Movie Night Pt Ii

movie night pt ii

Summary: After your previous movie night was disrupted by Sam, you finally manage to get a real date with Tara. Or so you thought.

Word Count: 3.6k Warnings: swearing, mentions of stabbings, suggestive themes Pairing: Tara Carpenter x Reader (movie night pt i)

"I demand a do over," you said as you sat directly opposite Tara in the little café.

"It's not my fault you got caught," she said without looking up from her textbook. "I agreed to one movie, nothing more."

"Okay, then no movie," you said.  "Go on a date with me."

"And they say romance is dead."

"Please go on a date with me," you corrected.

Tara sighed and looked up at you with bored, beautiful eyes. It wasn’t like you could blame her; you had been annoying her since you had been unceremoniously kicked out of the apartment by Sam. But the least she could do was humour you. It wasn’t your fault Sam had come home early and cockblocked you both.

You leaned forward on the table. “One date,” you said softly.

Tara leaned forward too until you could feel her breath on your lips. “You said that about the movie,” she replied just as softly before leaning back once again.

“Why won’t you go on a date with me?” You asked with a huff.

And just like that, Tara got silent. Not the “I’m ignoring you” type of silence she usually had around you, but a genuine silence. One that you weren’t entirely sure how to deal with. Your family was rather loud and rambunctious, and that was on purpose, so whenever someone was silent you were at a loss. Did you crack a joke? Ask what was wrong? Change the subject?

The longer the silence went on, the more your palms started to sweat. Through all the teasing and bickering between you both, did Tara genuinely not enjoy being around you? Sure, she played it off and still kept you around, but was it just because she was being polite? Did she share the same sentiments as her sister?

“I was just kidding,” you finally said with a humourless chuckle as you leaned back in the booth and picked up your coffee. “You don’t actually have to-”

“-I’ll go.”

“What?” You asked, nearly choking on your coffee.

Tara looked up at you. “I’ll go on a date with you.”

“Seriously?” You asked.

“Don’t make me say it again,” she said with a huff and the smallest crinkle at the corner of her eyes.

“You’re agreeing because you want to go, right?” You asked, your eyes still glued to her face even though she wasn’t sparing you a second glance. “Not because you-”

“-oh my god, do you want me to go or not?”

“Yes I do,” you said as quickly as you could manage.

“Good,” Tara said with an exasperated nod of her head before she started packing up her things. “We can go after our media class tomorrow.”

“Wait but I don’t-”

“-this is your one chance,” she said with a pointed look and a move toward the front door. “Don’t blow it.”

“Tara!”

“See you in class!”

And just like that, she was gone and you were stuck at the table with a cup of coffee you didn’t even want and your stomach twisted into knots. This whole situation was your fault, of course, but you would never admit it. Your determination ramped up instantly. You were going to make this the best first date. It was going to be so perfect that even Tara fucking Carpenter would have to admit it.

“Do you try to sound as stupid as possible?” Tara asked when you held the classroom door open for her to leave.

“You’re just mad because I refuted your theory about one of my favourite movies,” you argued back before stepping in line beside her.

It had been a good class and, though you wouldn’t admit it aloud, you had done your best to rile Tara up. You couldn’t help it, she just got so passionate and then she would wave her hands and her facial expressions gave her away. Everything about it was adorable, and you didn’t care if you had to sound like an idiot to make it happen.

Although you weren’t an idiot and you were right about your theory.

“You need to improve your movie tastes,” Tara said once you were both walking down the steps of the Liberal Arts building and out into the quad. It was a beautiful day.

“My movie taste is flawless, thank you very much,” you said. Her knuckles brushed against your thigh, sending a jolt across your skin. “You’re just an elitist snob when it comes to media.”

“Elitist snob, huh?” She asked with a nonchalant nod of her head. “That’s really how you want to start this date?”

Shit.

“So where to, your highness?” You asked, completely ignoring her question and keeping your head up. She could humiliate you, but you were at least going to try and keep your dignity intact.

“You’re the one who wanted the date,” Tara said; her knuckles brushed against your hand this time. You suspected she was doing it on purpose. “You lead the way.”

Fuck. She was insufferable. God you were obsessed with her.

Wait.

“Come on,” you said with a giddy smile as you reached out and grabbed her left hand. She flinched but quickly settled. “I know a place.”

“Sounds like something a creep would say,” she mumbled, but still let you pull her along with you. 

“You’re the one who entrusted me with the date,” you said as you started dodging between people and cars that honked at you both even though they were still in park. “So shut up and come on.”

“If you get us killed and prove Sam right, I’m never going to forgive you,” she said but still followed suit.

“Sam thinks I’ll get us killed?” You asked when you slowed down, finally only a block or so away from your final destination.

“Yes she does,” Tara said with pursed lips and a nod. “Even called you a liability.”

“Well now that’s just rude,” you grumbled, but otherwise kept silent.

You pushed open the door to the abandoned building and pulled Tara until she walked in. With only a glance outside, you let the door click shut behind you. Your hand placed itself on the small of her back until you could lead her further into the building, quickly making your way to the empty arena.

“What is this place?” Tara asked as she stepped away from your touch to look around.

“Some sort of indoor sports arena, I think,” you called out on your way to the wall where you kept a projector screen. “Don’t know for sure, but it’s been abandoned for ages.”

“You brought a Woodsboro survivor to an abandoned building?” Tara asked. You froze. “Maybe Sam was right.”

“I… did not think that through,” you said as you turned to look at her. “We can go if you want.”

“It’s okay,” Tara said before walking closer, stopping when she was directly in front of you. “It’s a thing of the past.”

Was it though? As much as Sam hated you, you knew she meant well. She was traumatised, understandably, by her sister getting attacked three times and having to kill hers and her sister’s partners. That was enough to make anyone paranoid, and even with Sam going to therapy, it was evident that it still haunted her.

You weren’t so sure it didn’t still haunt Tara too.

“I’ve got stuff in my bag,” you said with a gesture toward the small duffle you had left on the floor. “I’ll set up the movie if you set everything else up.”

“Deal,” she said with a small smile that had your stomach doing somersaults.

It only took a few minutes to finish getting everything set up. For the first time, you were genuinely thankful to your dad for getting you the small portable projector. Sure you had used it before, but now you were going to use it to hopefully make it the best date ever. Failure was not an option.

“Pick a movie,” you said when you sat back down beside Tara and handed over your phone. “I won’t change it this time.”

“That a promise?” She asked, but took your phone nonetheless and started scrolling through.

She barely even looked through the plethora of movies on your phone before picking one and starting it. You raised your brow at her when you heard the beginning notes of Titanic playing, but kept quiet. If she wanted to put on a cheesy romance movie then you weren’t going to judge.

Tara quickly laid back on the blankets and pillows she had gotten out of your duffle bag, and you followed suit almost immediately after she was settled. The small space between you both vanished after only a few moments when Tara rolled onto her side and rested her head on your chest. Your breath caught in your throat before you exhaled and got comfortable.

“You picked a cheesy movie,” you said eventually as the movie continued to play.

“I figured you would like the score,” she said without looking at you. Her hand was now resting underneath the hem of your shirt while her fingers scratched your hip. “Since you’re a nerd for that kind of thing.”

“Uh huh,” you said; your own hand was rubbing small circles on her back. “I think you just wanted an excuse to watch a romantic movie.”

“Oh please,” she huffed. “Romance? With you around? You wish.”

“I most certainly do not,” you retorted quickly. “If I wanted romance I would find someone else.”

“You don’t think I’m romantic?” Tara said, finally sitting up just enough to turn her head and look at you. Her hand still stayed pressed to the stretch of exposed skin on your hip.

“No I don’t,” you said, your eyes stuck on hers. She was staring into your very soul and you didn’t want her to stop. “I think you’re a brat who knows how to get what she wants.”

“And what do you think I want?” She asked, now resting her chin on your chest, right over your heart that you knew she could feel racing.

She was teasing you, you knew that much. It was in the well-concealed smile on her lips and the way her eyes stayed locked with yours. Her question gave you pause and you knew you couldn’t answer. Tara had a habit of leading you on and then pushing you away once you were close enough for something to actually happen. If you hadn’t both been drunk at the frat party all those weeks ago, nothing would have ever happened.

“I don’t know,” you said softly, quietly.

Her smile grew slightly as she moved, pushing herself up until she was straddling your waist and looking down at you. The movie continued in the background but you didn’t care. All you could focus on was the feel of her small hands splayed across your chest and your hands on her hips as she leaned so close you were breathing the same air.

“Sam can’t interrupt this time,” Tara spoke slowly, her lips barely brushing against your own. “Does anyone else know where this place is?”

You opened your mouth to speak, but the words got caught in your throat when you felt the slightest roll of her hips. It was small, barely noticeable, but you certainly felt it. Had she done it on purpose? She probably had, Tara was cunning. With a singular huff, you closed your mouth and shook your head in the negative.

“Then I know what I want,” she said, and you didn’t have to guess what she meant before she pressed her lips to yours.

You felt more than heard her exhale softly through her nose, the warm air brushing against your cheek. Her lips were soft and tasted of strawberry cheesecake; a chapstick Mindy had admitted to giving her after your first movie night. Her fingers curled in against your chest, and her nails left the most delicious sting.

Both of your hands slid under her shirt, resting on the warm skin of her waist. Your thumb accidentally brushed against one of her scars, leaving her to shiver above you only for a moment before she leaned further into you, her kiss now feverish. You tried it again, brushing your thumb over the scar with a gentleness you usually kept reserved. In return, her nails dug deeper into your chest and she lightly bit your bottom lip until you let out a small groan.

She leaned in to kiss you again as her hands left your chest. With the warmth gone, you wanted to pull them back until she grabbed your own hands. Your breath caught in your throat again as she guided your hands up her sides, pushing her shirt up until you could feel the lace of her bra. She let go of your hands before grabbing her shirt and pulling it over her own head, tossing it onto the blanket beside you.

You wanted her to sit up so you could look at her, admire every inch of skin currently exposed to you. The frat party had been so crazy, and you had both been so drunk, you hadn’t been able to even look at her. Then Sam had interrupted before you had gotten the chance. Now was the perfect time. 

You tried to pull back, pushing her softly with your hands so you could see, but her hands quickly flew to your cheeks to hold you still. Her lips found yours again and refused to let you go. As much as you loved kissing her and feeling her hands on your skin, you just wanted to get the chance to see her every curve and freckle and scar.

“Let me see you,” you mumbled against her lips, but she was already shaking her head before you could finish.

“Just kiss me,” she said; she didn’t give you much of a choice before leaning in once again.

When her hands held your face a little tighter, you knew she wasn’t going to give in. And as much as you wanted to admire her, you would let her make the choices this time. Besides, there were other ways you could admire her. Your hands went around her back to find the clasp of her bra, and even though you were no professional, it only took you a little bit of fumbling before the straps fell down her shoulders.

Tara removed the useless bra as quickly as she had her shirt, and even though you tried to look at her for even a second, her hands found your face once again. It would have been comical how much she didn’t want you to see her if you hadn’t been so distracted with her soft skin against your fingertips.

With feather light touches, you dragged your fingers across her skin until you could brush your knuckles against the side of her breasts. She exhaled through her nose again, but you didn’t move. If she wouldn’t pull away long enough for you to look at her, then you weren’t going to make a move without her say so. You just wondered how long it would take her before she-

-a door slammed shut.

You sat up quickly, nearly knocking Tara off your lap in the process. With wide eyes, you looked around the empty room, scanning for the source of the noise. It had sounded like the outside door, but that didn’t make any sense. In all your years of visiting the abandoned building, no one had ever come in.

Titanic continued to play in the background.

“Should we-”

-you cut Tara off with a finger pressed to her lips. You did your best to tune out the movie, listening intently in the direction of the only open door of the building. Focus. It almost sounded like…

“Come on,” you whispered as you grabbed Tara’s hand and pulled her after you. You were still vaguely aware of the fact that she was topless, but as the footsteps came closer, you didn’t care. You could fix that after you pulled her into a closet with you.

The door clicked closed behind your back as you pushed Tara further into the empty equipment closet. You pulled your shirt over your head and handed it to her quickly before pressing your ear to the door, listening for any other sounds of an intruder. Once she had put your shirt on, you felt her body pressed up against yours, listening just as intently.

Through the door, you couldn’t hear footsteps, but you did hear the movie stop suddenly. Tara’s body shook slightly against yours, and you looked down to see the rapid rise and fall of her chest. Her eyes were wide and she was holding her stomach. Where she got stabbed, your brain pieced together.

You continued to listen far after all sounds had vanished from the empty room. No footsteps, no movie, nothing moving around, nothing. Part of you was telling you to stay in the closet; there was no need for anyone to get killed. But you couldn’t stay in there forever…

“What are you doing?” Tara hissed when you grabbed the doorknob.

“I’m gonna make sure they’re gone,” you whispered back.

“Are you stupid?” She asked. “You’re gonna get yourself killed.”

“I grew up in the closet, Tara, I’m not gonna die in one too,” you shot back.

“Please don’t go out there,” she said softly as she reached out to grab your arm. “I don’t want you to go out there.”

The quiver of her bottom lip was enough to break your heart. Try as she might, you knew Tara was still scarred from Woodsboro, both physically and mentally. And you understood, you did, but someone had to be brave for the both of you. There was no way in hell you were going to make her go check for a murderer.

“I’ll be right back,” you said before leaning down and pressing a chaste kiss to her lips. “Promise.”

You didn’t give her time to argue with you before easing the door open slowly, closing it just as quietly once you were on the other side. Even just the few seconds with your back to the room was enough to have your pulse rushing so fast you were dizzy. But when you turned around, the room was as empty as you had left it.

Each potential hiding spot you knew of was empty. Not the other closets, or the hallway, or behind the bleachers pushed up against the wall. There was no one there, and that both made you feel better and more terrified. But with no one around, you needed to hurry and get Tara and get the hell out of there.

“It’s me,” you said through the door before Tara opened it quickly, throwing her arms around your neck and pressing herself into you.

“Let’s just get out of here,” she said quickly, and you only nodded in agreement before you went over to the pallet and started packing everything up.

It only took a few moments, but Tara was on edge the entire time. She tried to act like she was fine, but you could see the shake of her hands and the glazed over look in her eyes. She wasn’t fine by any means, and that was more than okay, but guilt started to crawl its way up your throat. She kept your shirt on, and you weren’t going to bring it up. Lucky for you, you always kept a jacket in your bag, and you quickly threw it on.

“I’m sorry,” you said once you finally dragged Tara out of the building and back onto the streets. Thankfully the sun was still out, or you swore she would have had a panic attack. “No one has ever come by before.”

“It’s fine,” she said quickly.

“Can I walk you home?” You asked.

She didn’t say anything, but grabbed your hand and held it tight. You took that as a yes and started making your way down the streets of New York, knowing how to get to her apartment by heart. It was a silent trip, but quick, and before you knew it you were standing on the stoop of her apartment building.

“I’m sorry again,” you repeated. “Guess I blew my chance, huh?”

“You didn’t blow it,” Tara said with a quiet sigh. “How about a do over?”

“Seriously?” You asked incredulously.

“Yeah.” She smiled softly. “But no more abandoned buildings.”

“Deal,” you said with your own smile and a light chuckle. “I don’t even think I’m going back for my projector.”

