Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Wednesday had the most dreadful summer. She tried to distract herself by torturing her brother but that only brought her disappointment, he had grown weaker in her absence. She should have expected it, yet she was frustrated when he lost consciousness when she waterboarded him, not even half the time he used to withstand.

Her parents announced her she was to go back to Nevermore for the next term, she conceded. She had something to look forward to, a stalker; maybe even a murderous one.

None of that had managed to overcome what was troubling her, or to be more precise, who. Her roommate. Enid Sinclair.

The previous school year had not been what she had expected, with its ups and downs.

In the end it hadn't been so bad; reason why she didn't object when her parents told her she was enrolled for another year at least. But she had this tension in her gut, a terrible feeling at the mere thought of seeing Enid again.

Not because she didn't want to, on the contrary. She was looking forward to spending time with the werewolf. Part of her felt somewhat ashamed that it included her bubbly attitude and bright colors. Everything that made her Enid.

Enid was the one person, not that she couldn't understand, that's not something that interested her. Enid was one of the few people who actually made her feel something, something she couldn't grasp. Her heart would beat faster at the idea of solving that mystery.

A moment in particular had Wednesday reeling; after their encounter with the Hyde, his mistress and a run in with a resurrected pilgrim…she had been scarred by Enid's action.

The blonde had run to her and wrapped her arms around her. It was all Wednesday could think about. That hug. At first, she had pulled back without a thought, she had never been tactile, at all. Then she had really looked at Enid, tearful eyes, full of need. Wednesday had caved.

Worst than letting Enid hug her, she had hugged back and felt it, that strange sensation, warmth.

Wednesday was used to putting up with Pugsley's hugs, she powered through his neediness. Enid was different, she had done something to her, it was the only explanation why Wednesday had hugged her back, hard.

She had closed her eyes! How could have she closed her eyes?

It meant giving part of her control, being blind to the world. She knew. Wednesday took comfort in another human being. That thought horrified her.

The world had just been Enid and it was terrifying. Was she on her way to becoming one of these emotionally incontinent commoners?

Wednesday uncharacteristically kept in touch. She had enjoyed what felt like small and awkward interactions via texts. It made her feel awkward to seek-out another.

This was making her feel ghastly; Wednesday cared for Enid and had no idea what to do with it.

She didn't understand why Enid would like her. She didn't understand why she, herself, cared; they were antipodes.

There was only one thing Wednesday knew for sure; Enid meant something to her. Her question mark was on something. What exactly?

She knew they were about to be reunited for this new term and she felt a strange mix of happy anxiety. And maybe part of her simply wanted to run to avoid it completely.

Wednesday dreadful summer wasn't completely over since she was on her way to school, she had been stuck in the backseat of the Addams car with her disgustingly over-affectionate parents. She needed a break and required a coffee one. It was just her luck to be stuck behind two women gossiping about someone who had, it would seem, lost a child because it choked. This was getting long.

"Are you done talking about the wonders of natural selection because I'd really like to be able to place my order?"

They parted, eyes a little wide. Wednesday stepped forward between them and was able to finally order her quad over ice. She got back to the car and tried to look more at her coffee than at her parents.

Her bag buzzed and she knew it was the phone Xavier had given her; she considered it more like Thing's phone. He had taken over it after Wednesday made her disdain for it quite clear. She was still using it for her interactions with Enid. Eugene had the privilege of receiving a few texts too. And her stalker of course.

Thing had been living his best live that Summer, or so it would seem on his social media accounts. He had gained thousands of followers, most thought he wasn't actually a mangled hand but someone playing with visual effects. He kept on taking pictures or videos inside the manor, within reason. Wednesday had set rules about it if he wanted to keep using the device.

Wednesday looked down as her backpack opened, Thing pushing the phone out. It meant it was for her.  Wednesday grabbed the pone and indeed it was a message from Enid announcing her arrival at Nevermore. Wednesday felt that queasy feeling in her stomach once more. She looked out the car's window and saw the school's gate. She chose not to respond to Enid. It would feel insipid on a screen and they'd see each over in a matter of minutes anyway.

The looks her mother was giving her, were getting annoying. She had to be aware something was wrong with her, yet she never spoke to her about it.

Lurch pulled out her belonging from the trunk.

"Goodbye." Simply said Wednesday.

Morticia smiled at her daughter. "We'll take you to your dorm room. It's tradition."

Wednesday knew better than to argue once her fate had been decided. She turned and led the way, followed by her parents, then Lurch, and Pugsley.

When she reached her room, the door was ajar; she stopped on the threshold. Enid was inside, her mother talking and making her roll her eyes while her father stayed a few steps behind.

Of course, Wednesday family had to make some noise and alert them to their presence.

"Look your werewolf is already here." Said Gomez.

The Sinclair family turned to them as a whole, then Enid came running to her roommate, a huge smile on her face, squealing with joy. "Wednesday!"

No one, had ever said her name like that. She tensed but didn't step back. Enid stopped a foot away from Wednesday, arms slightly spread without overstepping.

They looked into each other eyes for a second before Wednesday sighed and gave Enid a curt nod.

Enid jumped in, closing the remaining distance separating them to take the smaller girl into her arms, holding her tight. Wednesday didn't recall consciously making the decision to lift her arms around the blonde. It didn't last long.

Wednesday resisted the urge to look behind her at her family, she could feel the back of her head burn from their stares.

Enid leaned back on her heels, raised her shoulders as she introduced: "Mom, dad, this is my friend Wednesday." It was said so naturally, and like it would mean something more to her parents.

Wednesday actually blinked. No one had ever called her a friend, never to her face. Was it what this was? Was it friendship she was feeling? Then why did it feel different from her relationship with Eugene? Maybe it was different because one was female and the other male. Maybe it was simply because Eugene reminded her of her little brother.

Before coming to Nevermore, Wednesday never had that problem. Friends.

Enid…Enid was everything she usually abhorred, logically she should loathe every interaction they had. She really should…

Maybe it was like when she had a terrible song in mind, one she couldn't stand, yet she couldn't get it out of her head. Thinking about it, it sounded like Taylor Swift.

Enid's parents came to stand behind her, Esther putting her hand on Enid's shoulder.

"So nice to meet you. We heard you somehow helped Enid turn." Wednesday could tell that smile was superficial, fake.

"There is nothing like mortal danger to see what people are truly made of." Stated Wednesday as she was staring down Enid's mother, wondering what kind of woman she would be in dire circumstances.

Esther Sinclair cleared her throat, her smile dimming while Enid's got a little wider.

"Did Wednesday willingly hugged someone?" Pugsley whispered in the back; he got a groan from Lurch.

Wednesday slowly turned until she was glaring over her shoulder at her brother.

"We don't have time for a proper murder my little scorpion. We still have luggage in the car." Said Gomez as he spread his arms, trying to push his daughter a little forward, inside the room. Wednesday didn't move a muscle for a moment, then she slowly reached into her backpack, Thing crawled along her arm until he rested on her shoulder as she pulled out a small cattle-prod.

Thing jumped from the young Addams to Enid, who joyfully exclaimed. "Thing! I've missed you so much." He landed on her outstretched hands and immediately started to sign. Enid's mother had promptly taken a step back while her father had frowned.

Morticia walked towards her daughter; Wednesday didn't move until her mother obviously went for her prod. She took a step back, moving it away but Morticia easily grabbed it. "Why did you take your good cattle prod to school?"

"Experience."

Lurch walked past them to put down some bags and a cello case, then immediately walked back out, his job wasn't done.

"Is that all you took?" Asked Morticia.

"Of course not."

Morticia sighed at her daughter's response. "I think we can expect less drama than last year."

"I live with Enid, there will be drama."

"Hey!" Objected a peeved Enid. "You and me were running for our lives and nearly got mauled because you went looking for trouble that one isn't on me. I'd never cause drama." Said Enid with the sweetest voice she could use.  Thing signed something to her and she nodded. "True, I didn't tell her about Ajax and me."

"You and I." Corrected Wednesday as she gave her mother a look. They just stared at each other until Morticia handed back the prod to Wednesday. "Leave your brother alone, we don't have time."

"Fine." Agreed Wednesday as she went and put down the cattle prod on her nightstand.

Gomez had stepped up to Enid's father and was talking to him, who seem to only nod back. Pugsley went to stand beside his mother while Enid was starting to catch up with Thing. Wednesday started to put her belongings in order.

It didn't take long for Lurch to bring all Wednesday had packed up to her room, and so it was time for them to go. "Father, Mother. Goodbye."

"We'll call you soon." Said Morticia as she handed the box containing the crystal ball to her child. Her Father stepped up to her next. "Don't get caught."

"I know the school's layout now." Responded Wednesday and Gomez nodded.

Pugsley was pouting in the back.

"I'll put up with it." Told him Wednesday before he went in for his hug, for a second it looked like she was going to hug him back, then he jumped.

"Always have a backup plan." Said Wednesday as she revealed another electric prod up her sleeve. She had shocked him. Gomez laughed and Morticia smiled.

Lurch groaned making Gomez turn towards him. "You are right. We must go." With one last look they made their way out.

"Enid we really should go too." Said Esther. She moved in as if to get a hug but stopped as she eyed Thing warily. "Don't forget to eat enough meat." She patted her on the shoulder.

"Yes mom, I know." Talked back Enid, annoyed, until her frowned turned into a smile as her father walked up to her. He didn't stop, and Thing had to crawl up to Enid's shoulder while they hugged. Her father sighed as he looked at her adoringly.

Enid's mother was already by the door. "Come on, we have a long road."

Enid's father looked at thing. He put his hand out, as if to shake a hand, he ended up shaking Thing's index and middle finger. "It was nice to meet you. I hope you'll keep an eye on them." Thing signed a salute.

Enid's father turned to Wednesday. "It was nice putting a face to the person Enid couldn't stop talking about over break."

Enid then practically pushed her father out the room before turning back to Wednesday. "I didn't talk about you that much."

"I'm starting to know you, Enid."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You talk a lot. About everything."

"True. True." Enid awkwardly walked back to her bed and started to unpack while talking to Thing who went to stay on top of her bed. Both girls were settling in.

Wednesday realized how easy it was to fall back into their shared routine, it felt comfortable.

"I'm going to see Yoko." Said Enid as she made her way out.

Wednesday didn't stop what she was doing, no one needed her approbation.

They had a few free days before classes actually started, enough time to reconnect or get to know the place for the first time.

Wednesday was sitting outside, reading, she had been joined by Enid and Yoko. She didn't look up as Yoko sat while talking to the werewolf. "I can't believe I'm seeing you eat an apple as a snack."

"I'm trying to eat healthier. Everyone agrees that apples are good for your health."

Still not looking up Wednesday interjected. "Apple seeds contains cyanide."

Enid froze mid bite before pulling her mouth away from the fruit. "What?"

"Just don't eat them." Told her Yoko.

"Obviously, but I mean, for real?"

Wednesday didn't raise her head. "One apple isn't enough to kill. You'd need at least twenty to be sure and it'd depends on the apples, the weight of the person you'd want to poison, and of course you'd need to properly crush the seeds too."

"That's…not exactly reassuring." Said Enid as she took another bite of her apple. She leaned closer to Wednesday and raised the book cover that was on her side to see what she was reading. This got Wednesday to actually raise her head and look at Enid when the blonde asked: "Since when are you interested in acupuncture?"

"I like to branch out on the things I can do with needles."

Yoko watched the two girls carefully; she was surprised when Addams let Enid touch her book like that and disturb her. Yoko knew if it had been her, she might have been stabbed or something. Yet Enid seemed to be allowed this kind of behavior towards Addams.

"Can't you read more normal things, like fiction?" Asked Enid.

"It's normal to me. Unless by normal you mean to your level?" Asked back Wednesday as she lowered her eyes once more to the line she had just left.

"Hey! That's not common to find teenagers reading books about acupuncture or psychology." She moved her hand in Yoko's direction for the last part.

"I like understanding people, know why they do what they do." Explained Yoko.

"Really? What was it again? If a trolley is heading down the tracks toward five people but if you flip a switch that can divert the trolley onto a different track you can save them but kill that one person on the other tracks, what would you do?" Enid paused and Wednesday actually answered. "I'd bring popcorn."

Enid rolled her eyes before looking back at Yoko. "What's the point?"

"It questions how we work, why we make the decision we do."

"Frankly Yoko, it makes me question more about ever getting a self-driving car."

"What?" This one Yoko didn't expect.

"I don't know what I'd choose, but would I be okay with a car choosing for me?"

"What?" Repeated Yoko.

"She wants a car." Said Wednesday, dry as ever.

Divina joined them, taking a seat across the bench. "We are sitting with Addams now?"

"Enid." Was all Yoko answered and it seemed to make sense to Divina who simply nodded. Bianca was right behind her but she didn't take a seat. She cleared her throat so the girls sitting there would pay attention to her. Wednesday didn't budge and was seriously considering leaving to read in peace, she had never asked all these people to crowd her. She had been fine on her own. Enid was one thing. Enid and co, no.

Bianca handed an envelope to Enid with a flower drawn on it, a nightshade. "We'd like to make it official."

Enid squealed as she opened it. She was officially invited to join the Nightshades. "Finally. I didn't think it would be that simple."

"It usually isn't, but with what happened last year we decided you'd be the exception." Explained Bianca.

Ajax joined them next, taking a seat opposite to Enid; he dropped a small paper bag on the table. "Did I miss it?"

Wednesday had enough, she slammed her book shut and stood up. "Nothing interesting."

"Where are you going?" Asked Enid.

"To find a dark corner." With that Wednesday turned her back on them and walked towards the building.

Enid turned to Yoko. "Isn't she a Nightshade too?"

"Nope."

"Addams is… Addams." Bianca wasn't sure what to say. Wednesday Addams had been quite a surprise and she knew the Nightshade would welcome her with open arms should she change her mind. Enid wasn't being kidnapped to introduce her to their secret society partially because Addams' reaction was a question mark, a dangerous one. Enid herself had turned and taken down a Hyde, no one wanted to attack her, even if it was a mock attack.

When Wednesday made her way back to her room for her writing time Enid was already there, sitting crossed legs on her bed filing Thing's nails.

"I didn't expect to find you there." She said as she managed to get the life-sized mannequin she was carrying through the door. It was a little small, so more of a Wednesday-sized mannequin.

"Where else would I be?" Asked Enid as she had stopped moving and just looked at her roommate as she put the mannequin against the opposite wall. "What are you doing with that?"

"I might need a decoy." Wednesday straightened up, brushed down her clothes and made her way to her chair. "I would have expected you to disappear somewhere with your boyfriend. To do unspeakable things." Wednesday told her as she stood next to her chair, hand on its back.

Enid's voice rose as she repeated. "Unspeakable things?"

Wednesday sat down without looking at her. "Things I do not want to hear about."

"I…hmmm…okay, actually we broke up."

Wednesday stopped mid movement as she was inserting a sheet into her typewriter.

"Do I need to take out my Bond Arms Snake Slayer?"

"Your what?!"

"My snake gun." Simply answered Wednesday as she turned the right cylinder knob until the paper came up under the guide.

"I think I'm going to stop asking, and no, no violence needed. I'm the one who broke up with him. During the summer I realized we didn't have that much to talk about, not that much in common. I mean, I was enjoying my time chatting with Thing way more."

Wednesday twisted in her chair until she could look at Enid and Thing over her shoulder, still on the other bed. Thing tensed under the murderous glare and slowly started to slip away from the blonde, he then jumped on the bed's headboard and started to sign furiously.

