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The pain radiating in Wednesday's left shoulder, although fascinating in the way it pinged through her like radio waves, was growing tiresome. She could hardly type or play the cello; any of her usual pastimes lay in waste as she, herself, did the same.
It had been two days. Two days since Crackstone's defeat, since Tyler's capture and fight with Enid's newfound form, and since Wednesday had taken that godforsaken arrow for Xavier. Worth it? Maybe. But that didn't make her feel any more useful now.
She couldn't even sleep with her arms crossed as she liked, as much as it concerned everyone who had the displeasure of seeing it. That position protected her. And now, she was restless without her fallback.
Wednesday's head tilted from her spot on her back towards her roommate's bed. Enid, less bloody than the version in her dreams, was lying on her stomach, hand resting in front of her face. Her eyes were closed, but her claws were out, digging slightly into the sheets. She had been oddly quiet today, although not everyone had the stomach Wednesday had, and she had to remind herself of that sometimes.
Enid was not at peace. She'd howl mournfully and nip in her sleep, her palms were always marked, and Wednesday never failed to notice, as much as she tried to pretend. Her sunshine and rainbows demeanor had cracked. The Raven doubted her roommate would ever be the same. Deep inside, where nobody dared pry, there was sadness for Enid's loss of innocence.
Wednesday's frown deepened. Enid was silent now, but her mind would quicker go to her only pretending to be asleep instead of actually resting peacefully. That or insomnia was officially setting in. Though Wednesday, who had more interest in overanalyzing Sinclair than attempting to sleep herself.
It was no surprise that her dreams had also gotten a lot darker, and not the fun kind. There were only so many times she could take watching her friend die.
Friend. Best Friend.
Wednesday returned to her original position with a small sigh. A few days ago, she'd kick herself for going soft, but Enid had well earned her place in her life. She saved her, and Wednesday was now forever in her debt. She planned on returning the favor tenfold. As long as it had nothing to do with painting her nails ridiculous colors...
The bed dipped beside her, and Wednesday's eyes quickly snapped open, her mind finally easing in its constant racing.
Had she managed to doze off before?
Her head turned slowly to gaze at the intruder, the least intimidating of all.
Wednesday's eyebrows raised and almost, almost, smiled.
Enid was lying there in a similar position to the one she had been in before, only now in Wednesday's bed instead of her own. It was almost like she was acting as if she had been there the whole time.
Her claws had retracted, her hand now held in a loose fist. This close up, Wednesday could see the healing scars on her face, still angry even with her quick healing.
Enid's wispy hair fell in her face and past the cut above her eyebrow, the butterfly bandage almost rendered useless now. Her expression was solemn, if a little tense.
Wednesday really wanted to protect her.
Ugh. Maybe she had gotten too soft.
But she couldn't even find herself upset about her personal space being invaded. She was too... tired.
Wednesday's eyes traveled back up to the ceiling, privy to Enid not so subtly drawing nearer.
Enid gently leaned her head forward until her forehead touched Wednesday's shoulder, the shoulder that was wrapped and bandaged heavily despite her friend's habitual insistence that she was fine. She had forfeited the arm sling for the night at least, pointing out that she never moved in her sleep anyway.
That had left her hand free.
Sure to keep her claws put away, the anxiety in her chest not making it easy, Enid laced their fingers together. Though her mind might've been playing tricks on her, she couldn't help but notice that not only did Wednesday allow her to do so, she also seemed to have spread her fingers apart in acceptance, even if she wasn't holding her hand back now.
"I'm not dying, Enid," Wednesday reminded in her typical blunt fashion. "So you don't need to be so theatrical."
Enid bit her lip a little too hard, but the tears decided to flow anyway. She knew full well that Wednesday's words had no intended bite, but her bestie even implying herself and death in the same sentence was enough for her. "Sorry..."
Feeling her sleeve grow damp with the werewolf's tears, the Raven breathed out slowly. So, they had been having similar dreams. Ones about each other, not just the events themselves. Even having spent most of it apart...
Wednesday grimaced.
Facing Tyler... The Hyde, the way Enid did, protecting her in a form that she had no experience with, she couldn't remember if she had thanked her or not. Normally, expecting people to hear what she didn't say or not caring if they didn't would be enough for her. So why wasn't it with Enid? Why was she desperate to make sure Enid didn't question her?
"You know..." She hesitated a moment to debate how much she was willing to pass on to her friend. "You're kind of a badass, Enid Sinclair."
Enid, having accidentally drooled a little from her cries, sniffed gratingly and pawed at her mouth with her free hand. "I'm sorry, what? I must've misheard you, I almost thought you said-"
"You heard me. Accept it as is or don't."
But her hand betrayed her by finally reciprocating the hold.
Comfort Enid. You have to protect the light.
"Mm." Said light smiled a little, tilting her nose against Wednesday's shoulder with more intent. "Does that mean the Wednesday Addams thinks I'm cool?"
"I suggest you take the win, Enid, while you still have the chance."
"Okay, okay, fine..." Enid sighed, her face still sticky with tears, but her heart felt a little less heavy. Most students didn't understand how she could continue to try to befriend Wednesday after all of her odd behavior and lack of an attempt to "fit in", but if only they knew. She didn't think her friend would appreciate it if she went around and gushed about her, though. Enid wasn't mad about having this side of Wednesday mostly to herself. It was a more accomplished win than winning the Poe Cup.
"I think you're pretty badass yourself, roomie."
Wednesday's head tilted further back, and without even looking up, Enid managed to poke her cheek, right where there was a rare dimple sighting.
"Gotcha."
The Raven had repeatedly told her not to push it, and yet, as usual, Enid persisted. Perhaps... that was actually what made Wednesday respect her the most.
Enid felt a hand place itself on the top of her head, holding her steady in position. Her eyes widened when she registered that it was actually Wednesday that was doing it.
"If you look up, I'll feed you to the crows."
Enid laughed. She finally laughed, and it was at a vague threat.
Wednesday loosened her grip, her fingers barely playing with Enid's hair where her hand lay.
A bubble formed in Enid's throat that she tried to force down, leaning harder into Wednesday's side. She was so tired, but there was no way she would let her stay here, right?
But the outcast continued to touch her hair, so who could blame her for closing her eyes?
Wednesday would never admit it out loud, but she liked the company. It was a nice distraction.
She would protect the light. It made her feel a little more alive inside.
Enid made her feel more human.