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Chapter Text

Blood Knot 

 The barrel knot, called the blood knot by Keith Rollo, is the best bend there is for small, stiff or slippery line. The ends may be trimmed short and the knot offers the least resistance possible when drawn through water.

Ophelia sighs as she makes her way downstairs. It's early in the morning. Her footsteps are as silent as a cat's. She is shuffling her way to the kitchen for coffee when she realizes she's not alone.

“I didn't think you'd be up.” The lawyer hums.

Charles Addams is sipping coffee, his cane leaning on a chair. The newspaper is open in front of him on the countertop next to the stove.His prosthetic hand is holding the pages flat separated from its owner across the room. 

“Good morning, Ophelia.” He hums, clearing his throat, tilting his head to the moka pot on the stove.

She holds a cup out, and he scoffs, but pours her full. He's always been a gentleman, even if it's a reluctant one in the early hours of the day.

“Morning, Charlie.” She responds back, grabbing her cream cheese from the fridge.

The fresh bagels Honey made are almost gone but Ophelia takes one. They're to die for. Perks of having a sister that has a devotion to baking. 

“I heard Bianca’s mother reached out to you. For your skills.” He utters, his eyebrows scrunched together. Just like him to problem solve. 

“You say it like I'm a contract killer. And yes, Gabrielle did. Waxing some sob story of getting in over her head. How she just wants to be there to see her daughter get married, how much she sacrificed for her.” She says, warming her hand on the mug.

Charlie tsks at that as Ophelia grabs a knife, smearing cream cheese all over her bread.

Charles clenches his jaw, “You and I both know that's not true.” 

A part of why she got along with the old man so well because they were business-oriented. 

Ophelia sighs, they had both looked into Bianca Barclay and her family the moment Wednesday brought her up as a partner. It was underhanded, sure, but Ophelia wanted to make sure Wednesday was keeping her promise.

What they uncovered was nothing short of a tragedy. Bianca’s father dying in a shipwreck when the girl was small. The dozens of marriages Gabrielle had under her belt after. Very few hospital trips where a little Bianca always seems to be hurt accidentally. Grandmother presumed dead after being missing for years. A gravestone order for a Marie-Toussaint. 

The facts paint a picture. Heartbreak and sacrifices. Ophelia can only imagine the details that get lost outside of documents. 

When Nancy came into the family, she lashed out at Ophelia's firm love because she was so used to the abuse. It took a lot of time and convincing for her daughter to open up as much as she has.

Gabrielle tugged at her heartstrings, mentioning family, daughters. If Ophelia hadn't seen the way Bianca tenses whenever her mother is brought up, the flicker of fear that can't be faked, she would be sympathetic. Bianca was a good girl, Ophelia wonders if she started out that way or was it instilled in her by that woman.

“I know that but if I didn't, I would've believed her.” The lawyer admits, sipping at the coffee. 

It's strong enough to wake the dead. Just the way Ophelia likes it.

“Bianca is ours now. As such, Gabrielle is now our problem to solve as we see fit.” Charles murmurs with a quick sip.

The old man loved protecting his family just as much as he loved cultivating it. 

‘Real legacy is in the people, less so the name.’ Ophelia recalls him saying to her.

We’ll burn that bridge when we get to it.” Ophelia says back. 

She was all but waiting on Bianca's word to crush Gabrielle underfoot. Morticia was too, but her sweet sister was more focused helping Bianca through it all.

“I know how you feel about people who beat little girls." The man hums, topping off his cup. 

Ophelia narrows her eyes and she spits, “I despise them.” 

Her hands clench at the thought of a small Bianca, broken and bleeding, at the mercy of her mother, the one who’s supposed to protect and nurture her. Mortica was trouble the moment she could walk, and their mother never raised a hand to them. Even when Ophelia decided her high school  accolades should include a couple of misdemeanors and more than a few dropped assault charges. 

Charlie pats her hand delicately, bringing her back to the present.

“As do I and everyone under this roof but we must err on the side of caution. That woman is a snake with no rattle, and once she feels threatened, she will lash out at the only leverage she has.” He utters slowly with his eyes burning cold. 

“Bianca.” Ophelia finishes. 

“Wednesday.” Charles corrects. 

And Ophelia hates the way he thinks, how he just knows people and what makes them tick. She hates that he’s right too. 

