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Chapter Text

- Wednesday -

I stroked the edge of the peeling leather journal. The last from Aunt Lilith before her death.

~ To acquire his wolf characteristics were both a heavenly gift, and the most wretched of a curse no Addams can survive. My sense of smell had improved even above that of an Addams, my sight, my hearing. I could track his scent from across a village, and hear his heartbeat even in a crowded tavern. I could watch his chest rise and fall steadily with each breath from across a darkened room.... But he's also an alpha, therefore I, his omega. I crave his scent to calm my soul. I desire his touch to remain as indifferent and morbid as I was born to be. And on the crest of a new moon.... The heat that calls for him, that I can never calm by my own means as I lay experiencing a pain – a rare unpleasant pain I cannot withstand.... A shame to my own name.... The end of the curse is near, and I've decided that I'd prefer to live under the list of family who has lost their mind and taken their own lives. I've watched him marry now, his first child on the way. I survived to watch his happiness, and for that, I die not with a broken heart. If he is happy, I have succeeded, and I've lived a life fulfilled. My mind is already suffering, and tonight, I give in to it. ~

I reached the conclusion to her story after eight volumes. They detailed the moment she met her love, to the moment she learned they'd never be together, and ended here, taken by the curse. I've heard long ago that dear Aunt Lilith had hung herself from a bell tower, the same to the church her sworn had married. I had found the method.... dull. It hadn't been gory, it hadn't been some extravagant display of morbid pain, but instead, an easy way out. Now, knowing what I do, feeling what I had, I finally accept her place as number eighty-seven of ancestors who have taken their own lives, driven by insanity, and the amounts of pain she suffered prior would forever be well acknowledged in the family name.

All it had taken was a hug. It had been messy and bloody, and held far too many eyes for the intimate experience it had felt to me, but I'd trade it for nothing. My beautiful and strong wolf, defying all odds, shifting on a blood moon – for the first time, no less – and besting a Hyde in my honor. She had been stunning, her beauty striking. I had seen her in a light so clear, I felt I had spent our semester together blind. Enid. My sworn. My chosen. My love.

And in the expected fate of an Addams, at least with the misfortune that has always hung like a welcomed cloud over my shoulders, Enid would never be mine.

We had been cleaned of blood and injury, sent off to pack to evacuate the campus until the end of summer. I had deliberated as I climbed the stairs. I'd be a fool not to tell her. She's my paramour, and I'm to suffer a fate worse than death if I'd choose to fall into some immature act of uncertainty and shyness. I had been prepared to tell her of my curse as I reached our floor, and instead, I captured the sight of her soft pink lips, tangled with those of the gorgon.

“I'll see you this summer?”

“Soon as I get the okay!”

“Love you!”

“Love you.”

I'd never stand between Enid and happiness, or whatever she deemed as love.

Of course, I've spent enough time around the students of Nevermore in only one semester to know that crushes move fast and are not serious by most standards. The truest form of love I've examined is between Yoko and Divina. Potentially, a vampire, while as unlikely as an Addams, can also occasionally have a designated pair, a twin flame, a mate. From my observation and recalling of many interactions, I'd be confident to claim them as such. Everyone else desired touch and heat. They were eager to share themselves with another and just as eager to share with fellow students that they were spoken for, but other than additional physical and perhaps emotional support, that is the end of what those incompetents consider “love”.

They've not experienced the pain of their heart bleeding from open wounds created by an invisible weapon, one that, for me, came in the form of the gorgon's hands on my wolf. They will never experience their mind swirling into a depth of insanity driven by sadness and despair and desire. Even Eugene, having found a girlfriend after his heroic act, had sent me three letters since the start of break, one had been awaiting my arrival by the time I reached home, another only a week later, and the last had arrived at the beginning of the month. I had read his words, expressionless, as he voiced his excitement, then his certain love, and lastly, his nonchalant dismissal of a simple and meaningless fling.

I hadn't responded to him, no, my time away from Nevermore was filled to the brim. First, I came to a deeper acceptance at having a sworn one. I had been mentally prepared for a life of solitude, anticipating it actually, and even now the idea of carrying anyone more than family past more than a first meeting brought me boredom and disinterest. Though the idea of moving forward without her was unfathomable.

I then accepted the fact I would never be with Enid. For her alone, I learned to maneuver that ridiculous technology she clung to so much. Once a week I'd find myself with my father's phone, a scheduled date- meeting. An hour I had given her to chat endlessly about all that she's experienced in the week since we last spoke. I ached to see her pleased smirk every time she realized I had allowed her to babble over the allotted time. I even once allowed myself three full hours to admire her beauty, reaching to touch the screen where she couldn't see how I traced her features. I allowed her voice to lull me into a place of comfort I can no longer find without her.

Lastly, I had gone through every available resource I could to secretly gather the notes and journals of the family members who have all befallen to the Addams family curse. This list was thankfully only seven family members long, at least for what had been documented. I'm unsure if the slight relief I felt was due to the knowledge that not many had to suffer this pain before me, or because I knew that I'd fall victim to the curse long before I could read over anything if the list had been much longer.

I spent the remainder of break reading and accepting the knowledge of the pain that I'm soon to suffer. From Uncle Damien who fell victim after his beloved, a sworn enemy, laughed in his face when he professed his love, and leaving Aunt Lilith for last as we share the most similarities in experience.

Like her love, mine too is a werewolf, and just the same, I've come to the conclusion that Enid is an alpha, and a strong one at that. She herself hasn't told me explicitly during our talks, but she alluded to it in conversations, like how her and her brother Dylan – the current alpha of the Sinclair pack – are now at odds, tensions high.

The knowledge of a werewolves' mate beginning to carry wolf characteristics was not a well studied topic, but it was known. This rarely happened if the mate is a normie, but outcasts genes were easily swayed into a deeper level of outcast behavior, and this change was not only normal, but expected.

I had felt shame for only days at realizing my slow acquiring of omega characteristics, but it didn't take long before my desire to be closer to Enid in whatever way possible brought my research of werewolves to an obsessive level. I realized the strength an omega could carry, and felt only pride at not only carrying those characteristics, but that I was carrying them because of, and for, Enid. I wanted it no other way.

A loud thump brought my attention to my desk where Thing had pushed a heavy book over the ledge. Seemingly tapping hadn't gotten my attention and he had moved on to other means. I returned the book to it's position as I turned away from the window I had been staring out of. The sun had been high in the sky as I finished reading Aunt Lilith's journal, though now, the sun disappeared slowly behind the treeline.

My first symptoms to the curse, had been aches and pains. My lithe, toned, and well cared for physic meant nothing as a flight of stairs winded me and a walk around the grounds left my legs sore and cramping. I had sprained my wrist strangling Pugsley, a wound that'd take only a day for an Addams to heal, less so if inflicted by another Addams, but that still pained me occasionally even two months later. A bruise Pugs had given me in return just weeks after still smarted my left shoulder.

The next step came with the wolf aspects. As Auntie claimed, my sense of smell was improved only so I could track the fading scent of Enid on a sweater she had borrowed before we left, one that has since smelt of nothing, but that I've still failed to wash. My hearing only allowed me to listen as her heart began to race as she spoke of the visit she had with Ajax. Pick up ever ounce of her breathy laugh as she admits that they've gone from giggly kissing to shirtless make-outs. The desire to feel her warmth, her strength, had left me weakened to accepting a hug from Father, two from Pugsley, and even one from Mother. None had been her, but my body still desired for contact after so many years of detesting and avoiding it. Then just last week, the crest of the new moon.

It had seemed there was some ancestor who had taken pity in me, slowing the process of this particular suffering. The concept of heats was misunderstood outside of werewolf packs. I've heard giggles and whispers of it at Nevermore, never listening close enough to hear more than an excuse for people to skip classes, spend time with their mates, and engage in copious amounts of intercourse. I learned through many documentations that it was more than that. Almost a gift for mated pairs, promised moments shared together, strengthening of bonds.... I had felt the ache. An ache I wasn't entirely unfamiliar with, but that I left widely unexplored and deemed unimportant until... well now. It hadn't grown from more than an ache mixed with an even larger lack of tolerance for those around me, though barely grew unmanageable before three days passed and my body calmed it's attack.

I flinched as Thing launched itself into my face, fingers deftly patting at my cheeks and chin before I wrestle him free non too gently. The next symptom I've experienced, is beginning to lose my mind.

I thrived on focus. I never grew distracted, kept everything in order, and knew all the facts. Now, I found it hard for my mind to remain in the same room as me on my worst days. My mind wandering to my wolf at every opportunity, and whenever she wasn't at the forefront, I was taken by the pain and despair. The curse was moving fast.

“Thank you, Thing.” I placed him down on the desk before me once more, watching as he shook, tapping out a rhythm Enid had learned to decipher so easily.... My brilliant wolf. “I know you're worried.... I'll inform the family at dinner.”

I've acquired eight calendars since the start of break, a new one for every room I began to frequent that lacked one. An obsessive act as they all carried the same mark. The day I'm to return to Nevermore, to Enid.

“There's nothing that can be done for me, but you're right, old friend... they deserve to know.” The Hand seemed to deflate in defeat into the desk as I once more returned my dry gaze to the window. Seemingly watching the sun set, or the birds get chased away from the ghouls in the forest, but instead, my mind had only one focus.

“I've an announcement to make.” I spoke as I brushed a spider from my plate. I usually enjoy cutting off their legs and watching their bodies squirm in panic before I indulge, but my already limited appetite has only dwindled further since the curse began. “I've fallen victim to the Addams curse. I've been suffering silently for some time now.”

Pugsley drops his fork, the clatter louder than even my voice when I had spoken. His face fell, though he remained silent. Father had the opposite reaction to Pugsley. His utensils remained in hand, though in a firming grip, the handles growing misshapen as he stabs his next bite of mystery meat with more force than necessary. Mother maintains the most composure, her gaze on her meal as she chews for a long moment before swallowing. I continue.

“You've all met Enid before.... Though Enid has another- and yes Pugsley, that does mean I've acquired some new... traits.” His face had lightened only momentarily until he remembered that the new abilities meant nothing when it meant my clock was ticking. “The curse has already begun to take it's course, and has progressed... unpleasantly. I've no idea how long until I meet my fate, but as my mind slips away from me, I don't think it too far.”

Dinner was finished in silence.

For the last week I'd be home, potentially for the last time, there was a noticeable change in the manor. Pugsley shamelessly hugged me when he could, disregarding of my following attacks, and sat with me whenever he'd find me lost in thought for too many hours. Father also overindulged in my new acceptance of hugs, though he also challenged me in multiple duels, bonding, trying to be discreet in his lenience and unassuming when he'd grow distracted to allow me moments to rest as my body wouldn't let me fight as I once had. My mother's approach again was different.

We had argued the majority of the break. She wanted to teach me to harness my seer abilities, and I insisted on mastering them myself. I had Goody's book, and I took the time to study every inch of it before the curse began to progress further. I could now choose when to receive a vision, knew how to better pull myself from them or how to push to see deeper. Though now we fought no more. Wordlessly working together in her greenhouse, a gentle hand of encouragement or praise as I work, and every evening after my shower, she'd appear out of thin air, catching the brush from my grasp and wordlessly taking over the care of my hair, a task I had begun to care for on my own at the age of five. She no longer pushed for control over my visions, and perhaps she knew there was no longer a need to.

It's been weeks since I allowed myself a vision, the fifty-fourth it would be, if I'd allowed it, clutching a horrendously bright pink scrunchy that had somehow found its way into my luggage and that I used to see more of my love.

The fifty-third vision had taken a toll on my body. I had fallen with a blissful and enjoyably sharp electrical shock to my brain, watching through my mind's eyes as Enid arrived at Nevermore, disgruntled as two of her brothers would be starting at the school, and frustrated by the continued judgment of her mother. The sun illuminated her beautiful blonde locks, slightly shorter than since I'd last seen her, and since I've seen her through that telephone a few days ago as well. The blues and pinks remaining only on the bottom few inches. And then I had been dragged back to the present as Thing doused me in water, panicking at the black tears that leaked from my eyes and how I had seemingly stopped breathing for a few moments. I shared no words of these occurrences with Mother. They had to be due to my now frail and failing body.

“All done.” I startled to attention, eyes shifting to meet Mother's in the mirror. She only smiled sadly. “You were far away, little storm cloud, but your hair is nice and soft, and ready for you to rest.”

She trailed her fingers over my hair, barely disturbing the strands. “Thank you, Mother.”

She continued her light strokes and silent observation for another few moments before commenting again.

“It was to be a surprise.... Your father and I would not only be bringing you and your brother to Nevermore, but your new principle, Barry Dort, had asked that I stay to be the new botanist and as an alumni, to assist in the new redevelopment and funding of the school. Your father and I have been offered the establishment that housed that horrible Gates woman last semester.” I sigh.

“And the point of telling me when it seems you've both already made a clear decision?”

“We adore you, Wednesday.” Her half-hug, an arm around my waist as she pulled me to her side, brought a shiver to my body. I had dreamt of my hug with Enid two nights prior and since have been craving the warmth of a hug endlessly. Father's and Pugsley's have been brief to avoid my irritation, though Mother only leaned further into it. Perhaps she was also aware of Enid's alpha status.

“That does not-.”

“Shh, my dear..... We adore you, our little viper, and after the events of last semester, I've found myself... concerned of leaving you alone in such difficult times. I knew you'd fight me, and find only anger in my decision, but now I ask that you allow me to experience your life for as long as I can.” I turned to look at her directly, the mirror having done wonders to mask her tears. I turn away, my huff audible.

“You've confirmed your choice to go, I know just as well that I'd be unable to stop you.”

“Thank you, my dear.” There was a faint press of lips to my temple before it was gone, and along with it, my mother, drifting out of my room as if she'd never been here. I turn my attention to the calendar. Two more days.

“My aim has gotten so much better!” Pugsley's exclamation pounded through my head. I had insisted on bringing my own luggage to the car from my room and as a result, exhausted myself. My body throbbed and my head throbbed along with it.

“That's my son!” Father encouraged him. Wrongfully so as his aim was still horrendously off. I open my mouth to inform him, perhaps create a challenge, but instead, another need hits me.

“Stop the car.” My voice had been quiet, but Lurch reacted instantly, the tires sliding in the dirt and barely reaching a full stop by the time I've exited the car.

My diet lacked meats since I was seven – excluding of course those of arachnids and beetles – preferring much lighter meals of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and fish; preferably dry. I even enjoyed spreads of jams or even drizzles of honey, and of course the darkest and most bitter of chocolates as a sweet treat. Since the curse took hold of me, my well portioned three meals a day dwindled to two, until eventually I remained unfed, often lost in my madness, up until family dinner time. Even then, the mystery meat on my family's plates has been catching my attention lately and the raw steak my father had eaten as a snack a few days prior had caused my mouth to fill with saliva even as my stomach had twisted painfully.

“Where're you going Wedn- oh... cool.” Pugsley called after me only to fall silent as I barely made it to the brushes before folding over and losing the breakfast I had tried to hold in my stomach. The knowledge of seeing Enid allowing for my madness to lift, and for me to remember to attempt to eat.

A familiar weight climbed my baggy black slacks and settled on my back, my braids being pulled back one at a time and held for me. I was thankful it was Thing assisting me now as any other family member would bring me too much humiliation. The sickness carried on until my stomach cramped painfully, entirely empty, and I turned, shakily, to return to the car. Father had since climbed out, and was quick to wordlessly catch my shoulder when my body swayed slightly, not speaking a word as he assisted me back into my seat.

“There's still forty minutes before we get to Nevermore, off we go Lurch.” This was less to let me know how long I needed to withstand the car ride, but more to indirectly let me know how long I can get away with resting. An advantage I took willingly before my body forced it upon me, sitting straight, posture perfect as always, though with my eyes closed and my mind shutting down.

Chapter Text

- Wednesday -

I did not expect a sudden rise to fame within the school body. I had arrived ten minutes prior, and already five students requested my autograph while another eight greeted me like an old friend. I had crossed Bianca who had grown a curious look on her face when she first spotted me, but had laughed easily, welcoming me back, informing me of the reasoning of my fame, and leaving to greet other friends.

Mother had requested I stay close, yet I only heard her sigh as I had glared and walked away. She seemed relieved at least that after my moment of rest I could stand without swaying and didn't take further risks with any more demands to carry my luggage. They'd be traveling to Pugsley's new room first, one he'd be sharing with Eugene per my request. Eugene had proven to be a great... friend. One that could stand his own and protect others.... If I'm to no longer be around, I wanted to ensure they'd both be protected, both have each other's back.

Only once Pugsley's belongings were all brought in would Lurch branch off to bring my luggage as my parents helped Pugs to settle in. I had time before I could reach my dorm, and in that time, I felt this growing desire to reach the pentagon this school called a quad.

The place was unpleasantly crowded, and it took more effort than I cared to admit to ignore the points and stares, the hushed whispers. When it had been out of fear, disgust, I had appreciated the act, though now, I felt eerily exposed and admittedly vulnerable.

My eyes trailed over the awed crowd, passed excited students motioning to their parents as if to prove the stories they've been telling over the break. The Sirens claimed the large fountain, strewn around catching up with their friends or introducing new students to others. Stoners laughed together, seeming to move in slow motion compared to the other large groups in the area, some already sporting extremely bloodshot eyes. My heart had clenched and stuttered for a moment, but luckily, Ajax was not among those at the table. The Fangs lounged lazily around one table, most had stayed to assist in the rehabilitation of the school and were simply there to watch the chaos of the day of arrival. My skin prickled to attention and I shifted my gaze slightly to spot Yoko. Her dark, round, glasses had always hidden all detail from her eyes while outside, but my since enhanced eyesight from across the pentagon spotted the amusement in her eyes. She lifted her brows slightly, head dipping in polite greeting, friendly acknowledgment if you will, and I returned the gesture. She held my gaze a moment longer before tipping her head to my right, nodding in encouragement. I followed her discreet pointing and had to maintain my composure when I turned to be met with the Furs, all of which chose this moment to throw their heads back and cry out loudly. My head had thankfully stopped pounding since earlier, but any more of this and it was bound to start up again.

That is, until my ears seemed to isolate one particular howl.

The Sinclair pack wrestled off to the side, two more of Enid's brothers in uniforms that were already ripped and dirtied. Her parents focused on trying to keep them from trouble, and my wolf had taken the opportunity to separate from them and shine. She joined the pack, sitting on a table with her feet planted on the bench. Her hands supported her as she leaned back, head tipped to elongate the milky stretch of her neck. While knowing it holds meaning and purpose, I had never considered howling – especially from the students at Nevermore – as anything other than noise.

Not from her.

