Work Text:
Of all the things Wednesday was enjoying about this moment, being surrounded by others was not it. Everyone who could possibly be wanted had arrived, yet her thoughts went to when they could finally be alone. To be alone in his company was one of the greatest pleasures in life. The way his sole focus was on you, the way his touch was only for you. She would never call herself shy or reserved, but there was definitely a different side of herself that was only present when they were alone. As she looked around them, surrounded by those they loved, even a picture of his mum was proudly on display, yet all she wanted was to be alone with him.
Wednesday had grown to accept the individuals she shared her school year with, under Enid’s insistence she would even stretch it to say they were her friends. She certainly still held on to the terror of those around her, revelling in keeping her friends on guard. It was important to her that they recognise and respect the fear they felt in regards to her. Unexpectantly this did little to deter the social life that surrounded her, even the re-introduction of Tyler into her social life did little to deter them. Wednesday was equally as disappointed and satisfied with their admittance of the two of them as a couple.
Enid had explained that it was similar to how they had all gone through puberty together, each changing and accepting outcast lineage. Those that wolfed out or accidentally siren called a friend felt sympathy towards Tyler’s unlocking of his Hyde. She said it was truly a crime all outcasts must suffer, a second puberty designed to single them out against normies. Wednesday found this to be extremely insightful and a little surprising of Enid, but as she had only recently wolfed out, it made sense she was more aware of the comparison.
Eventually Wednesdays isolated study dates at the Weathervane, where she could enjoy observing Tyler whilst bathing in isolation, became filled with friends. Aside from her scheduled writing time and the dates she strictly scheduled alone with Tyler, she spent little time without their presence. Her travels into Jericho often featured a companion. The in-depth studying in the library was often paired with another’s need to catch up on homework.
Admittedly she had slowly begun to enjoy the social activities her friends introduced her to. Tyler was even more interested in how she behaved in typical teenage situations. She had caught him watching her in fascination as the discussion of teachers engaging in affairs had earnt a comment from herself. He smiled at her remarks on Nevermore’s effect on those trapped within its stone walls.
When Ajax’s suggestion for a party in the Nightshade’s library caught Tyler’s attention. He was eager to attend what he knew would be a typical high school party, accompanied with Wednesday’s observations. Wednesday thought it over before agreeing to attend with Tyler, who took the news as if he was getting a new espresso machine at last.
The night of the party Wednesday met him at the front gates just after dinner, advising him to park down the road to avoid suspicion as to why a normies car was in the school parking lot. She discreetly walked him in to the school before snapping twice and descending the staircase of the Nightshade’s library. Tyler’s eyes dashed across the room, taking in every photo and bookcase, intrigued by the age and creatures it had inhabited. Wednesday however had made her way over to the makeshift bar, inspecting the drinks Yoko was crafting. She felt Tyler before his chest lightly pressed against her shoulder as he looked over her head. Wednesday declined a drink before watching Tyler bravely try one of Yoko’s apparently famous bloody mary’s. At the first sip he thoughtful tasted it before offering a smile and taking another. Music filled the library as Tyler and Wednesday gravitated to a quieter corner that offered a bench seat for them to sit on. They were observing the students, quietly offering commentary to one another. Subconsciously, Wednesday pushed back against the arm Tyler had stretched out behind her. He was gripping a shelf on the bookcase behind them, angling himself towards her. Inevitably their eyes came to focus on the one soul who seemed to be holding a distain for them both, well more accurately for Tyler. Xavier’s eyes stared relentlessly from across the room. They had both taken to ignoring his existence, he often attempted to throw thinly veiled insults about, which they most ignored or when they had been particularly reoccurring would be shut down by a third party.
Wednesday observed as Enid consumed her weight in brightly coloured cocktails against Ajax’s warnings. Yoko had clearly intended for them to influence their consumers as she watched in glee as Enid captivated the dance floor, twirling to the beat and nodding her blonde hair to the lyrics she agreed with. Ajax was close by, constantly checking on her and reigning her in when he thought she’d pushed everyone’s patience too far. Bianca was living up to her title of social queen with her flitting between groups of people, capturing conversation and the attentions of everyone around her. She was quick to smile and others followed her lead, she never needed her siren call, her natural charisma was infectious to others. Thing could be seen offering lime wedges for every tequila shot taken and rock, paper, scissoring against others waiting for a cocktail. He had always found a way to be a part of a party and engage with others, without ever saying a word.
The night surprisingly was filled with much enjoyment for Wednesday, but it may have to do with Tyler being at her side. All activities, even tortuous social situations were enjoyable with his presence. The conversation he was always able to engage her in was also beneficial. It never felt dreary or forced, it wasn’t filled with idle gossip or endless questions, just quiet remarks which Wednesday enjoyed. For a moment she almost thought she was smiling as she looked around the party, before slowly checking her features, although she was sure Tyler caught it before she did.
