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Chapter Text

Nevermore’s cafeteria went from dead quiet to unhinged chaos in the blink of an eye. The moment lunch started, the room filled with a rush of voices and footsteps, only to fall back into a hush as Wednesday Addams stepped into line.

With her usual unimpressed stare, Wednesday took two empty trays and began making her selection, handing one to Enid, who had been talking her ear off about every piece of gossip she’d missed sharing during their last class together. Only when she realized she was meant to start picking her own food did Enid pause.

“Oh” the blonde wolf said, looking around and stacking her plate with a pleased smile, “I guess you having the entire school as your fan club has its benefits”

In the distance, Agnes waved from their usual table, the one she’d ‘saved’ for them, despite the fact that no one really would dare to take it.

Wednesday sighed, refraining from rolling her eyes. Resignation seemed the only viable reaction at this point, as no matter what she did, the rest of the students no longer looked at her with fear.

“I care very little for what the airheads at this school think or not about me” she said, picking up an empty carton mug, only to put it back after not feeling like stomaching the low quality coffee the cafeteria insisted on serving.

“Everyone but me, right?” Enid teased, pouring herself a cup and adding several sugar packets and creamers.

Wednesday hesitated for a moment before giving a short nod and moving aside so they could grab cutlery.

“Well, and Agnes…” Enid went on, smiling at their redheaded friend, “and maybe Bianca? You also seem to be talking more with Xavier now that he is back…”

“Take your win, Enid” Wednesday cut her rant, unamused.

Enid beamed, bouncing on her toes.

“Can I take my win with a muffin?” she pouted playfully, “I forgot to grab one, and you can use your superpowers to get it for me”

“Do you really need more sugar?” Wednesday’s stare remained flat.

“Pretty pleaseeee…” Enid batted her eyelashes dramatically. This time Wednesday couldn’t suppress the eye rolling, but turned nonetheless, the line of students parting again for her without a word, “a glazed one!”

Just as Wednesday was reaching back toward Enid, the chatter around them quieted to a wave of murmurs.

“Scuse me, darlin’…” the voice came before the face, low, smooth and syrup-slow, “pardon me, sugar… thank you kindly…”

The crowd shifted, opening up for the newcomer, a blonde head with curls like spun gold. When Wednesday turned, the owner of that voice was already smiling at her as if she were the cupcake Enid had just requested.

“Well now…” the girl said, eyes alight with mischief and delight, “I surely hope you don’t mind my intrusion, Miss Addams. I caught sight of you from across the hall this mornin’, but I didn’t get the chance to introduce myself then. And heavens, if I hadn’t marched myself straight over here right now, I’d be nuttier than a fruitcake”

Enid blinked at the extroverted vampire standing before them.

“The what now?” she asked, head tilting.

“I just had to confirm whether the voice was as capturin’ as the vision” the vampire added with a grin, extending a perfectly manicured hand toward Wednesday, “I’m Seraphine Baker, but folks call me Sera. And you, sugar, can call me whatever you like”

Wednesday didn’t take the hand, merely arching an eyebrow.

“You are from the group that transferred this week” Enid realized aloud, “you are a fang, right?”

Sera tipped her head, still focused entirely on Wednesday.

“Well, I like to consider myself a baker just like my momma and pops, sugar” she said finally, then turned smoothly to offer her hand to Enid, unfazed by Wednesday’s cold indifference, “but if fang is the team I’ll play for, that’s fine with me”

“Oh! So clever” Enid said with genuine delight, “like your last name!”

“It was pretty common to have occupational surnames” Wednesday explained to Enid.

“That’s right, ma’am” Sera beamed, delighted by Wednesday’s acknowledgment, “and I’ve got all the family recipes if you ever find yourself cravin’ somethin’ short n' sweet as a treat”

She winked, but Wednesday remained impassive.

“Pass…” Wednesday muttered, “I don’t enjoy cavities, and if you’ll excuse us…”

“You can come sit with us if you want!” Enid interrupted cheerfully, “I’m Enid, and this angry cat is Wednesday”

Sera’s grin didn’t falter, her gaze still fixed on Wednesday.

“Well, aren’t you polite as can be, Miss Sinclair” she said with a honeyed drawl, “I actually did a bit of research about Miss Addams here. Heard you’re the one keepin’ her from scarin’ the rest of the student body half to death. Bless your heart”

“Something like that” Enid’s smile wavered, not quite sure what to make of that.

“Well, it’s an honor, truly” Sera inclined her head before turning that gleaming focus back on Wednesday, “but I wouldn’t like to impose my presence so soon. I’ll let y’all eat. Though, Miss Addams… if you ever get tired of all this cafeteria noise, you come find me. I do declare, I make a fine listener”

She was gone as quickly as she’d arrived, leaving a faint scent of jasmine behind her.

“Okaaay…” Enid exhaled, bewildered, “I mean, your fan club has had weirder specimens, but that was a very strong first impression. Even compared to when Agnes used to stalk you”

“Don’t be jealous, Enid” Wednesday said dryly, pulling her toward the table where Bianca had now joined Agnes, “it’s unbecoming of you”

Enid set her tray down with a thump.

“If you refresh your memory, you’ll recall what happened to me the last time one of your fans tried to get close to you” she narrowed her eyes at Agnes, who blinked in confusion, unsure why she was suddenly under scrutiny.

“Maybe this one will offer a more challenging game” Wednesday said, taking her seat.

“Are you talking about that blondie that was with you?” Bianca asked, glancing up from her phone, “I heard she was asking about you, Addams. Please tell me you didn’t scare off the new transfer on her first day…”

“Believe it or now, that blondie was actually very forward about her… admiration for Wednesday” Enid said pinching her food and then pointing at Agnes, “you might have some competition”

Bianca scoffed, amused.

“Another one, Addams?” she leaned back with a smirk and looked at Enid, “so you’ll finally be guard dog twenty-four-seven for Miss popular over here? Are we sure she’s a fan and not someone plotting revenge?”

Enid gasped, hand to her chest. 

“Okay, first… rude!” she said mock-offended, “and second, I really don’t think revenge is on this girl’s agenda. She was genuinely interested in Wednesday!”

“You sound astonished” Wednesday noted, adjusting her napkin.

“Well, yeah!” Enid threw her hands up, “you don’t exactly scream approachable, Wends”

Wednesday’s expression didn’t change.

“Are you suggesting people would have to be idiotic to find me interesting, or that the only people who’d approach me must want to kill me?” she asked serious as ever, though her eyes glittered with something that looked dangerously close to humor.

Enid froze halfway through her next bite.

“What? No! I mean… uh… people do find you captivating, obviously! You’ve got, like, a fan club, and your whole thing is very…” she gestured vaguely. “…intense and mysterious and probably attractive to some people, I guess…”

“Some people?” Wednesday tilted her head.

“Like a Hyde-serial killer and tortured artists” Bianca cut in, clearly entertained.

“I do find you fascinating!” Agnes added brightly.

“That’s not what I meant!” Enid groaned, hiding her face in her hands.

“Then by all means” Wednesday said, the faintest quirk of her lips, “clarify before I begin to despair over my perceived lack of appeal”

Bianca laughed loudly, and Agnes joined in once she realized Wednesday had actually made a joke.

Before Enid could dig herself any deeper, a familiar lilt interrupted them.

“Well, mercy me, didn’t mean to intrude again”

They all turned as Sera approached once more. In her hands, she carried a porcelain cup and saucer, steam curling from its surface.

“I assumed you like it black, darlin’” she said, holding it out to Wednesday.

Wednesday’s brows drew together.

“Where did you even…” Enid began.

“I hope you don’t take it the wrong way, but the quality of your coffee here is downright abysmal” Sera said, her smile warm, a flash of fang catching the light, “so I borrowed a machine from the principal’s office. I reckon I should have offered on my first approach, but I couldn’t abide servin’ instant to a woman who so clearly has refined tastes as Miss Addams”

Wednesday accepted the cup without breaking eye contact. The coffee was rich, fragrant, and completely opposite to the bitter mud the cafeteria had available.

“Wow, so you trespassed on your first day just to get Addams a coffee…” Bianca pointed, entertained, “that should be a new record of corruption for you, Addams”

“Borrowed, ma’am. That’s a mighty different crime” Sera corrected Bianca sweetly, but winked at Wednesday, “not that I wouldn’t break any and all laws should a fine lady as yourself asked me”

Wednesday took a sip. Her eyes flickered, just enough to betray that she was, in fact, pleasantly surprised. Already, her mind was cataloguing ways to break into the principal’s office herself to secure a regular supply.

“Ah, so I was right” Sera murmured, catching the reaction instantly, “a woman after my own unbeatin’ heart”

“Is giving coffee a thing from your old school?” Enid asked curiously.

“Oh, sugar, is not” Sera replied with an easy glance her way, “just a thing for good manners when courtin’ someone”

Bianca let out an incredulous laugh.

“Make no mistake in thinking that me accepting this coffee means anything” Wednesday said evenly, “I don’t make a habit of indulging in pointless conversation”

Sera’s smile only grew brighter, as if she fed on Wednesday’s coldness instead of fearing it.

“Not at all, ma’am” she said, voice musical and sincere, “where I come from, words are cheap and quiet’s expensive. You wear it beautifully, may I say. I’m simply makin’ my interest plain as day”

Wednesday didn’t respond, her earlier disapproval at the interruption now fully morphed into intrigue.

Bianca, Enid, and Agnes shared a shocked look.

“Y'all be careful now” Sera said to them lightly before turning back to Wednesday, “bye-bye, butterfly. Be seein' ya”

And with that, she turned and walked away with other students looking after the enticing spring of her steps.

“Okay… I believe you now, Sinclair. The new vampire is clearly coco-puffs crazy for Addams” Bianca grinned, already typing on her phone to spread the news through their group chat.

Wednesday didn’t dignify the statement with a reaction and simply continued sipping on her coffee.

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“You’ve been uncharacteristically quiet” Wednesday said to Enid as they rose at the end of the class, “still pondering on my attractiveness to others?”

The last bell of the day rang, and the classroom was almost empty, everyone rushing to be free. Wednesday took her time gathering her things, adjusting the strap of her messenger bag, while Enid was busy stuffing everything haphazardly into her own.

“Wha…” Enid froze mid-motion before letting out a short laugh, “you are a jerk, Wednesday”

“I was merely following your earlier statements” Wednesday replied evenly, “I don’t blame you for thinking so, just quoting you”

Enid’s mouth opened, then closed.

“You are doing it again”

“Doing what?”

“That thing where you act like you’re not teasing me, but you totally are!” Enid yelped half fascinated-half bewildered.

“You make it so easy” Wednesday said, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

“You are impossible” Enid exhaled through her nose, color rising to her cheeks, “you sure you don’t mind walking back alone? These runs with the pack help me stay in shape for the track team, and, you know, clear my head…”

“Of me?” Wednesday asked faked-sweetly.

Enid’s only answer was an exasperated growl as she swung her bag over her shoulder.

“I’m a big girl, Enid” Wednesday continued as they stepped into the corridor, her teasing softening, “I’m certain I’ll survive the three steps I must take alone”

Enid rolled her eyes and gave her a light shove.

“Jerk…” she said, but then her body stiffened unconsciously, shoulders going rigid.

Before she could even consult her inner wolf about the sudden change, they both saw her.

Sera was leaning casually against the opposite wall, books cradled in one arm. Her uniform blazer was open at the collar, her smile far too easy for someone who’d clearly been waiting.

“Well, look at that. Perfect timin’” she drawled, pushing off the wall and stepping toward them, “Miss Addams, I was just fixin’ to ask if I might walk you back to your dorm. This weather’s turnin’ chill, and I’d never forgive myself if frost dared nip at somethin’ so… rare”

Wednesday didn’t blink, though her eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

“My body’s temperature is colder than the current weather” she said, unimpressed, “if you are implying that I’m fragile…”

“You certainly are precious, doll, but I wouldn’t dare to call you fragile” Sera corrected, not deterred by the lack of acceptance, “I’ll consider it my pleasure”

“To escort me…” Wednesday replied flatly.

“Only as far as the hall, of course” Sera clarified, unruffled, “a lady’s door is sacred ground, and I was raised with manners”

“She can walk herself, you know” Enid cut in, not feeling welcoming of the new student anymore.