“Get going before Sam sees you,” Tara said as she pushed lightly against your stomach. “I don’t think I can handle her scolding.”

“Yes ma’am,” you said while stepping backwards. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“If you’re lucky,” she said before turning around and walking into her apartment building without a second glance.

With a small smile to yourself, you turned around and started the long trek back to your own apartment. You would need to come up with something not quite so risky for the next date. There were only so many do overs she would grant you, and if you got cockblocked one more time, you were going to combust. 

But third time’s the charm, right?

everyone but her pt.32

Summary: With their freshman year of college out of the way and an entire apartment building bought by the Addamses, it's time for year two. Oh boy.

Word Count: 4.3k Warnings: mentions of murder, mentions of blood, swearing, allusions to abuse Pairing: Wednesday Addams x Reader (everyone but her Masterlist)

“Your parents need to quit buying everything,” you grumbled as you fell down onto the couch. “It’s making me feel bad.”

“They simply bought a new mattress,” Wednesday said from her spot at the typewriter.

“Yeah, they did,” you said. “After they bought the entire apartment building.”

She kept silent, but she knew you were right. Once they hadn’t been required to stay on campus, the Addamses had decided it would be most beneficial to take over an apartment building not too far from campus. And wouldn’t you know it, there was just enough space for the entire group, including Joel and Ash.

“It’s how they show their affection,” she finally said, her fingers returning to the keys of the typewriter.

“They need to quit,” you grumbled again but otherwise fell silent.

Wednesday would admit, she saw nothing wrong with the gift, but she could see how you did. She had learned a lot about “love languages” from Bianca over the past few weeks, and yours was not gift giving. Ash had said it made you uncomfortable because you felt the need to pay back everything you were given. Which Wednesday had known from previous conversations, but she hadn’t known it was actually a thing.

No one had prepared her for the amount of information she would have to learn to have a healthy relationship. It was almost like an information overload, and she was more than capable of handling it, but she hadn’t mentally prepared. She was starting to regret shying away from her parents’ affections.

“Are you working today?” Wednesday asked, turning her head to hear your answer better.

“Yeah,” you sighed. “Simon has been sketched out since the police started making their rounds.”

Wednesday frowned. “They indicated they were through with you.”

“Clearly not,” you said. “They came into the shop a few weeks ago.”

“You never told me,” she said as she finally turned around in her chair.

You were sitting with your legs spread on the couch and your head hanging off the armrest. It was a rather pathetic look, Wednesday wouldn’t deny. More than once you had claimed it was comfortable, but she couldn’t understand how. You were stretched out, your wings were tucked tight underneath you, and it almost looked like the blood was rushing to your head.

“I'm tired of telling you how many times I get interrogated by police," you said. "I feel like I hang out with them more than you now."

Wednesday supposed that, too, was true. More often than not you had texted her - well, texted Enid to tell her - that you were at the station again. They seemed adamant you were aware of what had happened on New Year's Eve. As much as you denied it, they didn't believe you.

But she did. It had been a while since her last vision, but there had been nothing about those boys. If you had done it, or even been a part of it, she would've seen it. You weren't the most skilled liar either, she would have seen through the ruse if you had actually done it.

"When's your next date night with Enid?" You asked, drawing Wednesday out of her thoughts.

"Unknown," she said as she got up from the desk and walked over to sit by you on the couch. "She's busy attempting to volunteer at the kennel in town."

"Why am I not surprised," you whispered. There was a slight smile in your tone. "Have you asked her when she's free?"

"Why would I do that?" Wednesday asked with a frown. "She always tells me when she's available."

"It shows her you care," you said as you sat up, squeezing your eyes shut for a moment while the blood slowly drained from your face. "That you want to spend time with her."

"Of course I do," she said. "She knows this."

"Sometimes people still like to hear it, Wends," you said with a light chuckle.

Wednesday didn't have anything to say to that. She supposed it was nice to hear you were wanted. Although you were far more like her in that aspect, she always felt surprisingly warm when you would bring up your desire to spend time with her. Maybe she should tell Enid she wished to spend time with her.

"You have class, right?" You asked. Her breath caught in her throat for a moment when you pushed a few stray hairs behind her ear.

"Yes," she finally said. "And Ash wanted to come over for dinner."

"While I'm gone?" You asked with your own frown.

"She said that was preferable," Wednesday answered.

"That's so fucking rude," you mumbled to yourself.

“Would you like me to tell her no?” She asked.

Your frown slowly morphed into a soft smile. Usually it would accompany teasing about some sort of social cue Wednesday had managed to miss, but this one seemed genuine. The couch shifted underneath you both as you moved closer and pulled her legs over yours until she was very nearly sitting in your lap.

“Do you plan on seducing her?” You asked.

“No,” she said with a frown.

“Does she plan on seducing you?” You continued.

“Not if she has any common sense,” she said quietly.

“She doesn’t,” you teased. “But those answers are satisfactory.” You leaned forward and kissed her forehead gently. “You’ll both have a nice night.”

Wednesday rested her head on your shoulder as you proceeded to turn the television on. Neither one of you had any plans for the next hour, and she had fallen into a pattern of watching whatever ridiculous show you would put on before going to work. Reruns or something called “Bridezillas.” She didn’t understand how it was humorous, but she could admire the horror in it.

“Would you ever think about getting married?” You asked halfway through the episode.

Wednesday’s body tensed up.

“I guess that’s a no,” you chuckled, but she could feel your fingers twitch where they rested on her thigh.

“I never said no,” she tried to defend.

“I wasn’t proposing,” you said with sparkling eyes. “I was just wondering if you had ever thought about it.”

She opened her mouth to answer but promptly closed it, her eyes falling to the side in thought. Had she ever thought about it? Not particularly, not in such specific terms. There had been no thoughts of venues or dresses or parties. Nothing about such an overly extravagant occasion.

Unless… maybe you didn’t necessarily mean the wedding itself. You had said “married.” Now that… that she supposed she had thought about, in not so many words. There were a few times her mind had wandered. When you came home late from work, tired and clumsy and knocking things over before falling into bed with your work clothes still on. And each time she thought, yeah, she could fall asleep to that every night.

Or those days where you were off work and you both unanimously decided to relax at home. Cleaning, or going grocery shopping, or just watching something. Wednesday could see the appeal in technology when you were with her. All it would take was one peal of laughter from you and her cold heart would warm up. She couldn’t imagine not being able to hear such a sound on a daily basis.

But she was never one to show her cards first.

“Do you?” She asked after far too long of silence.

“Do I what?” You asked, clearly already re-absorbed by your show.

“Do you ever think of getting married?” She clarified.

You stayed silent, your eyes still focused on the television. There was almost an audible sound of gears turning in your head. If Wednesday focused, she could almost even see smoke leaking out of your ears. Your fingers drummed on her thigh as she watched the constant movement of your mouth; an odd habit you had picked up when you were thinking.

“A little,” you finally said with a nod of your head. “Not now, but, you know.” You shrugged. “Eventually.”

That was an answer Wednesday could live with. Eventually. It eased whatever anxiety was starting to well up in her throat. Nothing soon, she could work with that. It gave her plenty of time to think of how she was possibly going to accept such a fact that you had both talked about so casually.

And how she was going to find a way to admit it to her parents.

Now that was going to be a nightmare.

—---

“The giant chicken helps out while you’re in class, right?” Ash asked as she stirred whatever it was she was cooking. It was rather polite for her to come over and offer to cook in yours and Wednesday’s apartment.

It was no wonder you were so intimidated by her; you were both raised with manners.

“Yes,” Wednesday said as she sat in the chair at the island. “With the exception of work.”

“Well of course,” Ash scoffed. “That’s a given.” She cocked her hip and leaned against the counter as she set the spoon down. “She just needs some sort of stability.”

“How so?” Wednesday asked with a tilt of her head. 

She had a feeling she knew, but she wanted to hear it from someone else. Someone who had known you in a way only she had. Of course Yoko knew you well, but not in the same sense. She needed to hear it from someone who you had loved as something other than family.

Oh you were making her soft, god damn you.

“She thinks too much without a sense of purpose,” Ash said with a shrug. “Even if that purpose is as simple as cleaning the apartment.”

When Ash continued cooking, Wednesday thought about the simple statement. It might have been accurate. The days you seemed more at ease were the days you had cleaned, or cooked, or done the shopping, or done something to “help.” Or helped in any sense, it didn’t have to be an actual act.

She would need to hint at things for you to do if she ever noticed you acting off.

“Was this something you dealt with?” Wednesday asked.

Ash’s movements faltered. “Not quite to this degree,” she said slowly, “but yes.”

“Was there a cause?” Wednesday asked. “Most people are not naturally so…” Ash gave her a raised brow. “Troubled.”

“Nice word choice,” Ash said with a smile before sliding a plate in front of where Wednesday was sitting. It looked rather good; she wouldn’t dare try to figure out what it was. “What do you know about her past?”

Images of you standing in a room, crying about how your parents had abandoned you flooded Wednesday’s mind. She had nearly forgotten the vision from so long ago. It was enough to have anger burning through her veins as she set her jaw and looked down at the plate, actively avoiding Ash’s gaze.

“Marcus and Kristi left her and Nicky at Nevermore,” she said slowly. “I believe that’s the extent of my knowledge.”

“Not much less than the rest of us,” Ash said with a sigh. She took her time to take a bite of food before continuing. “All I know is they were abusive. Made her feel like she was a burden.”

“Which would explain the desire to be useful.”

“Exactly,” Ash said with a point of her fork. “I have no doubt there’s more to it, but I’d bet my bottom dollar that’s a decent chunk.”

Both girls fell silent as they stared at their food. If Ash was anything like Wednesday, she was no longer very hungry. Why would you not tell anyone what had happened in your past? She understood bad memories were never pleasant, but part of moving on was the acceptance stage, was it not? How could you accept something if you never acknowledged its very existence?

“You’re doing well though,” Ash finally said once they had both finished eating. “Y/N is known to run when things get hard.”

“Explain,” Wednesday said as she got up and started helping with the dishes.

“Well,” Ash sighed, “take when we were together.” She turned the sink on. “After the accident, she got angry and mean and pushed everyone away.”

“And you left?” Wednesday clarified. She took the first dish from Ash and started drying it.

“Not at first,” she admitted with a slight shake of her head. “I tried to stay and help.” She handed over another plate. “But I drew the line at being told I didn’t care.”

Wednesday fell silent and focused on drying off the dishes Ash handed to her. It didn’t sound like something you would do. You had never given her any sort of indication that you believed such a thing, or even that you would accuse someone of such a thing. The most she had seen you do was withdraw and hide away. Would you really accuse someone of not caring?

She reached over to take the last fork from Ash and felt her fingers touch. Her head was thrown back as a volt of electricity ran through her fingers, locking her muscles. The apartment ceiling disappeared, turning into something more. Something open. Something with stars.

A sigh fell from Wednesday’s lips as she spun around and took in her surroundings. It was a forest, or something close to it. There was something familiar about it, but she couldn’t quite place it. Something about it reminded her of the night you had gone bug hunting with Eugene and gotten hurt by the werewolf. It sent a shiver down her spine.

An unfamiliar scream echoed through the forests, sounding as if it was pushing through water. Faded, hazy, coming from everywhere and nowhere all at once. Her feet started moving on their own accord, leading her between trees until she found a small clearing. A full moon was illuminating the area enough for her to see the carnage.

One body was on the ground a few feet away, crumpled and broken. Wednesday couldn’t see any blood in the dark, but she could practically smell it. On the other side of the clearing was a tall figure, monstrous in form, almost like a corrupt werewolf. In front of it, trapped in another figure’s arms, was someone familiar.

It was Ash.

Wednesday stepped forward slowly, her eyes stuck on the scene. A twig snapped under her feet, and all three figures turned their heads to look at her. Ash was the only one who had a face, the others were blurred out, almost as if they were being censored. Blood trickled from Ash’s mouth, which she opened wide-

“-Wednesday!”

Her head was thrown forward and suddenly she was back in her apartment. Ash was holding her up by her shoulders, eyes wide with concern and checking over every inch of her. The sounds of the forest were gone, there was no smell of blood, and everything was back to normal. Normal.

“Are you okay?” Ash asked in a shaky voice.

“Yes,” Wednesday said, surprisingly confident in her tone. “I’m fine.”

“What was that?” She continued, only just letting Wednesday go after being extra sure she was steady on her feet.

“A vision,” Wednesday said, her voice lowering to barely more than a whisper.

“A vision?” Ash clarified. When Wednesday looked up at her, she was shaking her head and chuckling humourlessly. “I nearly forgot you were one of the freaks.” Wednesday looked at her with a raised brow. “It’s a term of endearment.”

At any other point in time, she would have found an excuse to harass Ash for the term. Even though it was abundantly clear that she had no dislike for Outcasts, she was one of the few Normies in the group. Wednesday wasn’t entirely known for teasing, but she had learned to lighten up just a little. At least that’s how Bianca had phrased it a few months ago.

An unusual sound rang through the air. Both girls looked around for a moment before Ash picked up her phone and unlocked it. Her eyes moved from side to side as she read something. Whatever it was made her smile and roll her eyes before she put the phone back down.

“Y/N says she’s running to a late night anger management class,” Ash said. “And wanted me to let you know.”

“Thank you,” Wednesday said with a simple nod.

“You two really just communicate through everyone else?” Ash asked, heading over to the couch and grabbing the television remote. Wednesday quickly followed suit.

“Technology is a soul sucking void that I do not wish to be forced into,” Wednesday said even as Ash turned the television on and put on what looked like… true crime? Maybe technology wasn’t entirely awful.

“You sure that’s all it is?” Ash asked. “Because I know she gave you Nicky’s old phone.”

Wednesday sighed. “I don’t want to accidentally erase what he left on it,” she finally admitted. “So I would rather leave it as untouched as possible.”

“That’s surprisingly sweet,” Ash said softly. “You know, there are ways to back it up so it’s not lost.”

“I did not know,” Wednesday said. “Would you be able to help me with it?”

“Sure, Addams,” Ash said with a slight chuckle. “But only because you asked so nicely.”

Wednesday turned back to the television to watch whatever Ash had put on. It was fascinating, and both girls managed to talk and figure out the real perp each and every time. Maybe she wasn’t so bad, Wednesday thought. This was a friendship that she was more than happy to nurture.

—---

When Wednesday awoke the next morning, you weren’t in bed. Not entirely surprising, she knew if you were too late you would usually just sleep on the couch in an effort not to wake her. A pointless endeavour, she would rather you wake her than she wake up alone. But she supposed she could understand the polite intention behind it.

She took a moment to let her brain catch up with reality. All night she had been plagued by the vision of Ash being attacked by those figures. What were they? They hadn’t seemed human, but she couldn’t see any distinguishing features. That was unusual on its own, she had never had parts of her visions censored. Something about it rubbed her the wrong way.

Your voice floated down the hallway and through the open bedroom door, and Wednesday pushed aside her concerns and got out of bed. She didn’t bother putting clothes on, just wrapped one of your jackets around her to keep herself modest. The floor was still warm from the time of year, so it wasn’t too unbearable to walk down the hall and into the living room.

She stopped in her tracks when she saw you sitting at the table across from Weems.

