Chapter Text
Enid pulled her phone out at the buzz against her thigh, the screen (a candid picture of her and Wednesday) illuminating her face in the always dim light of the Addams manor. She knew only a few people kept in contact with her—mainly Yoko, Divina, sometimes Bianca (if she felt like it), and her older brother Mikey. Mikey left home at 18 (understandable), but he still calls to check in when he can.
It was Ajax.
The sudden message felt like a strange twist of fate; their last encounter had been awkward and unresolved. They had parted with a hesitant smile, not friends but not not friends either.
[Ajax]
Hey Enid, how have you been?
Her fingers hovered over the glossy screen as she bit her lip, contemplating her response. Of all the people to reach out to, it had to be him. Was this a genuine concern or just idle curiosity? They had shared a brief connection, a flicker of something real—at least from Ajax’s perspective—but that flame had dwindled easily.
She typed back quickly, trying to keep her responses light even while her stomach tightened in unease.
[Enid]
Hey Ajax! I’ve been… good, still settling in.
Enid hit send. Almost immediately, her phone buzzed again. She couldn’t remember Ajax ever responding this fast, but she brushed it off with a twitch of her fingers. She glanced up at the height-vaulted ceiling, one she couldn’t reach even if she cloned and stacked five of herself on her shoulders. The thought made her chuckle at the absurdity—balancing that many Enids would be impossible. She shook her head—no need to get sidetracked by the physics of stacking clones of herself.
[Ajax]
Where are you staying? I know it’s not home since your parents kicked you out.
Enid read Ajax’s message, her heart sinking as the words registered. The mention of her parents felt like a jab, light yet piercing. She had shared that detail in passing, but it still felt too personal coming from him. Did he think about her often enough to remember? A frown creased her forehead as she cast a glance back up towards the high-vaulted ceiling. The candles flickered and cast wobbly shadows that mocked her. At least the ceiling didn’t mock her; it couldn’t. That was the whole point. She didn't want to dwell on this, especially not with Ajax.
Her fingers danced hesitantly over the screen. The impulse to keep the conversation casual battled with the urge to share more, to let him in on what life had been like with Wednesday and the rest of the Addams family. Settling in was an understatement; She was happier than she had ever been.
[Enid]
At the Addams manor, with Wednesday.
As soon as she sent the message, uncertainty washed over her. Was this revealing too much? She tried to picture Ajax reading it. Maybe he would offer comfort, or perhaps he would just shrug it off as another mundane detail. But, no matter how she looked at it, the atmosphere felt tense, especially with Wednesday lurking in the corner of the room. Her mate’s stoic gaze was fixated on Enid like a hawk eyeing its prey, as if she could unravel the entire conversation with a single glance. Even if she didn’t mean to, Wednesday’s stare amplified Enid's nervousness, making her feel exposed.
[Ajax]
Interesting, huh? I imagine “interesting” means you’re hanging out with a bunch of weirdos.
Enid chuckled with her teeth clenched. It was a fair assessment on Ajax’s part. She shot back a quick response, her fingers white-knuckled on her phone.
[Enid]
They’re not for everyone, but I really like it here.
Wednesday raised an eyebrow at the loud creak her phone case made when Enid clenched it, a faint hint of confusion turning her lips.
[Ajax]
Ha! Good to hear. Just make sure you don’t get hurt.
Enid clenched her jaw at the insinuation.
[Enid]
I’m safer here than I ever was back in San Fran.
A moment of silence stretched out, heavy and thick, filled only with the wind and the rustle of her hair as she twirled it around her fingers. Enid leaned back, turning her eyes to the ceiling to avoid a staring contest with Wednesday. Then, Ajax’s following text popped up.
[Ajax]
Hey, I’m glad you’re okay. Just a little worried, I guess. I know how things were back home.
That was unexpectedly sweet for him. Enid blinked, caught off guard by the care behind his words. Hesitant, she typed, the light casting a soft glow over her fingers.
[Enid]
Thanks, Ajax. I appreciate it. Things are just… complicated. But I’m getting through it.
Suddenly, Wednesday broke the silence. “Who are you conversing with? Does Tanaka need someone to spew useless drivel to?” she quipped, mocking at the surface, but with a hint of curiosity coloring her voice. Her piercing gaze was now fixed solely on Enid.
“Just catching up with Ajax,” Enid explained, confused at the heat rising in her cheeks. It felt ridiculous to feel so flustered. After all, it was just Ajax… right? But the way Wednesday scrutinized her was as if she were a puzzle to be solved—layered and complex. “Nothing serious. He’s just asking how I’m doing.”
“Is that all?” Wednesday’s voice dripped with sardonic humor, her gaze sharpening with unspoken jealousy. Enid felt a flicker of annoyance at Wednesday’s tone. Did she really think she couldn’t handle a simple conversation? But deep down, Enid recognized the concern behind the jest. Wednesday was protective, even if her way of showing it was unconventional.
Enid sighed, setting her phone on her lap. “He’s been a bit blunt, but it’s nothing. It’s not like I told him anything before we left.”