Sera turned toward her with polite surprise, as though just now noticing her presence.

“Oh, I’ve no doubt, sugar. Miss Addams doesn’t strike me as the helpless type” she explained, then tipped her head slightly, “but sometimes a gesture’s just that, a gesture. No harm in offerin’ a little warmth”

“You are a vampire…” Enid shot back, “what warmth?”

Wednesday’s dark eyes slid toward Enid, faintly surprised at the sudden animosity of her very playful friend.

“Weren’t you going to run with the pack?” she said with a glint of mischief surfacing, “I assure you, Enid. I can handle a simple walk, vampire or not as a shadow”

Enid hesitated, muscles taut under her jacket for whatever reason.

“Yeah… I was but…” she looked from Wednesday to Sera and back again.

“Don’t let my interruption stop you, sugar” Sera said, clearly satisfied where this was going, “don’t worry ‘bout Miss Addams here. I don’t bite… unless asked…”

Her lips curved, just enough to show both fangs.

Enid’s face went scarlet at the clear implication.

Wednesday’s lips twitched at her friend’s very easy to push buttons.

“See you at dinner, Wedns” Enid muttered, shouldering past them, “you two have fun”

She didn’t wait for an answer and Wednesday kept her amused gaze on her as she disappeared around the corner.

Sera also watched her go, then tilted her head toward Wednesday.

“That one’s got fire in her” she said with genuine fascination, “you ever notice?”

“I notice everything” Wednesday said simply, and started walking down the hall, “don’t expect for me to wait for you while you make observations about my roommate’s volatile temperament”

“Darlin’, I can multitask” Sera grinned, easily falling into step beside her.

Wednesday walked at her usual fast pace with Sera matching effortlessly.

The late afternoon air was chilly as they crossed from building to building. Sera kept a very respectful distance as they walked in silence, clearly enjoying the time and aware of boundaries and etiquette.

“I imagine this must feel peculiar for you” Wednesday said at last, breaking the silence that had stretched comfortably between them.

“Peculiar, sugar?”

“Following a human, knowing you have no chance of feeding on them” Wednesday clarified, the remark holding both curiosity and warning.

“Now, you’re not wrong there” Sera chuckled softly, “‘bout feeding intentions, that is. As for sinkin’ teeth though… In any case, where I come from, a true gentleman… gentlewoman, don’t measure these actions by our own necessity. We do it ‘cause it pleases us”

“Isn’t that the same?” Wednesday tilted her head slightly, “if your action ultimately brings you pleasure, aren’t you still answering to your own necessity?”

“You got me there, Miss Addams” Sera said with a small, knowing smile, “the only difference, I reckon, is the motivation. Pleasure beats necessity any day…”

“I find pleasure to be a rather overrated incentive” Wednesday replied without missing a beat.

“And yet, you indulge it sometimes. I can tell” Sera said, turning to look at her without slowing her pace.

“What makes you think I do?” Wednesday stopped mid-step.

“I’ve seen you seein’ others” Sera said, stopping too, “you watch them when they laugh, and when they argue. I can tell it is not ‘cause you want to join, but you catalogue them. You take it in, store it away. Like a collector admirin’ rare jewels. Makes me wonder if you’re studyin’ for the sake of knowledge… or lookin’ for somethin’ specific”

“And you learned all this from observing me for five minutes?” Wednesday’s brow lifted, dry as ever, “you might consider a career with the FBI”

Sera laughed delighted.

“I’ve had time to practice. Hundred-odd years’ll do that to a lady” she smiled sidelong, fangs glinting faintly in what it was clear her trademark smile, “besides, I pay attention when somethin’ catches my eye. And it was definitely more than five minutes, sugar…”

“I can tell you have then terrible taste to pick something to observe” Wednesday said as she resumed walking, “you won’t find anything interesting about me”

Sera matched her stride.

“It hurts me deeply, darlin’, but I’ll have to disagree” she said as they got into the corridor, “I’d be a fool lookin’ at something else. They way you stand, the way you speak… Pardon my candor, Miss Addams, but you’re like watchin’ a storm in the distance. I saw plenty of those back home. I can tell you could ruin a town if you wanted…”

For once, Wednesday didn’t deflect. Her expression remained unreadable, but her silence was listening, not dismissive.

“You do realize flattery has no effect on me” she said finally.

“Oh, darlin’, this ain’t flattery” Sera said softly, tone light but honest, “it’s admiration dressed in truth. Lord help me, I’d die to see you turn into a hurricane and let it rain on me…”

Her eyes gleamed at the thought.

“How very…” Wednesday’s eyes narrowed slightly, though not unkindly, “noble…”

“Noble? Lord, no. I’m selfish like anyone else” Sera laughed, low and musical, “I like pretty things, clever things. I just don’t cage ‘em when I find ‘em. And I might ruin your town in return… been called an earthquake more than once”

They reached the archway leading into Ophelia Hall.

Wednesday stopped, turning to face her.

“It seems you’ve achieved your mission” she said evenly, “I am safely delivered”

“Mission accomplished, then” Sera replied, smiling with polite satisfaction and a hint of mischief.

“Congratulations are in order, as you managed not to bore me for two full minutes, unlike the majority of this school’s population”

“A victory I’ll gladly add to my board” Sera grinned.

“You are remarkably articulate for someone whose contemporaries allegedly spent their evenings feeding on strangers behind barns” Wednesday observed, not unkindly.

“We all evolve, ma’am” Sera said, not the least bit offended, “though I’ll admit, barns had their charm”

Wednesday’s eyes studied Sera’s unwavering smile. 

“Thank you” she said finally, after seeming to find what she was looking for.

“For the walk?” Sera tilted her head to the side, hair moving with the motion as a gold curtain.

“For the insight” Wednesday answered cryptically.

Sera dipped her head gracefully, accepting the answer.

“Anytime, Miss Addams” she said courtly, extending her palm for Wednesday’s, “and should you ever find yourself wantin’ a different sort of conversation, I reckon you know where to find me?”

“I do” Wednesday admitted, slowly taking the offered hand.

“Good” Sera beamed, pleased at the gesture and the implication that Wednesday had now made her own research on the vampire, including her dorm, “and sugar, tell me somethin’, if I may…”

“You may” Wednesday inclined her head.

“That blonde puppy of yours…” Sera asked, eyes gleaming with genuine curiosity, “the one who growled when I smiled your way. Are you… engaged?”

Wednesday blinked once.

“Engaged?”

“Tied up, spoken for, claimed… however you young ones say it these days” Sera’s grin deepened. 

“Enid and I share living quarters and a certain degree of emotional familiarity” Wednesday’s tone remained neutral, “we are friends. A pack, as she would put it, but not a couple, if that is your question”

“Well now…” Sera murmured, fangs catching the light as her smile widened, “that right there just made my night. Suppose my odds for another conversation have increased, then…”

“Conversation…” Wednesday repeated flatly.

“Oh, yes, sugar. Don’t you worry. When I want somethin’, I tend to take my time gettin’ there” Sera lifted their joined hands and pressed a kiss as soft as a ghost against Wednesday’s knuckles, “hope to see you at dinner, ma’am”

Before Wednesday could respond, momentarily stunned at not having realized they’d been holding hands for quite some time, Sera was already turning away, her stride unhurried and a whistle intoning a melody Wednesday was sure she had heard before.

It was surely going to bother her for hours.

No sooner thought than done, Wednesday found herself back in her dorm, pen poised above her notebook as she worked on her homework, but her mind refused to focus, looping stubbornly around that elusive melody.

She was just about to surrender to the indignity of retrieving her phone from the drawer to look it up when a knock came at the door.

“You must be kidding me” she said, already certain who stood on the other side of the door.

The door opened hesitantly, and Enid stepped inside, arms folded across her chest. Her hair was a little windblown, cheeks flushed still from the run.

“Why did you knock?” Wednesday asked without looking up from her desk.

“I just didn’t know if your new friend would be here” Enid huffed, “and I didn’t want to interrupt… something”

Wednesday paused her rampant brain, the tip of her pen still hovering just above the page as she analyzed the comment.

“How considerate of you” she said finally, setting the pen down, refusing to call it defeat, but simply the need to focus on her obviously agitated friend.

Enid crossed to her own bed, dropping onto it with exaggerated nonchalance.

“So… did she, like, walk you all the way here?” she asked while unlacing her shoes.

“She did” Wednesday said simply.

“Oh…”

“She also inquired about our relationship status” Wednesday added.

That got Enid’s head snapping up.

“She what?” she blurted, “it’s been half a day, and she asked you to be in a relationship!?”

“Our relationship status, Enid” Wednesday met her gaze evenly, “she asked if you and I were engaged”

“Engaged?!” Enid sputtered, “as in… you and me… what… why would she even…”

“Apparently my proximity to you implies possession” Wednesday’s expression didn’t change, “I corrected her misinterpretation”

“Oh” Enid’s voice went soft, “okay. Good. So, she knows we’re not…”

“A couple” Wednesday finished, eyes following Enid as she crossed to her wardrobe, “yes. She seemed delighted by the news and expressed her intention to speak with me again. Likely during dinner. I thought you might like to know, since you so kindly extended the invitation earlier. To join our table, that is…”

“That’s… um… nice” Enid managed after a pause, “good for you. You should… uh… talk to more people, right?”

Wednesday seemed to consider that for a moment before turning back to her notebook, determined not to let that elusive melody return to haunt her.

“Indeed” she agreed at last, “her conversation has not yet proved as disappointing as most of the student body. Yet…”

The silence that followed became too thick too fast.

“I’m gonna… uh… shower before dinner” Enid said, heading toward the bathroom, “you don’t have to wait up for me”

Wednesday looked up just long enough to give her a confused stare.

“Why wouldn’t I wait if you are the only reason I’d go in the first place?” she said, before returning to her writing.

Enid froze for a beat before exhaling a quiet, pleased sigh. A small smile replaced the thin line of her lips as she slipped into the bathroom, the door clicking softly shut behind her.

Thing chose that moment to drop from his perch above the ceiling beam, landing neatly on Wednesday’s desk. He tapped insistently against the wood.

“It seems so” Wednesday said, lips curving faintly., “the wolf might have some unrequited help, if only to finally help Enid face her own denial”

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Sera loved a crowded room.

Since her oldest memories, she had adored the way energy moved through groups of people.

It was a habit she’d carried from her human life into her current undead state. The static hum of every emotion in the air. The flickers of attraction, envy, love, and even hate. For her, it all shimmered and kept her ADHD, as the new folks called it, pleasantly occupied.

Tonight, however, she could only listen to one person.

Wednesday Addams sat exactly where she had that morning at breakfast, and again at lunch. Posture straight, expression a study in indifference. 

But to Sera, she was a storm in human form.

Across from her, the blonde pup, Enid Sinclair, restless motion personified. Fork tapping, leg bouncing, laugh a little too loud.

There was tension between them, almost musical. But Wednesday’s rhythm played louder, and Sera couldn’t help drifting closer, drawn like a moth to a flame.

“Evenin’, y’all” she greeted lightly, a smile curving her red lips as she reached the table, “room for one more?”

“How sociable of you to join the masses” Wednesday replied, looking up at her.

“Oh, I try to be, when the company’s worth the effort” Sera’s gaze flicked from Wednesday to Enid, who kept her eyes on her plate, her morning eagerness to share the table now long gone, “mind if I sit?”

Enid finally glanced up but said nothing.

“Go ahead” Wednesday replied calmly, “it’s rude to tower over people while they eat”

Sera slid into the empty seat beside Wednesday, not too close, but enough for the faint scent of her perfume to reach the raven’s nose. Wednesday turned her head back to her food, discreetly inhaling, pleased that the fragrance wasn’t the overly sweet kind most people wore.

Enid resumed eating, seemingly forgetting whatever conversation they’d been having before the interruption.

Sera rested her chin in her palm, thoughtful.

“So tell me, Ms. Addams” she began, tone casual, “have you given any thought to my offer?”

“What are we offering now?” Yoko asked, appearing beside the table with Divina and Kent in tow.

“Can I have some too?” Kent grinned, plopping down in the seat on Wednesday’s other side.

Wednesday sighed. The siren boy had long-lost his fear of her and seemed determined to test how far that safety extended before stabbing became a viable consequence.