Enid had a questionable singing voice. When a low hum, distracted by a task, though I'd never admit it to her, it was enjoyable. A hum that could linger in my mind and focus me. Her intended singing though, fell victim to choice pitch change and breathless laughter as she jumped and danced along. I could remember the rage and annoyance I had once felt at the act, but I've been craving to see such display all break, wanting her happiness to radiate and fill our shared room in a warmth that could cure the chill that has long sunken into my bones.

Now, as she howls along with her peers, her specific pitch was steady, calculated, the only one to harmonize and add depth to the call. She broke off with a breathless laugh, pink, glittering lips parting over teeth that had straightened and canines that have sharpened since her change. Her eyes sparkled as she relaxed, shoulder dropping as she falls back into safe and familiar territory, away from the eyes and judgment of her family.

My shoulders fell along with hers. The aching pain in my joints that had begun to threaten to buckle my knees as I stood too long faded. It didn't disappear, but it became manageable, proven with how I could easily shift my weight, re-centering my stance and adjusting my posture, all without sacrificing comfort, energy, or even breath. My mind cleared just from seeing her from afar, making me consider that madness could never take me as long as she's around. My lungs expanded in my chest, filled for the first time since I've last seen her. Had the sun always been shinning so brightly?

I had known to expect a resurgence of energy upon our reunion. The curse, confused momentarily between sucking the soul from my eye sockets, and receding into hiding if the opportunity to claim my love presented itself. I estimated that I'd feel a week of relief before the imbecile of a curse caught up to the situation and I'd spiral back into insanity. Until then, I wanted to indulge in this newfound clarity, especially as it allowed me the sight of stunning blue orbs as they turned in my direction. My heart clenched as her eyes widened, smile going from one driven by calm to one of excitement as she so easily abandoned the pack. My heart began to pound as she squealed, running with no restraint as she bounded the pentagon in mere strides.

Her arms swung out, open.

Yes.

Please.

I welcomed the impact, her arms looping under my own, crushing against my ribs as I was thrown back only to be hefted into the air, my body limp as she spun in a clear circle before planting my feet under me once more. My hands hovered, but I couldn't deny myself, not when her scent was so strongly present, not when the curve of her neck sat perfectly waiting for my face to rest. My hands found her back, fists tightening in the scratchy fabric of a sequence shirt, and my nose grazed her beautiful blonde hair before settling in her neck. I fought the groan that tried to release itself as I was surrounded by her. She smelt of pine and jasmine. The scent of trees and fresh air clinging to her skin before the floral hints tickled my olfactory senses. Jasmine, though also some lavender, patchouli maybe.

And then it was gone.

My eyes – which I barely realized had closed – were slow to open. Fluttering against the sun until they confidently parted to search for my wolf. Enid now stood a pace away with her arms crossed tightly behind her. She remained giddy, twisting, hopping, and giggling, as she observed me.

“Howdy Roomie! Sorry! I remember, no hugs. Couldn't help myself. We may have talked like all summer, but now we're actually here Wends! I missed you.”

No hugs. It was becoming more common for me to judge and curse my previous ways. They had served me then, but now, they seemed to be nothing but leverage to this curse.

“Betcha missed me too! It's okay, you don't have to say it.” She spoke when I remained quiet, dipping closer to not be heard as she continued. “You didn't even threatened me even if I twirled you around in front of all these people.”

I didn't care about those who watched. I had cursed the idea of becoming like my father, but as we stood together now, Enid bent from her growth spurt to match my height slightly, I knew that, just as him, I'd never be able to be anything but true to my wolf, regardless of who was around.

“I missed you, Enid.” I found myself speaking before I could continue to stand there as if incompetent.

Her eyes widened, face expanding into a smile I only tended to see when I would divulge more of myself to the sparkling wolf. Even when we had spoke of my late Nero, a topic so heart breaking, she had listened to my story and upon realizing I had shared myself with her, the same soft and adoring wide smile took place.

“I missed you too, Willa.” She repeated herself, though this time softly.

She did this often. Exclaiming her emotions freely was a given, though when I would attempt to share my own in return, careful in how it may be received, she would usually grow calm and centered. She'd reiterate, as if not wanting to frighten an injured animal. I realized long ago that it was a form of confirmation, letting me know that my words had been well received, and softening in her follow-up because it's how I best understood the emotions she attempted to convey.

My wolf has a loving and caring soul.

“Wednesday!”

“Wednesday!”

My name was called out in only a split second delay, paired with running footsteps. Between him and Pugsley, it was Eugene who arrived at my side first. He too had grown taller. He's thinned out, and his hair grew wilder than even before. His kind face still shined behind his large glasses as he eagerly came to a stop by my side.

“It's amazing for the Hummers to be back together again.” Enid giggled at his excitement, much to his enjoyment, but Eugene's sudden reignited crush on my wolf couldn't dampen the calm that washed over me as she laughed, pressing her shoulder to my own. I wonder if she realized as I leaned deeper into her. Her firm shoulders and stance surely didn't give anything away.

“Hey Eugene, Pugsley, welcome back and welcome!” My brother smiled excitedly at Enid, though a haunted look soon crossed his eyes. His gaze trailed between her and I, before he spoke.

“Oh, uh, thanks! Uh.... Wednesday, Mom and dad are looking for you, they went to your dorm with Lurch. Mom says you should sit down soon.” I glared at Pugsley, fear appearing in his eyes as he acknowledges his mistake, dropping his gaze. It seems I'd have to create a guideline for my dear brother on when not to bring attention to my curse. Admittedly a precaution I should have taken prior to our arrival, with our parents as well, but that I seemed to have neglected in my hazy distraction.

“Huh? Why should-.”

“We should go intercept them, lest they begin to fornicate after being left alone for too long.” Everyone, myself included, pulled a face.

“Well.... You guys have fun with that. I need to go meet with Mr. Bennett and get the keys to the hives shed. Maybe you can stop by later, Wednesday? The hives need to be tended to and set up for the semester.” I nodded in acknowledgment as he backed away speaking, providing a final wave before hurrying off. I shifted my gaze instead to the blue orbs that have already been observing me.

“I shall... see you later in our dorm then?”

Enid hesitated, arms dropping from behind her back as she turned to look first at the pack, and then at her family. Was her half step closer against me conscious?

“No matter how weird and icky it sounds, I'd much rather make sure your parents aren't fornicating in our dorm than to trail my family around. Come on, let's go to our room, Roomie.”

Perhaps I imaged the stolen glances we shared. Or perhaps, my amateurishly stalking mistakes, driven by desire, just got me endlessly caught.

Had our hands brushed accidentally? Or did we reach out to each other?

I knew certainly that Enid had no hesitation when I had stumbled on the steps. Her hands had steadied me before I even realized that I was in the process of falling.

We reached the floor to our room and as I've grown used to now, I was winded. Enid paused in confusion, looking back to me where I leaned on the railing, catching my breath and hiding the tremor in my legs. Perhaps my curse wasn't as much of an imbecile as I once believed.

“Wends?” My eyes met Enid's concerned ones.

“Whoa! I forgot how super cool your room is, sis!” I pushed myself forward, Enid hesitating a step before following as I moved past her. I entered the familiar room, growing warm as my nose picked up a wonderful blend of both Enid and I's scent lingering around the place.

“Pugsley dear, slowly on the stairs now.” Mother didn't turn as she spoke, but I knew she was aware of my presence by the way she pulled the chair to my desk free, turning it in my direction.

My initial response was anger. I wanted to verbally spar until I spotted the shame in her eyes for the doubt she had in my strength. I then felt shame, acknowledging that my chest still expanded shallowly as I rushed to steady myself. I felt pathetic as the sight of the chair called to me. I couldn't find it in myself to even enjoy the self-deprecation as my biggest upset was the show of weakness in front of Enid. I grew numb as I finally gave in, crossing the room silently and sinking into the chair. My family avoided their gazes, allowing me to suffer my humiliation alone, though not entirely.

Enid's eye's never left my form. She watched as I entered the room. I felt her eyes track my movement as I had paused to inhale deeply, and I ignored the furrow of her brows, the intense observation of my facial features, as she watched me walk begrudgingly to the chair, and sit down heavily. I finally allowed my eyes to return to hers, and the room fell into uncomfortable silence. I quite enjoyed the moment. Then Mother had to ruin it.

“Oh Darling!” Mother greeted Enid with an uncomfortable amount of enthusiasm. “Goodness, you're correct, by removing just those few inches of color to your hair, you do appear to be much older.”

“Oh Em Gee! Right? I mean, it definitely helps that I lost all my baby fat after the shift, but the hair totes helped too!” I squinted my eyes as I watched their interaction, though admittedly felt relief, a moment to relax my rigid posture and compose myself.

I was warmed by the knowledge that Enid both accepted and was accepted by, my family. Mother and Father had been on standby to take her in at any moments notice if her mother stepped out of line again, something that had made Enid sob heavily as my heart clenched painfully when I admitted it to her over one of our calls. She had already been teary eyed as she told me of another altercation, but my revelation had been the last straw. Once she calmed, she seemed to sense my panic, thankfully not my pain, and assured me her tears were not one of sadness or pain, but of happiness, and warmth.

Since, I've tentatively allowed for Mother, Father, and Pugsley to appear, only momentarily, on our calls. Father spoke to her about nail sharpening techniques and discussed hunting plans. Pugsley babbled endless questions, some too personal but that were met with my firm hand or the end of my dagger.... Mother had infuriatingly made it a habit to contact Enid when I was unaware. Though if this had been the topic of discussion, perhaps Mother had done me a favor.

Mother and Father had taken Pugsley to show him where they'd be staying as well as to begin to unpack themselves. I had... shown a moment of weakness, both in requesting to stay – with Enid – and for the moment to rest a bit longer. Mother had instead taken me to the balcony, pointing towards the direction of their temporary housing. I had of course already known it's location, but it had admittedly taken me a moment longer than anticipated to locate it from a distance. Mostly due to the fact that it was no longer bright pink but now, dark and somber, its walls rotting and stones crumbling. They had sent ahead decorators after seeing pictures of the establishment. It was beautiful compared to what it had been before. The dead vines and questionable black goo that surrounded the place were a nice touch from my parents.

Time with Enid had been... interesting. At first, she had returned to her initial gushing about missing me, squealing in happiness when I had, in our solitude, admitted verbally in turn with no hesitation once more. She then dissolved into stories of the hardship of her travels to Nevermore, trapped in a van with her family, then her excitement to see all her friends again. She giggled adorably as she greatly anticipated starting her first semester off as a Nightshade, and informed me that, within a weeks time, there would potentially be a Nightshade reunion celebration. I had barely parted my lips to reject the invitation when, with a knowing smirk, she assured me that Eugene had officially been welcomed to the society as well. She added that, as long as no one objected, they chose their location to be Crackstones crypt. A manner of facing any residual fears.

Though I denied it still, I admit silently that I had made some friends last semester. I enjoyed their company in increments and of the rest of the student population, they were the best of the bunch. I felt pride knowing they didn't allow fear to limit them, and instead faced it head-on.

The crypt hadn't been a location to cross my mind in weeks, and it was only in its mention today that I realized that maybe it's a location I should prioritize revisiting. While I could definitely manage it on my own.... Would it really hurt me so much to allow the accompaniment of my... friends? This curse is making me soft.

It was after the excitement of my acceptance of the invitation that things began to fall apart.

“Ugh, Ajax will definitely be there.” I furrowed my brows. Her comment was made negatively.

“Are you and Ajax no longer....?” I trailed off, refusing for the excitement in my chest to come out in my words.

“We are.... And that's kinda the problem.” Enid had been unpacking, twirling to a song only she heard as she moved from suitcase to drawer or closet. I had allowed my eyes to track every movement, viewing her with new senses. Now, she sits heavily on her bed, pouting adorably. “Okay, we're friends, so you can't tell me I'm a totally horrible person even though I definitely am.”

My head tilts slightly. “We've already established that you do not enjoy those forms of compliments.”

“Right, and I seriously appreciate not only the compliments when they come, but that you take your time to voice them differently for me.” There was that soft voice again. “But that's not what I meant.”

“Then?”

“Ajax is great. He's a great kisser, kind of. And sure he smells like weed most of the time.... and is so high he forgets our phone dates... and real dates. And maybe he's like, so clumsy with his hands that like, after that shirtless make-out, I haven't let it get that far since....”

Please. Please move on.

“But anyways, he's a great guy, and he loves me, and I love him.... loved. And I knew that for sure when I went to see him when I got here and he was already hot boxed in his dorm. But... there's this other wolf. Bruno. He's totes hot, and super sweet and attentive. His pack migrated closer to mine and then I found out he was also coming to Nevermore! So I made friends with him and we were hanging out more and more, then we wolfed out together, and then-.” I swayed in my chair, rushing to make the moment seem natural, as if readjusting. My chest constricted tightly, threatening to suffocate me.

“Enid, your incessant babbling is making my head throb... and not in a good way.” My words were harsher than I intended, spat out with the last of my breath. The ache strengthen as she showed a second of hurt, but she took a breath, and calmed.

“Right, sorry. Anyway, he asked me out.... And I said yes, because I totally just forgot Ajax, my boyfriend, exists. Now I need to break up with him before our date in two days, and it's so totally gonna be super awkward now sitting at the same table.” She paused, sighing. “The difficulties of dating within your cliques, right?”

I couldn't answer even if I wanted to. I hadn't yet managed to inhale passed the heavy pain settled on my chest. Had I looked anymore alive, I'm sure I'd have turned blue by now. I was saved by a rustling to my side, my book bag falling over, and out crawled Thing. Enid's attention was drawn instantly, her pout disappearing and her face lighting up as she ran over to scoop up the Hand and twirl it in her arms. She giggled, on a new stream of babbling as she returned to her side of the room and began to display all new lotions and nail polish colors that she had brought for their “mani-days”.

My parents didn't have to tell Thing to watch over me. Nor did I have to feel humiliation of asking him to stay. Thing has had the misfortune of being audience of three family members who were taken by the curse. He seemed to suffer such a deep negative emotion I'd never understand when he learned I too would be taken by it. He was still a darling thorn in my side, but now, things were different. He held my hair when my stomach revolted, and dabbed my mouth with a cloth when I was too weak to lift from the bathroom floor. When endless nightmares plagued my mind, all of which of losing Enid in some way, he'd be there to wake me, smoothing my hair and a familiar weight on my shoulder to sooth me back to sleep.

He was on standby, and knew well when to watch over my frail body, and when to discreetly bring assistance. Just days ago, I had fallen while on a walk. He had stayed with me for an hour as I regained my strength and pushed forward, though after a second fall, he had run off before I even hit the ground. Soon after, Father just so happened to be finishing his hunt, four hours ahead of schedule, and was returning to the manor, helping me to my feet and back home, all while holding a one sided discussion and not addressing the obvious. It seems even now he was on standby, ready to interfere and give me a moment when I desperately needed.

Thing kept Enid's attention for the next hour, allowing me the freedom to rest undisturbed until my chest lightened enough for me to manage relocating to my bed, book open in hands though I didn't read. At the end of the hour, I had almost dozed off when Enid suddenly stood. I worked to look awake and focused on the pages as she delivered Thing across the room.

“Yoko just texted, I'm brainstorming a breakup plan with her but she wanted to see the scared new kids and make-out with Divina first. See you at dinner, Willa?” I nodded once, silent. Memorizing the curve of her lips as she smiled and waved before leaving the room.

I missed her instantly. I recognized what I've categorized as my 'pseudo-wolf' awaken. Pseudo-wolf were the parts of me that desired physical contact, that craved Enid to scent me, and that awoke briefly three days a month. Right now, it was her warmth that I craved. I've seen Enid hug her friends in parting many times, but no... I'm not a hugger, and am cursed now to suffer the isolation I had so desperately craved.

A Hand on my shoulder redirected my attention from the retreating footfalls I had been straining to hear. Thing tapped soothingly in a repeated manner before motioning to the book, a reminder that I didn't have to pretend anymore. I discarded it carelessly, relieved to finally get some proper rest. Thing moved to stroke my hair and temple instead, and that's where I knew he'd remain until I woke again if I let him.

“Can you inform Mother, Father, and Pugsley that I wish to speak with them prior to dinner?” I hesitated, though decided to add softly. “After I've fallen asleep?”

Thing paused his brushes to tap an affirmative before gently returning to the motion. It was only minutes later that my body, long since exhausted, finally gave in to a deep sleep.

Chapter Text

- Enid -

Yoko had done what Yoko always does. Within five minutes of me flopping dramatically across her bed, she had told me head-on that I was being stupid. That she knew I wasn't a heartless cheater, and to just woman the fuck up, and go tell Ajax that I didn't want to be in a relationship anymore. She's completely right. I know he's too chill to be an asshole about it. In fact if anything, I would probably feel a bit insulted when the guy who had told me he loved me just hours ago – and who totally didn't even realize that I hadn't been saying it back for weeks now – would probably just agree to the breakup. He'd probably shrug, nod in agreement, then ask if he should bring edibles to the Nightshade party when it happens.

From then, we chatted about our summer away, telling stories we hadn't shared in all the texts and calls we've done, and now, she raised a brow at me as I changed the subject to a topic that's been sitting in the back of my mind.

“What do you mean there's something wrong with Wednesday? Didn't we all know that? Doesn't she take it as a compliment?” I huffed, rolling onto my back and dropping my arms to my sides.

“Not like that. I've seen the way she interacts with her family, don't get me wrong, it's all very weird, but now it's a.... different weird.” I went on to list all the moments from after I hugged her that I found off. I left out the hug itself, though she probably saw it, and some of the more vulnerable words Willa and I had shared. I knew she never really opened up like that to anyone and it was flattering – almost heart fluttering – to know that she would step out of that comfort zone with me. I'd never betray her trust like that.

“So, she tripped over those tall ass boots she wears on the stairs and leaned on a railing. Pup, I know she's an Addams, and more specifically that she's Wednesday, but she's still human.... Well, mostly. Many normies, and most non-physically advanced outcasts, can be clumsy, 'Nid. It happens.”

Yoko was laying across her bed parallel to me, head hanging off the side as she flipped through a magazine upside-down. She didn't even bother to look away from the pages as she spoke, brushing off my concern with easy reason.

Since that night, the blood moon, something in me... changed. This was more than just the fact that I finally managed to shift. This was internal. After I got back home, I assumed it was just the fact that my alpha traits were presenting, that my intense irritation was cause I was butting heads with my brother; because he was so totally self-conscious about his place as alpha of the family pack. And then Wednesday had called me from her dad's phone that first time. She looked as uninterested and cold as ever, but I never felt warmer. I smiled the entire time we talked, not even realizing until my face hurt the next day, but all my worries and irritations calmed a bit after seeing her

There was no way I was going to talk to my family about this, so I just eventually assumed that, maybe it's because of the night I shifted? Maybe because of the reason I shifted? It made me blush to think that the only reason my wolf finally showed up was to run to Wednesday's aid. I had had one thought in mind, and that had been to save her, protect her. Protecting her was a concern even when I heard she had been expelled. I remember struggling to control my claws that night while kissing Ajax. We had both assumed it was my own excitement, but if I was being honest to myself, I had been thinking about Wednesday and the fact that she was leaving the whole time.