Enid who didn't understand why Thing was getting away until he defended himself turned pale. "No! Not like that. Nothing happened. Nothing is ever going to happen." She said eyes wide as she looked at Wednesday, before looking at Thing. "No offense, but he is a mangled hand. I prefer people with an actual body." Thing wasn't offended at all but was wholeheartedly agreeing. Enid and him were just friends. He'd never cross that line with someone he pretty much considered a baby, and he had a pretty good survival instinct that was telling him Wednesday could do terrible deeds, to him in particular.

Wednesday looked at them for a moment, both Enid and Thing had frozen, hanging on her next words. The young Addams turned back to her typewriter. "I'm no judging. For some people that's all that's needed, a hand."

"Wednesday!"

Thing jumped off Enid's bed and walked across the floor and climbed on Wednesday desk and signed.

"Preposterous. You and Enid can do whatever you want." She lowered her face. "I am not…" She stopped before saying the world jealous as a light went on in her mind. She indeed didn't want Thing to have that kind of relationship with her friend. She was ready to admit it, she considered Enid a dear friend, maybe even family after what happened with Crackstone.

Jealous wasn't the right word for it, she just didn't want Thing and Enid to…she shuddered. "We'll find you a place to sleep tonight." Somewhere I can see you, was implied.

Wednesday started typing like she always did, focused on her work, and after a few long minutes Thing went back to Enid, his manicure wasn't finished.

Wednesday found herself writing slower than she usually did, having a harder time getting into her story. She was listening in on what was happening behind her. She powered through her hour of writing; this was not something she could forego.

As soon as she was done, she did what she had been wanted to do for a while. She got her cello out of its case. "Do you mind?" She asked Enid. They had set rules on noises and disturbances; she had to respect them if she didn't want to be exposed to cringy pop music at any possible time of the day. The worst being Enid's morning alarm. Black Pink.

"Of course not."

Wednesday got lost in her music, she never knew how long it was until she'd look at her watch. This time when she looked up, Enid was still in the room and they shared a look. Next to Enid, Thing signed. "Not jealous, my stump."

Wednesday felt dread pool in her stomach, the worst she could have ever imagined.

She thought about her time with Enid, what she did and allowed her. Gestures.

If her mother had been right, she'd never hear the end of it.

Chapter Text

After coming to that awful conclusion Wednesday went to bed early, sleeping on it might help. She might wake up to realize it had just been a terrible nightmare. Might have been a brief lapse of judgement, an illusion…

She snapped her eyes opened and looked at her clock on her bedside. Right on time, just before sunrise. She got through her morning routine and got ready. Once that was done, she crossed her arms and stared at Enid's sleeping form. She wouldn't be up for a while, that gave her time to think.

She had to admit Enid was kind of attractive when she wasn't speaking. Wednesday couldn't phantom what she was feeling. She cared; she knew it was too late for that one.

It would seem she had developed some kind of primal sense of ownership when it came to Enid. Hence the jealousy.

She felt strangely drawn to Enid. She had started to enjoy the bubbly blonde company when she really shouldn't.

She actually liked her.

Probable explanation, Wednesday was either sick or cursed. She winced as she thought about the Addams family curse. She couldn't like like her. Wednesday rolled her eyes at herself for thinking such ridiculous things.

If Enid was the cause of all this turmoil within her, the most logical solution would be to get rid of the problem. Enid would make a nice pelt if she remembered correctly.

But she couldn't infringe on the Addams' code. It was forbidden to murder someone after said someone had saved an Addams' life. Worse, they were indebted to Enid.

One thing was for sure, there was no way Wednesday Addams was in love with Enid Sinclair.

Yes she could use that word, she was not twelve. She didn't do in love anyway. At all. At worst it might be a ridiculous infatuation…Maybe if she avoided the problem for a while, it might go away on its own.

She heard the typical noise of fingertips on their wooden floor before she saw him appear next to her and sign. "I'd make a terrible stalker if I was just standing by her bed to watch her sleep. I'm just thinking." He signed some more and she ignored him, then he didn't stop until she shared. "I'm wondering how to get rid of a newfound…problem."

Thing immediately got agitated and climbed on Enid's bedside table. No one was touching his friend.

"If I recall correctly, you pledged your undying loyalty to me." Argued Wednesday.

"You're not sure I'd regret it. You don't know better than I do."

Thing made a fist and moved it slowly up and down, like a boxer, rolling on his stump.

Enid groaned in her bed and they both froze. They had made too much noise and she was waking up. Enid slowly cracked an eye open, already knew it was too early and she was most definitely rolling on her other side to fall back asleep. Then she suddenly saw someone towering above. She jumped awake, going up on her cushion until she was pretty much sitting on it and stopped once she realized it was Wednesday. Enid's left hand went to cover her chest, she felt like she was going to have a heart attack.

"What the fuck?! Wednesday!" Exclaimed Enid as she slid back down into her bed, raising right arm to cover her eyes.

"Were you trying to scare me too death?"

"Though it is an interesting suggestion, I was merely pondering my options."

"And it required you to creep on me because?" Enid waited but after a good minute without an answer she lowered her arm. Of course, Wednesday was gone. She looked up at Thing. "Is it just me or was she acting weirder than usual?"

He signed back and she nodded. "You are right. I should already know it, when it comes to Wednesday, expect the unexpected."

"Does she watch me sleep often?" She pulled the cover up to her chin. "If that's the first time you saw her that's a little reassuring. I can't wake up like that again. Ever."

Wednesday was poking the few remaining pieces of her breakfast with her fork when Bianca came to sit beside her. She had thought this through, this time she had selected a small table so she wouldn't be crowded again. Obviously, there was still enough room for more than just herself. Bianca sat at a reasonable distance; she was still sweaty from her morning workout.

"I didn't think they'd serve breakfast that early." Bianca tried to make small talk before taking one long drink from her bottle.

"They don't."

Bianca gave her a look. "Do I want to know how you got it then?"

"I don't know. Do you?" Wednesday was still pushing her leftovers with her utensil.

"Don't be obtuse." Bianca rolled her eyes before phrasing the question properly. "How did you get it then?"

"There is absolutely no security surrounding the school kitchen; I went and made myself something."

The most surprising news for Bianca was that Addams could actually cook.

"Is there a reason why you came to talk to me?" Asked Wednesday.

"I'm trying to avoid silence."

The smaller girl nodded. "If that's the case, may I ask you some questions?"

Bianca's left eyebrow rose. "Sure." She answered, sounding somewhat unsure.

"It's about feelings and relationship."

"If this is about Xavier…"

"Of course not."

"Tyler then?"

"I have no question about Tyler; we had an exchange relationship."

Bianca gave her a look. "What?"

 "I wanted something, he wanted something, it was win win."

"Until he tried to kill you, and us all. And you do know that could make you sound like a whore?"

Wednesday finally looked up from her plate. "If a woman expects her boyfriend to pay for all their outings, and expect a certain number of dates before agreeing to become physical, does that make her a whore?"

"That's different when it's your boyfriend or girlfriend."

"Why? Because we used to sell woman to a husband? The sake of tradition?"

"No that's not it…it's just…"Bianca regretted speaking to Addams.

"Denial then. Anyway, back to my point. If there is someone, who's mere presence bring me comfort, how do I make it stop?"

"Why would you want to make it stop?"

"That kind of emotional comfort isn't real; it happens when one gets deluded because of their feelings."

"Feelings are real and valid." Maybe Bianca shouldn't try to talk about emotions with Addams.

"Feelings are chemicals responses I can replicate by taking drugs. How real is emotional comfort if I can imitate it with a good dose of Fentanyl? And Fentanyl I can touch, emotions, no."

"If it wasn't real you wouldn't want to make it stop."

"Touché."

"Listen Addams, I think whoever is getting you emotional deserve to get more help than you actually do. But if you ever meet someone who likes you for who you truly are and you like them back, I would tell you to hang on for dear life. Don't try to make it stop."

"I'm not good with or for people."

"Yet you saved the school, you saved us all." Bianca made a point to look around at the students starting to get out.

"I didn't save anything." Wednesday seemed insulted.

"I was there when you sent your little helper to tell us to evacuate, and then when you stabbed the pilgrim."

 "Thing has a mind of his own, I'm not responsible for his meddling. I was merely trying to resolve a mystery. It just happened to be linked to a ploy to kill outcasts at Nevermore. Unfortunate coincidence."

"That's why you jumped in front of Xavier to stop an arrow with your shoulder."

"I was probably delirious from blood loss."

"Ola Chiquitas!" Exclaimed a voice. Without turning from Bianca, Wednesday threw her knife at the individual who screamed. Both young women turned to look at the person who had interrupted them. A teenage boy was standing there, shaking, holding a book that had a knife embedded in it, right in front of his pelvis.

"Think carefully about your next words." Said Wednesday with her fork in her hand.

"Bye." The boy ran away as fast as he could. Wednesday and Bianca watched him go.

"He is faster than I would have expected." Said Bianca as he disappeared from their sight.

"Who is he?" Asked Wednesday.

"That's Diego, he is in the chorale with me."

"You better tell him to never call me Chiquita again."

"I think he got the message. He has a hard time with boundaries, but I think he'll respect yours. People are really starting to get up; I'd better go take a shower and change." Bianca got up and left.

Wednesday stared blankly at her plate for another minute. Maybe she should leave too before it got too crowded.

"Howdy roommate!" Wednesday tensed at the sound of that familiar chipper voice. Too late. She sighed

Enid came to join her, Yoko and Divina in tow. "That will not do." Enid handed her plate to the vampire and walked away. She grabbed a table nearby, lifted it and put it right next to Wednesday's, creating a bigger seating arrangement. "That’s better." She rubbed her hands one against the other then took her plate back from Yoko. "Thanks."

Wednesday was appalled. She wasn't going to put up with her personal space being overcrowded. She got up.

"Where are you going?" Asked Enid.

"Away." Wednesday was already leaving.

"Wait! I heard something you'll want to hear."

Wednesday felt disgusted by herself, she had stopped. She turned to look at Enid. "I'd be surprised."

"So get this. I heard that Xavier was accused of being inappropriate over the summer with younger girls."

"You stopped me for a rumor." Drawled Wednesday.

"We should always give credit to girls and women words, especially when it's about that kind of accusations." Divina stated.

"I've spent some time with him. I don't think he's ever been inappropriate. Stupid maybe." Defended Wednesday.

"Like he'd do that kind of thing to you." Commented Yoko before going back to sucking on her straw.

"Predators tend to know how to choose their victims. All I'm saying is, usually there is no smoke without a fire. Didn't your first instinct tell you something was wrong with him? You were convinced he was a Hyde." Added Divina.

Wednesday didn't move as she took the hit. She had been wrong about that; she didn't like being wrong. "At this point they are just rumors. We should let justice run its course, if he did something he'll get caught. I don't think he'd be that good at covering his tracks."

Divina snorted. "As if anything would happen to him. He is rich with a very influential father."

"My point exactly!" Cut in Enid. "Nevermore has a zero-tolerance policy with that kind of behavior."

"I'm more surprised he'd want to come back after what happened last year." Yoko toyed with the little umbrella in her glass.

"Nevermore is prestigious so there is that." Said Divina.

"Anyway." Enid smiled but it was still obvious she was annoyed by all these interruptions. "The new Headmaster made an exception for…" She paused dramatically and looked at her friends. " his son! Our new Headmaster is Vincent Thorpe!"

Yoko and Divina looked at each other at the blonde's excitement. She had already told them earlier.

"Don't you have anything to say Wednesday?"

Wednesday turned around. "Bye." Then she walked away. She got rid of her plate and fork. She was quite troubled at the idea of a seer as the new Headmaster. She always preferred to fly under the radar when it came to authority figures, mainly because most of them were incompetent. She thought about Weems who had earned her respect in the end. She had deserved that title; she reserved her judgment on the new Thorpe.

She made her way to the hives and Eugene was already there. There were a lot of things to do after such a long absence. He was in gear and inspecting a wooden hive part.

"Hey!"

"Hello Eugene." Wednesday stopped next to him.

"Did you hear about the new Headmaster?" He asked.

"Not you too."

"It was on Enid's blog this morning. I've always liked Vincent Thorpe."

"You know him?" Wednesday was curious. Know your enemy.

"No. I've read all his books and watched some of his videos."

"How can someone like a person they've never met?" Wednesday could never understand that.

"He is always so nice, maybe a little intense sometimes."

"He is a public figure. You see only what he wants you to see, his persona. He is making money off it."

"No. He couldn't be that good of a liar. Could he?"

"What did you think of Miss Thornhill?"  Asked Wednesday as she watched Eugene use his hive tool to gently scrape off the bee glue. Eugene stopped to look up at his friend. "True."

"Always be ready for the worst Eugene."

"You should put on your gear then."

"I'm ready to get stung." She still turned to get to the shed and put on the white bee suit. Trust her to choose a club in which she couldn't wear her trademark black; bees and their dislike for dark colors.

Wednesday managed to avoid people for the rest of the day, so all in all, it was a good day.

She got back to her room and looked at Enid' side of the room; the werewolf wasn't back yet. She then turned to her…own bed, colors on her bed. A few swift steps and she grabbed it. A peach rose, she had gotten familiar with that variety the previous year, Alejandra Perfect Peach Rose.

Of course Wednesday knew Alejandra meant 'defender of mankind', another sign of Thornhill's pride and ego, picturing herself as the defender of mankind against everyone that was deemed too different, outcasts.

With it, there was a picture. It had been taken that same morning during her talk with Bianca.

There was a sudden noise behind her. Tensed as she was, Wednesday grabbed the knife hidden in her belt and turned around, ready to throw. She deviated her wrist, just enough to not touch the person who had just walked in as she realized it was Enid. It would have hit the door just next to Enid's head, but the blonde did something unexpected.

Enid had spent a great day with her friends and was strolling back to her room. She had turned the handle and then everything happened in slow motion. There was the loud click of the latch bolt and a huge smile was starting to spread her lips as she got ready to join Wednesday in their room. She stepped in and something was thrown at her, it was about the pass right by her face when she felt a pull, to catch. She let out a small growl as she grabbed the thin piece of metal between her teeth and clenched her jaws.

Eyes wide, Enid looked down at what was in her mouth. A knife. She let it drop by her feet as she slammed the door behind her before yelling. " Wednesday!"

She was about to scold her friend when she saw the scary expression on her face. Wednesday eyes had grown slightly wide and her lips…she was smiling. She had dimples!

Enid couldn't let herself get distracted. "What was that?! You can't just throw a knife like that! I was just walking in! Into my room!"

"Our room." Corrected Wednesday hands behind her back. "It wasn't going to touch you, I'm not five anymore."

"I don't care! New rule, no knife throwing in our room. Or bathroom."

"What if we are in danger?"

"What are the chances…?" Enid trailed off. "Never mind. No knife throwing unless it's a confirmed threat. I insist on the confirmed."

"Agreed." Wednesday knew the blonde was right. Not fun, but right.

Enid nodded as pulled out her phone before she made her way to her bed and practically jumped her on it. She had to talk to someone about what had just happened. Maybe warn Yoko for the next time she came to her room; she should make sure to knock.

Wednesday hid the evidence quickly before taking slow steps towards the other side of the room. "Enid? How was your day?"

Enid froze and slowly looked up. Wednesday never asked that kind of mundane question.

"Great, until my own roommate tried murder on me."

"I already told you, you were never in danger. Had I not aimed at the door behind you, it seemed you would still have been safe. You caught that knife."

There was a dangerous glint into these dark eyes and the corner of her lips slightly pulled. So that was it. "My wolf saw a moving object and reacted. It was a fluke."

"I've never seen anyone do that other than my father. That was impressive"

Enid wasn't sure how to respond to that, she would take the compliment. "Thank you."

