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Wednesday ducks out of the tent tentatively, trying to ignore the throbbing in her sides from the skin pulling and aching from her previously acquired wounds. She'll have to ask Grandmama to take a look at them when they're back home.
"Morning kiddo, how'd you sleep?" Uncle Fester asks jovially, his eyes meeting hers as he stokes the fire.
Wednesday clears her throat before quietly stating, "I slept fairly well knowing Enid was safe."
That was honest. That was plain. That was more than enough information.
Agnes grins up at her from beside her uncle, "Wolfie still asleep?"
Wednesday tilts her head towards her and raises an eyebrow, a slight twitch in her lips as she murmurs, "In a manner."
Agnes furrows her brows slightly in confusion as Wednesday steps closer and takes a seat by the fire, her uncle wordlessly offering her a mug of coffee.
"Do we have enough food? It would be a good idea to eat before we break down and head back home," Wednesday says quietly as she sips on her coffee, offering her uncle a nod in thanks.
Agnes nods as she offers Wednesday one of the boiled eggs they had prepared for breakfast. Wednesday takes it with another nod of gratitude as she starts to say, "Enid-"
Uncle Fester points towards a rabbit that he'd managed to trap and kill, "It's probably not quite enough of a meal for your Wolfie, but something is better than nothing. And if it's really not enough for even a snack, I'm sure she's more than capable of hunting something down for herself."
Wednesday glances at the dead rabbit and shakes her head minutely, "No, that'll suffice, though perhaps better prepared."
Wednesday puts the boiled egg down and moves towards the rabbit. She picks it up and moves off a ways from the fire and starts to butcher it, skinning it, and cleaning it off, doing so as quickly and as efficiently as she can, hoping to have it ready and on the fire before Enid steps out of the tent.
"You know she's eaten animals raw...fur and all, out here," Agnes says her tone one of confusion as she watches Wednesday work, her eyes glancing at Fester as he also seems to be watching his niece with some curiosity.
Wednesday just nods, eyes locked on the task at hand, "I'm aware, however, that simply will no longer be a viable option."
Just as Wednesday walks back over to the fire, Fester offering a spit to her as she steps closer, the tent unzips and Wednesday stops as she can't help but watch as Enid steps out, her flop of blonde hair hanging limply, but her bright mesmerizing blue eyes are alive and smiling as she sheepishly waves her fingers, "Hey."
Agnes squeals as she quickly jumps up from her seated position, her eyes wide and a smile of disbelief on her face as she launches herself into Enid's arms, her arms tight around Enid's waist as she squeezes her tightly, "Enid!"
Uncle Fester cackles as he catches Wednesday's eyes, "Ah, that makes so much sense now."
Wednesday nods once before looking back towards the two, her eyes softening as she sees Enid's face relax as she smiles hugging Agnes just as tight. Wednesday has to force her gaze away, taking a seat and focusing on cooking the rabbit so that Enid may actually consume it.
She's so focused on the cook on the rabbit, she doesn't notice Enid has come over to sit beside her until she leans against her side slightly, "Thank you."
Wednesday's eyes meet Enid's and she murmurs, "Think nothing of it. It's not going to taste all that great as it's not going to be seasoned, but-"
Enid shakes her head, "It's going to taste fantastic. And it's going to be hot. I can't tell you how much I've missed a hot meal."
Enid shudders as she recalls the meals she had to force herself to consume. Wednesday notices and she vows to ensure Enid has a banquet awaiting her back home. Every single option available will be laid out for her. She will never be hungry, and she will never worry for a hot meal, not as long as Wednesday is around.
"When did you turn back?" Agnes asks, her large eyes wide with curiosity as she sits right beside Enid, the fire warm in front of them.
Enid tilts her head as she smiles at Agnes, "Some time last night...I went to sleep and when I woke up I was no longer a wolf."
Agnes studies the brunette beside Enid as she says, "Just like that?"
Enid lifts a shoulder as she chuckles, "I don't know how or what did it, but something worked."
Wednesday quietly pulls the meat off the spit and places it onto a camping plate before wordlessly offering it to Enid, who smiles at her softly as she gently takes the plate, murmuring a soft, "Thank you."
Wednesday's ears warm as she keeps her gaze away from Enid's, "Eat, you need your strength."
Enid quirks her lips into a lopsided grin as she bites into her breakfast, "Yes, Wends."
Wednesday pauses in her work of peeling the boiled egg that she had previously left to prepare Enid's breakfast, her stomach fluttering at the nickname that she had not heard in such a long time. Her grip on the egg tightens and she has to take a few moments to just breathe, her body not knowing how to respond in a way that isn't to press herself closer to the blonde and ask her to repeat herself, if only to hear her name again from her mouth.
Enid tilts her head as she senses Wednesday stiffen, her eyes studying her carefully, as she stops chewing her breakfast, hear ears picking up the quickened beating of Wednesday's heart.
"Wends?" Enid asks as she swallows thickly, slowly lowering her plate, her blue eyes laser focused on the brunette, looking for any signs as to what may be wrong.
Enid's senses are heightened and she's having a hard time calming her own racing mind and heart now that she has zeroed in on Wednesday's slightly increased heart rate. Enid mentally berates herself for immediately pushing Wednesday past her limits, especially using a nickname she's not really ever gotten permission to use. This is her fault, Wednesday's discomfort is because of her.
Wednesday turns towards the blonde and she raises an eyebrow slightly, her eyes softening just so as she says gently, "Eat, Enid, I'm fine," she nods her head at the food, "we'll be on the road soon."
Enid whimpers lowly, a low whine in the back of her throat as she murmurs, "You too. Please?"
Wednesday hums to herself as she returns to peeling the egg still held in her hands, "I will," trying to calm herself so as not to give Enid anything to worry about. She chooses to remain close to the blonde, despite the way her heart is beating unnaturally fast in her chest, and the goosebumps she's suddenly feeling form across her body.
Enid watches her silently, just picking at the food on her plate as she watches, until Wednesday finally takes a bite of the hard boiled egg she's finally finished peeling. Her shoulders relax and she resumes eating her own breakfast when she sees Wednesday eating.
Agnes silently watches them, as she's bundled up and chewing on her own breakfast, eyes warm as she takes in how close the two of them are sitting beside each other.
Agnes, more than anyone, knows just how distraught Wednesday has been while they searched for Enid, and it doesn't surprise her at all that Wednesday is, consciously or unconsciously, choosing to stay close to her.
While Enid is still quietly eating her breakfast, Wednesday busies herself with meticulously making sure she is warm enough, wordlessly scooting ever so slightly closer to her, reaching over and zipping her jacket closed when she notices it, gently coercing Enid closer to the warmth of the fire, tutting as she tosses the egg shells into it before wiping Enid's lap of the crumbs she's left behind.
All the while Enid watches her with a soft, shy smile and warm eyes that look like tears are but a moment away from falling, and Agnes cannot believe they've returned her to her human self. Wednesday has done this, she feels it in her bones. Wednesday made this happen. She and Enid both did.
While the three of them are mostly silently eating, Uncle Fester has started to break down their camp, easily stowing the tent and preparing the snow mobiles.
"It's gonna be a lot easier to haul the four of us now that your Wolfie isn't a wolf anymore," Uncle Fester says gleefully as he stows away the tent into the camper trailer, rubbing his hands together, letting a few sparks fly.
Agnes grins up at him as she stands and rubs her hands together as well, only ever slightly disappointed when no sparks ever flicker when she does that.
Enid glances at Wednesday, her cheeks flushed, the small smile on her face never falling, and if she had a tail still, she knows in her heart, it would be wagging right now. The thought that anyone, but especially one of Wednesday's family members, is referring to her as Wednesday's wolf, her Wolfie, makes her so irrevocably happy. Because as much as she's her own person, her own wolf, she knows beyond a doubt that she's Wednesday's wolf.
She's sure some part of her knew it the moment she shifted for the very first time. She knew it, and forced it down. Enid had a lot of time to do some introspection while out here on her own. And looking back on that moment, that very first moment, with the Hyde, her shifting to ensure Wednesday's safety...Well, Enid had a lot of time to think. Time to spare while she was running away from everything, and everyone, that she cares about after shifting once again, this time with the knowledge that she may never turn back, and that time was what truly forced her to face the reality of just what Wednesday means to her.
All that time alone out in the wilderness allowed Enid to reflect on all of the feelings Wednesday seems to bring out in Enid. All the yearning and the jealousy and the fear of feeling inadequate, all of it, every beautiful, painful, embarrassing, ugly feeling that Enid has ever felt when it comes to the brunette finally made so much sense to Enid.
And while she's accepted it, she never thought she would ever have the opportunity to ever share her newfound understanding of herself. Enid had, somewhat, made her peace with the fact that she had banished herself from the human world. She had taken herself out of the equation by shifting to save Wednesday.
And yet, here she is. Enid, a werewolf, an Alpha, a blood-moon wolf, in all of her human-formed goodness. Here she is.
The thoughts that follow causes her some trepidation and fear, but she trusts Wednesday, and she said she has answers, that her grandmother has even more answers as well, and nothing can take away the fact that she's here, she's human and it's because Wednesday did not give up on her, and despite her initial instincts to run to keep her loved ones safe, she thinks she really would love an outcome where she doesn't have to run away anymore.
"It pleases me to hear that we will be able to make it back in even better time now, Uncle," Wednesday says, and both Agnes and Fester note the warmth in her voice that hadn't been there for a long while now.
Fester chortles to himself as he takes a bite of his breakfast, "Oh, don't think I don't know that you would have taken off with her, on your own, if you thought we'd be slowing you down."
Wednesday sees absolutely no reason to deny that, and in fact, she simply shrugs her shoulders and says, "In less than a fraction of a second."
Enid just sits in what could be described as awe as she watches Wednesday, hardly believing that this is real, that this is happening, that she is sitting right beside Wednesday as she nonchalantly tells her uncle that she would have taken off with Enid, regardless of whether she had turned back or not.
"Good thing we don't have to worry about that outcome then, seeing as you did your magic," Agnes giggles before flat out laughing at the eye roll Wednesday throws her way.
"I'm not certain about any magic that may have occurred, however, I can't say I'm upset at the current situation, regardless of just how it came to be," Wednesday says easily, her body leaning into Enid's slightly as she says this, her eyes finding Enid's and Enid notices the slight lift in her lips, a hint of a smile.
Enid's face is warm as she leans into Wednesday, and she has to stop herself from nuzzling her face into Wednesday's shoulder, tampering her need to breathe in the scent of home. She feels so peaceful, so calm, for the first time in a long time, and she doesn't fully understand any of it, but she knows the instinct to fight or flee has dissipated for the moment, and she's so grateful for Wednesday and Enid doesn't know how to properly express just what this means to her.
Wednesday hums softly as she feels Enid rest against her, and there's not a single atom in her body or soul that wants to even pretend to try and pull away. They've been separated for far too long as it is. Wednesday has had enough time alone to last multiple lifetimes.
"We ready to jet?" Uncle Fester asks, his eyes looking to each of them as he stands and starts to put the fire out.
Enid looks to Wednesday, waiting for her to take the lead. She feels so unsure of herself, so out of touch. She feels so unsteady and a part of her feels that that will never go away. She's tired and warm, really warm, for the first time since shifting, and although the intense feelings of wanting to run have calmed significantly, she's left feeling awkward, like she doesn't quite know what to do with herself, how to proceed with functioning as a person who had essentially decided to disappear. She didn't think she'd make it to this moment. She never thought there would be a moment like this to get to.