“Good morning, Miss Addams,” Weems said softly with a gentle smile that reminded her of her mother.

You were quick to turn around, and the smile you gave her started a warmth in her chest. Thoughts of your question about marriage ran rampant as she thought that yes, she would like to see you like that every morning. Simply excited to see her each morning. That was something she could live with for the rest of her life.

“I’m sorry for coming unannounced,” Weems continued. “I ran into Y/N last night after grabbing groceries.”

“She works at the university!” You said quickly with a toothy smile. “Isn’t that cool?”

“You will be teaching?” Wednesday asked. She finally walked over and sat down beside you at the table, gratefully accepting the mug of coffee you slid in front of her.

“Outcast History, yes,” Weems said with a nod. “We’re testing it out as a course to see if it catches any traction.”

“How is Nevermore?” Wednesday asked.

“It’s in good hands,” Weems answered, though her smile turned a little sad. “So, how has everything been?”

The three of you got to talking, and by god Wednesday forgot how much you could talk. It wasn’t that you didn’t talk with her, but some people just managed to bring out every thought in your mind. Weems was one of those people. Truthfully, she and Wednesday didn’t even have to say much, you managed to talk the entire time.

Wednesday gladly sat back and watched you go over everything; skipping over Mack’s death, of course. She would need to remember to fill Weems in on that piece of information. But you talked, and talked, and talked some more. She was almost afraid to look at the time. Her gut told her that you had been talking for far over an hour.

“Oh!” You exclaimed, pulling Wednesday out of her thoughts. “Did you hear some rich dude was murdered last night?”

“In town?” Weems asked.

“No, not here, down in DC,” you said with a dismissive wave of your hand. “Some old guy was practically slaughtered in his fancy house.”

“You seem far too nonchalant about the situation,” Weems said softly, more to herself than to you.

“Eat the rich,” you said with a shrug.

Weems turned to look at Wednesday with raised brows, and she just shook her head. You seemed blissfully unaware of the irony of your statement, but it wasn’t the time to bring it up. She would let you live with your beliefs. It was a conversation for another day.

“Make sure you both stay safe, yes?” Weems asked, her eyes falling to where you had grabbed Wednesday’s hand and were playing with her fingers. “Together.”

“Yes mother,” you huffed. “But you have nothing to worry about, anyone who slaughters old white men is a friend of mine.”

Wednesday shook her head and did her best to hold back her smile as she took a sip of her coffee. You were starting to act far more like you had when she had first met you at Nevermore. Carefree, a little silly, happy. Maybe you were finally starting to get better.

She could definitely live with that for the rest of her life.

Weems didn’t stay for much longer, claiming she needed to go back home and work on her learning plan for her classes. You both bid her goodbye, and you gave her a lingering hug that she also seemed to melt into. She gave you a chaste kiss on the cheek before bidding goodbye, and you were quick to pull Wednesday over to the couch.

“Do you have class?” You asked, even though she knew that you knew she didn’t.

“No,” she said simply.

“Good, then you have no excuse to not cuddle with me,” you said.

You didn’t give her the chance to argue before pulling her down until she was laying in front of you, her back pressed to your front. She knew it wasn’t the most comfortable position for you thanks to your wings, but you seemed to enjoy it nonetheless. Maybe she could look into designing a couch that would be more comfortable for you. She was sure her parents knew someone that could assist in the endeavour.

“What are you in the mood to watch?” You asked. The hand that wasn’t holding the remote was slipping under her shirt, and your fingers were starting to draw little shapes on her stomach.

“Ash put on something about crimes last night,” Wednesday said.

“Stop bonding with her,” you said instantly. Regardless, you flipped through the channels. “Was it Unsolved Mysteries?”

“Possibly,” she said.

You nodded and changed the channel before setting the remote down and pulling her closer. It was clear you were trying your hardest to engage with the crimes. Were you wrong the majority of the time? Yes. Did you still keep trying to come up with more and more convoluted theories that, realistically, weren’t even close to viable? Yes.

Did Wednesday love it? Absolutely.

“I so could’ve been a detective,” you mumbled after you had managed, for the first time, to figure something out. “I’m practically a natural.”

Wednesday didn’t say anything, just pulled your arms tighter around her. Behind her, she could feel your heart beating steadily. Your heart beat was always a little faster than everyone else’s, reminiscent of a hummingbird, but it was steady. A constant that kept Wednesday’s mind focused and uncluttered.

You shifted, leaning forward to press a kiss to Wednesday’s cheek before she heard you whisper an “oops.” The channel on the television changed and she felt you moving around to try and find the remote. Some news channel appeared, and Wednesday would have been more than happy to ignore it until she saw two familiar faces.

She didn’t say anything, but squeezed your arm.

“What?” You asked as you halted your movements.

Your body stiffened behind her when you looked back at the television as well. Marcus and Kristi were on the screen, doing what looked like a press interview. The message “retired DA Malcolm Hart victim of vicious homicide” scrawled across the bottom of the screen in a red banner. Your nails dug a little harder into Wednesday’s skin.

“We were saddened to learn of Malcom’s passing,” Marcus said. Your body shivered the moment he started talking. “He was a dear friend of mine, and we will be doing everything we can to assist the DCPD in their efforts to find and apprehend the perpetrator.”

Wednesday couldn’t properly focus on the television after that, instead turning her head to look at you. There was a glassy haze over your eyes and a tight set of your jaw. Your arms were holding her a little too tight, but she didn’t pay it any mind. All she was focused on was the clear distress you couldn’t quite voice.

“I hope it kills them next,” you mumbled before settling back into the couch and placing your face in the crook of her neck.

Maybe healing wasn’t going to come as effortlessly as she had originally believed.

---------------------------------------

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legally binded - 7

Jenna Ortega x F!Reader

masterlist | series mast. | prev. part | next part

Chapter 7: The Afterparty

Summary: After getting caught in some hot waters with the press, you are forced into an unexpected agreement with America's sweetheart, Jenna Ortega to save your career.

Warnings/Tags: dual!pov, famous!reader, actress!reader, mentions of substances, intoxication, mature language, real people. (do not read if any of these make you uncomfortable)

(this is all fiction!)

Note: so... lovely weather we're having. 🙂

Word Count: 4k+

“Where’s Y/N?” Enrique asked as the door of the van shuts closed, for a moment, the incessant sounds of camera shutters and the crowd shouting her name become muffled.

And in that same moment, Jenna feels like she can finally breathe properly through her own lungs. 

“Upstairs,” Jenna mumbled, leaning her expertly pinned hair against the headrest, and closing her eyes.

“I take it things didn’t go well?” He fiddled with his cap, frowning as he watched the young actress’ exhausted features.

Jenna hummed in confirmation but said nothing else, looking out the tinted window as the van started driving slowly. 

Staring up at the hotel, she scanned the various, nearly identical windows for your hotel room. Jenna didn’t even know if your room was facing this direction but she looked anyway, a wishful part of herself hoped to catch a glance of you.

“Don’t worry, it’ll be okay. You two will be okay.”

Jenna snorted, shooting her stylist an incredulous look. “I thought you were mad at her?”

“I’m mad at her for being stupid and for hurting you… even if she is a cutie.” He rolled his eyes, getting comfortable in his seat.

The actress laughed. “Don’t let her hear you say that, you know she has a massive ego.”

Enrique joined in on the laughter before his tone dropped, “You know Sarah and Liv are going to find out that the two of you didn't go to the same party…”

Right now, Jenna could care less about whatever kind of consequence she may get. The embers from her argument with you are still burning bright.

“That’s an issue for later.”

***

Jenna tried to make the best of a bad situation.

She really did.

Even though this wasn’t how she expected to spend the rest of her night — she somehow found a way to let loose. Maybe after she found a few familiar faces that pulled her in to dance, tipped back a few drinks and sang along as Janelle Monae performed for her after-party.

But even still, under the guise of alcohol and a good time. There was an unpleasant churn in her stomach whenever she allowed her mind to drift off to you.

“I’m gonna go to the washroom!” Jenna yelled through the music. Enrique nodded, continuing to cheer Janelle Monae on stage.

Laughing, she walked away while shaking her head; amused at her friend. Glad that he’s having a good time. One of them deserves to be having fun, at least.

As Jenna pushed through the heavy-panelled door of the powder room, she sat on the couch and placed her purse down. Grateful to be stretching her aching legs. 

She takes a second to breathe and in that moment, allowed herself to think about you; wondering which party you went to and who you were surrounded by.

And for a split second, that unpleasant churn in her stomach reemerged as her mind drifted to all the worst possible outcomes of what you could be doing tonight.

Are you safe?

Is someone looking out for you?

Jenna’s decided not to ask Link about you this time, deciding that you two do, in fact, need space for the time being.

She knows she should apologize for the way she acted all day, even all week. Jenna knows she was just projecting her unresolved feelings about you from Coachella and instead of just telling you that she’s been worried and just wants you to talk to her, to let her in. 

She decided to be petty and give into the heat of the moment, instead..

Jenna hopes the two of you can talk about it later tonight. But then she remembers the fact that you’re probably drinking, partying and doing god knows what else so that conversation and apology would probably have to wait until you’ve sobered up.

Standing, Jenna's decided she's had enough of wallowing in her own misery and walked over to the sink to wash her hands.

“Oh, hi!” A sweet-sounding higher pitched voice greeted her from behind after the sound of a door opening and heels clinking.

Immediately, she linked gazes with a certain Hailee Steinfeld through the mirror.

Jenna tried hard to school the surprise on her face.

“Hello…” Jenna smiled politely and glanced away, continuing to wash her hands.

“I’m Hailee…” The other woman greeted, sliding into the sink beside her, a pearly white smile on her full-pink lips.

“I’m Jenna, I would shake your hand but…” She gestured down to the running sink.

Hailee shook her head and laughed. “It’s okay, I’m glad to finally meet you! Can I just say how gorgeous you look! I thought your carpet look was amazing but this — you look stunning!”

“Oh! Uh— Thanks?” This time her surprise is hard to subdue. Feeling flushed under the weight of the other woman’s compliments.

She's never been great at accepting them. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you embarrassed,” Hailee smiled sheepishly. Her thick brows furrowing in her own embarrassment. 

The heat begins to crawl up her neck. “It’s okay! I— I appreciate it. You look gorgeous as well.” 

Taking the time to scan her, the younger actress has to crane her neck up to see Hailee’s face — it’s no wonder you ended up dating her. The woman is gorgeous. 

She tries to stave the green-eyed monster clawing at her chest at the thought of you two together because the woman standing across from her has been surprisingly pleasant.

“Please!” Hailee waves off, smiling softly, turning to wash her own hands.

Jenna allows the silence to take over the room, unsure of what to say next. After washing her hands, she turned off the sink and walked over to grab paper towels.

Hailee cuts in before she can think about it too hard.

“Hey,” The singer called out as Jenna was about to pick up her purse, “thank you... for looking out for her.”

“What?” Jenna turned, raising her brows in question.

Hailee sighed, leaning against the counter to face Jenna.

“I know Y/N’s not the… easiest. She tends to push people away. I think it’s just the way she’s always been. I’m not really sure. With the whole Vegas situation and these rumours going around about a possible arrest — which, you know, is bullshit, Y/N doesn’t do drugs — her first instinct would’ve been to run and push people away. But you’re still here… so something tells me you’re special.”

Jenna feels her heart drop at the other woman’s words. 

“Y/N can be reckless and cold at times, but I think it’s just an act," She continued; smile contorting sadly, “so she doesn’t actually have to open up to people… I’ve—uh, tried, so I kinda know.”

Jenna was stunned, unsure of what to say to that. Hailee made it sound like you were the one that got away or something. She also caught the openness that accompanied her tone, like the other woman had accepted the circumstances of the situation.

Like she just... let it be.

There wasn’t a lot of things Jenna was certain about but she knew she didn't want to feel that way about you, to just accept your coldness and inability to let people in.

“Anyways, she said you’ve kept her standing on her feet these last few months.” Hailee smiled softly, sincerity burning bright in her eyes. “So thank you, 'cause she deserves someone patient like you.” 

“Thank you…” Jenna finally managed to say despite the barbed wire feeling around her throat.

You really said that? Did you mean it?

If you did then she feels terrible.

“No, thank you, I was scared Link and Y/N were gonna grow old and still be living together. They’re weirdly co-dependent.” Hailee jokes, breaking the heaviness in the room.

Jenna couldn’t help the snort that leaves her mouth. 

And just like that, it felt like two friends enjoying an inside joke.

Jenna's laughter trails off before it turns to a heavy sigh as she grabs her purse. “So I should probably apologize to her, huh?”

The corner of Hailee's mouth tugs a small smug smile. “Depends on what she did… maybe let her sweat it out for a bit more then apologize.”

Jenna chuckled before nodding. “Noted… thank you, Hailee.”

Hailee nods, smiling softly as Jenna turned to walk out of the bathroom.

A surprisingly pleasant feeling appeared in her chest the farther she walked away.  

She felt a bit lighter after that conversation, which is a shock considering she just talked to your ex-girlfriend. For a moment, Jenna felt guilty for her earlier reservations about the other woman. Not wanting to admit that she had let her jealousy cloud her judgment of character.

Hailee had nothing but great things to say about her — and you for that matter. A testament to how, despite your hot and cold demeanour, there’s someone worth knowing underneath.

Ugh. She hated it when she was wrong.

But there was also that nagging echo in her head that had to admit that she was glad she was wrong about you.

I’m sorry for what I said. Can I come see you? Are you still at the other after-party?

Swallowing her pride, she hit send then walked back to the party to find Enrique, hoping she can distract herself as she waits for your reply.

20 minutes go by without a response and Jenna doesn’t know if she should start feeling annoyed or worried; the line between the two is thinning by the second, she concluded. She decided she leaned more on the latter and stepped away from the party once again. Roaming the halls before stepping out onto a secluded balcony; grateful for the warm night in the early May month. 

Pulling out her phone from her clutch, she called Link immediately, knowing that if anyone knew your whereabouts it’d be him.

“Hello?” Link answered breathlessly and in the background, the actress can hear sounds of traffic and people talking over one another.

“Link? Can you hear me?” Jenna spoke into the lonely night air.

“Yeah— yeah, sorry.” It sounded like Link walked away from the noise because when he spoke again, it sounded much clearer. But she immediately noted the urgency in his voice. “Hey.”

“Hey, I texted Y/N 20 minutes ago but she didn’t respond, is everything okay?” Jenna got to the point, chewing her lip.

“Shit—“ Link cursed. “Uh, about that.”

“Link, what does that mean?” Jenna felt every muscle in her body tense at his words, like before a big drop on a rollercoaster.

“We can’t find her.” Link confessed. 

Jenna’s stomach dropped. Yeah, except that rollercoaster has just derailed.

“What do you mean you can’t find her?” 

“We lost her. She said she was going to the bathroom but she never came back.” He recounted nervously.

“What—“ Jenna was dumbfounded, mind on overdrive as a sudden wave of coldness washed over her body as she processes what she’s just been told.

You're missing.

No one knows where you are.

“Are you looking for her now?” Jenna manages to ask, gripping the balcony railing for support. She thinks she feels a little light-headed but she pushes that thought away because you are more important, right now.

“Yes, of course. We checked everywhere. But uh—it’s been almost two hours since anyone’s seen her…” Link hesitated before confessing.