Her phone vibrated; she already had a new message. She looked down at it but before she could answer Wednesday cleared her throat. It sounded closer than Enid would have expected. She looked back at Wednesday and jumped. She was just by her bed, leaning slightly over her. "God! Wednesday!"

"About that knife catching…"

"I'm not doing it again Wednesday!"

Enid had started to get familiar with Wednesday's micro expressions, and her eyes. If she'd been a normal person, she'd been pouting. "But…"

"No." Enid tried to be as firm as she could. They stared at each other until Enid asked. "Isn't it your writing time?"

Wednesday looked at her clock, and indeed, she was two minutes late.

A little over half an hour into Wednesday writing time Enid finally stood up and announced: “I’m going to shower.”

Back always straight Wednesday nodded, following the blonde in the corner of her eyes as she made her way out, she kept on typing.

As soon as Enid stepped out Wednesday raised her hand just in time. She slowly turned in her chair towards her bed, enjoying the sting of thorns being embedded in her palm as she closed her fist around the rose. “We are not having this conversation again.”

Thing put down the photo on top of the black sheets before tapping it a few times.

“For the last time she does not need to know I have a stalker.” Wednesday stood up.

Thing made a slicing motion.

“Knowing about it wouldn’t keep her any safer than keeping her in the dark. I shared with people last year and it didn’t end well.”

Thing made a fist before making an outward movement.

Wednesday glared. “That's the second time I'm been accused of saving people. We just had a common enemy. Look at what happened to Weems and Eugene. It could have happened to Enid too. It’s better to keep them away from anything regarding Laurel Gates.”

Thing closed and opened his hand, making it look like he was dropping something.

“Call it bullshit if you want. I don’t believe for a second that a person who could organize and execute such a devious plan would be stupid enough to actually try and shoot bees. No one opens the game with a queen. No, I can’t believe Miss Thornhill was the mastermind. She had to be a pawn of some kind. Maybe my mysterious stalker is Laurel’s next move. I can’t involve anyone else.”

Thing closed letting only his index out and twirled it around.

“That’s my theory too, take someone insane and manipulate them to do your bidding. Just like it was planned for Tyler. Let’s be realistic, what would have Miss Thornhill done if no Addams ever showed up at Nevermore?”

Thing let himself drop.

Wednesday nodded. “I don’t think she would have killed everyone in school; she was preparing the resurrecting spell. She couldn’t kill them all and get the school closed if she needed an Addams’ blood to make it work. Waiting indefinitely for something to happen is not a plan.”

Thing leaned forward and pointed repeatedly at Wednesday.

"No. It's not what I'm doing. I'm assessing the situation. Now that this conversation is over. I'd like to go back to my writing before mother calls."

Thing remained immobile while Wednesday stared at him. He finally turned around, jumped off the black covers to go to Enid's bed.

If felt like she had been back at her desk for just a few minutes before her crystal ball started to lit up rhythmically. Wednesday sighed as she stood up. She really wanted to cover that shining stone and not answer. Alas she had given her word to her mother. The light coming from the ball was getting brighter and brighter until she touched it, placed it on her desk, opening the link.

A distorted image of Morticia appeared with a smile. "Hello Wednesday."

"Mother."

"Are you settling in okay?"

"It's been dreadful, people are coming up to me," She shivered. "Smiling."

"Are they mocking you?"

"I don't think so. They are probably simpletons with no regards for personal boundaries."

"Can't they be genuinely happy to see you?"

"They are unknown teenagers, so I doubt there is anything genuine about them."

"Did you do...something nice?"

"Enid tells me it's because I've sent a bigoted pilgrim back to hell." Stated Wednesday.

"Like everything in life, this too shall come to pass." Suggested Morticia.

"I was thinking about giving them a good reason to smile." Morticia frowned at the suggestion, that didn't sound like her little girl. Then Wednesday added. "Risus Sardonicus."

Morticia smile grew bigger. "I'm sure I have some Oenanthe Crocata somewhere, I might send you some seeds. Would you like that?"

Wednesday's eyes grew smaller as she tried to understand. Her mother wasn't acting like she should. Not that she would be opposed to a little poisoning, a few sardonic smiles, but to outright encourage it on school grounds. "Mother what is it?"

"I have news."

"I guessed as much when you offered to send me some water hemlock when you know I'm more than capable of producing my own strychnine."

Wednesday knew it had to be the most dreadful news when her father slipped in next to her mother.

"What happened to Pugsley?" Was Wednesday's first thought.

"Your brother is fine. He even made a new friend." Said Morticia.

"A kindred spirit, they like to blow things up together." Added Gomez.

Wednesday watched as her father's hand crawled up her mother's hip and felt her disgust start to rise. "Out with it then."

Her parents looked at each other.

"Another Addams is going to be brought to this world." Said Gomez.

Wednesday knew what it meant. She looked directly at her mother. "There is still time to get rid of the parasite."

Morticia left eyebrow rose. "We are keeping it." There was a finality in her tone.

Gomez was grinning. "It seems it's a little boy."

"I...I have to go. I really need to practice with my cello now." She politely waited for her parents to say goodbye before putting back the crystal ball in its box, where it would remain for a while, harbinger of bad news.

Thing was already by the case and helped her take it out on the balcony.

"Thank you." Acknowledged Wednesday once she was in place. Thing bowed down.

She started slow with some Vivaldi but she could feel her nerves and went faster and faster, slipping into a very different tune. She began to play thunderstruck.

When Enid came back in the room still drying her hair with a towel. She poked her head out and immediately saw that Wednesday had an intense look on her face as she played. The blonde chose not to poke the bear.

Chapter Text

The next morning Wednesday was up early, as usual. She was enjoying the last piece of her breakfast when someone took a seat next to her. She chose to ignore it and kept her nose in her book. Said person cleared his throat and Wednesday looked up. It was one of Enid's brothers, Rhys.

Wednesday didn't say anything, after all he was the one imposing. She just looked directly into his eyes. His posture changed, he tensed and grew in his seat as he straightened his back.

Enid walked out with her breakfast looking to join her roommate and froze as she saw her sitting with her brother. She joined them as fast as she could without running.

"What's going on?"

Yoko who was at the next table pitched in. "I personally think it's some kind of pissing contest."

"She started it." Stated Rhys.

"I did nothing of the sort." Affirmed Wednesday.

"I sat down and she just looked directly into my eyes, without blinking. That's a staring contest and I'm not losing."

"And look at that I was right!" Commented Yoko, making Divina roll her eyes.

Enid slammed her plate down on the table. "Wednesday is not a wolf, she doesn't assert dominance like that."

"Then she can look away." Argued Rhys. "Or even blink!"

"It's Wednesday, she never blinks. It's not a challenge, it's just the way she is!" Enid just wanted to eat breakfast in peace with her friends. And she might be a little worried for her brother; Wednesday had obviously been upset the previous evening.

Wednesday remained stoic. "Enid always breaks our eyes contact first. Does that mean I'm the dominant one in our bedroom?"

This actually made Rhys blink before twisting fast into his seat to look at his little sister.

Enid still felt the urge to take a step back, out of habit. She would have before but no more. She reminded herself she was strong; but still gulped.

"This is not what it sounds like. As I said, not a wolf. We don't have the same rules." Enid hated the small whine she could still hear in her voice.

"Don't look down Enid." Said Wednesday, and immediately Enid's eyes went back up to her brother's face.

"She seems to understand it pretty well." Stated Rhys before turning to glare at Wednesday, who just ignored him and went back to her book.

"Did...did you want something?" Asked Enid.

"Later." He stormed off, mad that he had lost. He just wanted to get to know his sister's friend, the one she talked so much about and just got his ego hurt. He needed to cool down.

Enid sighed as she left herself drop in a seat facing Wednesday.

"Please don't antagonize my family. I have to live with them."

"He sat down uninvited and I just looked at him. Everything else was in his head." Simply said Wednesday.

"Don't try it, not with me. You know what you did with the comment about our bedroom."

"I got him do leave, didn't I?"

Enid groaned before deciding that was it. She stood up and took her plate to the next table. Taking a seat next to Yoko. Wednesday didn't say anything. She had managed to get her table back to herself.

"Addams finally staked a claim to you?" Asked Yoko.

"No. She's just enjoying one of her favorite hobby, annoying people."

"Are you sure? Because there are rumors." Asked in turn Divina.

Enid frowned; she usually knew every gossip. "What do they say?"

"You hugged in front of the whole school." Said Divina.

"So?" Enid took a bite of her steak.

"Addams hugged you in public and closed her eyes." Yoko eyebrows rose as she tried to make her point. "You're her person and people speculate on the nature of said relationship."

"Don't be ridiculous. We are just friends."

Yoko lowered her sunglasses for a second. "Addams just publicly said she was the dominant one in your bedroom; I already saw five messages on one of my group chats about whips and chains."

Enid felt tears in her eyes as she choked for a second. "Yoko!"

"Just saying." She pushed her glasses back up with the tip of her index finger. "People even say she's the reason why you broke up with Ajax."

Enid who loved to gossip, liked it only when it wasn't about her. "It's none of their business. It wasn't working with him. It was like superficial, no sparks."

"Does that mean you're looking?" Asked Divina.

"I...I don't know. I'm attracted to...I find people attractive but how do you truly get to someone's heart?" Asked Enid.

Divina shrugged when Yoko said. "To each their own way."

"Through the chest with a knife."

The girls turned as one towards the slow comment. Wednesday was reading her book but she wasn't deaf, she couldn't help but hear the people around her. That question had been so obviously simple.

She enjoyed the silence as she kept on reading. After a good minute she realized it was too quiet. She looked up to find the girls staring at her. "If you don't want me to say it like it is, don't be so loud."

"And how is it exactly?" Asked Yoko.

"A heart is merely an organ that pumps blood; easier to get to than the roots of your emotions. I never understood why people seek out such afflictions; having your brain and hormones run amok. It only leads to idiocy and engorged loins."

Divina smiled while Enid's mouth dropped open and Yoko's left eyebrow rose high above her glasses, a small smirked started to appear, showing off the tips of the canines. Enid grabbed her forearm. She knew that face meant trouble.

It was Divina who asked. "So you don't believe in true love? Soulmates?"

"Of course not. I believe in a physiological need most people have to fulfil. And curses."

Divina frowned. "You don't believe someone could fall in love with that one person, they would stay with for the rest of their life."

"Did you meet my parents? Of course I do; but I don't think it happens just like that." She snapped her finger. "The love, the lust, they rekindle it constantly. It's quite disgusting to see."

"Are you saying that couldn't happen to you?" Asked Yoko.

"I hope not." Was Wednesday curt answer.

"I just like to be romanced." Said Divina as she turned back to her table.

"Everybody does. Ajax could be so sweet." Gushed Enid.

"Ajax could be romantic?" That had Yoko perplexed, nearly just as much as Addams stating facts in a very self-assured manner for someone who had probably never been in love.

"He used to say I was the moon to his sun." Said Enid with a smile.

"Unexpected." Nodded Yoko.

Wednesday didn't let it slide. "Awful."

Enid rolled her eyes at her friend and got up to look over at Wednesday. "Obviously you are not into romance," 

"Or emotions." Cut in Yoko. 

"but it means a lot to me." Finished Enid.

"The moon only shines as a reflection of the sun. He was simply saying he made you shine." Explained Wednesday.

Divina made a face. "I kind of agree with Wednesday when you think about it like that."

"And what would you have said?" Asked Enid, getting a little testy that her roommate was changing the idea she had of her previous relationship.

Wednesday looked deep into the pale blue eyes watching her expectantly.

"You are the moon to my night sky. A light in my darkness that makes everything brighter."

Enid's eyes grew slightly wider as she felt her cheeks heat up at the intensity of Wednesday stare and voice.

Wednesday waited for a comeback. Anything. She glanced at Divina and Yoko who were giving a look she wasn't familiar with. The conversation seemed to be over and it was time for her to find a better place for her reading. She didn't have that much time left before the fencing club first meeting anyway. She grabbed her book, gave Enid one last chance before walking away.

Yoko finally whistled. "Who would have thought?"

"I told you she was a secret softy for Enid." Claimed Divina.

Enid sat back down; she wasn't sure she wanted to eat anymore.

Yoko pulled out her phone. "Just so you know, people now definitely write about you being in a serious BDSM relationship with Addams."

Enid groaned.

Wednesday walked into the room in her black fencing uniform and nodded towards her teacher as a greeting. He glared but nodded too. He hated that she wore black, he was a traditionalist who felt that the white color should be used as a sign of reverence for the sport, its history and traditions. It wasn't mandatory so Wednesday just wore her trademark black.

Most students were already there. She spotted Xavier on his own, a few feet away from the rest of the group. Wednesday walked up to him until she stood next to him.

"I heard terrible things about you."

"Let me guess. Now you want to ask me out."

"I just wanted to know if it was true."

"Of course not!"

She looked up at his towering figure, trying to see some truth. Reading people wasn't her forte. Her first impression of him at school had been bad. Not that one would openly admit to committing a crime. She had accused him already, of being a monster. His obvious interest in her made her suspicious.

"Is that why you didn't respond to any of my messages?"

"I told you how I feel about that kind of technology. Thing loves it though."

Xavier grunted as they watched Bianca walk in late. That was unusual.

"Now that everyone is here. Gather around. This is the start of a new school year and we have a good chance of winning a few trophies. But we need to work as a team." He looked pointedly at Wednesday as she said the last word. "I want good form, we salute. Always. We reset properly to the 'en garde' position. We show respect to our opponent." This time he looked at Bianca and frowned. "Let's get to it then."

Wednesday went to Bianca. They didn't speak but started to fence. Wednesday won a few points. It was too easy; she was getting annoyed.

"Should I enquire about what's wrong with you?"

"Nothing is wrong with me."

"You arrived late, you didn't socialize with anyone and you are obviously distracted. Something is off, if not wrong. I'm sure you could interrupt Yoko's fight with Enid or approach Xavier if you need to talk."

"Are you worried about me?" Asked Bianca surprised.

"Your performance is lacking and I'm getting bored."

"Ah, for a second I thought you cared."

"I need to know if I should find another opponent, someone who would actually be challenging."

Bianca froze for a moment, seizing the smaller girl. She made up her mind. "I didn't have the best break. I've been having trouble with my mother."

Addams nodded. "It's a common occurrence it would seem."

Bianca snorted. "I've seen your dotting parents. I doubt that."

"Things are rarely what they seem. My mother can be smothering and I've seen how Enid interacts with her mother."

"It's different for me. My mother and I have very different views of how our voices should be heard. She just sees it as a way to get what she wants."

"Are you talking about the way you've been accepted into Nevermore?"

Bianca stopped moving once more but this time Wednesday didn't stop, she lunged and got the point. "Maybe I should switch partner."

Bianca quickly moved forward on Wednesday. "What do you know?" She hissed.

"I did some research. I'm not going to get blindsided again. Brandy Jane."

Bianca tried to grab Wednesday who easily evaded her.

"Do I want to know what's going on?" Asked their teacher.

"Nothing." Said Bianca as she went back into en garde position. Inviting Wednesday to do the same with a move of her sword.

"Don't say a word about it to anyone."

"I have nothing to say. You conned your way into this school; I respect that. Although you should consider that if I could find the truth about you, the staff probably knows too."

Bianca glanced at their teacher. "I need to get away from my family."

"Okay." There was a pause while both girls waited for the other to say something, until Bianca finally asked.

"That's it?" With anyone else Bianca wouldn't have believed in such a reaction, but with Addams...she had no idea.

"Can we go back to some proper fencing now?" Asked Wednesday.

