with me.”

“Yes, Enid, now release me,” Wednesday croaked, hardly able to breathe within her strong grasp. Enid giggled and let her go, beaming as she admired her girlfriend’s perfect hair, perfect makeup…she looked perfect .

“Are you ready?” Enid asked, reaching up to tuck a stray hair behind Wednesday’s ear.

The psychic nodded. “As much as I can be.”

Enid raised a finger. “Wait, I have something for us.”

Wednesday tilted her head in curiosity as Enid moved to her side of the room and grabbed a white box off her desk. She opened it and took out two beautiful wrist corsages—one a yellow rose and the other a black one.

“I know you’re ‘allergic’ to color,” Enid said as she took Wednesday’s hand in her own and lifted it. She met her eyes as she began to slide the yellow corsage onto her wrist, “but this way, everyone knows we belong to each other.”

Wednesday bit her cheek until it drew blood, trying to prevent herself from smiling. “That’s…alright,” she mumbled, flustered. She blinked and grabbed the black corsage, returning the favor by tenderly taking her girlfriend’s hand and sliding it onto her wrist.

Enid beamed down at the corsage before looking up to meet Wednesday’s eyes. “Shall we?” she asked. She offered her arm, which, after a moment’s hesitation, Wednesday took. Arm-in-arm, the girlfriends left their dorm, prancing down the staircase of Ophelia Hall looking their best.

The dance was outside by the river, underneath a big, white tent illuminated with string lights. A decent amount of kids had arrived already, and were enjoying themselves on the dance floor or chugging punch at the tables. Enid giggled at the sight of Eugene break-dancing on the dance floor, his yellow suit an eyesore in sharp contrast to the black and blue suits of the other boys.

“Hey, guys!” shouted Jacob, a classmate of theirs, over the loud music. He was a siren, the son of old money. He was spoiled and bigoted, like his parents, and annoyed Wednesday and Enid to their wits’ end. He handed both of them a cup of punch, smirking as he looked Enid up and down. “You’re looking hot today, Paws! Did you finally shave the fur off your back to look good for tonight?”

Enid scoffed in anger, and Wednesday’s face burned with rage. “What did you just say to her?!” the psychic snapped.

Jacob looked Wednesday up and down, amused. “Hey, pipe down, goth girl. I’m just giving her a compliment.” He shifted his attention back to Enid. “So, what do you say, Paws, will you dance with me?”

Enid scoffed again and shook her head. “Absolutely not, asshole.” She turned and left, going to another table to talk to Yoko and her friends.

Wednesday glared at the boy, shooting daggers into his soul. “Back off my girlfriend, dickhead,” she snapped, before turning to join her. The boy’s face fell in a mix of shock and embarrassment, which almost made Wednesday smile.

The girls’ night lightened up as they hung out with their friends, eventually migrating to the dance floor. Wednesday tried to stay behind, but Enid physically dragged her to the floor to dance with her. The psychic managed to bust out a few more unique moves besides her iconic dance from the Rave’N. Her friends all clapped and cheered her on as she danced.

Wednesday’s heart began to race, and she could hear and feel it beating in her chest. She slowly got dizzier and dizzier, her vision filling with black spots. Her head pounded and she stopped dancing, desperately grabbing at Enid’s arm to keep from falling.

Enid grabbed both of Wednesday’s forearms to steady her, her eyes meeting hers with seriousness. “What is it? Are you okay?”

Wednesday slowly nodded, unable to respond due to her difficulty breathing.

“What’s wrong?” Yoko asked, concerned, as she stopped dancing.

Enid bit her lip in contemplation, not taking her eyes off Wednesday. “I need to get her off the dance floor,” she said, gently shifting Wednesday to put her arm around her back. She guided her towards the tables, sitting her down. She grabbed a cup of punch and handed it to her. Wednesday’s head was hung, her eyes barely open as she fought to remain conscious.

“Wednesday, what’s the matter?” Enid asked, scowling in concern. She cupped her cheek and lifted her head to study her face. 

Wednesday swallowed and blinked, trying to gather her bearings. “I just got…a little dizzy,” she admitted, her breathing shallow. “I’m fine, go have fun with your friends…I’ll be fine.”

Enid shook her head fervently. “No freaking way am I leaving you like this. We have to get you to bed, maybe even the infirmary.”

“I suppose…bed does not sound unappealing,” she remarked, closing her eyes and gritting her teeth as her head pounded.

Enid nodded in agreement. “Yeah, come on.” She stood and wrapped her arm around Wednesday, gently helping her to her feet. She started to lead Wednesday out from under the tent, but was stopped by Jacob stepping in their way.

“Aww, what, your girlfriend get too drunk to keep dancing her little freak dance moves?” he teased.

Enid’s ears and nose nearly began shooting steam out of anger. “No, Jacob, it’s none of your business. Now get out of our way,” she demanded.

Jacob raised his eyebrows and crossed his arms across his chest, refusing to move.

Enid clenched her teeth and helped Wednesday sit at the table beside them before stepping in front of Jacob, her face inches from his.

“Move your entitled ass or we’ll have a problem,” she threatened through her teeth, shooting her claws out in preparation.

Jacob raised an eyebrow and smiled smugly. “You think I’m scared of you and Little Miss Depression?” He scoffed, inching even closer to Enid. The girl’s heartrate quickened as she realized just how big he—and his menagerie of lawyers—was.

“Hey, back off, Jake,” Bianca said as she, Kent, and Divina approached the group. She gently moved Enid away from the boy and stepped between them, her arms crossed over her chest protectively. “Just because you’re mad she’s dating another girl and you don’t have a chance, doesn’t mean you have the right to bother her. You should be eternally grateful to these two. They saved our school.”

Jacob glared at his fellow sirens. He scoffed again, annoyed, as he shook his head. “Sorry, forgot you guys suddenly wanted to side with these freaks.” He continued to shake his head as he turned and finally left the group alone.

Enid sighed and moved to her girlfriend’s side, once more helping her to her feet. “Thanks, guys,” she said to the sirens. She nodded at Wednesday. “I gotta get her back to our dorm. She’s about ready to pass out.”

“I am fine,” Wednesday mumbled, insistent.

Bianca raised an eyebrow in skepticism, looking the psychic up and down. “You look peachy,” she joked.

Enid smiled a little in amusement before leaving the tent, her girlfriend in her arms.

Enid brought Wednesday to their dorm, sitting her on her bed as she went to the bathroom to get a shower started for her. Once the water was hot, Wednesday gratefully stepped inside, the water relieving some of the pounding in her head.

Enid changed into her pajamas, then sat on her pile of plushies and crocheted as she waited for her girlfriend to finish showering.

Her heart dropped when she heard a loud thump from inside the bathroom. She dropped her crochet and stood, rushing to the door and rapping on it.

“Wednesday?!” she asked, her heart racing in fear. When there was no response, she burst inside, her heart sinking at the sight. Wednesday lain unconscious on the shower floor, the water still running, her skin nearly the same color as the white tile floor.

“Shit,” she mumbled under her breath, rushing to the shower and turning the water off. She slid her arms beneath her body and gently lifted her into her arms, grabbing a towel off the rack and wrapping it around her cold form. She took her out of the bathroom and laid her down on her bed. She scowled as she studied her, trying to figure out what was wrong. She was reassured by the rise and fall of her chest, but she noticed just how pale she was. Her eyes looked sunken and dark, and she looked sickly. Not the usual Wednesday sickly, but actually ill.

She used the towel to dry her hair and body, hoping that warming her back up might help her regain consciousness. She dressed her in her warmest pajamas and fuzzy socks, then tucked her into her bed under several layers of comforters and blankets.

Wednesday awoke to a feeling of extreme warmth, and the weight of someone sitting on her feet. She opened her eyes slowly to see herself beneath several of her warmest blankets, and Enid sitting at the foot of her bed, crocheting. She groaned a little, trying to remember what had happened.

“Wends! You’re awake,” Enid exclaimed, beaming at her girlfriend. She put down her crochet and patted her leg. “You passed out in the shower,” she explained.

“How long have I been out?” Wednesday asked, scowling as she slowly sat up, her back against the headboard.

Enid furrowed her brow, thinking. “About an hour. The dance is wrapping up by now.”

Wednesday stared at her. “I apologize for making you miss it. I know how much you were looking forward to it.”

Enid smiled and shook her head. “Don’t apologize, Wends, I don’t mind. I’d rather spend time with you than anything else. Plus, it’s not like you chose to pass out.”

Wednesday nodded, still dizzy.

“Speaking of that…” Enid continued, a concerned expression on her face. “Do you have any idea what’s wrong with you? This cannot be normal; your skin is deathly pale. And don’t think I didn’t notice how often you’ve been taking breaks at fencing practice. And how you’re going to bed earlier every night and getting out of bed later. I know something’s wrong with you.”

Wednesday sighed. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me, in truth. I have not been feeling well for several weeks now.”

Enid scowled. “Several weeks ?! And you didn’t tell me?!”

“I don’t see why I owe you that information.”

Enid crossed her arms over her chest in anger. “Because you’re my girlfriend, Wednesday. We are supposed to tell each other everything. It isn’t like this is something to be ashamed of.”

Wednesday shrugged a little. “I believe it is.”

Enid looked her girlfriend up and down, studying her. “Are you not eating enough? Is that why you’re passing out?”

“Of course I am. I may enjoy pain, but I know not to go down that road again.”

Enid shook her head in dismay. “That is a whole separate issue that we will unpack another time,” she muttered. “We have to get you to the nurse to get checked out. This isn’t normal.” She grabbed Wednesday’s chin with one hand and tried to pry open her eye with another one.

Wednesday nearly hissed and pushed her hands away. “What do you think you’re doing?!” she snapped. She had grown more comfortable with physical touch as they drew closer in their relationship, but that had crossed the line.

Enid bit her lip. “I’m checking your eyelids to see if they’re pale. My mom does it all the time to me. She’s constantly worried I’ll get anemia…werewolves need a lot more red meat than you guys do.”

“I suppose it would be wise to get tested for anemia myself,” Wednesday remarked, mentally checking the boxes and realizing how many symptoms of iron deficiency she had. She did not like to consume most forms of meat for a variety of reasons, but maybe this choice was backfiring now.

Enid yawned and checked the time on her phone. “OK. First thing tomorrow morning, I am taking you to the infirmary.”

Wednesday narrowed her eyes, just glaring at Enid as she smiled in satisfaction and moved to her own bed to go to sleep.

On their way to the infirmary the next morning, it took much coercion for Enid to allow Wednesday to walk without assistance.

“I am not an infant,” she said, glaring at her girlfriend.

Enid looked her up and down with pity. “But you’re sick.”

“I am fine, Enid, as I have said a dozen times.”

Just as they were about to round the corner to the infirmary, the girls ran into none other than Jacob the siren and his two buddies. Upon seeing the girlfriends, he smirked and looked them both up and down.

“You two again,” he said. He looked to his friends. “These are the lesbians that rejected me,” he told them. The two of them grinned evilly in understanding.

Enid groaned in annoyance and rolled her eyes. “My God, has no one ever said no to you in your life?” she snapped.

Jacob chuckled and cracked his neck. “I guess you could say that, Paws. It was bold of you to try and be the first.” He raised a hand to touch her face, but Wednesday intervened by stepping between them and grabbing Jacob’s wrist.

“Back off,” she threatened, glaring at him through her eyebrows.

Jacob’s smug expression turned into anger, and he shook her hand off his arm. He stepped closer to her until she had to crane her neck to see him. He glared down at her. “What did you just say to me?”

“I said back the hell off, you childish swine,” she spat. “I’m sorry Daddy has never said no to you, but you’re going to have to accept rejection from my girlfriend.”

Wednesday felt the pain before she saw his fist coming for her face. A shooting pain blossomed around her eye, and she grabbed at her face, her feet swaying in disorientation. Stars and black spots filled her vision.

“Wednesday!” Enid shouted, concerned. She moved to help her girlfriend, but Jacob’s buddies grabbed her arms, holding her back.

Jacob stepped closer to Wednesday, rage evident on his face. He grabbed her collar and lifted her to his height, her feet no longer touching the ground. “This is what you get for sassing me,” he spat, before kneeing her in the torso. Wednesday cried out at the sickening crack in her chest, and immediately knew she’d broken a rib. Jacob dropped her to the grass below, and she curled up, coughing as she desperately tried to regain her bearings. Her head swam, and despite her fighting, she succumbed to the darkness.

Enid growled as she fought against the boys holding her. Her body began to grow, her claws shooting out from her fingers.

“Jake, we better go…” one of the boys said nervously.

Jacob shot a glare at him. “Not until I’m done.” He turned back to Wednesday.

“Dude, she’s already passed out,” the other boy told him. He turned to Enid, watching her fearfully. “And this chick’s about to wolf out.”

Jacob scoffed in frustration. The boys let Enid go, and she stopped wolfing out to rush to Wednesday’s side. She turned her onto her back, visually searching her for injuries.

As she heard them leaving, Enid turned to glare at the bullies. “You’ll regret this,” she threatened.

The boys gave no response before running off to torment their next victims.

Wednesday awoke with a low groan of pain. Her eyes slowly opened to find herself in the Nevermore infirmary, the sterile whiteness hurting her eyes. There was an ice pack resting on her torso, and another one had fallen off her face at some point. A few feet away from her bed, Enid stood with Principal Weems, discussing something important.

Wednesday groaned a little as she sat up, clutching her aching side. She pulled up her pajama top to find a gnarly bruise covering it. That bastard broke a rib, alright. Maybe even two.

“Wednesday! You’re up!” Enid said cheerfully, excusing herself from the conversation with Weems before rushing to her side. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine,” Wednesday replied. “In a little pain, but I assume I passed out because of the anemia, not the beating.”

“Rest assured that Jacob Fairfax will not remain at Nevermore after this incident,” Larissa told Wednesday. “That was unacceptable behavior.”

Wednesday blinked. “I would have rather seen him suffer through a torture session, but I suppose expulsion will suffice,” she replied.

Weems opened her mouth to respond to that, but gave up. She headed off to attend to her principal duties.

“The nurse says you have pretty severe iron deficiency,” Enid explained to her as she sat at the foot of her bed. “She’s prescribing you supplements and a new diet. Plus, you have to rest for at least a week to let your broken rib heal.”

Wednesday pushed air out of her nostrils in mild anger. “I do not like to change my stone-set habits for the sake of my health.”

“Well, tough, because you have to,” Enid retorted, brushing dust off her thigh. Her eyes moved to meet Wednesday’s. “And with summer break coming up, I’m sure Morticia will ensure you follow your regimen exactly .”

Wednesday groaned at the thought of her mother smothering her with her endless unwarranted nursing. Her parents were not overprotective when it came to menial things like murders and kidnappings, but when it came to sickness or injury, Morticia was especially persistent.

“I’m just glad you’re okay,” Enid admitted, grabbing Wednesday’s hand and caressing it with her thumb. “You don’t know how scared I was, seeing you lying there, helpless on the ground.”

Wednesday huffed. “I normally would have been able to endure that, if I had been in better physical condition.”

“I know, I know. But I’ve never experienced blatant homophobia like that before. I guess I’m just naive, or maybe it’s because I grew up in San Francisco, but that was terrifying. My mom isn’t even that hateful. How can someone have so much hate inside them?”

Wednesday blinked. “I truthfully don’t know,” she responded. She looked up to meet her girlfriend’s eyes. “But my point stands that I wish to see Jacob tortured.”

Enid giggled. “You know what? Me too!”

Wednesday couldn’t help but smile at that. “I’m finally converting you to sadism?”

Enid just laughed harder at that, grabbing her belly as it ached from laughing so hard. Wednesday smiled, letting out one laugh before remembering her broken rib and hissing in pain.

Once Enid had calmed down, she cupped Wednesday’s cheek, looking into her dark eyes. “But really, thank you for being so protective of me. It means a lot, seeing how far you’ll go for me.”

“I would do anything if it meant protecting you, Enid Sinclair,” Wednesday told her with complete sincerity. “You mean everything to me. I love you.”

Enid smiled before leaning in to kiss Wednesday on the cheek. She then leaned back, beaming. “I love you too.”

Chapter Text

Enid stood in the Ophelia Hall communal kitchen, humming her favorite Taylor Swift song as she stirred the fettuccine noodles cooking in boiling water. It was her and Wednesday’s five-month anniversary of being together, and she wanted to celebrate by cooking her a nice dinner: lemon asparagus pasta with shrimp. She was a skilled cook; as a child, she almost always made dinner for her whole family. Naturally, she picked up a lot of skills and delicious recipes along the way.

Enid planned on surprising Wednesday with the dinner. The psychic was out studying at the Weathervane all day and planned on coming home for dinner at the Nevermore dining hall.

Yoko, who happened to be hanging out with Divina at the Weathervane and who was aware of Enid’s plan, texted her just then:

Yoko: heads up, ur goth girl is headed back now.

Enid smiled in excitement and turned off the stove. She placed the lid on the pasta pot then carefully dumped the hot water into the sink through the built-in strainer. She then set the pot down and removed the lid, watching the steam emanate up through the fume hood. She dumped the pan of seasoned shrimp and asparagus into the fettuccine, then began to stir it to distribute everything evenly.

Enid checked her watch. It had been ten minutes since Yoko texted her, and Wednesday’s shuttle from town should have been back any minute. She grabbed the lid and put it back on the pasta to keep it warm, then headed up to their shared dorm to wait for Wednesday.

As Wednesday burst into the dorm, expecting an empty room, her gaze softened when her eyes fell upon her girlfriend waiting for her inside. She was dressed in her best pink sweater and white jeans, and her hair was perfectly curled and dyed pink. She was wearing orange and yellow eyeshadow, and sparkly lipgloss accentuated the beautiful pink color of her lips.

She looked positively beautiful, at least to Wednesday. She could not contain a small smile from escaping.

“Enid,” she said, nodding at her. “You look quite formal for a mundane dinner in the dining hall.”

Enid giggled a little, fidgeting with her hands behind her back. “That’s because we’re not going to the dining hall.”

Wednesday scowled a little. “What are we doing?”

Enid just grinned instead of responding. She grabbed Wednesday’s hand and led her out of their dorm, up the staircase to the common room. She opened the door to reveal a dimly-lit room. The table in the middle was adorned with a white tablecloth, candles, and a bouquet of black roses. Ceramic plates and real silverware were set meticulously at the two places across from one another, and it looked like a proper restaurant.

“Enid, what–” For once in her life, Wednesday Addams was at a loss for words.

Enid beamed and leaned over to kiss her girlfriend on the cheek. “Happy five months, Wends.”

Wednesday blushed, turning her white cheeks a pale pink. Unable to speak, she allowed Enid to lead her to one of the chairs. The werewolf pulled it out for her and gestured to her to sit down. She obeyed, then Enid pushed the chair in for her. She then sat down at the other chair across the small table.

“Enid, you didn’t have to do all this for me,” Wednesday remarked, overwhelmed by the extremely romantic gesture.

Enid grinned. “‘Course I did, Wends. You mean the world to me.”

Wednesday’s face turned an even deeper shade of pink. Seeing that she was overwhelmed, Enid took the cue to stand and grab the pasta. She approached Wednesday and scooped a portion onto her plate.

“I made something Italian, just for you,” she told her. Wednesday watched in awe as the delicious-smelling meal was dished onto her plate.