The last thing they need is for Jenna to start freaking out too.

Jenna’s stomach dropped again. This time she feels like she’s been launched off the rollercoaster entirely and is free-falling mid-air.

“Hey, hey, it’ll be okay. She does this, it’s kinda her thing. We’ll find her soon. Don’t worry.” Link reassured after Jenna doesn’t respond.

“When was the last time that she did this, Link?” Jenna asked shakily.

A beat passed before the man answered. “Vegas…”

“Shit…” They said in unison.

“What—what do we do?” Jenna asked.

“Just keep texting and calling her. I’m out looking for her right now, I have her entire security team with me.” He reassured her once again but she can still hear the trepidation in his tone.

“Okay…” Jenna trails off, not really sure if she’s actually listening at this point.

“Jenna— we’ll find her, don’t worry.” Link said with certainty but it didn’t ease the anxiety in her chest.

“I know…” Jenna mumbled, grasping her phone with a mighty grip and forced herself to take a calming breath. “Okay, okay. I’ll start calling her. Maybe I should go back to her room, in case she comes back?”

“Yeah, that’s a great idea, keep me updated Jen.” 

“I will.”

The line goes dead as Link hangs up.

“Shit.” Even with Jenna’s trembling fingers, she contacted your number with haste.

But the call never even rang. 

***

It’s past 2 AM and no one has still heard from you. 

She had left you a total of 26 missed calls and almost 50 text messages. That’s not even counting the ones she’s sent you through Enrique’s phone.

At this point, Jenna was ready to go to the police but Link advised her that they wouldn’t be able to do anything because it hasn’t been 24 hours yet. Your closest confidant also warned her of adding fuel to the fire with the press if headlines that you're missing are released.

The actress feels an excruciatingly sharp pain forming in between her brows; the early stages of a migraine, the longer she paced around your room.

“Where is she, Link?” She chewed on the bottom lip, anxiously. “What if something bad happened? She doesn’t have security with her...”

“Her whole team has been driving around the city looking for her but we already checked the other after-parties and she wasn’t there. I hate to say it, Jenna, but if Y/N doesn’t want to be found, you won’t.” Link sat down on the couch in the living room.

The wrinkled exhaustion and worry were clear as day on his face. Jenna sighed, sitting down beside him. “I know you tried your best. Thank you for looking…”

“Yeah… of course. How are you though?” He turned, scanning her equally exhausted features. 

“I feel terrible if I had just tabled it like she said–”

“Hey–” Link cuts in, shaking his head. “Don’t. Y/N’s gonna do whatever she wants, you can’t put this one on you.” 

Jenna nods unconvincingly, slumping against her seat. “What about you? How are you?”

He stared off, deep in thought. “She’s like my sister, you know. We didn’t have it easy growing up. I know she’s— stand-offish and hard to get along with at times…”

Jenna turned to face him at his sudden confession, deciding to stay silent.

“You can’t even imagine how many times I’ve tried to quit being her assistant.” Link chuckled, looking up at the ceiling. “But I could never really do it. ‘Cause even though she has these massive walls around herself and that annoying-ass nonchalant attitude. I know sometimes this job is a lot… even for her.”

Jenna huffed, slouching back into the soft couch, trying to be understanding. “I know… trust me I know the job, we all do–”

Link shakes his head. “You don’t. Not her story at least…”

Snapping her head to the side, she watches the assistant’s side profile, noting the deep wrinkle on his forehead. “What does that mean?”

She couldn’t help but ask.

He sighed, “It’s not my place to say but Y/N's been through some stuff. Stuff that you wouldn't wish on anyone.”

“What?”

He sighed again, debating if he should open the can of worms. “At the time, I was living with my grandmother. She’s the only family I have left, it’s probably why I can’t let go of Y/N too. The money I make from working with her, I send to take care of my nan… But even with all that, Y/N was dealing with her mom.”

“She told me she was controlling or something — wanted more money?” Jenna scrunched her nose in disgust at how someone can treat their own flesh and blood like that.

“She wasn’t just controlling, Jenna… she tried to sue Y/N over it. She tried to take away her right to make decisions over her own career and when that didn’t work she tried to get her to quit the industry."

Jenna’s stomach dropped. “What?”

Linked nodded, watching Jenna’s stunned reaction. “Yeah… Jake and Liv fought against it. It never turned into a legal case, thank god. The judge dismissed her claims but it really fucked with her head you know. That her own mother could do that to her."

Jenna stared off into nothing as she processed his words.

No wonder you’re so closed off and scared to let people in. She felt sick to her stomach thinking about what you’ve gone through and how, even despite all of that, you still managed to stay standing on your own two feet and carry on as if nothing happened.

She wonders how long it’s been since you’ve really let anyone in.

“I knew she’d been dealing with things… these last few months. She had a packed year last year and her schedule was only getting busier. She never outwardly said it was becoming too much but I could see it. It started small; missing texts, calls, alarms… then she wouldn’t come home cause she was partying all night… it got too much. I think that singer and his friends were taking advantage of her fame but she always brushed me off whenever I said something. We even got into a big fight before Vegas so I stayed with a friend for a couple of days to cool off.”

“Link…” Jenna trailed off, she heard the guilty tone accompanied by his words. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“No… I know. Y/N’s going to do what she wants, I’ve learned to accept it. It still doesn’t make me feel any better that she’s in this situation and that I could’ve done something to prevent it.”

Link cleared his throat, sitting up a bit. “Just saying… from Y/N’s person to the other – I get what you’re feeling. She’s definitely not the easiest but I don’t know… when she shows she cares, you know she means it.”

“You think I’m Y/N’s person?” Jenna asked shocked. “We barely know each other.”

Link rolled his eyes, sending her a flat look. “Yeah ‘cause you two communicate through silent looks and then don’t talk about your feelings. If you guys fix your shit then maybe you can be her person too.” 

Jenna opened her mouth for a rebuttal but the sound of something smacking against the wall interrupted her.

Immediately, the assistant and actress spring up, walking spritely to the foyer. When they round the corner, Jenna is torn between feeling relieved or furious.

They spot you, slumped against the wall nearly slipping on your own two feet, piss-fucking-drunk as you dropped the keycard to the floor.

“Are you fucking serious right now?” Link scoffed but briskly walked over to help you up, throwing your arm over his shoulder. "What the hell happened to you?"

“Sorry for being a disappointment, Dad.” You mumbled as Link dragged you down the hallway. Eyes barely opened and even then, Jenna can see the alcohol-muddled haze through your slow blinks. 

“What the fuck, Y/N?” Jenna echoed as she watched how you had to be carried, too drunk to do it yourself. 

It scared her, this was not a version of you that she liked. 

She doesn’t want to listen to that small voice in her head again, the one that’s saying you’re bad news. You’re a party animal, this is what you do. You’re reckless. But the other part of her wants to give you a chance to explain yourself, especially after what Link just told her – it’s hard to keep that sentiment when you act like this though.

“Oh hey, Jenna.” You waved as if nothing is wrong, toothy smile on your lips. “I tried looking for you at the party… then I realized we fought and that’s why you weren’t with me. Are you still mad at me?”

Jenna didn’t know what to say so she kept quiet and followed Link as he lead you to the bedroom, nearly throwing you onto the mattress. 

“Fuck, Y/N. You can’t keep doing this.” Link sighed out, taking a few steps back from the bed to scan you. 

“Who’s gonna stop me?” You snorted, sitting up to tug your shoes off, chucking them without care.

“Dude, for real? We spent nearly four hours looking for your ass. Do you realize what kind of trouble you could’ve gotten into if–” 

“–yeah, yeah,” You wave off and Jenna can see Link’s eye twitching and jaw clenching in anger. He knew better than to fight with a drunk person. Especially if that person is you. 

He lets out a deep breath, then turned to younger actress, “I can’t be around her right now. I’m sorry.” 

Then he walked away, slamming the door loudly behind him making Jenna flinch. A few seconds of silence pass without a single movement.

“What are you still doing here?” You asked in a snipped tone, breaking the quietude. Jenna doesn’t know if she should feel offended. 

Crossing her arms, she scans your dishevelled attire. Your tie is loose, buttons are undone, and dress shirt is half-tucked – in short, you looked like a hot mess. “I’ve been calling you all night, where have you been?”

“Phone died.” You yanked your blazer off, throwing it on the floor, “and out… drinking.”

“With who? By yourself or with someone?” Jenna asked, walking closer, and helping you take off your tie.

“Doesn’t matter..” You grumbled as she helped you, looking at a spot on the wall and Jenna clenched her jaw cause you were closing up again.

“Well, it matters to me,” She yanked the tie off your neck.

“Why?” You looked up at her.

“What?”

“Why do you care so much? I thought this was all just for the press?” You pushed off the bed, wobbling on your feet. Jenna took a few steps back but kept close, in case you needed help but you shrugged her attempts away.

She tried not to take it personally.

Jenna called after you but you ignored her and just stumbled to the bathroom. She trails behind, still keeping a close eye.

“No, seriously. You kiss me and let me stay with your family and then you shut me down? What kind of fucked up shit is that?” You spoke up, venom laced in your words.

Jenna knows it’s the alcohol talking. But drunk words, sober thoughts?

“Well guess what? Fuck that. I may be closed off but at least I don’t lead people on.” You seethe, stopping in your tracks to spin around and face her.

The anger in your eyes is not an emotion she had seen before. This was different than your other petty disputes and arguments. You meant it.

Jenna blinked, shaking her head furiously, “What? No! That’s not what I’m doing.”

“I don’t care! I’m over it. If you wanna believe the press over me like everyone else, go ahead. I’m fucking used to it.” You grumbled, turning away to keep walking but this time Jenna grabbed your elbow, stopping you.

“Can you just stop for a second and let me explain!” But you yanked back like you’ve been burned and Jenna thinks she can physically feel her heart splitting down the middle. 

“No, fuck that!” You yelled before taking a deep breath, using Jenna's stunned silence as a chance to keep talking. You looked deeply into her eyes and said the next words with pure conviction. ”I’m sick of trusting people and letting them in just to be fucking burned over and over again — After the Met Gala, I’ll go to Jake and Liv and tell them this is over. Next week, it’ll be three months anyway. Then, we’ll never have to see each other again.” 

There was no slurring in your voice or wobble in your stance as you said those words.

Jenna blinked back the tears forming in her eyes, clenching her jaw. Not recognizing this version of you standing across from her.

This isn’t the same person that treated her family kindly and won over their hearts.

This isn’t the same person that won over her heart.

So, she listened.

“Okay….” Jenna nodded weakly, then turned walking out of your room not being able to look into your eyes.

She missed the instant regret in them as you tracked her disappearing figure.

***

i told y’all this slow burn would be slowwwww.

***

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***

everyone but her pt.28

Summary: A New Year's frat party, an old acquaintance, and a massive hangover. What better way to ring in the new year?

Word Count: 5.4k Warnings: swearing, bullying, slight homophobia, violence, blood mention Pairing: Wednesday Addams x Reader (everyone but her Masterlist) Taglist: @extinctspino @basichextechml @cfvgbhndun-new-blog @jinxscatbomb @awolfcsworld @suzhiman @gengen64 @eclipsesmoonshine14 @alexkolax @thenextdawn @cacciatricediartemide @cozwaenot @the-night-owl-blr @natashasapphic @elliesbabygirl @alilbitlesbian @irish-piece-of-trash @rainbow-love4ever @audigay @bakugounuggets @myfturn @rockwyn @bigbadsofty07 @andsoigotabutterfly @smromanoff @notheoneforlove

Wednesday didn’t think she had ever seen anyone as comically furious as you.

She knew you had an exceptionally convincing pout; she had been on the receiving end of it more times than she could count. Your lip stuck out just enough to seem pitiful without seeming ridiculous. Add to that the watery eyes you could create on command? Anyone would have fallen for it.

But this was simply ridiculous., and if she hadn’t been on a bus with numerous people, she would have laughed at you.

At the very back of the bus, sitting in the three seats, were Wednesday, you, and Ash. Ash who, as it turned out, was a student at the same university as everyone else and who, even more comically, decided to sit next to you on the bus back to town. All of this simply to leave you a pouting, fuming mess with your arms crossed over your chest like a scolded child.

Wednesday wanted to be upset about the fact that Ash would be sticking around. If all the things Enid had told her and shown her were true, people didn’t like their partners’ exes. By all accounts, she shouldn’t like Ash either; her closeness to you would be worrying to most. But Wednesday couldn’t deny she had grown fond for the woman over the past two weeks.

Not to mention the way she teased you ceaselessly was rather entertaining.

Your wings were tucked safely into your harness on the ride back to the city. Something you had done before Nicky, but now you were adamant about it. No wings out in the vehicle, no matter how far away from the driver or how big the vehicle was. Even Ash had kept her mouth shut when you had pulled the harness tight enough to leave indents in your skin.

“Why can’t you go to school somewhere else?” You asked halfway through the trip. Wednesday’s eyes never strayed from her book, though she felt you gently squeeze the other hand you were holding.

“I went to school there first, dipshit,” Ash commented. She, too, was refraining from looking at you, instead opting to keep her eyes closed as she rested her head against the window. “Y’all didn’t get there till a year later.”

“Just transfer to a different school,” you said softly. Thankfully there weren’t very many people on the bus to listen in on your childish argument.

“Too bad,” she said, “you’ve gotta put up with me a little longer.”

“This world is a nightmare,” you whispered to yourself as you threw your head back against the headrest.

The rest of the ride went by smoothly. Your leg bounced and your fingers drummed against Wednesday’s palm, yet you stayed silent. At some point you had been on your phone; playing a game, reading something, talking to someone, Wednesday didn’t know and she didn’t necessarily care. As long as it kept you distracted from the fact that you were in a vehicle, she wouldn’t ask too many questions.

You carried both yours and her bag on the walk back to the dorm from the bus station. Ash had bid her goodbye - after giving Wednesday her phone number and address in case of emergencies - and you mocked her before dragging Wednesday away. It was immature, absolutely ridiculous, and yet you were smiling as you walked away.

“Why must you continue this childish feud?” Wednesday asked when you grabbed her hand and squeezed gently.

“It’s fun,” you said with a shrug and a twinkle in your eye.

Ajax and Kent were already sitting on the couch in the common room when you both got back to the dorm. You all bid each other hello on your way to the bedroom, quickly dropping everything on the floor before falling to the bed. Though Wednesday took her time, she ended up doing the same and letting you wrap your arms around her waist.

“We should do something for New Year,” you said. You were laying on your back, looking up at the ceiling with dull eyes. Wednesday knew that look; she didn’t like it.

“I believe Enid, Yoko, and Divina will be back tomorrow,” she said in reply. “THey will most likely be interested in doing something as well.”

“Think there’s a frat party,” you said. “We should go.”

It was a foolish idea, Wednesday knew that. Nothing good could ever come from a fraternity party, especially on such a large campus. She knew they were trouble, and she knew you were trouble. The two would not mix and if alcohol was involved? No one would be safe from the potential chaos.

“Okay,” she said anyway.

Enid, Yoko, and Divina came back to the dorm the next day, followed quickly by Bianca later that evening. By the time New Year's Eve rolled around, everyone was more than ready to do something; or more accurately, they were excited to go to a party. None of them more excited than you.