Bianca jumped forward. Wednesday enjoyed the rest of their training once Bianca had gotten her fire back.

Wednesday was swiftly making her way out of her fencing training. She had roofs to check and points of view to catalogue; she needed to get a step ahead of this stalker.

"Wednesday!" She stopped and turned to the right by rotating on the right heel and left ball to look at Enid coming her way.

"Do you need something?" Asked Wednesday.

"No. I just wanted to catch up. It felt like I didn't see you that much today. You always spar with Bianca."

"You always spar with Yoko."

"I do. We just have some silly fun."

"I enjoy sparing with Bianca too."

Enid's eyes grew wide. "You like Bianca?"

"She's grown on me. She pushes my buttons and challenges me. I enjoy the devouring need to beat her."

"You couldn't stand her last year!"

"I can't stand most people." Stated Wednesday.

"You'd rather spend your time with her than with me?" Whined Enid.

"No." Answered simply Wednesday.

Enid wasn't sure why she expected her roommate to elaborate when she knew better; after that pause she asked. "Do you...do you want to go get some coffee before the opening speech from the new principal?"

"I already have something planned."

"Oh." Enid' shoulders dropped a little. "I understand. I know how you love to stick to your schedule."

"I'll find you for the speech." Told her Wednesday before quickly walking away. She didn't feel good about this interaction with Enid, she felt off, like a part of her wanted to forgo her plan and go with Enid.

As every morning Wednesday's eyes snapped open. Instantly she knew something was wrong, first this wasn't her bedroom. She was surrounded by woods and she could see stars. It was still night.

She was on her back and spread on the floor like she had just fallen like that. Her skin felt like paint had dried on it, a lot of it. She sat up and took in her surroundings. She was alone, still wearing her clothes but she felt the skin pull on her forearms as she moved. It seemed something had been spilled on her or she had gone elbow deep into a substance.

It was reddish brown. She didn't find any injury on herself.

She stood up before walking around for a while looking for clues as to what she had been doing there. Nothing. Only tracks that seemed to belong to her. She knew better than to leave that kind of obvious trail. None the less she followed it until she reached a road. She knew where she was, right between Nevermore and Jericho.

She avoided the moonlight and made her way back to school in the shadow. It wasn't her first time sneaking in or out so she easily reached her dorm room. She couldn't see any light coming from under that door. She carefully opened it. It was dark but her eyes were used to it enough to perceive Enid's shape in her bed. Snoring.

Wednesday took off her shoes before fully stepping in and closing the door as quietly as possible. She then went to her bed to grab her black pajama with white stripes she had put under her pillow when Thing jumped out on her bed, hitting the covers repeatedly. Wednesday slammed him down on her bed. "Shhh."

It was too quiet all of a sudden. She looked over her shoulder at Enid until she groaned, raised an arm under her own pillow and snored again.

She struggled a little to trap Thing under her arm with her folded sleepwear before kneeling and retrieving one of the ominous black boxes she kept under her bed.

She waited again to be sure Enid was still asleep.

She went straight to the bathroom, put the box on the sink, Thing next to it and her clothes on the top of the chair in the corner. Finally, she softly closed the door and quietly locked it.

Thing was going up and down on his fingers.

"Calm down."

He pointed at her hands and face.

"I don't remember what happened last night but I'm not hurt." She leaned over the sink the get a better look at her face in the mirror. She had tiny spots on her face, the same color of the stains on her hands. Blood spatters?

"Let's get to it." She opened the box, lab specimen storage and transport containers with everything needed to get these samples. Seeing as she was obviously contaminated, Thing would have to do most of the work. Thing washed himself for a good minute, rubbing himself on a soaped-up wash cloth, dried himself. Once ready, Wednesday grabbed a black nitrile glove, only touching the seam at the wrist part of the glove and slipped it on Thing.

She'd get as many samples as she could to get some clues about where she had spent the night.

Thing got the dirt from under her nails, a few wood shards and pine needles from her clothes, a few strands of grass and a flower from her hair. She of course recognizes it instantly, Solidago, also called goldenrods. Too common in this area.

They got more than one sample from what appeared to be blood, from her hands and the spatters on her face. It might not all come from one vessel. As for her memory loss they sampled her saliva and blood for a drug test.

"I think that's it but take one last look to be sure." She turned on herself. Thing gave her a thumb up and she took the glove off him.

"Now go back to the room. I need to shower."

Thing leaned back until he stood on his stump and closed into a fist. Wednesday who was facing him crossed her arms.

“I think I’ve bribed you enough.”

Thing dropped to the side, still in a fist, he put his thumb out before going up, standing in front of Wednesday once more.

“I doubt it very much, you didn’t argue that much at home. And if you truly wanted to help, our family would have been more efficient than Enid. You are just the worst gossip with her.”

Thing took his index out and move it from right to left, in a swiping motion, like a windshield wiper.

“If I can’t trust you, I’ll have to contain you.” Wednesday uncrossed her arms and took a step closer to him. “Believe me, my desk drawer will look like a five-star hotel to you, compared to where I’m about to put you if you don’t keep your fingers tight. My secrets are my own.”

Wednesday raised her right hand, Thing jumped on his fingertips ready to make a break for it. He moved from side to side as if looking for something then finally moved his thump up and down. Reluctantly nodding.

“Good.” She didn’t have time for this. Wednesday took a step back and opened the door for him.  He went down the furniture and sluggishly made his way out.

Chapter Text

Enid frowned. Eyes closed. She was starting to wake up, something was bringing her out of slumber. Her nose twitched, something in the air, it was so familiar. Carnations?

Her eyebrows lowered even more as she could hear…water? Someone was showering. Her eyes flew open as she sat up. Wednesday.

It was dark but with the light coming through the window from the night sky was more than enough for her werewolf eyes to see clearly. Thing was pacing in front of the bathroom door.

“Why didn’t you tell me she was back?”

Thing froze mid step and slowly turned to face the blonde. They looked at each other expectantly, for a second, then Thing dashed to the side. “Thing!” Called Enid, but it was too late, he had disappeared into the air vent they kept open for him, so he could wander more discreetly around school.

Enid threw her cover off her as she got up, and in her haste tripped on it, nearly falling. She kicked it away and stomped to the closed door. She stood there, wanting to just walk in, instead she knocked on it so hard it rattled.

It felt like she waited an eternity for some kind of response, so she did it again.  “Wednesday?”

“Occupied.”

The little…Enid tried the handle, of course it was locked. She had enough Wednesday drama last year. She pulled harder on the handle and took the door right off, breaking its hinges. She took three steps to the side to put it against the wall before storming in.

Enid stopped in the middle of the bathroom as she realized she hadn’t really planned ahead. She had just walked in while Wednesday Addams was showering. There was steam in the room as Wednesday pulled the curtain so she could poke her head out. She had rolled her trademark tresses, one on each side or her face, in two perfect buns close to her ears.

“Is your bladder about to burst?”

Enid blinked a few times. “What?”

“You couldn’t wait for me to step out.”

“That’s no…do you always shower with your hair like that?”

“No. Now that you’re awake our rule about loud noises while the other one is asleep no longer apply, I’ll just wash it.” Stated Wednesday as her head disappeared as she put the curtain back in place.

Enid just stared at that curtain while her mind couldn’t help but go there, imagining what Wednesday would look like as she untangled her hair. Her eyes grew wide. Water running down her bo…Enid shook her head. “Where have you been?”

“Out.”

“That’s it! That’s all you have to say? I was worried sick about you, always getting in trouble. You could have had a vision at the wrong time or place, and got badly hurt. Someone could have hurt you!” She paused took a deep breath and started to pace in the small room, just a few feet and turn. “I had to lie because of you. Because of course people realized you were not at the mandatory speech; the only one dressed in black. Of course they noticed.”

“I didn’t ask you to do any of that.” Was Wednesday’s default response. Enid opened her mouth to yell some more but lost her voice when her roommate added unexpectedly. “Thank you.”

It took a moment for Enid to take it in. “You’re welcome. Although you should know I might have said you had a terrible case of diarrhea. I’m not sure how Thing did it, but he made some pretty disturbing noises in the bathroom while I was outside with Miss Bloomberg.”

“Do you trust the new dorm mother?”

“I don’t think I ever could after what happened last year. And what’s with the plant related names for our botany teachers anyway?”

“What about Thorpe Senior?”

“I…don’t know.” Enid frowned as she recalled their short encounter. “He wants to see you by the way. In his office, tomorrow, or I guess today at four.”

“Why?”

“Probably because you missed his speech.” They both knew it might be because Wednesday had his son arrested the previous term too. Wednesday hummed in the shower. It didn’t really matter. She turned off the water, twisted her hair to get most of the water out. “Enid?”

“Yes.”

“I’m finished, get out.”

Enid glared at the closed curtain. She stood in the middle of the room and crossed her arms, her feet moved to be shoulder withed apart. “Not so fast. You still didn’t tell me where you’ve been.”

“Is it a requirement for me to able to get some privacy?”

“K…kind of…Yes.”

“Are you really willing to try and take me hostage?”

Enid snorted. She was not suicidal. “I’m just sanding in your way.”

“What a precarious position it can be.” Stated Wednesday as she finished braiding her wet hair. Once she was done, decent, she took one ring out of the curtain, then the next, quickly she had completely taken the curtain off its rail and wrapped it around herself.

Enid’s left eyebrow rose as she watched Wednesday raise a pale leg to get out of the vintage bathtub, and the other, then the smaller girl made her way to Enid.

“I have to admit I didn’t expect that. Now what?”

“I’m giving you two options. You can leave and give me some privacy on your own volition. Or, I can reach for the silver dagger I have hidden in this very room.”

“You won’t. Why would you have a knife in the bathroom?”

“I always have a weapon at hand in my quarters.” Explained Wednesday as she took a small step forward. Enid tensed as Wednesday kept on getting closer while staring intently at her.

Once Wednesday was at arm’s length Enid right foot moved back and her arms dropped to her side as her eyes kept on going up and down on Wednesday’s body. She still had drops running down her body, dripping from her braids.

This time Enid didn’t sound so confident. “You wouldn’t.” She looked around the room then back at the smaller girl so close to her.

“I know you are used to frolicking around naked,” Enid’s mouth dropped open, and she interrupted her friend. “I don’…” Wednesday took another step forward and this time Enid took two steps back.

“but I, personally, would rather remain covered around people.”

“I’m just asking for the truth, a few words.” Enid’s voice was close to a whine as she knew her back was about to touch the wall behind her. It was a basic wolf instinct, she hated being cornered. She could still get out through the door to her right.

“No. You are demanding. But I’m not one who breaks.” Wednesday looked deep into Enid’s eyes, one eyebrow slowly rising as she started to lower the shower curtain. Enid’s eyes looked down as the material moved, revealing small shoulders. She could see the start of a swell, two. She stopped breathing. It was like Wednesday was wearing a strapless lowcut plastic dress, showing off a lot of cleavage.

“Enid?”

Enid’s eyes immediately jumped up to Wednesday’s face to find two dark cold eyes staring at her. It didn’t feel right. Enid felt the hair stand on the back of her neck as Wednesday moved suddenly. Enid swirled around in a “Eeeep” and ran out the room. Her legs felt shaky so she leaned against the wall for a second; the bathroom was just behind her. She was sure she had been about to die. Well a heart attack was still a possibility.

“Always respectful.” Said Wednesday as she stepped over the curtain to get her towel.

“I’m such a sucker.” Told herself Enid.

“You are not.” Stated Wednesday as she was drying herself. “You stood your ground.”

“I tried to. And failed.” Said Enid louder.

Wednesday finished putting on her clothes. “Does that mean you give up?”

Enid could have sworn she could hear the smirk in Wednesday’s voice. Her head rose as she had been staring at her feet. “No.” She squared her shoulders, getting herself ready for another argument and Wednesday turned on the blow dryer.

“Could you close the door now?” Half yelled Wednesday, she knew Enid would easily pick it up with her heightened senses.

“There is no more door.” At least this part gave Enid some satisfaction.

Wednesday had a lot on her mind as she went through this mundane act of drying her hair. Was that night the doing of her stalker? She put on some moisturizer. Had she been drugged?

With the samples they took earlier they’d know soon enough. And why would her stalker threaten her life to merely capture her and let her go? She was missing something.

She stopped on her way out of the bathroom to admire Enid’s strength. It wouldn’t be repaired that easily, a part of the wooden doorframe had been torn off, and the hinges left on the wall were bent, useless. She stepped into their room to face Enid’s empty bed. She turned towards her own bed; of course Enid was sitting on it, legs crossed while using a nail file on her slightly extended claws.

“You’re sitting on my bed.”

“Thank you captain obvious.”

“You have to move I need to sleep.”

“I need the truth.”

“You don’t need the truth, you want the truth.” Stated Wednesday as she walked up to her bed.

“We didn’t finish our conversation.”

“It was more a tantrum on your part.”

“Forgive me for being worried about your life, and mine.”

“I give you my word, I won’t put your life at risk this year. Without your consent. As for me telling you anything, it will never happen because it would mean I’d have knuckled under.” Wednesday’s eyebrows rose as she finished. At that point talking to Enid about her strange night would be like admitting defeat. It was not something Wednesday was known for.

Enid sighed as she stood up, right into Wednesday’s personal space. “Fine.” She stepped around the smaller girl. “I think I’d better go back to bed.”

Wednesday watched Enid go to her side of the room without moving until Enid bent to get her cover from the floor. Wednesday turned around and got into her own bed, crossed her arms on her chest and closed her eyes. She could still hear Enid turn in her bed.

“No need to worry about me, I can take care of myself.”

Enid huffed. “Not caring about what might happen to you is very different from taking care of yourself.” She knew better than to expect an answer. After a few seconds she called: “Wednesday?” Still nothing but that didn’t deter her. “I care.” There was another silence; Enid sighed and rolled, turning her back to her roommate.

“Goodnight.” Softly said Wednesday.

Wednesday’s eyes snapped opened. She stared at the ceiling; this time she wasn’t in the forest. Her eyes hurt and she had a headache; she glanced to the side and indeed her clock indicated it was her time to get up. She looked to the other side of the room as she sat up. Enid was still asleep, spread across her bed. She turned to her nightstand as she heard Thing tap repeatedly on hit. “Hello Thing. Did you get started?”

He tapped again on the side table. Wednesday reached out as he stepped to the side; she grabbed the piece of paper he had been standing on and sighed as she read it. Nothing unusual in her samples, no known drug. They still had no idea what had happened to her the previous night.

“It doesn’t seem to be chemical. Any idea?”

Thing out his ring and index finger together before spreading them apart.

“I do not have split personalities. I would know.” She paused. “What about the other samples?”

Thing put his index finger and thumb out of his closed fist and rolled slightly forward. Wednesday nodded, she knew there was no rushing tests. She got up and made her bed; once it was perfect, she told Thing: “I’ll meet you in the lab.”

He slid down the side table’s leg while she made her way to the bathroom. Wednesday saw him get into the air vent in the corner of her eye as she stopped before walking in. She admired once more the damage Enid did. She was not explaining that to the faculty.

She got ready as quickly as possible before going back into their room, grabbed her bag, her shoes, glanced at Enid and slipped out.

Wednesday made sure not to be seen, using the slightly longer but less used corridors, enjoying the cover of shadow. She finally reached the room she had been using with Thing since they came back to Nevermore. Bradbury tower.

She knew it could be a nice lair; an abandoned wing. Allegedly, to sequester Hydes decades ago. Maybe Hydes had been banned from Nevermore for their own protection.

A deserted place with a terrible reputation and probable horrible past; one had to admit, it is always location, location, location.

Wednesday pushed the massive crooked wooden door open; it made a creepy squeaky sound as she did so.