“You may have a visit to my guillotine” she answered, scolding him, “it appears all that time underwater has ruined your manners. It’s impolite, not to mention idiotic, to ask for something not offered directly to you”

Kent wrinkled his nose but laughed, raising his hands in surrender before attacking his food instead of insisting.

“Aren’t y’all just a fun little basket of plums” Sera drawled, amused, “but this offer’s exclusive to Miss Addams”

“I wasn’t aware you made one” Wednesday replied, unfazed.

“Conversation” Sera said with a playful lift of her brow, “you said you might allow it, and I’m a patient woman, but I do appreciate clarity”

“You must be really bored if you are seeking conversation with stabby” Yoko snorted.

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that. On the contrary. I’m finding myself real enraptured by every word this fine lady offers” Sera countered easily, leaning slightly toward Wednesday, voice softening, “you’ve got a way about you, sugar. Still water’s never looked more dangerous… or more invitin’…”

“Dangerous combinations often are” Wednesday replied in a beat.

“Ain’t that the truth” Sera chuckled.

Across the table, Enid’s fork clattered against her plate. She muttered something about the meat being “too salty” and pushed her tray away.

Kent grabbed it immediately.

Divina rolled her eyes at her brother’s manners, then took his apple and handed it to Enid, gently placing it in her hand.

“You eat it before he inhales everything” she said, “you can’t go to bed on an empty stomach, sweetie”

Enid grinned.

“Yes, mom” she teased.

Sera caught on Wednesday’s eyes lighting up at Enid’s smile.

“You’re truly somethin’ to see, darlin’” she murmured to Wednesday, her tone dipping into something more genuine.

“Wednesday doesn’t like being watched” Enid said suddenly, voice serious, the apple turning slowly in her hands.

“When you’ve lived long enough, you start to recognize there is a difference, sugar” Sera answered simply, “bein’ observed ain’t the same as bein’ seen”

“That’s an astute distinction” Wednesday’s gaze sharpened, looking at her briefly.

“You remind me of the moon, you know?” Sera tilted her head, voice lowering just enough for only Wednesday to hear, an impossible feat at a table where half the group had enhanced hearing, “everybody looks at her, but nobody ever thinks to ask if she’s lonely”

For a heartbeat, Wednesday didn’t reply.

“I prefer solitude” she said at last, “don’t tell me you confuse it with loneliness”

“Maybe those ain’t opposites at all” Sera murmured, her gaze locking with Wednesday’s, intense and knowing.

Wednesday narrowed her eyes, not bothering to hide her intrigue this time.

“Ouch, pup, what’d the table ever do to you?” Yoko asked suddenly.

Enid gasped as her claws had apparently unsheathed without her noticing, leaving shallow grooves in the wood.

“You okay there, sugar?” Sera smiled at her, kindly.

“Peachy” Enid said tightly, “just peachy…”

“You are rarely ‘peachy’, Enid” Wednesday’s voice was smooth but teasing.

“Hmm” Sera hummed, folding her hands over her lap, “well, I surely hope I’m not the cause of disturbin’ her appetite”

“You’re not” Enid said, a little too quickly, taking a bite of the apple as to prove a point.

Sera’s eyes glinted with amusement.

“Good” her tone remained all grace and politeness, “I’d hate to disturb Miss Addams’ packmates on purpose”

“You may find that’s the last thing you’d like to do” Wednesday turned slightly, her expression unreadable.

Sera caught the warning under the words and smiled.

“I reckon, I like a challenge, but not if it comes at your cost, darlin’” she stood then, smoothing her clothes, “thank you for the company, ladies. It’s been a delight”

She tipped an imaginary hat at Wednesday and turned with that same unhurried pace than earlier, a new and upbeat tune on her whistle.

“Did she…think I was a lady?” Kent asked through a mouthful of food, tugging at his long hair.

“Yes” Wednesday replied without hesitation.

Kent chewed, thoughtful.

“But…” he then swallowed, clearing his throat, “am I a pretty lady?”

Yoko and Divina snorted, but Wednesday gave him a cool once-over.

“If you learn to chew with your mouth closed, you will be” she said.

That earned another round of laughter, and finally coaxed Enid out of her brooding silence.

Already halfway through the doorway, Sera allowed herself one last glance back.

Enid was leaning toward Wednesday now, clearly mid-protest, her hands gesturing wildly, her face an open book of emotion. Wednesday listened, impassive, eyes bright with dark amusement.

Sera’s smile deepened.

“Well, sugar” she murmured under her breath, “if that little wolf don’t realize what’s hers soon, she might just lose the chance to claim it”

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Wednesday entered their room first, Enid right on her heels after dinner. The door slammed hard enough to rattle the hinges.

Wednesday didn’t even flinch. She merely turned from her wardrobe, holding her pajamas.

“I assume this means the apple was also ‘too salty’ and you are no longer ‘peachy’?” she asked, tone serious but amusement flickering underneath.

“Can she be more desperate trying to get your attention?” Enid threw her hands up, apparently missing the remark entirely.

“You’ll have to be specific” Wednesday said, blinking slowly as she removed her sweater to change, “desperation manifests in so many entertaining ways”

“Sera!” Enid hissed, stomping closer, “that vampire was practically crawling onto your lap at the table! All those smiles and ‘sugar’ this and ‘darlin’ that, ugh! I thought vampires were supposed to be chill and mysterious, not thirsty country music videos!”

“Interesting observation” Wednesday said evenly, pulling down her pants and changing into her pajama shorts, “though, if we are evaluating courtship behavior, I recall you acting quite similar with Ajax. And then with Bruno. And then both Ajax and Bruno behaving quite similarly with you”

“What does that mean?” Enid froze mid-step, confusion breaking through her indignation.

“It means” Wednesday said evenly, now removing her shirt, “that her behavior appears consistent with that of a suitor. Is that not to be expected?”

Enid gasped loudly.

“So you’re considering giving her the time of the day?”

“I’m not considering anything, Enid” Wednesday said with a roll of her eyes, now putting on the pajama top.

“Good. You shouldn’t” Enid said, now slightly placated. For all of three seconds.

“I shouldn’t?” Wednesday tilted her head, fingers pausing at the first button.

“You can’t date a vampire, Wednesday!” Enid sputtered.

“I can’t?” Wednesday arched a brow.

“No! They’re… they’re nocturnal, and broody” Enid grabbed Wednesday’s hand, stopping her from fastening even one button, “they drink blood, Wednesday!”

Wednesday didn’t resist the manhandling, merely leveled her with an unimpressed stare.

“You spent a few weeks at my house, Enid” she said unfazed, “you know my family does all that”

“That’s not… ugh!” Enid groaned, now shaking Wednesday’s lightly, “they’re cold! You hate cold!”

“No, you hate cold, Sinclair” Wednesday retorted, still allowing the shaking Enid was putting her under, “I rather appreciate a good case of hypothermia now and then”

“She’d probably try to bite you!” Enid nearly shouted.

Wednesday’s lips curved.

“You seriously think an Addams would be frightened by a bite?” she leaned back in Enid’s grasp, her voice dropping to a silken hum, “if anything, I find the idea… thrilling”

Enid froze completely.

Her brain short-circuited, eyes suddenly aware of the half dressed girl in front of her. The pajama top was on, but the unbuttoned state gave her a glimpse of caramel skin and black lace fabric.

One second, she was fuming over the image of Sera’s elegant smile and those little fangs grazing Wednesday’s throat, and the next, it wasn’t Sera at all. It was more pointed and bigger fangs.

It was her.

Her own teeth.

Her own trembling hands gripping Wednesday close as she sank them into soft flesh.

Her pulse thudded in her ears.

‘Oh, no’

“Oh my god” Enid whispered, releasing Wednesday as if burned and clutching her forehead.

“Have you suddenly found religion?” Wednesday asked, swiftly buttoning the rest of her pajama before Enid could resume the assault.

“N… no…” Enid stammered weakly, “just… no… I’m…”

She turned away, face aflame. Her hands flew up in a futile attempt to fan herself, which only made it worse.

“You are flushed” Wednesday observed, openly curious now as she sat on the edge of her bed, “I can hear your heart from here. Erratic rhythm, shallow breathing, loss of coherence. Are you having a stroke, Enid?”

“I’m fine! Totally fine!” Enid’s voice cracked on the last word as she fled to her wardrobe to change clothes, suddenly painfully aware of undressing in front of Wednesday, something they’d always done without thought.

“I’m unconvinced” Wednesday replied flatly, sliding beneath her covers, “perhaps we truly do need to monitor your salt intake”

“And perhaps you should go hang out with your… your new vampire friend!” Enid muttered, now fully dressed and retreating toward her bed, “you two sure seem to have good ‘conversations’”

Wednesday met her glare with maddening calm, though the corner of her mouth betrayed her.

“You seem distressed, Enid” she said, tone teasing, “would you like my help dissecting why?”

“No dissection needed” Enid huffed, flopping down and glaring at the ceiling, “my roommate is considering dating a vampire! What’s more distressing than that?”

“Unlikely, seeing how you keep that leech of Tanaka as a friend, despite her buffoonery” Wednesday said, then her tone turned too soft, “perhaps what troubles you is not the species… but the dating part?”

“That’s not…” Enid froze again, heartbeat a full body drum, “I don’t… why would I…”

“Goodnight, Enid” Wednesday said, opening the book beside her pillow and turning a page.

Enid stared at her for a long, helpless moment, before turning away and burying her face in her pillow with a low growl.

Across the room, Wednesday turned the page, the faintest of smiles curving her lips.

The wolf and the human had both taken the bait.

Chapter Text

‘Okay…here we go’

The blonde wolf took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

‘Focus’

She stretched and bounced lightly on her heels.

‘Speed… I am speed’

Her neck cracked as she rolled her head side to side.

‘One winner… forty-two losers’

Blue eyes snapped open with determination just as she heard the rest of the class arriving.

‘I eat losers for breakfast’

“Heads up, pup!” Yoko’s voice came from behind.

Enid turned in time for a granola bar to hit her square in the face.

She had been buzzing to run since before her alarm went off, her wolf practically wagging at the thought of stretching her legs.

“What the heck, Yokopuff!” Enid complained, tearing open the wrapper anyway and taking angry bites.

Yoko yawned wide enough to flash her fangs, adjusted her sunglasses, and flopped lazily on the track beside her.

“Tell me you weren’t already drifting toward breakfast thoughts during that nerd pep talk you insist on using” she muttered, arm covering her eyes.

“It’s not nerd…” Enid pouted.

“Whatever you say ‘Ka-chow’” Yoko teased, another yawn escaping.

Enid was ready to stomp on her friend’s stomach, but then she saw her.

In fitted black leggings, white sport top, red-and-white polka-dot bandana keeping her golden hair perfectly in place, and a devastatingly polite smile, talking with the coach as they approached the start line.

“Oh, no way…” Enid muttered under her breath.

Coach clapped his hands.

“Alright ladies” he began, “Ms. Baker here is joining us for the morning. She requested to test out for the advanced track group”

“Test out?” Enid whispered incredulously to Yoko, kicking her lightly at not receiving response.

Yoko groaned and sat up, despising with everything she had being awake before the sun was even out.

“Ms. Sinclair, why don’t you do the honors?” Coach Murray said, not really expecting an answer, as he indicated Sera to stand on the starting line.

Yoko smirked, the possibility of chaos as good incentive as any to shake the fogginess in her head.

“Better keep up, pup” she said, standing to join the coach on the sidelines.

Enid barely had time to take her position before the whistle blew.

She took off, feet pounding the all-weather track, ponytail flying.

Her muscles sang with the familiar burn. She loved that burn. She owned this track.

‘I’m speed’

Until she wasn’t.

A shadow slid up beside her, a breeze against her shoulder.

Sera, running with infuriating ease, not a single strand of golden hair out of place beneath that polka-dot bandana. Not even winded.

Enid gritted her teeth and pushed harder.

Sera glanced sideways, grinning. 

“Well now, sugar, I thought werewolves were the fastest creatures this side of the Mississippi” she drawled, her tone playful and bright, “you lettin’ me win outta courtesy?”

“What…” Enid’s jaw dropped mid-run, “no!”