“No disappearing with strangers,” you said on the walk over, your hand squeezing Wednesday’s lightly. “I’m not getting another battery charge over some creep at a frat party.”

“We’ll be careful,” Bianca said and everyone was quick to nod and mumble their agreements.

The party was in full swing by the time you all arrived at the already-obnoxiously messy fraternity house. Everyone separated quickly, but you stayed right beside Wednesday; she appreciated that. The party was very much not her usual scene and if it weren’t for you, she wouldn’t have even entertained the idea. Though judging by the look on your face, you weren’t seeming to enjoy yourself either.

“There’s too many people,” you said, leaning down until your lips were near her ear.

“You wished to come,” she said not unkindly. You made a face that said “I know” before standing back up and looking around.

The fraternity house was nothing less than what she had expected one to look like. Flags of all kinds, outdated posters, and sports jerseys lined the walls. Empty plastic cups littered the floors and yet there never seemed to be a shortage of them at any of the tables. In almost every other corner was another beer keg that somehow flowed ceaselessly.

“Did you want a drink?” You asked Wednesday as you guided her further into the house.

“Do you?” She asked in return.

You thought for a moment. “I don’t think so,” you finally said. “I don’t trust any of these people.”

“I don’t either,” she admitted as her eyes scanned the room. There were far too many people.

“Come on,” you said, pulling her with you until you found an empty spot on a questionably clean loveseat.

You practically fell onto the loveseat, dragging Wednesday down with you until she was on your lap. It was a bit uncomfortable with the unceremonious movements of it all, but she quickly got settled and silently rejoiced in your arms wrapped securely around her waist. There was something grounding in your touch, the secret possessiveness behind each squeeze when someone glanced in your direction.

“They’re all looking at you,” you said when yet another man walked by, his eyes trailing up and down where you were both sitting.

“They would do no such thing,” Wednesday said even though you both knew better. Your arms tightened around her waist.

“They are doing such a thing,” you grumbled. There was something in your eyes as you watched the man walk away.

“Metre?” She asked, her eyes stuck to you even though you weren’t sparing her a second glance.

“Eight,” you said quickly.

Your answer came as no surprise to Wednesday; she could feel it in the grip you had on her, soft yet bruising. If looks could kill, she had no doubt the man still looking at her would be nothing more than a corpse on the floor. The set of your jaw was enough to make anyone think twice before approaching.

It was rather attractive.

“Cara mia,” Wednesday said softly into your ear, which twitched at her words. But still, you didn’t look at her, your eyes trained on anyone that even glanced in Wednesday’s direction.

Incredibly attractive.

She cupped your jaw and scratched it lightly before turning you to face her. Your eyes were unfocused and you wanted nothing more than to look back out at the room, but you stayed still like a good little bird. Oh how she had failed to realise just how possessive you could truly be.

“They’re looking at you,” you said softly, only loud enough for Wednesday to hear.

“Yet I’m looking at you,” she said.

The way you visibly relaxed was almost comical if you had both been somewhere private. She would have teased you about it in the privacy of your own room, admiring the slight blush that would adorn your cheeks. But here, she could see your relief at her statement and she wondered just how much you didn’t tell her.

Were you insecure? Worried that if someone else gave her the time of day then she would leave you behind? Or perhaps you believed others could offer her more; she wasn’t oblivious to your borderline desperate attempts to make yourself useful or “necessary,” as Yoko had put it one evening after you had finished making dinner for the next three nights.

“Can I kiss you?” You asked. Wednesday could barely even hear your words, but she knew the look in your eyes.

She was acutely aware of the amount of people in the fraternity house, and how many were looking in your direction. There was very rarely a need for public affection, at least in Wednesday’s mind. You were a little more in favour of such a thing, but you kept your impulses under control and she appreciated it.

But the slight frown on your lips and the worry on your brow was enough to convince her otherwise, at least for the moment. Without another word, Wednesday leaned forward to press her lips against yours in a light, lingering kiss. Nothing drastic, nothing that would draw much attention, but enough to let you know how she felt.

The way your hand slid down to grip her thigh told her you understood.

“They’re still looking,” you mumbled against her lips, but your body stayed relaxed. Excellent.

The party continued on around you both, and while you kept your eyes glued to Wednesday, she was looking out at the crowd. With a bit of luck and a lot of focus, she was able to find everyone. The Trio were around a table with some other women, with Enid and Divina holding drinks in their hands while Yoko stood with her arms crossed over her chest. Bianca was leaning against a wall and talking to a young man that seemed far too interested. And Ajax and Kent were near a keg, attempting to do keg stands.

A typical fraternity party, Wednesday assumed.

“Did you want a drink?” You asked, drawing her attention once again. “I think I want one now.”

She shook her head in the negative. “Go get one.”

“I’ll be right back,” you said, leaning forward to give her one more quick kiss before getting up and walking into the crowd.

Wednesday stayed right where she was, not wishing to talk to anyone or draw any unnecessary attention to herself. She could not care any less about these people, nor did she even have the desire to care. Her sole purpose at the ridiculous party was to be with you, and that was all she cared to do.

“Never thought I’d see you at a frat party,” an all-too-familiar voice called out through the insufferable noise.

“Precisely the opposite of what I thought about you,” Wednesday said in reply as Ash fell onto the seat directly beside her.

“One day,” Ash said with a nod. “One day I’ll get you to admit you like me.”

“I would rather scoop my own eyes out with a rusty spoon,” she said. They both knew she wasn’t serious.

With Ash’s body heat creating a comforting feeling - it was similar to yours, though not as encompassing - Wednesday could finally search for you once again. You had disappeared into the crowd and for a moment, she thought she saw your unkempt hair in the group around the Trio. But as she looked harder she realised it wasn’t you, just some random boy who was trying his best to hit on Enid.

The look on Yoko’s and Divina’s faces was beyond entertaining.

“Looking for Y/N?” Ash asked before taking another sip from her red plastic cup.

“She went to get a drink,” Wednesday answered.

“I saw her on my way over,” Ash said. “Some sorority girls got her to do shots.”

Something uncomfortable settled in Wednesday’s stomach.

“Of course they did,” was all she said in return.

Wednesday never considered herself a jealous person; she knew her worth and refused to associate with anyone who didn’t treat her as such. If someone treated her as anything less, or as expendable, she had no shame in leaving them behind. On top of that, she knew you worshipped the ground she walked on, following her around like a lovesick puppy. She had no fear of you leaving or disrespecting her.

However, she was also aware that other people had no shame in attempting to disrespect her.

“She’ll get a migraine,” Ash continued, her voice far softer than Wednesday wished it to be. “If it’s really bad, she’ll get nauseous. Just make her sleep it off and she won’t bug you too much.”

A retort quickly found its way to the tip of Wednesday’s tongue at the bit of information Ash was oh-so-willingly handing out. She didn’t need your ex to tell her how to take care of you. But there was no malice in her voice, nothing to indicate she meant anything other than care for your well-being and Wednesday’s sanity. The gesture was kind.

“If it’s really bad, I’ll send her to you,” Wednesday said instead.

Ash barked out a laugh. “You do that and she’s sleeping on the streets.”

They both started a light conversation; nothing serious considering it had only been a few days since they had seen each other, but something to pass the time. Every now and then Wednesday would see you through the crowd, finally attempting to make your way back to the loveseat before getting pulled in a different direction. If she was correct, your anger metre would eventually rise and someone would get hurt.

“Willa!”

Ash stopped mid-sentence as Enid finished shoving her way past people to stand in front of the loveseat. She was unsteady on her feet and her eyes were unfocused and Wednesday didn’t have to guess how much alcohol she had consumed so far. It seemed you wouldn’t be the only one with a hangover in the morning.

“Y/N is- hi stranger,” Enid said with a smile when she saw Ash, who hesitantly waved and smiled in return. “Willa, did you make a friend?”

“Focus, Enid,” Wednesday said not unkindly. “Y/N is?”

“Oh!” Enid laughed at herself before her face fell serious. “She’s about to start a fight.”

“Shit,” Ash mumbled before pushing Wednesday off the seat and quickly following suit.

Enid led the way, continuing to shove her way past the throngs of people that were starting to gather in one particular spot. It was times like that where Wednesday could truly appreciate the werewolf’s strength and sturdiness; she certainly never would have made it by on her own. With Ash close behind, they finally stepped into the centre of the circle where you were standing toe-to-toe with two fraternity men. Kent and Ajax stood behind you, simultaneously reaching out to pull you back while backing up themselves.

“Say it again,” you said loud enough for even Wednesday to hear it over the music.

“You heard me the first time,” the taller of the two men said. He seemed far too cocky. Wednesday secretly hoped he would throw the first punch so you could finish the fight.

“Too scared to say it again?” You asked.

The shorter one stepped closer. “We called your Outcast friends a pair of faggots.”

“See, that’s what I thought you said.” A humourless smile graced those pretty lips of yours. “I think you should apologise.”

“I’m not one to apologise for the truth,” the taller one said.

“Apologise on your own,” you said with a slight tilt of your head. Oh no, “or I’ll beat it out of you.”

“I’d like to see you try,” the shorter one said with his own smile.

At the slight roll of your shoulders, Wednesday made a split second decision. No one even dared try to stop her as she stepped forward and grabbed your forearm in a grip just tight enough to get your attention. She remembered Alex doing something similar in the ice cream shop all that time ago. The muscles under her fingers relaxed instantly and she thanked whatever was out there that the tactic had worked a second time.

“Let’s go,” she said when you turned to look down at her, the anger dissipating the moment your eyes met hers.

You didn’t argue or fight when she pulled you back, away from the two men still sneering and watching with hungry eyes. As much as Wednesday wanted you to beat the shit out of them, she knew better than to let you loose. Even so much as a taste of violence would risk your good streak and she refused to let you do such a thing as a fraternity party.

“Go on, pup,” one of the men said, “let those freaks walk you like a dog.”

It was as if your body turned to stone. No matter how hard Wednesday pulled, you didn’t budge. She turned her head to look at you for a moment, only a moment, and she knew she had only a second to make a decision. There was no need to ask what your anger metre was; she could see it in your eyes and the painfully tight clench of your jaw.

She dropped your arm and nodded once.

Your teeth showed in a sadistic, crooked half-smile as you turned around to face the men once again.

Wednesday refused to watch when she heard the first punch land, but she didn’t have to. It was clear who had swung first, and it was clear who was winning. The sounds of the crowd grew louder, drowning out the sounds of violence behind her. Even though violence was no stranger to Wednesday, she didn’t wish to see you partaking in it. She couldn’t quite explain it, but she felt nausea grow at the thought of you involved in violence.

“If you so much as look at my friends again, I’ll end your fucking bloodline,” you said, and at that, Wednesday finally turned to look at you again.

The two men were on the ground holding all kinds of body parts. Then there you stood, towering over them with blood dripping from your nose and the beginnings of a black eye making an appearance. Ajax, Kent, and Bianca were pulling you back, and though you pretended to resist, you let them push you back into Wednesday’s direction.

“Good luck,” Ash said when you stumbled and nearly fell at Wednesday’s feet.

“Thank you,” Wednesday said with a frown that quickly softened when she met your eyes.

Everything about you seemed more relaxed, as if you had let out some of the pressure that had been building inside you. Your eyes were soft and your shoulders drooped. If not for the blood coating the bottom half of your face, she would have thought you were just a regular college student.

She grabbed your hand and dragged you away from the dissipating crowd, quickly finding a bathroom and pushing you inside before closing and locking the door. You swayed lightly on your feet, just enough to remind Wednesday that you had been drinking a little earlier in the night. If she had been responsible, as she usually was, she would have scolded you for it.

But when you turned and looked at her with the softest, most gentle smile she had seen on your face in months, she couldn’t bring herself to do it.

“You look really pretty,” you said, your smile turning dopey.

“Sit down,” Wednesday said with a roll of her eyes even though she could feel her cheeks starting to heat up.

You did as ordered - with a bit of stumbling as you missed the edge of the tub and nearly fell to the floor - and sat as still as you could. Which wasn’t very, but she would allow it. When she turned back around with a wet cloth, she almost smiled at the sight of you sitting politely with your hands clasped together in your lap. As if you were a child waiting to receive a reward for something.

“This will hurt,” she said as she stood in front of you, “don’t move.”

“Yes ma’am,” you said softly, your eyes still looking at her in a way that reminded her of her father.

There was the slightest twitch in your eye when she started to wipe the blood from your nose, but aside from that you sat perfectly still. Music from outside continued to thump in her ears, dull from the walls but ever present. She could feel you watching her, looking at her with an admiration that almost made her uncomfortable. And when you licked the split on your bottom lip, you almost made her stomach flip.

Just almost.

“Mi vida,” you said softly, the use of the term making Wednesday freeze, “can I kiss you?”

Without answering, she finished wiping the remainder of the sticky blood off your lips. Why did you always feel the need to ask her before doing such a thing? None of the Trio ever asked each other before giving their kisses. She didn’t think she saw Bianca ever ask anyone. So why, then, would you ask almost every single time?

She straightened her posture and looked down at you. At the new gash on the bridge of your nose and the split on your bottom lip that was almost identical to the scar on the top. The slightest daze in your eyes that didn’t appear to stop you from looking at her so intensely she felt she might combust.

With only a second of consideration, she leaned down to kiss you; your lips tasted of copper and liquor. An unusual taste but not unpleasant. She could feel your shift underneath her, almost as if you were about to move, but you soon stilled again. When she pulled away, you were quick to chase after her, only giving up when she took a step back.

“That’s it?” You asked with an adorable pout.

“You can have another one once you behave,” Wednesday said.

“What about my New Year’s kiss?” You asked with wide eyes. “Can I have that one too?”

Wednesday sighed quietly. If this was what you were like when you were drunk, maybe she really would turn you over to Ash. Although she supposed you did look cute when you were looking at her like a lost puppy. Perhaps she would give you another chance. At least for the moment.

“Come on,” Wednesday said without actually giving you an answer to your previous question.

She grabbed you by the hand and dragged you out of the bathroom and back to the party where everyone was already starting to count down to the New Year. You looked at her quickly with raised brows and an expectant look. If you hadn’t been so damn insistent she would have left you right then and there.

But when everyone continued counting down, and cheers rang out, she pulled you down by the collar of your shirt and into a kiss. For your sake - because it certainly wasn’t her desire - she kissed you deeply, her grip on your shirt tight. Your hands quickly fell to her waist, the grip bruising yet not uncomfortable. The cheers died down and the music continued their assault on her ears, but all she could truly focus on was the feel of your lips against hers.

When you pulled away her pulse was racing enough to make her dizzy. Mentally she cursed you for affecting her as much as you did. It was a weakness that she despised and yet, when you kissed her, she couldn’t help it. There was something hypnotising and special about your touch. She would kill for it; she would die for it.

“Happy New Year, darling,” you said softly, your warm breath fanning across her cheeks. Now that was a nickname Wednesday could live with.

“Happy New Year,” she said in reply before pressing one more quick kiss to your lips. “Shall we stay longer?” She asked.

“No,” you said with a shake of your head. “My head hurts.”

“It wouldn’t hurt so bad if you hadn’t started a fight,” she said even though she knew it was from the myriad of things that had transpired throughout the night. “I’ll gather everyone and meet you by the front,” she continued.