Thing was already there, standing over an open book, amongst papers, a few test tubes around him.

“Anything new?”

Thing thump went right to left and back. Wednesday went and leaned over him to look at his notes. None of the samples they had gathered had anything special, local grounds, local flora…

Thing didn’t have enough time at the morgue to do all the tests he wanted. He prioritized Wednesday’s blood and saliva tests; what she had been covered in was secondary.

All he had on that was that it was officially blood, human blood.

On the same table were newspapers, obviously they had to look for anything mentioning a human being getting hurt.  Thing didn’t highlight anything.

Wednesday turned towards her boards. One with everything that had happened the previous year. Tyler, Miss Thornhill, Crackstone. The second one concerned her mysterious stalker, how did he get her number? Whoever they were, they had to be linked to Xavier. The rose she had found in her room with the picture linked them to Laurel Gates as well. Laurel Gates was the connection between the two boards.

She faced a new development with the previous evening and her missing time. She looked at Thing over her shoulder. “We might need a new board.”

He let himself drop on the pages.

Wednesday had to go to her classes and managed to avoid Enid, until lunch break. She got her food and was making her way out to eat it in her Tower when she was grabbed by her shoulder. She twisted away and saw that it was Enid. She could avoid her, but she refused to outright run away. “Enid.”

“That’s all I get after everything that happened. At least come and eat lunch with me.”

Cons, Wednesday really didn’t want to do this, and she was pretty sure when Enid told her ‘me’, she meant her friends too. Pros, Enid would probably get hurt if she refused, and she was bound to get more annoying.

“Fine.”

Wednesday glanced at the door and Enid smiled, it seemed a little strange to Wednesday, maybe too tensed. Enid waited until her smaller friend moved to walk by her side.

Enid’ smile was a little too big as they reached their destination and she waited for Wednesday to sit down before she took her own seat.

“I guess your nose was right.” Commented Divina.

“Who cares.” Commented Yoko.

“At least someone is in a terrible mood.” Said Wednesday, hoping it wouldn’t be too long before she could leave.

“Thanks to you!” Half screeched Yoko.

“You are welcome.” Wednesday was her usual stoic self.

Yoko showed her fangs, arms tensing on the table like she was ready to jump, until Divina next to her laid her hand on her forearm. “Do you really have some energy to waste on Addams?”

“It wouldn’t be a waste if I get a bite.” But Yoko relaxed in her seat.

“No one is biting Wednesday.” Stated Enid.

“But you, right?” Drawled Yoko.

Enid blushed as she sputtered her denial.

“Yoko had a terrible night because her upstairs neighbors were very noisy last night.” Explained Divina. “She can get a little irritable when she is tired.”

Yoko’s head turned to Divina, most definitely glaring through her tinted glasses.

“It feels more like teenage vampire angst from Twilight. Anyway, blame Enid.” Wednesday looked at the blonde. “She is the one who cornered me in the shower.”

Enid was bright pink. “You said that louder on purpose.”

“One can find entertainment in many things. Watching buffoons spread idle gossip to fill their vapid lives is a tragedy to enjoy. Trying to get your face to flush until it matches your pink sweater might be a personal challenge.”

“Oh God! I can’t believe you kept me awake because of your sexcapades.” Complained Yoko.

“We di…” Started Enid but was cut off by Divina. “No details!”

“It wasn’t like that!” Glowered Enid.

“She was so impatient she broke the door.” Enid turned to glare at her roommate.

“You asked me to join you.” Stated Wednesday.

“I didn’t expect you to…tease me like that.” Whined Enid.

“That’s on you; one should always expect me to be merciless.” Wednesday look into Enid’s blue eyes until Divina cleared her throat. “What classes do you have next?”

Wednesday was annoyed as she stood in front of the principal’s office. She had better things to do. She looked down at her black customized Tank Must watch. Just on time she knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

She pushed the door and stepped into the familiar room. It was strange to see someone else behind Weems’ desk.

The man did look a lot like Xavier. He stood up and he was just as tall, if not a little taller. Black short hair slicked back. Pale blue eyes. Thin, with prominent cheekbones. “Miss Addams, I presume.”

“It is the time of our appointment.”

“You missed our mandatory start of term assembly.”

“How dreadful. I was undisposed and couldn’t make it.”

He walked up to her until he was towering over her.  Wednesday didn’t move a muscle as he slightly leaned forward with a frown. His eyes turned to slit like he was trying hard to see something.

“You have quite the student file.”

“I always try to provide with interesting reading material.”

“You were even expelled last year after capturing and torturing a young boy.”

“He was a Hyde on a murdering spree.”

“One of the many you accused.” He turned his back to her as he made his way back into his chair “I guess even a broken clock is bound to be right twice a day.”

“Why did you want to see me?”

“To see if I’d have to punish you for missing the assembly; but I can tell you were telling the truth when you said you couldn’t make it.”

“If that’s it, may I go now?”

“One last thing. I hope you will get better control of yourself this year. If you need help with your vision, don’t hesitate to come to. I’m the professional after all.” He looked down at a file on his desk. Wednesday bit her tongue, she would not waste her time.

“Oh, and before I forget, you’ll still have to go to your mandatory therapy sessions. Your last mental health professional didn’t release you from your obligation.”

Without even looking up, Vincent Thorpe raised his hand, making a shoo away motion in her direction.

Wednesday tasted blood as she left. She had a hive meeting to look forward to. Eugene and his beehives.

It was another disappointment. When she arrived Wednesday froze. There were two people wearing the familiar white suits.

Eugene looked up, obviously very happy. “Wednesday! You made it. Let me introduce you to Alicia, she is trying out today to see if she’s made for the hive life.”

The young girl in question stepped forward, reaching out for a handshake.

Wednesday looked down at the gloved hand, then back up at the new face. Pale skin, ginger red hair and familiar eyes. She was a siren.

Alicia lowered her hand before looking at Eugene, who was oblivious to the tension.

Wednesday managed to get back to her room just on time for her writing hour. She put her bag down and sat down. She took a deep breath before getting a new piece of paper.

“You know it would be more efficient with a computer.” Said Enid from behind her as she was sitting on her bed with her phone.

“I don’t like to repeat myself Enid.”

“I know how you feel about the sound of the keyboard and everything, but they make some great vintage keyboard, just like a typewriter. It would be faster to correct and change things when you are writing.”

“How can I contemplate my failures and learn, if I can just erase them with by pressing a key?” Asked Wednesday.

“As opposed to making paper balls that Thing has to get in the trash?”

“It makes it more tangible.”

“It would be more ecological, you’re wasting paper.”

“As opposed to making children work in mines to extract cobalt to build said computer. If we can even call it working. Let’s not forget the electricity required to make said computer work, all the energy needed to both power and cool down all the servers you need for the things you do online. And, how often do you change your phone?”

“I…I can fold this one.”

“Great, if you ask Thing nicely, he can put it in the trash for you too.”

Enid looked at Thing who moved from right to left. Enid wrote another message to Yoko before getting up. “I guess I’ll shower. No one touches my phone.”

“Don’t worry, and don’t forget to close the door if you don’t want to get disturbed.”

Wednesday looked up at Enid, they shared a look before the blonde stepped into the bathroom.

Chapter Text

Enid frowned in her sleep. What was it again? She had watched Wednesday get into bed the previous evening.

She cracked an eye open. The night was still dark but the nightlight on the other side of the room was on. “Weds?” She was too tired to articulate, and Wednesday’d better not get into her proper name argument in the middle of the night.

Enid saw something move on the other side of Wednesday’s bed. The smaller girl was on her knees, it looked like she had been rummaging under her bed.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you. Go back to sleep.” Said Wednesday in a soft voice, quietly, with a small comforting smile.

Enid felt her eyes close on their own. She was probably dreaming Wednesday would never smile just like that, or apologize for that matter. She forced herself to open her eyes just a little bit again. Wednesday had her desk drawer open.

“What…are you looking for something?”

“Of course not, I know where I put everything.”

Enid’s eyes were so heavy. “Hmm okay.”

“Enid?” The werewolf blinked to find Wednesday very close to her face. “I can’t seem to find a ring of mine. It’s pure silver, a signet ring, with a sailing ship on it.”

“Believe me, as a werewolf I would have told you about something pure silver you’d let anywhere in our room.”

Wednesday nodded. “Okay. Sorry again, go back to sleep.”

Enid felt like something was off. She observed Wednesday as she grabbed something from her desk, her sweater, and made her way out. Enid blinked a few times. Did Wednesday just walked out with her pastel pink hoodie?

Something dropped on her from above and she screamed. Enid fell off her bed and she tried to grab…Thing! She instantly calmed down as she realized it was just Thing, and went limp on the floor for a second, breathing hard.

 She raised her head to glare at the appendage. “What the hell?! Thing!” She asked while he pointed frantically at the closed door of the room.

Enid jumped as she heard something, a tapping sound from below. Was someone hitting the ceiling of the room under her?

Enid immediately stood up and started to pace repeating, really fast: “Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!”. Thing leaned back on her bed, slowly tapping his index finger on the cover.

The sparkling pink phone buzzed on her nightstand. Enid jumped on it. It might be Wednesday; who was she kidding? She sighed when she saw that the new message was from Yoko appeared.

“One more OMG and I’ll hose you two down with a fire-extinguisher!”

Enid dropped on her knees next to her bed, looking desperately at Thing. “Should I ask Yoko if she’s seen Wednesday?” Thing pointed at the phone in her hand.

“Right. If she thinks I’m getting it on with Wednesday she didn’t see her outside. What should we do Thing?”

Thing jumped on his fingertips, landing on a very tensed claw like shape.

Enid shook her head from side to side. “I’m not sure trapping Wednesday is the best idea.”

Thing put his index and middle finger together before spreading them apart.

“Is it really a different Wednesday? We know nothing other than she’s been acting a little strange tonight. She seemed to be warm and chose to wear pink. It’s not a big deal. No big deal at all.” Enid paused, but it didn’t work, she didn’t convince herself. “Wednesday is going to be so mad if we trap her.”

Thing moved forward with his index out, then moved his closed fist up.

“True. I’d rather we succeed and impress her as opposed to she kills us if we fail.” She raised her phone. “Should we ask the nightshades for help?”

Thing made a circle with his index and thumb before spreading all his finger out before jumping off the bed and going towards the other side of the room.

“That’s a little harsh, they’re not useless.”

Thing ignored her as he grabbed something under Wednesday’s bed and pulled. The black chest moved an inch at a time, maybe less. Enid grabbed it and easily put it down in the middle of the room. There of course a big metal lock shaped like a skull. “Great.” Enid grabbed the lock and pulled until she growled; it wouldn’t budge.

She turned to look at Thing but he wasn’t there anymore. “Thing?” She looked around until she saw Thing under Wednesday’s desk. He came to her with a set of big keys. She let him climb on her knee so he could be high enough to get a key in the skull’s mouth. Of course it looked like it was sticking its tongue out. Thing turned it and the round top part of the skull opened at the temple. Thing grabbed the lock and jumped off.

Enid then opened the left drawbolt, the right drawbolt, grabbed the top of the black trunk. She glanced at Thing, a little scared of what she might find inside. He nodded and she slowly lifted the top, eyes slightly closing in case something jumped out. She barely peaked inside before the lid slipped from her fingers and slammed down loudly. She immediately lifted it again, this time in one move. Her eyes grew wide as she took in its content.

Chains, chackles, pointy and sharp things she didn’t recognize and didn’t want to. She grabbed one she was familiar with. “A bear trap! Really?!” She put it down and looked back inside; more than one bear trap actually. Mouse traps. Thing pulled out a bear trap without teeth. “We are not using that on Wednesday.”

He didn’t drop it and went under Wednesday’s bed with it. Enid glared for a second then sighed, they might need something heavy. Something caught her eyes; it wasn’t made of metal. She grabbed the small black thing, it felt like leather, it was longer than expected, her jaw dropped. “What is she doing with an actual whip?”

Thing stopped on his way back to her, with his four fingers flat he put his thumb in the middle, near the first phalange and made a circular motion forward.

“Family tradition?! What in Selene’s name do you mean?!” Her voice grew higher at the end.

He ignored her and grabbed a chain before dragging it out behind him until the last part drop on the floor.

Enid didn’t expect anything else and wondered if Thing really needed her for anything other than to take the chest out from under the bed. She ignored the little box at the bottom with Pecard Leather Dressing written on the lid, there was another box she was interested in, a beautiful wooden one. She opened it and felt her heart drop, like any wolf would at the sight of a silver dagger. She could smell it.

She instantly closed it and put it back where she found it. She didn’t feel like looking around in that trunk anymore. Thing knew what he was doing anyway. She went back to her bed, but Thing stopped her. Once she put the chest back under Wednesday’s bed she got back to her bed. She laid on her side so she could face Wednesday’ side of the room and stared.

Wednesday slowly opened her eyes an felt a piercing pain through her skull, worst than her first hangover. She could see cracks on the ceiling as the light from the bulb on the ceiling burned her eyes. There was no such thing in her room. One time might have been an anomaly, if it happened again, it had to be something more.

She slowly bent her knees, rolled to the side and pushed herself up to a sitting position. The small room she was in looked like it had been ransacked, various objects covered the floor.

There was something strangely familiar about that place. The drawer dresser against the wall, she was sure she had seen it before. She got up and walked up to it, pushed a few clothes back into it before closing it completely. She turned on herself as it clicked. This looked like Laurel Gates’ room. There was even a broken vase on the floor, dried roses next to it.

She walked up to the wall, there, was something that wasn’t in the Gates Mansion. Articles about the Gates family, pictures, many of Laurel. Not one of Wednesday, it might not be linked to her stalker. She took everything off the wall.

She looked around the rest of the room, nothing much. The only thing she didn’t think belonged was the pink sweater on the bed. She grabbed it and knew immediately it was Enid's.

Wednesday’s eyes snapped to the door, checked for the knife in her belt. She quickly walked up to the door and slowly opened it; just a little bit so she could see what was in next room. Open kitchen, small living room. She knew she wasn’t as prudent as she should have been, but something might have happened to Enid. Wednesday went around the room, there was no one in sight. The place seemed abandoned; she could see a layer of dust on the kitchen counter. There were two doors. One leading to a tiny bathroom; she found out after opening it. And another one, to the outside.

It would seem whatever was causing her memory loss happened only at night thought Wednesday as she took in the night sky. She was in a little cabin in the middle of the woods. With no sign of another human being. There was an old pick-up truck, she could see the familiar ford sign but couldn’t be sure of the color. It was too dark.

Wednesday immediately took off her bracelet, wrapped it around her thumb and forefinger as she was still walking up to the passenger side of the car. Once close enough she pulled the special bead back, like a slingshot, and released. It wasn’t very loud as it hit the window, but the tempered glass shattered as expected. Not all of it was gone so she wrapped her hand into Enid’s sweater and finished it by pushing some of the pieces in before pulling up the lock pin.

She quickly got under the steering wheel, pulled out the knife from her belt.

She would have smiled at the memory of her uncle Fester teaching her how to do this if she wasn’t so focused. She removed the plastic cover on the steering column, it was a typical old car, ignition wire was brown and the starter wire yellow, battery red.

If she was wrong, she would get a good electric shock.

She stripped some of insulation from the battery wires and twisted them together. She then connected the ignition on/off wire to the battery wire. The dash lights turned on. Good.

She was nearly done, a good spark from the stripped part of the starter wire against the battery wire as she revved the engine. A few tries and the car started. She tried the steering wheel; she was good to go.