“It looks delectable,” Wednesday remarked.

Enid smiled as she served herself, then set the pot back on the counter. She sat back down and fluffed her napkin onto her lap. “I’m a pretty good cook, if I do say so myself.”

“I’ll be the judge of that,” Wednesday teased as she twisted up a forkful of pasta. Upon tasting it, her usually-stoic face lit up in delight.

“That good?” Enid asked, giggling.

Wednesday nodded as she swallowed. She dabbed off her mouth with the corner of her napkin. “It’s remarkable. Better than any restaurant.”

It was Enid’s turn to blush. “I’m glad you like it.”

Wednesday swallowed her second bite. “How did I get this lucky? I got an astonishingly beautiful girlfriend, and her culinary skills? It seems unfair to everyone else.”

Enid laughed. “I got lucky too. I don’t know how many people can say their girlfriend is an actual genius who can solve literally any mystery case she comes across.”

“And fence. And write. Also an escape artist. And a skilled surgeon.”

“And so humble, too,” Enid teased.

Wednesday raised her chin smugly. “I am not a liar.”

Enid chuckled and swallowed a bite of asparagus. “You are certainly not.”

The girlfriends spent the rest of their evening cuddling in Enid’s bed, talking about deep things while playing with each other’s hair. It was blissfully perfect, and they eventually fell asleep in one another’s arms.

Wednesday awoke in a cold sweat to an overwhelming wave of nausea. Her mouth watered and she knew she was about to vomit. She carefully wriggled out of Enid’s grasp and rushed to the bathroom, shoving up the toilet lid. She immediately heaved into the bowl, expelling every ounce of the delicious meal Enid had prepared for her. An unfamiliar feeling—guilt—rushed through her system. Enid had spent so long preparing a special night for her, and she was wasting all the food.

Finally, it seemed like the vomiting was over, and Wednesday stood. She flushed the toilet then moved to the sink, washing her hands then her face. She then exited the bathroom, relieved to find Enid still sound asleep in her colorful bed. Wednesday climbed back in beside her, and the werewolf reflexively wrapped her arms back around the smaller girl in her sleep.

Wednesday tried desperately to fall back asleep, but the nausea had never gone away. Her entire body was sweating with anxiety and sickness, and she knew she needed to vomit again. Once more, she quickly slipped away from her girlfriend and rushed to the bathroom.

As Wednesday knelt over the toilet, she heard a knock on the bathroom door. She groaned in frustration, mad at herself for waking her girlfriend.

“You okay, Wends?” Enid asked, her voice muffled by the wooden door.

“Yeah, I’m f–” Her response was interrupted by a gag, and she promptly threw up into the toilet again. Enid was bound to have heard it.

The werewolf barged into the bathroom then, her face panicked when her eyes landed upon her ailing girlfriend. She rushed to her side, grabbing her braids and moving them behind her, out of the way of the vomit’s path. She held them there, her other hand rubbing Wednesday’s back gently as she finished heaving up her dinner.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to the both of them, Wednesday collapsed away from the porcelain bowl, straight into Enid’s arms. Enid wrapped her arms around her and held her, shushing her as she rocked her back and forth. Wednesday would not normally tolerate being treated in such an infantile manner, but she felt too ill to protest…and had to admit it felt somewhat comforting at the time.

“What happened, baby?” Enid asked, gently brushing Wednesday’s sweaty bangs out of her face.

Wednesday resisted the urge to protest that nickname and swallowed the painful acid in her throat. “I woke up feeling nauseous,” she replied, hoping that would satisfy Enid.

Enid’s face fell. “Oh my God, was it my dinner?!” she asked, panicked. She shook her head in dismay. “The label on the shrimp said they expire tomorrow, I thought they’d be fine, I–”

“Enid,” Wednesday intervened, snapping the werewolf out of her panic. She swallowed again, meeting her eyes. “I am not upset with you, and I do not blame you.”

Enid nodded, her face still ridden with worry. Wednesday could tell she was on the verge of tears, but was too physically drained to comfort her.

Pull it together, Enid told herself. Wednesday’s the one who needs comforting right now, not you. She shook her head as if shaking away the tears, then stood, helping Wednesday to her feet. She flushed the toilet, closed the lid, then sat her girlfriend down on top of it. She grabbed a washcloth and rinsed it under the cold water tap at the sink. She then knelt in front of Wednesday, cupping her cheek as she began to wipe the sweat from her overheated face.

“Thank you,” Wednesday mumbled, her body rigid and tense. Enid worried her lip as she moved Wednesday’s bangs out of the way to wipe off her forehead.

“You’re burning up,” she noted, concerned, as her slender fingers touched her warm face.

“It’s common with food poisoning,” Wednesday informed her, her eyes closed as she fought back the urge to fall asleep in Enid’s arms at that exact moment. 

Enid’s eyes darted to Wednesday’s, a wave of guilt rushing through her again at the mention of food…the food she had cooked.

“Let’s get you into bed,” Enid said, once more compartmentalizing her own feelings for the sake of her ailing girlfriend. She helped Wednesday to her feet and guided her to her dark bed. She grabbed the wastebasket by Wednesday’s desk then set it beside her nightstand. “In case you have another wave,” she told her. Enid then sat down behind her, grabbing her black hairbrush. “Do you mind?” she asked as she placed a finger in the elastic holding one of her braids in place.

Wednesday shook her head a little, granting Enid permission. The werewolf gently pulled the elastic off, then ran her fingers through the braid to release her long, dark locks. She did the same to the other braid, admiring just how beautiful and luscious her hair was. She then combed through it with the hairbrush, her movements as gentle as possible.

When she was finished, she set the brush down on the comforter then pulled Wednesday into a hug from behind. She kissed her on the back of the head then whispered in her ear, “All finished.”

Wednesday relaxed into Enid’s touch, her body too exhausted to continue. Enid gently shifted to a more comfortable lying-down position with Wednesday as her little spoon. She pulled only the black sheet up over the two of them, knowing that the comforter would be too much heat for the feverish Wednesday. She wrapped her arms around Wednesday’s waist and buried her face in the smaller girl’s neck, planting gentle kisses on that soft skin as her own eyelids got heavy. She slid her hand beneath Wednesday’s silk pajama top to gently rub circles on the soft skin of her ailing belly.

“Sweet dreams, my love,” Enid whispered into her neck, planting one more kiss there.

“Goodnight, cara mia ,” Wednesday mumbled groggily. Enid knew she was delirious from fever, but she couldn’t help but smile. Deep down, Wednesday really was a softie.

Chapter Text

Wednesday could taste victory. She couldn’t help but smirk when she heard the frustrated cries of Bianca and turned around to see the Gold Bugs’ canoe sinking.

As the Black Cats hit the docks, Wednesday’s chest swelled with pride. She watched Enid’s elated face as the werewolf grabbed her hand and ran with her to the winner’s circle. Students swarmed their victorious peers, cheering and patting them on their backs.

Wednesday couldn’t help but smile and turn to her roommate, whose excitement had somehow seemed to have worn off. Enid was spaced-out, her gaze focused on nothing in particular, the smile no longer adorning her usually-cheerful face.

Wednesday narrowed her eyes a little in skepticism. She may not have known her roommate for very long, but she could tell something was definitely wrong with her. “What’s wrong?” she asked her quietly, so none of the other teens could hear.

Enid blinked a few times to snap herself out of her daze, then shifted her gaze to Wednesday. She smiled a little, but the psychic could tell it was forced. “Nothing. We won!” She feigned enthusiasm, but anyone with half a brain could tell she was not okay.

Wednesday looked around and found a small clearing in the sea of teenagers, then grabbed Enid’s bicep and led her away from the crowd. She brought her inside a tent, then closed the curtain behind them, granting the two of them privacy. Wednesday looked Enid up and down, visually searching her for any clues to her plight. Her eyes fell upon Enid’s hand clutching her side, her knuckles white.

Wednesday’s eyes shot up to meet Enid’s. “What happened?” she asked calmly, yet in a commanding tone.

Enid swallowed nervously. She slowly pulled her hand away from her side to reveal the rip in her cat costume and the blood oozing from a large cut in her delicate skin. Blood stained her hand and her costume, and the sight made even Wednesday falter.

Wednesday furrowed her brow and stepped closer to her roommate, touching her fingers to her stomach beneath the wound. “Who did this to you?!” There was a sense of urgency and protectiveness in her tone, and neither girl knew exactly why.

Enid swallowed, her breathing labored from pain. “No one. It was my fault,” she mumbled, tears welling up in her eyes. She shook her head in dismay, looking down at her injury and studying it. “I was so stupid. After I slashed the Jesters’ canoe, I tried to hurry back to ours. But I slipped on the dock and this nail happened to be sticking out of the wood and…” her voice broke as tears trickled down her fair-skinned cheeks, “and it sliced my skin open.” Her eyes moved to meet Wednesday’s, and the raven looked surprisingly concerned, almost as if she cared about Enid. “It hurt so bad, Wednesday,” she mumbled, swallowing the lump in her throat.

Wednesday leaned closer to examine Enid’s wound, gently prodding at the edges with careful fingers. The werewolf’s breath hitched in pain, causing Wednesday’s eyes to dart to Enid’s face to check on her. She removed her hands and stood up straight, crossing her arms over her chest. “We need to get you to the infirmary right away. Especially considering the culprit was a rusty nail, you need medical attention as soon as possible.”

“But the awards ceremony–”

“The awards ceremony can wait. I will not have you getting an infection and having all the fun without me,” Wednesday responded as she grabbed her roommate’s arm again and led her out of the tent. Enid couldn’t help but smile at that remark; whether she was trying to be or not, Wednesday could be really funny sometimes.

The psychic led her roommate across campus to the infirmary, taking every back way and secret passage in order to avoid their enthusiastic peers. She slid her arm behind Enid’s back to help her up the staircase, then opened the door to the infirmary to let her inside.

“And here I was thinking we’d gotten through the Poe Cup with all children unscathed,” the nurse groaned with dread as she approached her newest patient. Enid scrunched her eyes closed to keep from crying out as the woman helped her to lie down. Wednesday remained like a lingering shadow, keeping a watchful eye on the medical professional as if she was concerned the nurse would try to harm Enid.

The nurse pursed her lips as she wiped away the blood with a wet washcloth and prodded the wound. “It looks like you avoided any internal injuries, but this will certainly require sutures,” she remarked with a disappointed click of her tongue. “How did it happen this time? Did Barclay try the knife trick again this year?”

Enid shook her head, and Wednesday stepped forward to respond for her: “A rusty nail. She should be examined for signs of tetanus and delivered an inoculation, if she is not up to date.”

The nurse turned to the uninjured student in her presence and raised her eyebrows in a mix of surprise and mild annoyance. “Will do, Doctor,” she mocked, turning back around to tend to her patient.

Wednesday just raised her chin at that, keeping her eyes on her roommate to ensure her safety.

The nurse helped Enid out of the top half of her tight costume, leaving her in her black sports bra. She got to work cleaning the wound, starting by flushing it out with sterile water. She then prepared the antiseptic, but paused to warn her patient: “This will hurt, dear.”

Enid nodded in understanding. “Whatever you have to do.”

Before the nurse could begin, Wednesday quickly moved to Enid’s side, offering her hand to the girl. A little surprised, the werewolf stared at her hand for a moment before taking it in her own. She bit her lip and squeezed Wednesday’s hand as the nurse cleaned the cut with antiseptic. It burned like the fiery pits of hell, and she had to fight back the urge to scream. Her chest heaved as she hyperventilated.

“Hey,” Wednesday said, squeezing Enid’s hand back. The werewolf’s frightened eyes moved to meet her roommate’s unwavering gaze. “You are okay. You are incredibly strong. It’s almost over.”

Enid nodded, not taking her eyes off Wednesday, even as she felt the pinch of a needle in her side as the nurse injected numbing medication.

Seeing that Enid needed a distraction, Wednesday came up with questions to ask her: “Did you ever get hurt as a child?” Enid nodded. “Tell me about it.”

Enid smiled a little at the memory. “Just once, really badly. I was seven and trying out this scooter I had just gotten for Christmas. My brothers all got their own, too. We went to ride them on our street, which was really…” She clenched her teeth when she felt the pressure of the nurse beginning to stitch up her wound.

“What was the street like?” Wednesday interjected, squeezing her hand a little harder to bring Enid’s attention back to Wednesday instead of the pain.

Enid took in a breath. “My childhood home was on a big hill, so the street was super steep. We could barely park on it, but it was the best place to scooter. We were having so much fun.” She beamed at the memory, then swallowed. “My mom called us in for dinner, but I insisted upon going down the hill one more time. I ignored my brothers and mom shouting at me and I shot down it. I went so much faster that time and I loved it, until my front wheel hit a pothole. I flew off my scooter onto the pavement and scraped up pretty much my whole body and broke my arm in three places.”

“Three?!” Wednesday asked. “That must have been painful.” She smiled a little, delighting in the very idea of something so painful.

Enid nodded. “Oh, it was. But I got this really cute pink and yellow cast and got everybody to sign it. It was almost worth all the pain.”

Wednesday nodded, just as the nurse tied off the final suture. “All done,” she told the girls. Enid turned to admire her work, surprised that she was already finished. She watched as the nurse bandaged her side carefully. The woman then stood and left to grab Enid’s medical files from her desk.

As the nurse did that, Enid turned to Wednesday. “Thank you for distracting me,” she said. “It’s exactly what I needed.”

Wednesday nodded. “You are welcome. Despite your injury, you led our team to victory, so I must show my gratitude somehow.”

Enid smiled, slyly eyeing their hands, which were still intertwined. “Does this mean we’re friends now?”

Wednesday opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted by the nurse: “Good news, you’re all up to date on your vaccinations.” She was looking at Enid’s medical history.

Enid thanked the nurse, then the two teenagers moved to leave the infirmary, Wednesday supporting Enid’s weight in case her legs buckled. Once back at their dorm, Wednesday peeled the tight, humiliating cat costume off her own pale skin and immediately enveloped herself in a warm towel. As much as she liked most forms of suffering, she did not enjoy the feeling of damp river water soaking into her skin.

Wednesday took a hot shower, not bothering to undo or redo her braids for the time being. She left the bathroom feeling refreshed. She then sat down at her desk to write, but was stopped by Enid’s voice coming from her side of the room.

“I would kill to be able to shower right now,” she groaned. The nurse had instructed her not to get her injury wet for 24 hours.

Wednesday turned to her roommate, her mind running through every possibility to alleviate her suffering. She did not know why Enid’s injury had suddenly released her protective nature; she couldn’t help but want to care for her in every way. She eyed the blonde’s messy hair, caked with bits of leaves and river water.

“I could help you wash your hair.” The words escaped the Addams’s mouth before they ran through her head.

Enid’s face lit up. “You would do that for me?!”

Wednesday opened her mouth, unsure of how to respond, then closed it. She just nodded, then stood, moving to the bathroom to turn on the showerhead. Enid entered the room, and Wednesday gently helped her to sit on the side of the tub. She grabbed a fresh towel and wrapped it around Enid’s body to keep her bandages dry.

“Lean back,” she instructed, helping Enid to rinse her hair under the stream of warm water. Keeping her own body skillfully out of the water’s path, Wednesday ran her fingers through her roommate’s hair to allow its entirety to get wet. She poured a dollop of shampoo onto her palm, then began to scrub it onto Enid’s scalp. Enid closed her eyes; Wednesday’s careful movements felt good and were extremely relaxing.

Wednesday worked her scalp into a lather, then incorporated it through the rest of her hair. She then rinsed it under the showerhead, watching the suds slide down the drain. She turned off the water, then helped Enid to sit up straight. She stepped into the tub to stand behind her roommate, then began to towel-dry her hair. She was very skilled at it, and Enid secretly wondered if Wednesday was some sort of macabre hairdresser as a side job.

“Complete,” Wednesday declared as she climbed back out of the bathtub. She tossed the damp towel into the hamper, then rinsed her hands in the sink. She began to brush her teeth, then watched Enid join her through the mirror. A moment later, the werewolf leaned forward and spat out the toothpaste. 

“Thank you for helping me,” she said to Wednesday after rinsing out her mouth with water. “It means a lot…my mom’s line in our house was always, ‘suck it up, buttercup.’”

Wednesday furrowed her brow as she met her roommate’s gaze. “That is a terrible sentiment, and not good terrible. Children especially should be given the capacity to fully experience all their emotions and feelings; even my parents did that for my brother and me. Granted, I did not take advantage of those opportunities.”

Enid shrugged. “My mom is not the most emotionally intelligent parent in the world, but no one is. I can’t blame her. It’s alright.”

Wednesday tilted her head to study Enid as she attempted to brush her blonde hair. “You deserved better.”

Enid looked up, bewildered; it was unlike Wednesday to be so kind to her. Even more bewildering, the raven went on to offer her help: “Could I assist you with that? You do not want to tear your fresh sutures.”

Enid just nodded, handing Wednesday her hairbrush as the girl moved behind her. She began to comb through her wet locks. She was incredibly gentle with it, and Enid could tell she genuinely cared. She could tell that her injury was making Wednesday soft and forcing her to show her kinder side. Enid didn’t even know a compassionate side of her roommate existed until now, but she wasn’t complaining.

“There you go,” Wednesday said when she finished brushing her hair. She set the brush down on the counter, then moved to the bathroom door. “I’ll give you privacy to finish up.”

Enid nodded in understanding as Wednesday left the room, closing the door behind her.

A few minutes later, the roommates were relaxing in their dorm. Wednesday sat comfortably writing at her desk while Enid played cards with Thing.

A knock on their door interrupted both girls’ relaxation. Wednesday stood and moved to the doorway, opening it to reveal Larissa Weems standing outside, holding the Poe Cup trophy in her gloved hands.

“Where have you ladies been?” she asked. “We typically like to have our pilot and co-pilot hold the trophy in the photos, but you all did not show at the awards ceremony.”

Enid stood and moved to her roommate’s side, a twinge of guilt and longing aching in her chest. She had desperately wanted to be there at the ceremony.

“Enid got injured during the competition, and we had to go to the infirmary,” Wednesday told the principal.

Larissa’s face fell, and her eyes moved up and down the small blonde’s body as she searched her for injuries. “What happened?!”

“A stray nail on the docks. I’ll survive,” she teased, smiling to lighten the mood.

Weems tutted and shook her head in dismay. “We cannot seem to go one year without someone getting hurt during the Cup.” She sighed and lifted the trophy, handing it to the girls. “Regardless, I’m very proud of you two. You have made Ophelia Hall proud.” She smiled warmly at them, her chest swelling in pride.

Wednesday just glared at her in annoyance, but Enid smiled and replied, “Thank you, Principal Weems.”

The tall woman nodded. “Take care, dear. I hope you feel better soon.”

Enid smiled again and shut the door once the principal left.

“We did so good,” she said to Wednesday, beaming as she set the trophy right in front of the stained glass window to display it.

“Defeating Bianca Barclay is a certain joy I am not opposed to,” Wednesday remarked, staring at the shiny golden cup.

Wednesday and Weems both ensured that Enid took a break from classes the next day. Once the last class was over, Wednesday entered her dorm to find the werewolf lying on her bed, reading a magazine. She looked incredibly bored, and was even yawning.