“Yes ma’am,” you said. With the speed of a viper, you kissed her once more, a giddy smile gracing your lips before you stumbled off toward the front door.

Thankfully it didn’t take long to find everyone. The Trio were still being hit on by a few fraternity guys, Bianca was in a heated makeout session with some sorority girl, and Kent and Ajax were busy playing beer pong. Or rather, busy losing beer pong. They were more than happy to abandon the game, saying they had places to be.

She even picked up Ash, who said she would be more than happy to help get everyone home safely.

Wednesday assumed it took all of fifteen minutes to find everyone and get back to the front, where you were leaning against the doorframe of the front door with exhaustion weighing heavy on your shoulders. But the moment you saw everyone walking towards you, you perked up and stood up straight. Not even the sight of Ash brought you down from whatever high the alcohol had put you in.

Though the walk back to the dorm was short, it was quickly clear who had been drinking throughout the night. You, of course, as you did your best to appear sober even as you tripped over your own feet. Enid and Divina, who were hanging on to Yoko for dear life. And Kent and Ajax, who were hanging on to each other and singing tuneless songs.

“I vote for no more frat parties,” Yoko grumbled.

Ash and Bianca muttered their agreements.

“I concur,” Wednesday finished.

It was easier to get everyone in their beds than previously anticipated. Ajax and Kent went straight to their shared room and shut the door; Bianca quickly checked and confirmed they were already fast asleep. Yoko took her two hooligans to the room and also gave a silent thumbs up that they were passed out. That only left Wednesday to get you to bed.

“I’ll head on home,” Ash said once the main four were accounted for.

“It’s late,” Bianca said with a shrug. “I have a second bed.”

“You sure?” Ash asked hesitantly.

“There’s a murderer on the loose, remember?” Bianca said with a raised brow. “Safer to stay.”

Ash looked at Wednesday, who gave a noncommittal shrug, before agreeing to stay. She and Bianca bid you and Wednesday goodnight, leaving the two of you to get to your room. Which, thankfully, was also fairly simple since you were slowly sobering up enough to be slightly useful.

“I’m gonna hurt tomorrow,” you gumbled when you had finished getting ready and fell onto the bed.

“Yes you are,” Wednesday agreed as she slipped in beside you, smiling in the dark when your arm instinctually found its way around her waist.

“Take care of me tomorrow?” You asked.

“I would rather wear pink.”

“That’s my girl,” you chuckled, your laugh fading into the softest of snores. Wednesday was quick behind you.

The morning - or rather, the afternoon - was rather funny when everyone finally reconvened in the common room of the dorm. Of course Wednesday, Yoko, Bianca, and Ash were fine; Bianca and Ash had the slightest headaches, but nothing a few Advil couldn’t handle. They were all okay, ready for the day, ready to see what they could get done in the remaining daylight.

The other five of you, however… well, that was a different thing entirely.

Enid and Divina were sick to their stomachs, which they made sure to remind everyone about every 30 seconds. No matter how much Yoko grumbled at them, she still let them rest their heads on her shoulders. You, Kent, and Ajax were cuddled up in front of the couch, eyes closed and grimaces on your faces. It didn’t help that Bianca decided to talk a little extra loud, just for you.

“I need hangover food,” you said, immediately wincing at the volume. Which was normal, even a little quiet, if Wednesday was being honest.

“Don’t talk about food,” Divina mumbled.

“No no, talk about food,” Kent interrupted.

“I know a guy,” you said, your eyes finally opening just enough to make sure you didn’t squish anyone as you stood up. “Don’t bother getting dressed, come on.”

You didn’t bother waiting for anyone as you grabbed Wednesday’s hand and made your way out of the dorm. Everyone followed suit, letting you guide them all down to the streets below. A few groans were heard as the sun assaulted your eyes, but you kept walking, taking them a few streets down to a little hole in the wall that Wednesday would admit she had never seen before.

“Afternoon, pollito,” a man said when you walked in. “A productive New Year, I see.”

“Shut up,” you grumbled, “my booth available?”

“Go on,” the man said with a chuckle and a gesture of his head, “I’ll bring out the special for everyone.”

“Thank you,” you said, finally stepping aside to usher everyone into the small restaurant and to a booth in the very back corner.

With the amount of people, you and Wednesday ended up sitting at opposite sides of the table. Not that you seemed to mind at the moment considering you were pinching the bridge of your nose - still a bit bloody from the night before - and squeezing your eyes so tightly she thought they might weld shut.

It didn’t take long before the man brought out plates for everyone, placing them in front of each person along with a steaming cup of coffee. If Wednesday was being honest with herself, it looked rather delicious; rice, ground beef, and an egg on top. Maybe it would be enough to satisfy yours and Enid’s voracious appetites.

“On the house,” the man said with a smile. Your eyes flew open as you looked at him. “For the New Year,” he said quickly, beating you to the punch. Your eyes narrowed but he left before you could say anything else.

Wednesday was correct in her assumption; it was an extremely satisfying meal. The more everyone ate, the more they started to perk back up. You would still grimace at certain volumes or the lights, but you seemed a bit more normal. Maybe Ash was wrong and you wouldn’t be as needy as usual. You actually looked at peace, and you looked at her with gentle eyes before you-

“-Wednesday?”

Everyone froze.

“Wednesday Addams?”

Every head at the table turned slowly to look at the young man currently coming up to the table. His round glasses rested low on his nose and he was slightly unkempt, shaggy hair hanging near his eyes. A large book was tucked under his arm and he was looking at Wednesday in a certain way…

Of course.

“Joel?”

the cave

Summary: You show Wednesday just how much she means to you.

Word Count: 3.3k Warnings: smut (awkward first time), swearing Pairing: Wednesday Addams x Reader (everyone but her Masterlist)

Wednesday’s grip on your chin never lessened as she held you still. Her knees were on either side of your hips while she sat directly in your lap. Well, no, she wasn’t sitting in your lap, she was full on straddling you. Your hands stayed planted to the ground, clawing at the blanket because you had no idea where to put them. Did you put them on her waist? Her thighs? Her arms? Oh geez.

"You're stiff," she mumbled against your lips.

She caught on, the voice said.

Yeah, no shit.

She pulled away slowly, her weight on your lap shifting ever so slightly. Her grip on your chin remained, but her eyes searched your face for something. Oh no, had you messed up already? God, you had barely even started, now you had blown it and you didn't even know how! Damn Nicky for never teaching you anything good!

"Would you like me to stop?" Wednesday asked, her softened gaze completely focused on you.

"Please no," you said a little too quickly. "I just- I don't- I don't know what to do."

Wednesday looked at you with the slightest furrow of your brow and a tilt of her head. It felt like you were being studied. Were you? Oh geez, you probably were, now you were probably just going to turn into her little lab experiment. You should've just gone right back to the dorm and gone to sleep, this was such a bad idea.

"You don't?" She asked, her tone neutral but with the smallest upward lilt at the end of her question. It would've been indiscernible to anyone else. Not to you.

"I've never done this before," you said even softer.

She didn’t say anything.

“I don’t even know what to do with my hands.” You chuckled nervously and held your hands up in between the both of you. “You know, like Ricky Bobby in-”

-your mouth closed immediately when Wednesday grabbed your hands. Her fingers were a little colder than normal from the cool spring air. Your heart was beating wildly in your chest as she pulled your hands, using them to push the hem of her shirt up so she could place your hands on her bare waist. Now there; there she was warm. You gulped loudly at the same time she exhaled softly.

Fuck, her skin was soft. She let go of your hands and brought them back up to wrap around your neck, but you couldn’t take your eyes off where you were touching her. Her fingers played with the hair on the back of your neck as your thumbs lightly rubbed the skin on her hips. You were well aware that you two were in the process of something, but you just couldn’t stop.

Fucking virgin, the voice teased.

“Do you need step-by-step instructions?” Wednesday asked. You nearly jumped at the sudden intrusion to your mental debate with yourself. Or the voice. Ah, same difference.

“I-” be smooth “-or you could, you know, show me.”

She tilted her head again as you finally looked up to meet her eyes. Her pupils were still blown and thanks to the proximity you could practically hear her own heart racing in sync with yours. You wondered if she could feel your own pulse under her fingertips.

"I suppose I do have more knowledge on the subject," she said. Her breath fanned across your face, leaving your eyelids to flutter for the moment.

"I'm guessing your parents taught you more than mine," you joked with an awkward laugh.

It was a shitty joke. You quickly closed your mouth.

"You're nervous," she pointed out.

"Very," you admitted with a single nod of your head.

"Perhaps this will help."

There was the slightest pressure on your neck as Wednesday pulled you into a kiss. It was soft, almost painfully so. Like she was hesitant about something. And maybe she was, you had just admitted you had no idea what you were doing. Which you shouldn’t have done, you had a reputation to maintain.

A reputation that quickly went down the drain when she bit your bottom lip, drawing a very pathetic moan from you.

“Oh,” she mumbled against your lips; out of fear of seeing a smile, you kept your eyes closed. “This will be fun.”

She’s taunting you, the voice said when Wednesday kissed you again. She swiped her tongue along your bottom lip and you quickly parted your lips for her. She’s testing you, it continued. Your grip on Wednesday’s waist tightened. She reacted by lightly scratching the back of your neck. She knows you don’t know anything.

Oh, fuck that noise.

You held Wednesday tighter with one hand as your other went back to the blanket. Her grip on your neck stayed constant as you held her closer and - surprisingly - managed to flip you both until she was on her back and you were hovering over her. With a skill that you were secretly going to congratulate yourself for, not once did you ever have to break the kiss.

But then you froze. Okay, you had put yourself on top, but now what? Oh geez, maybe you shouldn’t have tried to prove a point. The scratching on the back of your neck lightened until Wednesday’s fingers were merely massaging the skin. That alone was enough to ease your racing pulse and your shoulders could relax once again. You exhaled softly through your nose.

Okay, you knew how this worked, it wasn’t rocket science. You knew how the female body worked, you knew what it looked like, you could do this. With your weight shifted to the hand on the ground, you let your other hand finally start to move. Wednesday shivered under your touch as your fingers grazed her side, moving up and stopping on her rib cage.

Your mind started racing when you felt the underwire of her bra. She would tell you to stop if she didn’t want you to, right? Wednesday was bold, she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind or tell you no. But, like, she would tell you, right? Yes she had initiated it, but you didn’t want to make her feel like she had to do anything, especially not on a cliff’s edge.

She tugged on your bottom lip again, forcing you out of your own head. You let out a shaky exhale when she let go, and you finally opened your eyes. She was looking at you with a softness that she usually reserved for when you were losing your mind. And, well, technically you were, but not in a bad way.

You didn’t have time to ask her if everything was okay, if she wanted you to stop. Wednesday pushed at your shoulders until you were sitting back on your knees and she sat up with you. She let your jacket fall off her shoulders to the ground before grabbing the bottom of her shirt, swiftly pulling it over her head until she was left in her bra.

In a move that was entirely cool of you, you turned your head away when she reached behind her back to unhook her bra. Now of all times you were going to try and be modest? The whole point of this was to be immodest! Would it be wrong to turn back? No, it would probably make you seem weird, you were being utterly ridiculous at this point-

-Wednesday grabbed you by the jaw and pulled your head back around until you were looking at her. She wasn’t quite laughing at you, but you could tell she wanted to. It was in the shameless smirk she was giving you as your face heated up at the mere fact that she was now topless in front of you.

Oh geez.

“You are allowed to look,” she said. You gulped loudly. Again. “In fact, it’s encouraged.”

“You’re making it very difficult to…” your words faded off into nothing as you finally turned your eyes back to look at her.

Oh Jesus fuck she was gorgeous. You knew she was stunning before, it had never even been a doubt in your mind but fuck. Every single thought in your head was silenced as you stared shamelessly. It wasn’t smooth, you probably looked rather ridiculous, but you just couldn’t help it. You could feel your wings puff up a little too.

Oh now that was embarrassing.

Wednesday pulled you with her as she laid back down on her back, leaving you leaning over her once again. She grabbed your hand that was hovering over her hip and guided it up, placing it on her ribs right below her breast. Your eyes kept flicking between her breast and her eyes, mesmerised by both.

God you were pathetic.

Your knuckles followed the curve of her breast before brushing lightly against her nipple. She inhaled a little sharper than usual, and your gaze flew up to watch her face. Her eyes opened slowly; incredibly out of character for her. Your wings twitched.

Well, that was a good reaction. Okay, you could do this. You repeated the action, watching Wednesday’s face carefully for any sort of change or indication of what she liked. Again, she inhaled sharply and her eyes closed for a moment. Okay, don’t be weird, you thought before leaning forward to kiss her again.

Her arms wrapped around your neck again, holding you to her. You continued with the gentle touches, brushing your knuckles over her nipple, occasionally rolling it between two fingers. Now that nearly got a noise out of her; not quite, but it was pretty damn close.

You moved your hand to place it on the ground, ignoring her little noise of protest as you shifted your weight and brought your other hand up. She stopped, sighing softly when you did the exact same thing as you had to her other breast. You weren’t stupid, you could get the hang of it, and her little sighs were more than enough to have your stomach turning in delectable knots.

But then Wednesday pulled away and held you still so you couldn’t follow.

“Are you okay?” You asked, your mind suddenly consumed with everything you could have done wrong.

She pinched the fabric of your shirt between her thumb and forefinger. “This needs to come off.”

Your mouth formed a small “o” before you nodded and sat up on your knees once again. The hair on the back of your neck stood up when you noticed Wednesday watching your every move. Nonetheless, you reached over your head to grab the back of your shirt and pulled, the velcro on the back pulling apart the moment it hit the base of your wings. It wasn’t exactly comfortable, it certainly wasn’t sexy, but it worked the way it was supposed to.

Almost as soon as the shirt was off, your wings shook themselves out before tucking tight against your back again. The dust from your feathers fell, and you felt that little tickle in your nose. There was no time for you to move before you sneezed, your wings extending at the action before taking their place again.

“Your sneeze is rather dainty,” Wednesday said, and when you looked back down at her she had a smirk on her lips once again.

“Shut up,” you mumbled as you let your body fall forward, catching yourself at the last second so you wouldn’t squish her.

You weren’t one to be self-conscious without clothes. Thanks to your wings, you had grown up needing help with things anyway, so most people had seen you without at least some article of clothing. But as Wednesday stared at you like you were nothing more than a piece of meat, you felt your face heat up and your heart race.

Her hands studied every inch of skin that she could reach. Over your neck, your shoulders, down your arms. Each time she would touch the sensitive scars, a shiver would travel down your spine, leaving your wings to ruffle in reply. It was almost humiliating that you couldn’t handle even just that simple touch, but you would keep your mouth shut if it meant she wouldn’t stop.

“Do you still require guidance?” Wednesday asked even as she continued running her fingers over your hips.

“I-” you closed your mouth and considered what you were about to say. 

Did you need more guidance? Not that you necessarily needed it, but did you want it? It would probably help so you could figure out what you were doing. But then again, the fun part was figuring it out, learning what she enjoyed and what she didn’t. Besides, it was Wednesday, she would warn you if she didn’t like something. It might be a violent warning, but a warning nonetheless.

“No,” you finally said slowly, drawing the word out as you looked back at her. “As long as you let me know if something doesn’t feel good.”