And that was all it took to ruin her breathing rhythm.

“Oh, good” Sera said with a sweet smile and good spirits, “I do love a fair race”

Enid had to settle with a simple frown, unable to open her mouth with another retort for fear of getting winded out.

By the final lap, she was practically growling.

She was definitely growling when she finished a second behind Sera, who slowed to a graceful stop, not even breathing hard.

“Very impressive, darlin’” Sera said, offering her hand as if they hadn’t just sprinted full-speed for sixteen hundred meters, “you’ve got real fire in ya. I can see why Miss Addams keeps you close”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Enid asked, crossing her arms, suspicious.

“Oh, nothin’ sinister” Sera replied lightly, “I just noticed how protective y’all are of her. Thought I’d ask if there’s… somethin’ more there? She said there wasn’t, but I’m wonderin’ if that’s somethin’ you are keepin’ to yourself, sugar”

Enid laughed too loud, too fast.

“What? No!” she blurted, the laugh almost hysterical, “of course not! Wednesday and I are just… we are just friends!”

“Ah” Sera’s smile deepened, and a predatory gleam flashed in her crimson eyes, “that’s mighty good to know”

“Why would…”

“‘Cause I was hopin’ to court her properly” Sera explained before Enid could finish her question, “seems she deserves someone who’ll appreciate her… uniqueness”

Enid blinked, heat rising from her neck to her ears.

“You’re serious?” she asked, more outraged than she meant to sound.

Sera tilted her head, her eyes glinting like rubies.

“As a stake through the heart, sugar. And if y’all are only friends, well…” she winked, “I reckon I don’t have any competition”

Coach Murray blew his whistle again, calling them back to the start line and somehow convincing Yoko to join the next round.

Just as Enid finally thought of a reply, the signal blared and Sera was gone. A flash of golden speed, leaving Enid behind, fists clenched and heart hammering.

“Oh, I’ll be giving you that stake through the heart” she muttered darkly.

“I don’t know if to feel suddenly offended by your racism… speciesism?” Yoko snorted, jogging up beside her.

“Shut up!”

Yoko only laughed harder, picking up speed to stay out of claw range.

Coach Murray later declared it the most successful training session of the semester.

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“Has the meat offended you again?” Wednesday asked, serenely unbothered, sitting across from Enid, “if you keep glaring at it, it will curdle”

They’d been at the cafeteria table for several minutes, just the two of them, but Enid was still stewing over her morning.

“I’m not glaring” she muttered, glaring harder.

Wednesday studied her for a beat, then used her fork to spear a piece of stew from Enid’s plate. 

With deliberate slowness, she moved the fork through the air until it stopped in front of Enid’s mouth.

Enid blinked, lips parting in surprise.

“Brum… brum…” Wednesday said flatly, her expression utterly deadpan.

The wolf couldn’t hold back her laughter, and since Wednesday’s hand didn’t move, she just leaned forward and accepted the bite.

“Seriously, Enid” Wednesday continued with an icy tone, spearing a piece of potato next and raising the hand again, “I don’t recall you being this high maintenance before I suspiciously became the only other member of your pack. Are you trying to take advantage of my natural goodwill?”

Enid’s eyes filled with unshed tears as she tried, and failed, to swallow both the food and her laughter.

Just as a piece of carrot successfully made it through the ‘Addams Airlines’, Bianca slid onto the bench beside Enid.

“Addams” she greeted smoothly, then paused, eyes widening at the sight of Enid leaning forward to eat the vegetable, “I… I’ll get back to whatever this is on another moment. This is my final attempt at fair means before Coach Vlad forces me to use my siren song on you”

“I’ve told you” Wednesday replied, unfazed, spearing another bite of stew and offering it to the now-happily chewing blonde, “I’m not interested in joining the fencing team, fair means or foul”

“Addams…” Bianca groaned.

“I prefer my blades where they belong” Wednesday added, spotting an olive on Enid’s plate and teasing her with it before popping it into her own mouth, “buried in something deserving”

Enid, affronted, grabbed her fork to defend the remaining lonely olive from further Addams intentions.

“Sinclair… help me here, please” Bianca pleaded to the wolf that had her tongue out in concentration at the attempted stealing by Wednesday.

“Aha!” Enid cried in triumph, standing up with the olive skewered on her fork. 

She wiggled it teasingly toward Wednesday before eating it with a victorious grin.

“Kids, please” Bianca muttered, pretending to be embarrassed, but laughing anyway.

Wednesday did not such thing, but her eyes gleamed in satisfaction at the happy wolf in front of her.

“Well, now, ain’t this a fine coincidence” came the honeyed voice behind them.

All three girls turned as Sera approached the table, followed by Xavier and Eugene.

Eugene plopped down beside Wednesday, and Enid, instead of sitting back on her spot, quickly claimed the other spot next to the raven. Xavier sat beside Bianca, pushing Enid’s plate back toward her, Sera taking seat graciously next to him.

“Miss Addams” Sera drawled, voice smooth and smile reaching her eyes, “hope y’all don’t mind me joinin’. Your friends here were kindly enough to invite me on the class we share… and I brought a peace offerin’”

She set down a cup of steaming, almost-bubbling coffee.

“I’ve been craving a good Americano all morning” Xavier said, eyeing the cup before taking a drink of his own cafeteria sludge.

“Mind you, I wouldn’t dare to defile Miss Addams’ taste buds with such things” Sera gasped dramatically, eyes dancing with joy, “only the finest espresso for this lady would do. Just like her… dark, hot, and strong enough to keep me up all night”

She winked at the raven, who had already taken an eager sip of the scalding coffee and ignored the flirtation effortlessly.

“Xavier, please be useful for once” Bianca said to an unamused Xavier, that was not unused to be attacked, “help me convince Wednesday to join the fencing team. I’m tired of Coach harassing me about it”

“You know it’s a lost cause” he replied, unbothered, “she just likes stabbing and humiliating you. Being on the same team wouldn’t work for that”

Bianca narrowed her eyes at the jab.

“Pardon my curiosity, darlin’” Sera said softly, resting her chin on her hand and batting her lashes toward Wednesday, “Mr. Thorpe here was tellin’ me during class about this fancy little contest Nevermore’s got comin’ up in fencin’, I reckon is the same Miss Barclay is talkin’ ‘bout? Any reason you don’t wanna help your school come out on top?”

“Yes” Wednesday answered, utterly unfazed by the sparkling crimson eyes fixed on her, “I declined because I already have sufficient outlets for violence as it is. Fencing is too easy, and the reward does not justify the effort”

“Mmm” Sera hummed, but her gaze sharpened, playful and knowing, “but there’s somethin’ elegant about the sport, don’t you think? The precision, the control… If you are truly the best, sugar, wouldn’t it be your duty to lead your pals to victory? And that final thrust… so swift, so clean. Why, I bet you’d look stunnin’ deliverin’ it…”

The table went dead quiet.

Wednesday tilted her head, studying her. 

“Are you actually imagining me impaling my opponent right now?” she asked flatly, reading the predatory smile with ease.

“Guilty as charged” Sera’s grin curved slow, her teeth catching the tip of her tongue between them.

“Oh, wow” Eugene laughed awkwardly, “I never thought I’d see someone more prone to violence than Wednesday… or Pugsley…”

“You really are missing a dime for a dollar in your head, aren’t you?” Bianca snorted, looking at Sera.

“Oh, sugar, I’ve been called worse” the vampire replied easily, taking no offense.

“I’ll consider it” Wednesday spoke again, eyes never leaving Sera’s, “I do appreciate any opportunity to leave a mark and ‘accidentally’ stabbing someone”

“Well, bless my heart…” Sera’s grin turned wicked, “I’d pay to see that”

“Unbelievable” Bianca laughed, shaking her head, “I was putting my money on you Sinclair, and it turns out that ‘Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl’ had the answers all along”

Enid couldn’t breathe. The air had gone too thick for some reason. She just knew that she wanted to throw her tray at someone. Preferably someone undead and blonde.

“You should tell coach before she changes her mind” Xavier whispered to Bianca.

“Do that” Wednesday said evenly, though a faint smirk tugged at her lips.

“Duh” Bianca retorted, showing her phone and the last message she had sent half a minute ago, “I don’t take risks”

Before Wednesday could argue back, Xavier and Eugene began discussing the last class and the current assignment with Sera, while Bianca just pretended to pay attention to it.

“You are quiet” Wednesday murmured to Enid beside her.

“Just thinking about how nice it’d be if the winter vacations started now” Enid said, forcing a smile.

“Why?” Wednesday asked, genuinely puzzled.

“Oh, no reason” Enid’s eyes flicked toward Sera, who met her gaze with a perfectly polite smile, utterly unbothered by the undercurrent of menace, “none at all”

Just as Wednesday was about to press the matter, Yoko arrived, hand in hand with Divina.

“Move it, Thorpe” Yoko ordered, kicking with more strength than necessity the artist’s back, “be a gentleman. My girlfriend needs a seat”

“Good afternoon to you too, Yoko” Xavier said dryly between kicks, but stood up anyway.

Yoko slid into his spot in a blink.

“I thought you said that seat was for your Divina” Eugene teased.

“And I meant it” she leaned to the side and pulled Divina smoothly onto her lap, “see? Best seat in town”

Sera shifted politely to give them room, laughter bubbling out of her, light, melodic, and unrestrained.

Xavier rolled his eyes and leaned back against the wall beside Eugene, knowing better than to argue.

“So, Miss Southern Belle, what’s your deal?” Yoko called from behind Divina’s shoulder, peering at Sera, “you tryin’ to get into Addam’s pants, or just tired of being undead and lookin’ for liberation?”

The table went silent. For the second time in less than ten minutes.

Sera didn’t flinch.

“Why, yes, sugar. I am tryin’ to get into Miss Addam’s pants” she said, lips parting into a dazzling, dimpled smile, “eventually… if she’ll have me. You fixin’ to fight for her honor?”

Yoko blinked, stunned for a moment. Then barked a laugh.

“You’re bold” she said with a big grin, “I’ll give you that”

“Boldness is a Southern tradition, sweetheart” Sera winked.

“Miss Baker here, apparently likes Wednesday as she likes her coffee” Bianca teased.

“We are on the same team, I see” Yoko gave Sera a thumbs up, “I also like my coffee like I like my women… without some other guy’s dick in it”

Divina smacked Yoko’s forehead as the rest of the table laughed at the bad joke.

“Really charming, babe” Divina said, rolling her eyes.

“And for the record, I wouldn’t mind” Yoko leaned back, clearly amused, a red handprint on her forehead, “Addams here is gorgeous, even if she’s emotionally constipated and probably has more buried bodies than the whole state of Vermont”

“Flattery will get you nowhere” Wednesday said coldly.

“I don’t need to go anywhere, I’ve got my baby right here” Yoko replied, pressing a loud kiss to Divina’s cheek, “besides, my bestie there called dibs ages ago”

She pointed straight at Enid.

“What?!” Enid’s whole body went rigid.

Everyone turned to look at her.

“We’re just friends!” she blurted, voice pitching high, very common thing in the last twenty-four hours, “totally, completely friends! Like… platonic! No dibs here!”

“Well, bless my heart” Sera’s brows arched in delight, “and here I was worried the blessin’ you gave me this mornin’ to court Miss Addams might’ve been fake”

“I did not give you any blessing” Enid snapped, eyes narrowing.

“I can read between lines, sugar” Sera shrugged, unbothered, “you said it plain as day… ‘Just friends’. Sounds mighty official to me, doll”

“I…” Enid opened her mouth, but no words came out.

Wednesday’s expression didn’t change, but her grip on the coffee cup tightened ever so slightly.

“That being the case, Miss Addams” Sera continued smoothly, turning her attention back to Wednesday, clear intensity in her eyes, “since everyone else is too cowardly to take a chance, how about you and I go for a little drive later? You can show me what’s good ‘round Jericho. I promise to be on my best behavior… mostly”

Wednesday blinked once, processing. Her dark gaze flicked briefly to Enid, who sat frozen, jaw set but refusing to meet her eyes.

“Very well” she said at last.

Enid’s snapped then toward her.

“Did I die, or did I just hear that right?” Sera’s brows lifted, genuine surprise softening her tone.