Eventually, the idea of being super overprotective of my friends – of Wednesday specifically though I wasn't ready to admit that yet – didn't seem to be so bad. Wednesday is my roommate and one of my best friends, of course I care about her. Of course I worry about her. And of course, that means that I've watched her enough to know when something isn't right.

First, she had let me twirl her so easily in the quad. I had expected to feel a blade to my neck, to be insulted enough that it actually kind of hurt, and especially for her to push me away before I could even lift her off the ground. At the very least, I expected for her to be as stiff as a board and to threaten my life when I set her down. She had melted. She turned to butter in my arms and only collapsed into my chest when I twirled her. She held on tightly to my shirt, and then her face pressed gently into the sensitive part of my neck where my scent was stronger and I pulled away from her so fast, I managed to catch a micro expression.

I've gotten very good at reading micro expressions since becoming friends with Wednesday. The one she made when I jumped back had broken my heart. A pout so soft I needed to hold my hands behind my back to stop myself from scooping her up again.

I almost questioned her about the twirl after it happened, but was distracted when she told me she missed me. Though I'd never say it to her face, Thing and I gossiped about it all the time. Since Wednesday has been at Nevermore, she's opened up. I knew how special it was that she opened up to me especially. In those moments, when I could see her eyes darting around me, searching for words and how to sort them to get her feelings across to me.... I had agreed to myself long ago that, whenever she did that, I'd drop all teasing, and meet her efforts half way. It gave way to many soft moments. Moments that made my stomach somersault and my heart race.

Then when she was leaving to Ophelia Hall.... 'I shall... see you later in our dorm then?' She had been so sad. I had technically been supposed to stay with my parents until they took off, and was definitely going to sneak away to hang out with Bruno and the pack as well, but that split second of... desire? Need? Had changed my mind and there was no option but to go along. I wanted nothing else, but to go along, really.

The whole walk to our dorm, Wednesday seemed to look for me. A glance over the shoulder, eyes shifting to the side. I had to discreetly check my outfit to make sure nothing was weird, and I even sniffed myself to make sure I didn't stink.

Then she tripped on the stairs. I know what Yoko said is entirely valid, but this is Wednesday. I've watched this girl sprint in platforms that made her as tall as me, and there was no waver anywhere in her steps. She even once watched me trip over one of my squish-mallows, giving one of those rare split-second quirk of her lip and twitch of her eyebrow as she told me that even the tiny bit of werewolf in her blood stream made her more coordinated than I was. Even after Crackstone, she had been my support, helping to hold me steady, all before I learned how injured she really was and how close to collapsing she had been. Wednesday doesn't just trip, and she definitely doesn't lean against railings, her heart racing in exhaustion from flights of stairs she's walked hundreds of times before now.

Yoko's heavy sigh brought me back to the present, not realizing when she tossed the magazine aside, sat up, and had apparently called my name at least once if the look on her face meant anything. When she had my attention, she softened, head dropping to keep my gaze as she spoke.

“If you're that worried, then just ask her. If anyone could survive inquiring about Addams' anything, it's you.” Already Wednesday has interrupted me and rushed to speak, stopping me from asking questions or cover up a moment that seemed off.

“Not about this she wouldn't.” Maybe it wasn't as much of a secret as I thought; Wednesday opening up to me.

“Then... keep an eye on her like you're already doing. Maybe she's having an off day, or an off week. Maybe her parents got so mushy in front of her on the car ride over that she's super nauseous and not in the weird way that she enjoys. And if in a few days you still think somethings up, then I'll help keep an eye out too, okay? All discreet, all secrets.” I sat up, Yoko moving with me so we were sitting facing each other.

“You'd do that for me?” Yoko rolled her eyes.

“You know I would, Pup. Regardless, no matter how odd it feels to admit.... Wednesday is pretty cool. She's our friend. Not just yours and mine, but Davina, Bianca, Eugene, hell, she even tolerates Kent, Ajax, and whatever is going on there with Xavier.”

The idea of anything between Xavier and Wednesday brought a sudden growl up my chest. I managed to swallow it, like clearing my throat, and Yoko didn't comment on it, but it was surprising to me. There was nothing going on between them, and the intensity of how bothered I was by the idea was not something I wanted to unpack right now. Actually, the only reason Wends and I had set up our weekly calls, is because she had told me of Xavier giving her a phone. She voiced her annoyance in it, and showed me the broken remains since she instantly destroyed it, disgusted in the idea of pursuing anything with Xavier. Instead, she eventually admitted that the only benefit she could see to a phone would be keeping up with me without needing to read pages of my sloppy handwriting if I sent it to her as a letter. Yoko continuing brought my attention back to her.

“We'd all look out for her, Pup. Not to say I'm going to go to all our friends so we can stalk the girl, just saying we all care, okay?” I nodded, leaning forward into her arms that she so readily opened for me.

“Thanks, Yoko.”

“Always here for you, Enid.”

Yoko and I fell into less emotional topics after that. We gossiped about relationships that started or ended over the summer, she went into maybe too much detail about how her and Divina's relationship was going, we discussed ideas for the Nightshade party and snacked on things she kept for us in her room rather than going down for lunch. But after about an hour of us giggling over Tik Toks together, a text interrupted the fun and reminded me of things I was procrastinating.

Ajax: Hey Babe! Wana sneak behind the grnhouse? 10 min? I cn do that thing wth my hand u like

Yoko burst into laughter beside me.

“Okay I gotta know! You can't just not tell me!” I groaned, face red.

“So, remember how I told you about that literal one time we were both shirtless?” She giggled all over again.

“That you hated so much because you didn't anticipate that the feeling of his boner in your thigh would be that annoying and disgusting to you? Yeah, still waiting for you to come to me to talk about your sexuality by the way, but go on.” I glared. Not something I want to get into.

“He must have literally just watched one porno where a girl liked getting her nipple pinched or something because he just grabs on and that's it. It kind of hurt to be honest.... And he didn't cut his nails.” We both shuddered in disgust.

“Okay, I'll drop it because you've obviously suffered enough, babes.”

I stared at the message for a few moments. When Ajax and I first exchanged numbers, I'd put his name in my phone surrounded by emojis, like the butterflies he used to make me feel in my stomach. Then, when I was really crushing, it turned into some sort of embarrassing nickname that I still cringe thinking about. Then he was Bae when we started dating, and Hubby when he told me he loved me for the first time. For weeks he's been Ajax. Simple and to the point. I sigh, typing out my response, telling him to meet me in the library instead, and that we needed to talk. Yoko raised a brow at me and I smiled sheepishly.

“Hey... wanna.... come hang around the library for a bit?” It was discreet enough, and would probably be empty on our first day back right after lunch, but it was also still in public. A girl's always gotta take extra safety measures.

“Yeah, yeah.” Yoko gave an unnecessary huff as she sat up from her reclined position, reaching for her glasses on the nightstand. “I'll give y'all your privacy but keep an ear out for trouble, come on, let's go get you broken up so you can go on a date.”

Ajax was so unchill.

I had done my usual panicked and nervous babbling for maybe five minutes too long but then just went for it and said it.

“Ajax, I don't think our relationship is working out, I think we'd be better staying as friends.”

His face was blank for a good moment. He was super stoned, so I worried for a second that he didn't even hear me, but then a clarity came to his face, followed by a confusion and upset I don't think I've ever seen from him. In fact, I've never seen more than nonchalance on his face.

“Wait, what the fuck? Why? What changed?”

For the next five minutes, we went back and forth.

“Don't you love me?”

“My feelings changed.”

“They don't just go away like that!”

“It wasn't just like that.”

“Can't we work it out?”

“I don't think we can.”

He fought me long enough that I honestly started to grow worried, and I knew I wasn't alone in that concern. After what felt like forever, Yoko appeared behind Ajax's shoulder. She didn't interrupt, didn't speak, but drew closer whenever his voice would raise and flinched hard enough to rattle the table and it's chairs when he threw a hand up in frustration. Then right before I could see her about to intervene, he scoffed.

“Fine, fuck it, we're over.” He stormed off, back straight and shoulders back as if he had broken up with me.

“If he does anything-.”

“I'll let you know.” Yoko walked to my side and spoke before he even left the library, hands balled into fists. “He's probably just pissed, rightfully so I guess, and will cool off soon, hopefully. Probably gone to smoke anyways.”

She nods in acknowledgment but doesn't calm until after I hear him leave the floor of this building. We continue to stand in uncomfortable silence before her hands finally relax and she speaks, voice still a bit tense, but calmer than before.

“Remember that kinky Siren couple that got caught in the showers last semester? I heard them starting to argue while I was waiting in the hall.... Wanna go eavesdrop?” I gasped, smacking her shoulder.

“Yoko! That'd be so wrong!... Let's hurry in case they stop.” We broke into laughter as we hurried from the library.

The argument had been deliciously gossip worthy, Yoko and I giggling quietly into our hands as they bickered about open relationships and attractions to other people they have slept with, either solo or together, but it soon turned into mushy apologies and slobbery kisses. Running away from the couple, we ran into Bianca who gave a hard glare for old times sake before smiling and greeting us both. The three of us eventually also gained Divina and Xavier on our way. We ended up back in the library, lounging and chatting. I admitted to the group that I broke up with Ajax and that he didn't reacted well and received only support in return. We continued to just hang out until my stomach grumbled loudly, reminding me I'd only had snacks and nothing else – meat – for the last few hours.

“They start serving dinner in five minutes anyways, we can make our way down.”

“Yeah, I could eat.”

We found Pugsley along the way, looking a bit lost. His face brightened when he saw me, relief seeing a familiar face, but after a few seconds, his face began to fall. He did this earlier too. The smile he greeted me with when I directed the group towards him didn't reach his eyes, but he held it steady as he introduced himself to the group and thankfully agreed to join us for dinner.

It was when we were just outside the dining hall that I froze. I was walking slightly ahead of the group and there was a chorus of complaint as everyone vaguely bumped into each other at my sudden stop, but I ignored them all. My chest was growing warm and my lungs expanded. Metallic, ink, old leather bound journals, dusty parchment, a hint of a smokey tea. That was Wednesday. I tilted my head gently, following the scent as my heart started racing.

“Wednesday.” I spoke before turning. The group growing confused but shuffling around until suddenly, approaching from further down the hall, was Wednesday. Eugene talking excitedly at her side.

She seemed tiny. I mean, she was always petite, but since last semester, it's like she's shrunk. She was already thin, but now her cheeks looked sunken, her wrists crossed in front of her torso as she walked seemed bonier than before, and though her posture was still more perfect than most, I could just barely see her shoulders curled inwards.

When the group parted, her blank gaze which had been staring at nothing ahead sharpened into focus, eyes darting and finding mine in an instance. The pacing of her steps just barely changed. Slowing when she first spotted me then growing just a bit faster as she redirected her course in my- our direction. A micro expression – relief.

She was jostled a bit, our friends greeting her and risking a quick pat on the shoulder, but her eyes remained focused on mine. Voices muffled around us and I tilted my head when I picked up the sound of her heart taking off. I was very familiar with the sound of Wednesday's heart. When I first met her, I was surprised by how slow it was compared to others, and many nights, I laid awake, trying to count the distance between the beats that slowed even more in her sleep, but today, her heart was working harder than normal. My stomach growled, quieter this time, but it was enough to break whatever silence fell around us. I was a bit shocked honestly as her eyes snapped down to my stomach. She heard it.

“Dinner?” I smiled, looping my arm with hers and turning back towards the dining hall.

I could still feel Yoko watching me as we start towards the food line, but I focused instead on asking Wednesday how her afternoon went.

“I met briefly with my family again, then assisted Eugene with tending to the bees.” She spoke simply, voice as monotone as ever, but I could tell she at least enjoyed it partially.

I added two burger patties to my plate, topping it with bacon, and steak tar tar. My stomach grumbled for a third time as I considered taking a third patty, but with a blush, I decided against it, eyeballing the desserts instead and grabbing only a cookie to add to the tray. I didn't necessarily need to be watching my figure, but my change had made me slightly more muscular and I needed to buy a whole new wardrobe half a size to a size up. Some societal norms were just too hard to ignore.

I watched, smiling at the relationship between Pugsley and Wednesday as he offered to hold her plate, almost hesitantly as if she'd stab him as a response, which I guess wasn't too wild of a fear. She surprisingly agreed, yet still took an additional plate in hand. In the one Pugsley held, she added her usual portion of steamed vegetables and a small serving of some white fish. In the plate she held, I was surprised to see her walk towards the meats section, something she usually avoids. I tried to peak around her, curious to see what she grabbed, but Xavier spoke up beside me.

“Hey Ajax.” Yoko stiffened on my other side. Eugene – unaware of what had happened – was the first to explode into pleasantries, greeting him, and slowly, the rest of the group followed suit, though not as enthusiastically as they usually would have. I spared a glance, and Ajax was already looking at me. His eyes were more red than I've ever seen them. I couldn't tell if he had just spent endless hours smoking pot, or if he had been crying.

“What is it? You've gone tense.” I jumped slightly. Wednesday reappeared at my shoulder, slightly behind me, creating an air of privacy for me. I was actually surprised and flattered.

“I dumped Ajax earlier and he so did not take it well.” Now Wednesday stiffened. I couldn't see most of her from over my shoulder, but the hand I could see suddenly held a dagger. “Willa! No! I- It's fine, Yoko was there, he just kind of talked in circles, then he stormed off, that's it. Okay? He didn't do anything.”

With the slightest flick of her wrist, the weapon disappeared into thin air. Wednesday the illusionist? Kinda hot.... She didn't respond to my reassurance, but she gave a single nod and I noticed that she would shift often as we walked to our usual table, always keeping herself between Ajax and I.

Things calmed from there and I sighed in relief when everything actually felt normal for a while. Everyone fell into the same pattern of laughing and talking, conversations splitting into sections then forming into one again before breaking off. I devoured my meal as lady-like as I could, but before I could even wipe my mouth clean, a soft and small hand brushed my elbow.

Wednesday was as silent as always at my side, only occasionally responding to Eugene, insulting Yoko and Bianca, quirking a brow at Divina, or leaning towards Pugsley who sat across from her, both of them sharing secret words that I made sure to tune out for her privacy. Although, the little tidbits I did pick up seemed to be in Italian.... also kinda hot.

Now though, she silently drew my attention and, when she had it, she pushed that extra mystery plate towards me. On it sat a burger patty, with extra bacon, and extra steak tar tar. Off to the side of it, careful to not mix with the meat juices, was a cupcake. The ones served at Nevermore often came plain with just frosting on top, but there was also a small toppings section. Wednesday had taken the time to top it with colorful sprinkles, chocolate chips, and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.

I didn't want to acknowledge the way my stomach flip flopped, especially as I smiled widely at her and was graced with a small smile in return. And ohmygod she has dimples. It was gone before anyone else could spot it, but it was there. She only nudged the plate closer once more before taking another small bite of fish from her barely touched plate.

We were finishing up with dinner; Yoko, Xavier, and Pugsley having stood and offered to clear out the table. We were debating what was next, most likely chilling or a movie in Yoko's room before the guys get kicked out, but we stopped when someone called my name.

“Enid! Hey, there you are, lost track of you this morning.”

“Bruno!” Way too much excitement in my voice, reel it in, Enid.

“The pack was going to run through the forest, reclaim the grounds and all that, you in?”

Bruno walked confidently into our group to speak to me. Ajax tensed over his shoulder, but it was more movement that caught my attention behind even Ajax. Wednesday swayed, her hand catching Pugsley's arm who was quick to grab her forearm, supporting her without even glancing in her direction. Micro expression.... pain.

“Not tonight, Bruno. I'm about to go fall into a food coma if anything, no way I can run around this full.” His face fell. It didn't make my heart hurt as much as watching Wednesday giving a similar reaction.

“Oh. Yeah, no worries. Next time then?” Someone from the pack calling his name had him start to slowly back away, waiting until I agreed before he turned and jogged off.

“Is that it? You left me for that douche-waffle? How long have you been talking to him, huh?” Ajax's face twisted. “Cheating b-.”

In a blink, where was a knife to his neck. Enough strength in the hold to force him to tilt his head up to avoid being cut.

“Did you want to finish that thought, Gorgon?” Ajax shook his head so quickly, he accidentally nicked himself, flinching as Yoko instantly leaned away from the sight of fresh blood. “If I hear that you've spoken ill of Enid, if you even think harshly in her direction, I'll know. I will scalp you, snake by snake, and feed you a meal of your own serpents, and whatever pathetic bits are determined to grow back, I'll find you to cut them off too. If you understand, and would like to hold on to your pathetic excuse of a life, I'd respond only with an apology.”

“Sorry for making assumptions.” His words were rushed and he very much did not mean it, but I don't think Wednesday had been honestly looking for an apology on my front, and instead wanted to hear the fear in his voice, making sure that she left her mental mark.

“I'm always watching, Gorgon. Don't forget that.” Her hold on Ajax fell free and before anyone could breath, she made a sharp one-eighty and stormed off.

“I'll... I'll meet you guys for the movie later, yeah?” I didn't spare Ajax a glance as I hurried to follow Wednesday, a tug in my chest refusing to let her run off alone.

“Wednesday! Wends! Wait up!” I jogged to catch up with her, damn she moves fast for being so small. She made it across the quad from me before I managed to stop her, catching her hand. She froze mid step, allowing me to tug gently to turn her. “Willa.”

“Enid.”

Silence.

Micro expression – concern.

“Thank you.”

Relief.

She nodded once, searching my face a moment longer before looking away. She moved to leave again. Our hands were still joined, and at some point in our silence, our fingers had twisted together. She didn't let go as she walked away, and I didn't let go either, letting myself be led by her. It was only when I walked by her side that she let go.

Wednesday the heroic protector of my image? Defender of my honor? Kinda hot.

Chapter Text

- Wednesday -

I had rested for two hours and awoken when my family returned to the room to speak with me. I had intended on going down myself, and was perfectly capable to, but had woken still too tired and irritable to bother arguing the topic in that moment.

The talk had went well. To an extent.

The Addams family is one of meddlers. That's what we do. Often, and most likely, it's because we could do anything, and understand anything better than those we meddle with. Though we didn't limit ourselves to meddle with others, we meddle within the family as well, and that is only to be a nuisance.