The blonde sat up when she heard her roommate drop her backpack on the wooden floor. She smiled. “Boy, am I glad to see you. I have been bored out of my mind all day; it feels like I’m on house arrest or something.”

Wednesday removed her blazer and loosened her tie. “You were not missing enjoyable classes today.”

Enid scowled, noting how tired Wednesday looked. “Bad day?”

Wednesday blinked. “Every day is a bad day.”

Enid opened her mouth to respond, but stopped herself.

“Anyway,” Wednesday said as she approached her roommate’s bed. She nodded at her torso. “We need to change your bandages.”

Enid raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Oh, I didn’t know you were the one in charge, Dr. Addams.”

Wednesday raised her chin. “I have developed impeccable medical skills over the years. I enjoy performing autopsies on various species, and that requires being well-versed in anatomy textbooks and medical journals.”

Enid giggled as she slid her sweatshirt off, revealing the bandages covering her torso. “I’ll try to be reassured by that instead of creeped out.”

Wednesday did not justify that with a response. She sat down beside Enid, then got to work unwrapping the bandages. Once she got down to only the gauze pad covering her stitches, she grabbed a few supplies from the bathroom. She then sat back down and gently dug her painted black nail beneath the corner of the gauze pad, then met Enid’s eyes. “This may hurt,” she informed her. Enid nodded her consent, then held her breath as Wednesday peeled the gauze from her wound. It tugged a little at the stitches, but the pain was over with quickly. Her breath hitched again when she felt the coldness of a fresh alcohol swab cleaning off her wound.

“It’s healing well,” Wednesday remarked as she continued meticulously cleaning her wound. Enid bit her lip as she watched her roommate carefully; something about her caring for her made her heart swell. She wasn’t sure why it felt so… intense to be sitting there half-naked, injured, and vulnerable as Wednesday tended to her wound. Something about it made her stomach do little twists and turns.

Enid watched as Wednesday trashed the alcohol swabs, then scooped a generous amount of petroleum jelly onto her fingertip. She applied the ointment to her cut, her movements as gentle as possible. Finally, she pressed a fresh gauze pad to the wound, then taped it in place.

“I see no need for the full bandages again,” Wednesday said as she wiped her hands with a tissue.

Enid nodded in understanding as Wednesday gathered up all the trash. “Thank you, Wednesday.”

Wednesday met Enid’s eyes. “It is my duty,” she said before moving to the bathroom to throw away the garbage.

Enid scowled a little. That was a weird way to respond, she thought.

That evening, Wednesday went down to the dining hall briefly and returned with two takeout boxes for herself and Enid. She set them down on Enid’s bed, then wordlessly sat down at the foot of the bed and started eating her dinner.

Enid smiled a little, amused that, for once, Wednesday seemed like she wanted to be in her company. She continued smiling as she opened the takeout box, ravenously digging into her burger.

“This is delicious,” the werewolf exclaimed, her words muffled by the mouthful of burger.

Wednesday nodded as she politely wiped her mouth with her napkin. “I know burgers are your favorite,” she remarked. Enid’s cheeks flushed a little; Wednesday didn’t seem like the type to notice such details, and it warmed her heart to know that she actually cared. Maybe she was finally cracking the code to Wednesday Addams…that thought made her chest swell with pride and excitement.

“Wednesday,” Enid said after she swallowed her food. She met her roommate’s eyes, her expression serious. “Why do you care? Like, I’m not trying to sound snarky or anything, I just…have never seen you like this.”

Wednesday blinked. “I know kindness is not my strong suit, but when the need presents itself, I can deliver.”

Enid grinned. “You talk like a nineteenth-century poet,” she teased.

Wednesday raised an eyebrow. “I prefer third-century ancient Greece,” she joked.

Enid giggled, grabbing at her injured side. She shook her head, beaming as she looked up to see a tiny smile adorning Wednesday’s lips.

Yeah, she had cracked her code for sure.

Chapter Text

“Watch out, suckers!” Enid shouted over the heads of her friends in the pool beneath her. She bent her knees, allowing the diving board to bend under her weight, then straightened them. As the force of the board pushed against her legs, she leapt into the water, balling up mid-air and splashing the water everywhere when she hit the surface.

It was a scorching July day, and the Nightshades friend group had met up for a long weekend trip. They elected to stay at a hotel in a central location, and there was a huge pool nearby that they were taking advantage of. 

“Enid!” Yoko shrieked as the water shot into her eyes. The werewolf emerged from the water, her hair and face soaked, laughing at the havoc she’d wreaked on her friends.

“I told you to watch out!” she teased, giggling.

Yoko shook her head and rubbed the chlorine out of her eyes. She smirked deviously. “After that stunt, you’d better watch out.” She reached her hands out and mocked a chokehold, swimming towards her.

“Yeah, and this time, your scary goth girlfriend won’t be here to save you,” Bianca joked, nodding at Wednesday. The psychic was seated on a lawn chair, reading beneath the ample shade of a large umbrella. Dark sunglasses adorned her dark eyes, and a black towel was wrapped around her body. She could not be bothered to join her peers.

Bianca joined Yoko in charging towards the werewolf. She was fast, her siren tail giving her a huge advantage. Enid screamed in fear, her short limbs stifling her ability to get away. Bianca grabbed her ankle and dragged her under water, making her playful screams become nothing but muted bubbles emerging from her mouth beneath the surface.

The teens continued shrieking with laughter as they got revenge on their friend for splashing them all. Wednesday sat up from the lawn chair and slid her sunglasses to the tip of her nose, squinting at her friends in curiosity.

“What’s all this ruckus?” she asked as she stood, slightly annoyed that her “sunbathing” had been interrupted.

“We’re getting our payback for her splashing us!” Ajax shouted, grinning as he helped his friends shove Enid around in the water.

Enid was struggling, kicking against them, only able to poke her head out of the water and gasp for air for a few seconds at a time before being dunked back under. Wednesday scowled. “Leave her alone,” she ordered.

“Pshh,” Yoko scoffed as she splayed her hand out on the werewolf’s blonde head and shoved her back under. “She deserves it.”

“Guys, seriously, maybe we should stop…” Eugene warned. He, too, could see that Enid was panicking.

“Fine, fine,” Bianca chuckled, delivering one last dunk before finally leaving the girl be. This time, though, Enid did not come back up for air right away.

Wednesday’s heart sank deep into her chest. A gut feeling, maybe instinct, arose from her stomach and made her whole body tingle with anxiety. Something was terribly wrong.

“Enid?” the seer shouted. 

“Why isn’t she coming up?” Yoko asked, a look of horror on her face.

“Because you drowned her, you imbeciles!” Wednesday shouted. The adrenaline kicked in and she threw off her towel and dove into the water. Beneath the surface, Enid was floating, her blonde hair flowing in the crystal-blue water. She would look like she was sleeping peacefully, if Wednesday didn’t know any better. 

Wednesday grabbed Enid from her armpits and dragged her to the surface. Once in the shallow part of the pool, she lifted the were-girl into her arms and rushed up the stairs to the pool deck. Empowered by her adrenaline, Wednesday quickly but carefully lowered her girlfriend to lie her down on the deck. She leaned in close and put her ear in front of Enid’s mouth.

“She’s not breathing!” Wednesday shouted, her voice cracking with panic. She pressed two fingers against her neck to check her pulse. There was a weak heartbeat, which reassured her a little, but she still needed to take action. As someone called 911, Wednesday placed a hand on Enid’s chin and leaned her head back. She then pinched her girlfriend’s nose, took a breath herself, then leaned in to perform mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths. 

One.

Enid’s chest rose, but not on its own.

“She’s still not breathing!”

Two.

“What about now?” someone asked.

“No!” Wednesday shouted.

Three.

Enid’s lips were turning blue.

Four.

“Stay with me!”

Five.

Why was she so cold ?

Six.

“Please!”

Seven.

“Don’t die on me!”

Eight.

A whisper: “Come on, Enid.”

Enid’s chest once more rose with the assistance of Wednesday’s breath. The seer leaned back, dizzy and out of breath. She watched vigilantly as Enid’s chest fell again, but instead of staying there like the other times, her chest rose again. On its own.

Enid immediately began to cough, and water sputtered out of her mouth. She raised her head and coughed up several more mouthfuls of pool water before she was finally able to take a good, deep breath.

Enid groaned, her entire chest aching as she laid down against the concrete beneath her. She looked up with fuzzy eyes to see her worried girlfriend hunched over her. Wednesday was draping a warm towel over her shivering body.

“ Mi vida , I almost lost you,” she whispered. She leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on Enid’s forehead, a tender act that was very unlike the girl. Enid wanted to respond, but her throat and chest burned so much that she doubted her ability to actually form words. 

Wednesday laid down beside her, their faces only inches apart. She stroked Enid’s hair and comforted her as they waited for the ambulance to arrive. Never had Wednesday felt more relief in her life.

Enid awoke to the feeling of something tickling her nose. She grabbed at the intrusion, scowling in confusion when she found something plasticy there.

“Stop, love, you need that,” came a familiar voice. It was softer, kinder than usual.

Enid’s eyes fluttered open to see a concerned Wednesday beside her. She smiled a little at her before taking in her surroundings. She was in a hospital room, and both of her parents sat asleep on the couch, their heads resting on each other’s shoulders. A nasal cannula was underneath her nose, and several monitors were attached to her chest and finger.

“What—” Enid coughed, her throat much drier than she’d anticipated. Wednesday grabbed a cup off her beside table and handed it to her, which she took gratefully. Enid took a sip then continued: “What happened?” She had a vague memory of being dunked several times by her friends, but she couldn’t seem to remember anything after that.

Wednesday’s soft gaze looked upon her girlfriend lovingly. “You nearly drowned in the pool. Everyone was trying to dunk you, but they went too far. Your heart never stopped, but you stopped breathing. I was…” Her throat caught. She blinked, as if trying to blink away the emotions. “I was terrified that I was going to lose you.”

Enid smiled a little, and her weak hand moved to touch Wednesday’s. She patted it. “But I’m here. And I’m okay now.”

Wednesday nodded. “Yes, yes, you’re right.” She shook her head in dismay. “I have never felt more terrified in my life. I have summoned demons, I have warded off monsters that no human should ever have to experience in their lifetime, and I have evaded several murder attempts, but all of those occurrences pale in comparison to what happened this afternoon.” Wednesday squeezed Enid’s hand and their eyes met. “I can’t lose you.”

Enid was blushing now, overwhelmed by the unusual amount of affection that her girlfriend was giving her. She smiled and leaned in to kiss her on the cheek. “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon, Wends.”

After spending a night in the hospital, Enid was discharged and prescribed a few days of bedrest. Since Wednesday didn’t like the sun anyway, she stayed with Enid in her hotel room and endured the werewolf’s favorite shows as they cuddled in bed together.

“No! Not Jonathan! I liked him,” Enid pouted when her favorite competitor was eliminated from The Great British Bake Off . She sighed and tossed a piece of popcorn into her mouth. 

“He was deplorable,” Wednesday remarked. “His voice was…absolutely shrill. It was nauseating. I am glad he’s gone.”

Enid rolled her eyes as she swallowed the popcorn. “You’re so cynical.” She sat up and turned to dangle her legs off the side of the bed. She planted her feet on the ground and stood, padding her way over to the bathroom.

“Where are you going?” Wednesday asked with mild concern.

“I have to pee. I’m not gravely injured, Wends, I can make the two millimeter journey to the toilet.”

Wednesday smiled a little at that. Leave it to Enid to make light of anything and everything.

While Enid did her business, there came a knock on the door. Wednesday stood and moved to the doorway, narrowing her eyes when she saw who it was through the peephole.

She hesitantly opened the door, refusing to greet her friends with cheerfulness.

“Hey, Wednesday,” Yoko said carefully. The rest of the friend group stood beside her, fidgety, their heads hung in shame.

“What do you all want?” she spat.

“We were just hoping to apologize to Enid,” Bianca responded, her voice quivering a little with guilt. She craned her neck to look inside the hotel room. “Is she around?”

“Enid’s not accepting visitors right now,” Wednesday told them. She began to close the door, but Ajax put his hand out and stopped it.

“Wednesday, come on, we deserve a chance,” he said.

Wednesday’s chest heaved in anger. “ You deserve a chance?!” She clenched her jaw. “What about Enid?! You all seemed keen on preventing her from getting the chance to take a goddamn breath. You nearly killed her. Do you even realize the gravity of what you’ve done?!”

Silence.

“I didn’t think so,” Wednesday mumbled, then the door clicked shut.

Enid emerged a few minutes later, cheerfully skipping to the bed and jumping in beside her girlfriend.

“Who was that at the door?” she asked.

Wednesday didn’t take her eyes off the book she was reading. “Your friends.”

Enid scowled. “Are they gone? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I think it best you keep your distance from them for a while,” Wednesday remarked.

“Wends, it was an accident, they—”

Wednesday put down her book and met the other girl’s eyes. “Enid, they nearly killed you. That act is almost unforgivable. It may not have been their intention, but it doesn’t change the fact that you almost died. This is not something you can just paint over with your pretty little rainbow watercolors and move on from.”

Enid sighed, her heart aching. “I know,” she said quietly. “You’re right, but I don’t want to lose them, Wends. They’re my best friends.”

Wednesday nodded. “And this incident doesn’t change that. They did a terrible thing, but that doesn’t mean they deserve to be completely severed from your life. Take some time, allow yourself to process the trauma you’ve been through, and allow them to process their grave mistakes. Then you can talk about it with them. You can’t just brush over everything bad that happens, Enid, life simply is not that easy.”

Enid nodded in agreement. “You’re right.” She smiled a little, reaching down to give Wednesday’s hand a squeeze. “How come you are so good at giving advice?”

Wednesday’s lips quirked up to a tiny smile. “I can do anything if it means helping you.”

Enid giggled. She leaned over and kissed Wednesday on the cheek. “You’re the best, Wends. I love you.”

Wednesday returned the favor with a kiss to Enid’s forehead. “I love you too. Promise you’ll never almost-die again, please.”

Enid chuckled and nuzzled into her girlfriend’s neck. “I promise.”

Chapter Text

Two weeks had passed since Enid’s first werewolf transformation. It was a difficult, laborious transition for her—as it was for everyone else—but she had the support of her steadfast friends and uniquely supportive girlfriend by her side every step of the way. She was finally starting to adjust to all the physical changes when a new problem arose.

“Ow!” Enid shouted as she bit into her drumstick at dinner. She scowled and held her jaw. “That hurt,” she said more quietly.

Yoko scowled in concern. She was sitting across from her at their dining hall table. “What is it?”

Enid shook her head in confusion. “I don't know, there was just this shooting pain when I bit into this chicken leg. I’ve never felt that before.”

Wednesday, who was sitting beside her girlfriend, tilted her head as she studied the were-girl’s face. “Does it feel like a cavity?”

“I don’t know. Maybe.” She shrugged it off. “But I’m too hungry right now.” She tried to take another bite of the drumstick, but shouted in pain as soon as she sunk her teeth in.

“Jeez, Enid, what’s wrong with you?!” Bianca added, turning away from her own conversation with Divina at the sound of her friend’s dramatics.

Enid was holding her jaw with both hands now. “Some of my brothers complained of toothaches after their first transformations…when their fangs started coming in. Maybe it’s that.”

Wednesday nodded. She reached up to cup Enid’s cheek in concern, stroking her thumb across her chin to soothe the pain. “They could probably give you good advice on this.”

Yoko was already standing up. “I’ll go get them. Maybe they can help.” She raised her hands in defeat. “Because I cannot listen to that screaming anymore.”

Enid rolled her eyes a little at the sass. She screwed her eyes closed and began to grit her teeth at another painful pang that was now giving her a headache.

“Hey, lil’ sis, heard your fangs are finally coming in,” came the booming voice of Enid’s youngest older brother, Joshua, as he approached the table. He sat down on the bench beside her and gave her a huge grin.

Joshua had wolfed out five years ago, right at the beginning of puberty. He was their mother’s favorite child—everything he did always seemed to be the right thing, at least to Esther. He was always the most helpful around the house, the mediator during family arguments, the one who always reminded his siblings to be kind to one another. So when he wolfed out right at 12 years old, the pressure on Enid became even more intense. 

But regardless of the favoritism, Enid didn’t resent her brother for it. They were only a year and a half apart in age, which made them perfect playmates growing up. As they got into their teenage years, they drifted apart a little, but were always there for each other if the need ever arose. Now was one of those occasions.

Enid nodded at Joshua. “It’s like, all of a sudden, I can’t even chew a drumstick,” she complained.

He waved a dismissive hand. “Ah, it’ll pass. No need to worry.” He grabbed her chin and pried her mouth open rather brutally, squinting his eyes as he studied her teeth. “I don’t know, Enid, your gums look worse than mine did back then.”

Enid jerked her head away to free it from her brother’s grasp. “What do you mean?”

Joshua worried his lip. “Mine were just a little red. Yours are so swollen.” He shrugged. “I don’t know, it could be totally normal.”

Enid groaned, burying her face in her hands.

Wednesday rubbed Enid’s back with a comforting hand. “Let’s see if the pain subsides any by morning, and if not, we’ll get the nurse to take a look at it.”

Joshua nodded in agreement. “Yeah, you come see me.” He swung his hand back and delivered an aggressive slap to his sister’s back, causing her to gasp and jerk forward. “We’ll get you all sorted out, baby sis.”

Enid scoffed and rolled her eyes in playful annoyance as she watched her brother stand and return to his own table.

The pain did not subside overnight. In fact, it got exponentially worse. Enid could not fall asleep. The pain grew and spread throughout her whole jaw, and her head ached miserably. She downed a sizeable portion of ibuprofen, but even that didn’t make a dent in the discomfort.

Wednesday, who had been unpeacefully sleeping like a corpse (as usual), awoke in the wee hours of the morning to the sound of sniffling coming from the other side of their room. She was familiar with this sound, as she’d heard it on a few occasions during their time together as roommates. In the very beginning of their relationship—before she admitted to herself how in-love she was with Enid—Wednesday ignored her roommate’s tears and put in earplugs so she could fall back asleep. But now that the were-girl had made her way into the psychic’s heart, Enid’s pain became Wednesday’s own. She could no longer ignore her tears, because it made her own heart ache. Repulsing .

Wednesday uncrossed her arms and sat up in her dark bed. She set her socked feet on the wooden floor and stood, padding her way over to her girlfriend’s side of the room. It was dark, but Wednesday was accustomed to it, and she could see the pain in Enid’s expression as she lie in bed. She was holding her bedclothes in a death-grip, her eyes were scrunched up with tears trickling out of them, and she was grinding her teeth. She was in severe pain, that much was obvious. Even a child could have deciphered that.

“Enid,” Wednesday whispered, unsure of her status of awakeness. She sat down on the bed beside her and placed a hand on her leg from atop her covers. “Are you okay?”

Enid shook her head and groaned. She turned over to bury her face in her pillow and yell into it.

“Enid, mi amor , is it your mouth?” she asked gently as she stroked her hair. 

The werewolf nodded and turned to lie on her back. She wiped the tears from her eyes and took a deep, shaky breath. “It’s so much worse,” she mumbled. “And it’s giving me a bitch of a cluster headache. I can’t sleep.”

Wednesday furrowed her brow. “Did any of your brothers experience this much pain after their transformations?”