Wednesday had seen Ajax directing an exhausted Enid back up the staircase, presumably to his dorm. She could never hold out until the end of a party, always depleting her energy before its conclusion, the alcohol had also not been beneficial. As he returned to the party, he offered a smile to both Tyler and her, coming over to explain he had tucked her in to her own bed with a water bottle by her side. Wednesday went to ask about why he hadn’t taken her to his dorm, when he not so subtly pointed his head over his shoulder at an extremely drunk Xavier. They both understood, he seemed to be on babysitting duty for not only his girlfriend but his roommate too. Ajax returned to the party and seemed to have stirred a second wind out of everyone, with a new playlist of songs which had everyone up and dancing. Wednesday and Tyler included. They seemed to be in their own world again, it was something that others let them have, captivated with only each other and the music.
As midnight came and went the party slowly begun to die, students shuffling off to bed and other dark corners of the school. They watched as Ajax casual steered Xavier to their dorm as Yoko packed up her cocktail supplies. Bianca was walking with them to the front entrance when they caught site of the teacher’s patrol, they seemed to have camped at the front gate with coffees as they waited out the night. Bianca wished them goodnight before departing for her dorm.
Tyler had asked about other exists to the school, but Wednesday advised him that they were impenetrable due to safety, only a teacher would be able to open them before dawn. She requested he follow her to her dorm; she had a suggestion. As they closed the door to Wednesday and Enid’s room, they could hear the feint snoring of her werewolf roommate, deep in sleep.
“It is only five hours until dawn, we could just wait it out in here?” Wednesday quietly asked.
“I would, but honestly I’ll probably fall asleep if I sit back down.” He chuckled.
“Then we can sleep for the next five hours.” She replied.
Both of their eyes went to Wednesday single bed. “I don’t mind sleeping in the desk chair, take your bed.”
“That’s irrational, you are tired, take my bed and if you are so uncomfortable by my presence, I can work on my novel.”
“It’s not that I am uncomfortable with your presence.”
“We are both able to fit in the bed, Ajax and Enid often share his bed.”
“They share his bed, not hers?”
“I reluctantly share with Enid, that’s enough tolerance from my unconsciousness.”
“And your unconsciousness would tolerate me and Enid tonight?”
“I don’t tolerate you.”
The smirk on his face was anything but timid. “If you don’t tolerate me, then how do you feel about me?”
“I feel like you should get in the bed before I force you to sleep on the foot of it.” She warned.
He laughed, before a sudden loud snore stopped him.
“Almost forgot Enid was here.” He chuckled as she continued quietly snoring.
“I am going to the bathroom and changing in to my sleepwear.” She turned on the spot heading for her wardrobe before the bathroom.
Tyler slowly took his shoes, socks, jacket and flannel off before waiting for her return. Somehow the idea of getting in to her bed before she returned felt like an invasion of privacy.
As Wednesday changed in to her black satin long sleeve pyjamas she routinely washed her face, brushed her teeth and released her hair from its braids. She brushed out her hair, before halting her actions. He had never seen her with her hair down. He had only ever seen it in her uniform braids, and the one time she pinned them up for the Raven. She felt this was as though she was opening herself up to him more than she had before, offering a peak in to herself that no one else was ever meant to see.
She finished brushing her hair before dubiously taking a step back in to her room. She catalogued Tyler as he stood beside the bed, his bare feet in view. His typical blue wash jeans accompanied by only his grey shirt. As her eyes reached his face, she saw his attention was on her hair, he had noticed she had released it from its usual confines.
“You look beautiful, I have never seen you with your hair out.” His smile was so genuine it was unnerving.
“I don’t sleep with it braided.” That was all she could think to offer back.
She slowly approached the bed; Tyler was on the other side and as she picked up the blanket so did he. She sat on the edge before sliding herself in. As she lay with her back against the mattress and her hands crossed over her chest, she noted how far Tyler was from her figure. He had situated himself on his side, on the very edge of the bed. In her small bed there was almost a foot between them. Wednesday turned her head to look him over, he offered her a tight smile.
“Goodnight, Wednesday.”
“Do you truly sleep like that?”
The concern in her tone was enough to make Tyler chuckle at the situation.
“No, I just wanted you to have your space.”
“I have my space, make yourself comfortable on your side. If you invade my side, I will be sure to let you know.”
“Are you sure?”
Wednesday offered her perfectly crafted look of indifference at his question.
“Right okay, well I actually sleep on my stomach so, umm.” He slowly rolled himself forward on to his front, whilst putting his head beside hers on the pillow, he used both hands to prop the pillow up below his head.
They both watched each other, neither wanting to say anything to ruin the silence they shared.
“Thank you, I tolerated tonight.” Wednesday admitted.
“You’re welcome, what was the part you most enjoyed?” He asked curiously.
“This part.”
He smiled back, “Me too. I like watching you in normie situations, your thoughts and reactions are interesting. But I like the moments when it’s just you and me the most.”
Wednesday slowly lowered her hands from her chest, she rolled on to her side and propped herself up before leaning over to his side of their pillow. She gently pressed her lips to his before lying back down and resuming her position.
“Pleasant Nightmares Tyler.”
“You too Wednesday.”
The both closed their eyes and the quiet sounds of Enid’s snoring drifted them to sleep.
The sounds of the reception around them dulled as their focus was only on one another. He was suddenly by her side offering her a small smile, amongst the wide smiles around them, his was the most affecting. If everyone was to leave, they would still be looking at each other just the same. No matter the circumstances, it was two of them that they both enjoyed the most.