They intended on swaying Enid in my direction. They would interfere with any relationships and potential suitors until there was no one but me. I refuse to let that happen.

Enid was a sun so bright, she would be fatal to any on Earth's surface if she hung in the sky. She could illuminate the darkest of depths in the Universe, and she already proved to lighten my darkened heart.

I refused to dim her shine, even if it meant sacrificing my own life. An honorable death.

They had eventually agreed to no longer plan and scheme to interfere. They had requested to remain near to watch my timely death, and I had granted them that. They were owed nothing more. They agreed also to keep my curse a secret. Addams were known over-sharers, but this they'd remain tight-lipped about.

In return, I had to agree to accept assistance when I pathetically need it. Most often when I would reject a helping hand and storm off angrily, I'd make the situation worse for no one but myself. While I didn't acknowledge that to be true, I didn't deny it and accepted the terms.

Then I planned the precaution. I'm not dense enough to assume that my acting and evading skills are flawless. And while they could be idiotic, my friends were not entirely incompetent. They'd realize when I cannot perform in fencing any longer. They'll witness me being unstable on my feet. And soon, I'll struggle to keep pace with them even while strolling through Jericho. It's only then that I'll (mis)-inform my friends that I am ill, my soul is fading, and there's nothing to be done. My family would support my statement and follow my lead when the symptoms persist.

I rushed them from my room when my stomach had begun to turn again, this time most likely caused by how long it's been empty and how violently I had vomited earlier. I allowed my stomach a few moments to calm before I took off to meet with Eugene.

The boy babbled at my side the entire time as we tended to the hives, seeming to understand that I was feeling particularly non-verbal today. He had gone quiet at some point, pausing to ask if I'd prefer to work in complete silence. I'd normally say yes with no hesitation, but the question had been... endearing. I relented that it did not have to be complete silence, and he hand thankfully slowed in his story telling, though continued speaking for the both of us.

Eugene had requested I sample a new honey he had been working on. I was pleased to learn that the effects calmed my stomach quickly, the cramps soothing as it coated the lining of my stomach in warmth. I had agreed to meet with Enid for dinner, though up until then, I had had no intention of eating to avoid then introducing the meal to a random brush on my return to the dorm. Instead, I had stridden confidently towards the dining hall.

Then I faltered.

The moment I reached the connecting corridor, my senses were filled with spiced apple, pine, jasmine, lavender, dark cherry, oak, and a hint of sickly sweet cotton candy. Enid.

“Wednesday.” I almost froze, my name so soft on her lips.

I had been walking with my head raised, refusing to allow my posture to deteriorate more than it already has, but my eyes hadn't been focused on my pathing, allowing Eugene's voice to grow muffled as I relied solely on the scuff of his footsteps to guide us in the correct direction. They focused only when I found her.

The entire group of disturbances were gathered near the doors, tripping over themselves to turn around and allowing me a clear view of my paramour. She was already waiting, eyes searching my being. Did she know she was calling out to me? It may not be verbal passed the initial call, but I felt the pull in my chest, stronger than even my curse's desire to drag me forward. Her soul called, mine answered.... Enid did have a bad habit of missing her friends even if just seeing them hours ago.

Stopping in front of her, I could tell something was off. She smiled, though her eyes didn't brighten or widen to express her honest happiness. I could hear her heart, racing as if she had taken a glance at my murder board. She inhaled deeply, calmly, a contrast to the adrenaline that seemed to course through her veins. Then her stomach gurgled a demand for food.

Since our first call, Enid had shared her anxiety in the need of a new wardrobe. I struggled to get my message across without being so aggressively obvious. She's perfect. Her biceps ripple simply from waving her hand while speaking, the sliver of skin that becomes exposed on her stomach when she tips her head back to laugh revealed only a strong and firm abdomen that I'm sure appeared in my dreams hours earlier. Her thick thighs could potentially murder men, decapitating their undeserving heads from their shoulders.

Pugsley was concerned when I accepted the offer to hold my plate. A reminder to my shamefully vulnerable agreement. But to fill a plate that ensures Enid eats as she deserves, I needed an extra hand free. Sprinkles because she adored the crunch on her teeth. Chocolate chips simply because she loves chocolate. Caramel sauce, the true source of sweetness that'll coat her tongue and hopefully encourage that small adorable dance she performs while eating something she really enjoys.

Dinner was filled with quick quips, sharp looks, but mostly silence from my part. Pugsley tried to plead with me a final time, switching to Italian to stay within my wishes. Though a quick threat to tell Mother and Father that darling Pugs had taken interest in someone, creating a need for 'the talk', and he had let the topic fall with fear and disgust in his eyes.

The interaction with Ajax had been a blur. I had been in a haze, grasping at Pugsley to avoid a dramatic fall as Bruno's sour stench mingled with Enid's. Ajax's following words had barely filtered to my ears before my recently sharpened knife was to his neck. I made sure my fear was instilled deep. If Ajax was no longer important to my paramour, then no further attempts of civility were necessary. A toe out of line, more specifically, any risk to Enid's happiness, and he was gone. I was near collapse when I stormed away, knowing I wouldn't tolerate the rest of the group, couldn't, even if I did want to subject myself to an evening of torture

“Willa.” I had been turned.

Had she been calling my name? I believed it to be hallucinations setting in.

“Enid.” I couldn't read her expression. She had defended Ajax and his actions since last semester, was always quick to have me re-conceal my weapon, but I had acted without interruption just now. I couldn't – wouldn't – take back my threats. I'd hunt the boy down now if the expulsion for his death wouldn't separate us after I had finally seen her physically again. Whatever anger I'd be met with, I'd take in strides.

“Thank you.”

The fog lifted slightly from my mind, my shoulders lowering slowly as I understood her features. There was no anger, no encouragement either, but a familiar focus to her eyes as we hesitated in silence. Before long, I continued my way to the dorm. I don't know when I had regained my breath. Unsure when my knees had grown stable. How long had our hands been clasped between us?

I froze entering our room. The smell had hit me first. No longer was there a comforting mix of both our scents. But a pleasant introduction of decay, copper, perhaps a rodent? I stepped in front of Enid, keeping her behind me as I flicked the lights. Her gasp was half muffled as she instantly tucked her face to my shoulder.

Hanging in the center of the room was a well fed yet brutalized raccoon. It hung by it's own organs and released a putrid smell. Below it, being dripped on, pictures. As I moved closer to get a better look, Enid hesitating as she entered the room and eyed our surroundings rather than the gore.

The pictures were of me. All taken today, from various moments of me out of the dorm. There were duplicates of every picture, but every single duplicate was zoomed out enough to see my point of focus. Enid. Though luckily, not obvious enough that can be observed unless aware of my misfortune. The only picture that was unique, seemed to have been taken when I was asleep and alone. Turning it over, a harshly written phrase.

“You're always watching, but is it the stoner that's really in your sights?”

I felt a smirk tug at my lips. I always loved a good mystery, and a stalker would be a perfect way to keep my mind focused on anything other than my curse.... Though I couldn't ignore that Enid had been dragged in as well.... More reason to solve this case and murder the imbecile who dared to threaten my beloved.

I stood, examining the raccoon.

“I... need to step out.” Enid's voice was breathless, though she didn't move.

I ran a finger into the careful and professional incision, the action bringing a light gag from the blonde behind me. I hummed, licking my finger clean. Hmm, sharp.

“Stay close. Still warm, and based on the phrasing on the photo, it's recent.... Go to Yoko's room, I'll have this cleaned by lights out, I just need to make a quick stop.”

“No.” I turned to address her directly. Rolling my eyes.

“Your face is pressed to a wall, Sinclair. Am I really to believe you'll stay and clean it yourself?” The muscles in her back rippled, as if trying to control an uncomfortable spasm in her sternum. I was familiar with the feeling.

“So not what I meant I-. Can we talk outside please?” I agreed silently, stepping out of the room, Enid quick on my heels, and closing the door behind us. She stood straighter now, and still seemed a bit green, but was managing well. I felt pride. “Willa, we're not doing this this year, okay? Please, no bodies, no murders, no creepy stalkers, and no bedroom full of weird and gross things. We tell someone, a teacher, or your parents, someone who can take over, so you don't get hurt-.”

I opened my mouth to protest but she lifted a hand, continuing.

“-and so Thing doesn't get hurt, or me. I can't afford any more hideous scars across my face.” I was taken aback.

“What?”

“This is supposed to be a good year. I finally wolfed out, I'm in a totally awesome super kind of secret society, and the tea and gossip is hotter than ever so-.”

“Why would you think they're hideous?” Hideous, yes, terrible in the most phenomenal way, but I knew now that Enid's phrasing did not line up with mine. She seemed surprised by my question, cheeks reddening as her eyes trailed to the floor.

“Well, you know.... My mom said-.” The noise I produced could only be described as a mix between a viper's hiss and a werewolf's growl.

“That sorry excuse of a woman forces me to admit my fortune in whose womb I clawed my way from. Enid, please stop me if my vocabulary is inappropriate for my message, but you are beautiful. You've always been stunning and with the scars even more so. They're rugged, and harsh, and they tell a story of your bravery, your loyalty. They describe our friendship in ways I'll never be satisfied in describing verbally.” I'm unsure exactly when I had reached for her face. How long have I been tracing the lines so gently? When had she tilted her face into my palm?

“.... Wednesday-.”

“What's going on here?” I jerked my hand away as if burned.

Yoko and Divina had rounded the corner. From how their hands still gripped at each other, I predicted that perhaps they had planned on catching an intimate moment alone before whatever plans had been agreed on. With a new understanding, I didn't want to interrupt their moment of solitude, but I'll selfishly do so for the safety of my chosen.

“Tanaka. I require your assistance. Please keep Enid within sight until I come to collect her before curfew.” The pair had been approaching slowly, hopefully disregarding my startle. Enid had remained quiet, her eyes never leaving my face as I struggled not to notice.

“She's not an object Addams, you can't just-.” I pushed open the door to our dorm. She recoiled at the sudden stench, hand covering Divina's eyes when she tried to peak into the room. “Got it. Come along, Pup, the three of us can pick the brightest color filled movie for when everyone shows up.”

I pulled the door closed once more to allow her to drop her hand from Divina's eyes, looping her now free arm around my wolf who still seemed to be in a daze and starting away.

“Don't get killed, Addams, you're kind of okay to have around.”

My first order a business was retrieving my camera. I documented the display from every angle, not wanting to miss a single detail. While the Polaroids developed, I set off to gather cleaning supplies. It was in the storage closet a floor down that I opened the door to Thing. He scuttled in a quick circle, looking embarrassed.

“Thing.” I greeted. He hesitated before offering a simple dip in return. He slipped on his digits and I lifted him curiously, pulling him closer to sniff the slick substance he was covered in. “Petroleum jelly? Do I want to know why you're lubricated, Thing?”

It went on to tap out a frustrated explanation aggressively against my palm. There had been a knock on the dorm room door, and though he had ignored it, it had come again paired with, what he could have sworn, was my voice. He went on to describe how he assumed either my hands were full or I had been feeling weak, and had opened the door for me.

His impressive jump to hang off the doorknob was not met with my entrance, but silence. A peak into the hall resulted in a cloth bag trapping him and when he finally freed himself, he had been left in the storage room. He attempted for the doorknob and, true to his word even as I check now, it's dripping in lubrication. He was covered in a moment and any possibility of escape was hindered until he could wipe off the product, something he had been working on when I entered. I hummed in interest.

It seemed the stalker was well educated. Not only did their knowledge extend to my dismembered family member, but they knew enough to know Thing's weaknesses too. Cleaning supplies in hand and with an excitement in my step I've been lacking for months, I informed Thing of all I knew as we returned to the room. I dampened a towel to allow him a proper clean as I began to mop the scene. I curiously sampled the blood of the raccoon again and when the sharpness hit my tongue once more, I set the carcass aside to be properly dissected. I cleaned the floors of blood and stood on Enid's chair to reach the support that the roadkill hung from.

Thing helped me with the dissection. The only thing that came from our findings is that the raccoon had died from cyanide poisoning, but most importantly, it's heart of had been brutally ripped out seemingly by hand, where the rest of the work had been done professionally with tools. I photographed these findings as well before gathering a notebook and voice recorder to document all that I knew.

I watched as Thing arranged all my pictures to be easily placed on my murder board – though it would be a stalker board it seemed this semester – and in that time, I became strongly aware that the room no longer smelt as pleasantly as I like. Of course, I did not mind the scent of rot, decay, and that delicious tang of blood – reminiscent of my childhood – but it had robbed me of Enid's intricate smell and the enjoyment of knowing it was mingling with my own scent. I considered also Enid's sense of smell, still more sensitive to my own, and definitely not as enjoying of these things as I am. I was across the room before it even registered, gathering all of Enid's candles and lighting them. They often burned my nose with their sugary artificial smell, but for now, I'd tolerate it.

It took an hour for the board to be completed, and another thirty for my notes to be written and organized.

We knew that this person had an interest in me. They knew enough to be aware of my interest in Enid, which apparently extended their interest to her as well, much to my fury. That was not something I could focus on too long lest I fall into an even deeper stupor knowing that my existence is bringing danger to my paramour. What was unclear, though, is if this person, or persons, knew of my curse, or merely observed my interest from a distance. They knew enough to know of Thing and it's weaknesses, and seemed to be able to mimic at the very least, my voice, well enough to fool someone as close to me as Thing. This person also moved quick. My threat to the Gorgon could not have been more than ten minutes from arriving to the room. The walk usually takes seven, five if I'm rushing like I had been, and giving room to cover the time Enid and I had fallen into silence in between, our pacing slowing from there.

All these things led me to believe that this stalker must be a fellow student, though a teacher shouldn't be disregarded after the events of last semester. I vowed to keep an even closer eye on my surroundings. I'm shamed to admit that I allowed my focus to fall, not only on Enid, which was a given I'd have to accept, but also on my own curse. Not exactly in self-pity, but something disgustingly close.

My next order of business was to collect possible names. Move-in and arrival day was a Saturday - today, and with the day almost gone, I'd focus on retracing my steps and hoping that my recent brain fog gave way enough for me to have a clear list of those I encountered today, whether I spoke with them, interacted, or even glared at them or not. Tomorrow, I'd carry my notebook around, ready to add names or notes whenever I'd encounter something of interest. I had intended to spend Sunday in solitude, especially knowing all the torturous events planned from the school. It seemed now that I'd be participating, at least enough to be present and gather data.

This time come Monday, I knew I'd find myself in Jericho. I couldn't ignore the possibility that the danger stemmed from outside the school. Perhaps another interesting and unexpected pairing? Regardless, it'd be important to take everything into account and maybe it was time for me to visit an old friend.

I lifted a hand to stroke the picture of my sleeping form. I had flipped it to expose the words, but I'd flip it back before Enid returns to the room. I don't want her to think deeper about the written words, it was already enough that she was also photographed by this stalker, and though I wanted to, I wouldn't be able to hide that in half of them, I was staring at her. Thumping caught my attention. Thing balancing on the top of the board and moving fast.

Don't do it.

My brow quirked slightly. “Don't be silly, Thing. Of course I have to. If this won't kill me, the curiosity will.”

Before he could tap a response, my eyes closed, my focus on the paper in my hand, and within seconds, electricity that forced a gasp as my head flung back painfully. I was gone before I even hit the ground.

I watched from the stalker's perspective, peaking down the hall leading to my room. I spot Thing leave, pulling the door closed behind it, and in a blink, I'm – they're – stepping into the room. Their hands are gloved, I noticed. Leather, weathered and cracking, though not yet peeling. They appeared to be ill fitted too, hiding even the size of the person's hand. In another blink, I'm standing above my own body. I'm ashamed to watch as I don't flinch a muscle, usually a light sleeper though the curse's exhaustion lowering me into a deeper level of sleep it seems. There's a flash of a camera, and the hand reaches out, though before it could touch me, it pulls back. Stopping. Then they spoke.

“Nice try, Wednesday.” That was my voice. “Did you really think it'd be that easy?” This time the voice was Enid's.

This time the hand did touch me, adjusting a braid before continuing in their annoyingly impressive speech.

“Why would I let the fun end so quickly? When we both know how much more fun it'll be to keep you guessing.” The voice started as Pugsley, though finished as Eugene.

I came to with a gasp, sitting up straight though my head swam slightly. Thing had been sitting on my chest, though fell into my lap at my movement. It rushed to orient itself before signing out a tangent. My face was covered in more blackened tears that had appeared last time, and I apparently had stopped breathing again, which explained how I was lightheaded and felt a slight burn in my lungs. He had apparently been in wait of performing chest compressions if it came to it.

“That will not be necessary. Though I learned some interesting information.”

I cleaned my face as I explained my findings to Thing. He himself wrote in my notebook as I made sure there were no track of the tears. Shapeshifter? Mimic? Whoever it may be, I knew already that this was going to be another interesting semester.

Chapter Text

- Enid -

“Uh.... I'm sure the thing didn't suffer?”

“It was a raccoon.” I barely recognized my own voice.

“Right... raccoon.... I thought last semester with Wednesday you said you started to adapt to all the gore?” Since getting back to Yoko's room, I stayed quiet, lost in thought, and staring into nothing. My focus was too busy trying to remember every detail of what just happened. Well, not every detail, but the most important ones.

…You are beautiful.....

She had been so shocked when I low-key called myself ugly. I usually forgot about the scars until some rude person with no class would point and whisper with friends, but otherwise, I didn't mind them. I mean, I got them for protecting one of my best friends. I shifted for the first time on a day that it was meant to be impossible specifically only because my worry for Wednesday had been so strong that I broke the laws of my own biology to save her, and I had. I'd never regret that. But hearing her say it herself, realizing that she also had this deep recognition for what the scars mean to me just stunned me completely.

“We were talking about my scars when you both walked up.” I finally explained, moving from my spot still standing near the door to sit on the bed next to Divina. The girl wrapped her arms around my shoulders, tugging until I rest my head on her chest while Yoko seemed relieved that I was out of whatever state I was in, but tensed at the topic.

“I swear to every God- if I have to go over there and teach that goth how to-.” I caught her arm as she started for the door.

“She called me beautiful.” A pause.

Divina twisted to see my face, Yoko sitting slowly on the edge of the bed.

“Oh.”

The silence continued for another moment. Yoko pulling off her glasses and squinting in thought. Divina picked up for her.

“And... that made you...?” I rolled my eyes, sitting up.

“I just didn't expect it.” Didn't expect how strongly I'd react to it.

Divina shot a glance at Yoko but the vampire was still doing an impression of how I had been lost in thought before. “Okay, if you say so, 'Nid.”

“I do say so.” I huff in annoyance, moving away from the pair to sit instead on a bean bag in front of the small TV the others would be showing up to cram around soon. “Can you both just quit it?”