“I said I accept” Wednesday repeated calmly, “you may pick me up after the last class”

“Well, I do declare, this must be my lucky day” Sera’s smile bloomed, radiant.

Yoko gave a low whistle.

“Damn… someone fumbled hard” she said, shaking her head and hugging Divina closer.

“It’s settled then” Sera rose gracefully, voice dipping into a husky purr, “see you later, Miss Addams. Try not to miss me too much ‘til then”

Enid stared at Wednesday as she took another sip of her coffee.

“Yes, Sinclair?” Wednesday asked, after another pause with the cup at her lips.

“Nothing” Enid said, standing so fast it made the table rattle, “absolutely nothing”

She stormed off, nails digging into her palms as she felt everyone’s eyes on her back, but certain that a black pair wouldn’t be among those.

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“You’re sure you’re doing this?” Enid asked. 

Again.

It was, in fact, the fourth time she had asked.

Wednesday finished pulling on a black knit v-neck sweater and sighed.

“I fail to see what requires such recurring confirmations” she said without looking back.

She was sure she had already given a clear ‘yes’ the first time the wolf asked, while putting on her black ripped jeans. Then again, when she was redoing her braids.

And once more, while tying her Converse.

“I… I just can’t believe you agreed to a date, that’s all” Enid said from the other side of the room.

Wednesday leaned against the desk, expression thoughtful.

“I merely agreed to a drive. I don’t recall accepting nothing else” she said at last.

Enid groaned, pushing off the bed to stand behind the invisible line dividing their space.

“C’mon, Wends” she continued, tone clearly frustrated, “it’s obviously a date!”

“Is it?” Wednesday tilted her head, “I remember no declaration of romantic intention”

“Wh… how can you say that! She has been literally flirting with you every single time she is around!” Enid’s voice rose, high-pitched, “and she is always around!”

“I assumed that was a vampire thing” Wednesday said calmly, “your friend is constantly making highly inappropriate comments despite being in a relationship. I’ve never seen you this distraught about her”

“Yoko is just teasing… she doesn’t mean it!”

“Ah” Wednesday’s tone stayed level, but her lips curved slightly, “so we’re back to my alleged unattractiveness…”

“Don’t be cute now, Addams!” Enid pointed a finger, flustered.

“Make up your mind, Sinclair” Wednesday said smoothly, adjusting her cross-body bag, “am I unattractive, or am I cute?”

Enid threw her hands in the air, halfway between exasperation and hysteria.

“Stop it! You perfectly know you are hot!” she almost shouted.

The words slipped out before she could stop them. 

Enid froze.

Wednesday looked back from above her shoulder, raising her brow.

“Bold of you to make such declarations right after complaining about Sera doing the same” stepped closer until she was only a breath away, “are you trying to tell me something, Enid?”

Enid remained tied to the spot.

“Wedns…” she managed, eyes flicking from Wednesday’s black gaze to her lips.

The teasing faded from Wednesday’s expression, replaced by something softer.

“Yes?” she murmured.

As if on cue, a knock sounded at the door.

Thing darted from his little house, practically buzzing with excitement as he went to open it.

Wednesday held Enid’s gaze one moment longer. When the wolf said nothing, she turned away.

“Very well”  she murmured, nodding for Thing to proceed.

Radiant in black skinny jeans and a fitted sky-blue blouse beneath a navy coat, Sera stood at the door frame. Her hair was curled soft and her immaculate bangs naturally framing her face.

“Good evenin’, Miss Addams” she said, sweet accent low and confident, “I surely hope I ain’t interruptin’, but I do believe I promised you a drive… and the sun’s goin’ down now”

She held a single dark crimson flower, a smaller twin pinned to her lapel.

“You are actually right on time” Wednesday replied, tone even. Her gaze dropped to the bloom, “interesting choice”

Sera’s eyes shined, the first shy smile she had portrayed at her lips, as she extended it towards Wednesday.

“Thought I’d bring a little somethin’ to mark the occasion” 

“Symbolic…” Wednesday observed, taking the flower and inspecting it, “though I hardly believe that in less than forty-eight hours, you’ve developed such devotion for someone you just met”

“Not at all, Eclipse” Sera smiled brighter, dimples deepening, “it took me one heartbeat of my undead heart to pledge my loyalty”

Enid’s mouth fell open.

‘A nickname now!?’

“Such loyalty, not even a small bouquet”  she muttered, narrowing her eyes.

Sera grinned, unfazed by the jab.

“Evenin’, Miss Sinclair” she greeted sweetly, as though Enid were barely more than a background note, “please don’t mistake this gesture for a lack of interest toward your roommate. Where I come from, big don’t always mean better. I brought this Black Star gladiolus to show that my feelin’s are clear and singular… focused entirely on Miss Addams”

Enid’s heartbeat stuttered at the boldness of it.

“Flattery…” Wednesday’s brow arched.

“Will take me nowhere… I’ve heard that one before, darlin’” Sera finished smoothly, smile widening, “that’s fine by me. I’m not plannin’ goin’ anywhere… ’less that somewhere’s with you… and that bein’ the case… care for a ride?”

She offered her arm. 

Wednesday hesitated only briefly before taking it, the faintest flicker of intrigue crossing her face.

“No, you can’t come. Don’t be ridiculous” Wednesday said flatly to a very riled-up Thing.

“Maybe next time, little buddy?” Sera offered with a wink, bending gracefully without letting go of Wednesday’s arm to pat Thing lightly. Then turned to Enid, smile still radiant, “I’ll bring her back safe and sound, Miss Sinclair”

Wednesday’s gaze flicked toward Enid for a beat.

The door closed softly behind them as they stepped out.

Enid stood in the center of the room, staring at the door as if willing it to open again.

Thing crawled onto the desk and gave her a questioning tap.

“I’m fine” she replied automatically, “totally fine. Why wouldn’t I be fine? She’s just… she is just going out with a stupid vampire, who calls her a stupid nickname and brings her a stupid flower, and will take her in her stupid car and…”

Thing drummed impatiently.

“Okay, I’m not fine!” Enid groaned, throwing herself face-first onto the bed. Then she rolled onto her back, arms flung wide as she glared at the ceiling, “what is happening to me, Thing? Why do I feel like I want to rip out that stupid smile out of that girl’s face? I’m not that cliché werewolf who hates vampires… I like Yoko! It’s just… ugh! This one had to come here with her stupid accent, and her stupid dimples and…”

By now, Thing had crawled onto the pink comforter and gave her a sympathetic pat on the forehead.

“Don’t even…” Enid grumbled, but Thing ignored her and began signing rapidly, “I’m not jealous! I’m not… I’m just protective, because… you know, Wednesday doesn’t do feelings… and Sera is… all feelings! Ugh, this is ridiculous…”

Thing snapped his fingers skeptically.

“Shut up” Enid muttered, dragging a pillow over her face, “I’m being ridiculous”

She heard her wolf disagreeing. 

It paced beneath her skin, restless and growling.

Especially when her mind replayed the sight of Wednesday accepting the flower.

“I don’t think you’re being ridiculous. Just maybe… in denial?”

Enid’s eyes flew open. Agnes was standing by the window.

“Agn… Agnes!” she quickly sat, heart recovering at the sudden scare, “how many times have we told you to stop spying on us!”

Agnes only shrugged, not looking the least bit sorry, and perched beside her on the bed.

“Do you want to hear what I think?” she asked lightly.

“Not really…” Enid mumbled, flopping back and covering her face with her arm.

The redhead lay down on her side, looking at her in silence for a moment.

“Do you want to redo my nails?” she offered at last, quietly.

Enid peeked out from under her arm, lips forming a pout.

“Okay…” she agreed with a whine.

Agnes smiled and stood, extending a hand to pull the wolf up.

Thing was already tapping against the desk, nail kit open and waiting.

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Sera kept her arm steady all the way to Nevermore gates, and so she noticed the almost imperceptible tremor.

“I didn’t take you for the chilly type, Miss Addams” she teased with a smile, “should I assume you’re pleased with my choice of wheels?”

Wednesday turned her head slightly before returning her gaze to the car, an old but beautifully preserved muscle machine.

“Second generation?” she asked, running a hand along the polished bodywork.

“Third, actually” Sera replied, her tone pleased at the approval glinting in Wednesday’s eyes, “though I do fancy my vintage, I made a few modifications”

“As in?”

“Oh, just a few touches here and there, sugar” Sera drawled, “engine, induction, transmission, tires…”

“You mean everything” Wednesday noted flatly, though she didn’t sound the least bit disapproving.

“What can I say, Eclipse? I like a little adrenaline” Sera said with a playful challenge in her gaze, “my baby’s packin’ six hundred and fifty horsepower. She hits a hundred in 3.8 seconds… You wouldn’t care to drive, would you?”

She twirled the keychain lazily around her finger, two small cherries dangling from it, in offer.

“We’ll see if the car lives up to its owner’s confidence” Wednesday said, taking the keys. Then, in an unplanned gesture, she opened the passenger door for Sera.

“Well, darlin’, I reckon that’s a challenge…” Sera grinned, nose wrinkling.

Wednesday didn’t answer. She simply held Sera’s gaze as she closed the door and turned to slid into the driver’s seat.

The car purred low when she turned the key, then growled, eager.

Wednesday did not disappoint, though.

The Dodge Charger roared powerfully as she pressed the gas without hesitation.

Sera laughed freely, the sound bright against the night air, as they sped down the road between towering trees. 

Her grin only widened when Wednesday showed no interest in slowing down, blurring through the sleepy town without even glancing for a parking spot.

“Town can be explored in two minutes” Wednesday remarked as they neared the border, taking a narrow path into the woods, “I hope that was a satisfactory tour”

“Oh, darlin’” Sera purred, voice dripping satisfaction, “I can’t wait to see what you’re fixin’ to show me instead”

“You may regret it” Wednesday said, still speeding, but her body relaxed.

“But you may like it, Eclipse” Sera’s smile flashed, all teeth and invitation.

“You know my name. Is that nickname how you plan to address me now?”

“‘Til you ask me not to” Sera said easily, “also, my pop always told me not to call a lady by her first name unless she gave permission”

“And if I never do?” Wednesday asked, tilting her head, eyes cutting sideways to study her.

“Then I’ll keep callin’ you Miss Addams ’til the end of your days” Sera answered smoothly, meeting her gaze with quiet intensity, “or I’ll find me another name… one that fits the light you keep denyin’ to my darkness”

“You’re sorely mistaken if you think there’s any light in me” Wednesday looked at her briefly before turning back to the road.

Sera didn’t answer, but her eyes glinted with mischief, as if she knew a secret no one else did.

The forest deepened around them and silence surrounded them. After all, who wouldn’t hide when a dangerous predator was around? 

And with a vampire for company.

When Wednesday parked, it was beside a lookout. A cliff that feel into a dark lake, moonlight stretching silver across its surface.

Sera stepped out first, inhaling the night.

“You brought me to the edge of the world” she said softly, rounding the car to open Wednesday’s door, “how poetic”

Wednesday eyed the offered hand but didn’t take it. Still, she stepped out, allowing Sera to close the door behind her.

“I thought you’d appreciate the view more than the tacky buildings” she said, moving to the front of the car and sitting on the hood.

“Oh, I do appreciate the view very much, darlin’” Sera answered in a beat, but her eyes stayed fixed solely on Wednesday’s profile.

“I meant the lake” Wednesday replied, turning to meet her gaze, “it’s also within Nevermore’s property, but this is a better place to dispose a body”

“It has a nice reflection, that I can say” Sera added softly, stepping closer, “it certainly reminds me of you, Miss Addams. Still when undisturbed… but I’d bet merciless if underestimated”

“I thought we agreed on no more flowery speech” Wednesday said, an eyebrow lifting.

“Ain’t flowery if it’s the truth” Sera admitted, smile lingering.

For a heartbeat, the silence thickened. Wednesday searched for something in the vampire’s eyes, and Sera seemed perfectly content just existing in her proximity.

A cold wind swept by.

Sera’s fingers brushed a few strands of dark hair behind Wednesday’s ear.

“You are bold” Wednesday said, narrowing her eyes, “you might lose a hand if you are not careful”

Sera smiled softly.

“May I be bolder, then? I might have one hand to spare”

“You may try” Wednesday’s gaze didn’t waver.