It’s a no-brainer that Wednesday’s soul belongs to Bianca. And that raven is undeniably protective. All it will take is a hint that Bianca’s going to be taken away from her, and Ophelia bets that her niece will burn every bridge or cash every check for her siren. Their only saving grace is that Bianca had her head on straight.  

The jury’s still out on their heir, Ophelia muses. 

There’s the unmistakable sound of shuffling feet and a loud stretch that makes the pair turn to the doorway. 

Ah, of course. 

“Morning, Papa. Oppy.” Gomez yawns, his hair still disheveled.

He looks half-asleep as is, heavy-eyed and still rubbing at his face. The man makes his way, wrinkling his nose at the black coffee they’re sipping at. Gomez leans his forehead on his father’s shoulder. 

Charles still leans down to kiss the top of Gomez’s head. 

“Mijo, qué te tiene tan preocupado tan temprano?”

“Mis hijos, qué más?” He huffs. 

“What is it? Thinking about white lilies or white jasmine for centerpieces?” Ophelia teases but it falters when he stands up straight, giving her an untrue smile, still deep in thought.

Gomez rolls his eyes, reaching for the sugar, dumping an insane amount in his father’s coffee. Charles curses him lowly in Spanish making Ophelia snort into her cup. She takes a bite of her bagel. 

“You really shouldn’t be drinking this, papa, with your heart.” Gomez comments, coming for her cream cheese sandwich. 

“The doctors knew the risks when they gave me a new one.” Charles chuckles as Opehelia bats away Gomez's hands softly. 

“Bother your wife.” Ophelia huffs. 

“Whenever she wakes.” Gomez grins.

Morticia is probably dead to the world, she never was a morning person.

“Sister,” He starts, because even though Ophelia was Morticia’s big sister first, she is also Gomez’s.

It was a title she took pride in. Big sister, sis, when Louis or Honey needed her when they were little. A low blow. She huffs and cuts the bagel in half. 

His grubby hands snatch up the piece she’s already bitten. 

“I'm worried for my daughters.” Gomez hums.

Ophelia scowls, her brain going to that thought, “What for? You think they're going too fast? You and Tish all but ran to the altar-”

Gomez is already shaking his head, “No, no, nothing like that. I don't have enough audacity for that to be a problem.” 

“Then what's wrong, hm?” She mutters. 

“I just have a feeling about all of this.” He says, his voice softer.

Ophelia snorts, “Now, you sound like your wife.” 

The man sighs, reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder. Gomez's face revealed how unsure he was. 

The lawyer squeezes his arm. 

“It’ll be fine, Gomez, we’ll make sure of it.” Ophelia assures him with a chaste kiss to his cheek.

Gomez gives her a soft nod, relaxing a bit. He was always easier to convince than his stubborn wife. Ophelia always envied that. Gomez’s almost unshakeable faith in his family. The lawyers used to think it was naive. It was in Ophelia’s nature to second-guess and fact-check.

“I know. I just worry about it all.” He says softly, sounding like when she had met him as a teenager. 

She remembers how her mother had him and Gomez as an arranged marriage. One paper, it made sense. An heir with an heir. Neat and tidy with a bow wrapped on it. Ophelia had met him at a funeral when her mother all but shoved her towards the boy. They were little then and it seemed like a good match. They barely saw each other growing up until they were teenagers.

She was almost a Sophomore at Nevermore. He was going to be in high-school next year. 

Ophelia was wild, full of love for only Eddie, even though he was just a friend then. Gomez was cute, he was younger and he wasn't into her in the slightest but he did his best to try. 

That is, until he saw Morticia for the first time. Ophelia knew it then. She was glad for it and expected him to come to her awkwardly and remorsefully. 

He did not. Gomez just...kept at their betrothal. Gomez courted her for a while, conflicted with his duty and her heart. Ophelia tried to be patient until she couldn’t. 

Gomez fumbled with his tie. That was the fourth time in twenty minutes he did that. 

“Penny for your thought, Gomez?” 

Ophelia ran her hand over the shaven side of her head. She was tapping her foot under the table. It was a nice place, so nice it had reservations and Gomez was in his suit and tie. 

Ophelia had donned her leather jacket and pants, her yellow dress shirt a compromise from the Dead Kennedys shirt she picked first. 

Gomez still complimented her all the same and unfortunately, Ophelia could see that he meant it. He even ditched the flowers, although it was cute to see him sneeze his heart out giving them out, and instead gifted an album of The Bad Brains, one of her favorite bands.