After meeting Wednesday last semester, Yoko had offered to let me room with her, saying, from what she knew of the Addams family, it was probably for the best. I was already intrigued by then. I had already caught a quirk of her lips by that point, had seen a split second of her hair down as she crossed to the washroom with her brush, and I had already fallen asleep to the cello performances on the balcony.

Then came a series of days following the Poe cup where I may or may not have blabbed endlessly about how amazing... and maybe like totally hot Wednesday was when she watched her enemies fail, or whatever. Since then, Divina and Yoko had been questioning my sexuality. It had already come into question on and off with Yoko years ago, but after this big huge blowout fight with my mom that had her send me away to a Lycan mate lesson camp for three months, I didn't really talk about it.

I myself didn't want to really put a label on anything after that. To me, I wanted to like whoever I wanted to like and that was it. It just so happened that Wednesday maybe caught my attention for a second or three, but I had been really into Ajax, and now I'm really into Bruno.

“Quitting it.” Yoko raised her hands in surrender as Divina gave me an apologetic smile. “Just... you know we're always here, right?”

“I know. Thanks guys.” Our mini-fight ended with a hug that was interrupted by a knock on the door. Bianca strolled in moments later.

The siren threw a change of clothes to Divina. Though technically Bianca and Divina shared a room, Div tended to spend most nights with Yoko. Bianca surely didn't mind having a room to herself so it worked out for them both.

“What the hell happened in the like thirty minutes since we were last together?” Before the door could close, Xavier called out from the hall, hurrying in, an arm looped around Eugene, Pugsley right behind.

“Hey Enid.” I giggled as Eugene came to a full stop to greet me and no one else before continuing. “Yeah, I agree. Feels like Wednesday just dropped a disturbing piece of information in this room. Why so tense?”

Kent was the last to stumble in, yawning and waving to his sister before crashing down next to Xavier. I was relieved that Ajax understood the indirect un-invite to the evening. Yoko glanced to me, letting me decide if I wanted to go into everything or just move on.

“Where's Wednesday?” I reached out, finding Pugsley's hand and sitting him next to me.

I could tell instantly that Pugsley didn't have the same morbid and macabre outlook as his sister, at least not as intensely. She only smiled in the face of death and though he would join, I also saw him smile while Xavier showed him how he could pull a flower out of one of his sketches. Then he kinda fell into a cute rambling wondering how he could preserve the ink and graphite without it turning to dust because he knew his mother would love a flower of darkness. He was adorable.

“Your sister has a stalker that left a dead animal hanging in our room. She's cleaning it up.” Pugsley grew tense, jaw dropping slightly. “Oh don't worry Pugs, Thing is with her and-.”

“She already has a stalker?!? That's so not fair! All the cool things happen to her.” He crossed his arms, pouting as the rest of us look between each other. Though after a semester of Wednesday, we've heard more shocking statements.

“I'm... sure you'll get your own creep soon, Pugs.” I bumped my shoulder to his.

“Thanks.” He still seemed down. “So.... Ignoring the fact that Wednesday is probably having the most fun cutting into that animal right now, what movie are we watching?”

I grimaced but turned my attention to the movie night. We ended up choosing Mission Impossible. Yoko had given me the go ahead to choose something colorful and cheery, glaring at those who protested slightly, but I surprisingly didn't need it. For once, after seeing something so gory, I could easily push the memory out of my mind. Honestly, I didn't have a choice to, not when soft dark eyes paired with her voice took over my mind instead.

By the time the movie was done. Kent had fallen asleep with Eugene dozing off against his shoulder. Divina and Yoko were quietly kissing more and more intensely in the corner of their bed, and Pugsley held a steady stream of electricity between his index fingers for his own entertainment. A sharp knock on the door had the people awake freeze, but a voice soon called out, an older student acting as RA.

“Curfew in ten! I saw the boys coming in here, get them out!” Her footsteps moved away.

Xavier was the first to move. Nudging Eugene who had startled at the noise and was busy fixing his glasses, and kicking Kent's shoe to wake him. We all wished each other a good night, planning on meeting for lunch as a group as usual, and soon only the girls were left.

“And before clothes start coming off, I'm leaving.” Bianca spoke, giving Divina and Yoko a side eye. “Coming, Sinclair?”

I shook my head. “Wednesday's gonna come get me when the room's clean.” I speak while stretching.

“Right, big bad blood moon wolf waiting on her petite Gothic corpse, got it.” Bianca scoffed but winked to soften her words as I rolled my eyes. I knew Yoko would have interrupted her kissing just to give me a pointed look so I avoided turning towards her. Bianca went for the door. “See you all tomorrow- oh! Speak of the devil, night Addams!”

The siren side stepped before heading down the hall, revealing Wednesday standing perfectly in the entry way of the door. My smile was instant, but slowly faded away as I took her in. She seemed exhausted. Her hair was coming out of its braids, fraying around her hair like a dark halo. She had a habit of blinking blankly at me, but it seemed sluggish now.

“Feeling okay, Willa?” It seemed we both decided to forget about the other two in the room.

“I'm fine.” She paused after her predicted answer, but Thing suddenly appeared from under one of her braids and her shoulders seemed to sink under his weight. “I... would like to rest for the night now. I had a vision of the stalker, I'll inform you of my interesting finds in the morning if you'd like to hear it. I also dissected the raccoon, disposed of the carcass, and filled my stalker board, it'll face the wall for the rest of the night and when not immediately in use. I also sampled the blood of the raccoon, it seems to have died of poison. Seems the stalker knew I'd sample it and wanted to leave me with a gift.”

“Oh my goodness Wends! Do you need to go to the infirmary?” My disgust of her licking dead animals was overshadowed by my worry.

“Don't be silly, Enid. There's hardly a poison or venom that can fatally harm an Addams, and the few that could, I've been ingesting since childhood to grow my tolerance. Come along now, I left your candles lit unattended in our room and while I greatly enjoy arson, I only enjoy the intentional kind.” She twisted on her heels, but waited for me to move with her.

“Wait you lit my candles? Night guys! Why?” I split my sentence between Wednesday and the ignored vampire and siren couple.

“I figured you would not enjoy the scent of decay and cleaning supplies. Thank you for your services Tanaka.... Divina.” Her thanks seemed to come as an after thought. The door closed behind us and I fell into pace with Wends on our way to our dorm.

“Oh... well, thanks.” She nodded once, not looking at me. “Are you sure you're okay?”

Her eyes flicked over to me, her shoulders curling just barely more. “My vision took more energy than I had anticipated.... Would it bother you if I bathed first?”

We entered our dorm room and I was smacked in the face by a mix of my fall and Christmas candles. It was definitely better than the gross smell of death that was around before, but I secretly missed the usual smell of the room. Sure it had the sweetness of my perfume and even while not lit my strong nose picked up hints of my candles, but my favorite part was the ink and leather smell that defined Wednesday. That's definitely a smell I wish I could bottle up or preserve in wax.

“Of course, go ahead Willa, I'll be on my phone or something until you're done.” She was wordless as she gathered her things and headed for the washroom that was attached to her side of the room. I remember when she first divided our room. I was still so scared to cross her that I went out of my way to go to the communal washrooms available in Ophelia hall. How times have changed.

Thing climbed up onto my bed when I dropped onto it. He too seemed off. He crawled closer to the ground than usual and rather than instantly signing like crazy to me about some gossip he had come across, he flopped into the covers, still.

Thing had seemed incredibly excited when I so easily picked up what his movements meant. Wednesday had later admitted to me, sounding incredibly impressed, that the sign he used was special and specific to an Addams, usually undecipherable to others, which was the intention. It only took me two days of observation to start to pick up on words, and the rest just kind of came naturally after that.

“What's up, Thing?” He lifted a thumb, letting it fall heavy to the sheets. I frowned. “You know something, don't you?”

He turned slowly, facing me directly before denying and turning his “back”.

“Is it whatever has been up with Wednesday all day?” He launched himself from my bed, quickly disappearing underneath. “There is something! Thing! You can't just-!”

A knock on the door stopped me from crawling under the bed with him, heading to the door instead. Before I grabbed the doorknob, some precautions that Wednesday drilled into my head all of last semester had me pause, reaching out with my senses to check who it could be. I relaxed when the scent of dried roses and spiced rum reached me. “Fine, you're saved for now. Ms. Addams! Hey!”

“Oh please, Morticia is just fine.” I smile, stepping back and opening the door to let her in. Thing reappeared from it's hiding place, launching himself in a way that seems impossible and heading directly for Morticia's face. She only laughed, catching him and coddling him gently. “Hello to you too, Thing. Terribly sorry for dropping in unannounced at such a time. Where has my storm cloud wandered off to?”

“Here, Mother. Why must you darken our doorway with your appearance?”

Wednesday was always quick to shower. About ten minutes max to my twenty minutes minimum. I was going to comment something witty about her speed, but whatever the words were died on my tongued when I turn to spot her. She's already dressed for bed, a silky night dress showing off her pale arms and thin frame. My attention was drawn to her hair. It was longer than I remembered, free from it's braids. It looked just as silky as her pj's and for a split second, I almost let myself cross the room so I could run my fingers through it.

“I entertained you all summer, Mother. I am perfectly capable of tending to my own hair.” I blinked, having missed a portion of their interaction. Morticia stood with a brush in her hand. Wednesday leaning away from her.

“Aww! You let your mom do your hair? That's so sweet?” Wednesday glared.

“It's unnecessary. Why she insists on tending to me is beyond my understanding.”

“Have you seen your hair, Willa? Anyone would give anything for a chance to brush it.” Her glare softened, observing me silently before turning to Morticia who, though seeming sad, smiled knowingly while stepping towards the door.

“I'm sure I'll find opportunities a plenty to tend to your hair, but it's obvious my presence is unwanted right now. Goodnight girls, horrible nightmares.” She left the room before I could stop her, door closing lightly behind her.

“Wends, your mom is so sweet, all she wanted was to brush your hair, I can't even remember the last time my mom did my hair.” She didn't answer immediately, holding her brush between both palms as she moved to sit at her desk.

“You've... desired to brush my hair before?” I didn't expect the question as an answer.

“I- well- I don't-.” She turned to me, dark eyes calming my rambling. “Yeah, I have. I mean you're beautiful. Uh, your hair is beautiful.”

She nodded, turning back around before almost reluctantly holding the brush out. “Tell anyone and I'll declaw you in your sleep.”

There was no time to freak out over the fact that THE Wednesday Friday Addams is letting me brush her hair. I knew deep down that any words, any sound at all, anything that wasn't the immediate action she was allowing, and the opportunity was gone, so I jumped at the chance.

She smelled of her shampoo. I had asked her once what it was, and she vaguely told me it held the base scent of some long flower name she never simplified for me, but that it also held a mix of oils that kept her hair healthy, a recipe passed down in her family. Another scent tickled my nose though; apple. This only seemed weird because the apple body wash was mine, and while I didn't care if she used it, she never showed an interest in it other than to complain about how colorful the bottle was and how artificial the smell.

“Long strokes, from scalp to ends, no more than a hundred strokes.... I'm keeping count.”

I shivered as I finally touched her hair. I didn't even raise the brush, just dragged my fingers through the smooth silk. She glanced at me from the corner of her eyes, but maintained her tense posture and bored expression as I ran my fingers through a few more times. I knew I had overstepped when, in my distraction, my nails elongated slightly – a habit that barely happened anymore – and caught the shell of her ear, trailing down her neck before I noticed.

“Shit, sorry.” I raised the brush and started my careful brushing. She had shivered. She had tipped her head towards my claws and shivered so intensely. I mentally cursed myself for making her uncomfortable. This would probably be the last chance I got to brush her hair.

We fell into a comfortable silence. The sound of the brush through her hair was interrupted only by a series of distant howls. All this time, howls used to make me sad, wishing I could be out there. One of the pack. Howling along side them. Now that I actually could, I didn't even consider being out there. Probably nothing could pull me away from this moment. The only thing that could though, way too soon, was Wednesday sitting away from me.

“That's one hundred.” She took the brush gently from my hands, starting on her braids.

“Why not leave it down? You redo the braids in the morning anyways.” Her hands froze.

“I like to be prepared. If my enemies appear in the night, I need to be ready to get up and act. I can't do anything as pointless as stopping to tend to my hair.” She frowned. “Though for tonight. I'll allow it. It's already eleven at night, Enid, and you've yet to shower.”

I watched, surprised, as she left her hair, standing in front of me, almost as if letting me see her all I wanted with her hair down.

“Yeah, right.... And it's gonna be a super busy day tomorrow so I should-.” I point in the direction of the bathroom, but for another good minute, neither of us moved. It was with another howl from outside that Wednesday finally acted first, going across the room to blow out all my candles as I wordlessly gathered my things to shower.

I watched the water fall for a moment. Obviously I feel super honored, and warm, and tingly, with butterflies in my stomach, claws out style, because I knew how good of friends we had to be for her to let me brush her hair. That was it. I knew we were good friends, but I didn't realize just how good of friends we were and that's why I was extremely happy. That was all.

Shaking my head from my doubts, I stripped and started my shower, relieved that Nevermore continued to show me what amazing friends I could make. Relationships that I knew would last forever.

I snorted awake, rushing to rub drool off my chin and hair out of my face while also trying to find the source of the sound that woke me. I grabbed my buzzing phone while peaking across at my roommate. Wednesday was always up before me. Even if I got up ridiculously early, I'd sit up, stretch, and look over to see her already looking at me. Today was no different. She was already turned towards me. Arms crossed over her chest and her hair flowing around her pillow, flawless compared to whatever rats nest was on my head. The last of the early rising summer sun bounced off our window and illuminated her for me as if I struggled to see her before.

“Do you plan on answering that? Or shall I go disassemble the damned thing like I'd so desperately enjoy doing right now?” I don't think I've ever heard her actually speak so soon after waking, how the hell did her voice get that gravelly?

“Right, sorry, still half asleep.... Hello? Shit, hello?” I missed the button the first time, needing to repeat my greeting. I didn't checked my caller I.D., but hearing only a speedy babbling muffled by crying, I pulled back to check. Maisie Jones, one of the pack members, one which I had kept an eye on only because she showed an interest in Bruno too. “Maze, slow down, what- what? What do you mean he-.... Oh my gosh, okay. I'll- I'll.... I'll be right there!”

Wednesday had sat up at this point, watching me as I tossed my phone aside, falling out of my bed and rushing to gather an outfit while running to the washroom.

“Is... everything alright?” I slammed the washroom door closed behind me. Trying to dress, brush my teeth, brush my hair, and make my face look less like I just woke up. When I threw the bathroom door open again, I had to stumble to a stop to avoid running into Wednesday, her hand raised as if to knock.

“Wends, sorry for the wild wake up. I gotta go.” She frowned.

If I paid enough attention, I'd have seen her concern. I'd see the question in her eyes and the way she motioned for Thing to come with me. I'd have heard her repeat herself as I grabbed my bag and phone, asking again if everything was alright. If I was alright. I'd have seen her gather her clothes, intent on following me, even with her hair flowing freely.

“Really can't talk, Willa. Bruno was brutally attacked last night, I need to go to the infirmary to see him. I need to be with him right now.”

If I paid enough attention. I'd have seen her arms drop. I'd see her clothes scattering across the floor. Her concern morph into sadness as a hand flew up to clutch her chest. I'd have spotted Thing abort his plans to follow me as he rushed to her instead.

The door slammed shut behind me as I ran down the hall.

Chapter Text

- Wednesday -

Thing jumped, digits curling in my loose locks and tugging. I had already fallen to my knees, but his actions pulled me forward to land on my hands. Initially, I assumed that he was preparing me to collapse and to do so while taking the least damage possible. Instead, he scrambled back a few steps before running full speed and launching towards me. He tightened into a fist before coming into contact with my chest.

The impact forced a deep cough and only then did I realize that I had pathetically begun to choke on my own breath. While I struggled to regain the oxygen he had encouraged, he wound up once more and this time clocked me in the jaw, successfully throwing me off balance and landing softly over top my discarded clothes. He landed perfectly timed – momentum calculated – to have the chance to catch my head, cushioning the impact with his palm. I found myself shivering uncontrollably, breathing much too fast and occasionally interrupted by a series of coughs.

All I knew was pain in this moment. My heart trying to rip itself free like that of the raccoon. The curse, met in the face of what it took as direct rejection – Enid's direct rejection of me for Bruno – rushed to reach completion while my feeble life tried in desperation to hold on, even if just to see her again.

I heard nothing but the rush of blood in my ears, saw only the blurred sight of Thing, trying to keep my attention. I didn't spot the tremble in its digits, and my brain, with nothing to focus on, entirely deleted the moments that he'd leave my sight to pat my back and encourage continued, if not stuttered, inhales and exhales. That being said, I missed the knock of the door, the call from the other side, and Thing running away to answer it, but did notice when suddenly, it was not just Thing in my sight, but another person too.

“Shit, Addams. I- I- had a hunch last night but I thought-.” I tilted my head further to the floor, shamed as Yoko's hands hovered in uncertainty above me. Vicious thumping and scuttling told me that Thing was attempting to assist her, and though her understanding wasn't as great at Enid's, she eventually understood enough.

She was silent as she lifted me off the ground effortlessly, returning me to my bed, sitting on it's edge and looking away. We remained in silence, with her giving me as much privacy as she could and with me slowly and finally getting a handle of my own body. It must not have been more than five minutes before my breathing calmed, and another five for the trembling to cease. The silence was almost as suffocating as the curse. Usually I'd revel in it, but knowing that an uncomfortable conversation rests on the other side, I decided to face it.

“I... failed to consider the history you have with my family.” I sit up. She stands, crossing the room and sitting on Enid's unmade bed.

Her relationship to my family was not one that was often discussed. Especially, as it stems from three decades ago and an escapade she had had with two of my aunts, causing a brawl among the family that spilled into an important work event of her father's. She had been forgiven easily of course, the Addams family is always welcoming of an individual who can cause a rift so big it starts a murdering spree. It's still known as one of the most disastrous events in Addams family celebrations. Even I envy not having been born yet to witness the blood shed. Once apologies were said and done, she lingered among those she befriended for a few months more until, as punishment, her father sent her to attend Nevermore. It appeared that she had the last laugh as she found an enjoyment in the academy and has stayed ever since, even after the end of her punishment.

“I've been around.” She shrugged, fangs nipping at her bottom lip. “Knew your Aunt Lilith.”

I scoffed; doubt. “I read the eight volumes of her journal depicting her end. There was no mention of you.”

“Her mind was already partially taken when we met.”