Enid shook her head. “No, not at all. I shared a room with Joshua back then; I would know.” She groaned again, to which Wednesday responded by cupping her cheek affectionately. She blushed a little; the action had come naturally, almost involuntarily. It was certainly unlike her. But she didn’t pull her hand away; slowly, she was learning that affection is okay.

“We need to get you to the infirmary,” Wednesday remarked, stroking her cheek with her thumb. She wiped away a tear. “This is not normal.”

Enid nodded in agreement. “Please. I can’t stand this anymore.”

The nurse narrowed her eyes as she shined a flashlight into her patient’s mouth. She clicked her tongue. “I see, I see.”

Wednesday narrowed her eyes. “What do you see?”

The nurse removed her gloved hands from Enid’s mouth and clicked the flashlight off. “You, my dear, have a classic case of what we call ‘wisdom fangs.’ They’re relatively common in new werewolves.”

“‘Wisdom fangs?’ Like wisdom teeth?” Enid asked, nearly amused, if she weren’t in so much pain.

The nurse nodded. “Yes, very similar. Sometimes the fangs that come in are too large for your jawbone structure. It’s more common in young females than males.” She picked up her clipboard and wrote a few things down. “You’ll need a relatively urgent surgery before your fangs grow in improperly. I’ll call the lycanthrope oral surgeon I know down in Boston and get you booked as soon as possible.”

“Wait, surgery ? Is that really necessary?!” Enid asked in mild panic.

The nurse nodded, setting the clipboard down. “Unfortunately, yes. In your case, it’s quite urgent; if they grow in incorrectly, you risk severe bone damage the next time you wolf out. But no need to worry; all they do is open up your gums, realign the fangs, and file them down a little. You only go under for an hour or so.”

“Does it hurt?”

“Only a little when your anesthesia starts to wear off.” She smiled warmly to comfort her patient. “But, once it’s all over, you’ll feel so much better than you feel now, dear.” Enid nodded in understanding, trying to slow her breathing to calm her nerves. The nurse picked up the clipboard and walked over to her desk. “We’ll get you some pain medication for the time being,” she said.

Enid looked up at Wednesday with wide eyes. The psychic nodded at her as if to say, you’re going to be okay .

Early the next morning, Principal Weems picked Enid up from her dorm to drive her to her appointment. The nurse had been able to pull some strings and get the surgeon to squeeze her in right away. Weems allowed Enid to bring one companion, and of course, she chose Wednesday. Her parents weren’t able to travel all the way across the country in time, but Enid was okay with that. It wasn’t like Esther was a huge, comforting presence in her life.

“I remember when your mother and I’s good friend Janice had her wisdom fangs surgery,” Larissa said to Wednesday as she drove the girls to Boston. She smiled at the memory. “It’s almost like a rite of passage.”

Enid grunted from the passenger seat. “I would hardly call this agony a rite of passage.”

Wednesday’s lips quirked up at a memory. “I remember when I removed Pugsley’s wisdom teeth. I can still hear his screams.”

Enid and her principal just eyed one another, too afraid to respond.

Enid sucked in a breath at the feeling of the cold antiseptic swab on her inner elbow. She knew what was coming next, and she hated needles.

“Okay, you’ll feel a little pinch,” the nurse anesthetist told her.

Enid’s heart began to flutter in her chest in fear. Tears welled up in her eyes. Her wide eyes darted to her girlfriend, who was sitting beside her. Wednesday met her eyes and nodded at her in support.

“It will be over before you even think about it hurting,” the psychic reassured her.

Enid swallowed and nodded. A tear trickled down when she closed her eyes. She winced a little when the nurse inserted the IV needle, but Wednesday was right; it was over before she could think about it. 

She opened her eyes to see the nurse attaching a tube to the IV port in her arm. A moment later, the anesthesiologist entered and began to prepare the anesthesia.

As the doctor prepared to push the medication into Enid’s IV, Wednesday turned to her girlfriend for one last goodbye. She leaned in and brushed the hair off Enid’s forehead before planting a gentle kiss there. “You’re going to be alright. You’ll fall asleep, and it’ll be over before you know it.”

Enid nodded and swallowed the lump in her throat as the nurse adjusted her chair to make her lie flat. She kept a tight grip on Wednesday’s hand as the anesthesiologist pushed the syringe, allowing the anesthesia to flow through the IV into her arm.

“Count down from ten for me,” the doctor told her.

“Ten…” she began, her lips quirking up when she saw Wednesday smiling at her from above. “Nine, eight…” Her girlfriend was so beautiful, wasn’t she? “Seven, six, five…” She really was so lucky to have her. “Four, three…” 

Wednesday sat anxiously in the waiting room beside her principal. It wasn't the first time they’d been sitting in a waiting room together, and perhaps not the last time, either. But this time, Wednesday was actually anxious to find out how the patient was doing. She hardly felt empathy, but when it came to Enid, she felt far too much of it for her liking. Enid had a complete grip on her heart, and she didn’t know how it happened. She guessed that’s how love works. 

Disgusting. Don’t start thinking like a lovesick teenager, she told herself. Deep down, though, she knew that’s exactly what she was.

Both women stood when they saw Enid’s nurse enter the waiting room, her surgical mask freshly hanging around her neck.

She smiled warmly at them. “Miss Sinclair’s surgery was very successful. She should be back to normal in no time.”

Weems heaved a sigh of relief, her hand on her chest. “Thank goodness. I’m sure her parents will be so relieved.”

The nurse nodded. “Would you like to come back and see her?”

“Yes,” Wednesday replied without a millisecond of hesitation.

Weems took her phone out of her purse. “You go ahead,” she said to her pupil. “I need to make a phone call to Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair.”

Wednesday followed the nurse back to the recovery ward. The woman pulled back a curtain to reveal Enid lying in bed. Her mouth was swollen and she looked half-asleep.

Wednesday moved to the chair next to her bed and sat down, then scooted in close to hold her girlfriend’s hand. “How are you feeling, Enid?”

Enid tried to smile, but her swollen cheeks barely moved at all. “So so so so good,” she responded, almost incoherently. She was slurring her words, but that was to be expected, what with all the gauze in her mouth.

“It doesn’t hurt?”

“Nooooo! ‘Course not.” She looked up at her girlfriend and gave her a dopey smile. “You’re so pretty when you’re worried ‘bout me.”

Wednesday’s cheeks flushed a little, which was exacerbated when she heard the nurse giggling a little from the corner of the room, where she was charting Enid’s medical information.

“Yep,” Enid went on, now dopily staring up at the ceiling. “Guys, I really pulled with this one. She’s a gooooood catch.”

Wednesday had to bite her lip to keep from smiling or bursting out laughing.

It took both Weems’s and Wednesday’s full efforts to wrangle Enid back to the car. Her legs seemed to be functioning more like fresh al dente noodles than skin and bones, and each woman had to keep a strong grip on one of Enid’s arms just to keep her at least somewhat upright. It didn’t help matters that she was constantly giggling.

As Wednesday buckled Enid’s seatbelt in the backseat for her, the werewolf grabbed her wrist. “I love you, Wends.”

“I love you too, Enid,” Wednesday responded, not bothered in the slightest by her extra affectionate behavior. Enid was already touchy and lovey-dovey in normal circumstances, and the anesthesia was appearing to intensify these qualities tenfold.

Wednesday started to lean away from Enid to move to her spot in the passenger seat, but the werewolf gripped her wrist tighter. “Noooo!” she whined. “Don’t leave me. I love you!”

“I love you too, mi amor , you know that. Just because I sit in the front seat, it doesn’t mean I don’t love you.”

Enid looked up at her girlfriend with wide eyes. Wednesday watched in horror as those eyes became glossy. The were-girl began to wail, tears streaming down her face as she sobbed.

“Alright, alright, shhh,” Wednesday mumbled, allowing her girlfriend to bury her face in her shirt as she stroked the back of her head. “You’re okay.”

“I’d advise you just sit back there with her,” Weems offered, eyeing the girls through the rearview mirror. Wednesday could have sworn she saw a touch of amusement in her expression.

The psychic climbed into the backseat and put her arm around Enid, allowing her to rest her head on her shoulder as they drove. She normally wouldn’t so readily offer this much affection, of course not, but today was a special circumstance. Enid needed her.

But gosh, it felt good to be so physically close to her. She made a mental note to be physically affectionate more often.

Who are you? Wednesday scolded herself. You’re willingly putting yourself in a vulnerable position right now. Weak.

Wednesday shook away those thoughts, rejected them. Who cares if she’s vulnerable? Her heavily-drugged girlfriend was in her arms, coming off of a very recent surgery. It doesn’t get more vulnerable than that. Wednesday could sacrifice a few uncomfortable hours of physical touch if it meant comforting Enid even the slightest bit.

Enid slept most of the drive back to Nevermore. Since she was completely unconscious, Weems opted to carry her up to her dorm instead of risking stirring her out of her much-needed rest.

Once Larissa left their dorm, Wednesday removed Enid’s shoes for her and gently tucked her into bed. Just as she moved to stand from the bed, she felt a weak hand atop her own. Her eyes moved to Enid, whose eyes were still closed.

“Stay,” she whispered.

Wednesday couldn’t help but smile at that. “Twist my arm,” she whispered back, before kicking off her own shoes and sliding into bed right beside her.

Enid’s eyelids had never felt heavier in her life. After some significant effort, she finally managed to open them, happy to see the bright sunlight shining into her dorm.

“Good morning,” Wednesday said to her. She was already awake, sitting on Enid’s large mountain of plushies, working on homework. Enid smiled, knowing that Wednesday had been sitting there just to keep a closer eye on her.

“‘Morning.” She sat up, hugging her pillow close to her chest.

“How do you feel?” Wednesday asked, setting her math notebook on the floor beside her.

Enid shrugged. “A little achy, but so much better than before.”

“See? Everyone told you.”

Enid just smiled a little in response.

“So, what all do you remember? Anything?” Wednesday asked.

Enid squinted as she tried to conjure up the memories. “Uhh…I remember counting down from ten, then all of a sudden, it was dark, and I was in my own bed. I think you were there, too.”

Wednesday smiled a little. Enid had been coherent when she asked her to stay last night.

Why are you smiling? This isn’t you, the little voice in Wednesday’s head said again. Her smile faded.

“Listen,” Wednesday said as she stood and padded over to Enid’s bed. She sat down beside her. “This whole wisdom fangs exploit has made me realize that, as we get further in our relationship, vulnerability is going to be inevitable.”

Enid nodded. “Of course it is. Isn’t it like that in every relationship?”

Wednesday blinked. “I’m referring to the moments when we’re at our worst. And our best. It’s going to be important that we’re comfortable sharing those moments with one another. I can’t expect you to be comfortable choosing me over your own brothers to be your only accompaniment to your first ever surgery, without me being willing to be vulnerable with you, too.”

This isn’t you, the little voice reminded her. But this time, it was quieter.

Wednesday met Enid’s eyes, ignoring the voice. “So I’m going to be more vulnerable with you from now on. Anytime that voice in my head tells me not to, anytime I feel like I should just keep it to myself, I’m going to reject those ideas and express myself to you. Because you deserve nothing less.”

Enid beamed. “Nothing’s hotter than your closed-off girlfriend expressing her feelings to you in the morning sunlight, when the beams perfectly hit her chocolate-brown eyes.”

“My God, Enid, now you’re the one talking like an ancient Greek poet.”

“What can I say? You’re rubbing off on me.” Enid giggled, gently enough so as not to exacerbate her pain.

Wednesday beamed and took Enid’s hand in her own and looked up to admire her sweet face, her blonde hair, her blue eyes. She basked in the moment, feeling a swell of gratitude in her chest at how much she’d grown since meeting her. And for once, the voice telling her no was completely silent.

Chapter Text

It was early September, and the beautiful trees of Vermont were already showing shades of red, yellow, and orange. The Nevermore students had just moved back into their dorms the day before. Enid and Wednesday had requested the same dormitory in Ophelia Hall, and because of all they’d done for the school that past winter, the freshly-recovered Principal Weems allowed it.

“I just hope this year will be better than last year,” Ajax remarked to his friends. They were all walking to their first fencing practice of the year together, missing one another after such a long summer break.

“I don’t understand how it could be any better,” Wednesday responded. Her lips quirked up in a creepy way. “That was the most horrifying school year of my life. I have always striven to have several near-death experiences, be kidnapped, and kill a resurrected pilgrim.”

Enid shared a scowl with Yoko. “You’re insane, I hope you know that,” Enid teased.

Wednesday blinked. “No one has ever doubted that.”

Once they made it to the fencing room, the friends separated into their respective locker rooms to change. Clad in her black uniform, Wednesday reached into her case and slid out her shiny sabre. Her eyes trailed up and down it, half admiring and half examining it for imperfections.

“Wednesday!” Enid’s voice interrupted her thoughts. The psychic looked up, slightly annoyed, at her girlfriend. The werewolf smiled. “Wanna be my partner for today?”

Wednesday pushed air out of her nostrils. Enid was nowhere near her skill level, so she would either have to take it easy on her or completely obliterate her, and Enid’s self-esteem along with it. “That’s not advisable.”

Enid’s smile only grew. “I promise I’m so much better now. I’ve been practicing all summer!” She took Wednesday’s sabre out of her hand and swung it around a little. Wednesday had to tilt her body to dodge it.

“Enid, I–”

Enid stepped closer to her girlfriend, looking down at her dark eyes with her own blue puppy-eyes. “Please? Just give me a chance.”

Wednesday sighed a little. “Fine.”

“Yay!” Enid giggled, swinging the sabre around victoriously. Wednesday once more had to dodge it precariously.

The girls made their way out to the mats. They got into position, smiled at each other, then slid on their masks. As they dueled, Wednesday began to assess Enid’s skill level, and had to admit she was a little impressed with her improvement from last season. She was nowhere near her level, but she had improved nonetheless.

Wednesday went easy on Enid, but subtly, to prevent her from noticing. They were going at a good pace until Enid made a move that caught both of them off-guard—she thrusted her sabre straight into Wednesday’s torso.

Wednesday didn’t even register the pain at first. Enid screamed, dropped the sabre’s handle, and clamped her hands over her mouth. Wednesday dropped her own sabre and grabbed onto Enid’s to keep it from falling out of her body. She stared at her girlfriend, her lips parted in shock. Her eyes slowly trailed down to her torso, which now had a sizeable length of the sabre inside. She swallowed, just taking in the gruesome sight.

Wednesday couldn’t hear the cries and shouts of her classmates and the adults in the room as she swiftly and cleanly tore the sabre out of her body, dropping it out of her hands. It rolled across the mat and dropped to the floor with a clink . Wednesday pressed her fingers against the wound and felt the warm blood seeping through.

“You aren’t supposed to do that!” someone shouted, and for some reason, that’s what snapped Wednesday out of her daze. She knew from her father’s survival lessons not to remove impaled objects so as to slow bleeding, but she could not bear the humiliation of being transported to the infirmary with a fencing sabre in her body. She would become a bizarre, walking trophy for her opponent. 

Wednesday looked up to see all of her friends and peers surrounding her with shocked expressions. Enid stood before her, her face a red mess of tears and snot, blubbering and muttering apologies.

“I didn’t know the tip was missing! I swear I didn’t mean it, Wednesday, oh God!” she cried, her body trembling.

Suddenly hands were on Wednesday’s arms. “Come on, let’s get you some help, you’ll be okay,” came the calming voice of Bianca. She was far more put-together than the rest of her peers at that moment, and seemed to be the only one capable of helping instead of gawking. She wrapped a supportive arm around Wednesday’s back to support her. She took a few clean tissues out of her pocket and handed them to her. “Press these on the wound.”

Wednesday nodded in agreement and did as she was told. She barely registered the pain as she pressed against her injury. She looked up at the teenagers surrounding them. “Go on, I’m sure there are far more important things all of you can be doing right now,” Wednesday snapped.

As the teenagers dispersed, Enid shakily made her way to stand next to her girlfriend. “Wends, it was an accident, I promise,” she mumbled.

Wednesday nodded. “I know. I will survive.”

The group began to make their way to the exit, Wednesday’s steps shaky and uneven. The adrenaline was beginning to wear off, and she became more aware of the stabbing pains in her abdomen. As they made their way through the hallway, Wednesday began to stumble out of Bianca’s grip. She pressed her body against the wall and breathed heavily, the tissues pressed against her stomach now completely soaked through with blood. She barely heard the muffled words of her friends as she leaned over and retched onto the marble tile floor.

“Oh my God, it’s bloody!” Enid screamed, her eyes wide with horror. 

“Calm down, Enid, your panic isn’t going to do her any good,” Bianca snapped.

“Stop…arguing,” Wednesday muttered as she tried to fight for consciousness. Alas, the effort was too much, and she found her knees buckling. Before she hit the floor, everything faded into darkness.

Wednesday always wondered what it felt like to be disemboweled. Regrettably, she had never had the honor of doing it to anyone but a dead squirrel, but she had always been fascinated by the idea. Getting to experience it herself would be a completely new level of intrigue.

The young psychic despised hospitals almost as much as she enjoyed disembowelment. She was unhappy that whichever adult had found her unconscious in the corridor had elected to bring her to the hospital. It was a mild injury, and besides, everyone knew that she hated hospitals, with all of the caretaking and compassion and medically-necessary physical contact.

Wednesday’s awareness came back in fuzzy increments, as if the world was fading back into view. It began with the faint buzzing of the florescent lights up above, then the steady beeps of the heart monitors, then the muffled voices of nurses and doctors.

Wednesday opened her heavy eyelids to see Bianca’s eyes gazing down at her. When she saw that Wednesday was awake she smiled a little.

“Good to see you awake,” the siren said. She grabbed a water cup from the bed table and handed it to Wednesday.

Wednesday ripped the oxygen cannula out of her nose and took the cup from Bianca, taking a generous sip. She swallowed as she gathered her bearings.

“Where’s Enid?” she asked groggily.

Bianca chewed her cheek. “She waited to see that you made it through surgery then headed back to school. The quote was, ‘Wednesday won’t want to wake up to the person who stabbed her.’”

Wednesday sighed. “That’s preposterous,” she muttered.

“I know,” Bianca agreed with a sigh. “It seems like everyone but her knows it was an accident. She’s taken this pretty hard.”

Wednesday blinked, staring at the wall. “How long has it been?”

“Only about fourteen hours or so. We got the nurse right after you passed out, and she thought it would’ve been best to bring you here. Turns out she was right, because they did emergency surgery on you.”

Wednesday scowled. “Was it really that severe?”

Bianca nodded, her eyebrows raised. “It perforated your small intestine and narrowly missed your kidney. They had to patch it up before it got infected.”

Wednesday sucked in a breath, realizing for the first time the ache in her abdomen. She looked down and pulled up her tunic to reveal a large bandage wrapped around her torso.

“You okay? Should I get the nurse?” the siren asked, concerned.

Wednesday shook her head. “When can I be discharged?”

Bianca’s lips parted. “Wednesday, it’s not even been a day, give yourself some grace here.”

Wednesday’s eyes darted to her friend’s. “Give me my phone, then.”

Bianca pressed her lips together, but did as she was told. Wednesday took the device from her and desperately texted her girlfriend.

Come to the hospital. I want to talk to you.

As she pressed “send,” Bianca gathered her things to leave.

“Where are you going?” Wednesday asked.