Well, nearly… she was sitting too low in the car. She pulled the seat up as high as it could go so her eyes were above the wheel. Still not enough visibility, she rolled Enid’ sweater and sat on it. It would do; she didn’t have a choice anyway.

She followed the only dirt road she found starting from the cabin, she quickly reached a rural road, a sign told her she was just next to Nevermore.

A few minutes later she was wiping the parts of the car she had touched. She might have to buy Enid a new sweater after this. It was easy to find her way back to her room. There was just one thing she needed to know. She softly opened the door and her eyes went straight to her roommate’s bed. She could see pale hair halo around Enid’s head on her pillow.

Wednesday let out a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding as she closed the door behind her. She walked up to her friend’s bed, making sure she was really there, her chest going up and down.

Wednesday stopped few feet away from the bed. She knew that smell.

“Why does it smell like my mineral oil?”

She waited a few seconds before calling: “Thing?”

Wednesday got close enough to be able to put Enid’ sweater down on her bed.

“Stop faking it Enid, I know you breathing pattern when you are asleep.”

Enid groaned and rolled around under her covers.

“Good try, but I know you are awake. I know your regular deep sleep breathing. I recognize the little growling noises and whimpers you make when you dog dream. I’m familiar with you breathing through your nose when you bite down some kind of noise you’d make while you mastur...”

Enid immediately sat up, eyes wide. “I do not! I don’t… dog dream! I am a wolf.”

“Tell that to Thing, he made me watch a video of golden retriever dream running and actually running into a wall as he woke up.”

“What?” Enid wondered if she had actually fallen asleep.

“He wanted to know if that could happen to you.” Explained Wednesday.

“What?!”

“Where is he anyway?” Wednesday tried to see if anything moved after she had goaded him.

Enid moved to the edge of her bed, putting her feet on the floor. “Wednesday?” Asked Enid as she grabbed her sweater. “Is that really you?”

“Don’t I look like myself?” Asked Wednesday.

“You do, but you didn’t act like yourself. You left with my sweater.”

Wednesday stared at the piece of clothing Enid was wringing nervously. “What else did I do?”

“It wasn’t so much what you did but your vibe was so off. Actually you were looking for a silver ring with a boat on it.”

Wednesday swirled around and turned on the light before going to her desk, she opened the top right drawer but stopped as she heard some kind of clinging, metal hitting metal, kind of noise. She felt the shift in the air and quickly moved to the side as Thing dropped from the ceiling in a helix motion while grasping a chain, centered on where she had been.

Thing climbed on the desk chair and shrugged. Wednesday looked at him, then at Enid. She knew he couldn’t have gotten the chains on his own. “You two planned a surprise attack for when I’d get back. How thoughtful.” She picked up the end of the chain. “And disappointing. That’s all you could think of?”

“I was just the muscle; he went and did this on his own.” Argued Enid.

Wednesday didn’t add anything but went back to her drawer and pulled out a piece of paper. “Could that be the ring in question?” Asked Wednesday as she handed it to Enid.

Enid barely looked at it. “I don’t know. You, she or, whoever just said silver ring and ship on it. It was weird. I didn’t ask for a picture.”

“This, is a drawing of Crackstone’s ring.” Wednesday slowly went to her bed, put down the sheet of paper. “I didn’t get a single vision since then, and I’ve been losing time, waking up in unknown places with no recollection of how I got there.”

Enid got up from her bed and went to her friend’ side. “Are you okay? Maybe we should go see a doctor.”

"A mental hospital is not an experience I'm interested in right now."

"And I'm the dramatic one; they could know what's wrong with you."

"Enid, Dr Kinbott already wanted to get me institutionalized last year. And that was before I did anything truly insane like wear something pink."

"Did that ever happen to someone in your family. I mean if it was a werewolf waking up naked in the woods with no memory of how it happened that could be bad. But it's not the same for you, you won't wake up covered in blood or with a mate." Enid frowned; something had changed when she spoke. Wednesday's heart sped up, there was the now familiar little shift, the smell. "You woke up covered in blood?!"

Wednesday's eyebrow slightly rose in surprise. Enid didn't stop. "I know you didn’t wake up with a mate."

"How would you know I woke up covered in blood?" Simply asked Wednesday.

"I have heightened sense and I'm very familiar with your body." Wednesday's left eyebrow went even higher and Enid blushed. "I mean…"

"I have great control over my body." Stated Wednesday.

"You do." Nodded Enid. "But I live with you, and I've done nothing but wait for more than an hour. I'm very aware of tiny changes in your body right now."

Wednesday always thought her mind would betray her before her body. She sighed. "When I was supposed to join you to Thorn' speech, I woke up in the woods. I did have some blood on me, but I wouldn't say I was covered in it."

"This is bad." Said Enid.

"There was no body." Argued Wednesday.

"And that's good enough for you?!"

"That's usually good enough for the police."

Enid took a step closer to the smaller girl. "This is serious. Stop deflecting."

"It's late and I need a shower and a few hours of sleep."

"I would already be catching on my beauty sleep if it wasn't for all this. I'm sorry me worrying about my friend and my own safety keeps you off track."

"I'm going to take a shower. " Said Wednesday as she grabbed her pyjama. "In the meantime, if you really want to do this, organize your thoughts and I'll answer your questions once I'm done." Enid watched her go and growled, keeping in the scream in her throat. Wednesday could be so frustrating.

She went to her side of the room to grab her phone before taking a seat on the black bed. It was how Wednesday found her a few minutes later.

"Ok." Enid looked at her notes on the screen as she stood up. "How can I know when you're really you?"

"I might always be myself and just have my memory erased."

"No." Enid shook her head a little. "You were definitely different."

"There you go, you already have to answer to your question. As you said you know me well enough to know when something is different."

"Could you be dangerous?"

"I'm always dangerous." Sighed Wednesday as she walked to her bed. She really needed a few hours of sleep; she still had that headache.

"No." It was like Enid didn't hear her roommate answer and was talking to herself. "You, she, was softer, you apologized, it's like you were nice."

"Enid." Wednesday looked straight into pale blue eyes. "Nice people can be very dangerous. If you ever have any doubt, if you feel something is wrong do not hesitate to run. Or do anything necessary to protect yourself."

"Do you have any idea what's happening to you?"

"I'm working on it with Thing."

"So no." Clarified Enid which earned her a small glare. Wednesday walked around the blonde, lifted her covers and sat down on her mattress. She laid down and pulled the cover up to her shoulders.

Enid rolled her eyes grabbed the cover. Wednesday resisted but she was no match against werewolf’ strength so Enid lifted it. Enid started to lay down next to her roommate. Wednesday’s eyes grew slightly wide as she moved away. “What are you doing?”

“I’m cold and I want to finish this conversation. We’re best friend; it will be like a sleepover.”

“No. Get into your own bed.”

“Fine.” Enid lowered the cover and started to tuck it in around the smaller girl. “I thought it was a nice way to make sure you wouldn't disappear again.”

Wednesday went to slap Enid’s hands away but Enid took the opportunity to pin them down. “Thing.”

The disembodied hand appeared from under the bed and swiftly closed manacles around Wednesday’s wrist, the chain passing between the bar of her headboard made it impossible for the younger Addams to leave.

Enid had a smug smile on her lips as she high fived Thing as he was resting on the top of the headboard.

Wednesday made a clanging noise as she pulled on her new shackles as she glared at them, then Thing and at last she looked at Enid, raised her right eyebrow. “Well done.”

Enid’ smile grew bigger as she was pretty much vibrating with energy, like she was about to jump of happiness. “Thank you!” Then she did run and jump into bed.

“Good night!”

“’Night”

Chapter Text

Wednesday’s eyes slammed open as she woke up. It was comforting to wake up where she was supposed to. She tried to move her arms to the side to sit up and was stopped in her movement by her very own shackles. She looked at the time on her alarm clock, she was half an hour late. It’s been years since she had the need to set her alarm. Thing was of course nowhere to be seen. She looked to the other side the room and Enid was spread across her bed, her left foot dangling in the air.

She called Thing a few times but he didn’t show. She looked at Enid again. She was not easy to wake up. She didn’t wake up when she called Thing loudly so it probably wouldn’t work but she tried it anyway. “Enid?” She waited a few seconds. “Enid!!”

She couldn’t throw anything at her since she couldn’t use her hand at the moment. She made as much noise as she could with her chain. She stopped hopefully as she heard the other girl groan, but all Enid did was roll to the side.

Wednesday squirmed as she lowered her pillow under her until it reached her feet. She put it between her feet and throw it as hard as she could. It landed right on Enid’s face, who this time, woke up.

Enid felt something jumped her so she squealed and moved away. She fell off her bed on her back, breathing hard. She looked around for a second before her brain caught up with her as she saw the black pillow on her bed. She relaxed on the floor, one foot still on her bed. She looked at Wednesday who was staring at her from her own bed.

“Was that really necessary?”

“Yes. It’s time for me to get up.”

“First. How do I know it’s really you?”

“How do I know you are really you?” Asked Wednesday back.

“It’s too early.” Enid groaned as she stood up. “But, that does sound like something you’d say.”

“Great. Now untie me.” Wednesday raised her hands as much as she could to make her point.

“I’m surprised you didn’t do it on your own already.” Said Enid as grabbed the keys from her nightstand. She walked up to the other bed in the room and she received a glare for it. Enid froze as she looked into dark eyes. “I’m not sure I should…anymore.”

“Enid!”

“You look like you’re thinking about hurting me, like for real now.”

“You left me tied up to my bed the entire night.”

“It was only part of the night, and truthfully, I thought you might like it.” Argued Enid while leaning over Wednesday.

Wednesday was not about to admit it was true. She had a great night. She was both disappointed by herself and impressed by Enid for pulling this on her. “I hate being late.”

“Class doesn’t start for hours.”

“Late to my own schedule.” Stated Wednesday.

“Just…don’t hurt me.” Pleaded Enid as she put the key into the lock, turned and unlocked the first one. She waited as she expected Wednesday to do something, anything; when she didn’t, she simply unlocked the second one.

Wednesday just stared at her roommate as she slowly straightened up and took a step back. Enid squirmed as she started to feel self-conscious, she was used to Wednesday’ stoic stare but not to her staring at her. “What is it?”

“Nothing.” Said Wednesday as she stood up. “I’ve just never realized you had a small mole just on your hairline.”

Enid’s hand automatically went up. “It’s a beauty mark.”

“Don’t hide it. It’s…nice.” Said Wednesday as she finally looked away as she went to grab her clothes for the day while Enid went back to her bed. The smaller girl disappeared in the next room for only a second before coming back out. She grabbed something she had hidden in her corner. Enid’s eyes grew wide as she saw the girl walk with a halberd; she was ready to roll on the opposite side of her bed for cover, but Wednesday put it across the bathroom threshold. She easily placed the end of the shaft in the low right corner, and the axe’s blade on the opposite wall. She looked into Enid’s eyes,” But maybe have it checked once in a while.” Then she disappeared to get ready.

Enid felt herself relax. It’s not like Wednesday could just say not to come in, or occupied, she had to be the extra Addams that she was. And why didn’t she do it the previous night? How many times did she shower?

A few minutes later Wednesday was surprised to see her weapon was gone. She looked in the corner and there it was. “You touched my halberd.”

“You don’t need an oversized axe to tell me not to get in the bathroom while you’re using it.” Told her Enid as she finished her hair.

“Experience tells me otherwise.” Stated Wednesday as she grabbed her bag.

Enid rolled her eyes as she turned to her friend. “So where to?”

“You are not coming with me.” Said Wednesday.

“I know you were all, 'I am doing this', or whatever last night, but that’s not how it’s going to be. We’re in this together.”

“No. This is my problem; I'll deal with it on my own.” Stated Wednesday.

“You are my roommate.” Retorted the blonde. "You know you'll bring whatever this is home at some point.

“I’m not dragging you into this one. No way.”

“Wednesday no. It’s not dragging me if you are being honest and I’m offering. I’m a wolf, we all know that the lone wolf dies but the pack survive. “Wednesday glared but didn’t argue, so Enid smiled and asked enthusiastically. “So where to?”

Wednesday needed to change her plans, she was not taking Enid to the Bradbury tower. Her lair was for her and her alone. Thing didn’t count. “I’m going to the library to do some research.” Wednesday didn’t wait and was already starting to walk out.er

“Library? We don’t use those anymore, that’s what the internet is for.” Said Enid as she followed her out, earning herself a glare from Wednesday.

“I don’t deem these materials as trustworthy. Information that could be written by simpletons who consider themselves to be expert.”

“As opposed to published simpletons.” Said Enid.

“Yes, but published books tends to me more verified than you in your bedroom.”

“Are you insulting me?” Enid wasn’t sure.

“Not really, I’m just saying anyone can claim to be an expert and say things that are inaccurate.”

Enid hummed still not sure if she should be upset by what the smaller girl was saying. She chose not to dig deeper. They reached the library. Wednesday immediately started to look for books related to memories. Enid dropped into a comfy chair and pulled out her phone.

“Didn’t you want to help?”

“I am helping, you are not doing anything that might get you expelled.”

Wednesday glanced at Enid before opening her book, Mystical Diagnosis. She found in it a list of symptoms that you could cross reference to then find a possible diagnosis.

First, memory loss, next headache, then possible personality change.

She didn't even look at the page about Lycanthropy, it had been a few moons already and she had nothing else pointing towards that kind of animalistic change.

Wednesday had forgotten something, loss of abilities. She didn't have a single vision since her encounter with Crackstone. Did it all really started then?

All that led her to mystical hijacker. Meaning something or someone was taking over her, whether it was temporary or not, it might slowly stop there or slowly progress until she disappeared and all that was left was the hijacker.

She then opened the book at page 272. The Zeigla was magical insect-like creature that could infect a host via an elaborate web of energy filaments covering the host's nervous system. Not easy to remove. If not treated in time could gain complete control of the host to the point of erasing whatever was there before. Rarely infect humans since it needs magic to survive, reason why it's found on magic imbued land.

She made a mental not to ask Eugene about it.

Next, page 346. Master puppeteer. Like for the previous article she quickly read what interested her. Extremely rare. Could take over people, usually weak minds…and Wednesday trailed of. She definitely didn't consider herself to have a weak mind.

It used to word usually, so still the looked over the last few lines and noted that some of her personal essence was needed. Whatever that meant.

The last one was possession. There were multiple pages to this one since one could be possessed by different creatures. Ghosts, spirits, demons…

Wednesday looked up as Enid's phone started to ring.

"Sorry. Forgot to turn off my alarm." Said Enid as she stood up. "Found anything?"

"A few possibilities worth looking into."

"I found everything and its opposite. There were so many things said about memory loss, more than I expected. Brain tumor, cancer, dehydration, PTSD, hypochondria, alcohol, drugs. And in the end, they all said the same thing: go seek professional help."

"I believe this is more mystical than medical."

"And I'm sure there are professionals about that too."

"Are you leaving?" Asked Wednesday.

"We are going to go get the most important meal of the day." Stated Enid as she picked up the black leather bag next to Wednesday's chair.

"I'll join you later. I'm not done with my research."

"Knowing what I know now, I think it would be best if someone was with you at all times and I have no idea where Thing is so, do you want to take the book with you?"

"I don't need a babysitter." Complained Wednesday. Enid grabbed the book's corner and Wednesday slammed both her hands on it. "Enid. No."

"I will not hesitate to carry you over my shoulder." Stated Enid.

"I'm armed." Snaped back Wednesday.

Enid's very stern and serious face melted right in front of Wednesday's eyes. Enid was pulling out the puppy dog pout, watery eyes. She bent her knee so her face was in front of Wednesday's as she was seating. "Please?" Her lower lip started to stick out.

"This is not going to work."