Wednesday stands and turns to Enid, her brown eyes locking with hers. Wednesday's face is calm and open as she looks at her. She isn't stoic, in fact Enid can see every nuanced emotion on her face, every line of worry that has etched its way on her face, every dark circle under her eyes from endless sleepless nights. Enid sees it all and she doesn't understand how she's ever done anything in her life to warrant having someone as fiercely loyal and determined as Wednesday on her side and in her life.
And to further Enid's surprise and general feeling of offkilteredness, Wednesday offers her her hand, her dark eyes searching hers, almost looking into her soul, looking for something Enid doesn't understand. But when Wednesday's eyes soften even further, and Wednesday's face warms, a dusting of color making its way to Wednesday's cheeks, Enid thinks maybe Wednesday does find what she's looking for.
Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday. Enid cannot help the way her thoughts are repeating her name, as if she could ever forget her name.
Enid places her hand in hers and stands right beside her. Enid's heart skips a beat when she feels Wednesday's hand squeezing hers and she quickly squeezes back, feeling giddy when Wednesday doesn't immediately let go.
Wednesday's heart flutters in her chest, it's a feeling she's hardly ever experienced, and she doesn't know what to do when Enid quirks her eyebrow at her in question, clearly having noticed her anomalous heart rhythms, and she especially doesn't know what to do when her hand is still being held and the fluttering and the butterflies start up in her stomach at a level that surpasses the previous record, which was only just set mere moments ago.
And so Wednesday simply clears her throat slightly and slowly draws her hand back from Enid's, relishing in the feel of her skin against hers for this fleeting moment, before she turns towards the snowmobile and double checks the straps on all of their supplies, and digs out some equipment for the ride back.
Enid tilts her head and just watches her, remaining quiet, sensing Wednesday needs a moment, hearing how her heart is beating just that much faster, and her breathing is slightly abnormal. Whatever Wednesday is thinking, she's certainly having a reaction to it, and Enid doesn't want to add to her worry.
Agnes sidles up to Enid then, nudging her gently and giggling softly when Enid's wide blue eyes meet hers, "It's so good to have you back Enid."
Enid offers her a soft smile, slightly awkward and embarrassed almost, as she sheepishly rubs the back of her neck, "It's good to be back...Are...Have my family..." she lets the question die on her tongue, letting the quiet permeate their surroundings as she contemplates just what it is she's actually wanting to ask.
Agnes screws up her face slightly as she thinks about the best way to approach the topic, only to be saved by Wednesday stalking back over, "You're riding with Uncle Fester," she says to Agnes, "Enid and I will be following you. Please remember you have Thing in the trailer."
Agnes squeezes Enid's hand gently before she quickly hops over to the snowmobile that Fester is already on, engine running smoothly as she takes her seat, plopping her helmet on before tucking her scarf around herself.
Wednesday hums in quiet satisfaction at the sight before turning to Enid. She holds out one of the two helmets she grabbed from the trailer, "I apologize that the coloring may not be to your exact liking, however, there weren't very many options and I wasn't going to wait for the company to deliver one that would be satisfactory, as that would have been time wasted that could have been utilized searching for you. I hope this is okay?"
Enid's eyes drop to the helmet Wednesday is holding out and she feels like crying at the sheer level of adorable and thoughtful Wednesday is. The helmet has a splash of black with an abundance of bright, bright pink and a turquoise visor, and Enid doesn't know how to tell Wednesday that it's actually perfect and precisely the one she would have picked out for herself without blubbering so she wordlessly, shakily, takes the helmet and puts it on.
Wednesday watches her as she slips the helmet on, and stares at her for a moment after that, taking in the vision that is Enid in this monstrously bright helmet, standing in front of her, preparing to get onto the back of a snowmobile.
Wednesday almost doesn't want to blink for fear that this is an elaborate vision she is currently having. She's worried that at any moment, she's going to wake up, alone, in a tent, still searching for Enid.
She does blink though.
And Enid is still standing in front of her, her head tilting slightly as she watches her, her voice muffled from the helmet as she asks, "Everything okay? Did I put it on wrong?"
Wednesday cannot stop her lips from quirking up in a smile, albeit a small one, as she shakes her head, "No. No you did not put it on wrong. I was simply assessing the fit and snugness. We don't want your head to be rattling around on the inside of that shell. Is it loose?"
Enid shakes her head and Wednesday's eyes track the movement, "No, it feels pretty snug."
Wednesday's sharp eyes somehow find hers, despite the visor obscuring Enid's eyes, and she asks, "Is it too tight?"
Enid blushes as she shakes her head, "N-no? No, I don't think so. It's just right, I think. It's not uncomfortable."
Wednesday says nothing for a moment, still just watching before she nods, "Alright, good, it shouldn't be uncomfortable."
Enid grins, her cheeks flush and she's thankful for the helmet for hiding that fact, "It's not, Wends. Thank you."
Wednesday's own cheeks color as she quickly slips her own helmet on, "Good. Let's go then."
Wednesday quickly spins around and throws her leg over the snowmobile, easily climbing into position, and Enid's heart skips a beat at the sight.
That shouldn't have been as hot as it was.
Enid bites her lip as she shuffles over and climbs on behind Wednesday.
And then the panic sets in.
Enid freezes with her hands fluttering around, her brain short-circuiting as she tries to figure out how she's meant to be holding on.
Wednesday looks over her shoulder and she notices Enid's hands still fluttering around, "Me, Enid. You hold onto me."
Enid gulps as she nods her head, "Right, no, yeah, I knew that. Totes."
Wednesday allows a rare grin, knowing it's hidden behind her own helmet, "You have my explicit consent to hold on," she turns the snowmobile on, and as it purrs to life, she says, louder to be heard over the sound of the engine, "Hold on tight."
Enid thinks this must be what purgatory is, caught between heaven and hell, on the back of a snowmobile, with Wednesday driving. She's having the time of her life, and wants to fully let go, figuratively, and take in every moment that she has holding onto Wednesday, but a part of her is terrified that she's overstepping, that the second Wednesday realizes that she's having less than platonic feelings towards her, she's going to feel violated and Enid doesn't want her to feel like she's been lied to.
Enid's arms are wrapped tightly around Wednesday's waist, her front is pressed up against Wednesday's back, and her knees are pulled tight up against Wednesday's legs, and Enid wonders if Wednesday can feel her heart beating against her back, and if so, she wonders if she'll ignore it, or ask her about it once they make it back to the house.
Wednesday's own heart is hammering in her chest and it skips a few beats the moment Enid's arms snake around her waist. She swallows and clears her throat before she revs the engine and peels off following Agnes who loosens an arm to wave her hand at them as she and Fester pass in front of them.
Wednesday needs to get them home, soon, because there's an overwhelming need to spill every one of her thoughts right now and it most certainly is not the time for it. She suspects Enid would perhaps feel more comfortable talking when they aren't sledding down a mountain at nearly break-neck speeds, and perhaps she may find it more comfortable if they're able to see each other's faces when they do talk, though Wednesday wonders if she'll even be able to keep proper eye-contact at all.
Roughly an hour into their drive, and Enid finally feels relaxed enough to lay her head against Wednesday's back as she continues to drive them. Her body hums in contentment as she gently squeezes Wednesday's waist as she closes her eyes and holds onto her.
Wednesday feels Enid rest against her and she curses the fact that they are currently on a snowmobile and she can't see her face right now. The way her arms are wrapped around her waist and the feeling of her arms holding onto her so tightly are distracting enough, and now Wednesday must contend with the fact that she's resting against her, fully. Her front is pressed up against her back and she swears she can feel every one of her breaths, as her chest rises and falls in tandem with hers.
It's nearly enough to distract Wednesday from the task at hand. Except, Wednesday's priorities aren't skewed, and she will not be the reason they do not make it home in a timely manner.
Enid can feel Wednesday shift slightly, her body tensing slightly in determination and the blonde chuckles softly, rubbing her thumb against Wednesday's jacket, "You okay?"
She has to yell, kind of, and it's muffled because of her helmet but that's okay, Wednesday hears her just fine.
Wednesday squeezes her elbows in against Enid's arms in a gesture that makes Enid internally squeal, as she slightly turns her head and yells over the engine, "I'm perfectly content, yes. We're going to be arriving sooner than I had even anticipated, and I'm just focusing on ensuring your safe arrival."
Enid tightens her grip on Wednesday as she gruffly yells, "Our safe arrival."
Wednesday simply shrugs a shoulder but says nothing, until Enid squeezes her hips, causing Wednesday to inhale sharply, "Our safe arrival then."
Enid smirks smugly to herself as she wiggles closer still, once again fully resting her head and body against the back of Wednesday's, "Good. Thank you."
Wednesday doesn't deign to respond to that, her face terribly flushed at the moment, and she wishes more than anything that she can see Enid's face right now, knowing, inherently, that she's smirking, and she's so missed her face.
After about another hour and a half, they're slowing down and getting closer to civilization, and Uncle Fester gestures to Wednesday to pull up beside him.
He flips up his visor and lowers the muzzle on his helmet as he looks to them as they pull up on his left, "I've got our getaway car waiting for us down by the retreat. I'm going to go down and nab it real quick with Agie, so we can offload the trailer cab into the bed of the truck and we'll double back for you two. We'll be fifteen minutes tops. Keep yourselves occupied. Stay low."
Wednesday nods once as they take off down the rest of the way, and the two of them watch as they disappear, before Wednesday loops them back into the thicker tree line and kills the engine.
Enid loosens her grip on Wednesday slightly, unsure of how to proceed, not wanting to crowd her, but also not wanting to fully disengage with her just yet. Enid's glad when Wednesday doesn't immediately hop off of the snowmobile, rather she slightly leans back into Enid and the blonde can feel herself practically vibrating at the concept of Wednesday wanting to be held.
"You're comfortable?" Wednesday asks into the peaceful quiet that surrounds them.
Enid nods as she squeezes Wednesday's waist lightly, "Very, thank you. You're very warm."
Wednesday hums softly, her eyes strictly focusing on the treeline, her grip on the handlebars tightening just so, "That's entirely your fault."
Enid's eyes widen and she's suddenly trying to shift away, loosening her grip on Wednesday further, stumbling over her words, "I'm sorry! Oh my gosh, let me-"
Wednesday places one of her hands over Enid's quickly, the other falling onto her knee, halting her retreat instantly, "I did not say I minded it, Enid. I only meant...I don't typically run warm, it's you that's warm and I'm soaking it in and sharing it back with you."
Enid's helmet is fogging up and it's entirely due to the heat radiating off of her incredibly warm cheeks due to her full body blush that's currently causing her to feel slightly faint, the feel of Wednesday's hands on her making her feel even more lightheaded, "Y-you don't mind?"
Wednesday shakes her head as she uses the hand that had been on Enid's to pull up the visor on her helmet, and Enid does actually nearly faint at the look on Wednesday's face when she turns to look at her over her shoulder, Wednesday's hand that she had placed on Enid's knee grazing slightly as she turns. Her dark brown eyes are smouldering as she locks them with Enid's, "I find there is very little, if anything at all, that I mind when it comes to you. It's become quite a point of contention."
Wednesday scratches her fingernails lightly against her leg where her hand rests against Enid and Enid cannot form words as Wednesday continues, "Do you need to stretch? We've been riding for a while and we're about to be further constrained in a vehicle for a couple more hours."