The siren turned around, her purse over her shoulder. “You clearly want to be alone, so I am respecting your wishes.”

Wednesday just looked her up and down, to which Bianca scoffed. She shook her head and left without another word. Maybe Wednesday had been a little standoffish, but she had no idea why Bianca had been so offended. Oh well.

She checked her phone. Enid hadn’t responded. She stood from her bed, grabbed her IV post, and walked outside to the nurse’s station.

“Ms. Addams? You should not be out of bed,” scolded her nurse.

“I need to know when I can be discharged. Will it be by this evening?”

The nurse scoffed. “Honey, it will be far longer than that, and even longer if you don’t get yourself back in bed right this instant.”

Wednesday huffed and turned around, making her way back to her room in resignation. She despised being ordered around like this, especially when she wasn’t in that much pain at all. She shouldn’t be subjected to the same treatment as any normal human being; she was an Addams, after all. Her pain tolerance and soul in general were far stronger than those of the mundane citizens of Jericho whom the hospital normally treated.

As she settled back into her hospital bed, Wednesday checked her phone. No response from Enid, but a missed call from her father. She redialed him right away.

“My little tormenta? Is that you?”

“Yes, father.”

“How are you feeling, sweetheart? Your principal told us about your accident.”

Wednesday closed her eyes and groaned under her breath. How many people had Weems told? Did she tell her teachers, too? Wednesday didn’t exactly want this to be advertised; she saw the whole incident as an embarrassing display of her inability to defend herself when she had emotional investments in the matter.

“I’m doing fine, father.”

“Bien. Muy bien. Oh, your mother wants to speak with you. Here you go, Tish.”

A rustling sound.

“Wednesday, my darling! Are you doing okay? I know how much you like hospitals.”

“I am fine, mother. It was a mild injury.”

“I know how strong you are, darling. But I must ask, how did this happen? Did your classmate sabotage you?”

Wednesday sighed. “Regrettably, there was no malicious intent. It was Enid, and it was an accident.”

“Oh, that darling Enid! Well then, feel better, my love. I am sorry it was not more exciting. A new murderer on campus would have started your fall semester off right!

Oh well, I assume you are not in need of a visit by us?”

“I will be fine on my own, mother, thank you.”

“Just what I thought, mi hija fuerte. I love you, darling.”

Wednesday hung up without responding, and set her phone down on her bed table. She checked her messages. Still no reply from Enid.

Of course the werewolf would blame herself for this. Unlike Wednesday, she had a very low regard for herself, and always assumed fault in any situation. She would beat herself up for even remotely causing pain to anything or anyone else. Wednesday couldn’t imagine the anguish she must be feeling at the realization that she’d hospitalized her own girlfriend.

Wednesday knew what she had to do.

“I bet I can beat you,” Enid said with a smirk as she and Wednesday circled one another, ready for a duel.

“When satanic leaf-tailed geckos fly,” Wednesday retorted, matching her girlfriend’s smirk.

“What does that even mean?” Enid asked as she thrust her sabre. 

Wednesday parried. “Whatever you want it to mean, mi amor .”

Enid ignored her obvious attempt to distract her and thrust her sabre toward Wednesday’s abdomen. Her eyes widened in horror when it sunk deep into her body.

Wednesday stopped moving. She dropped her own sabre and shakily reached up to remove her mask. She ripped Enid’s sabre out of her body and dropped it. Her pale face remained stoic as her body went rigid and she fell to the floor.

Enid rushed to crouch by her girlfriend’s side. “No! Wednesday! I’m so sorry!” she screamed. She watched in horror as blood seeped in gallons from her body. The mat filled with a puddle of her blood, and it started to stain Enid’s knees and feet. She screamed in horror and pressed her hands against the wound in a feeble attempt to stop the bleeding. 

Enid’s eyes shot up to the peers surrounding them. “Somebody, help! She’s going to die!”

The teenagers just blinked in response.

“Are you really just going to stand there and let her die?!”

“This is your fault,” they responded in unison, as if they were possessed entities. “She’s going to die here. Her blood is on your hands.”

“No!” she cried, tears pouring down her cheeks. “She’ll be okay!” But as her eyes moved to her pale girlfriend lying on the floor, she saw the life already draining from her eyes.

“Just remember that this was all your doing,” came the unified voices once more. “It’s all your fault.”

They continued to repeat it over and over again, until Enid screamed and clasped her hands over her ears. She didn’t even care that she was getting Wednesday’s blood all over her ears and blonde hair. She screamed, willing away the demonic voices that were taunting her.

“Enid,” came a voice in the doorway.

Enid sat up, her heart racing and her breathing heavy, her hair and neck soaked in the cold sweat of her nightmare.

“Wednesday?” she whispered, squinting to try and make out the figure that was entering her dorm.

Her visitor approached Enid’s bed and clicked on her lamp. The werewolf relaxed a little when she saw that it was indeed Wednesday, but only for a moment until reality sunk back in. She noticed the black sweater that she was wearing over her hospital gown, and the too-large nurse’s clogs that she had slid on over her hospital-issued grippy socks.

“Wednesday, what the hell are you doing here?!” she exclaimed.

The psychic moved to sit on the edge of her girlfriend’s bed. “You weren’t answering my messages.”

Enid scowled. “So you ran away from the hospital?!”

Wednesday shrugged. “The warden didn’t let me leave when I wanted to.”

Enid scoffed and shook her head in dismay. “Weems is going to have your neck, you know.”

She stared into Enid’s eyes. “I’d like to see her try.”

Enid shook her head again and sat back against her headboard. “So why did you come all the way here?”

“I told you, I wanted to talk to you,” Wednesday replied, moving to sit beside her against the headboard. They both stared at the colorful tapestry that was pinned to the ceiling above them.

“Why would you want to talk to the girl who almost killed you?”

“You didn’t.” Wednesday smirked a little. “It takes a lot more than a fencing sabre to kill an Addams.”

Enid sighed. “I’m glad you’re okay, but…I just feel so guilty. I’m so, so sorry, Wends.”

Wednesday turned to her girlfriend and took her hand in her own. “I do not blame you, Enid. It was a simple mistake.”

Enid turned away and wriggled her hand out of Wednesday’s grip. “Yeah, but it was reckless! I wanted to show off, and I was too excited to take a basic safety precaution. You could have died and your blood would have been only on my hands. Imagine killing your own girlfriend!”

Wednesday smirked, just looking over at Enid’s beautiful blue eyes, her perfect skin, that little wrinkle that formed between her eyebrows when she was worried. “You couldn’t kill me if you tried.”

Enid scowled. “I’m a werewolf. I can’t be so careless. What if I wolf out and lose control and tear you to pieces?!”

Wednesday studied the rainbow trout painted on the tapestry. “You won’t.”

“How can you be so certain?!”

Wednesday turned to Enid and stared her in the eyes, commanding her attention. Finally, Enid gave it to her, her blue eyes looking hurt but ready to listen. “You, Enid, have the purest heart of anyone I have ever met. Never in my life has anyone cared about me this much. Do you know how many times I have nearly killed my brother? Or how many times my adversaries have brought me within an inch of my own life? The difference between you and them, Enid, is that you feel guilty. That’s what reassures me that you will never be capable of truly harming me. You do not have it in you to kill me. You do not have it in you to kill anyone . A pure heart will never taint another.”

Enid was tearing up now, her eyes glossy in the lamplight. 

Wednesday cupped Enid’s cheek and pulled her in for a brief kiss. As she pulled away, she admired her blonde hair, the kindness in her blue eyes. “I forgive you,” she whispered.

Enid, for the first time since the incident, smiled. “I love you, Wednesday.”

Wednesday smiled back and leaned in for another kiss. Just as their lips were about to touch, the door to their dorm burst open and they pushed away from each other.

Principal Weems stood in the doorway, her hand splayed on the surface of the door, a furious expression on her face. “Wednesday Addams!” she fumed.

Enid and Wednesday eyed each other and broke out in hysterical laughter, their hands tightly laced together, with no desire of ever letting go.

Chapter Text

“Sweaters have too many holes in them,” Enid complained with a scowl on her face, her arms wrapped around her body protectively. It was a brisk fall Saturday, and she, Yoko, and Wednesday were walking to the Weathervane. 

“I have informed you several times that an undershirt would solve this dilemma instantly,” Wednesday retorted, vague annoyance in her voice. As per usual, she was dressed in several black-and-white layers despite her immunity to the cold.

Yoko popped her gum bubble and sucked it back into her mouth. “Maybe if you didn’t wear little tights and skirts all the time, you’d be warmer,” she added, eyeing the rainbow leggings and pencil skirt on her friend’s legs.

“It’s not my fault I didn’t pack enough pants for move-in!” Enid whined, scowling. “And it’s not like I’m going to ask my mom to bring them to me. I don’t want to give her another excuse to visit me. She hasn’t left me alone since my transformation.”

Wednesday sighed, turning the corner as the sidewalk turned into the town square. “Regardless of your wardrobe, let us enjoy our afternoon in peace.”

“Like you’re one to enjoy peace!” Enid chortled, playfully shoving her girlfriend. Her face fell when the action sent Wednesday straight into a vision, her neck jerking to crane toward the sky, her eyes wide.

“Come on, five extra minutes at the drugstore won’t kill you two!” Enid insisted as she dragged Yoko and Wednesday down the sidewalk. “I just really want the new Maybelline lipgloss. I have to have it for my history presentation Monday. I cannot have my classmates thinking I’m frumpy.”

“What are you saying, Enid? Is Wednesday’s mom’s maiden name an insult?” Yoko asked, an eyebrow raised.

Enid rolled her eyes playfully and let go of her friends, skipping off the sidewalk to cross the street to the drugstore. Time seemed to move in slow motion as the deafening squeak of tires sounded and a pickup truck rushed into view. In a split-second, the truck was gone, and Enid was lying in the middle of the street, her arms wrapped around her body, wailing in pain.

Wednesday tried to scream, but it was like her vocal cords were paralyzed. She ran into the middle of the street, her legs luckily at normal capacity. Her girlfriend was covered in blood, and her breathing was shallow and uneven. Her eyes wide, Wednesday frantically ran her hands up and down Enid’s body, feverishly searching her for signs of injury. 

To her horror, Wednesday watched the rise and fall of her chest slow, then stop entirely. She tried to scream, tried so hard until her lungs began to burn. She screamed until she started to lose her breath and her own world faded to black.

“Wednesday. Wednesday!” Enid shouted from above her head. The psychic opened her eyes to see Enid and Yoko standing over her. Someone was holding her in their arms, and it took her a moment to bring herself back to reality.

“Enid,” she said with a nod, pushing herself out of her girlfriend’s grasp and planting her feet on the sidewalk. She grabbed the wall as she righted herself, her breathing shallow and uneasy from anxiety. She was grateful that her girlfriend was still standing beside her, but she knew that her worst nightmare was still yet to come.

“Are you…good?” Yoko asked hesitantly. She had witnessed less of Wednesday’s visions than Enid had, and they still caught her off-guard.

Wednesday nodded. “Yes, fine. Just another vision,” she replied, pushing off the wall and moving down the sidewalk toward the Weathervane.

“Are you sure?” Enid asked, scowling. She knew Wednesday well enough to tell when she was rattled. It was rare, considering her usual-stoic manner, but this was one of those rare occasions.

Wednesday didn’t respond this time, because she had reached the coffee shop. As the trio became caught up in deciding upon their orders, two of them forgot entirely about the vision. The third, however, could not remove the pictures that had become permanently etched into her mind—her girlfriend, her best friend, dying in front of her eyes.

“Let’s get a seat,” Enid suggested, moving toward one of the booths by the window. Wednesday was on autopilot, in a sort of trance as she picked up her quad. 

“Come on,” Enid said a moment later, her fingers wrapped around her girlfriend’s bicep as she gently pulled her toward their seat. Still in a stupor, Wednesday wordlessly sat down in the booth beside Yoko, her eyes not moving away from the cup in her hands.

Enid scowled as she took her own seat across from her peers. “Are you sure you’re okay, Wends? Did that vision rattle you?”

Wednesday blinked, her eyes slowly moving to meet her girlfriend's face. “No, I am only thinking about the new fencing tactics Coach Vlad taught me last practice. They take mental discipline, which I am already proficient in, but I need to focus on it.” Wednesday was a good liar, and Yoko at least bought it. Enid was skeptical, but let it go for now, seeing that Wednesday was clearly not in the mood to discuss what was actually on her mind.

The hangout went on as usual, with Enid and Yoko giggling over TikToks containing all the Jericho High School or Nevermore gossip. It wasn’t unusual for Wednesday not to contribute, as she didn’t like to involve herself in the trivial affairs of her contemporaries. She usually only came to these weekend hangouts because her girlfriend had dragged her along.

Wednesday couldn’t take her mind off of her vision. So many questions ran through her mind: When would it happen? Was it preventable? Should she tell Enid to prevent it?

Before she knew it, Wednesday’s friends were standing, ready to put their dishes up and head back to Nevermore. She remained on autopilot as she followed them outside, her eyes vigilantly focused on Enid to ensure her safety. 

“I want to go to the drugstore,” Enid said as they made their way down the sidewalk.

Wednesday’s eyes widened. “No, don’t go,” she ordered.

Enid scoffed. “Why not? It’s not gonna hurt you.”

Yoko scratched her head. “Maybe Wednesday’s right, I do have some homework to do…”

Enid smiled and grabbed her friends’ hands, dragging them down the sidewalk. “Come on, five extra minutes at the drugstore won’t kill you two!” 

Wednesday’s heart sunk at the recognition of Enid’s exact line from her vision.

“I just really want the new Maybelline lipgloss. I have to have it for my history presentation Monday. I cannot have my classmates thinking I’m frumpy,” Enid added.

“What are you saying, Enid? Is Wednesday’s mom’s maiden name an insult?” Yoko asked, an eyebrow raised.

Enid rolled her eyes playfully and let go of her friends, but Wednesday grabbed her wrist to stop her. Their eyes met, and Enid’s face fell when she saw Wednesday’s grave expression.

“My vision, Enid—don’t do it,” she ordered, speaking slowly and clearly to make sure that Enid heard her.

Enid scoffed and ripped her arm from Wednesday’s grip. “You’re crazy. Stop being so controlling. You’ve been weird all day.” She shook her head and turned, rushing into the street to cross over to the drugstore.

“NO!” Wednesday shouted as she rushed after her. Sure enough, the screeching of tires sounded and she looked up to see the truck quickly approaching. She shouted and shoved Enid away with every ounce of strength and adrenaline in her body. The werewolf fell to the sidewalk with a painful grunt. Wednesday barely had a moment to register any of that before the truck came crashing into her own body.

Wednesday’s side slammed to the asphalt with a sickening crack . Her body rolled across the road for a few rotations until she came to a stop on her back. She screwed her eyes closed in pain and groaned, her entire body screaming in agony.

“WEDNESDAY! Oh my God, Yoko, call 911!” Enid screamed, her voice cracking in pure terror. She rushed to her girlfriend’s side and knelt down, tears streaming down her face as she cupped her cheek. “Are you okay??”

Wednesday reached up to grab her hand and nodded.

Enid shook her head in dismay. “This is all my fault,” she whispered. “I should have listened. I should have listened to you.”

Wednesday didn’t respond, her mind too focused on trying to breathe to worry about anything else.

Yoko was now standing in the road to block off traffic as she got on the phone with the 911 operator.

“It all happened too fast…” Enid mumbled, the back of her trembling hand stroking her lover’s cheek. “I’m so sorry, Wednesday, I’m so, so, sorry…”

“She got hit by a pickup truck!” Enid said frantically as the paramedics rushed Wednesday into the trauma bay of the Emergency Room. She stood in the corner of the room as the doctors and nurses carefully transferred the girl from the stretcher to a bed. “It hit her in the side pretty bad. She was conscious right after it happened, but she fell asleep soon after that.”

A doctor leaned in to put her ear in front of Wednesday’s mouth. “Decreased breathing sounds. Most likely a collapsed lung,” she told the other professionals in the room. A nurse immediately stepped in and started cutting Wednesday’s top off. 

“Insert a chest tube,” another doctor instructed.

Another nurse started to apply a brown iodine solution to her side. Enid watched in horror as she picked up a scalpel and started cutting into Wednesday’s skin.

“What are you doing to her?!” Enid exclaimed, her eyes wide in terror.

A doctor looked up at her, his eyes narrow. He pointed to the door. “Someone get her out of here,” he ordered.

“No, but, she’s my girlfriend! You have to let me stay, I have to make sure she’s okay, I—” Before she could finish, a nurse was hushing her and gently ushering her out of the room. Enid buried her face in her sweater sleeves as she sobbed, not knowing or caring where the nurse was guiding her to. 

“Your girlfriend is going to be alright, sweetie,” the nurse reassured her as she sat her down in the waiting room. Enid opened her eyes, her nose running as the tears began to slow. The nurse was crouched in front of her. She smiled and took a tissue out of her pocket, handing it to the teenager. “My name is Olivia.” She squinted a little when her eyes fell upon the blood covering her knee where her tights had torn. “Are you hurt?” she asked.

Enid scowled and looked down. “Oh,” she mumbled. “I didn’t even notice.”

Olivia smiled gently. “I’ll be right back.”

Enid sighed and sunk deeper into her chair. She couldn’t stop rehashing the events in her mind. There was no doubt about it; it was her fault Wednesday was hurt. Had she just listened to her, everyone would be in one piece. She was a psychic , for God’s sake! 

“Here, I brought you a pink bandaid to match your outfit,” Olivia said as she returned with a few supplies in her hands. She knelt back down in front of Enid and gently began cleaning off the wound with Bactine.

“It was my fault,” Enid muttered with a sniffle.

The nurse scowled and looked up from her ministrations. “What do you mean? What was your fault?”

Enid shook her head in dismay. “Wednesday told me not to run into the street. I was so stupid, I should have listened…”

“Honey, she was just trying to protect you, I’m sure she doesn’t blame you.”

Enid held back tears. “You don’t understand. She knew what was going to happen, and I disregarded what she said anyway. I didn’t trust her; what kind of girlfriend doesn’t trust her?!”

Olivia bit her lip as she gently stuck the bandaid onto her scrape. “We all make mistakes sometimes, Enid, you have to give yourself some grace,” she advised as she gathered up the trash. As she stood, she placed a calming hand on the girl’s shoulder. Enid’s eyes moved up to meet hers, and the woman offered a smile. “Your energy would be better spent hoping for the best for Wednesday.”

Enid nodded in agreement, her eyes darting to the floor in shame. A set of heels moved into her line of vision. “How is the patient?” a familiar voice asked. Olivia turned and Enid’s eyes moved up to see a very concerned Principal Weems standing in the waiting room, Yoko beside her. Weems was still dressed in her outdoor coat; she had just arrived, and had clearly driven there in a panic.

“She just arrived, it’ll be a while before we know much of anything,” Olivia responded honestly. Weems thanked and dismissed her before taking a seat beside Enid, who was now sandwiched between her and Yoko.

“They were cutting open her chest,” Enid muttered. “Right in front of my eyes.”

Weems gave a gentle pat to her pupil’s leg. “I’m sorry you had to see that, darling. I’m sure it’s standard procedure.”

“It wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for me.”

“Whatever do you mean?” Weems asked. But the questions faded into the distance, Enid too consumed by her own guilt that nothing else was processed through her senses.

