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"Are you excited for your date tonight?" Enid practically squealed in Wednesday's ear.
"It's not a date," Wednesday said.
"So you get together, every Thursday night, to watch horror movies?"
"Yes," Wednesday replied.
"No cuddling?" Wednesday's nose wrinkled at the thought.
"He doesn't put his arm around your shoulders?" Wednesday shook her head.
"He doesn't touch you, at all?" Wednesday nodded.
"It's just us watching horror movies, Enid, nothing more, nothing less."
Well it is a little bit more. Wednesday likes to have a companion to talk about her favorite genre with. The first couple of times she tried to have a horror movie night with Eugene and Enid, Eugene screamed at all the jumpscares and Enid had nightmares. While it was fun to see her friends be scared, it wasn't as pleasurable as talking to someone who just knew about horror. Someone who, almost effortlessly, got it.
Wednesday loved having their debates: practical vs. CGI, giallo vs. slasher, which was the most imitated real life?
Wednesday herself had been slightly surprised that it had been 6 weeks and physically, during Horror Movie Nights, Xavier remained closed off. He didn't overstep, he sat next to her but 6 inches away. He never reached over, not even if they shared popcorn. He would even put the bowl between them.
The Horror Movie Nights were held Thursday nights, an hour after archery practice ended. Xavier and Wednesday would meet up at the shed, where Xavier had a projector and a screen. He kept the shed completely dark for the movie, and usually brought snacks. Sometimes Thing would come, although with each passing week, Thing had remained more in the background.
"Sure," Enid said, giggling as if she didn't believe Wednesday. Wednesday rolled her eyes and left for the shed. She called it the shed, although Xavier preferred the term studio.
Xavier was hanging up lights in the shape of ghosts.
"What are those for?" Wednesday asked. For the most part, it was dark during their showings of horror movies. Wednesday preferred it that way. Xavier obliged.
"I'm setting it up. It is October," he said.
"I like it dark," Wednesday said flatly.
"I thought it would add a fun ambiance," Xavier said.
"Why? It's not like ghosts to look like floating blobs with sheets on them."
"Because it's almost Halloween. God forbid someone wants to have fun around Wednesday Addams," Xavier snapped back playfully. Wednesday knew he wasn't really upset with her.
"It'll ruin the movie," Wednesday crossed her arms across her chest.
"Or it could add to the movie's experience," Xavier replied, stepping down to showcase the lights surrounding the projection screen. Wednesday huffed as she sat on the cot.
"Whatever," she practically growled, "What are we watching tonight?"
"Night of the Demons," Xavier said, "1988."
"Ugh," Wednesday said.
"What?" Xavier replied.
"80s horror is so over sexualized. Of course you'd pick this. Just like you picked the original Evil Dead."
"Hey, I hate that tree scene as much as you do. But the makeup, the practical effects! Amazing! Sam Raimi is a genius."
"The makeup was good," Wednesday slightly conceded, "I did like the amount of blood."
"This movie takes place Halloween night," Xavier said, putting the disk into the DVD player connected to the projector.
"I do love Halloween," Wednesday said. "The screams of encouraged torture do wonders for my mental health."
Once the movie started, Wednesday saw instantly why Xavier picked it. The animated opening sequence. It was an interesting change of pace compared to their usual fare. She watched his eyes alight, taking in the synth sounds with the 2D animation.
Xavier noticed out of the corner of his eye Wednesday staring at him. It wasn't something unusual, Wednesday often gave a deadpan stare and would study your face whenever she deemed necessary, but Xavier found himself puzzled by why she'd be staring at him now.
"Do you tell people this is a date?" Wednesday said.
Xavier opened and closed his mouth. The movie was almost starting, so he put it on pause. "I don't. I barely talk about it with anyone," he said earnestly. He knew that if he were to broadcast that Wednesday and he would sit in the dark, in his art studio, watching horror films every Thursday, with his crush on her? Instantly half the school would assume they were a couple.
"Oh," was all that Wednesday said, before saying, "Turn the movie back on."
For the rest of the film, Xavier leaned his head on his arm away from her. He had come far to build this friendship with Wednesday, and he didn't want to ruin it. Did he have a huge crush on her? Yes. Did he have a whole sketchbook of drawings devoted to her? Also yes. But he knew the way he went about courting Wednesday the last time didn't work, and more importantly he valued having her as a friend rather than risk not having her in his life at all.
"I can't wait for my pick next week," Wednesday said as the credits rolled.
"What's it going to be?" Xavier asked, eager to hear what she had in store. Sometimes he tried to plan snacks around it. Like for Jaws , he brought gummy sharks.
"It's a surprise," Wednesday said.
"Not fair," Xavier said, putting the disc back in the case. He turned the lights on in the shed.
Wednesday stood up stiffly. In the past weeks, she normally said a quick goodbye and left, if Xavier didn't start a horror based conversation. But as they got closer, talking about horror, she slightly began to want to talk about other things as well. Maybe. Possibly.