“That’s acceptable,” she said, finally looking back up at you.

“Okay,” you said with a few erratic nods. But then you froze.

Did you just… get to it? You knew what you wanted to do, but how did you build up to it? Or maybe you should just go for it, Wednesday always liked when you took initiative. But you really needed to check with her to make sure it was okay, you didn’t want to seem aggressive or anything like that. Fuck, why were you making this so complicated, it wasn’t a difficult thing!

“May I offer a suggestion?” Wednesday asked.

You sighed. “Yes.”

“It might be helpful if we both removed the rest of our clothes,” she said, her eyes gesturing down to where you were both still wearing pants.

“Well I knew that,” you grumbled. “I just… didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“And you all believe I’m the one with trust issues,” she said. She was teasing you again. “Trust that I will tell you if I’m uncomfortable.”

Her little smirk was gone, now replaced by a soft look. No smile, that would be misleading, but just soft eyes. You nodded slowly, for once unable to get any words out of your mouth. Trusting her was definitely something you could do. If you trusted anyone, it was her.

You looked at her with raised brows for a moment, just to double check she was okay before you let your hand fall to the waistband of her shorts. Well, no, they were your shorts, and you could tell because of how far they fell down her legs. The sight of her in your clothes never failed to initiate that spark in your core, and your mouth went dry before you started moving again.

With yet another look at her to double check, she rolled her eyes playfully but nodded and you sat back to pull the shorts slowly down her legs. You let your fingers brush against the skin of her thighs as you continued to marvel at each inch that was revealed to you. Thankfully she had gotten rid of her shoes at some point - you honestly couldn’t say when - so it was easy enough to rid her of the shorts.

If she would let you, you would have stayed kneeled in front of her for millenia. You would have set her upon a pedestal so you could worship at her feet until the day you died. There was nothing you loved more than anything else, instead just admiring every inch, every freckle, every curve.

She shivered when your fingers traced the band of her black panties from one hip to the other. It was a beautiful contrast to her tanned skin. All the noise and thoughts and doubts in your mind started to pound on the inside of your skull, telling you to stop. For once, you pushed them back and leaned down, pressing a single soft kiss right below her navel.

Her usual scent was accompanied by something different, something far more intoxicating. You placed another kiss on her skin, leaving a trail to her hip. The muscles of her stomach jumped, and you could feel her thighs tense up. You made sure to give extra attention to her other hip as you let your hands massage her inner thighs, being gentle but firm.

You stopped when you made your way back to her stomach, your fingers toying with the piece of fabric that was, quite frankly, in the way. Would it be too soon to take them off? No, you thought, just do it. As you slid the fabric down Wednesday’s legs, you followed it with soft kisses. Above you, you heard a hushed exhale. With one final kiss right on her pubic bone, you pulled away.

Wednesday’s sigh turned into a grumble when she noticed you weren’t where you were supposed to be. It was dark, but you could imagine the scowl she was sending your way. Any other time you would have teased her, but at the moment you were too focused. You slid back until you could lay on your stomach and hooked your arms around her thighs. She gasped lightly when you pulled her closer.

Even though you had never done it before, you weren’t stupid, you knew how this worked. If you waited any longer then you would work yourself up until you were too anxious to continue. Without giving yourself more time to back out, you leaned forward and licked one long strip from her entrance to her clit, and oh god was she delectable.

The littlest whimper you pulled from her was all it took for you to lose any sense of gentleness. Your grip on her thighs tightened as you dove back in, eating her out like it was your first meal in years. It was sloppy, but the way Wednesday’s heels dug into your back painfully was more than enough motivation to keep going.

A mix of a groan and a moan left your mouth when one of Wednesday’s hands went to your head, holding you closer to where she wanted you. No, at this point it was where she needed you. And who were you to deny the love of your life? She instructed you on what felt best, and you were thankful you were a fast learner. 

You focused on her clit when you felt her thighs start to shake, and you knew the exact moment you pushed her over the edge. It was in the way her thighs clenched around your head and her nails dug into your scalp. Her heels pressed tight against your back, right above your wings. And it was in the whimper she let out, the loudest sound you had heard from her throughout the entire night.

Your movements slowed down as you eased her back down to earth. Only when her thighs released you did you stop, moving instead to leave kisses on the insides of her thighs. She tasted of salt from the sweat you had both worked up, but you didn’t care. All you cared about was if she had enjoyed herself, if she had felt good, if you had proved just how much you loved her.

Both of Wednesday’s hands held your face and pulled gently, and you quickly moved back up her body until you were directly above her again. It was a little too dark for you to see all the features of her face, but you could see her looking at you. All the thoughts and doubts started to come rushing back.

But when she pulled you down into a kiss, soft and gentle and loving, the thoughts faded, dissipating into the very wind that surrounded you both.

“I love you,” you said softly against her lips.

“I love you too, cara mia,” she whispered back, pulling you down into another kiss.

Taglist: @extinctspino @basichextechml @cfvgbhndun-new-blog @jinxscatbomb @awolfcsworld @suzhiman @gengen64 @eclipsesmoonshine14 @alexkolax @thenextdawn @cacciatricediartemide @cozwaenot @the-night-owl-blr @natashasapphic @elliesbabygirl @alilbitlesbian  @rainbow-love4ever @audigay @bakugounuggets @myfturn @rockwyn @bigbadsofty07 @andsoigotabutterfly @smromanoff @notheoneforlove @karsonromanoff  @elduster @mil0isvalid @dogsayswoof

everyone but her pt.27

Summary: Wednesday spends a few days with you, the older siblings, Thing, and Ash. It's certainly a trip to remember, even if it doesn't entirely go as planned.

Word Count: 5k Warnings: swearing, talk of grief Pairing: Wednesday Addams x Reader (everyone but her Masterlist) Taglist: @extinctspino @basichextechml @cfvgbhndun-new-blog @jinxscatbomb @awolfcsworld @suzhiman @gengen64 @eclipsesmoonshine14 @alexkolax @thenextdawn @cacciatricediartemide @cozwaenot @the-night-owl-blr @natashasapphic @elliesbabygirl @alilbitlesbian @irish-piece-of-trash @rainbow-love4ever @audigay @bakugounuggets @myfturn @rockwyn @bigbadsofty07 @andsoigotabutterfly @smromanoff @notheoneforlove

"You're not going," you said with finality.

Wednesday sighed and placed another card down on the table even though she knew it was useless. As much as she despised the fact, Abuelita was humiliating her at Conquian, and even after two hours she still had yet to see any sort of victory. Damn the old woman for her hidden skill at the game. She was just thankful you were too busy arguing with Ash - again - to notice her disgrace.

“Your Pop said I could,” Ash said without a care in the world. She hadn’t even bothered to stop packing food for the short winter camping trip. Thing nudged over another water bottle as well.

The fact that no one in your family had even mentioned the curiosity that was Thing was astounding.

“And Pop’s the boss on this trip, is he?” You asked. You, Wednesday noticed, were doing nothing to help pack.

“Yes he is,” Pop said as he walked through the kitchen door, trailing snowy footprints behind him.

“You’re not even going,” you grumbled and crossed your arms over your chest. Something that Wednesday was realising you did when you were “pitching a fit,” as your grandfather put it.

"The point of this trip is for all of y'all to get away from life for a bit,” he said. He gently patted Thing like a dog before handing Ash another bag. “Ash deserves that too, don’tcha think?”

You nodded your head and looked down at the floor. To the untrained eye, it looked like you were genuinely thinking about the question. But Wednesday did not have an untrained eye, and she didn’t even try to stop the small smile from creeping up on her face.

“No,” you said softly with a shake of your head. “No, she doesn’t.”

“You dick,” Ash said, quickly throwing out a backhand that connected with your cheek with a solid *smack*.

“This is why you’re not going,” you said as you retaliated with a hit to the arm.

Wednesday just smiled and looked back down at the table. Her smile quickly fell, however, when she saw Abuelita beat her once again. The old woman’s kind smile was taunting, like she knew exactly what she was doing. Which, clearly, she did. It was admirable, Wednesday would admit that.

You were still arguing with Ash when Alex, Hailey, and Daniel came into the kitchen, all carrying some assortment of bags. Daniel’s was the smallest, with him being the only Outcast without some sort of strength. Then Hailey and Alex carrying what appeared to be three peoples’ worth of equipment. Either you had all done this numerous times before, or it was your first time. She didn’t know which one she preferred.

“I don’t think I’ve got enough blood,” Alex said while walking over to the fridge. Now that shut you up.

“What?” You asked, your eyes flicking quickly between your Pop, Alex, and the fridge.

“How much you got left?” Your Pop asked. He didn’t even glance in your direction.

“Two days?” Alex answered with a shrug. “Maybe three if I stretch it.”

“Doesn’t Grandpa have some?” You chimed in. A feather fell from your now-puffed up wings.

“He gave me the last of his already,” Alex said.

You went silent; that was never a good thing. Wednesday eyed you as you chewed on your bottom lip and looked at the floor. Your arms unfolded so you could grasp the edge of the counter, your fingers drumming incessantly against the wood. Each twitch of your wings matched the gears that were inevitably turning in your mind.

"We'll have more when you get back," your Pop said, and Alex nodded in acknowledgement before continuing to pack up snacks. "You hear me, Y/N?" Pop asked, louder than necessary.

You hummed noncommittally.

"Y/N," your Pop said, almost yelling. Your eyes finally met his. "I ain't gonna see your face on the news before I get more." You didn't say anything. "Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal," you said quickly. Far too quickly.

"Let us parents take care of it," Pop said in a softer voice. Everyone else in the kitchen was doing their best not to openly eavesdrop. "Just be a kid for a few days."

You held his gaze, but lowered your eyes first with a sigh. Wednesday had been witness to your frustration with the world numerous times especially, but this one seemed different. It was like you knew you couldn't win, and you had let the weight continue to rest heavy on your shoulders anyway. Like Atlas carrying the world, you carried the desperation to keep everyone safe and happy.

She would need to make sure you didn't kill for more blood.

Or maybe she would let it happen. She wasn’t entirely sure yet.

The rest of the morning was spent packing. Food, games, clothes, whatever else you all could think of. Wednesday had offered to help, but you quickly pushed her back down at the table and ordered her to continue playing with Abuelita. Under normal circumstances she would have dared to argue, but the clear tenseness in your shoulders had her sitting politely.

“Okay, last minute necessity check,” you said once everything was packed and ready to go. “Alex, got your sunglasses?”

“Check.”

“Hailey, got your stress ball?”

“Yup.”

“Dani, got your books?”

“Affirmative.”

“Wednesday, got Thing?”

“Of course.”

“Ash…” you eyed her up and down with the slightest sneer on your lips. “Alright, let’s head out.”

“You’re such a dick,” Ash mumbled before shoving you aside and heading out the back door. “Bye everyone!”

You and Wednesday both let the kids go first, each of them calling out their goodbyes while your Grandpa came into the kitchen to usher you all out. Wednesday exited first, turning around just in time to see your Grandpa hand you something. Something in a long bag. Two long bags.

“Keep them safe,” he said to you, only too softly for Wednesday to hear. “At all costs.”

“Yes sir,” you said as you rolled your shoulders back and nodded once.

“Have fun,” he concluded, giving you a kiss on the cheek before walking away.

“Come back down before the snowstorm,” your Momma called out when everyone got off the porch and stepped into the thin layer of snow that would quickly grow over the next few days.

“Yes Momma,” you all chimed, aside from Wednesday and Ash.

“And don’t track snow in that cabin!” Your Momma called out again.

“Yes Momma!” The unisoned call rang again, this time accompanied by half-hearted waves in the air.

After the first 20 minutes of the small hike, Wednesday was more than thankful that your Momma had gotten her some true boots to make the journey in. Unlike you, your Momma at least gave her a heads up that the hike would be around three hours long, barring any rest stops. If you had warned her, she probably would have told you to go on your own.

Which was most likely precisely why you hadn’t told her.

“Why are we staying so far away from your house?” Wednesday asked once you had started hanging back beside her.

“Because it’s-”

“-Because Y/N thinks Bigfoot lives up here,” Hailey cut you off instantly.

“He does live up here,” you corrected. “But the cabin is a perfect place to get away.”

“And why is that?” Wednesday continued. It disgusted her that she was so willing to ask simple questions around someone other than you. When exactly had you lowered her defenses?

“It used to be Grandpa’s old deer hunting cabin,” Alex said from where he was leading the group.

“A bit derelict now,” Daniel chimed in before pushing his glasses further up his nose.

“Sometimes there’s a bear,” Hailey also commented.

“She gets it,” you said, a little louder than necessary. “The point is, it’s a safe space for Outcasts.”

You looked at Ash with another sneer.

“And Ash, I guess.”

“Don’t you ever get tired of running your mouth?” Ash called back; she was up front with Alex.

“Absolutely not,” you said. Wednesday felt the brush of your feathers as your wings ruffled at the comment.

The banter continued for the entire three hour hike. Wednesday was almost impressed with how much you all could talk without a single pause or break. It was almost as if there was a constant stream of conversation; once someone stopped, someone else picked right back up where they had left off. None of it was even necessary conversation, simply talking just to hear your own voices.

At one point you had tried to hold Wednesday’s hand during the hike. It was warm and a little clammy from the effort, but she enjoyed the comfort of it. Until you reached the incline section of the hike, and you both needed your hands to continue the trek. You hadn’t warned her of that part, either.

It was just starting to get dark when you all finally reached the cabin. Daniel was correct; it was a bit derelict in appearance. The roof was sagging slightly near the far left corner and the chimney was missing a few bricks. Occasional work was evident on the outside of the cabin, with new wood on top of the old in a forestry themed patchwork quilt.

“Take my bag,” you said. 

Before Wednesday could question who you were talking to, Alex stepped forward as you knelt to the ground and unzipped the long bag your Grandpa had handed you. Her curiosity was quickly sated when you pulled out a rifle and stood up, looking it over and placing a single bullet into the chamber. While you did that, Alex took the empty bag and the other two bags you had shrugged off your shoulders.

“Don’t shoot Bigfoot,” Ash teased as she made her way to the front door of the cabin.

“I would never,” you whispered more to yourself than to her. “The kids will show you where to put everything,” you said, looking up to meet Wednesday’s eyes. “Get settled and I’ll be back soon.”

You looked around for only a second before leaning down and pressing a quick kiss to her lips. She had to fight the urge to chase after you when you pulled away, but she managed. You gave her a smile, a genuine smile, before resting the rifle in your arms and walking off into the woods. Wednesday waited until she lost sight of you before letting Thing nudge her toward the cabin.

It was far cozier inside and looked nothing like a deer hunting cabin. The walls were warm, painted different colours with different murals on each wall. Numerous shelves lined the walls and were covered in books and knick knacks of all kinds; she wondered what the significance was. There were worn couches and cots and chairs and the kitchen branched out and it looked… well, it looked like a home.

Thing climbed down to the floor and quickly made his way to where Hailey was placing bags down near the couch. For one reason or another, he had taken a liken to her almost immediately, and she to him. There was something endearing about knowing that your family accepted him and even liked him. Yet another positive mark for your family; they continued to blow her expectations out of the water.

“You can place your bag over here,” Daniel said as he guided Wednesday over to the larger cot in the room. “Y/N likes to keep an eye on the door.”