The teen fiddled with his hands, “I am…just deeply conflicted.” 

Ophelia hummed, “With?”

He balked and shook his head, a stray hair flew in his face, “I, uh, I can't-talking about it is painful.” 

Gomez looked like he was being drafted. He always had that same look when he wasn't trying to be charming. Like he was being drowned, forced to like it. 

Ophelia hated it. It was worse because Gomez was good. He listened to her when she rambled about how she hated the lack of protection of Outcasts, what punk show she crashed, how she moshed so hard Ophelia nearly knocked her own tooth loose. 

He just wasn’t for her. 

When Gomez was invited to her house, Ophelia purposely drugged her feet or was always out. Anything to get Gomez to be around the girl Ophelia swore he was made for.

Morticia was quiet, compared to Ophelia. Always in her spell books or the garden practicing with her blade. But Gomez was raised right and always found himself talking with her sister. Morticia suddenly became a new person around him. She lit up.  

And Ophelia, as she snuck around to watch them, knew what he really wanted. 

Who, rather.

The older teen rolled her eyes, “My sister.” 

Gomez froze, “What about Tish?”

His voice even cracked when he said her name. Ophelia sighed. His puppy brown eyes were making this much harder than it should be.

“Nothing, she's been on my mind a lot. Y'know, I haven't stopped seeing Eddie. We're just friends but he wants more.” 

Eddie had a fit in her dorm when she explained she was already spoken for since she was ten. He ranted about the patriarchy and the loss of agency and blah blah. It was rather sweet to see him riled up on her behalf. She wanted to kiss him right then but that wouldn't be right or fair to any three of them. 

Even if Louis wanted her to just fuck Eddie or anybody else to break the arrangement. Honey was too little to understand fully but she just wanted a happy ending for Ophelia.

Gomez nodded, playing with the wisps of a mustache forming, “We are just courting. Not exclusive. We haven’t even kissed, not that it’s of any importance. It-we can figure something out. Him, me and you. I-I shouldn't deprive you of your wants.” 

Ophelia smiled again before it faltered. She reached out to hold his shaking hands over the table. He was warm. 

“Cute. Listen. You're a nice kid. I like you, Gomez. You're sweet and attentive. Maybe we could do something here. Something stable and deeply convenient but…I don't want that. I don't think you do either.” Ophelia shrugged.

“I'll-I apologize, forgive me, I'm not-I'm not trying hard enough. If you think I don't want this, want you, I must rectify that.” He said instantly, the cogs were turning in his head.

Gomez probably was filled with thoughts to win Ophelia over. If she was someone else, it would've been enough to give this one more chance.

But now was the time to be a little mean. 

“No. You're trying too hard to fit a square peg in a round hole.” Ophelia murmured. 

“But-”

“Ah, no. What's going to happen is this. I'm going to talk to your dad. Call this off.” 

Gomez's eyes went wide as saucers. Ophelia stifled a laugh, he was so dramatic. Gomez’s eyes flickered from their hands to her face. Relief flooded his face before he fought that away.

“No, no, Mi papa, he's gunning for this. Our families are the only ones equipped for each other. I'm the heir. So are you. We could…you can still have Eddie but, we can just be, uh, -como dice- dutiful.” Gomez rushed out, his voice cracking.

Ophelia did laugh at him this time and just patted his red cheek. 

“This isn’t the 1800s, Gomez.” Ophelia huffed with a shrug.

“But our family, we have-he has a point-”

“Who says he's wrong about our families uniting?” She smirked. 

Gomez looked confused before he gasped as he yanked his hand back to clutch his non-existent pearls, “I-, what me and Tish-”

“Tish and I. But yeah, I ain’t blind.” Opehelia mused. 

“We, we were just talking. I find her good to be around-she's to be family. I wouldn't-” 

Ophelia rolled her eyes again. She would let him get it out of his system. She was going to Charles with or without Gomez's acceptance.

“Gomez, trust me.” She says finally before softening, “It's okay. I'm not mad. I'm not disappointed. These things happen. It's okay.”

The teen looks at her, honey-black eyes thinking, thinking, before he crumples. 

Gomez nods gently, “It's okay?”

“Yeah. We can be family still.” Ophelia promised.

Gomez barked out a laugh and his shoulders relaxed. 

Ophelia smiled at him. 