"Fine." It didn't mean Enid was giving, she cleared her throat. "The last time it was only thanks to my wolf that you didn't get killed. I turned my back on you, and if my instinct didn't take over, I would have lost you."

"Enid…"

"No." The blonde couldn't let Wednesday cut in or she might lose it. "After everything you put my through, don't you think the least you could do is let me keep an eye on you if it makes me feel better? I think you at least owe me that."

Enid held her breath as she waited, wondering if Thing had been right about that argument.

Wednesday blinked a few times before closing her book. "I'll join you for breakfast. However, I will humor you right now but this can't be permanent, we both know it."

Enid relaxed and that was the moment her stomach growled loudly. "Let's go!" She rushed Wednesday to finally get some food. She was picking food from her plate as they joined Yoko and Divina's table. "Good morning!"

"Morning." Echoed her friends less enthusiastically.

Wednesday didn't say a word as she sat down next to Divina and started eating while the other girls talked, ignoring them until Divina asked her. "What happened to your wrist?"

Wednesday looked at the visible skin, she put her fork down and pulled slightly on her sleeves so both her wrists were visible, displaying her bruises. She looked up and paused. "Enid decided to surprise me with shackles last night. These marks can be expected after being tied up to a bed for hours."

Divina ducked and fell off her chair just as Yoko spit out her drink in her surprise. She instantly stood back up and wiped the dirt off her uniform as she glared at Addams. “You timed that on purpose.” Accused the Mermaid.

Wednesday simply wiped a speck of blood from her cheek and sucked it clean.

Enid cleared her throat, her throat felt tight for a second and she knew she was blushing. “So, heard anything weird recently?”

“Fishing for gossip Enid?” Asked Yoko. “The only thing people are talking about recently is this new development with your roommate.”

“I don’t think that’s what she meant.” Divina gave Yoko a pointed look, making Yoko frown for a second until she turned abruptly her face towards the blonde. “No no no, we are not doing it this year. No mysteries, no danger, no unhinged monster, no normie killer, in fact no one can die this year.” Stated Yoko.

Divina looked all around them.

“What?” Asked Yoko.

“This is usually the moment someone appear covered in blood screaming or something.” Teased Divina with a smirk and Yoko rolled her eyes.

“Nothing then.” Nodded Enid.

Yoko sighed. “Ok, what is it this time?” Enid glanced at Wednesday.

“I’m not convinced Miss Thornhill was really the brain behind what happened last year.”

“Do you have any proof?” Asked Divina.

“Not yet. There are inconsistencies; I think too many to be a coincidence.” Explained Wednesday.

“Do not enable her.” Said Yoko.

“To be fair Wednesday didn’t actually provoke what happened last year.” Argued Divina.

Yoko put a flat hand across her chest. “You betray me.” She then smiled and took another sip of her breakfast. “Anyway, whatever happens, don’t involve me.”

“Isn’t it part of the Nightshade mission? To protect Nervermore?”

“As a newbie,” Yoko pointed her finger at Enid, “you, don’t get a vote.”

“What?! That’s not fair!”

“You haven’t even been to our first party yet.”

That was when Wednesday’s mind trailed off, keeping the conversations around her in the background as she ate and read the book she had taken from the library. This was first day of class and it was the last thing on her mind.

In her first class she spotted Thing who then stopped trying to hide and just joined her. She resented that someone had to babysit her all the time. But it wasn’t about to disrupt her routine. First thing was doing her homework; as soon as it was done, she turned to Thing to help her set everything up. There was no way she was doing a seance in her Tower and taking the risk to summon an enemy to see everything she had gathered so far.

She caught the matchbox Thing threw at her; she had to be the one to lit all the candles.

Once she was ready, she sat in the middle of the pentagon and started to chant. Nothing fancy, no ancient or foreign language. Just a modern Addams calling out for help. She remembered what Goody had told her, that she would never get to see her again, and Wednesday wasn’t one for hope. Anyone with some answers would do.

She had no idea how long she had been chanting, but her mouth was starting to get dry. The alarm she had set for her writing time didn’t ring, she wasn’t giving up.

She didn’t move as she heard the door open; Thing would have reacted if it was a threat. The door was then softly closed and quiet footsteps got close to her. “Wednesday?”

“I’m trying to reach the deceased.”

“Obviously.” Kept on whispering Enid. “That’s why I didn’t turn on the light.”

“Why are you whispering?”

“I don’t know, it felt like the situation called for it.” Answered Enid with her normal voice. “Who do you want to talk to?”

“At this point, anyone from my family. There are strangely quiet.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

“Either they are ignoring me or I need more power.”

Enid stepped into the circle, sat right next to Wednesday, so close that their thighs were touching and took the smaller hand into her own, interlacing their fingers.

“What are you doing?” Wednesday was staring at their joined hands; she should be pulling away. It felt strange.

“Joining you duh. Two people usually have more power than one. Is anyone here?”

Wednesday’s eyes snapped up to Enid’s. “You don’t know how to do it. You never call like that.”

“You just said you were trying for anyone at this point. And it’s not like I said something like; come out, come out, wherever you are.”

Wednesday immediate covered Enid’s mouth with her left hand, the right one not moving from its position and was starting to get sweaty. Wednesday wasn’t used to body heat.

“Not one word. I said in my family. You are just summoning whoever might be there, that could include evil pilgrims.” Enid mumbled something intelligible. “Promise me you won’t be calling spirits?”

Enid nodded and after a few seconds Wednesday lowered her hand. “Sorry.” Winced Enid. “I guess it’s a good thing no one answered.”

All the candles were blown off as she finished her sentence.

“What do we do?!” Asked Enid with a high-pitched voice.

“Can you werewolf eyes see if anything is moving on the ouija board?”

“Nothing is moving.” Stated Enid as her grip tightened around Wednesday’s hand so much that it was starting to be painful. “Wait! I see something.”

Wednesday didn’t comment that she could obviously see the light too, it was growing, a white luminescent form kept on growing. The shape took a recognizable human form. Its back to the girls.

“OMG!” Enid had taken out her phone.

The spirit turned around, a long coat moving gracefully as it did. All the candles lit up again.

“Principal Weems.” Greeted Wednesday.

“Holy f…” Their former principal turned a stern eye to the young Sinclair who stilled finished after trailing off. “Fudge.”

“What’s going on? Why am I in your room?” She looked around her.

“Oh boy.” Enid looked expectantly at Wednesday. She wasn’t doing it.

The ghost froze and glared at the bathroom door. “Did you break school property?”

“We were trying to get some answers from my bloodline and Enid,” that earned her a glare, “accidentally summoned you.”

“In my defense, no one she called seemed to want to talk to her.” Enid right eyebrow rose as she spoke.

Weems stared at Wednesday with a penetrating gaze. “I can see why.”

Enid looked at her friend too, she couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary with Wednesday.

“Could you be more specific?” Asked Wednesday.

“I could. If asked nicely.” Said Weems as she inspected at her perfect manicure.

“Death seems to have made you bolder. Fine, I’ll play. Principal Weems, would you please help me?”

“I don’t know.” Weems turned to her other hand. “The last time didn’t work out so well for me.”

“Is there anything I could do to persuade you?” Asked Wednesday.

“She is not above begging.” Interjected Enid, which earned her a glare from her roommate.

Weems looked up at the girls, obviously interested. “Tempting, however I’m interested in something else. Don’t send me back.”

“What?” Enid wasn’t sure she understood.

“We summoned her, we are the one who can send her back. Otherwise, you would need an exorcist and it would mean something else entirely for her soul. Are you sure?”

“I have some unfinished business here. I’ll come to you when I’m ready.” Explained Weems.

“Deal.” Agreed Wednesday. “Now, what can you tell me.”

“All I know is what I can see. As a spirit I can see others like myself. Not many spirits would dare to come when summoned by a possessed body.”

“Possessed?” Echoed Wednesday as she started to think.

“I can clearly see two souls inside your body Miss Addams.” Enid was staring a little warily at Wednesday.

Wednesday’s mind was processing what it meant, she was trying to remember when, how…that was when her mind trailed off. Goody!

Goody had offered to help, save her life, and she accepted like an idiot without asking about the conditions. Would she have refused? She wondered.

She felt a little ashamed, with how many times her father had told her to always read the fine prints. She had agreed to give her access to her body, let her pass through her. She started to laugh. Both Weems and Enid froze.

“Wednesday?” Called softly Enid.

“She told me I would never see her again. I can’t see her anymore because she is inside.”

“Who are you talking about?” Asked Enid.

“Goody. When she saved my life in the crypt so I could go back to Nevermore and fight Crackstone.”

“What do you mean when she saved your life?” Enid’s voice rose.

“After my first stabbing.” Enid had the urge to smack the smaller girl for sounding kind of smug as she spoke, but her shock won. “Crackstone stabbed you?!”

Wednesday looked back up at Weems. “Is there anything else you can tell me?”

“You might find some books about her in the nightshade library or even Jericho’s. I don’t know much about her, just that she lost herself in a vendetta against Crackstone.”

Wednesday nodded. “Thank you.”

“Would you by any chance know who the new principal is?” Asked Weems.

“Vincent Thorpe.” Answered simply Wednesday.

Weems turned to her left, speaking as she was disappearing. “The board must have been desperate for…”

“Did we just let loose the ghost of our former principal?” Asked Enid.

“Looks like it.” Wednesday was still reeling from the news. Suddenly she was pulled by the hand Enid never let go, pulled into a hug. Wednesday felt like a doll for as Enid pulled her in her lap, forgetting her werewolf strength. Wednesday found herself enjoying the pain of being squeezed a little too tight.

“Why are you hugging me? Nothing justifies physical contact right now.”

“I’m getting emotional after learning you nearly died.”

“That’s old news, and you already knew I nearly died when I fought Crackstone.” Argued Wednesday.

“There is knowing and knowing.” Stated Enid.

“You don’t make any sense.” Wednesday was pushing the blonde away.

Enid gave her some breathing space but didn’t remove her arms from around her.

“I could have lost you.”

“I could have slipped in the tub.”

“Maybe I should buy a pink non-slip bath mat.”

“Don’t.” They stared at each other for a moment.

“Can you let me go now?” Wednesday’s right eyebrow rose.

“Sorry.” Enid slowly let go and raised her hands up.

Wednesday immediately stood up and went to her desk while Enid turned on the lights and started to blow out the candles. Once she was done, she turned back the see Wednesday for someone to answer her call, her eyes not moving from her crystal ball. It didn’t take long for her brother’s face to appear. “Wednesday!”

“Pugsley.” Was her simple greeting.

“How is it going? You don’t usually call.” He frowned.

“I’m having a strange day. Is mother around?”

“She and dad are…” he made a face “busy.” Wednesday’s face mirrored her brother’s for a second.

“Aren’t they always?” She commented. “Can’t you separate them?” It looked like Pugsley was about to vomit. “Create a distraction.” Suggested Wednesday.

“I could start a fire.” He innocently proposed.

“Half the house could burn down before they realized it. Can’t you just blow up something? Maybe the doors of whichever room they are in.”

He smiled before nodding. “Someone will call you right back.” And the light disappeared in the crystal ball. Wednesday’s fingers immediately started to tap rhythmically on the wooden surface of her desk.

Enid didn’t look up from her phone, texting while sitting on her bed. “What if your parents are on the other side of that door. Against it I mean.” She was starting to get familiar with Wednesday’ stories about her parents sexcapades.

“If there is one thing I can trust Pugsley with, it’s explosives.”

Enid hummed, reminding herself to not think too hard about the Addams family’s dynamics. “I’m surprised you are reaching out to your mother. Is it that bad?”

Wednesday glared at her. She didn’t like it when Enid pointed out that kind of thing. “Desperate measures.”

Wednesday turned back to her crystal ball, she was receiving a call. Pugsley had been quick.

As she answered she was surprised. “Father.” He was disheveled, ruffled hair, crooked tie and what looked like plaster dust on his cheek. Nonetheless he had a huge smile on his face as he saw her. “My little viper, you have terrible timing as always.”

“I told Pugsley I needed to speak to mother.”

“Yes, but you know how she is, she needs to feel perfect.”

Wednesday ignored the snorting Enid on the other side of the room.

“It is an important matter.”

“I guessed as much, this is why I did as fast as I could.” Morticia appeared next to her father, perfectly put together. “What’s the matter?” Asked her mother as she started to wipe the dust off Gomez’s cheek, it turned into a caress.

“I too have a parasite.” Simply stated Wednesday.

Morticia froze for an instant and turned her look back to her daughter. “Are you telling my you are pregnant?”

This time Wednesday did look over her shoulder as she heard a cracking sound. Enid was just pouting at her phone as she whispered. “Not again.”

Wednesday was reassured it was just another broken screen, she went back to her mother.

“Of course not mother. How could I be pregnant?”

“Usually sex is involved, but I heard about a woman wh…”

“Mother stop. This is serious. Goody is regularly taking over my body.”

“You are possessed, what a wonderful experience.” Said her father.

“You know your way around a basic exorcism. What's really the problem?"

"I may have given her authorization to do so." Explained Wednesday.

"I'm going to need a little more context my little rain cloud."

"I was dying and she offered to help me get my revenge. I…didn't ask what she wanted in exchange, she just told me I wouldn't get to see her again."

"Then I'm afraid you've given her carte blanche." Stated Morticia.

"What?" Asked Enid. As she stepped forward.

"Oh hello Enid. How are you?"

"Hi. I'm okay, thanks." She paused awkwardly. "Congratulations, on your pregnancy."

"Thank you dear. We're miserable at the idea of doing all of it again at our age."

Still smiling Gomez added. "I think it will be harder on Lurch, he'll be the one getting up in the middle of the night to take care of our little demon."

"As mother said, there is a simple way to get rid of…"

"Wednesday. Maybe we should go back to the subject at hand."

Wednesday nodded as she looked at Enid by her side. "Carte blanche means pretty much blank check in French. Mother is telling me I've given free reign to Goody." She turned back to her mother. "Is there no way for me to take it back?"

"How exactly did that happen?"

"There was a lot of blood, she told me to grab the necklace you gave me. She put a hand over mine and with her other hand pulled the knife out my guts. I lost consciousness for a second and when I opened my eyes again it was done."

"If you even want to try something then you'll need that pendant."

"I have no idea where it is."

"But you always keep track of everything. You know where I put the things I can't find." Enid was surprised.

"I…don't remember." Frowned Wednesday.

"It's probably the first thing Goody did." Morticia sighed. "The only other option you have is to find out what she needs to do among the living. From what I've heard about her, she is not the kind of person who wants another chance at life. She has something in mind."

Wednesday was silent as she took it in, but something caught her eye. "There is something you want to add father?"

"Your agreement was obviously about her possessing your living body. If you were to die, one would think the agreement might come to an end." Suggested Gomez.

"Nope." Enid wasn't up for it. "No one is dying. You want your body to be completely yours again. I can't believe I'm saying this but if you die your body won't be yours either."

"If I lose, at least she'd be losing too." Argued Wednesday.

Enid made a face. "That's one skewed logic. No one is dying."

"What if it was just for an instant, would that be enough?" Asked Wednesday.

Her father made an unsure face and shrugged.

"It's an unproved theory. I think the best way to get Goody to leave would be for her to choose to go." Cut her mother.

"I'll be sure to ask her next time I see her. Oh wait." Snarked Wednesday.

"I'll do it." Wednesday stared at Enid. "What? She was nice to me."

"She stole your hoodie."

"You came back with it."

"Girls." They both turned towards Morticia's voice. "Thank you mother." Wednesday passed her hand over the crystal ball and it became dark.

Chapter Text

"I don't want you to talk to her, she could be dangerous."