Enid gulps as she nods her head slowly, her hands shakily lifting to pull her helmet off her head, missing her hold on Wednesday already.
"Yeah, yeah that'd be good, I think," Enid murmurs, biting her lip as she finally gets the helmet off, blush deepening when she notes Wednesday's eyes trailing over her face, studying her.
"Very well," Wednesday steps off of the snowmobile after Enid shakily stands and places the helmet on the seat.
Enid keeps a hold of the helmet as she stretches her legs and walks over to the tree line.
"How long were you out here?" Enid finds herself asking, her eyes looking down towards where they last saw Fester.
Wednesday studies Enid from where she stands beside the vehicle, "A few weeks."
Enid hums, her blue eyes flitting over to look at Wednesday as she asks, "How many weeks?"
Wednesday shrugs her shoulders as she easily answers, "Five."
Enid turns to fully face Wednesday, "You spent five weeks out here trying to get to me?"
Wednesday nods, brown eyes hiding nothing as she says, "Of course. I wouldn't stop until I found you. We came so close, a number of times, but then you would slip further away. You're quite hardheaded."
Enid blubbers out a laugh as she wipes at the tears that have started to fall, "I was trying to make sure you stayed safe. I didn't want to hurt you."
Wednesday takes a tentative step towards Enid, "You wouldn't have hurt me. Clearly you didn't hurt me. No matter what you may think is true about being an Alpha in your wolf state, there's always a part of you in there, as it is still you, regardless of the form you take."
Enid shakes her head slightly, "You can't know that. You couldn't have known that. I could've seriously hurt you. What if I didn't recognize you?"
Wednesday can't help the slight smirk that flickers across her face, "Enid," she says not unkindly, causing Enid to lock eyes with her, "You don't believe that for a moment. You knew me. You know me. The only reason you kept running was because you knew it was me. The whole time, you knew it was me that was looking for you. The moment you stopped running away, granted because you had nowhere to run, you allowed me a moment to speak to you. Through the entire search, there was never a moment that you didn't know it was me."
Enid sniffles, and gruffly wipes away at the tears that were silently making their way down her cheeks, "I didn't want you to be disappointed when you found me and you couldn't do anything to help me. I didn't want to be a burden. And what if, one night, I didn't remember you anymore? What then?"
Wednesday shakes her head as she steps closer to the blonde, "You are never a burden. I would be bringing you back home regardless of the form you inhabit."
Enid chuckles softly, "Only because you're so fascinated by dangerous creatures."
Wednesday quirks her lips as she acquiesces, "Among other reasons, certainly."
"Alphas are dangerous, Wends. There's a reason clans tend to do away with them when they manifest."
Wednesday shakes her head, "That's a load of absolute absurdity. The werewolves in my family have never banished alphas."
Enid's face shows clear surprise, "Wait, what?"
Wednesday nods, "Granted, the Addams' werewolves tend to navigate the world in a decidedly odd way when compared to more traditional werewolf clans, but, there's never been a banishment, ever, in all of the history of Addams werewolves, as far as I've been able to ascertain."
Enid furrows her brows as she asks, "Kay, but so, like, when were you going to tell me you had werewolves in the family?"
Wednesday lifts a shoulder, "It never came up."
Enid scoffs, a lightness back to her demeanor, which Wednesday is glad for, "No, right, yeah, when would you ever have possibly been able to bring them up to your roommate, who is a werewolf, and who has talked about werewolves on so many occasions."
Wednesday bites a smile back as she says, "It never seemed to be the proper time, I didn't want to make it about me and my family. I was attempting to be a good listener, as that is, I gathered, what friends do."
Enid rolls her eyes as she groans, "Right, that's fair. But, okay, so, your family?"
Wednesday hums, "There are a few werewolves in the family. And, through my research, I've found zero references to any of them ever being banished. We take family very seriously. In fact, there are a number of packs and clans that have outright refused to banish any alphas that may have manifested."
Enid swallows a lump in her throat and simply nods her head, not quite ready to ask about her own family at this point. Part of her already quite certain as to their reaction to her shift.
Wednesday remains quiet, silently watching Enid as she processes her words, watching as a myriad of emotions plays out on her face, knowing there must be so many thoughts running through her mind as well, and wanting to reassure her through all of them.
She steps closer to the blonde and silently offers her her hand, a gesture that has Enid studying her face closely before tentatively grasping her hand and squeezing gently.
They remain silent as they wait for Uncle Fester and Agnes to crest over the hill back towards them.
It's nice, Enid thinks, to be able to stand comfortably, silently, with someone out in the middle of nowhere, knowing you're safe with the other.
They hear the truck before they see it.
It's loud, and rather large, as it comes barreling up towards them. Wednesday rolls her eyes at the sight of such an eyesore, the bright red color stark against all of the white surrounding them.
Enid whispers, "Oh my God."
When the truck skids to a halt just at the tree line, Agnes pokes her head through the window that she cracks open, "Come on, we wanna be home in time for dinner!"
Wednesday rolls her eyes once more but takes a step out towards the truck, hand still holding Enid's as she gently tugs her along, "Lunch. We'll be home in time for lunch."
Agnes giggles, "Food. We'll be home in time for food."
Enid giggles as she catches the look on Wednesday's face as they shuffle towards the truck before she sobers up and asks, "What're we doing about the snowmobiles?"
Fester answers her as Wednesday climbs into the back, followed closely by Enid, "I've got a buddy that's gonna be collecting them. I see you held onto your helmet though, smart girl, probably best to keep that close, you never know when you might need it."
Enid looks at Wednesday and lifts it slightly silently questioning whether she should be putting it on, to which Wednesday shakes her head, "No need. Uncle Fester knows he is to drive us back safely. He'll be able to go on a joy ride on his own after he's dropped us off, if he so chooses."
Enid is under the impression that that was Wednesday's way of letting her uncle know she isn't going to be very happy with him if he doesn't drive them all back safely, and from the look on his face, she's right.
Uncle Fester checks that they're all settled in and buckled up before he rolls them out of there, back down towards the main road, "Casa Addams coming right up, kids!"
The truck is warm, and though there's music playing, courtesy of Agnes sitting up front, Enid finds herself fighting against her heavy eyelids as she sits in the warmth of being beside Wednesday.
Wednesday murmurs quietly, just loud enough for Enid to hear her, "Close your eyes, Enid. You are safe here. I'll wake you when we arrive."
Enid lolls her head to the side so she's looking at Wednesday, a lazy smile forming on her face, "I'm sorry, I'm just so comfy right now."
Wednesday folds her hands in her lap and nods once, "Perfectly reasonable, and not a reason to apologize. Sleep, Enid. I will make sure I wake you up when we arrive."
Enid hums sleepily, her eyes fluttering closed, "Wake me up a little before we get there, please?"
Wednesday's face softens, "I promise, I will make sure to wake you before we get there."
At those words, Enid finally stops resisting the pull of sleep, sliding down in her seat a little more and curling herself so she's leaning slightly towards Wednesday.
Wednesday remains silent, and doesn't acknowledge or react to Enid moving just that little bit more into her space. Instead, she finds herself slightly leaning towards Enid as well, and simply watches over her as they continue driving towards the Addams family home.
Agnes, at some point looks into the backseat to say something, but when she's greeted with the sight of the both of them resting against each other she clamps her mouth shut and, as discreetly as she possibly can, angles her phone so that she can take a picture, knowing the blonde would want this moment captured for posterity.
Without even looking at Agnes, Wednesday's voice suddenly murmurs, startling Agnes, "If you do not cease whatever it is you're attempting..."
She trails off, and Agnes at least has the decency to appear somewhat chastised and her cheeks flush as she hurriedly puts her phone away, "Sure Wednesday."
She doesn't feel bad, since technically she wasn't attempting anything at this point, she's already succeeded in her task. Agnes tucks the phone away and turns back to face Wednesday, "What did you do to get Enid back?"
Wednesday's eyes find Agnes' eyes as she quirks her eyebrow, "You were there, surely you haven't already forgotten all of those nights out in the woods."
Agnes snorts, "No, I mean what did you do to turn her back to being human?"
Wednesday remains silent and she simply looks at Agnes, for so long that Agnes thinks she may have somehow fallen asleep with her eyes open.
"Like Enid had already stated, she simply woke up in her human body."
Wednesday watches as Agnes' face shows she's not entirely convinced, "You didn't do anything?"
Wednesday shakes her head once, "Not a single thing. As you may recall, I've sustained injuries, and nearly as soon as I was in my sleeping bag, I was asleep."
Agnes furrows her brows, "That can't be it...like...you just had to talk to her? Seriously?"
Wednesday flicks her eyes towards Agnes, bemused by her frustration, "I don't pretend to understand the intricacies of such things, I'm sure Grandmama will have some answers. She tends to have vast knowledge of many a subject."
Agnes grumbles to herself as she turns back around and faces forward, "I guess..." she huffs before continuing, "I was hoping there was some intricate spell you had to cast under cover of darkness, away from prying eyes or something."
Wednesday hums noncommittally, "No spell casting, as far as I'm aware. Simple words and honest earnestness."
Agnes glances over her shoulder as she grins at Wednesday, "Earnestness, huh?"
Wednesday doesn't even bother mustering a scowl as she says, "You're such a child."
Uncle Fester chuckles at the exchange, "There, there, let's pump the brakes on this chatter, your Wolfie is resting, and we don't want to get too boisterous."
Agnes sticks her tongue out at Wednesday, to which Wednesday rolls her eyes but says nothing, a swelling of affection forming in her chest, despite the childish behavior Agnes is exhibiting. And the irony of her Uncle Fester being the one calling for order and quiet is not lost on her, but she's not going to question what plans he has in store for when they're back home to counteract this moment.
True to her word, Wednesday rouses Enid when they are about ten minutes from the manor.
Enid's bright blue eyes flutter open as Wednesday brushes her hair out of her face, "We almost there?"
Wednesday nods once, "Almost. Take a look for yourself."
Enid grins at her as she sits up in her seat and looks out the window. The view is spectacular, the road they're currently on taking them through a dense forest.
"The manor is on quite a bit of land. We're technically already on the property," Wednesday murmurs as Enid takes in the sheer amount of space and lack of other homes.
Enid's eyes widen, "No kidding?"
Wednesday's lips quirk up slightly, "No kidding. I thought perhaps ten minutes away from the front gates would be a good time to wake you."
Enid nods as she continues looking out the window, part of her eager to go exploring these woods with Wednesday at some point.
Uncle Fester slows the truck down as they near the front gates and Enid can't help the whistle she lets out when she sees it in front of them, the manor, large and imposing, standing tall behind it.
"Holy shit," Enid murmurs, eyes as wide as saucers as she stares at the wrought iron gates.
The truck slowly rolls forward and Enid watches in fascination as the gates slowly open for them, her jaw dropping as they continue forward up the long drive.
"You're gonna catch flies with your mouth open like that," Agnes giggles as she says this, phone out and recording her reaction.
Enid clamps it shut, though her eyes are still wide as they finally pull to a stop.
"Welcome home," Uncle Fester quips as he cuts the engine and throws his door open before he jumps out of the truck.
Bemused by Enid's reaction to her home, Wednesday gently touches Enid's arm to garner her attention, "Come on, Enid. Let's get you settled, and when you're ready, I will be more than willing to give you a tour, should you like."
Enid nods as she unbuckles herself and slides out of the truck, right behind Wednesday, who was gracious enough to offer her hand to help her down.