It all worked out in the end. Not as nearly as messy as Ophelia anticipated. Charles was accepting and easy since there was a back-up. Gomez had nearly tripped over his feet when he came to Morticia with enough flowers to start a greenery, sneezing his brains out. Ophelia gained a brother. Morticia got Gomez. 

They were perfect for each other. 

Wednesday and Bianca will be the same, Ophelia will make it so nothing can come between the two.

“I wouldn’t worry too much. We got an army of freaks at our disposal.” Ophelia assures him, tugging him for a tight hug.

He buries his face into her shoulder. Ophelia pats his back. 

“I know but a father can't help but worry.” Gomez mumbles.

“As your sister I’m saying that there's nothing to worry about that we can’t handle.” Ophelia smiles. 

Gomez’s shoulders relax, just like always, and he nods, already assured. 

Enid was sitting at the Addam’s dinner table. Her hands were shaking. Yoko was on her right, Wednesday on the side with Bianca. The rest of the family filled out save for two seats.

“Oh, Enid, dear, it's so wonderful for you to invite your own guests.” Morticia gushed.

“I-I did?” Enid uttered. 

Her head was wrapped in a fog. 

“Oh, mi pequeña luna, there's no need to be shy.” Gomez laughed, and it almost put the wolf at ease. 

Enid didn't have any friends that would come here. They're all here. 

“Enid.” Her mother's sharp tone cut in. 

The wolf sat up straight. 

“Mom? Wh-”

“Finally. I thought you had run off, forgotten us.” Mom said slowly, but there was no humor to defuse the ice in her eyes. 

Her father sent his sympathy over her shoulder but said nothing as usual. The man gave his love and support covertly to Enid but he wasn’t in control here.

“I-you came.” Enid stated. 

The room seemed to melt away until it was just the two of them. 

“I heard.” Her mother said with the forced whisper Enid always flinched at. 

“Mom. Mommy, whatever you heard, it's not true.” Enid blurted out.

“You are always going to fall behind, aren't you? My trouble child. Too loud, too much, too bright.”

Enid wanted to speak up, to protest but there was a lump in her throat at the familiar words. 

“Ester.” Her father sighed, almost a scold but with no backbone behind it.

“No, Murray, you've been soft on her. I want to know. Why are you doing this to me, Enid? Do you enjoy it?” 

The shame was turning into anger and Enid’s claws were inching down.

“I didn't do anything wrong!” Enid chokes out.

“Why do you do this to me then? Your brothers would never try me like this. Why can't you just be normal?”

“I am normal! This is normal. Having a girlfriend is normal.” Enid growls.

And a hand gripped her wrist, and another clapped on her shoulder, shoving her towards the door.

“We're taking you home.” Her mom states.

“Mom-, wait, no-”

Enid blinks slowly as a cold hand gently shakes her awake. The heavy maroon blanket envelopes her. 

“Hm-wut?”

“Wake up, sleepyhead. We're going back to school today.” Yoko murmurs, pressing a light kiss on her nose.

Right. They're at Wednesday's.

Yoko is already dressed, in some joggers and a slim long-sleeved black shirt. She’s slipping her shades back on. It hugs her waist nicely. 

“Why can't we stay here forever?” The wolf pouts. 

She shoves her hand under the pillow to stop the vampire from seeing her claws. Enid doesn’t want her girlfriend to worry and derail what might be a good day with Enid’s mind running rampant. 

“I'm sure Wednesday’s folks might not care but ours will.” The vampire chuckles before it falters.

The air is still awkward between them but Enid pushes through it with a soft smile. Yoko soaks it in.

“Ugh, fine.” The wolf murmurs, sitting up.

She has to pack. 

Enid washes away the sleepiness and pushes back the dream. Ever since Bianca talked to her, confessed really, the wolf had been restless. 

Enid was wrong and rash and for some reason, she couldn't let it go. The wolf was stubborn like that, it was a point of contention with herself and everyone else. Her father was too pliant, always laying belly up, letting her mother bulldoze him because it was easier. But she tried to bulldoze over Bianca and Wednesday last night. It was right, it was moral to. Wednesday's parents were good people, loving trusting parents and Enid would kill for that. It was a slight to them.

Enid still can't piece together why she was aggressive about it. Why was there a feeling slithering up her spine?

(There’s a lingering thought of it. Of the truest horror of that fact that she went about this acting like her mother.) 

Forget it, Enid. Forget it. It's over.

“Hey, breakfast is in half an hour.” Yoko calls out, tapping on the door. 

It snaps the wolf out of her whirlwind of thoughts. 