Sera stepped close enough that Wednesday’s body had to suppress a shiver at the chill radiating from her. 

Slow enough to allow refusal, but lifting a hand when none came, the vampire’s palm hovered at Wednesday’s jawline.

“Don’t mistake my curiosity for permission” Wednesday warned, though she still made no move to stop her.

“Wouldn’t dream of it” Sera murmured.

Then she kissed her.

It wasn’t a hungry kiss, nor shy.

Wednesday was acutely aware of the cold lips pressed to hers, but she didn’t pull away. For a breath, a very long one, she let it happen, analyzing everything, but specially her lack of disgust at the action.

When she finally leaned back, she realized her eyes had closed without her authorization.

A very pleased smile welcomed her from the vampire in front of her.

“I thought vampires were all about consent” Wednesday said with a leveled tone, though aware that her pupils had dilated.

“As I told your friend…” Sera’s voice was soft, husky, with that honeyed drawl, “I’m mighty good at readin’ between the lines”

A beat of silence stretched.

Then Wednesday’s mouth curved, barely.

Sera’s smirk deepened.

Without another word, she leaned in again, slow and still testing, but no longer settling for a press of lips. 

She broke the contact only long enough for Wednesday’s breath, the one she didn’t realize had been holding, to slip out, sharp and involuntary, but this time the raven didn’t move away. 

Sera’s lips lingered close enough for Wednesday to feel the ghost of them. She felt the vampire’s smile before they touched again.

The third kiss was different. 

More intense. 

More exploratory. 

Sera tilted her head just enough to deepen it, her hand settling lightly at Wednesday’s waist, claiming space but still respectful.

Wednesday’s pulse didn’t race, but it definitely shifted. A small, treacherous flutter that mortified her. 

There was something alive about it, something she couldn’t categorize or comprehend.

It was very different to the revulsion she’d felt with Tyler, or the flat disinterest she’d predicted.

Her mind catalogued every detail.

The texture.

The pressure.

The faint scent of metallic sweetness that clung to Sera’s breath.

When honeyed copper brushed her tongue, her eyes widened open, as it was her own that had begun exploring now.

Barely had she started to part from the kiss when Sera leaned back, tuned to her rhythm and will.

“Sugar…” Sera said, voice a little breathless, if that was even possible for a vampire, “I reckon you’re more dangerous than that lake down there”

“Feeling suddenly unsafe?” Wednesday’s tone dropped lower.

Sera’s fangs glinted as her grin turned wicked.

“Safety is overrated” she drawled, restraining herself as she leaned in, then pulled back with a smirk, “you’ll find I’ve got my own stack of danger too, sugar”

With a smooth hop, she sat on the hood beside Wednesday, eyes drifting toward the night sky.

Wednesday’s gaze followed her, an unlabeled feeling settling heavy and strange in her stomach as the moonlight caught on those ruby-red eyes.

Discreetly clearing her throat, Wednesday asked about the stars the vampire knew, to which Sera, unashamedly, admitted that despite being over a hundred years old, she had never actually spent time stargazing.

“But I’d love it if you’d want to educate me now, Eclipse” Sera said with a bright smile.

Wednesday simply nodded and began pointing in different directions.

Ursa Minor.

Ursa Major.

Orion.

“Cassiopeia is my favorite on this side of the map” she added.

“Why’s that?” Sera asked, enraptured by the quiet expertise in the raven’s voice.

“‘The queen’” Wednesday continued, “beautiful, but incredibly vain. Queen of Aethiopia and wife of King Cepheus. She condemned, if briefly, her daughter Andromeda by declaring they were both more beautiful than the Nereids”

“What’s a Nereid, sugar, if you’d like to clarify?” Sera interrupted softly, the drawl lilting.

Wednesday didn’t seem bothered. If anything, her tone lifted, the faintest spark of enthusiasm.

“Sea nymphs, daughters of the sea god Nereus” she explained, “they complained to Poseidon, who sent a sea monster to ravage Aethiopia. To appease him, they tied Andromeda to a rock by the sea as a sacrifice. Ultimately, Perseus rescued her, but Poseidon, still believing Cassiopeia needed punishment, placed her image in the heavens, bound to her throne”

“Mind you, that doesn’t sound much like a punishment to me” Sera mused, intrigued.

“The constellation orbits the North Star” Wednesday said, pointing to the clear ‘M’ above them, “she’s sometimes seen hanging upside down, a final, eternal indignity meant to humble her and serve as a warning against vanity”

“I do see it then” Sera said, wrinkling her nose playfully, “I’ve been accused here and there of vanity myself”

Wednesday scoffed lightly.

“Might not be a sin if you actually have the looks” she said before she could stop herself.

Sera bit her lip, fighting not to react to the clearly unplanned compliment.

By the time the moon’s reflection had drifted to the edge of the lake, the temperature had dropped sharply.

Without a word, Sera slipped off her coat, not overstepping, just raising it in silent offer.

“I like the cold” Wednesday said, unmoved.

“That might be the case, sugar” Sera replied softly, “but I wouldn’t forgive myself if you caught a fever”

“Chivalry is an outdated ritual” Wednesday quipped, though she still stepped off the hood and allowed Sera to help her into the coat.

“Never when it’s honest, darlin’” Sera said, pleased. She smoothed the fabric over Wednesday’s shoulders, smiling, “I’m a fan of you in black, but blue seems to suit you just as fine”

The vampire counted it as a small victory that this time, her compliment wasn’t dismissed.

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The drive back to Nevermore was almost wordless. Behind the wheel now, Sera kept one hand steady on it, the other resting loosely near Wednesday’s side of the seat.

When they reached the parking area, Sera was out first, again, circling the car in a blink to open Wednesday’s door. She raised her eyebrows once, and when met with silence, offered her hand.

This time, Wednesday took it. 

She allowed the unnecessary gesture as she stepped out.

The silence lingered as they crossed the quiet courtyard.

Way past the curfew hours, there were no students in sight. Nor the dorm mother, who had long given up policing Wednesday’s nightly ‘investigations’.

“Your time and company have been the finest gift I’ve had in quite a while…” Sera said when they stopped outside Wednesday’s door, “but if I might selfishly ask for one more thing…”

Wednesday didn’t nod, but remained still as Sera leaned in and kissed her again.

It was brief, but far more confident than the tentative kisses shared by the lake.

Just as Wednesday’s hand twitched with the impulse to touch Sera’s face, the door opened.

Enid froze mind-step, hand still on the knob and eyes wide as the kiss ended right in front of her.

Sera was the first to speak, not missing a beat.

“Howdy, Miss Sinclair” she greeted warmly, “as promised, I was just bringin’ your roommate back safe and sound”

Enid’s jaw tightened.

“Yeah, a true gentleman, I can see” she muttered through gritted teeth.

“I do try my best, if I may say so myself. Though sometimes the situation doesn’t exactly allow it” Sera replied, her smile sharpening just enough to glint.

Eyes flicking briefly between them, and pressing one more kiss to Wednesday’s cheek, she gracefully bowed her head and stepped back down the hall, the click of her boots echoing on the quiet being left behind.

“What the heck was that Wednesday!” Enid barked as Wednesday walked past her into the room and once the door was closed.

“I very much doubt you don’t know that was a kiss, Enid, as I’ve found you in worse positions in the past” Wednesday said simply, already walking into the closet to hang the borrowed coat and retrieve her pajamas.

“That was once!” Enid protested, following her toward the bathroom, “why are you letting that vampire claim you like that?”

Wednesday didn’t look back as she changed. She only met Enid’s reflection in the mirror as she began brushing her teeth.

The low growl rumbling from Enid’s chest deepened as she waited for the raven to finish.

“There was no claim” Wednesday said at last after rinsing her mouth, “she initiated contact, and I allowed it”

“Allowed it?” Enid’s tone cracked, “you can’t be serious! You can’t be that naive not to know what she’s trying to do!”

At that, Wednesday did turn over, one dark brow rising.

“You sound dangerously close to territorial, Enid” she said, taking a slow step toward her, “should I be alarmed, or flattered?”

Enid’s jaw worked soundlessly.

“I’m not…” she blurted, “I just think you should be careful. You don’t know what she’s after”

“Oh, but I do know” Wednesday said simply, taking another step, “she made her intentions clear. It was refreshing, really”

That stung more than it should have.

“So you’re just gonna… what?” Enid’s growl was now vibrating at her chest, “date someone that you just met?”

“I’m not sure whether that’s the correct term” Wednesday’s tone was maddeningly calm, “but I discovered tonight that she doesn’t repel me. That’s… worth examining”

“Examining?” Enid blinked, stunned.

“I’ve never found human contact tolerable” Wednesday continued, her voice even but edged with honesty. Her gaze flicked to Enid’s, “until now, that is. And since the person I might have tolerated it with refuses to acknowledge her own feelings…”

Enid felt her heart stutter.

“W… What feelings?” she interrupted, too fast.

“Precisely” Wednesday’s smirk was small, but sad at the corners.

She moved past her, but Enid caught her by the arm just a few steps from the bed.

“You think this is about me?” Enid asked, breathless.

“I don’t think, Enid. I know” Wednesday’s tone was soft but confident, “you might’ve fooled me, had you not been so volatile since Sera arrived… agitated… possessive”

Enid’s throat felt dry.

“I’m not possessive!” she snapped.

“You are” Wednesday said mildly, unbothered by the strong grip on her arm, “I find the reaction interesting and childlike, but that’s how you are”

“Are you testing me?” Enid’s breath caught, voice cracking.

“Not intentionally, if that’s your concern” Wednesday replied, posture still perfectly relaxed, “but in any case, you refuse to act, so I refuse to wait. Someone will, inevitably, cross the line first”

“Wednesday…”

The name came out half-plea, half-warning.

Wednesday tilted her head, expression unreadable, but her eyes softened just slightly.

“I’m not giving Sera my heart, that would be idiotic of me” she continued, “merely the opportunity to try”

Enid’s fingers tightened around her arm hard enough that a bruise would surely form by morning.

“Why would you… why would you let her?”

There was a long pause.

“Because she asks…” Wednesday said quietly, then, almost under her breath, “and you don’t…”

Enid’s stomach dropped.

Thinking there would be no other response, Wednesday gently pried Enid’s grip from her arm.

“Just go to bed, Enid” she sighed softly, “your agitation is exhausting. Even for me”

The brief touch of Wednesday’s palm sent a jolt through Enid. 

The wolf beneath her skin stirred awake, pacing, teeth bared, hackles raised.

“You can’t…” Enid’s shoulders shook, her voice trembling.

“Can’t what?” Wednesday tilted her head.

“Date her…” Enid’s voice cracked, pulse thundering in her throat, hot and erratic, “you can’t date her…”

Wednesday’s eyes narrowed.

“I wasn’t aware my personal choices required pack approval” she said, lifting her chin.

“You won’t date her” Enid’s breath hitched.

“And who…” Wednesday asked, closing the distance between them at an excruciating pace, “precisely, will stop me?”

The wolf answered before Enid could think.

In a blink, her hands were around Wednesday’s wrists, claws half-out, breath ragged against her face.

“You’re not allowed” she growled, eyes gold and burning.

Wednesday’s expression didn’t change, though her pulse kicked hard in her chest.

“Interesting” she murmured, “so there is a territorial component to your possessiveness…”

“Stop calling it that!”

“What else should I call it? You’re trembling. You’re…”  Wednesday’s tone softened, barely, “…shaking like you’ll come apart if I breathe her name again. If not possessiveness, what is it? Would you rather call it jealousy, Enid? Is that easier to admit? That you’re jealous of Sera?”

Enid’s answer was a low snarl that barely sounded human.

Then she kissed her.

It wasn’t gentle.

It certainly wasn’t cold, as Sera’s lips had been.

All the opposite to the expertise and planning that the vampire had displayed.

It was raw, and breathless, and desperate.

It was burning.

It was as a claim should be.

Wednesday didn’t move at first. Then her hand rose, fingers finding home along Enid’s jaw, steadying the tremor there. She understood in an instant. Even if she didn’t return it, she couldn’t push her away.

So she just allowed it, like she had with Sera. 

Only this time her composure was thinner, her heartbeat louder in her ears.

When Enid finally pulled back, she was panting, eyes wide and horrified at herself.