Enid blushes as she accepts the hand, and is surprised when Wednesday does not immediately let go once she's on solid ground. Instead, Wednesday gently squeezes her hand and tugs her along, keeping an affirming hold on the blonde's hand.
Enid swallows as they make the walk up to the front doors. Her apprehension is palpable, she's sure of it.
Wednesday squeezes her hand, "You're safe, Enid, I assure you."
Enid looks over at Wednesday and nods her head, as she takes a deep breath before she nods once more and squeezes Wednesday's hand, "Okay, I'm ready."
Wednesday hums in acknowledgement, then turns to the doors and opens it, pushing it in and stepping to the side, to allow Enid to enter before her. Enid does not let go of Wednesday's hand, and so they both enter together. Together, just the way Enid likes it.
Enid blinks at the sudden wondrousness that is the Addams family mansion, the foyer alone takes her breath away.
"Querida, you've returned!" Gomez's voice cuts through the halls of the mansion while Enid is still taking in the foyer with wide blue eyes.
Wednesday gently squeezes Enid's hand that she is still holding as she responds, "Yes. The success I've accomplished, finally, is satisfying. We've returned in haste."
Wednesday can hear her mother's footsteps joining her father's on their way towards them.
Enid's hand tightens in Wednesday's grip, her eyes even wider as she hears Wednesday's parents make their way closer.
"Peace, Enid. You're safe."
Wednesday knows she will repeat those same words as often as necessary until Enid is satisfied with the truth within them.
Enid nods stiltedly. She knows she's safe with Wednesday's family. She knows she's safe with Wednesday. She knows this, but she can't help how she feels nervous. Anxious.
Here she is, five, maybe six? weeks fresh out of running around in the wilderness- she's weaker, she's skinnier, she's grimy and coated in layers of dirt, dried blood, and God knows what else- and she's standing in the foyer of an immaculately kept mansion that expands before her- and Wednesday's parents, who have never looked less than spectacular, every single time she's seen them, are about to see her, like this. Her heart rate is picking up by the second as their steps get closer.
"Oh, Enid," Morticia breathes out as she turns the corner and lays eyes on the blonde standing beside her daughter.
Enid gulps as she blinks back the sudden tears that appear at Morticia's warm tone and the relieved look on her face.
The matriarch reaches out, gently raising her arms and simply waits for Enid to make the decision as she softly speaks, "It's so good to see you, Enid. Wednesday, my darling, you've done an exquisite job of returning her safely."
Enid lets the tears that were threatening to fall, fall as she gently loosens her hold on Wednesday's hand and reaches out to Morticia, who wraps her up in an embrace that is the perfect tightness.
"You're so strong, petite loup," Morticia whispers against Enid's ear as she rubs her back, holding tighter as Enid's sobs start to shake her body, having finally released the emotions she's been fighting with.
Enid's cries wrack through her as she shakes her head at the words.
"Oui, mon amour. Yes, you are. So strong. You don't even realize just how strong you are, sweet girl. You can rest now. Let us take care of you."
Wednesday feels her heart lurch in her chest in a way she's not entirely familiar with, but she isn't quite as disturbed by it as she once used to be. Her stomach also aches at hearing Enid so hurt, but she's glad they're home now. Someplace they can properly address any and all of the emotions and feelings and thoughts that plague the blonde.
Gomez steps up beside Wednesday and puts his arm around her shoulders, "Mi tormenta, you're always such a formidable huntress. Not that any of us had a doubt that you would be successful. And you managed to return her to her human form while you were at it, you're unstoppable."
Enid pulls out of the hug with Morticia, sniffling still, as Morticia wipes her tears from her cheeks, and wetly says, "Wednesday wouldn't take no for an answer even though I kept making her chase me."
"She's hard headed that way, when it comes to those she cares about. It's part of her charm," Morticia murmurs with a soft smile on her face that Enid returns.
"Welcome to casa Addams, Enid. Please don't hesitate to ask for anything you should want. Our home is yours," Gomez says gently, speaking in an even tone, a testament to his emotional intelligence in curbing his clear enthusiasm.
Wednesday nods, as she meets Enid's eyes, "I was hoping to take a shower and get into some more comfortable clothes. Enid, if you would like to do the same, I can show you the way."
Enid nods, grateful for the clear plan, "Yes, please. I would seriously like to freshen up."
Morticia gives Enid's shoulders a squeeze as she lets her go, "We'll be sure to have something for the both of you to enjoy when you're ready."
Wednesday nods at her mother as they walk by and Wednesday's eyes are soft and appreciative when she meets her mother's eyes. Wednesday allows Morticia to pass her hand across her hair, "I'm glad for your return, mon corbeau, House has missed you."
Wednesday quirks her lips ever so slightly, "I'll admit, I may have also missed House."
Morticia allows a full smile to appear on her face, "Grandmama will be here by the time the two of you are fresh and clean."
Wednesday hums in acknowledgement though surprised at the haste with which her grandmother will be arriving, before stepping forward and leading Enid up the stairs towards her bedroom.
"The bathroom should have all you require, but if there's anything missing, I'll be sure to rectify that," Wednesday murmurs as she pushes the door to her bedroom open.
"You got it, but like, I'm sure it'll be fine," Enid says quietly, her eyes not daring to blink the whole way up to the room.
Wednesday's room is even more Wednesday than Enid even imagined. The sheer volume of books on an even more maddening number of bookcases and shelves is beyond her comprehension.
"That door is to the bathroom," Wednesday gently points out, "Towels are in there, along with whatever toiletries," she points to another door on the other side of the room, "this door is to the closet. Help yourself to anything in there. Help yourself to anything, anywhere. I do have to...apologize, that I do not own anything quite as colorful as you are more prone to, but we'll rectify that as soon as you are ready to do so."
Enid scrunches her face and chuckles, "No, that's okay, you don't have to do that. I'll be fine, thank you for letting me borr-"
Wednesday not unkindly interjects, "I insist. I want for you to be comfortable and you being in clothing you normally enjoy would help with that, will it not?"
Enid blushes as she nods slightly, "I- yes."
Wednesday nods, "Now that that's settled, I shall let you be. I'm only just down the hall and I shall await for your signal that you are ready."
Enid wants to ask her why she's letting her take her bedroom, she wants to ask why she's being handled so sweetly, she wants to ask so many things, but Wednesday has turned and walked out of the room and Enid is left with all these questions she wants to ask her. Enid chuckles to herself as she shakes her head to herself. She'll find a moment to ask all of her questions, and she knows, at least now, that Wednesday will undoubtedly answer her. Even if it takes her some time to put her thoughts in order.
Enid steps into the en suite bathroom and takes a deep breath as she walks further into it. It's dark and warm and vast in a way Enid had never experienced in a space that wasn't a hotel. The bathtub is luxurious and the shower attached to it looks like it cost more than everything she owns.
True to Wednesday's word, the bathroom is stocked with everything Enid could possibly need or even want. The water is hot, and the pressure is perfect and Enid just stands under the spray for a long time just letting the water run down her body.
She takes a peak at her feet as she's standing under the spray and grimaces as she sees how dirty the water running off of her is. She swallows tightly as she reaches out for the body wash and starts scrubbing at her skin, watching as the suds work their magic and her skin finally appears under all the grime.
She sighs deeply as she washes her hair, shampooing thrice for good measure before she conditions and goes back to scrub her body again while she lets the conditioner sit. Enid is entranced with the way more and more of herself is being revealed as she sets about cleaning herself off, and she's still not fully convinced this is real life.
When she rinses her hair out and she's technically finished with her shower, the water is still hot and she takes a moment to just stand under the water stream and breathes deeply.
The bathroom is filled with steam by the time she's ready to step out. It's so thick, she can barely see, and she giggles to herself as she wraps the largest towel she's ever had the pleasure of using around herself, it's fluffy and warm and so soft and it's large enough to wrap around her body twice.
Enid opens the door and takes a deep breath and her senses are filled with everything Wednesday and she can feel her soul relax. She bites her lip as she walks over to the closet and finds a pair of sweats, a sweatshirt and a t-shirt to throw on. She brings the items over towards Wednesday's large bed and places them on the mattress before contemplating the undergarment situation when she notices a bag with her name on it.
Enid reaches towards it and picks up the note, 'Enid, here are some of your garments that I brought home from school, I'm attempting to gather the rest, hopefully these will suffice until then. ~W'
Enid opens the bag and she sees a number of pairs of underwear and her bras and she chuckles to herself as she pulls out something to wear, before putting on Wednesday's clothes. She breathes in Wednesday's scent, rubbing her nose against the collar for a moment before she shuffles back over to the closet and finds a pair of socks.
Once she's dressed, she meanders over towards Wednesday's mirror and she runs her fingers through her hair, sighing as she notes how all of the colors she had put in have now faded. Enid wonders if Wednesday would be willing to help her do her hair if she ends up deciding to recolor it, and then she scolds herself at her line of thinking because Wednesday would probably rather pry her nails off of her own fingers.
Except...Enid tilts her head as she chews on her lip while she considers whether Wednesday would actually say no after going through everything she did to get her back. She shakes her head and sighs softly.
Now that she's feeling fresh, Enid wonders just how she's meant to let Wednesday know that she's ready to go back down and possibly have something to eat.
The blonde takes a breath to steady herself before she opens Wednesday's bedroom door. She peeks out into the hall and when she looks towards her left, she sees Wednesday standing in front of a door down that hallway.
Wednesday just barely quirks her lips up in a small smile when she notices her, "Everything to your satisfaction?"
Enid blushes as she shuffles over towards her as she nods, "Your shower is ah-mazing, thank you."
Wednesday hums softly, feeling warm as Enid gushes over the heat and consistent pressure, "I'm glad. Do you feel up to going back down to have something to eat? I don't know about you, but I find I'm rather famished after all that driving."
Wednesday's eyes are glittery as she looks at Enid, and the blonde has a feeling Wednesday is framing things in this way strictly for her benefit and she's not at all upset by the consideration Wednesday is showing her.
"I think so, yeah," Enid quietly says, and just like that her body decides to make itself heard. The sound that comes from her stomach is loud and there's no way the rest of the occupants of the house did not hear it.
Enid blushes profusely as she chuckles and rubs the back of her neck, "I guess I'm a lot more hungry than I knew."
Wednesday doesn't comment, her eyes simply soften further as she offers a hand to Enid, who readily accepts it, as she leads them down the hall and towards the dining room, "Let's get you properly fed, shall we?"
Enid's heart does some flips and dips at the feel of Wednesday's cool hand in hers, her grip is strong and assured and it fills Enid with a sense of such peace, especially with the knowledge that it's Wednesday that reached out for her.
"Grandmama should have arrived by now, and I'm sure she'll be quite happy to answer any and all of your questions," Wednesday says as they walk towards the dining room together.
Enid bites her lip as she processes this.
"Is this real life?" Enid hears herself ask.
She watches as Wednesday glances at her, her steps never faltering, "It is, yes. I assure you, this is all happening."
Enid swallows thickly and squeezes Wednesday's hand, "Okay."
Wednesday turns her head fully to look at her as they slow their walk to a stop, "How can I help assure you better? In case there's ever a time when you need more reassurance that this is in fact real."
Enid's heart speeds up and she notes that Wednesday's heartbeat has also increased ever so slightly from it's normal rhythm.
Enid's blue eyes widen just so as she looks into Wednesday's eyes as she whispers, "Just...keep doing what you're doing, please?"