“Be out in a sec!” 

Bianca knows Wednesday’s gaze is on her before she opens her eyes. If it weren't for the fact that Wednesday is an early riser, it's perfectly rhythmic back and forth of a pale hand on her necklace. Fingertips grazing pearls and the soft skin of her neck. 

It’s a perfect way to start a morning. 

“This would be creepy if we weren't together.” Bianca muses, letting her eyes open.

“You're in my bed, wife.” Wednesday says with no bite. 

“Fiancee.” Bianca corrects. 

Wednesday’s hand falters as and black eyes meet Bianca's gaze.

“We're going back today.” Wednesday murmurs. 

Of course, the little protective bubble pops with that. Bianca supposes they can't hide here forever. 

“It's school not prison.” Bianca chuckles but she leans down to kiss Wednesday’s cheek. 

“Maybe the brat was right. We should drop out, novia.”  Wednesday sighs, pulling the siren close. 

“And prove my mother right? Never. Nevermore will miss us, anyway. We'll take all the trouble if we leave.” Bianca says, taking Wednesday's hand and interlocking their fingers. 

Wednesday huffs, rolling her eyes before she reaches over Bianca to her nightstand. The siren frowns as Wednesday presses her phone into the free hand. 

“I charged it last night.” Wednesday says pointedly.

The siren can take the hint. Can't run forever.

“It's just going to be her.” Bianca utters. 

“She can't hurt you. Not if I can help it.” 

Bianca sighs, plucking it from the raven, “Fine.” 

And she turns her phone on. A couple missed calls from her mother and some incoherent messages. Then they stop abruptly. 

“You alright, my love?” Wednesday utters, cupping her face. 

Bianca braces for the horrible feelings to bubble up and tear her contentment away. It doesn’t come. Wednesday scans her face for it, for a break in her facade and finds none. Maybe it’s the safety net the Addams have casted over her.

Or the person holding her together right now. 

“I-I think so.” Bianca says truthfully.   

 There's a voicemail from Xavier followed by a couple of ‘call me, need to talk to you’ texts. 

Bianca frowns. 

Wednesday licks her lower lip, a smug smile on her face. The raven relishes how she can run her hands down Bianca's thighs idly. The siren hums pleasantly at the touch. 

“Mormant broke up with him. Heard it on the phone.” Wednesday murmurs.

The raven muses it was just business with Lyanna, as the wolf was known to try out different toys until she got tired of them.

Oh. Probably looking for a shoulder to cry on, a way to wedge his way into Bianca’s space again.

“Don't sound so tore up about it.” Bianca chuckles. 

Bianca hovers over the delete button but stops herself. She just scrolls away. 

“Breakfast in an hour.” Wednesday notes, sitting up. 

Bianca smiles, launching herself at her lover. Wednesday startles as her back hits the bed. Dark hair covers the bed under them. Bianca snatches the knife on the nightstand, flicking it out and pointing it at Wednesday. 

The Addams laughs at her. 

“Smart. But you’re not very fast.” Wednesday muses, eyes flickering down. 

Bianca follows her gaze and sees a switchblade at her stomach, right above her navel. 

“I-you, under your pillow, really?” Bianca huffs fondly. 

Wednesday shrugs, “Old habits die hard.” 

“Wanna have matching scars?” Bianca chuckles. 

Wednesday’s eyes flicker over something, "Preferably not. Goody had to hold my intestines when she healed me.” 

Bianca hums, knowing better to pry at that. At least not now. She stabs the knife into the nightstand. 

“That's redwood. Expensive.” Wednesday mumbles. 

“I can already see the notches you put on it.” Bianca shoots back. 

Bianca sits back, putting all her weight on her lover's lap before putting her hand over Wednesday’s. 

Bianca starts, “You have to-"

“-close it myself, I know. Otherwise, I'll break our bond.” Wednesday finishes it.

The raven complies, closing her switchblade. 

The siren sits comfortably on Wednesday’s lap, tugging at the sleep shirt. The action raises the fabric and exposing midriff. The scar is still there, jagged, raised red. Bianca runs her nails down it making Wednesday flinch. 

“It still hurts?” Bianca scowls. 

It’s been years since Crackstone. 

Wednesday shakes her head, “Not exactly, it’s sensitive.”

Bianca studies the skin, the small collection of scars all over pale skin. The siren doesn’t fight the concern squeezing her heart. The love, the way it swirls up in Bianca nearly takes her to tears. 