“What is she doing now?” Wednesday asked, setting her small bag on the cot.

“Checking for unwanted visitors,” he said with a shrug. “Or Bigfoot.” He pushed his glasses further up his nose. “Or the were-bear.”

“Were-bear?” She asked.

“It’s real!” Alex called from across the room.

“It is not,” Hailey scoffed.

“I don’t know, Hail,” Ash chimed in. “If werewolves exist, why can’t were-bears?”

“Because that’s just something Y/N made up,” she said.

“I think they’re real,” Alex said.

“Just wait until one of them comes to get you in the middle of the-”

-the front door was thrown open and all three kids screamed.

“Fuck!” You called out as you stepped into the cabin with snow covering your hair. “What are you screaming for?”

“They believed you were a were-bear,” Wednesday answered.

“Don’t tell her that,” Hailey whined. It was very similar to Enid’s; perhaps it was a werewolf thing.

“You’re all a bunch of cowards,” you said before kicking the door shut behind you.

“Find your boyfriend?” Ash asked, making Wednesday’s heart jump for only a second before she caught onto the barely noticeable smirk on the other woman’s face.

“No,” you grumbled as you placed the rifle on a rack above the door frame. High enough to be out of reach of anyone else, Wednesday realised. Clearly you had done this numerous times in the past.

Everyone continued unpacking their things while you toed off your boots and left them on a makeshift drying rack by the door. Your wings were tucked closer to your body than usual, the only true indication that you were cold. A slight struggle to get your coat off and hang it by the door, and then you padded your way over to where Wednesday was standing and did the unthinkable.

You picked her up and threw her over your shoulder like a kidnapping victim.

“Grandpa said no sex in the cabin!” Hailey called out.

“That’s a rule?” Ash asked.

“Shut up,” you grumbled, “you barely even know what sex is.”

“I know what it is-”

“-I’m just going to bed!” You interrupted as you unceremoniously dumped Wednesday onto the cot before falling after her. “God, you guys are ridiculous.”

“No thoughts of sex,” Daniel said from his own cot. He was already in his pyjamas and reading a book. “She’s clean.”

“I hope the were-bear eats you all in your sleep,” you threatened. Your arms wrapped tightly around Wednesday’s waist and pulled her closer.

“I almost wish I had stayed with your Momma,” Ash mumbled to herself.

“I wish you had too,” you said softly, and Wednesday hid her face in the pillow so no one could see her smile.

Everyone got settled in their cots while you just held on to Wednesday. No one seemed to be getting ready to sleep, more like they were just relaxing. It was an unusual situation in Wednesday’s mind, as there was no need to be in bed if you were not going to sleep. But she supposed she could give it a try.

“It’s cold,” Ash said.

“That’s just your frozen heart,” you said from where you were resting your chin on Wednesday’s shoulder.

You were quickly removed when Wednesday moved aside before you were expertly hit in the face with a pillow.

“Thing says it’s cold too,” Hailey said, and Wednesday saw Thing cuddled not only on her pillow, but under his own blanket as well. He was getting spoiled.

“You’re all a bunch of babies,” you said, but Wednesday could feel your single shiver.

You were going to be stubborn. Whatever was in your head about not letting anyone know you were cold, you were going to be stubborn and refuse to do anything about it. Even as Wednesday felt another shiver wrack your body and your arms tightened around her waist once again, you stayed firm in your refusal to admit defeat.

In an uncharacteristic display of care, Wednesday gave you an out.

“I believe I’m rather cold as well,” she said.

“Shit, okay, I’ll start a fire,” you said before immediately getting up from the cot and going over to the fireplace.

“You’re such a simp-”

“-I will throw you into this fire,” you said with the fire poker pointed at Ash. She didn’t appear to be even the least bit intimidated.

“You haven’t even started it yet, asshole.”

“Ash I swear-”

“-stop thinking of murder,” Daniel interrupted you both. “It’s giving me a headache.”

With a single huff, you turned back around to the fireplace and continued lighting it. Admittedly, you looked like an expert at the act, getting the fire started within moments of trying. Wednesday spent only a few seconds watching you, watching the light from the fire illuminate your face before grabbing her bag and standing up.

Daniel pointed in the direction of the bathroom without uttering a single word.

Wednesday liked Daniel.

By the time she came out of the bathroom ready for bed, you were sitting on the cot with a book. It appeared you had simply changed in the singular room of the cabin, and though she didn’t like the thought of Ash having seen it, she supposed it wasn’t the worst thing. After all, the way your face lit up when she sat down beside you once again was more than enough proof of where your loyalties were.

The next two days were relaxing, to say the least. The cabin itself wasn’t huge, and there was a sense of claustrophobia given how many people were staying in it, but not once was it uncomfortable. You all had brought card and board games, a guitar, a few books. For lunch you made everyone things to snack on and stunning meals for dinner.

Alex made sure to poke his fun when Wednesday was surprised that you could cook.

The evening of the last day was where the issue came up.

“I’m itchy,” Hailey said as everyone sat around the fireplace, cards strewn all around in a poor attempt at playing Poker.

“You didn’t eat any of the mushrooms, right?” You asked as you moved your cards around. “I don’t think I put them in your dinner.”

“No,” she said. Wednesday took note of the deep red scratch marks she was leaving on her neck. “But I’m itchy.”

Your brows furrowed as you finally looked up at Hailey, and Wednesday did the same. The poor girl was scratching like her life depended on it, leaving welts all over her skin. From her neck to her arms to her legs, she just couldn’t get herself to stop. She whined occasionally, a pitiful whine that Wednesday imagined only truly came from a pup.

“Just itchy?” You asked with a slight tilt of your head. Wednesday could see the gears turning behind your eyes.

“My joints hurt too,” Hailey said with another scratch on the back of her neck.

You looked at her for a few more seconds before your eyes grew wide.

“Daniel?” You asked, not looking at him but turning your head to hear him better. “Is it Thursday?”

“Yes,” he answered without hesitation. Everyone had given up on their card game. “Why?”

“Okay, Hailey baby, let’s go,” you said, standing up quickly and holding your hand out for her to take.

“Why?” She asked but took your hand anyway.

“Tonight is the full moon,” you said as you started dragging her to the front door and putting your boots on.

“I thought that was next week?” Alex inquired.

“It’s tonight,” you said, “and I forgot we wouldn’t be home before the full moon.”

“Do you need anything?” Ash asked.

“Just stay in here,” you said as you pulled your oversized coat over your wings. “We’ll run it out and be right back.”

“Go kill a deer for me,” Alex called out before you could both leave. “I ran out of blood this morning.”

You turned and gave him a death glare before pushing a still-itching Hailey out of the cabin, leaving everyone else there.

“She’s okay, Thing,” Daniel said, and Wednesday finally noticed how sad the animated hand looked. “She doesn’t wolf out for very long.”

Thing tapped against the ground a few times before making his way over to rest on Daniel’s shoulder. The younger boy placed his cards on the ground and went over to his cot where he picked up his book and continued reading. Alex scooped up the cards and started shuffling while Ash sighed and went to the small kitchen.

And for the first time that trip, Wednesday was unsure of what to do.

“Do you think she’ll get me a deer?” Alex asked; he was laying down the cards for a game of Solitaire.

“Of course she will,” Ash scoffed. “She’s a bleeding heart.”

“And she’s making up for Mack,” Daniel chimed in. The name caught Wednesday’s attention.

“Why do you say that?” Wednesday asked.

“She thinks it’s her fault he got killed,” he said with a shrug. “Her exact thinking was if she hadn’t given him money or sent him home early, he would still be alive.”

Well now. That certainly explained a lot about your reaction to the whole situation. She knew you had been close with the man anyway, but not that there was a guilt factor to add to it. It would also explain the nightmares you had each night. If you felt it was your fault, your subconscious would show you how it was your fault. Things were clicking into place.

“You don’t seem surprised about that,” Ash said as she sat down on the floor beside Wednesday, almost too close for comfort. She handed over another bowl of the stew you had made for dinner.

“I’m not,” Wednesday said simply. “I’m aware of her tendency to blame herself.”

“That’s a nice way to put it,” Ash sighed. “She’s a self-sacrificing piece of shit.”

“It’s admirable,” Wednesday defended even though she didn’t necessarily disagree.

“It’s gonna get her killed one day,” Ash continued, turning to look Wednesday in the eye. She was a few inches taller, even sitting.

“You have a certain animosity toward her,” Wednesday said after taking a bite of stew. “Have you always?”

“Not always,” she said with a small smirk. “She used to be fun.”

“No she didn’t,” Alex chimed in.

“Okay, she used to not worry so much,” Ash corrected.

“What happened?” Wednesday asked.

You had yet to properly explain anything to Wednesday in relation to Ash. Not that she expected an explanation, the past was the past and even Daniel had confirmed there wasn’t a single thought of her in your head. But Wednesday was nothing if not a curious being, and if you wouldn’t tell her, then she would go straight to the source.

“Nicky happened,” Ash said with a sigh. The air in the room got heavy as both boys stilled for a moment. “She blamed herself and then got angry and pushed everyone away.”

“Given the circumstances, it’s understandable,” Wednesday said slowly.

“Yeah it was,” Ash clarified. “But when the person you love pushes you away and refuses to let you help, you give up.”

Wednesday didn’t like the usage of that word.

“You loved her?” She asked even though she had a feeling she wouldn’t like the answer.

“Still do,” Ash said with a subconscious nod of her head. Her eyes darted toward Wednesday before growing wide. “Not like that though!” She tried to clarify.

Wednesday stayed silent and blinked slowly.

“That sounds really bad,” Ash sighed. “I love her, but I don’t like her,” she said slowly, clearly thinking of her words before saying them. “I would rather die than try to be with her again.” Wednesday stayed silent. “But I care if she’s safe and happy.”

None of Ash’s words were making Wednesday feel much better. It was an unusual feeling.

“That’s still bad,” Ash huffed. “Dani, help me out.”

“There’s nothing but disgust in her head when Y/N is around,” the younger boy said; he waited for Thing to tap his shoulder before turning the page of his book.

“You believe my girlfriend is disgusting?” Wednesday asked with a singular raised brow.

“I said help me, not crucify me,” Ash spat out at Daniel, who did nothing but hide his smile behind his book.

Wednesday was very much enjoying this situation.

“Listen,” Ash started with her hands held out in front of her. “End of the day, I want the nerd to be happy. And you make her happy.” She exhaled through her nose. “Very happy.”

Wednesday simply continued to stare at Ash. The woman squirmed under her gaze and quickly looked around the room instead, doing her best to take the attention off of her. She took note of Wednesday’s refusal to look away and huffed.

“I don’t want your girlfriend!” She said a little too loud. “She’s an insufferable dick and I want nothing more than to push her in front of a bus.”

Wednesday blinked once.

“I know,” she finally said, fighting back the smile when Ash’s jaw dropped. “She’s loyal to a fault.”

“You’re both dicks,” Ash said with a pointed look, “and you both deserve each other.”

Both Alex and Daniel tried to hide their laughter, but nevertheless failed. Ash tried to throw pillows at the both of them, which caused them to laugh even harder. Even Wednesday had to turn her head to hide her smile, not wanting them to know that their antics were… enjoyable.

The five of them gathered around the fireplace once again and attempted to play Go Fish, but ultimately gave up once it was far too late into the night. They got settled for bed and aside from Wednesday, everyone was quick to fall asleep. It would be a long trek back home tomorrow morning before the storm, and they were going to be well rested for such a trip.

Wednesday was still awake when the front door of the cabin creaked open slowly and boots and bare feet stepped onto the wooden floor. The door quietly clicked shut and shuffling was heard before a sigh could be heard. She wanted to look toward the door but decided in the moment to pretend to be asleep.

“Think it’s enough blood?” Hailey’s accented whisper reached Wednesday’s ears.

“Should get him through tomorrow,” you whispered back, “and I’ll find more after that.”

You both walked around before Wednesday heard the lonely couch creak under your weight. Heavy breathing mixed with the crackling of the fire that was turning into embers. It was a relaxing sound, and even though Wednesday couldn’t tell who was breathing so loudly, it reminded her that she wasn’t alone. A thought that was surprisingly welcome.

“Y/N?” Hailey asked, her voice still quiet enough to not wake anyone up, but just loud enough for Wednesday to listen to.

“Yeah?” You answered.

“Do you miss Nicky?”

You stayed silent for a moment, long enough for Wednesday to wonder if you had even heard the younger girl.

“Yeah,” was all you said.

“Me too,” Hailey said. “I miss him a lot.”

“Yeah,” you said. “Yeah, me too.”

“He was supposed to wake up,” Hailey continued before Wednesday heard a sniffle. “Why didn’t they let him wake up?”

Silence followed the question. Wednesday could only imagine what was running through your head; she didn’t know the full extent of what had happened with Nicky, but she knew the important parts. Your parents had decided to cut off life support for unknown reasons. No one could have predicted such a thing.

“Sometimes people just do bad things,” you said.

“Are you mad at them?” She asked.

“Yes,” you said without an ounce of hesitation. “Yes I am.”

“I am too,” Hailey said.

She had no clue of the amount of hatred Wednesday could hear in your tone. It was a hatred she rarely heard from anyone, but she knew what it sounded like. The slightest shake, the conviction in your words, it was beyond evident to her. She wanted nothing more than to go over and comfort you, but she also knew you needed to have this talk with Hailey.

“Y/N?” Hailey asked.

“Yeah?”

“I don’t wish it had been you,” she said softly.

A beat of silence.

“I know,” you said softly.

“Pop got me a therapist,” Hailey continued. “She thinks I was looking for an outlet.” Silence. “I’m sorry.” A sniffle. “Can you forgive me?”

The couch shifted.

“Of course I do,” you said softly before Wednesday heard the hushed sound of a kiss. “But next time you swipe at me, I’m getting you declawed.”

“Ash was right,” Hailey said with another sniffle, “you’re a dick.”

“Don’t say that word,” you said, accompanied by the slightest chuckle. “Now go to sleep. We have a long walk tomorrow.”

“Okay.” The couch creaked again. “I love you.”

Silence.

“I love you too.”

“Good night.”

“Good night, Hail.”

Wednesday could hear one of the cots creak - like every other piece of furniture in the cabin - before you finally got up from the couch. Your feet thumped against the floor, getting louder and louder the closer you got, before the cot shifted underneath Wednesday as you added your weight to it. Your arm instantly wrapped around her waist before you finished shifting and settling in.

“Wends?” You whispered by her ear before following up with a kiss to her neck.

Wednesday didn’t answer you, opting instead to turn around in your arms until she could face you. Even though your back was to the fire and she couldn’t see your face, she could smell the metallic tint of blood. Your hand rubbed circles on her back as you held her close, and she returned the favour by slipping her hands under your shirt to rest on your stomach.

You shivered from the touch of her cold skin.

The muscles in your stomach jumped as you bent down to press a lingering kiss to her lips. Yours were cold and chapped, likely from being outside in the snow with Hailey. But they were yours, and they had Wednesday’s heart racing and her stomach doing somersaults. You tasted slightly of blood, but it quickly eased when you pulled away.

“I love you,” you whispered against her lips.

Wednesday tucked her head between your collar and jaw and left a single kiss on your neck.

You knew what it meant.