Wednesday searches Enid's face before settling on her eyes once more as she nods, "I can do that."
Enid offers her a small half smile, "Thank you."
Wednesday nods and murmurs, "You're welcome, Enid."
They stay there for a moment, just looking at each other before another rumble from Enid's stomach causes Wednesday to quirk her lips into a half smile, for a flash Enid notes a dimple in her cheek, before she schools her features as she tugs gently on Enid's hand, "Come on, there's food awaiting us."
Enid wants to squeal and squish Wednesday's face between her hands. She wants to make her smile bigger, she wants to know whether or not Wednesday has a matching dimple on her other cheek. She wants to be the reason she smiles like that again. Enid simply wants.
"Nuestra loba feroz! Come, come, we have a spread for you to enjoy," Gomez says cheerfully, as he gestures to the dining table that is, true to his word, laden with a number of dishes. Enid's mouth immediately waters at the delicious scents wafting from everything on the table.
Wednesday gently tugs her closer and she gestures for Enid to take a seat, pulling out her chair for her. Enid's blush, she's certain, has not left her face once since leaving the bedroom. She murmurs a gentle thank you as she takes her seat, and she's immeasurably glad when Wednesday takes a seat beside her.
Morticia walks in then, followed by Fester, Pugsley and Agnes. Morticia caresses the back of Enid's head, which causes Enid to grin up at her bashfully, as she passes by on her way to her seat at the table, right beside Gomez, across from her daughter and Enid.
Pugsley sits on his mother's left, and Agnes nabs a seat beside him, a smile on her face as she waves hello to Enid, who grins and waves back at her. Fester jostles Gomez lovingly as he slides in to sit between him and Wednesday, who gives him a nudge and a slight lean into his shoulder.
"Ay, granddaughter, you made it back I hear," Grandmama's voice filters through to the dining room before she's made an appearance.
Wednesday can't help the grin that spreads across her face as she nods and says, "Yes, it seems my natural knack for hunting has only increased."
Enid is enamored with Wednesday's grin, as it clearly puts on display both of her dimples, and she's so glad to have been able to witness its sheer luminosity.
Grandmama enters the dining room then with a witchy cackle, and Enid is greeted with the sight of a slight statured elderly woman, with hair standing every which way, a number of charms hanging from her waist and in her hair, her eyes bright as she locks in on Enid.
"Ah, and here she is, your wolf. A bit on the scrawny side, but no matter, we'll make sure she's back to health, we Addams' will," Grandmama says not unkindly as she slips into her seat beside the blonde, the only remaining seat at the table, across from Gomez.
Enid blushes harder, she can feel the heat radiating off of the tips of her ears.
Wednesday bites the inside of her cheek to stop from chuckling as she studies the pair, quietly plating food for Enid, "I'm pleased you're able to join us, Grandmama. I was worried you'd be busy with one of your prior engagements and that it would be a couple of days before you'd be free enough to join us."
Grandmama tsks as she serves Pugsley some greens, "No prior engagement is as important as my granddaughter. Besides, the worthless louse showed his true colors and now I'm more apt to see him suffer than I am to help."
Wednesday quirks an eyebrow and leans forward after she's put Enid's plate down in front of her, her interest piqued at that sentence, "Would a visit from me cause him undue duress?"
Enid snorts before she can stop herself, and her face shows her embarrassment at her own reaction to that, but she carries on regardless, "Sorry, that's just..." she giggles and bites her lip before turning more towards Wednesday as she says, "Wends, you can't just show up to some randos place...I mean, no," she puts a hand up quickly when she sees Wednesday's raised eyebrow, "Wait. Yes, yes, I know you can, but like...can you, can we just let him be? For now?"
Wednesday's face shows a slight grin that she's fighting against, and Enid is pleased with herself for garnering that reaction, "I suppose you have a point. Lull him into a false sense of security before swooping in. A fantastic idea, Enid."
Enid blushes and averts her eyes back to her plate, avoiding looking at any of the other occupants at the table, feeling their knowing eyes are on them.
Grandmama laughs, "Ay, I wouldn't say no to having you give him a visit. But, yer wolf is right. I'd much rather have him suffer in silence for the time being, before letting you loose onto him."
Enid chances a glance then at the older woman, and she meets kind, knowing eyes and a warm face as she gives her a wink. Enid grins back at her as she continues to tuck into the meal.
The table talk around the meal is lively, yet much different than any family meal Enid has ever been a part of. Enid can recall on one hand, the number of meals she shared with her family that didn't end in a shouting match, and she can count even less that didn't end with some broken dishes.
The Addams family has a number of conversations going, and each one is flowing so seamlessly, Enid is caught up in a number of them at various points of time and she can say without a shadow of a doubt that she's feeling more and more at ease the longer this meal is going. Which is a far cry from any meal she's had with her family, where she would be looking for a way to leave the longer she was at the table.
"Would you say you'd rather have more protein varieties for the next spread, Enid, darling?" Morticia asks at one point, while Enid is helping herself to some more of the mystery meatballs.
Enid shakes her head with a grin on her face, "Not particularly, whatever you're used to having. This is all so delicious, and I've gotten pretty adventurous with what I'm willing to try now."
Morticia smiles at her as she nods her head, sipping on her drink as Enid feels Wednesday's hand lightly squeeze her knee, "Mother always loves input on meals, so if you're craving something, please don't hesitate to let her know. She's been expanding the family's palate. We've been forced to try things...less cultured."
Enid nearly chokes on her bite of food at the unexpected feel of Wednesday's hand on her knee, a blush blooming across her face, but she's able to quickly swallow and manages to meet Wednesday's eyes as she grins, "You mean she's been making ya'll try normie white people food?"
Wednesday snorts daintily as she nods once, "Yes, a bland meal every now and then to remind us we're so very lucky."
Enid giggles, "That explains the pretty tame side salad."
Wednesday quirks her lips as she holds Enid's gaze and hums softly, the warmth she feels hearing Enid's voice and laugh elating her.
Once everyone's had their fill, and the youngest ones at the table have excused themselves to adventure around the grounds (Pugsley wanting to finally show Agnes the lake now that she's got time since Enid has been found) Enid senses perhaps more serious talks are coming.
"Lurch, would you be a dear and bring out the tea?" Morticia asks kindly as the giant of a man clears the table.
Lurch groans his acquiescence, as he, surprisingly to Enid, walks off silently, his steps making nary a sound, despite his lumbering size.
Enid glances around at the adults at the table, suddenly feeling nervous, but the looks of complete ease on everyone's faces and their relaxed posture makes her feel better. Especially when she chances a look at Wednesday and sees she's leaning back with her shoulders dropped, which is practically slouching when it comes to Wednesday.
Wednesday catches her eyes and gives her an almost imperceptible smile, her hand twitches towards Enid, an offering, which Enid quickly accepts, a responding smile forming on her face as she squeezes Wednesday's hand, threading their fingers together and pulling Wednesday's hand onto her lap where she busies herself with playing with Wednesday's fingers in an attempt to ease her mind.
Wednesday watches Enid as she traces along her fingers, fighting the urge to fawn at her feet, how most unbecoming that would be right after dinner in front of everyone. Oh, there's simply no denying that she is her father's daughter.
Lurch brings out the tea and some light biscuits, everyone murmuring their thanks as he groans and bows his head in acknowledgement before walking out and closing the door behind him.
Wednesday carefully pours everyone's tea with one hand, simply refusing to extricate her hand from Enid's and Enid, who is too busy admiring Wednesday's hand in her lap, doesn't let go.
Gomez and Morticia share a secret smile as they notice this, and kindly choose to say nothing about it.
Fester doesn't have any thoughts on self preservation.
"You know, niece, I find it much easier, and faster, when I use two hands, not just the one," he cackles at the glare Wednesday sends his way, and quickly scoots his chair back when Wednesday 'accidentally' spills his tea in his direction.
Grandmama chuckles, "Hush Fester, don't instigate my granddaughter. I will not revive you again."
Wednesday smirks in his direction while he wipes the tea away and pours himself another cup. Wednesday stirs Enid's tea, contemplates the flavors she knows the blonde is fond of, and decides to add another teaspoon of sugar into her cup, along with some cream, before placing it in front of the blonde.
"Thank you," Enid smiles as she reaches for her cup, still refusing to let go of Wednesday's hand.
Wednesday lightly squeezes her entrapped hand, before reaching for her own teacup, the flush on her cheeks being noted by everyone at the table, yet commented on by none.
"I know you have questions, plenty of them, I'm sure," Grandmama is the first to speak after everyone's had their tea served.
Enid swallows and nods her head as she looks at the older woman, "Yeah...yeah, I have so many I don't even know where to start, honestly."
Wednesday gives her a reassuring squeeze, which she returns easily, her thumb rubbing against the back of Wednesday's hand.
Grandmama hums as she nods, "I also know, it's been quite an ordeal and you're in need of rest. I offer you this deal. I will answer one question right here, right now, and then will not answer anything else until tomorrow, after breakfast."
Wednesday smirks to herself quietly, knowing better than anyone, the way this woman is able to manipulate events exactly to her liking.
Enid nods eagerly, "Deal!"
Morticia chuckles softly as she languidly sips her tea, draping herself against Gomez, who has since wrapped his arm around her waist and is sweetly kissing her shoulder.
Grandmama leans onto her elbows as she waits for Enid's question, amused at the look of serious concentration on the blonde's face.
"It's gonna be a good first question too," Enid mumbles as she hums, taking a sip of her tea and finding it to her liking.
Wednesday notes the look of pleasant surprise on her face at the first taste of the tea and feels herself sit up straighter in pride at being the one to cause it.
"Okay!" Enid says suddenly, and everyone at the table patiently waits for her question, intrigued as to what it could possibly be.
"So, when Wednesday got to me, one of the things she said, that actually got through to me me, past my wolf instincts, was that Capri was wrong...and I just...how could she be wrong?" Enid asks, looking from Morticia, to Grandmama, her blue eyes wide and searching as she waits patiently for a response.
Grandmama hums as she takes a long sip of her tea before placing it onto the saucer, steepling her fingers as she leans forward slightly before gently booping Enid's nose, "An excellent question. In short, she can be wrong because she has chosen to withhold and bend the truth."
Enid scrunches up her face, waits a moment to see if there's more to be said, before asking, "But, why would she do that?"
Wednesday bites her lip to stop from chuckling as Grandmama tuts and shakes her head, "Ah ah, little one, I said I would answer one question, and your one has been asked and answered succinctly."
Enid's mouth falls open, "No, but, okay hold on, that's..." she shuts her mouth, opens it, stops herself and then shuts it again laughing lightly as she says, "I should've known what I'd be getting. The anticipation for tomorrow is gonna keep me up."
Wednesday chuckles softly now and squeezes Enid's hand, "This is but a fraction of what I've grown up with. This play has been done many times to get me, and Pugsley, to go to bed so that tomorrow may arrive sooner. Believe me, none of them will answer any more questions of this nature until tomorrow, after breakfast, as were the terms of the deal you've struck with the witch."
Grandmama gives Wednesday a wink as she sips her tea, "Ay, trust my granddaughter when she tells you I will not break. No more answers to any questions til then."
Enid chuckles, "Okay, that's fair. I'll be a lot more specific with my questions and terms for any future deals."
Wednesday's heart flutters in her chest at the notion of there even being a next time.
"I look forward to it, wolf," Grandmama says with a large smile on her face as she sips her tea.