Wednesday scowled at the abrupt shining of a light directly into her pupil. She groaned and tried to move her head away from the invader, but she was too weak to make much of a movement.

“All things considered, she’s incredibly lucky. She’s got a few broken ribs, a liver laceration, and a collapsed lung, but at her age, she will have no problem making a full recovery. It’s remarkable, really; there’s no neurological damage, her spine is perfectly intact, and all her vital organs are unscathed.”

Wednesday felt the sensation of someone touching her hand. She groaned again and managed to pry her eyes open. She glared at the doctor who was examining her IV port on the back of her hand. 

With all the strength she had, Wednesday grabbed the woman’s wrist. “Let go of me,” she snapped.

The doctor scowled. “Miss Addams—”

“Wednesday!” Enid called cheerfully. Wednesday turned her head to see her girlfriend and Principal Weems standing beside her hospital bed. Before she could say anything, the doctor interrupted her by adjusting the nasal cannula on her face.

“I said, stop touching me,” Wednesday snapped with a glare and another grab on the wrist. “Unless you don’t value all ten of your fingers.” 

“Wednesday!” Weems scolded with a horrified look on her face. 

The doctor sighed and shook her head. “I’ll give you some space,” she said, plastering a small smile on her face before she turned and left.

“That was incredibly rude, Miss Addams, I expect you to apologize to your doctor the very second you see her again,” Weems chastised. Her gaze softened at the relief that her pupil had woken up in one piece. “But welcome back, Wednesday.”

Wednesday blinked and pulled the oxygen cannula out of her nose. “I’m confounded that I was able to change the outcome of my psychic vision,” she remarked, eyeing her seemingly unscathed girlfriend. “You aren’t hurt?” she asked.

Enid shook her head. “Thanks to you, the most I have is a scraped knee.”

Wednesday nodded in satisfaction. She grabbed her bed rail and attempted to pull herself to a sitting position, only to be met with angry and concerned scolds and gentle pushes from her girlfriend and principal.

“Hands off,” Wednesday snapped through her teeth as she resigned to lying back down.

“You are in no condition to be moving, Wednesday, be reasonable,” Weems remarked. She eyed her two pupils, with their sunken heads and somber expressions. She knew it was best she let them talk about the incident, alone. “I’ll need to make a few phone calls now. Don’t let her try that again,” she told Enid before stepping out of the room.

Wednesday stared at her girlfriend, but Enid’s eyes were fixated on the floor and she was anxiously fidgeting with her fingers.

“I don’t blame you,” Wednesday told her.

Enid looked up, a spark of hope in her eyes. “Why? You should.”

Wednesday softly looked her up and down. “I managed to prevent you from getting seriously hurt. That, at the end of the day, is a success, no matter what.”

Enid chewed her cheek. “What was your vision, exactly?”

Wednesday smirked a little. “Picture what happened to me, but we were swapped places.”

Enid’s eyes widened. “No wonder you were so off at the coffee shop.” She shook her head in dismay and sunk into the easy chair next to her bed. “Jeez, I must look like the worst girlfriend in the world right now. I should trust your visions by now…”

Wednesday turned to stare at the ceiling above her. “I don’t fully trust them myself. I understand why you did what you did. No need to explain yourself.”

Enid scratched her neck. “I just can’t live with myself, seeing you so hurt in that bed, knowing I’m the one who did that.”

Wednesday turned to meet her eyes again, offering a one-shoulder shrug. “I’ve done worse.” Her eye twitched at the pain the movement caused. 

Enid scoffed. “Of course you have.”

“I will survive, Enid. You heard the doctor; I’m very lucky.”

“That’s the thing; you could have been unlucky today. You could have easily been killed or had such severe brain damage that your parents would have had to decide whether to keep you on the ventilator or let you go peacefully.”

Wednesday smiled a little, imagining that. “What a sickening state of life, if it can even be called that. Trapped between the current and afterworld, with no escape but the merciful decision of your kin.” She blinked and turned to her girlfriend. “Enid, think of this experience not as my near-death, but instead as a heroic salvation of you.”

Enid stood and cupped Wednesday’s cheek, in an almost desperate manner. Wednesday’s eyes moved to Enid’s, looking up at her face admiringly. “I owe you big time,” the werewolf remarked.

Wednesday’s eyes moved down to Enid’s lips. “Yes, you do.”

Enid blushed a little before leaning in and kissing Wednesday. The other girl reached up and cupped Enid’s head, prolonging the kiss as if she never wanted it to end. 

Both girls’ hearts sank at the sound of someone clearing their throat. They quickly pulled away from one another and blushed when they saw Principal Weems entering the room.

Enid was mortified, her face a deep shade of maroon, her heart leaping in her chest in a mix of adrenaline and shame. Wednesday behind her, on the other hand, was smirking, admiring the girl standing in front of her, glad that she was the one in the hospital bed instead.

Chapter Text

Wednesday’s boots crunched on the dry foliage beneath her feet. She was taking a walk through the Nevermore forest, on her way to Eugene’s beehives. 

She stopped in her tracks. She’d heard the crunch of someone or something in the leaves nearby. She reached into her jacket and pulled out a dagger, clutching it tight in her grip as she looked around. She found nothing, but remained skeptical as she continued walking.

“Wednesday,” came an unpleasantly familiar voice. A hand touched her shoulder, and she spun around. The second her eyes landed upon Laurel Gates, she stabbed the dagger into the hand that was touching her shoulder and swiftly removed it. The woman cried out and staggered back a few steps. Wednesday started to move toward her again for another round.

“Wednesday!” Enid shouted, her mouth agape as she clutched her bleeding palm. Her eyes wide, she rushed away from her girlfriend, who was still clutching the bloody dagger. “Please, stop!” she pleaded, her voice cracking in terror.

Wednesday looked down at her body. Why was she holding a dagger? Why was it bloody? The realization set in and her heart sank. She dropped the dagger and it bounced then landed with a thud on the wood floor below.

Enid, her mouth still open, stared at Wednesday, her chest heaving. She was too shocked to process what had just happened.

“Enid, oh my God, did I–”

Enid looked down at her injured hand, the blood still trickling steadily. “I– You were having a nightmare. You sat up all of a sudden, and I went over to check on you, and you–” She scowled and looked up at her. “Why the hell do you keep a dagger under your pillow?!”

Wednesday moved toward her girlfriend, her eyes wide in terror as she examined her injured palm. “You need stitches.”

“No shit,” Enid snorted as her girlfriend guided her into the bathroom, sitting her on the edge of the tub.

Wednesday quickly grabbed her first aid kit and took out a roll of gauze. She began to press it into Enid’s injury. The werewolf shouted in a protest of pain, but Wednesday ignored it.

“I have to stop the bleeding,” she muttered, her movements feverish and desperate. She grabbed Enid’s good hand and pressed it against the gauze. “Hold it tight.”

Enid nodded in understanding as Wednesday rummaged through the first aid kit. Her eyes softened as she watched her girlfriend, the desperation in her actions. The shock had worn off, and any distrust she may have had in Wednesday had vanished. She knew it had been a complete accident, but she also knew how guilty Wednesday felt. 

Once she had what she needed, Wednesday knelt in front of Enid, gently taking her injured hand in her own. She peeled the bloody gauze off and carefully examined her palm. “It went completely through your hand,” she explained, her voice cracking a little. She swallowed. “It seems to have missed any major vessels, tendons, or ligaments. And the bleeding has slowed,” she said, satisfied. She was methodical with her words, mechanical and void of life. Enid could tell she was avoiding her emotions. 

Wednesday turned the bath tap on then gestured to it. “We need to flush the wound.”

“Got it,” Enid said, moving her hand under the stream of water. She bit her lip at the stinging sensation, but it was nothing in comparison to the initial stab.

Once she was satisfied with that, Wednesday turned the water off and pressed a clean towel against the wound. She took a syringe and bottle out of the suture kit, sticking the needle end into the bottle and drawing the plunger up to fill it with the substance.

“What macabre concoction is that ?” Enid asked, scowling in mild fear.

“Local anesthetic,” Wednesday replied nonchalantly as she tapped the air bubbles out of the syringe. Her eyes moved to meet Enid’s. “This will sting.”

Enid nodded in understanding, screwing her eyes shut as Wednesday injected the anesthetic into her palm. It burned for a few seconds, but it was over quickly.

Wednesday tossed the used needle into a container. “Now we wait.”

Enid opened her eyes and watched her girlfriend wash her hands at their sink. She scrubbed and scrubbed, dragging the soap bar all the way up to her elbows.

“What are you doing?” she asked gently.

Wednesday blinked, continuing her violent scrubbing. “Washing my hands.”

Enid raised an eyebrow. “What are you really doing?”

Wednesday sighed a little, finally setting the bar of soap in its dish. She turned on the water and began the rinsing process. “I’m washing your blood off.”

“Wends, you–”

“I stabbed you. There is no question about it. My dagger went through your hand.”

“It’s not your fault.”

Wednesday turned off the tap. “Of course it is. Unless you have any classmates with invisibility abilities, it was undoubtedly my doing.”

“But you were sleepwalking, Wends. I don’t blame you.”

“I hurt you. Terribly. You have a hole in your hand because of me. That is unacceptable.” She grabbed the hand towel off the rack.

Enid sniggered a little. “Come on,  you’ve told me stories of what you’ve done to Pugsley…much to my chagrin. That stuff sounds far, far worse.”

Wednesday tossed the hand towel onto the counter and her eyes darted to Enid’s. “But it’s you. You’re– You’re very different, Enid. Different from every other person I’ve interacted with. I don’t normally feel guilt, but ever since I met you, it’s constantly on my mind. I cannot hurt you. I want to protect you, and yet here I am, preparing to suture your hand back together after I stabbed it.”

“Wednesday, I forgive you.”

“I don’t deserve that,” Wednesday mumbled as she searched through her suture kit. She took out a needle and thread, then crouched in front of her girlfriend. “You’ll feel some pressure, but no pain.”

Enid bit her lip and turned her head away as Wednesday stitched up her wound. It only took a few stitches before she tied it off and moved on to the other side of her hand. Once she was done, Wednesday tossed the needle away.

“Are you feeling alright?” she asked Enid as she took out bandaging materials.

Enid nodded. “I’m fine. Thank you for stitching me up.” She smiled. She was incredibly lucky to have a girlfriend who was so skilled in surgical techniques.

Wednesday pressed a gauze pad to either side of Enid’s palm. “It’s the least I could do.” She began wrapping gauze around her palm, then one loop around her wrist for extra security. Once complete, she trashed the materials and washed her hands again.

Enid yawned. “Let’s get back to bed,” she said, standing and exiting the bathroom. Wednesday followed, silently moving to her side of the room and grabbing her jacket.

Enid sat down on her bed, scowling as she watched her girlfriend slide on her shoes. “What are you doing?”

“I’m going to let you sleep in peace without me,” Wednesday replied. “We shouldn’t risk another incident.”

“Wends, come on.”

“Enid, I stabbed you in my sleep. It is extremely unsafe for you to be around me at night.” She slid her jacket on and moved to open the door.

Enid stood and grabbed Wednesday’s arm. “Stop it, Wednesday, please. There are other solutions to this.”

Wednesday blinked. “No, there are not. I harmed you severely in my sleep, therefore the only way to ensure I don’t harm you again is by isolating myself from you when I am unconscious.”

“You’re being ridiculous.” Enid shook her head in dismay and dragged Wednesday to her dark bed, forcing her to sit. She sat down beside her, reaching up to tuck a stray black hair behind her ear. “You’re going to have to be asleep around me sometimes, that’s just how a relationship works.” She giggled. “What, do you think married couples can sleep in separate, locked rooms every night?”

Wednesday’s cheeks flushed a little at the mention of marriage. “I suppose…not.”

“Exactly. Listen, I trust you wholeheartedly. I know deep inside me that you would never hurt me on purpose. We will get you help for this sleepwalking problem, but in the meantime, all we have to do is lock up your knives at night. I’ll do it for you. Here,” she said as she stood from the bed and walked to Wednesday’s closet. She reemerged holding a lockbox. “I’ll set my own combination and I won’t tell you. That way, you can’t get in.”

Wednesday just blinked, impressed that Enid had come up with a solution so quickly. Wordlessly, she stood and took the lockbox from her. She began to gather up the entirety of her knife collection, including the bloody one from earlier, and placed them all in the lockbox. She then handed it to Enid.

Enid smiled. “Thank you, Wends.” She turned around and set a new combination on the padlock, closing it off for the night. She turned back around and beamed at Wednesday. “See? Much better than isolating yourself.”

Without thinking, Wednesday grabbed Enid’s face and pressed her lips against hers. Enid’s eyes widened and her cheeks flushed. She dropped the lockbox and leaned into Wednesday’s kiss, wrapping her arms around the psychic’s waist.

Wednesday pulled away, offering Enid a rare smile. “I love you.”

Enid beamed back, admiring the twinkle in Wednesday’s brown eyes, the little freckles covering her nose. “I love you, too, even if you’re a tad off your rocker.”

Wednesday smirked. “We both know it’s not just a tad.”

The girls broke out in laughter, wrapped in one another’s arms, feeling safer than ever before.

Chapter Text

It was a cool November evening. There was a crisp chill in the air, and animals of every kind could see their breath come out in puffs of warmth. 

It was the weekend, and Yoko was hosting her friends at her dorm to make caramel apples. Enid had, as per usual, dragged her girlfriend along against her will. As the other girls were laughing and getting their hands sticky from the caramel chews, Wednesday sat on Yoko’s bean bag, reading from a strange ancient Latin novel Enid didn’t even want to know the context of.

“No because, who was going to tell me these were so delicious?!” Enid exclaimed, her eyes wide as she took her first bite. Caramel coated the corners of her mouth and chin.

Yoko bit her lip to resist a grin. She handed Enid a napkin. “You got a little…a little something there,” she snickered. Bianca and Divina laughed, and Enid turned a shade of red deeper than the apples’ skin.

Enid sheepishly wiped her face off. “You all are so mean to me for no reason. At least Wednesday loves me.” She turned to her girlfriend for a response, but found the psychic asleep on the bean bag, the book pages splayed out across her chest.

“Apparently her sleep is more important than defending your ass,” Yoko teased, chuckling.

Enid rolled her eyes. “Whatever, I’ll make her try one just to prove you guys wrong.” She picked up an apple and walked over to her girlfriend, gently kicking the bean bag to wake her. Her limp body only fell to its side, showing no signs of consciousness.

“Damn, she’s out cold,” Divina remarked.

Enid furrowed her brow in concern. “Wednesday?” She crouched down and placed her free hand on her shoulder, gently shaking her. Wednesday groaned, her eyes slowly and sluggishly opening. She looked disoriented, confused, and didn’t look up at Enid right away.

“Wends, you okay?” Enid asked, scowling with worry. Her eyes searched Wednesday’s face for any clues as to what was going on with her.

Wednesday blinked, her eyes finally moving to meet Enid’s. “Yes, I’m fine. Apologies, I suppose I fell into slumber by mistake.”

The scowl remained on Enid’s face as she stood. “Maybe you should head back to our dorm to get some rest.”

Wednesday nodded and stood, her book now tucked neatly under her arm. “I will do that. Enjoy your candy apples,” she remarked as she left the room. Enid narrowed her eyes as she watched her leave. She knew something was going on with Wednesday; this was extremely unlike her to just fall asleep unplanned. She worried it could have something to do with her visions, or maybe she was coming down with something. Nonetheless, she knew something was up.

Wednesday sat down on her bed, her brow furrowed in confusion. She couldn’t recall falling asleep, or even being tired in the first place. She had never fallen asleep unplanned before; it was always a conscious decision she made at a specific time every night. 

She leaned down and untied her boots, slipping her feet out of them and onto her bed. She laid back against her pillow, her hands folded on her stomach. She supposed she was just feeling run-down from all the practices Coach Vlad was scheduling these days. Then again, it was unlike her to feel run-down about anything.

People can change, she supposed.

“Wends, love, I’m heading on down to breakfast. You’re welcome to join me if you want,” came Enid’s voice. Wednesday’s eyes shot open, confused. She turned and looked at the time—it was nine in the morning. She looked down; she was still wearing her outfit from the night before.

She sat up slowly, her brow furrowed as she attempted to regain her bearings from the extended slumber. “You go on without me. I might join you later.”

Enid scowled in concern and sat on the bed beside her girlfriend. She reached up and touched the back of her hand to her forehead. “I’m worried about you. You never sleep this much.”

“I’m fine,” Wednesday replied, gently grabbing Enid’s wrist and pulling her hand away from her face. “Teenagers sleep a lot, it’s rudimentary biology.”

Enid sighed as she stood, dusting off her pink jeans. “If you insist.” She pointed an accusatory finger at Wednesday. “But promise you’ll see the nurse if you start feeling sick.”

Wednesday nodded in understanding, then wordlessly watched her girlfriend leave the room. Once Enid was gone, she stood, padding her way over to the bathroom.

She supposed she should probably shower, considering she never had a chance to clean up last night. She tossed her clothes into the hamper, turning on the faucet to a cooler temperature in hopes that it would wake her up. She stepped inside, shivering a little at the shockingly cold temperature. 

Wednesday groaned, her eyes slowly opening to the sight of a pink liquid trickling past her. She scowled and sat up, realizing that it was blood mixed with water. Her head throbbed, and she reached up and touched her forehead to find her fingers bloodied. She grunted as she grasped the wall and stood, her legs wobbling a little as she struggled to remain upright. 

Had she passed out? What was going on?

Wednesday exited the shower and attempted to finish her routine. She luckily managed to get into some clothes and make it safely to her bed. She sat down and tried to think through the possible causes of her ailment. 

It wasn’t like she was having any psychic visions during these strange sleeping spells. She didn’t remember anything from them. It was like her body was rebooting itself over and over again.

Enid entered the dorm then, holding a paper plate covered with plastic wrap. She beamed at Wednesday, approaching her and removing the plastic to reveal a plate of pancakes and bacon. 

“Brought you some. I knew you wouldn’t end up coming down.” She handed Wednesday the plate. “You never eat breakfast. It’s really not good for you. You know, they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”

“I’m aware,” Wednesday mumbled before taking a few bites. Enid grinned and pulled up a chair to sit near her.

“What do you wanna do today? I hear Ajax is hosting a frisbee tournament on the lawn.”

“Maybe,” Wednesday replied, swallowing a bite of bacon. “I have some chem work to catch up on.”

Enid frowned. “But Wends…”

“I went to your unbearable apple party last night, was that not enough for you?”

Enid sighed. “Fine. Be boring.” Her eyes moved to her girlfriend’s face, and she scowled when she saw something red peeking out from behind her dark bangs. She leaned in and gently pulled her bangs away from her forehead. She gasped when she found the gash. “Oh my gosh, what happened?!”

Wednesday slapped Enid’s hand away. “It’s not a big deal, it’s just a small cut.”

Enid looked her up and down. “No it’s not! It looks deep .”

Wednesday shrugged, taking another bite of pancake.

“How did that even happen?!”

Wednesday blinked. “I fell in the shower.”

Enid frowned. “What are you, eighty?!” Her face fell in realization. “Oh my God, did you fall asleep in the shower?”

Wednesday blinked in response, too ashamed to admit it.