“I do not trust him to have good intentions,” Wednesday stated, “but I trust your judgment.”
Before Enid could respond, her phone buzzed again.
[Ajax]
You know, I didn’t believe you when you said you love Wednesday. I still don’t.”
Enid sucked in a breath, the challenge in his text hitting her harder than she expected, stripping away her defenses and leaving her exposed. She hadn’t thought twice about her feelings for Wednesday, but now they felt like a fragile secret.
[Enid]
Why would you say that? I do love her.
With heavy fingers, she typed back, feeling an unfamiliar spark of irritation. The weight of those words felt significant, and she hesitated, uneasy about exposing their relationship to her ex.
The three little grey bubbles appeared.
Enid's fingers hovered over her keyboard. How had it come to this? A knot of frustration tightened in her stomach, mingling with something deeper, a familiar tension that had settled in whenever Ajax was involved.
[Ajax]
No one says that for a friend.
Suddenly, Wednesday's shadow loomed over her, breaking her concentration. With her piercing gaze, Wednesday had a knack for spooking Enid, even after years of knowing her and months of being with her.
“The gorgon is—”
Enid whipped her head around to glare at Wednesday. She knew how intense Wednesday could become when something annoyed her.
“The gorgon is a nuisance,” Wednesday finally declared, disdain dripping from her voice. Enid could see the irritation simmering and felt a pang of anxiety. She didn’t want Ajax, or anyone, to inject themselves into her life and Wednesday’s by relation.
Enid struggled to find words, her mind racing as she played with a loose strand of hair. “He’s…” But she couldn’t find any compliments and decided to cut herself off with a sigh.
“He aims to disrupt our peace,” Wednesday said, glaring at her phone as if it held her arch-nemesis; by her logic, it probably did. A twitch of frustration flickered in her fingers.
Trying to dissolve the tension, Enid attempted a light-hearted quip. “It’s not that deep, Wednesday.” She hoped her mate would relax, even just a little.
“You underestimate me. I have a shovel,” Wednesday fired back, her demeanor unyielding with dark anticipation. Enid couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it, though the humor quickly faded as the weight of the situation settled in. The conflict between Wednesday and Ajax loomed over her, more significant and real than she had anticipated.
Enid tried to clarify the situation for herself (and Wednesday). “He thinks I don’t love you, but, like, I love you, love you. Not like friends, I mean, we are friends, but we’re together. We kiss and stuff.”
“Excellent observation.” Wednesday chucked, and Enid blushed at the sound
“Ugh, you know what I mean.” Enid’s voice trailed off, her frustration towards Ajax flaring. She sighed. “Maybe we should just ignore him?” Enid suggested, grasping at a flicker of hope for a peaceful resolution. She didn’t want to add any flames to the background fire.
“Ignore? The gorgon feeds on attention,” Wednesday replied, her voice steady yet laden with determination. The contrast between Enid’s more carefree approach and Wednesday’s steely resolve was stark, leaving Enid feeling slightly overwhelmed by the looming storm of impending confrontation.
Enid sighed, bracing herself for whatever could come next. Any plan that involved her mate usually veered into unpredictable territory. “Okay, do you have a plan?” she asked, attempting to regain her footing, a slight edge of caution creeping into her tone. “No violence though!”
A faint smile flickered across Wednesday’s lips, a curve that sent a shiver of excitement through Enid. “Simple,” Wednesday stated with decisiveness. “We confront him.”
—
Enid gathered her sketchbook after lunch when they returned to the room and moved to sit in the armchair by Wednesday’s desk.
“I want to talk to Ajax,” Wednesday interupted, her tone as crisp and determined as ever.
The mention of Ajax confused Enid. Enid awkwardly paused in a half-squat over the chair, worried about the direction Wednesday might take. She expected Wednesday to take more time to come up with a plan since her plans usually involved multiple steps and backup ideas. The way Wednesday often operated allowed little room for gentle conversations. “And?” she prompted, trying to gauge Wednesday’s intentions.
“I need to find out what he really thinks of me,” Wednesday replied, her gaze unwavering and intense. “There’s something about him that piques my interest, but I can’t risk becoming just an obstacle to him.”
“An obstacle?” Enid asked, finally settling into her seat.
“Exactly,” Wednesday said, her eyes narrowing slightly. “He’s still tied up in his feelings for you, and to him, I’m just something to get over so he can return to you.”
Enid frowned at the thought. Could it really be true? “Are you sure? I mean, he might not? He doesn’t even know we’re together-together.”
Wednesday shook her head. “I need to reach out–confront him personally. If he thinks I’m just a hurdle, then it’s time to show that I’m not so easily dismissed.”
Enid shifted in her seat, still clutching her sketchbook. “Look, Wednesday, I don’t want you to get caught up in Ajax. He doesn’t matter.” Her voice softened as she focused on Wednesday’s furrowed brows.