Wednesday finishes her own tea and simply sits patiently as Enid drinks her own. The adults slowly part ways with promises to reconvene in the morning.
"I'm not normally a tea drinker, but that's probably because it's always just so bitter or like weak? This is really good though, thank you Wends," Enid quietly says as she sets her cup down.
Wednesday hums as she softly smiles, "I'm glad it was to your liking. Coffee is my caffeine of choice, however, tea after dinner is sometimes a preferred palette cleanser. I deduced, based upon your preference for things much sweeter, and how you normally take your cream and sugar with a hint of coffee, that that may be the way you would enjoy your tea. With plenty of cream and sugar, that is."
Enid grins, her blue eyes twinkling, "You got it exactly right, first try."
Wednesday lifts a shoulder as she says, "It's simple when I've been in proximity to your affront on coffee beverages for as long as I have been."
Enid's face is flushed as she leans against Wednesday's shoulder, "Your attention to detail should be creepy, but it just comes off as incredibly sweet."
Wednesday scoffs, "You will refrain from using that term to describe me, Enid. That's inaccurate."
Enid shakes her head, still grinning, "Nah, it's completely accurate, Wends."
"Enid," Wednesday warns, without any real bite behind the warning tone.
"Wednesday," Enid smirks slightly as she teasingly responds.
Wednesday breathlessly laughs, which is more of an exhalation of air than anything else, "You're impossible."
"What's impossible is you not only finding me, but changing me back...and yet, here we are," Enid says as she sits back up-right, turning her body so she's facing Wednesday, her knees pressing against Wednesday's thigh, suddenly serious as her blue eyes meet Wednesday's.
Wednesday swallows as she nods her head once, "Here we are."
"I don't know that I'll ever get over this. How absolutely wild it is that you managed to do that, like, you did it and I'm back and you're still you and I'm so thankful," Enid says quietly as she smiles almost sadly as she says this.
Wednesday furrows her brow, "Why are you forlorn?"
Enid shakes her head, absently wiping at her eyes that have started to tear up, "You're just really amazing Wends."
Still not understanding the melancholy, Wednesday tilts her head and says nothing, leaving the space open for Enid should she choose to explain further.
"Wanna go back to your room? Or I guess a guest room? Either, or- I think I'd like to lay down," Enid quietly murmurs and Wednesday wordlessly nods as she stands slowly, waiting for Enid to stand before making a move towards the door.
Enid tentatively grazes her finger against Wednesday's hand and she responds by opening her hand and clasping Enid's hand when the blonde places her hand in Wednesday's.
"Thank you," Enid murmurs softly as Wednesday begins to lead them towards the bedrooms.
"No thanks necessary, Enid. Whatever you want, you shall have," Wednesday states easily.
Enid blushes as she feels Wednesday squeezes her hand.
Stopping in front of the room she had had prepared to be Enid's room, they pause there for a moment as Wednesday looks to Enid, "Would you like me to come in? Or perhaps you would like to retire to my room for a stretch?"
Enid tugs gently, "Either, I just would like you to be around still, please? If that's okay?"
Wednesday takes a moment to ponder the options, trying to consider which would be most relaxing for the blonde, before she nods and tugs Enid along, "Acceptable. I'll take us to mine. I have some activities that you may find enjoyable."
"Oh?" Enid asks, perking up at the thought.
Wednesday quirks her lips as she pushes open her bedroom door, "I have neglected my cello for far too long."
Enid's stomach flips as she squeals in delight, "Yeah? You'll play for me?"
"I shall practice with you in the vicinity, yes," Wednesday says, guiding Enid towards her bed, where the blonde deftly takes a seat, scooting up and folding her legs as she gets comfortable, watching as Wednesday pulls up her practice chair so that it's closer to the bed, before she pulls out her cello.
"I've missed your playing," Enid confesses as Wednesday warms up by going through her scales.
Wednesday pauses, "I shall play for you often then, you will ultimately become tired of it."
Enid shakes her head as she leans her elbows on her thighs as she leans closer, "Never. I'll never get tired of it."
Wednesday smiles to herself, her head bent, hiding it from Enid's sight. She slips into a song she's played over a thousand times and it's one she's certain Enid will recognize. She isn't disappointed, as she glances up and sees the small smile on Enid's face as the first few notes of her arrangement for 'Sound of Silence' fills the room.
Enid's eyes don't leave Wednesday as she plays, eyes locked onto the brunette as she plays.
"Is...is it okay if I lay down?" Enid whispers, while Wednesday finishes the song.
Wednesday nods, "Of course. Would you like me to stop playing?" Wednesday holds the bow aloft as she waits for Enid to decide.
Enid shakes her head, "Please don't. I...I would imagine you playing me to sleep when I was out there...Hell, most nights during the summer after our first year together I did the same, and when imagining it wasn't enough, I'd pull up a cover on youtube and I'd be able to kind of trick my brain into believing it was you practicing on the balcony."
Wednesday quirks her eyebrow and Enid simply blushes as she curls onto her side, facing the brunette, "I don't know why I just told you that. You're never going to let me live that down."
Wednesday shakes her head, "I'm not certain what covers you've listened to, however, I doubt they hold the same dark melancholy that I possess when arranging these pieces."
Enid quirks her lips, blush still dark on her cheeks, "They weren't nearly as good as having you play, that's why it only kinda worked to trick my brain. I didn't have YouTube out in the wild though so I had to really use my brain to hear your covers in my head."
Wednesday hums softly as she begins another slow song to play next, "I have a lot of time to make up for."
Enid pulls her hands up to curl under her chin as she listens to Wednesday's arrangement of 'Ocean Eyes', her body relaxing further as the brunette keeps playing.
Wednesday heart pounds in her chest as she plays, wondering if she was being too obvious, too forthcoming, by choosing this song, however, one glance at the blonde in her bed, with her soft smile, and even softer gaze, makes Wednesday not care at all. The curse, the various curses really, in her family have taken hold of her, and she is done pretending she's immune. Being forced to face a potential life without Enid was enough to make Wednesday realize just what she means to her.
As she gets nearer to the end of the song, she notices Enid's eyelids are taking longer and longer to blink back open, and she decides to choose slower and slower songs as she continues playing.
Enid's fight against her heavy eyelids and sleep has been lost and Wednesday plays even quieter before she packs up the cello, moving as slowly and as quietly as possible. She deftly lays a blanket over Enid before slipping out of the room to find Lurch.
She asks for a cot to be brought to her bedroom door, while she goes to retrieve some pillows from Enid's room. She checks the cupboard and is pleased that the rest of Enid's clothes have been brought back from Nevermore and have been put up and away for her.
Once Lurch has delivered the cot, she thanks him before she quietly slips into her room, propping the cot open beside her bed, before slipping into the bathroom to change into some pajamas.
She checks that Enid is still comfortably sleeping before she slips into her own makeshift bed. She finds herself turning to lay on her side so that she's facing the blonde.
"Sleep well, Enid," Wednesday murmurs, shutting her eyes and falling asleep quickly, her body relaxing at the sight of Enid safe and sound, in her bed.
Morning comes quickly, and Wednesday's eyes don't flutter open, they instead suddenly flick open, and she's greeted with the sight of Enid, still sound asleep, still safe.
Wednesday takes a deep breath, holds it in for a few beats before slowly exhaling, relieved that finding Enid the other night was not a figment of her imagination. Wednesday sits up slowly, still moving as quietly as she possibly can, so as not to prematurely wake Enid up.
Wednesday slips into the bathroom to ready herself for the day and is met by Thing sitting on the counter space, and Wednesday is certain that if he had a face, it would be smiling right now.
'Sleep okay?' Thing signs, and Wednesday can practically hear the teasing tone in his words.
Wednesday doesn't deign to dignify that with a response, choosing instead to ignore the appendage entirely.
'I'm glad Enid is back,' Thing signs despite not getting any response from the brunette.
Wednesday at least nods her head to show Thing that she agrees with his statement.
When Wednesday exits the bathroom, Enid is just starting to shift around, slowly waking up from her slumber.
The gentle quiet suddenly breaks when Enid gasps as she sits bolt upright, her eyes wide as she searches her surroundings, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
"You're safe, Enid. I'm right here," Wednesday says gently, assuredly, as she takes long strides to be beside the blonde.
Enid's eyes are wild when she finally meets Wednesday's gaze as she approaches.
"You're okay?" Enid asks breathlessly, her blue eyes darting across Wednesday's face.
"I'm okay because you're okay, Enid," Wednesday says, hesitating for a mere moment before she takes a seat on the mattress.
Enid reaches a hand out and taps on Wednesday's hand. Wednesday flips her hand over and allows the blonde to thread their fingers together.
"I'm sorry, you probably are so done with my clingy," Enid breaks the silence after a few moments.
Wednesday shakes her head, "I'm not. Trust me, you would know if that were the case."
That garners a small chuckle from Enid and Wednesday is glad she was able to achieve that.
"I...it wasn't a great dream to have right before waking up," Enid says.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Wednesday asks quietly, searching the blonde's face as she waits for her answer.
"It was just...a different outcome of our wilderness reunion," Enid states quietly.
Wednesday gently squeezes Enid's hand, "Luckily for the both of us, that was simply a dream."
Enid hums, "Yeah...yeah, you're right."
Wednesday squeezes her hand once more and Enid squeezes back, offering her a smile, as she asks, "Is it breakfast time?"
Wednesday rolls her eyes but Enid spies a small barely there smile on her face as she says, "If we hurry, we may just get some scraps."
Enid scrambles up out of bed, and in that moment she realizes that she had in fact spent the night in Wednesday's room, in her bed and she feels her face warms as she starts blushing.
"I-" Enid pauses, not knowing if she has any more articles of clothing that belong to her, and if she doesn't, she isn't sure if Wednesday will be down to let her borrow some more of her own.
Wednesday, who remains seated on her mattress, looks at Enid and says, "There are more fresh towels in the bathroom, and there's a toothbrush as well. There are also fresh towels and your toothbrush in the guest room, as well as some of your clothes, if you'd rather have that space."
Enid knows that perhaps it's selfish of her, but she isn't above being a little selfish at the moment, "I don't want space, Wends."
The words hang in the air, poignant and weighty, Enid's tone warm and open as she admits that.
Wednesday nods, and swallows in relief, realizing she doesn't want space either.
"Then it's settled," Wednesday stands and walks towards the door to leave, "I'll be back shortly."
Enid quirks her head to the side as the brunette leaves the room, and she hesitates in the middle of the room, wringing her hands before shaking herself and stepping into the bathroom.
She decides she hasn't had enough of the shower yesterday and steps in for another one, though it's a much faster shower than her previous one. She's glad to note that, if anything, the experience is even better than it was yesterday, and Enid is smiling softly to herself as she steps out of the steaming shower, once again wrapping herself up in a large fluffy towel.
Wednesday had placed a new toothbrush out for her, and her heart flutters as she opens it, a grin on her face as she sees the bright pink contrasting drastically with all of the dark black accessories in Wednesday's bathroom. Her grin widens when she's done as she plonks her toothbrush down so it rests against Wednesday's black toothbrush.
Shuffling out of the bathroom, with steam billowing behind her, Enid sees some of her clothes laid out on the bed, a note from Wednesday left upon them once again, 'More of your items have arrived, they're currently in the other room, we can discuss this further, later. - W'
Enid chuckles as she unzips the bag from last night that holds her undergarments and starts to dress. Wednesday had laid out a pair of Enid's favorite jeans, as well as one of Enid's favorite shirts, but Wednesday had also placed one of Wednesday's own cardigans alongside one of Enid's, and the blonde's decision is an easy one. She throws on Wednesday's black and white cardigan over her shirt and smiles as she smells their scents together. It smells like Ophelia Hall.