I stood, gathering my clothes and brushing them off. She didn't speak and it was almost infuriating to know that, though she was good at hiding it, the pity that sat under her skin felt like acid in my veins, something I couldn't bring myself to enjoy. Frustrated, I moved to the washroom, changing my clothes and braiding my hair in record time. She hadn't moved by the time I returned, but Thing had moved to join her on the bed, and they both turned to face me when I exited. I sighed.

“I'm not going to interfere with her happiness, if that is your concern. I've made peace with my imminent death.” I tilted my head when her response was a flinch. “Was that the only reason you came here?”

“I wanted to talk to you actually. I heard from my room, Enid leaving this morning.... I'm usually very good at blocking out sounds for people's privacy and such, but I usually give an extra ear for Enid.... Then I heard you hit the ground before I tuned the room out again....”

“Feel free to speak as you intended then.” I disregarded her humiliating information.

“I mentioned. I had a hunch, you know? I was going to come see if it was true.”

“And now that it is?”

“Why not tell her?”

“I'm not going to interfere with her happiness.” I repeated myself, though expanded my explanation. “I'm sure she's divulged that we kept in contact all summer. I didn't act to get in between her and that imbecile Ajax. I listened to her adoration of the boy, and I'll do the same with her new wolf. Satisfied?”

“You're suffering. And, scary as it is to admit, you're a better person for her than any of those fools.” I remain silent, shocked by this turn of events. “Look, I don't get it, don't get the pain and everything you're going through, but I've seen it, in multiple stages. You're still more aware than your Aunt Lilith was, but that little episode you just had, started to happen at even the mention of his name. You don't want to interfere, fine, then at least tell her.” I gave her a blank stare.

“Hello, Enid, I'm deeply in love with you, so much so, that my entire soul has decided that without you, there's no point in living. Though if you'd prefer that pretty wolf boy, then I understand wholeheartedly. Please, don't allow my death to be a deciding factor in your decisions.” I blinked blankly some more. Yoko rolled her eyes.

“How about, 'hey, I like you? I'd like to go on a date with you?' Hell, tell her you want to see her naked for all I care.” I glared, ignoring the end of her sentence.

“I refuse to lie to her. More than just for my own moral compass that exists only for my paramour, but as my chosen, I can never be fake with her. I cannot believe I've lived to see a day I'd admit it, but I've grown to be like my father. Every interaction I have with her I want to be as pure and true as her heart. That being said, if word of my curse reaches her ears, I will survive long enough to ensure that every blood bag you drink from will contain three drops of garlic concentrate, just enough to maim and hospitalize, though not enough to be fatal.” Yoko groaned, pulling a face of disgust as if already able to taste a never ending supply of garlic.

“I wouldn't. That's your family and personal business to tell.” She hesitated. “Don't stake me, okay? But, I'm here if you need anything, no pity or shame or nothing.... You just saw it. I'll just watch to make sure your comfortable and settled, and leave without a word if that's what you really want.”

My jaw clenched, though relaxed. She had handled the situation rather well, and her demeanor had no other intention than to follow her words. “My family is aware of my fate. They are on standby to assist me when needed as an agreement to ensure that they won't meddle into Enid's happiness either.... Though if there is no other option, then Thing will find you and present to you this signal.”

I turned to Thing who instantly stood to attention, tapping his index finger to his thumb, then to his middle finger and lastly hopping and landing on his finger tips. Once he's gone still I turned back to Yoko who nodded in understanding.

“Got it.” Seeming to understand that this was the end of our interaction, she stood and approached the door, pausing near the center of the room. “For what it's worth, I really meant it when I said not to die yesterday.... You are pretty cool to be around, and if the opportunity ever.... take it, okay?”

I nodded once in acknowledgment though spoke up once more as she was in the doorway. “Tanaka. She seemed very distressed this morning. Could you find her to offer her support?”

Support that I couldn't handle providing. My request was met with a sad smile and nod as she pulled the door closed. Now alone, other than Thing watching me silently from across the room, I moved to the mirror, ensuring my clothes were straightened, the rushed process on my hair would hold, and frowning when I spot something in the mirror. My entire jaw was beginning to bloom in bruise. Thing climbed the desk as I examined it, rushing to tap out an apology.

“No bother, Thing, it seems my body will no longer accept the intensity of another Addams like it used to before.” This was an expected occurrence.

Even Uncle Damien had written about how, after fighting his brother in a duel meant to raise his spirit following his rejection, he had been shocked to find himself gravely injured. A broken arm the least of injuries though his brother had twisted it beyond recognition many times before only for it to snap back as if unbothered. Even now, if Pugsley were to shock me with his electricity, or swing a mace to my head, my body would react differently than it had in the past. Rather than my skin be tickled by the shock, my heart would jump start, and though his mace use to bounce off my skull as I glared in annoyance, a well-placed spike would impale my brain in seconds.

I poked at the bruise as it quickly grew darker before sighing and relocating my attention. I had a task to complete, a stalker to torture for daring to acknowledge my wolf, and a timeline to complete it within. It seemed that there would only be one outcome; death. Mine or that of a stranger.

I was in the process of examining my stalker board when a sound of sliding paper brought my attention to the door. There sat a little envelope. I ignored it, rushing for the door and tugging it open. The hall was entirely empty, but a faint smell of decay was left behind, and along with it, some sort of musk. I returned to my room, lifting the note covered in magazine cut-outs; my favorite.

Guess who can't make it to a date at the Weathervane tomorrow night? You're welcome. Though now you owe us a favor, don't you?

I held back the desire to crumble the note and instead held it out for Thing to read before he took it from me. “Lock it in my desk drawer. It'll upset Enid if she sees it.”

It was still uncertain if this mystery person was aware of my curse, or simply assumed that I had a strong interest in my beloved. Though regardless on how I looked at the situation, I couldn't deny the fact that they had done me a service by downing the wolf courting my wolf. I had intended on spending the day around sleuthing preparing my mind and body for the onslaught of information of the date Enid would spew to me undoubtedly. Now, I wouldn't have to bare witness to it. Though what benefit could this stalker gain from a relationship blooming between Enid and I? And what could they possibly have planned for me to provide a favor in return?

My day had progressed sluggishly. A trip to acquire breakfast turned my stomach from a floor above at just the scent and I instead found myself in the Hummer's shed where an early working Eugene had been pleased to see me. Upon my request, he provided me with an entire jar of his newly developed honey, and this time I cared enough to inquire what was so different about it. He seemed hurt to know I had ignored his explanation the day before, but he humored me.

“Some cayenne and ginger for a little bit of a bite and the biggest secret and the only reason that only you and Pugsley have tried this honey so far? All the bees that produced this honey collected pollen only from Angel Trumpets, Monkshood, and Hemlock.” With my back facing him, I had smirked.

Conium maculatum, Aconitum napellus, and Datura sauveolens. All flowers which contain paralytic components. Knowing my tolerance, having learned through Pugsley, he had told me clearly why he requested I try it, in fear that the paralytics would affect anyone not an Addams. I was flattered. While I'm sure pollen alone from one of these flowers would harm none, the triad with the extra kick would definitely hold at least mild affects and it's perhaps these affects that had calmed my system enough to eat and digest the night before. If I was to be running about finding a stalker that has now proved violent, I'd need to eat to maintain as much strength as possible, and it would be with Eugene's honey that I achieve this. And if ever it starts to fail, then perhaps I begin to dabble with paralytics myself.

I kept to the sidelines as I crossed the campus, the entire school was covered in “school spirit”. Unfortunately, I had misunderstood that this would be instead school spirits, as in, the spirits of the dead walking the halls. Instead of walking among veiled apparitions, I instead worked to dodge over-excited students, and even my own family when I spotted Mother walking from her temporary home with Bianca and Mr. Dort. Dort. A ridiculous man, and he'd no doubt run this school into the ground. I'm shamed to admit that Weems' firm hand and suspicious activity had been exactly what this school needed to thrive – to an extent.

Thing peaked from my bag firm on my back, long enough to tap a question as I faltered in my steps at the thought of the late principal. I ignored him, carrying forward, and he settled back in.

I had thought of Weems long enough to understand the course of her actions, acknowledge that the initial harm that came to the students – to Eugene – were from my own interference. She had fought me every step of the way and I had disliked her because of it, though it proved to be nothing more than self-preservation as the very moment she trusted me, she was killed. Already being introduced to a nauseating wave of new emotions by the point that I was considered her passing, I had allowed myself to feel the regret and the guilt to her end.

“Addams.” I turned, tilting my head as, once again, I was met with Yoko. Her expression unreadable. Eyes tracing the bruising of my jaw though drawing no attention to it. “Enid is staying in the infirmary until dinner, I think.”

I had been on my way to the dining hall, knowing Enid and the disturbances enjoyed congregating in this time. I knew I shouldn't arrive if I was not expected, shouldn't allow myself to quench my thirst in her mere presence lest I deteriorate all the faster, but it was a pull I couldn't ignore. At the news, the warmth of anticipation shifted to a burn that rose bile in my throat. Yoko's expression made sense in this moment. An almost forced indifference. Informing me to bring the pain now, rather than force it upon me after I've arrived and been waiting. She potentially – knowing how much that group enjoys gossip – prevented me from hearing an onslaught of information that could encourage another.... episode.

I nodded my gratitude, questioning her instead, something to distract my mind. “Where was he attacked? I'd like to go investigate the scene of the crime.”

“I- You know, it was probably just like, a rival person. Apparently Bruno is showing alpha signs and some other alphas aren't too happy about it. You don't have to look further into this just for En-.”

“I believe the attack to be in relation to my stalker. I will be searching for clues.”

An alpha? My heart jumped to my throat, trying to remind me forcefully that an alpha/alpha paring was often incompatible as mates and highly unlikely. My brain was louder, pulling up the titles of many documentations of alpha/alpha relationships that not only worked, but thrived.

“Why would the stalker hurt Bruno then?”

“If only I could find an answer, say at the scene of the crime.” I deadpanned. The vampire sighed.

“The rest of the pack said he kind of disappeared within like two hundred yards of the main gate, but he was found near some cave. I heard some teachers saying they were calling the authorities and they'd check the place out. I haven't seen the cops around yet, but they probably wouldn't wait too long.” I hummed in curiosity, the exact cave clear in my mind.

“Could the boy not produce any detail of the attack?”

“He's still unconscious. If he doesn't wake up by tonight, he's going to be transferred to the hospital.” I barely spared Yoko a parting word, but her departure was swift as my own, disappearing down whatever hall she had appeared from.

“Shall we go for a stroll in the forest, Thing?” I felt faint tapping against my back, Morse code, questioning my plans for lunch. “I've lost my appetite.”

The walk through the trees was fairly quiet, almost too much so. For the time of year, things which hibernate often begin to more aggressively collect as days grow shorter and a chill creeps into the nights. Critters and insects alike should be picking on wood and foliage. I could hear or spot none of it. Everything was silent and still, all accept a single bird. A raven.

I had spotted it on the gate, intrigued by it's one bulging and damaged eye. Angrily red and swollen as if seconds from popping and the scarring so deep and thick that it contrasted most all else in the forest around me. It had given a cry on the gate, as if to alert me of it's presence. Since, I've spotted it in a tree, then searching for worms further up my path, and on and on it appeared until finally, I reached a familiar spiraling cave, and perched above the formation, the raven.

“Nevermore.” I quipped, entertained by the mystery.

I slid my hand behind my back, tapping out a rhythm to Thing, a warning to stay hidden. I don't know what encouraged me to protect him in this moment, but it was no mistake that this raven followed me, and it's bulging eye seemed to do more than just appear grotesque. Only when Thing tapped a response of agreement, I began my search. I spotted the scene instantly.

Messy footsteps had run across the entire area, crushing grass, slipping on moss, and disrupting what seemed to have been a clear dragging mark, perhaps Bruno's body? I retrieved my tap recorder, Thing moving to allow me to grab my camera as well while still remaining hidden. I documented my findings, following the marks until the imbeciles who ruined the scene left it untraceable. No bother, it seemed to be returning in the direction I came, keeping true to the claims that he had been near the school when grabbed. Where he had rested before being found also held many disturbances in the ground, though still, more clues. The amount of blood was underwhelming. By the reaction of those around, I had expected a great deal more, but even I had bled more when stabbed by Crackstone. The blood appeared in two separate pools, one near where it seemed his legs had rested, and the other near his head, explaining the prolonged unconsciousness. Lastly, most notable, stray feathers. I picked one up.

“Is this yours?” I ask the raven. As expected, no response, the winged beast having returned to its task of searching for food. Taking a quick glance around, I closed my eyes, bringing the feather to my nose. Musk. Decay. I closed my eyes tighter, head tilting back slightly as I tried to force a vision. I spotted only Bruno, beaten, heard his cries and please, pathetic, though noted also the amount of hands and feet that had harmed him. I barely saw the shoes of an additional person. Unmoving, but watching.

My knees hitting the ground, snapping branches at my heavy decent, pulled me from my vision. I had attempted to control it to prevent a full takeover of my mind, satisfied with only glimpses. It still proved too much it seems as I needed to remain crouched for minutes until my head stopped swimming, and only then did I realize I needed to wipe my eyes from those damned blackened tears. Stable once more, I stood, and with nothing else to see in the surrounding, I moved to observe inside the cave.

Disappointment. The cave was as I remembered it, filled with miscellaneous bones, claw marks, and holding shackles, scorch marks from Laurel's attempt to destroy evidence the only new features. There were no additional hints inside, meaning the choice of location was specifically to show it's intended relation to me, and nothing more. Lazy.

A bird's call brought my attention to the entrance of the cave. There stood my new bird friend, bulging eye in my direction, call growing loud, repeating faster and faster until all I could hear was the echo of the screech as it rebounded endlessly off the cave walls. Then just as it had started, it ended, the bird taking flight, leaving me to listen to the rest of it's songs, and when that finally cleared, voices.

“Yes, you can see the traces here, this must be where the kids were talking about.” Seems the authorities arrived.

I remained unseen as I stepped out of the cave, instantly disappointed once more when the authorities, Mr. Dort, and some more teachers all failed to spot my arrival, though more because they too ruined evidence, brushing away the remaining bird feathers as if unimportant to the situation.

“Ouch, that's a lot of blood.” Wrong.

“No way to know how he got here either. Are we looking for something big enough to lift that boy up entirely? Like that Hyde situation?” Wrong again.

“I can't help but to feel relieved that it was not I that was harmed last night. My assailant would run free for the rest of their lives.... Officer Santiago, was it?” I turned to the woman who had jumped and almost fallen when I spoke, though now seemed frustrated.

“Wednesday Addams! What in the world are you doing out here?”

“Sheriff Santiago, actually.” I hummed.

“I'd congratulate you, but I really don't care.”

“Addams.” I had ignored Dort, holding no respect for him, but Coach Vlad on the other-hand, I at least partially did.

“Coach Vlad.” I acknowledged.

“Why is it that every time something goes wrong, you seem to be at the center of it?”

“Perfect timing?” My brow twitches. Mr. Dort's expression changed, just briefly, his usual cheery and slightly idiotic expression growing hard as he continued to be ignored. He stepped forward, stupid smile back in place.

“Miss Addams, the forests are going to be off limits for the unforeseeable future. You shouldn't be out here right now, why don't you head back to campus?” He placed a hand on my shoulder and I tensed instantly as an overwhelming sent of sandalwood and sage burned my nose.

“I will admit to only three concealed weapons on my body in this very moment and you will be intimately introduced to all of them if you do not remove your hand from me.” His hand flinched away instantly. Did I imagine the smirk on Coach Vlad's face as Dort placed a few steps between us?

“Actually, seeing as you're at the scene of the crime.... sporting quite the bruise too, we'll want to ask you some questions.” I sigh, legs growing sore from all my travels.

“I was alerted to the attack early this morning as the injured one is courting my roommate and she had received a call that informed her. As we are... great friends... and with the remaining doubt of the effectiveness of those in authority, I decided to take it upon myself to investigate. Don't worry, I didn't ruin anything from the scene, unlike you all have, and there's nothing of importance inside the cave, so I suggest you use your time more wisely. That is all the information I have, therefore, I will be taking my leave.” I turned on my heels, ignoring the calls for my name as they didn't even bother to follow. Good.

Arriving back at the school, a familiar shadow loomed above the gates. Red scar, bulging eye, cry almost mocking. I tilted my head, regarding the bird as it did me. “You have my attention.”

As if having been waiting for the acknowledgment, it took flight once more, disappearing over the walls of Nevermore.

Chapter Text

- Wednesday -

The entire week proved to be extremely unpleasant.

Sunday ended with no sight of Enid. I had gone to bed with my hair flowing free once more, all in a desperate hope that if she were to return distressed, the sight would bring her some form of joy and comfort as it seemed to of have the night before. Thing scolded me for how often I had been allowing myself to feed my desire for Enid with no intention of pursuing a relationship. All it would do is bring me more pain when nothing comes of it. He had already teased me for the night she brushed my hair, having allowed her to reach an almost three hundred stroke count before stopping her though I had told her no more than a third of that. But now I'm playing with a dangerous line and all teasing has been shifted to scolding.

I woke instead deep in the night to the sound of her attempts at stealth. She had tried to sneak into the room and change her clothes quietly, but had tripped over one of her pillows, gotten startled by Thing, and eventually gave up on being quiet, dropping heavily into her bed and was quick to sleep. Too curious to wait for answers, I had sent Thing to pester Yoko and he had returned to inform me that my wolf had stayed at Bruno's side the entire day, only to then accompany him to the hospital where she sat with him until visiting hours had ended. She had then needed to wait for Ms. Capri, the new music teacher, to drive to pick her up, hence the late return.

The following day, had proven taxing on my mind. I had woken before Enid and allowed her continued rest as I prepared for the day. My hair had been left down for naught. My mind focused on no class discussion. There were no further leads to the stalker. The presence of friends grated at my being, and every attempt at communication with Enid had been met with the woes of her crush, or questioning the cloudy bruise on my jaw. I had had to inform my family of the real reason for the bruise, transparency of my symptoms being another of our agreements, and I watched a piece of Pugsley shrivel inside at the knowledge that we could no longer share some of our favorite sibling bonding activities. Enid though, was under the impression that Thing and I had argued and the result, was this bruise.

It had been Thing who had lied to her, knowing that I would be unable to. That had introduced some concern in our interaction, but it all fell back to the woes of Bruno. After class, she had departed for the hospital again, claiming that even if their date wouldn't happen, it still felt right to be around him in that time. I had ended the night with another episode, this one less intense than the first, not needing further violence to clear my mind or a nosy vampire to play heroics, and instead, I again went to bed alone, though with my hair well tended to.

It only took until Tuesday before everyone seemed to share my experience of overwhelming displeasure in days passed.

Bianca seemed to be fighting an inner demon, often growing quiet around the group and never even realizing how I had observed her distracted silence openly though she was often quick to shame my staring habit. She continued her work with the fundraising committee, Mother speaking highly of the siren, yet when it came to fencing, she dueled as if fighting herself – and losing.