Wednesday turned her piercing gaze toward Enid, her expression softening ever so slightly. “I know that.” But then she raised an eyebrow, her expression unyielding. “But I want to know where his feelings lie. I refuse to let him think he can influence you.”
Enid smiled softly, feeling reassured, yet the fear still lingered. “I don’t want this shit with Ajax to complicate things.”
“I won’t let it,” Wednesday replied firmly, the intensity returning to her eyes. “I want everyone to know that you’re mine and I’m yours.”
“Really?”
“Absolutely,” Wednesday affirmed with clear conviction.
Enid blinked, momentarily taken aback. “Wait, you mean, like, let them know we’re together-together? Are you sure you’re comfortable with that?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” Wednesday questioned.
“I mean, I’m not disagreeing. I’m just saying it took you a while even to be comfortable telling your parents.”
Wednesday shook her head. “He needs to understand that my interest in you isn’t casual,” Wednesday asserted, her voice as steady as always.
“Okay, but what if he doesn’t respond the way you expect?” Enid worried.
“Then I’ll deal with that when it happens,” Wednesday replied, her tone brooking no argument. “But the sooner the better.”
“I mean…” Enid took a breath, chewing over her options. “What if we hard-launch our relationship on my social media? You know, post some pictures of us together or something? Make it obvious? That way, Ajax and everyone else can see it, and we won’t have to waste time on him.”
Wednesday's eyes widened at the idea, and she turned to face Enid fully. “Mi alma,” she murmured, her voice low. “Your brilliance regarding modern confrontation astounds me.”
Enid felt heat rise to her cheeks at Wednesday's tone and the Spanish pet name. “Uh, thanks, Willa,” she replied, ducking her head down at how flustered she was.
“Anything for you,” Wednesday said, her gaze sharp with determination. She walked a few feet over to Enid and gently held her chin between her thumb and pointer finger. Tilting Enid’s head, she looked directly into her eyes. Enid hoped she would overlook the flush that painted her face and neck bright red. “Let’s make sure Ajax knows this isn’t up for debate.”
Enid knew her flush only deepened at Wednesday’s words. Her lips parted, and she felt her mouth dry out. “Yeah,” she stuttered, the word barely slipping past her lips.
When Wednesday leaned in closer, time stretched. Enid’s breath caught in her throat.
“Willa…” she breathed.
In that suspended moment, Wednesday’s smile was a fleeting invitation that made Enid’s head spin. She leaned forward with her pulse racing.
In a heartbeat, Wednesday closed the distance, pressing her lips gently against Enid’s. The sweet taste of cherry lip balm lingered behind Enid’s teeth as her lips moved against Wednesday’s. She pressed closer to Wednesday as blunt black nails curled beneath her shirt and scratched gently at the skin of her lower back.
Enid wrapped her arms around Wednesday's shoulders, her fingers tangling in the fine baby hairs at the nape of her neck. The heat from Wednesday’s skin radiated, flushed beneath her touch. As she pulled Wednesday’s lower lip gently into her mouth, Enid cradled her neck, acutely aware of how fast her heart was racing. She smiled into the kiss at the flutter under her fingertips, knowing that Wednesday was just as affected—maybe even more so—than she was.
But Wednesday pulled back slightly at her smile, her eyes locking onto Enid’s. “I cannot kiss you while you are smiling,” she stated with a subtle frown.
With her hands still around Wednesday's neck, Enid ignored her and leaned back in, her breath warm against Wednesday’s skin. She traced her nails lightly over the girl’s pulse point, feeling the rapid thrum beneath her fingertips. Shifting her focus, she turned from Wednesday’s lips to the line of her jaw, placing slow, lingering kisses along the curve. Each press of her lips was gentle but deliberate as she moved closer to the sensitive area just below Wednesday’s ear.
Enid savored the warmth ofWednesday’s skin beneath her mouth. As she reached Wednesday’s neck, she smiled at the goosebumps that rose–but didn’t let Wednesday break the kiss again. She paused her movement, craving Wednesday’s pulse beneath her lips. Gently, she pressed her lips against the delicate skin, her kiss light, exploring the fluttering rhythm.
Nipping at the same patch of skin, she soothed the sting with her tongue, drawing a hitch of breath from Wednesday. The sound was a sweet acknowledgment in the silence. Enid’s confidence swelled at the sound. She placed a final, featherlight kiss there, lingering just long enough to feel Wednesday shiver.
She pulled back just enough to see Wednesday looking utterly ruined for her–hair a mess, pupils dilated, and breath coming in soft puffs from her nose.
Enid leaned in closer, capturing the golden flecks in Wednesday’s dark eyes. “I like knowing the effect I have on you,” she murmured, her voice dropping to a purr as she felt Wednesday’s pulse stutter under her touch.
Enid liked this. Really liked this. Liked seeing Wednesday melt. The way her breath hitched, the way her eyes darkened, the tender blush that crept from her cheeks down into the neckline of her shirt, where Enid knew the color would deepen. It was intoxicating to see Wednesday vulnerable, and Enid couldn’t help but smile a little wider.