Enid quickly slips on some socks and throws on her boots, a pair that she is so glad Wednesday snagged for her before hurrying out of the room, eyes quickly scanning and finding Wednesday waiting for her just as she was yesterday.
Wednesday's eyes trail up from her shoes to her eyes and Enid notes she seems pleased at the sight of the blonde in her cardigan, though she doesn't say it, the way her eyes brighten at the sight of the cardigan on Enid is enough for the blonde to pat herself on the back for her choice.
"Ready for breakfast?" Wednesday asks as the blonde walks closer.
Enid nods, "Absolutely. I've got questions that need answers."
Wednesday bows her head slightly and gestures with her hand out, "Let's be on our way then."
"She lied to me," Enid's voice cracks, eyes filled with angry tears as she stares at Grandmama.
The older woman nods, her eyes keeping Enid's gaze.
"And all of these books, all of these sources...why aren't we taught any of this?" Enid asks angrily, frustrated and feeling decidedly vulnerable.
Grandmama shakes her head, "The modern school curriculums have sanitized much of history, as it seems. And, the rarity of blood moon alphas has certainly played a part in making it one of the easier parts to do away with, in favor of more commonly occurring iterations of werewolves."
"If I'd have known...If I wasn't so sheltered...what's the point of going to school if I'm not actually learning anything?" Enid growls lowly, brows furrowed, confusion and anger emanating from her in waves.
"I encourage all of my children and grandchildren to read further," Grandmama gently says, "I encourage everyone to read further. Things aren't always taught to their full extent, especially not in a school that has a past of mishandled events."
Enid looks over towards Wednesday, who meets her gaze calmly, "I wouldn't have run like that. I would have known better. I wouldn't have been so scared."
Wednesday reaches her hand out towards Enid, and Enid places her hand in hers and squeezes, "I will not be forgiving Capri, especially knowing she meant for you to be scared."
Enid shakes her head, "I don't understand why."
"To get you alone. That's the only probable reason. Whatever her plans are, or were, they relied on having you alone and far away from anyone that you potentially thought to be a support system," Wednesday murmurs, mindlessly rubbing her thumb against Enid's hand, "It's unfortunate that there are some packs still out there that have...outdated views on alpha werewolves...however, most of the more successful packs have veered away from such backwards thinking."
"You very clearly ruined her plans," Enid says ruefully.
"Indeed. No one was able to get anywhere near you. I made sure of that," Wednesday says, "Uncle Fester and I took care of a couple of groups that were looking for you, it's possible one of those groups was out there at the behest of Capri."
Enid sighs, suddenly incredibly exhausted, "What could she possibly want with me?"
"You're an Alpha blood moon wolf. That's not something to sneeze at," Grandmama says, "She clearly thought she had managed to gain your trust, and perhaps, isolated further, she'd have been able to further become the only one you trust. Your loyalty is a major strength of yours, I can't imagine the power Capri felt she could wield if she had you on her side."
Enid shakes her head, "But for what?"
Wednesday's eyes darken as she considers the possibilities. She meets her grandmother's eyes and she notes that her grandmother is thinking along the same lines as she herself is, especially given Enid's victory up against a Hyde.
"Taming you in your wolf form would come to her advantage, regardless of the purpose. You're unstoppable, she could have utilized you in any number of ways. You're stronger than your average werewolf, and given the right incentive, you'd be bloodthirsty."
Wednesday nods, squeezing Enid's hand gently as she interjects, "I will admit to you now, that Capri is the subject of my next investigation, now that you have been safely returned home. She's not to be trusted and I would like to know what her intentions are."
Enid furrows her brow, "Do we know if she's going to be returning to Nevermore?"
Wednesday nods her head, "Yes, as far as I'm aware, she's still on the faculty list."
Enid shakes her head, "I don't think I'll be able to keep calm if I see her again. Not when you're all so certain she tried to keep me isolated for nefarious reasons."
"I'll be sure to be right by your side, and if ever I'm incapable of being there, Thing will be. Agnes will also be more than willing to become your shadow," Wednesday offers, with a small upturn of her lips as she squeezes Enid's hand.
Enid leans against Wednesday, "Do you think she already knows that I'm back?"
Wednesday shakes her head, "Negative. No one is aware of your return, save for those that are here at the manor. I've made sure of it. It's entirely up to you, who you would like to inform."
Enid nods and there's an almost comfortable silence that falls upon the dining room while Enid digests all this new information.
"How did Wednesday manage to change me back?" Enid asks quietly, her bright blue eyes finding Grandmama's nearly twinkling ones.
Wednesday's face warms just so, but she keeps her hold on Enid's hand and stays silent as she watches Grandmama chuckle.
"The bond you both share is one that you've worked diligently on creating and fostering. Wednesday is someone who will not maliciously lie to you," Grandmama glances at Wednesday and smiles at her before turning back to looking at Enid, "and you know that, and more importantly, your wolf knows that. You trust each other, you've both built a relationship wherein harsh truths are still touched on, despite how uncomfortable things may be."
Enid nods along, gently squeezing Wednesday's hand, her heart skipping a beat when she feels Wednesday squeeze back.
Grandmama continues, "I had shared with Wednesday that she needed to be honest with you, completely, as that's the only way your wolf would fully accept that you're safe from harm. Wednesday would not hesitate to tell you the truth, and upon hearing from her, you would make the connection that any and all information you had been fed, were half truths and twisted lines to benefit only Capri. Wednesday needed to be honest, she had to be vulnerable and with the relationship you have built, your wolf would recognize that honesty, that vulnerability, and feel comfortable enough to let your guard down just enough to shift back."
Enid, who was watching Grandmama as she spoke, finally turns her gaze to look at Wednesday, who is blushing slightly beside her, but readily meets her gaze with a slight shrug, lightening the heavy mood, "Grandmama sent me off with a limerick and hoped for the best."
Grandmama cackles at that, "Wednesday Addams, you make an old fart like me feel like a teenager again sometimes."
Wednesday grins wickedly as she looks at Grandmama, "And how long ago were you a teen, Grandmama?"
"Wednesday!" Enid admonishes, her eyes wide as she lightly slaps Wednesday's shoulder, though she can't entirely contain her giggles, while Grandmama simply laughs, her head thrown back.
"Aye, it's been quite some time. One might say it's been an unnaturally long time," Grandmama winks at them as she says this.
"Will Enid have any issues when the next full moon occurs?" Wednesday asks suddenly, after the laughter had died down, back to being incredibly serious.
Enid feels as if her ears quirk at that question, and she tilts her head slightly, very curious as to the answer.
Grandmama shakes her head, "No. No, yer wolf shall have no trouble, lest she allows her fear to take over again, but that's why she's got you," she pointedly nods at Wednesday, "to recenter her thoughts and emotions," she catches Enid's eyes as she continues, "So long as you remember what Wednesday's told you, you'll always have control over your wolf. You don't abide by the moon, Enid Sinclair, your shifts are totally under your control."
"Totally under my control," Enid repeats, feeling the words out as she considers them.
Grandmama nods as she hums, "You shift at your pleasure, Wolf. Your first transformation, was during the Blood Moon. You then were able to shift even during a crescent moon, and when Wednesday needed you, despite what you thought were dire consequences, you transformed into your alpha form, without the moon. Your wolf, is powerful. You are powerful. And you can learn to control them, your shifts. With time, with practice. With a proper mentor."
Enid swallows a lump in her throat, her eyes welling up at that but she simply nods in understanding.
Grandmama notices and bows her head as she slowly rises from her seat, "It's been a long talk child, I think it's time for a bit of a break from this old buzzard. We may continue our conversations later, at any point, should you wish, you simply have to ask."
Enid offers her a watery smile as she murmurs her thanks, as Grandmama slips away.
Wednesday allows Enid a moment before silently gesturing for her to follow her out of the dining room, "If you're up for it, perhaps a mellow tour of the house? Nothing extravagant, but perhaps a way to better familiarize yourself with the land, so to speak."
Enid offers her a smile as she nods, "Yes, please. I bet there are all kinds of secret passageways."
Wednesday nods, her eyes twinkling at the return of some of Enid's pep, "Indeed there are."
They slowly meander through the mansion, taking routes that are less travelled so Enid can see more of the house without needing to interact with the others. Enid's awe at the home that Wednesday grew up in increases with every new tidbit of information.
As they're walking down a long hallway, Wednesday gently tugs on Enid's hand as she slows to a stop and waits patiently until Enid meets her gaze, "You don't have to talk to me about it, not right at this moment, however, I would like it noted that I am aware of an emotional change and imbalance that had occurred at breakfast and I would further like it noted that I am offering to listen when you decide you are ready to talk about it."
Enid's eyes well up and the tears she had been keeping at bay from breakfast do finally fall then as she wordlessly, gently, slowly, wraps her arms around Wednesday's shoulders, where she buries her face into her neck and hugs her, quietly mumbling, "Thanks Wends."
Wednesday swallows and it only takes her a split second before she's returning the hug, wrapping her arms around Enid's waist and holding her tight against her, "I've yet to do anything worthy of thanks, Enid. I am doing, as one would say, the bare minimum."
Enid shakes her head against her, "Not even close."
Wednesday clamps her mouth shut and chooses instead to accept the thanks silently, allowing Enid the embrace for as long as she needs.
Enid finally pulls away, quickly wiping at her teary eyes and face, "Sorry...it really is a lot and I'm so all over the place."
Wednesday shakes her head, "Again, you don't need to apologize."
Enid chuckles ruefully, "Sure, but that doesn't mean I'm not gonna do it a million times."
Wednesday nods, "Understood."
Enid quirks her lips, her eyes, which are still glistening from the tears she's just shed, are exceptionally bright, "You've mellowed out."
Wednesday raises an eyebrow, but the blush on her cheeks betray her, "I'm sure I don't know what you mean by that statement."
Enid giggles slightly as she playfully leans into Wednesday's side, "You're letting me get away with so much more than you've ever done before. I feel like I'm taking advantage of the high you're feeling after your successful hunt."
Wednesday tilts her head as she notes how Enid's tone lost some of its initial lightness which had been apparent at the start of her statement, belying her honest concern that's lying under the surface.
Wednesday gently reaches out for Enid's hand and gently squeezes it as she quietly says, "I would like to make this clear Enid, so please hear me when I say this."
Her tone is not unkind, though there is a strain that Enid picks up on, noting that Wednesday is willing her, with her voice, to believe what she's about to say. It's the same tone she had used when they were out in the woods. And suddenly Enid is completely and fully engaged. Her eyes are alert and wide as she meets Wednesday's gaze, squeezing Wednesday's hand back.
Wednesday holds her gaze, "I have spent all the time that you were running loathing the silence and the space that you had left in your wake. Upon reflection, of which I've had plenty of opportunities for, I've concluded that I was incorrect in my initial assessment of your presence," she pauses, making sure Enid is listening, "I was never displeased with your chatter, nor your proximity, a fact I'm sure you had parsed out, at least to some degree. I did not want to admit that I enjoyed your physicality, your tactility- at the time I, misguidedly, thought it was frivolous. It unfortunately took your absence for me to deal with the uncomfortable realization that I not only enjoy your tactility, but that I crave it."