Before she could stop herself, she said, "Are you sure you don't mean what you said in the jail cell?"
The vulnerability struck Xavier so that he froze. "What?" He said.
"I just," Wednesday sighed, struggling to find the words, "I know you apologized but sometimes I can't help but think that…"
"That what?"
Wednesday looked up at the ceiling. "I'm no good with emotion. Probably not the greatest of friends. Several people have called me out for my self serving ways. Why do you… why do you like me?" At that, she focused her eyes on him, unflinching.
Xavier took a deep breath. "When I first heard you were coming to Nevermore, I was excited to see you again. After my grandmother's funeral. I like you because you are bold, Wednesday. Ambitious. And you watch horror movies with me."
"That's all?" Wednesday said.
Xavier was at a loss. How could she not see the effect she had on him? How much should he say? He was worried about frightening her off with his feelings. Not knowing what to say, Xavier went to his desk and pulled out the sketchbook. The one filled with drawings of her.
"Here," he said, handing her the sketchbook.
Wednesday carefully flipped through the pages, taking in each illustration. Xavier wasn't sure if he should watch her or not, so he settled with cleaning up part of the studio, giving her space to take in what he drew. What he hoped to convey to her.
Wednesday took note of one particular illustration. She was holding the sword in her hand, standing against Crackstone. Her braids midair. She looked fierce and strong, and she lingered on the page for a couple of seconds before closing it and saying, "Okay. Goodnight, Xavier."
"Goodnight Wednesday," he said after her lightly as she walked away.
"Enid?" Wednesday asked, walking in their shared room the next day.
"Yes?" Enid asked, flipping through some magazine about hair dye.
"I have something to talk about, that I would murder you if you told anyone else."
"Naturally," Enid said, rolling her eyes. "Because best friends totally threaten each other with murder."
"It's an Addams' family custom. It's an honor to be threatened with such."
Enid laughed a short laugh, "What did you wanna talk about?"
Wednesday was struggling with words and phrasing. She knew how to convey feelings better through the written word, so she sat at her typewriter and typed a new page.
"Um hello? The last time you asked me about Viper de la Muerte you said I don't have an author's bone in my body."
Wednesday finished typing and handed the note to Enid.
Enid read aloud: "'How does one go about telling a guy they really like that they like them?' OH MY GOD!"
"No squealing," Wednesday said as Enid was mid-squeal.
"I'm sorry, I just can't help it! This is great! You know Ajax and I were placing a bet on how long it'd be before you'd get together!"
"You and Ajax did what?" Wednesday's voice was filled with ice.
"Ajax and I are both you and Xavier's best friends. And we're dating so we were wondering how long it'd take for you two to confess your feelings for each other."
Wednesday pursed her lips. On one hand, she was imagining various torture scenarios for both Ajax and Enid. On the other hand, she found herself more and more curious of what it'd be like to be with Xavier.
Quietly, Wednesday asked, "Do you think Xavier still likes me like that?"
Enid laughed uproariously. Wednesday frowned. Enid stopped, before saying, "Of course he does! Don't tell Ajax, but Ajax tells me just how often Xavier draws you. It's crazy. And Xavier talks about you, just to Ajax a little. Not nearly enough for my taste, because I'm nosy and I want to know more information, but Ajax tells me he's still crazy for you."
"He has a whole sketchbook of me," Wednesday said softly. She was thinking of the various drawings of her. Her fighting Crackstone. Her texting Xavier with the slightest of grins on her face, the exchange of course pertaining to horror films. Wednesday with Thing on her shoulder. Wednesday hitting the apple one time at the archery range. Dozens of Wednesdays playing cello.
"Aweee," Enid cooed. "You should tell him."
"How though?" Wednesday said, looking frustrated.
"What about through a horror movie?"
"What do you mean?"
"Surely you have a horror movie that really freaks you out," Enid asked. "Then he can comfort you." Enid wiggled her eyebrows. Wednesday glared, but thought about it. Although she preferred creature features and the classic Universal horrors, there was a horror film that unsettled her. [REC] from 2007. Uncle Fester had sat her down as a five year old to watch the film. The ending sequence was one of the most terrifying scenes Wednesday ever saw.
"Yes, I do now," Wednesday said with a grin. "Thanks for your help Enid." With that, Wednesday took off running down the stairs and into Jericho's library, seeing if they had [REC] on DVD.
Enid shook her head with a smile, seeing her friend disappear.
Thursday rolled around and Wednesday brought REC, hidden behind her back. She was so anxious she showed up to the shed early. She still wanted it to be a surprise. Xavier was hard at work, painting Nevermore Academy with jack o lanterns. She noticed he was still in his archery practice clothing.
"Nice painting," Wednesday said, from behind him. Xavier didn't hear her, as she saw earbuds in his ears and could hear the crashing drums now she was closer. Enid had tried to give Wednesday pointers on how to interact with her crush, and Wednesday only half listened.