“You did . Oh no, this is not good, not good at all. Something is wrong with you, Wends, this is—”

Before she could continue, Wednesday’s head went limp and Enid had to catch her as she fell unconscious once again. 

Wednesday awoke to a stinging pain on her forehead. She groaned and opened her eyes to see Enid working on her gash. She was clearly applying some sort of antiseptic to the wound, and her face was contorted with all the signs of worry.

“Maybe…I have a problem,” Wednesday admitted. She watched as Enid’s eyes flashed to hers, then back to the cut. 

“Now you admit it,” Enid mumbled.

“I’m sorry, it’s difficult for me to admit my shortcomings.”

Enid sighed as she set down the alcohol swab and stuck a piece of gauze on the wound. “I know, Wends, I just worry about you.”

“I know,” Wednesday responded. She placed a hand atop Enid’s, meeting her eyes. “And I appreciate it, despite how it may appear I react.”

Enid bit her lip as she finished taping the gauze to her skin. She sat down, putting a hand on Wednesday’s shoulder. “You need to get help. Do you think this has something to do with your visions?”

Wednesday shook her head. “I don’t think so. I see nothing while unconscious. I don’t recall anything from it.”

“It might be worth a try to ask your mom about it.”

Wednesday nodded in agreement. “Probably.”

“And the nurse, too. This could be really serious, Wends.”

Wednesday narrowed her eyes. “I’d rather not.”

Enid scoffed. “You can’t be serious. What if you pass out while going down the steps? What if you break your spine? Or crack your head open? It’s just not safe.”

“I’m aware, but if it is narcolepsy as I suspect it is, my life would be changed significantly. It’s incurable, Enid, I would never be able to live normally again.”

“You don’t know that for sure.”

“It’s very likely,” Wednesday mumbled, her eyelids feeling heavy from stress.

“You’re not going to get any better if you don’t see a doctor. At least they could help you manage it.”

Wednesday finally agreed, and the pair gathered up their coats and boots. They exited their dorm arm-in-arm, ready to face it together.

The Nevermore nurse referred Wednesday to a sleep specialist, managing to get her an appointment at the sleep clinic in the neighboring town. For the time being, she wrote her a letter to exempt her from class whenever needed. She instructed Enid to stay by Wednesday’s side to ensure she doesn’t injure herself when a sleeping spell occurs. Enid, of course, had no problem with this, but Wednesday was certainly unhappy.

“I feel emasculated that I must be babysat like a small infant,” Wednesday muttered as she and Enid made their way across campus.

“Need I remind you you’re a girl? You can’t feel ‘emasculated,’ I don’t think.”

“Regardless, it’s humiliating,” she muttered as she unlocked the door to their dorm. 

Enid pushed the door open. “Wends, you have to learn to accept help. Especially at times of extreme need like this.”

“I know…” Wednesday mumbled, just as her eyes rolled back into her head and she fell asleep. Enid gently caught her in her arms, sighing a little in frustration. She tenderly removed Wednesday’s coat and slid her boots off for her. She then lifted her into her arms, carrying her to her dark bed and laying her down. She pulled the black duvet up to her shoulders. She leaned in and planted a kiss on her forehead, right next to the gash.

“I’ll be here for you the whole way,” she whispered. “We’ll get through this together.”

Wednesday’s eyes fluttered open and she met Enid’s eyes. The werewolf’s cheeks flushed, hoping she hadn’t heard that. She knew Wednesday would be embarrassed.

Instead, Wednesday reached for Enid’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. For once, she was glad to have someone by her side.

Chapter Text

It was a pristine winter evening at Nevermore. Most students were finished with final exams and were either packing for their departure back home the following morning or were enjoying their final hours with their friends for the semester.

Enid and Wednesday were taking a stroll around the campus after dinner, hand-in-hand, bundled up in their winter coats and matching snoods. Wednesday had planned a special surprise for her girlfriend, knowing they would soon have to part ways for several weeks. She wanted to make their final moments together special before they were thrust back into the overbearing arms of their respective mothers.

“Oh, look!” Enid exclaimed, beaming, as she looked up and pointed at the sky. Wednesday craned her neck, a tiny smile forming at the sight of the snowflakes that were beginning to fall. It was perfect—her plan just kept getting better.

Wednesday led her girlfriend into the forest, their boots crunching against the dry foliage beneath them. Enid didn’t question Wednesday, trusting her and wanting to embrace every minute of their scarce time together.

Finally, the girls passed through the trees into a clearing. Enid’s face lit up in excitement at the sight—Christmas lights were strung around the trees, wrapping around the entire clearing in a circle. Real candles lit up the forest floor, beside bouquets of poinsettias and evergreen branches. But best of all, a pile of brand-new stuffed animals sat on a blanket in the middle of the clearing, giant gift bows tied onto each. 

Wednesday smiled in satisfaction as she watched Enid’s shock and awe. The were-girl squealed with glee and pulled her girlfriend into her arms, squeezing her with an inhuman strength. Wednesday grunted in discomfort and gently pushed her away, her smile returning as she watched her giddy expression.

“Wednesday, this is so sweet!” she exclaimed, rushing to the pile of stuffed animals. She picked one of them up —a yellow duck—and gave it a big squeeze.

Wednesday approached Enid and stood beside her, picking up another stuffed animal—a black and white one, of course—and hugging it to herself. “I see why you enjoy these so much.”

Enid nodded as she gently set down the duck in her arms. “Wednesday, this is too much. I can’t believe you did this for me. It isn’t even my birthday!”

Wednesday shrugged. “Merry Christmas, I suppose.”

“But Wednesday, I only got you that sweater, I—”

“And I love it,” Wednesday told her, meeting her gaze. “I wanted to return the favor.” 

Enid was tearing up, her expression still mildly shocked. Wednesday admired her girlfriend’s face, how gorgeous it looked with the little snowflakes covering her hair and rainbow crocheted hat. She could tell Enid didn’t experience such surprises very often, especially considering her family. She was one of many children, with parents who were less than generous.

“Merry Christmas to you too, Wednesday,” Enid said with a sniffle, wiping a tear from her cheek with her sleeve.

Wednesday furrowed her brow at the sound of crackling. She turned to see that an upturned candle had ignited the foliage beneath it. Her eyes widened in fear—a fire was beginning to spread around the forest floor, and she knew it wouldn’t be long before it would reach them.

“We have to get out of here,” Wednesday remarked, grabbing Enid’s arm and guiding her away from the fire.

“What? Why? Oh my God!” Enid exclaimed at the realization. She started trying to gather up her gifts frantically.

“Leave them,” Wednesday ordered, dragging Enid away from the stuffed animals. Her eyes darted around, searching for an exit. The fire had spread around the entrance to the trail back to their dorm, and she wasn’t sure where else to go. 

Everything escalated far too quickly. A gust of wind blew past and knocked over several more candles. Despite the falling snowflakes, the ground was still dry from all the autumn’s fallen leaves, and the fire was spreading rapidly. The girls found themselves trapped in the blink of an eye, the fire spreading up the densely populated trees.

Enid was mumbling curse words as she panicked and called 911. Wednesday was silently scanning for a way out. She coughed at the lack of oxygen, the warmth of the fire overbearing with her thick winter clothing on. She knew not to remove any of it, however, as it may be her only saving grace from the bites of the hungry fire.

“We just have to make a run for it!” Wednesday shouted over the crackling. “There’s no other way!”

Enid nodded in understanding as she coughed. She grabbed Wednesday’s hand and the two ran, closing their eyes as they pushed through the angry flames. Once a few feet away from the clearing, Enid screamed in pain and fear, ducking to the forest floor and rolling around to douse the flames engulfing her clothing. Wednesday did the same, her skin burning in pain as she continued to cough. 

Despite her injuries, Wednesday stood and yanked Enid to her feet. “We have to keep moving!” she shouted, her grip strong on her girlfriend as she dragged her down the trail. Wednesday turned around briefly, a pang of guilt overcoming her—the fire was her fault. Luckily, the snowfall was becoming heavier, and she could tell the fire was starting to die.

Once they were out of the forest, Wednesday stopped running to take a breath. She coughed, her lungs filled with unclean ash and air. Enid was whimpering in pain, her arms wrapped protectively around herself. Wednesday unzipped her girlfriend's coat and tore the garment off of her, her eyes scanning her body for damage. Between the burn holes in her sweater was reddened skin, and she could tell she had significant burns on her body. 

Wednesday shook her head in guilt. “We have to get you help.”

Enid coughed, putting a hand on her shoulder. “You, too. Here…” She reached up and unzipped Wednesday’s coat. The psychic winced as Enid pulled the coat off of her, the fabric snagging her fresh burns.

The fire department arrived shortly. The girls were soon sitting in the back of the ambulance, both using an oxygen mask. 

“How did this happen?” the fire chief asked Wednesday.

The girl didn’t look up at him as she removed her oxygen mask to respond. “It was my fault. I lit candles in the forest. I didn’t intend to cause a fire, but I was careless.”

“Thank you for being honest with me, kiddo,” the chief said. He put a hand on her shoulder and crouched down to make eye contact with her. “We are just glad everyone is alright.” He reached up and gently slid the oxygen mask back onto Wednesday’s face for her.

“Alright, chief, time for us to get them out of here,” the paramedic said from behind him. 

The chief nodded, standing and allowing the paramedics to guide the girls inside the ambulance, shutting the doors behind them.

Enid awoke to a dim hospital room and the incessant beeping of her heart monitor. She groaned and sat up, her body aching at the movement. She looked down at the bandages covering her arms and legs and fiddled with her nasal cannula. She felt uneasy, unsatisfied. When she got to the hospital, the doctors had told her she had a few second-degree burns on her arms and legs, but her woolen sweater beneath her coat had mostly protected her from the flames. She remembered how painful it was as they cleaned her wounds. She had passed out due to pure exhaustion at some point during the process.

Enid checked the time—it was nearly two in the morning. She looked through the window in her room—one nurse sat at the nurses’ station outside, busy doing something on her computer. A moment later, she stood to get more coffee, her snowman mug in-hand.

Enid seized the opportunity and took the nasal cannula out, sliding out of her blankets and standing from the bed. She crept to the door, cracking it open to check for any visitors before sneaking outside. She walked down the hallway of the burn unit, searching for Wednesday’s room. She smiled when she found her in a bed, awake and watching something on the TV.

Enid pushed the door open, beaming at her girlfriend as she tip-toed into her room. Wednesday looked at her, confused, as she grabbed the remote and muted the TV.

“What are you doing awake?” Wednesday asked quietly. 

Enid sat at the foot of her bed. “I could ask you the same.”

“Fair enough,” Wednesday mumbled, sitting up against her pillows. Her eyes trailed down Enid’s body. “How badly are you hurt?”

Enid smiled. “Not too bad. Just a few second-degree burns, but nothing too serious.” She smirked. “And the snoods seemed to have saved our necks, literally.”

Wednesday nodded, relieved.

“And you?”

“I’m fine.”

Enid raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Really?”

Wednesday sighed. “I have a third-degree burn on my hand, but other than that, same as you.”

Enid scowled in concern and reached for her girlfriend’s bandaged hand, holding it in her own as if that would make it feel any better.

“I’m sorry for causing this, Enid,” Wednesday muttered. “Surprisingly, this was not how I intended the evening to go.”

Enid smiled warmly. “It’s okay, Wednesday. It’s not your fault. You were just trying to do something nice.”

“It was foolish of me not to consider the dangers. You could have died .”

“But we didn’t! I can’t believe how lucky we got. If you hadn’t taken charge and gotten us out of there, we may not have been so lucky.”

Wednesday nodded silently, staring off into the distance.

Enid climbed up to the top of the hospital bed, gently nudging Wednesday over to make room for herself. She snuggled up next to her, nuzzling her chin into Wednesday’s neck and wrapping her arms around her body. Surprisingly, Wednesday accepted the embrace, leaning into it. At-ease in each other’s arms, both girls fell back into much-needed slumber.

“I wasn’t expecting to pick you up from the hospital for Christmas break, but here we are!” Morticia Addams joked as she helped Wednesday into her jacket. She and Gomez had arrived the morning after the incident, since they had planned on bringing her home for break that day anyway. “I’m glad we decided to come ourselves instead of just sending Lurch this time.”

Wednesday nodded silently.

“Your father is pulling the car up. I need to go get you discharged. Are you alright here on your own? I’ll be back in a minute to bring you downstairs.”

Wednesday nodded again. “Thank you, Mother.”

Morticia cradled her daughter’s head, planting a kiss on the crown of her head before exiting the hospital room.

Once her mother was gone, Wednesday slid her shoes on and exited her room. She crept over to Enid’s room, delighted to find her alone. She stepped inside, a tiny smile adorning her face.

“Wednesday!” Enid exclaimed jubilantly, rushing to pull her into a hug. “I thought I wasn’t gonna get to see you again.”

Wednesday nodded. “Me, too.”

“My parents are pulling the car up. They already got my stuff from the dorm; we’ll be heading straight to the airport.”

“Us, too. We’re heading right to the train station.”

Enid pressed her lips together somberly. “So I guess this is goodbye.”

Wednesday nodded. “But only for now.”

Enid smiled a little, cupping Wednesday’s cheek and gently stroking her temple. “You’re right. Before we know it, we’ll be living in the same room again.”

“And it’ll be a new year. You’ll finally be seventeen too. Oh wait…I forgot about your infancy. You still have a few months.”

Enid scoffed and playfully jabbed Wednesday’s shoulder. “Alright, old lady.”

Wednesday smiled and admired her girlfriend for a moment, studying her beautiful features. She’d miss getting to see her every day, but knew that break would be over before she knew it. 

“Wednesday! Oh, there you are, dear,” came Morticia’s voice from the hallway. Wednesday turned to her. The woman gestured down the hall. “Our chariot awaits.”

Wednesday turned back to Enid, not wanting to part ways.

“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Wednesday,” Enid said, beaming at her. She cupped her cheeks and pulled her in for a gentle kiss. 

Wednesday blushed as they pulled away, knowing her mother had been right outside. But she couldn’t bring herself to care too much. Her heart was beating far too quickly.

“Merry Christmas, Enid,” Wednesday responded with a smile, squeezing her hand. She turned and joined her mother in the hallway, ignoring the woman’s playful teasings about her romantic life as they made their way to the elevator.

Chapter Text

It was the first day back from holiday break at Nevermore. The dormitory halls were bustling with parents, students, and dorm supervisors trying to get everyone moved in before dinnertime.

Neither the Sinclair nor the Addams parents had come along with their children for move-in. So Enid and Wednesday were alone in their dorm, helping one another unpack instead.

“I missed this ol’ bed,” Enid remarked as she collapsed onto her newly-made bed, wincing a little. She stared up at the ceiling, smiling. “I don’t know how much longer I could handle sharing that tiny room with Jacob and Matthew.”

Wednesday listened as she carefully removed her typewriter from its case and set it down on her desk. She couldn’t imagine sharing a bedroom with her one brother, let alone two of them. Enid was braver than she was, at least in that regard. “I don’t know how many more of my mother’s kisses I could tolerate before sewing her lips together in her sleep,” she complained.

Enid scowled at that disturbing thought, still staring at the rafters overhead.

Wednesday sighed as she moved across the room and seated herself beside Enid on her multicolored duvet. “I suppose our friends will be expecting us in the dining hall shortly.”

Enid frowned. “I guess they will be.”

Wednesday looked down at her girlfriend’s unusually somber expression. “Are you not looking forward to it? Throughout vacation you didn’t stop messaging me about how much you missed Yoko and the others.”

Enid sighed. “Yeah, I am. I’m just tired from my flights, I guess.”

Wednesday nodded in understanding. After all, San Francisco to Vermont was not a short journey.

After dinner, the girlfriends opted out of Yoko’s game night and retired to their dorm for the evening. They were lying on Enid’s bed, cuddling as they watched a home and garden show.

Wednesday tilted her head up to plant a kiss on Enid’s cheek. Enid smiled and leaned in, her lips meeting Wednesday’s. As they kissed, Wednesday reached for Enid’s waist to pull her in closer. As she did, however, the were-girl grunted and shoved Wednesday away from her.

Wednesday scowled as she sat up and visually searched her girlfriend. “What is it, Enid?”

Enid was clutching her side where Wednesday’s hand had been, her eyebrows scrunched together in discomfort. “Sorry, I don’t know what got into me.”

“I’m sorry, I should have asked before—”

“No, no, you’re completely fine. Don’t worry about it.” Enid turned away from Wednesday to look at the TV. Her body remained stiff as she sat against her headboard, several inches away from her girlfriend. Even with her lack of social skills, Wednesday could tell she was uncomfortable.

“What’s the matter, Enid?” she asked. “You have not been acting like yourself whatsoever. You lack your usual extroverted enthusiasm, and there is clearly something that is causing you pain.”

Enid sighed in mild annoyance. “I’m fine, Wends.”

“It is glaringly obvious that you are not.”

Enid looked down at her criss-crossed legs in contemplation. “I just got a little injured the other day, that’s all,” she said quietly.

Wednesday furrowed her brow in concern and ran her eyes up and down Enid’s body, searching for the source of her pain. “What happened?”

Enid stood from her bed, her eyes looking at anything but Wednesday as she reached down and pulled her shirt off. Wednesday’s eyes widened at the sight: three large gashes, clearly claw marks, swiped across the left side of her ribcage. They were red and raw, clearly left untreated for a few days.

“Who did this to you?” she asked, a wave of anger coursing through her. 

Enid shook her head in dismay. “Matthew. We were just playing a good old game of football in the backyard. It’s our New Year’s Eve tradition. They finally let me play with them now that I’ve wolfed out. He got a little too aggressive trying to tackle the ball from me, and he scratched me.”

“He clawed you, Enid, those are deep lacerations. Why didn’t you get those treated when it happened?”

Enid shrugged. “Mom always taught us to be brave wolves and push through. Plus, I thought they’d heal on their own. Usually my injuries do, with my faster Lycan healing. I guess since it was caused by another werewolf from my pack, it doesn’t work the same way.”

Wednesday stood and placed a hand on the small of Enid’s back. “Let me dress it for you.” She gently guided her girlfriend into their shared bathroom, sitting her on the closed toilet lid. She opened the cabinet and took out the medkit and a fresh washcloth, then rolled up her sweatshirt sleeves. 

“Why didn’t you inform me of this earlier?” Wednesday asked as she ran the washcloth under the stream of hot water.

Enid shrugged. “I didn’t need you bothering yourself with the repercussions of my own idiocy,” she mumbled.

Wednesday turned around and stared at Enid, the wet washcloth dripping from between her fingers. “You’re right, your decision to neglect your wounds was idiotic.” She crouched down and gently began to dab at her wounds with the washcloth. Enid winced a little, and Wednesday’s eyes shot up to hers. She placed a calming hand on Enid’s thigh to reassure her, then continued cleaning the wounds. “That doesn’t mean you should continue to neglect it. Had you waited much longer, it could have become infected.”

Enid chewed on her lower lip. “But I could’ve just dealt with it on my own instead of having you do it.”

Wednesday raised a skeptical eyebrow. “You and I both know you cannot handle blood, let alone your own.” Enid smiled a little at that—Wednesday wasn’t wrong. 

Wednesday stood, turning on the bath tap and rinsing the washcloth beneath its stream. She then returned to Enid’s side, crouching beside her as she leaned in close. She squinted her eyes as she examined the lacerations. 