Enid's eyes don't leave Wednesday's once. They do widen as she processes the words.
Wednesday continues, "I promised myself that I would no longer deny myself, should I ever find myself with the opportunity. I don't want to put on airs any longer. So," Wednesday quirks her lips up in a small smile, "no, you are not taking advantage of my 'high', not when I am willing and wanting you to do so, as I am not quite at your caliber when it comes to initiating."
Enid blinks slowly, her words fumbling on their way out of her mouth, "Can- wait, you...hold on, can..."
Wednesday takes in a slow breath, urging Enid to follow suit and as they release their breaths, Wednesday reaches out her other hand so she's holding both of Enid's hands in her own, "I like when you touch me. You. And, I'm more than capable of making sure you know if I'm ever needing to not be touched. I have missed it. I have missed you. And I would like for us to make up for lost time."
Enid is bright red as her blush blooms furiously on her face, "I've missed you too Wednesday," Enid whispers as she tentatively threads her fingers between Wednesday's, carefully watching her face as she does so, looking for any indication that she's pushing too far.
Wednesday squeezes Enid's hand, her thumbs caressing her skin before she loosens her grip on one of her hands as she turns towards the doors they've stopped in front of, deciding it's a good way to lighten the mood after all the heavy conversation, "There are a number of rooms that I believe you'll find interesting, and we will assuredly get to them, however, since we are here, would you like to stop and take a look at this one for a moment?" Wednesday asks as she slowly pushes open the doors.
Enid's eyes are wide and her jaw drops as they step through, "Wends...this is freaking massive."
Blue eyes dart from one end to the other, her gaze flying around the enormous room, taking in the floor to ceiling bookshelves lining the walls, the cozy couches and lounge chairs, the rolling ladders to reach the highest shelves. Enid notes the large piles of books surrounding one of the lounge chairs as they step deeper into the library.
"I spent most of my time in here, prior to going into the field, collecting as much information as I could and compiling my research," Wednesday says quietly as they slowly make their way towards her set up.
"Yeah?" Enid asks as they make it to her nook. She reaches out a hand and touches one of the books at the top of one of the many piles.
Wednesday nods, "I've kept the books with pertinent information, if you're ever inclined to read them for yourself."
Enid gives Wednesday a smile, "I would very much be inclined."
Enid then points at the blanket and pillows, as well as the various chargers that are still plugged into outlets, "Did you sleep in here?"
Wednesday shrugs her shoulders, "I rested my eyes at times."
Enid just stares at her before Wednesday finally relents and clarifies, "Sleep was difficult to come by. And, I didn't want to waste any time sleeping, when I could be finding a solution."
Enid's heart clenches in her chest, "Oh, Wends." Guilt, the predominant feeling sinks her heart into her stomach.
Wednesday shakes her head, "No, don't. It's not your fault. I fear my intense nature would have forbidden me from gaining much sleep, regardless. I cannot do anything half-heartedly and any mystery would have had sleep evading me."
Enid shakes her head, gently tugging Wednesday closer so she's standing in front of her, her eyes sorrowful as she says emphatically, "Except it wasn't just any mystery. You had countless sleepless nights thanks to my running."
Wednesday nods, "You're right, it wasn't just some mystery, but I'm saying that whatever guilt you're feeling is misplaced, Enid."
She weighs her options before deciding once more to fully let go of pretending to be aloof and uncaring, "My care for you would not allow me to rest until I knew you were safe. Would you have stopped at anything had the roles been reversed?"
Enid swallows, suddenly filled with thoughts of Wednesday going missing, "No. No, of course not."
"So then you understand. My wakeful nights are the result of my love for you and my need to find a solution to the problem that was facing us."
Enid blinks rapidly, "Love?"
Wednesday swallows and darts her eyes away for a moment before returning to meet Enid's eyes, "Yes."
Enid tugs Wednesday ever so slightly closer, shuffling her own feet to meet her halfway, before wrapping her arms around her tight, her voice muffled where she's buried her face into Wednesday's neck, "I love you too, Wends."
Wednesday wraps her arms around Enid's waist, holding her tighter, her hands gripping onto the back of Enid's top.
"Enid," Wednesday all but coos as she feels Enid start to cry.
The blonde just shakes her head against her and tightens her grip on Wednesday.
Wednesday tightens her own hold on Enid and tries to emulate what she's seen Enid do on a number of occasions while consoling her friends. She rubs Enid's back as Enid continues to break down in her arms. Wednesday manages to shuffle them onto one of the couches, turning and sitting in a position to allow Enid to be comfortable in her hold.
"My parents," Enid manages before a sob cuts her off.
Wednesday pulls her even closer, understanding dawning on her.
"My-my brothers?" Enid asks into her neck and Wednesday hates how, in being honest, she's going to be hurting the blonde.
Wednesday rubs her back as she quietly speaks into Enid's shoulder, "Your family...had some choice decisions when it came to your situation. I wish I could tell you that they are searching for you to bring you home."
Enid's tears don't slow down and Wednesday holds her through it all.
"I didn't think they'd be out there looking for me, cuz I know what they think of Alphas but...hearing it and knowing they just wrote me off..." Enid quietly says once she's finally gotten her breathing under control, trailing off by the end.
At Wednesday's silence, Enid loosens her hold enough to lean back just enough to look at Wednesday's face, a silent question on her own.
"...They had put out a plea for help," Wednesday states and stops there.
Enid furrows her brow, "Like, missing posters?"
Wednesday nods, "Yes, like missing posters."
Enid studies Wednesday's face before her face crumbles, deep sorrow seeping from her, "There's a bounty."
Wednesday refuses to lie to the blonde, yet she wishes she didn't figure it all out right this very minute. Wednesday chooses not to confirm or deny it, "You needn't worry. I got to you."
Enid shakes her head slightly, "They'll find out that I'm alive and track down where I am eventually, Wednesday."
Wednesday's heart aches in her chest, a feeling she knows Enid is feeling tenfold at this point in time, "You'll be alright. I will not let anything happen to you."
"That's sweet Wends, but I literally cannot let you put yourself or your family in danger for me. You've already done too much. I can't stay here, I can't let you get hurt."
Enid is trying to move away from Wednesday as she says this, wanting to get away from here, but Wednesday holds her fast, shaking her head as she says, "You're not letting me do anything. It's a choice I've freely made. It's a choice my entire family has made. Do you think so little of us? Of me?"
The hurt in her voice surprises Enid enough to stop moving out of her grip, her blue eyes finding Wednesdays as she shakes her head, "No, no Wends, never, not even a little. It's because I think so highly of you that I need to leave."
"You can't do that to me again, Enid," Wednesday says and her voice, her traitorous voice, cracks, an unfathomable amount of pain and fear seeping into it as she speaks.
Enid's blue eyes are tear filled as she locks her gaze with Wednesday, her own heart aching in her chest as she hears the quickened beating of Wednesday's heart and her ragged breathing, "Wends."
Wednesday shakes her head, as she emphatically pleads, "I will not survive that, Enid. Please, don't do that to me again. Please."
Wednesday is unaccustomed to begging, to pleading, but there is not an iota of her being that protests her actions as they stand right now.
Enid inhales sharply, "I can't let you get hurt." Tears flowing quietly down her ruddy cheeks, sniffling as she shakes her head.
"Do you think your leaving again will not hurt me?" Wednesday asks, her voice rough as she tries to control her emotions, and finding it hard to do now that she's allowed even a crack.
There's a low whine that sounds from Enid as she squeezes her eyes shut as she quietly cries, "Wednesday."
The brunette shakes her head as she tentatively reaches out a hand and cups Enid's tear streaked cheek, "My family and I are under no delusions, Enid. We know the risks and we choose to have you, to keep you. Don't dishonor us by taking away our autonomy because you think we haven't made a decision knowing every risk."
Enid's eyelids flutter open and her blue eyes find Wednesday's, her lower lip trembling as she sniffles out, "You all have done so much for me already."
Wednesday swipes her thumb against Enid's cheek, "We haven't."
Enid gently holds Wednesday's wrist, effectively keeping her hand against her cheek, as she leans further into her hand, "You have. All of you have, and you're willing to do even more and it could be so dangerous and any or all of you can get seriously hurt and it'll be my fault and I don't want to be the cause for any of that pain. You're going to regret saving me. You're going to resent ever having looked for me and I'm terrified of that happening."
Wednesday carefully lifts her other hand and cradles Enid's face in the palms of her hands, "I will never regret saving you, not in any lifetime. Resentment is a multifaceted, complex emotion that I have no use for, ever. It is for individuals who do not address things and choose to let things fester and boil, and we both know my preferred method is unpacking things in silence as I work through them, before speaking about it."
Enid can't help but snort at that and Wednesday's mouth quirks up in a miniscule smile, one that Enid catches.
"I have one fear," Wednesday whispers, her hands still holding onto Enid's face, cradling her gently, lovingly, willing the blonde to truly listen to her now, "and it's the fear of you leaving and me not being able to track you down. It's what had fueled some of my sleepless nights. The thought that, despite my word, I would fail you by not being able to find you, to hunt you down."
Enid gently wraps her hands around both of Wednesday's wrists and relishes in the feeling of her pulse thumping against her skin, "If there's anyone that could do it, it's you, Wends."
"And I did," Wednesday states, her eyes sharp as she studies Enid's face, "I simply ask that you not have me do it again. Don't misunderstand me," Wednesday ever so slightly tightens her hold for a moment to emphasize her next statement, "I will do it again, I would, a million times over in fact, should the need arise, but please do not do it on purpose. Do not go far from me."
Enid's silent tears fall as she finally nods, a whispered, "Okay...okay Wends. I won't. I promise."
Wednesday's heart feels as if it unclenches, and she has no control over her hands sliding down Enid's cheeks and across her neck and shoulders to pull her into a hug.
Enid wraps her arms around Wednesday and holds her tight, breathing her in deeply.
"It's like all I do is cry now," Enid mumbles against Wednesday's neck, muffled against her skin.
Wednesday huffs out an almost laugh, leaving her own tears unmentioned, "You do seem to favor yourself as a walking, talking, irrigation system as of late."
Enid giggles quietly, "God, you're so weird."
Wednesday's eyes seem to glimmer mirthfully as she gently lets go of Enid as she sits back, and meets her eyes, "I'm surprised it's taken you this long to notice, I thought werewolves were observant."
Enid playfully pushes Wednesday as she laughs, "Whatever Wends."
Wednesday quirks her lips into a slight smile and Enid's heart flutters in her chest at the sight, "Shall we continue our tour?"
Enid nods. She leans forward quickly and places a kiss on Wednesday's cheek sweetly, her own cheeks coloring as she does so, "Thank you for being my tour guide."
Wednesday's brain short-circuits, her eyes wide and unblinking as she replays the feel of Enid's lips on her skin.
Enid giggles under her breath as she stands and gently tugs on Wednesday's hand to get her to stand, "Cat got your tongue?"
Wednesday clears her throat but cannot fathom attempting to speak at this moment and so she settles on simply shaking her head.
Enid chuckles as she teasingly says, "No, right, yeah, of course not."
Wednesday walks beside Enid as they leave the library, and murmurs, "I was just attacked by a werewolf."
Enid laughs, "And they survived?"
Wednesday's heart skips a beat, and she's certain Enid heard that, which makes it skip another beat, "Fortuitously."
Enid giggles to herself, a rather healthy blush coloring her cheeks.