Her claws had torn faint lines into Wednesday’s blouse, traveling from the raven’s wrists to her shoulders.

“I… I’m sorry” she stammered, “I didn’t…”

“Don’t apologize for your nature, Enid” Wednesday’s voice was calm, though her cheeks were flushed, “it’s rather appealing”

Enid stumbled back, pressing her hands to her mouth as the gold drained from her eyes.

“I shouldn’t have done that…” she whispered, mostly to herself.

Wednesday tilted her head, gaze impassive.

“Perhaps not” she said evenly, despite the faint hum still buzzing on her lips, “but you did. Which means we can stop pretending there’s nothing to discuss”

“I… I can’t…” Enid shook her head, backing away.

She bolted before Wednesday could say another word, the door slamming behind her hard enough to rattle the windowpanes.

Wednesday stood motionless for a long time.

Once she was certain her legs would not betray her and make her look like a fool, she stepped back and sat on the edge of the bed. Her fingers brushed her lips, tracing the faint heat that lingered there.

“Magnificent…” she whispered.

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Returning to the room for the second time, first, after midnight once she was confident Wednesday would be asleep, and now after coming back from track practice, felt like déjà vu to Enid.

She didn’t want to stay away, but she was afraid to face the raven girl.

She had run until her legs trembled, and her wolf quieted enough. Until the adrenaline and not the guilt, was the thing clawing at her chest.

When she entered, Wednesday was already dressed in her uniform and finishing her braids.

Enid really loved seeing Wednesday without the blazer.

‘So handsome’

She lingered in the doorway.

“Hey” she started softly.

Dark eyes locked with hers as the raven turned.

“I trust you had a productive squirrel-chasing session?” Wednesday asked evenly.

“Rude… you know we don’t do that… much…” Enid muttered, then swallowed hard, “so… about last night…”

“What about last night?”

Enid’s stomach twisted.

“I… I lost control…” she said, mortified.

“Yes, I recall it quite vividly”

That only mortified the wolf more.

“The moon’s getting close, and you know how that messes with me” she rushed to explain, “it won’t happen again”

Wednesday’s eyes narrowed, barely.

“Won’t it?” she asked quietly, tilting her head.

The question was flat, but there was something underneath that made Enid’s throat go dry.

“I swear, Wednesday” the wolf blurted, “I didn’t mean to…”

“To kiss me?” Wednesday interrupted, her gaze hardening, “or admit you felt something you refuse to acknowledge?”

Enid flinched.

“I didn’t mean anything! I was just… “

“Affected by the moon, you said” Wednesday’s tone cut cleanly, “extremely convenient, if you ask me”

Enid stepped closer.

“Wedns, please…” she hesitated, almost reaching out before deciding against it, her hands falling uselessly to her sides, “can we just forget it?”

For a moment, something flickered in Wednesday’s expression, but it vanished behind her usual composure.

She put on her blazer and lifted her messenger bag.

“As you wish, Enid” she said, walking past her.

Enid wanted to follow. To argue, to fight the disappointment, or maybe the hurt, that she could see her friend had tried to hide. But words wouldn’t come.

Defeated, she dragged her tired legs to the shower, racing against time to grab breakfast before class.

Once she reached the cafeteria, half their group had already left for first period.

Bianca and Xavier were explaining more about the fencing rules to a very attentive Sera, who glanced toward Wednesday every few seconds, taking delicate sips from what had clearly become her ‘borrowed’ principal’s cup, a book open in her hand.

Kent was trying to make conversation, but Wednesday barely gave him more than a word or two. Still, the siren boy didn’t feel offended and just kept babbling in front of her.

Sera was the first to notice Enid’s arrival.

“Well, don’t you look downright picturesque this mornin’, sunshine” she drawled, her Southern lilt smooth as honey, “wasn’t sure you’d join us, seein’ as you gave that racetrack quite the show”

Enid forced a tight smile and slid into the seat beside Wednesday, their knees brushing.

The air between them was too still.

“You okay there, Sinclair?” Bianca asked first, noticing how the wolf wasn’t her usual talkative self.

Enid nodded, pretending her heartbeat wasn’t off-rhythm, and focused on her breakfast.

“Yo, Enid, please help me convince Wednesday of being my wingman” Kent groaned, dropping his head dramatically onto the table and attempting his best puppy eyes.

Xavier and Bianca snorted. Wednesday didn’t even glance up, just flipped another page of her book.

“Wha…” Enid blinked, unsure how to even respond.

“I’ve told you before” Wednesday said, setting the book down and fixing Kent with a flat stare, “you are hopeless until you learn the difference between a five-second shower and basic, required hygiene”

“I do have basic hygiene!” he protested, though his grin betrayed how pleased he was to have her attention at all.

“That’s merely the starting line” Wednesday continued, inexplicably entertaining someone she’d normally ignore, “you must also learn how to speak to a woman without using the word ‘dope’”

The fencing talk at the other end of the table died off, everyone was now tuned in to the exchange. Kent, unbothered, pulled out a notebook.

“No… using… dope…” he muttered as he scribbled, “see! This is great already! Please, oh please, sensei, teach me more”

Wednesday sighed, biting the inside of her cheek, and the rest of the table looked faintly stunned that she hadn’t already dismissed him.

“Why would you even want Addams’ advice?” Xavier asked with a chuckle, “shouldn’t you be asking, I don’t know, another guy?”

Kent wrinkled his nose dramatically.

“Uh, no offense, bro” he said, slapping Xavier’s shoulder, then he made sign of counting with his fingers, “but you can’t really teach me much. You couldn’t conquer Wednesday or keep Bianca happy. Then we all know Bianca was the one who hooked Ajax, so he’s out too. Pugsdude and Eug-bee… well, I can’t use their advice to pick up girls, ‘cause, you know… right now I don’t wanna land a dude”

Bianca burst out laughing, while Wednesday simply nodded as if that logic made perfect sense.

“But Wednesday, my dude!” Kent said, suddenly standing and pointing toward Sera, “look what she landed!”

Xavier winced but took the jab like a champ, raising his hands in surrender.

Wednesday’s right eye twitched.

“I did not ‘land’ anything, because Sera is not an object” she replied with the tone one reserves for a particularly dense child, “I don’t think there is any hope for you”

Kent slumped back into his chair with an exaggerated pout.

Sera, however, was delighted.

“Oh, don’t feel bad, sweetie” she told the siren boy with a warm smile, “you’re not half bad yourself. With a few lessons, I’m sure you could charm any girl’s heart”

Kent practically glowed and nearly threw himself across the table to grab her hands.

“Do you really think so?” he asked eagerly, right before Wednesday smacked his hands away from Sera’s.

“You don’t touch someone without their permission, Kent” Wednesday scolded sharply. Then, after a pause, added, “write that one down too. I suspect you’ll need the reminder”

Kent nodded enthusiastically and obeyed.

“I do have to admit” Sera went on, smile soft and teasing as she briefly took Wednesday’s knuckles to her lips, “I was a bit confused by that long mane at first… but now I see the charm in it”

Kent gasped, standing again, only to be yanked back down by Xavier in a blink.

“You said I was a pretty lady!” he accused, pointing at Wednesday, before grabbing the tips of his long hair conciously.

“I said, you could be” Wednesday replied dryly, wondering when her life had devolved into this circus.

“Don’t be mean, Eclipse” Sera chastised Wednesday, laughing softly before looking at Kent, “you are a pretty lady, sugar. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I’ll share a few of my vault’s secrets on how to court respectfully”

Kent raised a triumphant fist muttering “Vindication!”.

“Yeah, yeah… that’s great” Bianca cut in before anyone could add more, “now, onto more important matters. Addams, please tell me you’re joining us for the fencing match this Friday. I swear, if we lose to those pretentious assholes from the…”

“I already said I’d do it. Stop nagging me about it, Barclay. Desperation makes you look more decrepit” Wednesday interrupted, standing up.

“I don’t care what you call me, so long as you show up, asshole” Bianca shot back.

Wednesday rolled her eyes and started walking away, but paused halfway and turned toward the vampire.

Sera’s eyes lit up instantly, one brow arched in question. At Wednesday’s smallest nod, her smile bloomed, radiant and stood up, graceful as ever.

“Allow me to walk you to class, sugar” she picked up Wednesday’s empty tray with a delicate hand and turned to the others with a hushed, teasing warmth, “ladies… and Mr. Thorpe, may y’all have a blessed day”

She gave a slight bow of her head before crossing the short distance to Wednesday’s side, falling in step with her effortlessly.

“I want someone like her” Kent pouted, eyes fixed on Sera’s back, “do you think it’d be rude to ask if she has a twin?”

“You are just dying to have a bromance with Wednesday, right?” Xavier teased.

“It’s not my fault she’s the most interesting person here!” Kent shot back.

Bianca groaned as the two started roughhousing and simply turned her attention to her phone, finishing her breakfast in peace.

Enid didn’t say a word.

Couldn’t.

Her heart was hammering so loud she was half convinced everyone could hear it.

‘Am I… am I jealous?’

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Friday evening arrived soon enough, and despite the early November chill, the fencing hall was warm with energy and competition.

The visiting school had swaggered in confident, until introductions and warm-ups were over. 

Then, one by one, they sat down, humbled.

Bianca cut through her three bouts with precision, wasting no time on her usual mind games, just focused on securing the points.

Xavier, though taking nearly the full time on each round, still brought his fifteen points home.

Then came Wednesday.

She looked almost bored during the salute, but once the “Allez!” was given, her stance changed to full concentration. 

Her lunges were fast and precise, no restraint or mercy for the clearly inferior opponents.

“Point to Addams!” the referee announced, again and again, and the stunning silence of Nevermore students admiring (some fangirling) the raven, blurred into an astounding applause.

The entire gang was almost breaking in cheers and chanting “Addams! Addams!”, Sera the first one in line, near the front, her smile bright enough to illuminate the entire room, her eyes enraptured by every flick of Wednesday’s wrist. 

Before the final bout, as Wednesday’s took off her mask to readjust it, she managed to get her attention, and her red eyes shinned with hunger, and when Wednesday tilted her head just slightly in acknowledgment, the vampire’s grin deepened.

Enid stood further back, arms cross, wedged between Yoko who was piggybacking Divina, and Agnes, with Eugene and Pugsley nearby.

Ajax, ever the devoted boyfriend, was already next to Bianca, handing her a bottle of water, while Kent bounced excitedly beside them, yelling in Xavier’s ear.

By the time the final bout came, the visiting team’s hope for even five points had evaporated.

Wednesday’s opponent lunged, too eager and clumsy, overextending, and Wednesday parried with a smooth, almost dancing move. 

The tip of her foil landed squarely over his heart.

“Touché…” the word came slightly muffled through her mask, but satisfaction dripped from every syllable.

Bianca forgot her usual cool and whooped and Xavier clapped Wednesday gently on the shoulder as they both rushed to her side.

When Wednesday removed her mask, her expression was as cool and composed as if she’d just accomplished something insignificant.

“You don’t fool anyone, Addams” Bianca said with a grin beside her, “we all know you are enjoying this”

Wednesday didn’t reply, though the faintest quirk touched her lips.

The losing team, at least, proved to be good sports, offering their congratulations and wishing them luck in the next round of the tournament.

One of them, clearly working up all his courage, shuffled closer to Wednesday and asked for her phone number.

“I don’t have one” she answered, genuinely puzzled, “nor do I understand why you would require it”

The poor boy stammered, his ears burning red, but tried again.

“Then maybe… your social media? Or, um, an email?”

Wednesday’s confusion only deepened.

“I believe the gentleman would like a way to talk with you, darlin’” Sera drawled smoothly as she stepped up beside Wednesday, close, but careful not to touch. Her smile was playful, eyes gleaming with amusement, “mind you, I don’t consider myself the jealous type, but I just had me a vision of my future, sugar, defendin’ your honor in duels ‘cause of all your admirers”

She winked at Wednesday, a little tilt of the head, syrupy sweet and just this side of wicked.

The boy’s face went crimson as he mumbled an apology and hurried off to catch the rest of his team.

“Celebration tonight!” Kent, still as hyped as if he’d fenced himself, shouted beside them.

“Lake?” Yoko asked, as the others began gathering around.