Eugene spoke freely to me when we tended to the bees. After the send off he had received last year, and the welcome upon his return, he had expected a lot... more. Sure, there were a decent few who surged forward to become his friend, but as they all got to know each other and their differing interests, they had all eventually stopped speaking with him. He had smiled, wiping at unfallen tears when I offered to gut them all for him, but he more was working to accept the fact that he was not everyone's preferred flavor. Though the friends he did keep, were welcoming of his true self. It may not be friends in the hundreds but our “close knit group” as he called us, was more than he could ask for.

Yoko and Divina had been closer than ever. And Yoko and I seemed to be expanding our friendliness as well. I had been sharpening a stake in preparation for her to hover uncomfortably and overstep endlessly in our secret agreement, but instead, she acted absolutely no different. This had made her much more tolerable in my eyes. I was pleased to continue to learn why she had been welcomed by so many Addams before me, proving to be a great companion, a loving mate, as she had confirmed with a shy and blushing Divina, and most importantly to me, someone that I knew Enid would always be safe with.

I cared less for the other disturbances. Kent began to grow more confidence, making friends away from his sister and participating less with the group. Ajax returned to joining lunch with everyone, silent and with his tail between his legs; never glancing towards or speaking with Enid. Most often he would fall into discussion with Xavier, Kent, and occasionally Eugene who seemed to only tolerate the gorgon at first.

Xavier was a whole other problem that I dreaded could only be solved with arson, but that I knew I could take no actions towards. It seemed we shared five classes a week together, and in every single one, he had glued himself to my side, be it sitting next to me, or directly behind to allow for whispers and comments throughout the class. I easily ignored him the entire time. Even if unintentional, as it truly was just my mind that wandered off and fought against itself. Though I was positive that, even entirely sane, I would have responded – or not responded – all the same.

He had badgered me for an explanation on why I hadn't contacted him all summer, then grew sad yet only trailed me around more when I admitted to the destruction of the gifted phone. He came to the assumption that I'd much prefer letters, and had begun to write and deliver them every day, much to my annoyance, all of which were never opened before they burned. In the end, I began to feel horribly restless and particularly murderous when my days filled only with mystery around my now illusive stalker, watching day by day as Enid spends her evenings away from Nevermore, dodging Xavier's attempts to grow closer to me, and all while fighting my own reactions to the curse.

Friday used to be a day much anticipated by the students of Nevermore, my group in particular. But as the day rolled by, the Nightshade party was delayed to a further date, Kent once more abandoned the group, Ajax on his heels, Bianca made comment of feeling unwell and planned to retire to her room to rest for the remainder of the day, and I stood staring in the face of Enid as she requested for those remaining at the table to accompany her to the hospital this evening. She claimed missing everyone, though was still insistent on wasting her time-.

“Will you come with, Willa? I'll buy you a coffee, the one at the hospital is super dark, very burnt, and taste like death, you'll love it.” The bribe of coffee was tempting to accept, but everything else in this scenario was nauseating.

“I already have my own plans for the evening.”

“What are they?” Xavier spoke up from his almost permanent spot at my side before I barely finished my sentence. I even spotted Enid bare her teeth at him, though her face grew adorably blank when I met her reaction with a rare quick smile, entirely amused even given the situation.

“In fact, I have some things to prepare before I depart.” I stood to leave the pentagon – quad.

Pugsley had made some more friends in the week, and smiled from across the way at me at a new table before a boy at his side caught his attention. I was glad Pugsley not only managed to gain the confidence to maneuver away from me, unlike he ever has in any other school, but while still showing concern, he's finally stopped hovering so closely. I nodded in acknowledgment as I walked away from what was left of the disturbances; Yoko, Divina, Eugene, Xavier, and Enid.

Enid....

Enid.

“Willa!” I had made it halfway to our dorm when her voice froze me in my tracks. In only seconds she slowed her jog, falling into steps with me.

“What are you going to be up to?” I glanced at her with my eyes only.

“I plan to visit an old friend.”

“Really? Who?” I opened my mouth to answer, but she continued, almost stumbling over herself in her rush to speak. “Because I really do miss you- all of you. I mean, you're my roommate and I'm pretty sure I even saw Ajax more than you this week.”

“How terrible.”

“Right?!? Anyways, I really hopped you'd come with! You know, we can chat on the way to Jericho, walk it and everything, catch up, and then you can meet Bruno! He woke up last night, did I tell you? He was super out of it but he like, totes said my name first thing! It was so totally romantic, like storybook shit, so there's a big chance he's awake again or going to wake up soon proper, and like, of course, I want to see him, but if we're going to start dating, I want him to know all of you too! And I know we haven't chatted much, I've kinda been neglecting you-.”

“Enid, unlike you and your hairy choice of companionship, I am not a dog. I do not sit at our room door waiting with my ears down for your return. I've seen you plenty this week and I'm not going to disrupt my evening to entertain another bone-headed friend of yours that'll only drain me of my life source faster than I've seen you drain a sugary beverage through a straw.” Oh Gods.

She fell out of step with me and on instinct, I stopped as well, turning to observe her. Her face fell, her pouting lips opening and closing trying to find words. For a split second, I reached for a hidden dagger as her eyes filled with tears, entirely ready to plunge it into my own heart if one dared fall free. It seemed I'd live another day as instead, she squeezed her eyes shut, took a deep breath, and spoke in that soft, soft, voice.

“I know I haven't been around much this week to know everything that's been going on, but I noticed enough to know that you've been a lot more tense about something. I figured an evening off campus with friends would be a good change.... So, I get if you had a bad week like apparently everyone else did, but that was a pretty shitty thing to say, Wednesday.”

Wednesday. Not Roomie, or Wends, or Willa.

It was my name, so of course she's said it plainly times before, but the way she had said it. With such disappointment. As if she finally seemed to realize her effort in me was worthless. She stepped away from me.

Once.

My heart clenched.

Twice.

I instinctively stepped towards her, but forced myself to stop.

A third time.

Wednesday Friday Addams if you don't open your mouth and fix this.

She turned and walked away.

I barely had the chance to track her retreat before arms closed tightly around my torso, lifting me straight off my feet, and carrying me further down the hall until it was absolutely barren of other observant eyes. I was deposited near a stone alcove, hidden within by the body of no other than the leech herself.

“Deep breath. You've seen Enid unforgivably upset before, right? Right, Addams?” Yoko pressed when I failed to answer, and eventually, I managed a stiff nod. “And when that happens, she's absolutely sobbing, right?”

I swallow thickly, a copper tang coating my tongue. I thought myself to be imagining the taste until Yoko's nose scrunched before she noticeably held her breath.

“Her mood could be ruined for days.”

“Exactly-.”

“And whoever dimmed her glow deserves to be met by my blade.” My hand twitched, she caught it.

“She didn't cry. Her voice was steady when she spoke, right? And I hope I've become trust worthy enough that you'll believe me when I say that: even if it's out of your hearing range, just now Eugene told a stupid bee joke, and she laughed.” My shoulders dropped from where they had tensed by my ears. “You reached a boiling point, and it happens, even to Enid, and obviously she spotted it and is giving you space. That is all. If it'll make you feel better to apologize, than focus instead on making it a great one.”

Focus on that, a “great apology”, instead of allowing the curse to run poison through my veins and suffer a treacherous night, is what she left unsaid. Already, I had felt the weight in my chest, the heaviness in my arms, and had considered taking three tablespoons of honey before wasting away in my bed for the rest of the night, but her words were clarifying and allowed me to see reason behind my stupor. She was right. I've seen Enid after many more intense verbal sparring matches – usually with her mother – I've seen her return to our room crying, falling asleep with tear streaks on her cheek, and walking around with a dark cloud over her head for days before it inevitably passes. But if she were laughing and still with the others, than what I had said and made her feel could not possibly be irreversible.

“Where's Thing?” Yoko broke me from my silent musings.

“My dreams were clouded by nightmares, the unpleasant kind. To avoid waking Enid I had spent the night in our washroom, losing my stomach endlessly, my body humiliatingly weak. Thing had stayed with me the entire time and managed to remain awake until the end of classes. He's in my bag, but I intend to allow him to rest while I carry on with my evening plans.” She nodded, stepping back as she apparently deemed me enough in my right mind to allow me space.

“Okay, good... that's good. Uh, here then.” She searched her pockets momentarily before presenting me with what looked like a key-chain holding nothing but a press-able button. “I know you're against technology or whatever it was, but if you don't have a phone and you won't have Thing with you.... just a precaution okay? In danger or need absolutely anything, it pings my phone with your location.”

I glared slightly. “I'm perfectly capable-.”

“So you won't use it. And then when we meet again, you return it, or you just have it as back up on-call. And that's it.” My teeth cracked together by the force I ground them with, but I eventually placed the damned thing in my pocket. It would be useful to have a vampire accessible at the press of a single button.

“Very well.... I'm leaving now.” Yoko didn't try to stop me, stepping further to give me space, and when I glanced back at the end of the hall, she was already gone.

By the time I made it to the dorm, I managed to catch a quick glimpse of the group, Yoko included in the pack and with my Enid skipping ahead with a smile on her face, as they left the school grounds. Feeling much more calmed by the sight, I moved about gathering what I needed. My camera, my voice recorder, my notebook that documented all I knew of my stalker, and a magnet. I then carefully retrieved a sleeping Thing from my bag, laying him on Enid's pillow where he quickly burrowed deeply and continued to rest. With everything placed in my bag, my pocket weighted down by a key-chain button, I started for Jericho at a slowed pace.

My knocking had gone unanswered twice. But my hearing was enhanced, so even while lowered I heard the television inside, and though movement was minimal the shuffle of moving fabric was undeniable. It was only on the sixth attempt that I finally picked up more from inside. The sound of glass being slammed down roughly on a wooden table, the creak of an old chair, shifting floor boards.

“Oh for the love of-.” Four sets of locks unlatching before the door was violently swung open. “-What?!? Oh.”

I blinked once. Since I barely had the desire to blink, and everyone has grown used to my motionless and dead eyes, I found joy in the knowledge that such a simple act could disturb many.

The man in question seemed to have aged decades in just months. His beard has grown and lost any remaining melanin that allowed it color. While he had been mostly bald before, the strong spikes along his head had shown continual growth that were simply cut, now shiny skin with the occasional thin wisp of silver was all to be seen. His stomach had rounded and his posture worsened, but more than anything, he looked entirely exhausted. He eventually dropped the arm holding the door and I took that as my invitation, strolling inside while handing him the magnet.

“I brought you a magnet as a souvenir.” It was part magnet part bottle opener. The man remained silent for a long moment before scoffing, locking his front door back up before turning to the fridge, grabbing two bottles of beer, and cracking them open before placing the magnet on the refrigerator door. It was in the shape of a shark, it's gaping mouth full of teeth acting as the bottle opener and 'New Jersey' was engraved across the stomach.

“Cute.” He commented, moving further into the house and dropping back in front of the TV, motioning me to a free couch and offering me the second beer when I sat. He watched as I examined the bottle before taking a deep drink. “Probably shouldn't have given you that, huh? Well, least I know you won't call the cops.... Anyway, do I even want to ask why you- what is it you Addams' do? 'Darkened my doorstep' or something?”

“Precisely.” I took another sip. His choice of beer was bitter and strong. I approve. “Can't I just want to greet an old friend? As for the alcohol... my first drink after weaning from the milk of my mother's teat was a dry glass of my father's brandy.”

He snorted. “Okay didn't need to know that.... But, no to the first thing. Not an Addams, and especially not you, Wednesday Addams, can't just want to catch up just like that. So what is it? A case? An accusation? Or just interested in seeing how far I've fallen since everything happened?”

I twirled the bottle in my hand, condensation wetting my palm. In truth, those are all valid reasons to expect my appearance. Though during my acquiring of cursed human emotions, Tyler and Donovan had crossed my mind too. I had felt betrayal at Tyler, particularly as he stole my first and probably only kiss. And for a moment, he and Laurel had indeed bested me and that knowledge tasted... sour. But for Galpin, I felt something I myself despise so badly. Pity. His life had already been rough, and now, it was entirely ruined, proven by the discarded alcohol containers, TV dinner trays and the imprint in his chair seeming as if he hadn't moved in weeks. He was obviously no longer the sheriff, and it seemed he had no other employment. His home was vandalized and entirely boarded up and covered in slurs, and his only son was locked away.

“Tyler's actions are unforgivable, though they would have occurred with or without my presence in the school, I'm positive. I will never apologize for what I have done to get him locked up. But I do apologize for the suffering you may be experiencing now as a result.” The man froze with his bottle halfway to his lips. He lowered it to observe me, but as I went for another sip, he joined, wiping his lips when he dripped.

“You've changed, Addams. Maybe that school did you some good.”

“It did.” He nodded.

We fell into further silence, his gaze tracking whatever nonsense was playing on the television. We drank steadily together until we were near the ends of our bottles before finally, during an advertisement, he spoke again.

“So.... You did your apology... I accept by the way. You're right that Tyler's actions were his own, and those that weren't were not your fault either.... But I haven't drank enough yet to not know there's got to be something else. I was a pretty good sheriff, Wednesday, even if you didn't think so.”

I met Galpin's gaze steadily. I had considered him at first, to be a potential suspect, but the more I went over the facts, I doubt it. The moment he had opened the door, I scrapped him entirely from the list. I wanted this done; well and quick. He was fair in his statement, especially as I still seem to trust drunk Galpin to sober Sheriff Santiago. He quirked a brow at my silence, I took another drink.

“You've seen how my father acts with my mother, correct?” He pulls a face, frowning into his beer. “My thoughts exactly... though it's not entirely his fault. He's cursed.”

“Like, hexes and shit?” I shook my head.

“This is a generational curse, for my family only as far as I've come across, for as long as could be documented. We're cursed to... love. So deeply and intensely that it brings disgust and nausea to others. These feelings surround only one other person. If you do not end up with your person....”

“You live your life married to your right hand.”

“You die.” He chocked on a sip of beer.

“That's morbid... well... I guess that pans out actually. And why are you telling me all this?”

“I'm deeply in love with my roommate, Enid Sinclair, and do not foresee a sickeningly 'happily ever after'. I'm already suffering the curse and dying. I also have a stalker, one that's also proven to have Enid within their sights as well, hopefully only in relation to me, and I shamefully admit that I need assistance in uncovering the culprit and bringing them to rightful justice before my timely and torturous death.”

The silence was palpable and I allowed myself the enjoyment of it's discomfort. Galpin registered my words slowly, needing to shut off the television to process my words entirely but after a pause long enough to birth a child, he suddenly stood.

“We're gonna need more beer for this.”

The sun had officially set by the time everything was said and done. I, like Galpin, found myself surrounded by bottles of beer. While I had spoken truthfully of my first drink of alcohol, and was raised with a new wine paired with every meal, it was perhaps a mix of both the curse and my empty stomach that left me feeling much lighter than alcohol has ever made me.

Galpin had all of the evidence I have gathered so far laid out, observing pictures, my notes, and playing the recorder in the background of all my verbal documentations rather than turning the TV back on. He had even gone to retrieve his own notebook and made his own notes, though unstable on his feet, looking a lot more focused and involved than when I had first arrived. As the last of my recording came to an end, he stood and returned with two more beers. I spilled the first sip on my sweater.

“That's the last one for you. This bird you described, I've definitely seen it before.” I raised a brow in interest as he sat back down. “I've only gone to visit Tyler once.... He took one look at me and changed into that-.... But on my way in and out of the place, I could have sworn that creepy ass bird was watching me. Now every time I need to go around town, I see it, and it always seems to track me back home. Thought I was going crazy.”

“Unfortunately it does not seem like you'll be having as much fun as losing your mind, but it does seem we have a case on our hands.” We discussed a few more details as we finished our drinks.

“Alright, that's about all I can handle in one go, and it's getting late, you should start heading back.” I scoffed.

“That sorry excuse of an authoritative figure, Barry Dort, would rather kiss my boots than lose the good graces of my mother.”

“Nice that you think so highly of the guy.” His voice implied sarcasm. “Least he won't be around much longer, right?”

I had stood, gathered all my things, and was placing my bag on my back, trying to adjust to the weight to not stumble when this bit of information caught me off guard.

“And... why won't he?” Galpin seemed just as confused as I was.

“Weems' not coming back?” I blink.

“We may be outcasts, but those who pass and return to the land of the living don't tend to keep enough sanity to say, run an entire school.” He frowned, scratching at his head.

“They didn't tell ya? Maybe it's a surprise? But she should-.... Weems is alive. Visited her myself 'bout a day after it all, she was in the ICU, but holding strong apparently. I visited her twice more, both times she was still down for the count but improving slowly. Then finally, I catch her once and her eyes are open. I let her know everyone was alright, told her what happened, and she just went back to sleep. And the last time I tried, the hospital said she wouldn't take anymore visitors. Just assumed she got the info she needed and just wanted to rest up unbothered.”

He shrugged as if his words hadn't displaced my entire understanding of what was potentially going on. Weems was of many things, but what she was most, was the principal of Nevermore Academy, and one that I could see returning to take her throne if she managed to survive nightshade poisoning, even if just to grant me one last warning and threat of expulsion. The knowledge that he hadn't seen her after her waking was only all the more suspicious. Galpin seemed to understand this from my silence and instantly lifted his notepad.

“Got it, added.... Look Addams, take it easy, okay? Can you get back alright?” I nodded.

“I have a vampire on-call.” He looked as if he wanted to question this, but decided against it.

“Right.... You know, you made this hopeless old drunk feel a little bit of hope in his life again, so don't die until we figure this out, alright... old friend?” I hesitated before leaving, but nodded.

“I'll try my best.”

It took stumbling into a tree to admit to myself that perhaps, for the first time ever, I was feeling a little drunk. I was forced to keep my head down and my eyes focused on my feet to even attempt to walk in a straight line. I even tricked myself into the belief that I was doing a fairly good job in my task as well until, rather than being met with the gates of Nevermore, I instead found myself illuminated by fluorescent lights while my nose burned with the intensity of a sterile environment. My desire to investigate seemed stronger in my drunken state.... Or perhaps....

“Can I help you?” I glance to the nurse who spoke through my haze.

“There's a Nevermore student here, Bruno, he may already have visitors....” She sighed, seemingly frustrated.

“Another one of you, huh? Fine, room 408, tell your other loud little friends that there's only twenty more minutes for visitation then you all need to leave, understood?” I didn't respond, only turning and heading for the elevator and ignoring the curses she whispered under her breath.