Wednesday was frustrated that he didn't hear her but moved to see him concentrate on the painting. His hair was half in a bun, half out. His eyebrows furrowed together, and he was biting his lip. Wednesday found herself wondering what his lips-
"Hey Wednesday," he said, taking out his earbuds. "What do you think of this painting?"
She was flustered. She had been watching Xavier so closely and didn't realize he knew she was there. "Uh- It's good."
"You know, Halloween is my favorite holiday. That's how I got so into horror movies. When I was younger, I used to only watch horror movies during October."
"Ugh," Wednesday said. "You were one of those people."
Xavier chuckled. "I finally saw the light of watching horror year round. So what's the elusive pick this week?" He was cleaning up his art space.
"[REC], 2007. Are you okay with subtitles? It's in Spanish."
"I'm good with subtitles," Xavier said, with a small smile. "Oh! And because you didn't tell me what movie we're watching, I just bought candy corn and popcorn." He gestured to two bowls sitting in the middle of the couch. "And I have warm apple cider." There was a warm canteen and two glasses.
"Thank you," Wednesday said.
"You're welcome," Xavier said, a little perplexed. She'd never thanked Xavier for the snacks before.
Wednesday went over to the projector to put in the DVD as Xavier poured them cider.
As the movie began to roll, Wednesday took her seat. For the beginning of the film, while at the fire station. She stayed in her normal spot. She was unsure how to broach the subject of her crush to Xavier. She knew at one time he harbored feelings for her. But she knew they were friends. And although he had apologized to what he said in the cell, Wednesday was slightly nervous of this whole sharing feelings with people thing. It left her vulnerable and afraid. As Xavier's hand reached into the candy corn bowl, she reached, purposely brushing his hand. He glanced at her, but then focused his attention to the screen. As soon as the movie progressed to the film crew being locked in the apartment building, Wednesday began to fidget. Xavier paused the movie. "Something wrong?"
"No," Wednesday said, facing the screen.
"You sure?" Xavier asked.
"Affirmative," Wednesday said.
"Are you sure because you keep fidgeting?" Xavier asked, genuine concern in his voice.
Realizing that he wouldn't play the movie again until she looked at him, she turned her head and said, "Really, just play the movie."
Xavier shook his head, but resumed the movie, enthralled. As the movie went further towards the final scene, Wednesday lifted up the popcorn and candy bowls and set them on the table in front of the couch.
Xavier glanced at her but then looked on screen. Wednesday then cautiously made her way over to sit next to him, shyly. Xavier looked again at her, seeing her inches from his face, and had a puzzled expression on his face but he didn't wanna miss what was going on. Especially since Wednesday knew Spanish and he didn't. As the main character went up into the further part of the attic, Wednesday grabbed Xavier's arm. He looked over to see Wednesday scared? Of all things? Xavier found it a little endearing. A girl who defeated a necromantic pilgrim was scared of a zombie movie?
Without thinking, Xavier pulled his arm around her, but just barely touched her. He didn't want to frighten her off, but he wanted to comfort her. She stiffened for a second, and then relaxed. A jump scare happened, and she further burrowed into Xavier. Xavier was tempted to pause the movie. This was so unlike Wednesday. Did the movie really rattle her that much?
"Are you okay?" He whispered.
Wednesday knew he knew that something was up. She never doubted Xavier to be smart, but he was almost unsettlingly good at reading her. She squirmed. He cared. She knew he cared about her. After all, who donates an entire sketchbook to one person?
A part of her also hated how silly she thought she was being. Normally so bold, now hiding from telling him how she felt about him.
Her dark brown eyes met his green full of concern. He paused the movie.
Wednesday leaned her head up and still pushed herself to meet his height. She put her forehead against his, and closed her eyes.
"Wednesday?" Xavier asked, breathing heavily.
"I like you," Wednesday said, and with that said, she leaned away from him. It was too quiet. Wednesday was about to run- this was too much, too much- until Xavier's hand nudged her head closer and he closed the space between them.
His lips were softer than Wednesday imagined them to be. At first she didn't reciprocate, but then his other arm snaked across her back and pulled her closer to him. Wednesday's arms wrapped around his neck as she kissed back just as passionately. Finally, they came up for air.
"So you're my girlfriend now?" Xavier asked, his lips tilted in that cocky grin.
Wednesday's lips slightly twitched upwards. "That's a strong word."
Xavier's face fell. Wednesday felt her heart sink. Shit. She hadn't meant to hurt him. "I could be?" She amended. Xavier's smile came back, before he kissed her once again.
Wednesday pulled back and got up. "I have to practice cello, but I will text you."
"Okay," Xavier said sort of shakily, but with a smile.
Wednesday didn't necessarily have to practice cello, but this was a lot for her to process. The kissing, confiding her feelings for him. She wasn't sure what to do regarding their relationship. She also wanted to see how Xavier would act. Would he invite her on a date? Would Wednesday even like going on a date? She thought of that dreadful date in Crackstone's Crypt with Tyler, watching Legally Blonde.