“Oh! Can we have a bonfire and make s’mores?” Kent stopped his jumping long enough to plead, wide-eyed.

“Sure we can, sugar”  Sera said, patting his head with a teasing affection. 

The siren boy grinned, cheeks flushed, before spinning around again to keep deafening everyone with his excitement.

“Nice plan” Yoko said, wrapping her arms around Divina, “saves me the trouble of planning a date for my baby”

“Keep putting in that low effort, and I’ll just join Wednesday’s harem” Divina teased back.

“Can I watch?” Yoko shot back without missing a beat.

Bianca moved faster than thought, snatching Wednesday’s foil before they would end up with one vampire less that day.

“No more stabbing today” she warned, arching a brow at Wednesday, “and you better show up, or we’ll drag you to the lake ourselves”

“Skinny dipping!” Yoko started chanting.

Wednesday’s expression remained thoroughly unamused, but she turned her gaze toward Enid, locking eyes with her

‘What were you saying?’

.

.

.

.

.

.

There were s’mores, indeed.

There was music.

Laughter.

There were no teachers, however.

Naturally, every student gathered around the bonfire was completely hammered.

Bianca was in high spirits, perched on Ajax’s lap with a bottle of fruity booze in hand and a Cheshire smile celebrating victory. 

Xavier had taken it upon himself to make sure neither Pugsley, Eugene, nor Agnes got anywhere near the ‘hidden’ alcohol.

Yoko and Divina were tangled together on a log, while Wednesday sat of the furthest one, apart from most of them, Enid at her side.

There was still certain tension, but Wednesday did not seem inclined to push into ‘the one who shall not be named’ topic, so Enid tried to act normal, and they both just watched Sera in the distance.

The vampire was across the fire, whispering lessons on gentlemanly behavior to Kent, who had already managed to humiliate himself twice, first tripping over a rock and face-planting at a girl’s feet, then walking around with his fly down, earning giggles and a hasty retreat.

“You really are aiming to repeat what happened at aunt Margaret’s birthday?” Wednesday asked dryly, side-eyeing the red cup in Enid’s hands, “would you like me to remind you how many days you regurgitated your meals afterward?”

“Ugh, Wends! Don’t talk about vomit right now” Enid groaned, “besides, I still insist it wasn’t Gomez’s stash that got me sick, but I’m certain Pugsley put something in my cup”

“He did” Wednesday said, turning to her, “he added more ‘stash’ every time you asked. You must have drunk twice as much as my father, and that’s saying something”

Enid laughed, remembering those summer weeks at the Addams manor.

“I’m a werewolf, Wends. My system processes everything faster. I’m not even tipsy now!” she bragged, giggling softly.

“Oh, excuse me, big bad wolf, but it was me who had to hold your hair, and you, every time you tried to take a trip through the toilet” Wednesday said, lips curving faintly.

“Sheesh, Wends, what kind of pack are you? I’d totally hold your hair if you needed it” Enid shot back playfully.

Wednesday locked eyes with her, dark gaze narrowing.

“Doubtful” she declared.

“Of course I would!” Enid huffed, mock-offended.

Wednesday’s eyes glinted with mischief.

“Blaaargh…” she made an exaggerated visceral sound, then smirked at Enid’s horrified expression, “gaaaaack…”

Enid stood as if pinched, eyes alarmed at Wednesday’s sounds of gagging.

“Stop!” she yelped, high-pitched, but that only made Wednesday’s smirk grow.

Seeing her take a breath to repeat it, Enid covered her ears and began chanting “Lalalalalala… Can’t hear, can’t hear!”, while retreating to sit beside Yoko and Divina on the other side of the fire.

Satisfied with her victory, Wednesday reached for her own bottle and took a slow sip.

Sera approached quietly, though not unannounced.

“Mind if I join you, sugar?” she asked, her voice low and honeyed, gesturing to the empty spot beside Wednesday.

“If you must” Wednesday replied evasively.

“Oh, now, don’t tell me my company isn’t appreciated” Sera laughed softly, sliding down gracefully beside her.

Wednesday’s eyes stayed on the flames.

“I don’t tend to deceive those who are close to me. But don’t fish for compliments. You won’t find any here” she said, tone even.

“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it” Sera said, amusement curling around her words, “maybe just share a thought or two instead?”

Wednesday took another long sip before meeting her gaze.

“You are persistent…” she said.

“Is that a bad thing?” Sera asked, head tilting slightly, smile playing at her lips.

“Relentless…” Wednesday continued, unbothered by the interruption, “you give your smile to everyone, even when most don’t deserve it. You’re stubborn, and probably suicidal, to chase after something that…”

“Something that’s worth the risk” Sera interrupted, her eyes darkening and her breath quickening.

Wednesday blinked, just once.

“You don’t seem deterred by my reputation for dismembering those who irritate me” she added.

“Maybe that’s ‘cause I can give as good as I take” Sera purred, parting her lips to show the glint of her fangs, “I ain’t the only one at risk here, darlin’”

They sat in silence for a moment, the chatter and night muttering around them.

Then Sera shifted closer.

Not enough to touch, but close enough that Wednesday could easily detect the jasmine and honey scent that clung to her.

“When I look at you” Sera murmured, gaze steady, “I almost remember what it was like to be human”

“Almost?” Wednesday tilted her head slightly.

“You make me feel things that died a long time ago” Sera continued, her eyes catching the firelight, red-gold and alive, “heat… hunger… need…”

“How many things…” Wednesday retorted, but remained still as the vampire leaned in.

She didn’t pull away when cold lips met her own. Consciously, she closed her eyes.

The kiss was deep, coaxing. Tasting of smoke, winter, and hunger.

Sera’s hand brushed Wednesday’s, gently prying open the fist the raven hadn’t realized she’d clenched. 

Wednesday wasn’t overwhelmed, nor swept away, but her body didn’t recoil.

Her hand relaxed, fingers intertwining with delicate, cold ones that claimed them.

‘Curious’, she thought distantly, as Sera’s lips pressed harder and a cool hand slid to the back of her neck, ‘no disgust’.

“Eclipse…” Sera exhaled, drawing back just enough to whisper the word.

“Wednesday…” Wednesday answered quietly, eyes unreadable, “let me hear it”

Sera laughed quietly, breathless at the firm demand.

“Wednesday…” the vampire breathed her name for the first time, her voice a prayer.

The raven catalogued in silence how her body hadn’t reacted the same as when Enid had whispered her name in a similar scenario a couple of nights ago, yet something still twisted low inside her, faint and warm, enough to bring a trace of color to her cheeks.

Sera kissed her again, slower and deeper this time, her thumb tracing the line of Wednesday’s throat, feeling the steady, defiant pulse beneath pale skin.

Only when the bonfire crackled louder and a burst of laughter erupted nearby did Wednesday break the kiss.

She looked down at their joined hands, thoughtful.

“Is my company appreciated, then?” Sera asked, voice low and husky, almost pleading.

Wednesday’s lips curved faintly.

“No fishing for compliments, remember?” she said, standing and brushing off her cargo pants before walking away without another word.

She felt half-drunk, though she knew it wasn’t from the alcohol.

Behind her, she could hear Sera’s soft, musical laugh, and she could feel the vampire’s gaze follow every step she took into the darkness.

Sera decided she was in no rush to return to her room after Wednesday’s silhouette vanished into the shadows.

She felt high on happiness.

Glancing to the side, she noticed the bottle Wednesday had left behind. She picked it up, her sharp eyes catching the faint mark of the raven’s lipstick before she brought it to her lips and drank it all.

Leaning back against the log, the bottle now dangling from her fingers, she smiled, soft, dreamy, eyes half-lidded.

“Tell me what books you read, what music you hear, what company you meet, what thoughts you think…” she murmured to the stars, trying to find the same constellations Wednesday had pointed out before, “tell me, my beloved, so that I may read those books and hear that music, meet those folks, and think those thoughts. Tell me, so that I may know you better by knowin’ what you know, that I may love you better by lovin’ what you love…”

A laugh bubbled out of her, light and childlike, an honest-to-God giggle, drunk and feverish on Wednesday Addams.

A few more students began leaving the bonfire, alone or in pairs, their laughter nervous and sweet. Sera felt happy for them.

Then she looked up and saw the blonde wolf staring back at her from a distance.

She smiled.

The wolf didn’t seem to be very fond of her smiles, now that she thought about it.

In a few fast strides, the wolf was standing over her.

“Enjoyin’ the night, Miss Sinclair?” Sera asked politely, her tone syrupy-smooth, though she stayed alert. Her sharp nose caught the heavy scent of alcohol on the girl’s breath.

“You think you’re clever, don’t you?” Enid said, mouth twisting.

“I’d be lyin’ if I said I don’t” Sera replied, brows lifted, lazy and amused.

“I know you’re no good news behind that whole ‘sweet country lady’ act” Enid slurred slightly, “I’m just gonna warn you once…”

“I’ve been accused of worse” Sera cut in, straightening just a bit, “but I reckon you ain’t thinkin’ too clear right now, sugar. Not smart to say or do somethin’ you might regret come mornin’”

“Don’t lecture me!” Enid’s voice cracked, “you better stop whatever game you’re playing with Wednesday. I know what you’re doing. I know your intentions…. I won’t let you take advantage of her!”

“What could I have possibly done to make you think that, sugar?” Sera asked calmly, pushing down the predator inside her that urged her to rise. The girl was clearly intoxicated, no point in escalating.

“Stop with that” Enid growled, “Wednesday’s not someone you can just toy with”

“I assure you” Sera said firmly, “there’s nothin’ playful about my intentions”

Enid’s claws itched beneath her skin. Her eyes burned a little too bright.

“Stay away from her…” she warned, voice low and dangerous.

“Now, that’s interestin’” Sera tilted her head, studying her.

“What is?” Enid snapped

“The way you said that” Sera replied, her tone dropping into that dark honey drawl as she rose to her feet, “not ‘she deserves better’, not ‘you’ll hurt her’. Forgive me, doll, but that sounded an awful lot like a claim to me”

Enid froze.

“That’s not… I just…” her throat worked, words failing her.

“Mm…” Sera took a step, close enough that the faint chill of her skin brushed against Enid’s heat, “you like her…”

“I…” 

“I see… so it’s not just about roommates, friends, or packs, then” she sighed, gentle again, “that’s fine, darlin’. Truly. But it ain’t my decision to make, and I wouldn’t disrespect Miss Addams by assumin’ what she might feel”

“I… no, no, she’s my best friend. That’s it” Enid laughed, dismissive and nervous. 

“If that’s true, then why are your pupils blown, sugar? Why’re you shakin’, wolf?” Sera pressed, her voice velvet and dangerous.

“I’m not…!” Enid’s words broke into a growl before she bit them back.

“Ain’t none of my business, don’t you worry. Keep lyin’ to yourself if it helps” Sera only smiled faintly, “but you should know… I don’t share your fear. And I’m sorry, sugar, but Miss Addams is far too good to let go just ‘cause you asked”

Enid’s jaw clenched, her breath trembling out between her teeth. For a split second, her wolf pushed hard against the surface, claws pricking, muscles coiling.

Yoko appeared out of nowhere, sliding neatly between them, her hand landing firm on Enid’s shoulder.

“Alright, pup, time to go” her tone was playful, but tension crackled beneath it.

“Move, Yoko…” Enid growled, deeper this time, claws unsheathing.

“Now…” Yoko said sharply, red eyes locking on gold, “before you do something stupid, and I have to explain to Addams why I had to throw you in the lake to cool off”

“It’s fine. I can handle a little bite” Sera chuckled, stepping back with that infuriating calm.

“You are not helping…” Yoko muttered, giving her a flat look.

Sera raised her hands and laced them behind her back, her serious stance melting into her usual soft, disarming one.

“Thanks” Yoko said, nodding as she used all her vampire strength to pull Enid away.

No easy task with the wolf all heat and trembling fury, muttering under her breath.

“What was that about?” Kent asked, jogging up beside Sera and handing her a new bottle.

Sera watched them go, smirking faintly as she raised the bottle to her lips.

“Just a friendly little banter, nothin’ to worry about, sweetie” she said, then turned playfully to him, “now… lesson three?”

Kent grinned, nodding eagerly as he pointed toward the new girl he’d been eyeing.