"Says the one always running towards danger."

"I killed Crackstone."

Enid frowned. "You go straight to whatever you have in mind, consequences be damned. And from what I understand, if you were on your own you would have died last year. Goody saved your life, I saved your life, even Bianca saved your life." She sighed. "I love how smart and cunning you are, and it's true you know how to defend yourself. But let's be realistic, you are a five foot something badass, which implies that you have like zero physical strength."

"I can take care of myself."

Enid huffed and jumped her. She tackled Wednesday, immediately grabbed her hands and pinned them one on each side of her head.

"Enid! Let me go!" The young Addams wasn't about to give up without a fight. Enid put her weight on her, hips between Wednesday's legs.

One leg moved up, went under Enid's shoulder and pushed.

"I didn't know you were that flexible, that's impressive." Commented Enid.

Seeing as the blonde would move an inch, Wednesday tried to push with her foot on Enid's neck. After a few minutes of it, Enid brought Wednesday's hands up so she could pin both small wrists using only one hand, with the other she lowered the foot.

Wednesday was huffing and puffing while Enid was perfectly normal as she asked "What next?"

Wednesday look on her bed.

"No no no. Thing is outside help. What can you do now?" Wednesday went lax

"I can usually count on him." She glared and he went under the black covers.

"You can count on me too, but I'm trying to make a point."

"Which is?"

"If I talk to Goody I can protect myself. And that you really shouldn't rely on your physical strength."

"You took me by surprise, that doesn't count." Argued Wednesday.

"Because people always warn before they attack, everybody knows that."

"My sarcasm seems to be rubbing off on you. Nonetheless touché." There was a quiet moment, neither of them moving. "Now get off me." Wednesday started to squirm.

"Stop moving." Of course Wednesday didn't realize Enid's tone had changed. It sounded a little desperate. She fought a little harder. Immediately Enid used more strength to keep her in place and her head moved in the crook of the goth's neck.

"What are you doing?" Asked Wednesday before freezing, she could feel sharp teeth on her skin. "Enid?"

That was when the door burst open. It slammed against the wall as Yoko stepped in; Divina was right behind her, eyes closed as she was trying to pull the vampire back by her shirt.

"What did we say about the noise?" She had a fire extinguisher in her hands

Wednesday couldn't move but she recognized the voice. Enid started to growl as she raised head and turned to look at the intruders.

Divina who wouldn't cross the threshold, tentatively opened one eyes, thinking enough time had passed if someone needed to cover themselves. Once sure it was safe both eyes grew wide opened. She looked down at her feet and took a step back so she would be behind the threshold, pulling a little harder on Yoko's shirt.

The annoyed vampire turned. "What are you doing? Let go?"

"Can't you see something is wrong? I'm not stepping into a wolf's den like that. Just look at her." Said Divina.

Yoko turned to truly take in the scene. Her left eyebrow rose above her glasses. As she quickly joined Divina behind that invisible line that separated the wolf's territory from the outside world.

Wednesday took advantage of this opportunity. She knew she couldn't push the girl off her, she was too strong, but with her body turned like this…she rolled them around so she could be on top. She saw Thing had brought what she needed. She grabbed it and sprayed water on Enid's face. "Bad pooch."

Yoko and Divina weren't sure what they were seeing.

Enid blinked a few times before gently pushing the spay bottle away from her.

Wednesday looked at the girl under her. "What was that?"

"My wolf really liked that we were…roughhousing? And since we're not completely synched yet, she might have taken over for a second."

"Could that happen again?"

"I didn't think it could happen now!" Said Enid.

Yoko clapped once to get their attention. "Can we come in?"

"I'm not sure I want to." Whispered Divina behind her.

"Sure." "No." Answered simultaneously Enid and Wednesday.

Wednesday gracefully got up, face the intruders and crossed her arms. "What do you want?" While Enid got up and came to stand by her side.

Yoko carefully walked in. "I came here for a noise complaint."

"Enid jumped me to make a point, the noise is on her." After that Wednesday turned away, this conversation did not interest her. She picked up her spray bottle to put it back where it was supposed to be; she didn't need to water her black orchid that day. It was not a surprise to see that Thing had disappeared.

"Again, this is not what it sounds like." Enid tried to defend herself once more.

"Was it what it looks like? Because let me tell you, when we walked in…" Yoko trailed off as she realized Divina wasn't by her side anymore, she turned toward the open door. No one. "Oh, no she didn't?" She took a few steps back to be sure. She was gone. So she quickly said to Enid: "If you want to have your way with Addams on the floor, at least put down a thick rug." Before going after Divina. She knew it wasn't the last time she'd need to talk about it with the werewolf; rowdy bunch.

Once she was gone Enid turned to Wednesday. "Did you have to throw me under the bus?"

"We all have different forms of entertainment."

Enid huffed.

Their new headmaster didn't want to be her chauffeur, so Barnabas Choisy, the new  chemistry slash poition teacher was driving her to her therapy sessions. He didn't turn on the radio or try to make small talk. He followed basic etiquette rules and then just looked neutral. At least it was a nice trip for Wednesday.

She knew it was pointless, but she was still legally obligated to go to these appointments.

She'd have to go if she wanted to stay at Nevermore.

She would have to start all over again with a new therapist. At least she would be familiar with her surroundings, the new therapist had taken over Doctor's Kimbots' old Practice, same address.

Wednesday was standing in front of the door, she looked at her watch, right on time she pushed the door open and walked in. As she did so the door on the opposite side of the waiting room opened. This one was on time.

She observed as a middle-aged blonde man left and tuned back to the person who remained. It was a little person, shorter than she was. A woman with long black hair and dark brown eyes. The stranger offered her a smile. "Hi, I'm Wilhelmina Ward, some people feel more comfortable talking to me by calling me Willy. And you must be Wednesday Addams."

"I must be." Repeated the young Addams as she followed the therapist inside office " It is after all time for my appointment. People call me Wednesday, or Addams."

"Not a fan of nicknames?"

"If someone doesn't want to make the effort to say my name, I don't have to make the effort to put up with them."

"Everyone in your family call you Wednesday? All the time?"

"My parents have other qualificatives for me, but they don't defile my name. One girl in preschool tried to call me Willa once."

"Would you like to tell more?"

"I plead the fifth." The school had improved children safety, only crayons were allowed after Melissa accidentally fell on a few colored pencils.

Doctor Ward cleared her throat, before walking around away and taking a seat.

"You have a very interesting file, I have to admit I was intrigued. I'm sorry, would you like to take a seat?"

"Not really."

"All right, do what makes you comfortable."

"By that logic, I should leave."

"Unfortunately for you these sessions are mandatory. So you can leave, but you'll just have to face the consequences."

Wednesday spread her feet shoulder width apart and joined her hand in front of her, interlacing her fingers.

"Would you like to tell me more about yourself?"

"No."

"Would you like to talk about what happened last school year?"

"No."

"Would you like to remain silent until the hour is up?" After that question Wednesday didn't answer at all.

"Fine by me." Wilhelmina picked a remote on the small table by her chair, pressed a button; it opened a cabinet, revealing a wide screen tv. "I hope you like musicals."

"You didn't ask me if I would like it?" Said Wednesday before the doctor could press play.

"True, I think asking people if they would like something is a good way to communicate and make people feel safe. Let them take the lead so I can help them along the way. But you obviously don't want to make an effort here, and as I said before you are free to do it, you'll just have to face the consequences at one point." Offered the therapist with a small smile.

"If I asked you, would you rather be hanged or beheaded, I give you a choice, it doesn't mean that you have to help long the way."

"No, but these therapy sessions are not done to you, there are supposed to be done with you. My work is to listen and help you in anyway I can. And what would be your choice, hanging or beheading?"

"What if I can't be helped? And guillotined of course."

The doctor smiled. "Of course." There was a pause. "I think if you are asking me the question it means you can be." The older woman leaned forward in her chair. "I think maybe we should start about talking what happened most recently. From what I've learned you were personally impacted by what happened. One of your teachers, you previous therapist, your boyfriend. All important people in your life?"

"Tyler wasn't my boyfriend."

"No? How would you define your relationship then?" There was another moment of silence; the doctor waited patiently.

"We were…acquaintances."

"Really? How did you meet?"

"I needed a way to get out of town and her offered me a ride."

"What happened after this?"

"We kept on seeing each other, he was very helpful."

"Did you like him?"

"What do you mean by like?"

"Hmm, did you enjoy the time you spent with him."

"He was persistent."

"Do you think he liked you?"

"I'm not one to know what other people are feeling."

"Didn't he try to kill you?"

"Yes."

"And you can't say if he liked you or not?"

"He was obeying his master."

The doctor nodded. "His mistress, Miss Thornhill? Your teacher?"

"That's one of the names she used."

"And she betrayed you too."

"No."

"What do you mean no?" Wilhelmina asked surprised.

"There was no trust to break, no expectation. She was just a random person who wanted to kill me."

"Just that." The doctor was taking it in while Wednesday just stared at her. "How would you describe what happened last year?"

"Briefly." The doctor gave her a look. "I was sent to Nevermore, discovered I was part of some kind of prophecy, then a botched revenge plan against me, my family and other outcasts. Discovered I was being used for my body by a boy…"

"I'm sorry to interrupt but would you…" She paused. "Could you develop that last one?"

"Tyler's mistress needed my blood to resurrect an evil bigoted pilgrim." Doctor Ward just nodded this time, making clear Wednesday was to keep going with a head nod. "She managed to bring him back to life; we were able to send him back to hell and put two murders behind bars in the process."

"Who is we exactly?"

"Me, the ghost of a relative, Enid, Bianca and Eugene."

"Are they your friends?"

" Bianca isn't my friend."

"Ok, but Enid and Eugenes are?"

"Or so I've been told."

The doctor hummed as she nodded. "I've not been in this city for long, but I've already seen quite a few people and heard many sides of this story, of course everyone has an opinion, a different experience. And I've heard other names that you chose not to mention. What about the principal of your school, principal Weems was it?"

There was no reaction from Wednesday.

"She died and yet you don't mention her?"

"You asked me who helped me. She didn't really help me in this. We argued more than anything else."

"What about one Xavier Thorpe, I heard you got him arrested?"

"Should you really be using your patients' sessions against one another?"

"I don't need to. This is common knowledge; people like to gossip in small town. Some people like to complain about Nevermore in particular. Now, Mr Thrope?"

"He refused to answer my inquiries clearly, kept on hiding relevant facts about the case; he appeared at the most inconvenient places or moments. It turned out he was being framed. He was infatuated with me and took it very personally when I denied him."

Doctor Ward hummed once more. "What other friends did you make at Nevermore?"

"I didn't make any. I think Eugene and Enid are persistent and lack self-preservation."

"Okay. I've read your files; from your schools, the police, and your previous therapist. It was…informative. I believe legal coercion can be detrimental for treatment outcomes because I see what I do more as a therapeutic relationship. I'm still a hired professional to help you, but it's something we have to do together and we can only do that if you are willing." Wednesday just stared at her so she took at as a good sign, a sign that she could continue. "And I think you'd prefer if I was honest with you."

"Brutally."

"From the information I had access to and the little time we had together I think you have what we call antisocial personality disorder, ASPD."

The doctor was surprised to see the corner of Wednesday's mouth slightly go upwards.

"Is your official diagnosis that I am a sociopath?"

"No, we don't use that anymore. One of the reason is the stigma around it. Like autism,  ASPD people are on a spectrum. And it is true that what used to be called psychopaths and sociopaths are on that spectrum, not all people who are diagnosed with antisocial disorder personality fits that stereotype."

What could have been seen the start of a little smile on Wednesday's face dropped.

"I know a diagnosis can be daunting, and the future might prove me wrong, but you do show some of the most known signs. You are criminally versatile, you seem to have a low affect, you can me manipulative, the list goes on. You have what some people call, and again it doesn't mean you are one, it's just the way it's called, the psychopathic stare; you don't blink as much as other people do, and let's just say that look can sometimes be seen as predatory. The expression on your face is blank and impassive simply because you are relaxed. Many people with ASPD feel the need to try and fit in for different reason, we call it masking, but it doesn't seem like you feel that need. Do you?"

"I'm an Addams." Was all said Wednesday, like it was an explanation on its own.

The doctor nodded. "Some studies suggest that there might be a genetic component to it." There was a moment of silence between then that Wilhelmina broke once she thought it had been long enough. "Do you have anything to say about it?"

"No. You just confirmed what's I've always known, that I was meant to be alone, do terrible things, maybe even become a serial killer."

"I'm stopping you right here. Another inaccurate stereotype, being ASPD doesn't mean you are going to end up being a killer, serial or otherwise and it doesn't mean you have to be alone. It just means you process feelings differently. You may have difficulty expressing or recognizing your emotions, so it may be difficult for you to form meaningful relationships, but it's definitely possible. Usually, as you said yourself, with people who are persistent and loving. I've worked with ASPD patients who are happily married; their partner tends to care a lot, be patient and communicative. And if one day you want this too, it will require work on your part as well.  So people with ASPD can live relatively normal lives and I'm here to help you with that. If, and it's a big one, if that's what you want."

"I don't think I need help, but I'd like to know more."

It was the first time she was deep in thoughts due to a therapy session. Doctor Ward seemed much more competent than Doctor Kimbot. These thoughts stopped as they passed a few people from the sherif's department on the side of the road. Wednesday turned to Mr. Choisy. "Do you know what they are doing?"

"It would seem an elderly man disappeared a few days ago. They think he's wandered off and lost himself."

"I didn't hear anything about it."

"It's no surprise, John Hathorne wasn't very popular. He was old and refused to be placed into a home. He was in the middle of a legal battle with his only grandson."

"Do you know where he lived?" Enquired Wednesday.

The teacher's eyes left the road for what was too long to give the young Addams a look. "It's none of our business."

"I just wanted to make small talk." She tried. He didn't look back at her and merely grunted.

They didn't say anything else during the car ride back to Nevermore. As soon as she arrived Wednesday wanted to go back to the Bradbury tower, but she had promised Enid to go straight to their room once she was back, and if she didn't, Wednesday knew she'd never hear the end of it. She still contemplated the idea, but decided to go up to their room, she didn't have enough information to be sure it belonged on the board.

She opened the door to her room and froze, there were rowdy werewolves in her room. Enid instantly appeared in front of her. "Wednesday!" Blocking her way in. It didn't stop Wednesday from spotting two boys on her side of the room. One jumped on her bed to avoid the other boy's hand. White socks on her black sheets. On a sweaty teenage werewolf's feet. Wednesday eyes went back to Enid as her right eyebrow rose. Enid frowned not sure what was going on, it was not the reaction she was expecting, then Wednesday's chine lowered and an alarm rang in Enid's head.

Wednesday moved suddenly and slipped in, she managed to avoid Enid's arms; she knew if she was caught, she wouldn't be able to get free. She took advantage of Enid's fear of hurting her with her strength. She ran where she knew Thing had hidden the remote for a trap. He thought he was being discreet but she had seen this one. Just as she felt Enid's arms wrap around her midriff, she pressed that button.

A well-hidden wooden trap opened on the ceiling and a flexible metal net fell on the two boys, who started to convulse. It was electrified. What a nice touch. A small smile stretched Wednesday's lips, that is until one of the boys fell on the floor and lost control of his bladder. Her smile grew enough to show teeth, it turned into a smirk as she twisted in Enid's arms to tell her. "He is your guest; you clean up after him."

Enid froze as  she had a flashback of the last time they were this close and she felt her control slip. There was an actual flash, Thing had taken a picture with Wednesday's phone. Enid shook her head, grabbed the remote and switched off the current.