“It looks like you don’t need sutures, but I’ll dress it accordingly,” Wednesday explained. She took a few supplies out of the medkit and got to work.

As Wednesday applied ointment to her wounds, Enid bit her lip to distract from the pain. “I’m sorry, Wends,” she said. “I shouldn’t have kept this hidden from you.”

Wednesday remained focused on her ministrations. “I forgive you, Enid. I have hidden several ailments from you and have done far worse things.”

Enid sniggered a little. “Damn straight.”

Wednesday smirked as she wiped the ointment off her fingertips with a fresh towel. “There’s a quip I could make right now, that involves the irony of the word choice ‘straight,’ considering our relationship.”

Enid giggled. “Wednesday? Making a joke? Insane.”

Wednesday just smiled as she began to tape Enid’s lacerations closed with Steri-Strips. Once she was done, she stood to wash her hands, relieved that Enid was finally taken care of.

“I have to reprogram you to remove those ludicrous ideas your mother implanted in your head,” Wednesday remarked as she dried her hands off.

Enid scoffed as Wednesday helped her stand from the toilet. “Good luck with that. Esther’s words are deeply ingrained in my head.”

Wednesday helped Enid to sit on her bed, then rummaged through her dresser. She pulled out her favorite winter pajamas—a purple flannel set she’d received for her thirteenth birthday. She refused to acknowledge she had outgrown them—the hem of the pants barely went down past her calves.

Wednesday handed the pajamas to Enid, then moved to her side of the room to get ready for bed. She sat at her dresser and removed her braids. They had become messy and unkempt from her travels the past few days. She took out her hairbrush and combed through the knots, watching in satisfaction as her black hair became smoother and smoother.

Wednesday felt a set of hands on her shoulders. She closed her eyes in bliss as Enid ran her fingers through her dark locks.

The were-girl wrapped her arms around Wednesday’s shoulders and leaned in close, her lips right beside her ear. “Thank you for taking such good care of me,” she whispered. She then planted a gentle kiss on Wednesday’s head. 

The psychic’s cheeks flushed a little at the intimacy of the moment. “I’m…glad to help,” she mumbled.

Enid smiled. Wednesday was so cute when she was flustered. “I love you, Wends.”

Wednesday smiled at Enid in the mirror. Maybe, just maybe, taking care of her girlfriend was something she could get used to. 

“I love you too.”

Chapter Text

Wednesday squinted as she adjusted the lamp to better illuminate her specimen. Enid was out for the evening, and Wednesday was spending her Friday night dissecting a new creature. She’d found it in the creek the other day during her ecology class. She knew it was of the phylum platyhelminthes, but she’d never seen it before in any books. It was translucent, green, and almost shiny. Very peculiar, and so very compelling to dissect.

Wednesday gripped the scalpel, her black medical gloves the perfect size for her slender hands. She worked in delicate movements, an expert at dissecting by now. She typically worked with squirrels or other rodent mammals, so this flatworm was a welcome change.

After making an incision, she found its gastric cavity. She wanted to know what was inside, to possibly gain some insight into its diet. Who knows, maybe today would be the day she would discover a brand-new species.

Just as she moved to cut the stomach, the hand that was holding the scalpel involuntarily twitched. The blade sliced straight through her left palm, cutting both the glove and her skin. She cursed and dropped the scalpel out of her hands, quickly pulling her injured hand away so as not to contaminate the specimen with her blood.

Thing looked up from his magazine and began flailing himself around in panic. 

Wednesday scoffed in annoyance and ripped off her gloves. “Calm yourself, Thing, I assure you I will live.” She grabbed a towel and pressed it to the injury. With her good hand, she packed up the specimen and sealed it in a safe container to be continued later.

Wednesday pulled the towel away from her hand and squinted, examining her injury. The laceration was certainly not superficial and would need sutures if she wanted any chance of dissecting in the future.

She ignored Thing’s protests as she made her way to the bathroom, turning on the faucet and rinsing out the cut. Her lips quirked up at the sensation of the stinging. Turning off the faucet, she gathered up her suture kit and sat it on the counter. Meticulously, she threaded the needle. She took her lighter and passed the needle through the flame to sterilize it.

She sucked in a breath and began to suture her wound together. She enjoyed the sensation, thinking darkly that it was retribution for all the dissections she’d subjected various creatures to in her lifetime. Something about the thought of the dead animals getting their revenge made her stomach churn in delight.

Once she was done stitching up the wound, she elected to stick a small bandaid to the area so as not to draw attention to the injury. She didn’t need Enid or anyone else worrying over a small mishap. Besides, she was perfectly capable of treating the injury herself.

She turned off the bathroom light and headed to her bed, sitting down to continue her reading of the latest paranormal research journal.

Saturday evening, both Enid and Wednesday decided to spend the night in together. They laid on Enid’s bed, watching a horror movie. Enid was not enjoying it, and had to cover her eyes on several occasions. During the climax of the movie, she looked over at Wednesday, who would normally be entirely enthralled by this genre. Instead, the girl was asleep, her mouth open a little, her head nuzzled up against Enid’s arm.

“Wends,” she whispered, smiling at how adorable she looked. Wednesday’s eyelids fluttered open and she squinted at Enid, mumbling something incoherent. Enid smiled wider, reaching down to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. She scowled as she did so. “Gosh, Wends, you’re burning up! Are you sick?!”

Wednesday scowled and sat up, planting her feet on the floor. “Of course not,” she muttered, standing and moving to her side of the room.

“Hey, woah, no need to get so defensive, love. I just want you to be alright.”

“And I am, thank you,” she muttered in return, sliding under her own bedsheets and turning to lie on her side facing away from her girlfriend.

Enid sighed and turned the TV off, shaking her head in a mix of disappointment and concern. She knew something was wrong with Wednesday, but she knew that pushing the girl rarely led to a positive outcome. So she let it be for now, mainly because she herself was exhausted and desperately needed some shuteye.

Wednesday groaned as she was being abruptly awoken from her deep slumber. She felt the sensation of someone touching her face. Typically, she would immediately get up and defend herself, but she was feeling an incredible sense of weakness. She opened her eyes in slits to see a concerned Enid leaning over her. Thing was the one touching her face.

“Wednesday, you’ve been tossing and turning all night. You’re sweating through your pajamas. We need to get you help,” Enid said, gently placing a hand on her forehead and caressing her. She tilted her head in curiosity. “Do you know what you might be sick with? Did anybody you know come down with something recently?”

Thing was tapping his finger like a disappointed mother. He grabbed Wednesday’s left wrist and forced her palm to face up, exposing the bloodied bandage to Enid. The were-girl gasped, taking Wednesday’s hand in her own.

“What happened?!”

“A small cut from my dissection the other night. I’ve already handled it, don’t worry,” Wednesday mumbled.

Enid squinted and grabbed the margin of the bandaid. She looked at Wednesday. “Mind if I..?”

Wednesday sighed and shook her head. Enid gently peeled away the bandage to reveal an extremely swollen and reddened wound. She gasped. 

“Wednesday!” she exclaimed. “This looks infected!” She scowled and looked closely. “You sutured it yourself?!”

Wednesday shrugged. “I’m a skilled surgeon, am I not?” she asked as she looked over at Thing, who proudly wore the minimal scar from when Wednesday saved his life last year.

Enid shook her head in dismay. “Okay, yes, but you can’t do it to yourself . Clearly, you didn’t do an amazing job, because it’s gotten infected!”

“I will survive, mi amor , stop worrying yourself.”

“As a matter of fact, you won’t survive if you don’t get medical care. You’re extremely feverish and I’d assume you need to get on antibiotics.”

“Thanks for the lesson, Dr. Sinclair,” Wednesday muttered, annoyed. She stood from the bed, but her legs wavered unsteadily. She nearly stumbled to the floor, had Enid not grabbed her around the waist. She glared at Wednesday, as if to say, I told you so .

“Fine,” Wednesday muttered in resignation, realizing that she just might succumb to her illness unless she got antibiotics, and soon . “I will go see the nurse.”

Enid carried Wednesday the entire way to the Nevermore infirmary, much to the seer’s chagrin. She knew Enid had superhuman strength, but she was humiliated to be taken around the school like some damsel in distress. Luckily, it was early enough in the morning that hardly anyone was awake yet, save for the vampires.

Once the nurse was attending to Wednesday, Enid sat down beside her cot in relief.

“Remarkably, this is very good suturing handiwork,” the nurse told Wednesday as she examined the injury. “It could have just used a little more disinfecting.”

Wednesday looked over at Enid with a tiny smirk on her lips. The nurse began to apply antibiotic cream to the wound. “You will need a week’s regimen of oral antibiotics and at least two days of rest,” she explained. “And do not let it get wet.”

Wednesday nodded in understanding. She was just grateful she wouldn’t need IV antibiotics, and, by extension, an extended stay in the infirmary.

The nurse finished dressing the wound and stood, writing something down on her clipboard.

Wednesday began to stir, attempting to stand up.

“Not so fast, sweetheart,” the nurse said, looking up from her paperwork. “I’d like you to spend the rest of the morning here, so I can keep an eye on you and make sure the medication starts working.”

Wednesday mumbled something under her breath and sat back down, annoyed. Enid had to keep herself from giggling, knowing how much Wednesday despised the medical attention.

The nurse returned a few minutes later with a cold washcloth. She placed her hands on Wednesday’s shoulders and forcefully laid her down, then began to dab the washcloth all over her face. She was humiliated, feeling like a child in need of mothering.

“Head on back to your dorm and get ready for classes, dear,” the nurse instructed Enid, still tending to Wednesday’s overheated forehead.

Enid nodded obediently and stood, moving to Wednesday’s side. She smiled at her and planted a kiss on her cheek. “Feel better, Wends. I’ll see you this afternoon.”

Wednesday nodded in acknowledgment, wishing that she could go with her.

Around lunchtime, Wednesday was interrupted from her blissful slumber by the resounding sound of Principal Weems’s high heels. She opened her eyes to see the woman approaching her, looking as put-together as usual. Wednesday sat up a little, suddenly ashamed that Larissa was seeing her like this; clad in her black pajamas, her hair clinging to her face in sweaty tendrils. 

“Good afternoon, Miss Addams,” she greeted with a smile. She placed a hand on the foot of her cot. “I hear you’ve come down with a bit of an illness.”

“Nothing severe,” Wednesday said, adjusting the collar of her pajama shirt to look at least somewhat presentable.

“Mhmm, well dear, the nurse has summoned me to transport you back to your dormitory. She’s gotten herself caught up in caring for a large group of Gorgons who stoned one another.”

Wednesday’s heart sank. Principal Weems? Escorting her back to her dorm like an incompetent infant? Absolutely not.

“I think I can manage on my own, but I appreciate the gesture,” Wednesday remarked as she swung her feet, planting them on the floor. She kept hold of the bed as she stood.

Just as she was about to stumble to the floor, Weems wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kept her upright. “Sure you can manage,” she quipped.

Wednesday closed her eyes and breathed in annoyance. The last thing she wanted was being carried to her bedroom by the school headmaster in the middle of the day, when other students would surely be out and about. 

“No need to worry, I can shapeshift to Nurse Cassandra’s appearance, if you’d rather.”

Wednesday nodded. “That would be preferable.”

Weems smiled a little and let go of Wednesday momentarily to transform her body. Wednesday raised her eyebrows at how accurate the depiction of the nurse was. Begrudgingly, she allowed the woman to sweep her up into her arms like a bride.

Once they finally arrived at her dorm, Weems laid Wednesday down on her bed before transforming back to her usual body. She went into the girls’ bathroom and re-emerged holding a thermometer. She approached Wednesday and sat on the edge of her bed.

“Open up,” she commanded. Wednesday obeyed, only because she wanted the woman to leave as soon as possible. Larissa placed the thermometer under her tongue and Wednesday closed her mouth. The woman pressed the back of her hand against the girl’s forehead, scowled, then folded her hands in her lap. “Well, now that I’ve got you as my captive audience, I’d like to address the nature of this medical concern.”

Wednesday narrowed her eyes.

“I hear you attempted to suture the wound yourself, resulting in an infection that now has you bedridden. You understand that, had you sought medical attention as soon as the injury occurred, you would not be in this situation?”

Wednesday hesitated and nodded, again just wanting the principal to leave her be. 

“You’d better be grateful for your little roommate, Enid. Had she not pushed you to see the nurse, I fear you may not have fared this well.” 

Wednesday just stared at the woman, unable to respond.

“Very well then, I’m glad you’ve come to your senses.” The thermometer beeped then, and the woman removed it from her mouth and checked the reading. “100.1. Good, your fever is breaking.” She set the thermometer on her beside table and stood, making her way to the doorway. “Rest up, Wednesday. And let that dear Enid take care of you.”

Wednesday just blinked at that as she watched the woman leave her room. Little did she know, that was the very goal she’d been aspiring towards since the day she met the were-girl.

Wednesday must have slept through the rest of the afternoon, because when she awoke, Enid was sprawled out on her bed beside her, still dressed in her uniform. Wednesday smiled a little, secretly flattered that she’d chosen her bed to fall asleep in rather than her own. Careful not to wake her, Wednesday stood from the bed, moving to remove Enid’s blazer and shoes. She was sleeping deeply enough, it seemed, for it not to wake her. Wednesday set the blazer and shoes on the floor, then turned back to her girlfriend. 

Wednesday brushed some of the blonde hair off Enid’s face, leaning in and placing a tender kiss on her forehead. She smiled a little as she leaned back, admiring her beautiful features. Most of all, though, she admired all that Enid had done for her. Here she was, passed out on her bed, because she was exhausted from caring for her sick girlfriend the night before.

Wednesday knew, deep down, that she was grateful for Enid’s incessant fussing over her. Somewhere inside her, she knew she’d gotten incredibly lucky having Enid as her girlfriend.

Chapter Text

“I swear to God, I’m going to win that damn teddy bear for you!” Enid muttered, her eyes narrow as she focused on the target a few feet away from her. She was playing darts, and had already spent nearly all her cash on chances with the hopes of winning the black-and-white striped teddy bear that reminded her so much of Wednesday. It was a warm late-spring evening, and much of the Nevermore student body was gathered at the Jericho Baptist Church charity festival. Enid had spent the past half hour at the darts booth, and Wednesday could only watch in amusement.

“I do not understand why you will not just allow me to throw it. I have incredible precision in target sports,” Wednesday reminded her girlfriend, for the sixteenth time this evening.

Enid shook her head, still laser-focused on the target. “ I have to be the one to win it for you,” she mumbled. She tossed the dart, then cursed under her breath when it once again missed the inner circle.

Yoko chuckled and handed Enid a can of soda. “Take a break, Alpha, I don’t think Wednesday cares about this bear half as much as you do.”

Enid shook her head and politely declined the soda. “Listen, I just wanna prove that maybe sometimes–” She trailed off, distracted by Yoko’s shocked expression. She turned around to see all five of her remaining darts now lodged in the bullseye, Wednesday standing smugly beside the counter.

“Five in a row! You win the grand prize,” the attendant announced, grinning as he took the teddy bear down from the wall. He handed it to Wednesday. “Congratulations.”

Enid glared at her girlfriend. “Are you kidding me?”

Wednesday shrugged, tucking the plushie under her arm. “You wanted it, so I obtained it for you.”

Yoko snickered. “I fear you may be missing the point, Wends.”

Enid scoffed, putting a hand up in mild annoyance. “Whatever. Since you won’t let me be the superstar perfect girlfriend I want to be, why don’t you pay for a ride on the swings?”

“Sounds like a fair deal.”

As the pair headed off toward the rides, Wednesday handed Yoko the teddy bear for safe keeping. “Good save,” Yoko mumbled to Wednesday under her breath with a smirk.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Enid groaned when she saw the line for the swings. It seemed like every other fairgoer had the same idea at precisely the same time.

“Perhaps we can come back later,” Wednesday suggested. “I can tell you’re hungry, judging by your mild… irritability …so why don’t we stop by a food truck?”

Enid shook her head. “No, let’s just wait in line. We’ve got nothing better to do, and we’ll be together at least.”

Wednesday nodded, just going along with whatever Enid wanted. They only had a few more weeks together before summer break, anyway, and they both wanted to embrace that time as much as they could. Besides, festivals were more Enid’s thing.

The girls enjoyed each other’s presence in line for a while, talking about all the things they wanted to do over the summer. Wednesday’s parents were taking her on a trip to Japan in July, while Enid was going to work at a kids’ camp back in San Francisco. They were both excited, but spoke wistfully, both aware of how much they would miss each other for three months. They were grateful to have access to FaceTime and texting, but it would never replace living in the same dorm every day.

After a while, they ran out of things to talk about. The sun was starting to go down, and its rays were beaming down on the queuers. They had been in line for at least half an hour, and sweat was glistening on Wednesday’s face. They finally made it to the final bend in the queue, and the group in front of them stepped forward. Wednesday turned to alert Enid that it was almost time, but the girl was zoned-out and pallid, with a death-grip on the railing beside her.

“Enid, are you alright?” Wednesday asked, furrowing her brow in concern.

Enid swallowed, opening her mouth slightly to respond. She gripped the railing, desperate to keep herself upright. Her efforts were beginning to prove unsuccessful. She tried to find the words to respond to Wednesday, but her efforts felt better spent trying to breathe.

“Enid? Enid!” Wednesday’s words became more and more jumbled as Enid’s vision swam. She finally lost her battle with her unsteady legs and succumbed to gravity. She watched the ground become parallel with her line of vision before it turned black entirely.

Wednesday’s eyes widened in terror as she dove to her knees on the concrete, reaching her arms out to catch Enid’s head as she fell. She was luckily able to cushion her fall, but that small relief quickly became overpowered with her immense concern.

“Oh my God, is she okay?!” asked another Nevermore student who’d been standing in line beside them.

Wednesday was scowling as she examined Enid. “I don’t know. Go find Principal Weems or another chaperone and bring them here,” she ordered. She pressed her index and middle fingers to Enid’s neck, examining her carotid artery to check her pulse. Thankfully, it was relatively normal. Wednesday pressed the back of her hand against Enid’s forehead, narrowing her eyes in thought. She looked up at the gawking teenagers surrounding them. “Someone go get several bottles of water,” she demanded. No one moved. “Come on, you imbeciles! If you want to do something to help her, go get water!”

As a few of them ran off to do that, Wednesday laid Enid down flat on the ground and loosened the belt holding up her shorts. She then lifted her legs and rested them on her own lap to keep them elevated. Wednesday had trained herself for a number of medical emergencies, but she was not pleased to have to use her knowledge on Enid.

“Oh dear, now this is no good, is it?” came the voice of Principal Weems as she approached her pupils with several bottles of water. She pushed through the crowd of students and crouched beside Enid, touching her cheek to check for fever.

“I am doubtful this was a cardiac issue; her pulse is strong. She is likely dehydrated. She is not sweating as much as she should be in these conditions,” Wednesday informed her principal. 

Weems nodded in understanding. She pressed a cold water bottle against Enid’s forehead, her face laced with concern for the girl. Her responsibility was not just to discipline the students, but also to look after them and their safety. It was never a pleasure to see one in such poor condition.

Enid slowly began to stir, mumbling something incoherent. Her face contorted in discomfort. Her eyes slowly fluttered open.