I swayed gently while standing in the elevator, watching the ticking of the floors, feeling as if it went on for much too long. I turned left out of the elevator when it finally came to a stop and released me, making it down two halls before realizing I should have turned right and needing to turn around to retrace my steps. When I finally made it down the right hall, I was undeterred at the two officers standing outside, uncaring as my approach had Sheriff Santiago turning to glare at me suspiciously as she finished her sentence.

“Do you remember anything about your attacker, son?”

“Yeah.... Yeah I do, it was her, Wednesday Addams.” I stumbled over Santiago's foot further into the room, eyes searching.

“Enid.”

Chapter Text

- Enid -

I frowned into the already crinkled paper cup that I was squeezing maybe too hard while filling. The coffee smelt terrible and I knew it didn't matter how much sugar and cream I put in it, it'd still taste horrible. Honestly, I was only here because, for a split moment, I though about that little argument with my roomie and, there was just something that made me feel like I'd feel better if I smelt the burning disaster that reminded me of her. I placed the cup down roughly and was punished by the contents I've been insulting in my head as it splashed over the rim and burned my fingers.

“You good there, 'Nid?” I didn't turn to Yoko, still watching the ripples in the coffee before it calmed. “Do I have to beat up a little Goth girl for whatever she said that upset you?”

I scoffed, leaving the cup behind and moving to leave. Yoko tsk'd me gently, making me wait while she disposed of the cup properly, scolding me the entire time, before continuing with me down the hall at a pace slower than a snail.

“She said something shitty, yeah, but.... Is it weird that that's not even why I'm upset?” She scuffed her shoe to the floor, slowing us even more.

“What are you upset about then?” I finally gave up pretending like we were walking, leaning against a wall.

“When she said it, it was like it exploded out of her. Kinda like she just wanted to say something and that's what it was. The look on her face as soon as she said it too.... She wanted to take it back so bad.” Yoko frowned.

“So, you're pissed because she spoke without thinking?” I gave her my best impression of one of Wednesday's dead stares.

“I'm upset because she's going through something so stressful that even she, Wednesday Addams, was pushed to a point of speaking without thinking! She literally fought off a zombie bigot, hyde, crazy bitch combo just months ago and you know what she did when we got back to our dorm? Ate a square of chocolate! Then told me which wine she thought would have paired best with it before asking me what I thought of my first ever experience as a wolf! But now? Now there's something, and it's big, and she won't tell me what, and I can't help her, and that's why I'm upset.” Yoko seemed at a loss of words for once, not sure what piece of advice to give in this moment. Instead, she offered a hand on my shoulder, squeezing occasionally knowing the pressure was comforting. The silence was broken by Xavier sticking his head out of Bruno's room.

“He's awake again!”

We've all been sitting and talking with Bruno for hours now. He apologized like such a cutie for missing our date and winked while he promised to make it up to me. I blushed so hard even Yoko needed to flinch away at all the extra blood in my face. It was weird because, right before we left she disappeared for a while and told me that she had gone to have a snack knowing we were coming to a hospital, but with how happy I was, I didn't care. He was being really charming and hot to me, but totally nice and sweet with my friends too. I could already see it, us cuddling during lunch, sitting with my friends, it was.... perfect. Just... perfect.

“Does that mean I passed the friend's test?” Eugene scoffed, pressing his glasses closer to his face before they could fall.

“I mean, kinda, but that is no way near the test you gotta worry about.” Xavier nodded, looking frustrated.

“The roommate test.” He filled in.

Bruno frowned, looking between us. “I don't think you've ever really told me who your roommate actually is.”

“I haven't? I swear I talked about her lots, maybe as my like super morbid Goth bestie if not my roomie? Wednesday.” The speed at which he paled almost had me reaching for the nurse call button.

“What?”

Before we could even begin to react to his sudden panic, the door opened to reveal the cops and he calmed steadily at the sight of them. They requested to talk to Bruno alone, try and figure out what happened now that he's awake. It was a bit attractive how instantly he grabbed my hand, telling the officers that whatever they need to talk about, they can do in front of us.

“We wanted to ask about the events, if there's any details you can remember about the night, if there's any information you can share or if you-.”

“Boss, incoming.” The sheriff paused, glancing down the hall and pulling a face of annoyance, before continuing.

“Do you remember anything about your attacker, son?” He went pale again, his grip on my hand kind of painful and his nails grew out.

“Yeah... yeah I do.” From the hall, I was surprised to see Wednesday stumble into the doorway, pushing past the officers and tripping over them. I was mostly confused why I didn't smell her ahead of time like I always did, but focusing on her now, all I smelt was the sour scent of alcohol. “It was her, Wednesday Addams.”

“Enid.”

She seemed... so not okay, brows furrowed and her eyes moving around more than usual, swaying instead of tracking sharply like they always do. Then, the moment her eyes found me, they steadied. And she..... she pouted. She said my name so softly, so sadly, that I fought the hold Bruno had on my hand until I was free and moving towards Wednesday before I even realized.

“Wends? What's going on?” When I got closer, she swayed forward and though I tried to catch her in my hands, she instantly shuffled past them until she leaned into my chest.

“Enid.... I upset you earlier.” Her head started to sink to my shoulder before she was suddenly out of my arms. I jumped in surprise, turning to the police officers that now held her by the shoulders much to her displeasure.

“Unhand me, foolish knaves! Imbeciles, the lot of you. The last man to mishandle me as such was eviscerated like a mere fish and endured long enough to witness me nourish my darling creatures with his entrails.” One of the officers got scared enough to let her go, which gave her the leverage she usually didn't need to wrestle herself free from the other guy. “I was nowhere near that flea ridden mutt.”

“Is it me or is Wednesday a lot more... Victorian than usual?” Eugene filled in the stunned silence.

“I didn't think that'd be possible but uh, yeah. Definitely is.” Divina shifted, turning so her body faced Eugene a bit more, almost as if ready to protect him. We've come a long way from needing to cover his ears or eyes to shield him from something really messed up and gory or just super inappropriate – something that Wednesday had started them all on – but the instant act to protect him, especially after last semester, was still there for everyone.

“Enid, she's insane, hurry, come back over here so I can protect you.” Bruno's words rubbed me the wrong way for many reasons.

First, the way he said she was insane. I mean, yeah, she's crazy, and she loves to hear it too, but it had been so mean, like he was spitting on her name or something just as metaphorical. Then, the idea that he, from a hospital bed, not able to even cross the room to me yet, was still strong enough to protect me. Could I not protect myself? Was I no better than his injured state? But what really bugged me, was the idea that I needed to be saved from Wednesday.

Okay, so she's got some murderous tendencies. And she may have given me more death threats than I can count now. And she totally disregarded my safety like at least three times last semester. And almost convinced our group of friends to torture someone, which she was completely right about, by the way. But it's Wednesday.

This is the same girl that threatened to hurt Ajax if he hurt me, and who snuck me off school grounds to pull a prank on the mayor's son after he embarrassed me at the Rave'N. The emotionless corpse that smiles at me and goes out of her way to change her whole way of thinking so she doesn't accidentally upset me, and who apparently pouts so adorably if she does. The idea that Wednesday could ever hurt me, while maybe would have made me a bit nervous a year ago, now only brought one memory to mind.

After the whole Tyler situation, Thing stayed with me until Galpin calmed and stopped crying long enough to find my coat I had ripped off in a hurry and throw it to me – another reason why coats that go past the knee are my favorite piece of fashion like ever now. I was barefoot and hurt and terrified, but WWWD? What would Wednesday do? She'd keep going until she got the job done. So I stood up, and just started walking. I had shifted to save her, so until I knew she was saved, I wasn't done the job. To be so totally for real, I almost cried in happiness when I found the other students and didn't have to walk alone anymore, but still I kept going.

People were talking about what they had seen, and every single thing I heard gave me more energy to push forward. They saw Wednesday, covered in blood. Facing Crackstone with no fear. An arrow in her shoulder being one of the last things I heard before the whispers of how Bianca and Eugene had doubled back to help her. I kept going, and going, and going, then.... I barely remember anything but the relief when I saw her, don't remember hurrying to her, but remember how she had pushed away from my hug. No.... She didn't push away, because I remember how hard her bloody hand held on to my coat. She wasn't trying to get out of the hug, but it's like she needed to see me, see that I was alive, just like I had walked that whole time to see her, and the way her eyes met mine-.

“Enid! Come on!”

“No.” I shook my head. There was no time to be nervous and confused and wait for things to be handled. Especially not when Wednesday willingly just leaned against a wall - slouching. “It couldn't have been Wednesday, I was with her the night you were attacked.”

The sheriff had tried to get the officers to handcuff Wednesday, and the two idiots were looking to each other, trying to decide which one was going to risk getting stabbed tonight, but there was a pause of hesitation. Wednesday pushed off the wall, leaning a bit too far forward, but in a blink, Yoko was standing next to her, an arm around her shoulder holding her upright. I was ready to hear yelling and garlic threats, but was only more surprised when Yoko dipped down, whispering something in her ear that stopped her. She looked adorable pouting while tucked under Yoko's arm, but I needed to focus.

“The pack told me around the time they lost you and when they found you, and there's no way it could have been her, I was-.” Brushing her long silky strands while lost in complete comfort. “- literally sitting across the room from her and talking to her, and then we went to bed at eleven thirty latest. Her mom even stopped by the dorm room, so you can ask her. I think it's best if we leave to give you all time to talk, and for you, Sheriff, to do a proper investigation before making any sudden.... ignorant arrests.”

Badass Hottie Enid? Where'd she come from? I made a dramatic show of standing to grab my bag, the others acting quickly along with me and grabbing their stuff, and we brushed past the officers, facing forward, and not looking back until we were in the elevator. I didn't even turn to check on Wednesday who was practically being dragged along. It was only when we left the hospital and were on our way back to school in complete awkward silence that I finally spun around, everyone forced to jolt to a stop behind me.

“What the actual hell, Willa?!?” The Goth in question finally pushed Yoko away from her.

“I didn't touch the damn wolf boy.” She was slurring.

“Are you drunk? Where the hell were you tonight?” She looked dead on her feet, and not in the perfect prim and proper way she usually did. “And... I know you didn't hurt him, I don't mean that, we'll deal with that when you're sober.

“Should hurt him for insinuating-.”

“Wednesday.” Ohmygooooooooood these pouts are going to end my life right here right now.

“Went to see Galpin... -had beers.” Half of her sentence disappeared into a yawn.

Have I ever seen her yawn before? I definitely would have spotted the cute little scrunched up face she just made and engraved it on my brain long ago if I've ever seen it before. Suddenly, whatever left over anger, frustration, and annoyance that I started this conversation with just melted away. More than just because of her cuteness, there was a deep part in my chest – where I usually feel my wolf strongest – that was happy to know that our friends stood behind Wednesday, and the sweet and charming yawn was only for me.

“You went to go talk to Galpin and you guys had a few beers together?” She nodded. “And how many is a few?”

There's no way Wednesday Addams just lifted her hands to count on her fingers.

“Seven.”

“And you're pretty fucked up now, huh?” She nodded again, arms limp at her side, not even trying to deny it. “He let you leave just like that?”

“I have precautions.” She patted her sweater down until she found her pocket, reaching inside, and almost at the same time, Yoko's phone went off, ringer set to max.

“Yeah, I'm right here Addams, you don't gotta press the button.” A key-chain button? I had one of those too. Something Yoko gave me years ago now, but why would.... Yoko's phone went off again. And again. “For crying out- Enid, make sure your roommate doesn't stake me for this, yeah?”

Yoko stepped forward, turning to a slight blur as she moved quickly, and in seconds, instead of a sleepy Wends standing in front of me, it was an annoyed Yoko with a sleepy Wends on her back.

“I'm taking a picture.”

“Don't you dare.”

“You wouldn't dare.” They spoke together.

“I do dare, actually. And I think when you wake up tomorrow Willa, you'll actually be proud of me for using the opportunity to gain blackmail material.” The goth frowned, head dropping to Yoko's shoulder as I quickly started taking pictures. I made sure to get every angle.

“Authoritative against authority and then she blackmails me, a perfect specimen.”

She had spoken under her breath, our friends watching from behind hearing nothing, but I froze, and Yoko froze too.

“We should get her back to school.” I spoke, giving up on my picture taking – I have enough anyways – and swirling around to avoid whatever look just crossed Yoko's face.

The walk back to Nevermore was awkward for the most part. Divina and Eugene tried to keep spirits up and maintained a steady conversation the entire time, but it didn't really fix anything. Yoko still walked with Wednesday wordless and almost comatose on her back. I still tried to decided what, of everything that just happened, to freak out about first. Xavier offered to carry Wednesday three whole times before he was shut down by Yoko who even threatened to break his knees and leave him behind if he asked again, and I swear it made Wednesday smile. He's been moody and lagging behind ever since.

The moment we passed the gates, Xavier broke off, calling out a good night but hurrying away into the dark. Eugene was a lot more chivalrous, standing up straight and puffing his chest before saying that he'll walk us back to the dorms for our safety. We all giggled, minus Wednesday who maintained her dead face look. I did spot Yoko whispering to Wednesday though, a promise to make sure he got back to his room safely too. We stopped by our room first where Thing galloped from my bed and aggressively tapped as he followed Yoko and Wednesday across the room. I picked him up before he got stepped on.

“She's alright, Thing.” He jumped, glaring at me without eyes as if to say 'Alright? Look at her!'. Yoko sat on Wednesday's bed, patting the sluggish girl's knees to make her sit up properly on her own before Yoko stood, straightening her uniform.

“There you are, I gotta go catch up with Eugene, good luck, Pup! Nighty-night!” She hurried out the door.

“You be careful too!” She waved a hand dismissively and closed the door behind her.

Thing jumped out of my hands, landing heavily on the bed next to Wednesday and beginning to fret over her like a mother hen. She batted at his digits when he climbed to her shoulder and snapped repeatedly to draw her attention, and he tumbled off her arm before turning and staring at me, tapping his thumb impatiently and waiting for an explanation.

“Hey! Don't look at me like that, I was visiting Bruno that entire time, then about thirty minutes ago, in stumbled- yes! Stumbling! Wednesday, already drunk! She said she was drinking with Galpin.” Thing seemed to deflate, turning from side to side before tapping out an apology, admitting that he knew of her plans to eventually go see him, but he had been left behind when asleep and couldn't find her.

“Perfectly cap- hic- capable of taking care... myself.” We turned to watch as Wednesday swayed slightly, her face steadily growing green.

“Hey, Willa.” I leaned forward to be closer to her level. “Think you need to go throw up?”

Instead of answering, she swayed forward until her feet were planted on the ground and incredibly unsteadily started towards the bathroom, dropping her bag and ditching her sweater and shoes along the way. I walked with her, hands ready in case she tipped too far in one direction, but luckily, she made it safely.

“Thing can help me.” She mumbled, sinking unsteadily to the floor. I frowned at the rejection, but nodded.

“I'll.... grab you a change of clothes, a bottle of water, and be right here if you need anything okay?”

I watched the door close lightly shut.

The violent sound of vomiting went on for much longer than had to be healthy. I mean, sure she had seven whole beers, but I watched her head straight to class and skip breakfast, no one had seen her at lunch, and in our room before dinner I caught her eating a spoonful of honey, but she still skipped dinner. That was already problematic, the whole, empty stomach drinking thing.... The drinking thing also is a problem, but going on thirty minutes? I finally couldn't hold back, knocking on the door.

“Wends, let me in, I want to help.” There was a gag, a pause, shuffling, then the doorknob turning and the door popping open; Thing. I opened the door slowly to avoid hurting him as he dropped down from the doorknob and backed out of the way, but also because I was frozen by the sight in front of me.

I wasn't even bothered by the scent that hit my nose from the room, instead focused on the tiny body curled into a tight ball on the floor. Wednesday laid with her knees tucked up high and her arms curled tightly around her stomach. Her expression was as emotionless as always, but her face was paler than usual, lips faintly blue, and her skin was covered in a fine layer of sweat. I'd have panicked and assumed she had died if her slow heartbeat didn't remind me of it's existence, though slightly faster than usual.

That wasn't where it ended. The toilet while nastily filled with the rejected alcohol, was also tinted red, and it seemed in her weakness, the last few gags and cough missed the bowl and left the seat and floor in front of her with drops and drools of blood. In complete panic, I stayed entirely still, only shifting my eyes to Thing who tapped out one word: Infirmary.

Wednesday was in my arms before I even actually processed his word, cradling her tighter when she grunted and wheezed instead of the protest and death threat I actually wished I could hear right now. Thing opened the door to the room for us, and from there, I was running.

“Get her parents!” I called back to him as I booked it down the flight of stairs. Wednesday didn't even add any extra weight to my arms, letting me use a speed I only remember reaching when I had tried to find her before Tyler did.

The infirmary was dark and empty, but I placed her on one of the beds and instantly started banging on the nurse's private room door. If it splintered under my fist, I didn't notice, only banging harder until the live-in healer pulled the door open looking panicked and in nothing but a hair bonnet and a house coat. She took one look at me, then one over my shoulder before she was in action, pushing me out of the way and leaning over Willa.

Things blurred as I watched through heavy tears, blood rushing through my ears stopping me from hearing whatever interaction was happening. It felt like forever of rushing silence before soft hands landed on my shoulder and the comforting smell of dead roses surrounded me. I turned to see Gomez, Thing on his shoulder, walking over to the nurse. Standing directly behind me, Morticia in a night dress that, had I been paying anymore attention, would have given me a nose bleed and wet dreams for the next few years – which was so not important right now.

“Come along, Enid, let's get you to bed.” I didn't move.

“But-.”

“Shh.... There's nothing more you can do. You did everything you needed to and you did it so well, little wolf, she's getting the help she needs.” I still hesitated, looking from her, to Wednesday, and back again.

“But....”

“You need rest, so does she, and if she finds out you interfered with your own rest for her?”

“She'll tell me I was being an idiot and it was unnecessary.” Morticia smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.

“Precisely.” She lifted a hand off my shoulder, motioning to the door.

I took one last long look at Wednesday. It looked like she had passed out, her eyes closed and her arms loose as the nurse uncrossed them from her stomach and starts to feel around. I was more focused on her eyes. Her eyebrows pinching in pain, expression only in sleep, but it was soon smoothed away by her dad's thumb before he leaned over to kiss her temple. Morticia is right, she's in good hands.

I turned away, following Morticia back to my room. She didn't leave immediately, giving me soft reminders like, 'change into soft pajamas' and 'brush your teeth' when I would go numb and feel lost for a second. I felt bad mostly because I bet she would rather be with her daughter instead of being here with me, but still, she stayed, watching as I laid in bed before covering me carefully. Before I could wish her a good night, or request for updates, she started to hum, a deep haunted tune that stole my attention and made my eyelids heavier and heavier until finally, I was asleep.