Wednesday may be larger than life but she is still alive. And can hurt. Has been hurt.

“Well, thank Goody for me.” Bianca says, pressing a kiss on the scar. 

You can’t have Wednesday, Amber. Only I can. 

Wednesday falters, a blush running through her cheeks, “Wh-”

“Shhh.” Bianca murmurs, straddling her and crawling up for a kiss. 

Wednesday just grins into it and rolls them, the siren letting herself fall on her back. They have an hour after all. Plenty of time to kill. Bianca giggles into the embrace, wrapping her legs around Wednesday. 

Mine. 

Wayne rolls his eyes as a thump overhead. He has half a mind to get the broom to bang it on the ceiling. Claudia chuckles from the floor.

“Ugh. It's morning.” He scoffs. 

“They’re betrothed.” The vampire dismisses, stretching. 

Claudia had snuck into his window, grinning and neck full of hickies. She has asked, pleading really, to crash in his room for the night. Wayne just said he wasn’t taking the floor, as Claudia was a vampire and didn’t really need the mattress like he did.

She stole some of his clothes to sleep in though without asking, like the brat she is. The vampire is drowning in his basketball shorts and black tee. Her head is wrapped in a silk headscarf. 

“I’m aware.” Wayne states, sitting up. 

“Are you actually over your beef or you just putting on the side so we can smoke her, sòsyè chen.” Claudia says, putting her sock-claded feet on Wayne's bed.

Wayne glares at her, “Y’know, if you weren’t half-dead, your feet would reek.” 

“Rude.” Claudia scoffs before rolling her eyes, “Didn’t answer my question, either.”

“I’m over it.” Wayne says and it’s the truth. 

To be honest, he’s been over it, just not the hurt of Wednesday shunning him and putting all the cousins at arm’s length. Wayne would’ve understood if it was Bianca, if it was Joel, but Amber? The wide-eyed fox-faced girl who sized up every person she came in contact with. 

Wayne still remembers the way his hair stood on end when he met the girl. 

Amber laughed in his face when Wayne told her to stay away from Wednesday for her own good. Her eyes went wild when he threatened her.

“Then I assume you’re Johnny on the spot now?” Claudia murmurs. 

Technically, they’re not cousins but living together for so long, the line between Frump and Addams has long been blurred. 

“I’ll make sure this girl is gone.” Wayne states. 

“Ah. That Addams conviction.” Claudia chuckles with her fangs showing.

“You were there, that day, you trusted Wednesday.” Wayne starts. 

“Because my cousin can be trusted,” Claudia says slowly with a head tilt. 

“I-”

“It’s nobody’s but Amber’s fault that she’s still alive. She wormed her way into my cousin’s mind, she leveraged Wednesday against us. Not Cousin's fault. It won’t happen again.” Claudia snarls, sitting up, getting in his face.

He almost forgot how defensive the vampire was of their cousin. Almost.

“You and I both know how volatile Wednesday can get.” Wayne sighs. 

Claudia hisses at him, just like a cat, and he throws up his hands.

“I’m just saying-”

“Cousin would neva go back to that bitch-”

“I’m not worried about her turning back to Amber.” Wayne cuts in, putting a hand on her shoulder. 

Claudia blinks, “Huh?”

“All I’m saying is we need to make sure. A double-tap. If not for Wednesday, then for Bianca.” Wayne utters. 

He likes the siren. She's sensible and smart. 

Claudia hums, looking him up and down. Wayne just raises his eyebrows. She sighs the long and suffering one that Wayne knows is Claudia giving in. 

“What are you thinking?” 

“Our heir needs a shadow and a spy. Someone who can make sure she's been looked out for. Another someone who can make sure Amber stays down.” Wayne says, leaning in conspiratorially.  

“Well, I'm smarter than you. So, I'll stay here and collect evidence.You go out and be a bodyguard.” Claudia scoffs, checking her phone. 

“Joel will help you. He promised it would be a priority." Wayne adds. 

“Look at you, networking.” Claudia grins, nudging him with her elbow. 

“I can kick you out now.” Wayne deadpans. 

“Now, now, Cousin. Don't be rude.” Claudia chides.

Wayne could point out that they’re not cousins technically, but he doesn’t have it in his heart to. Instead, he just tugs the vampire up on her feet to toss her over his shoulder. Claudia squeals at the sudden movement, kicking her feet idly. 

“C’mon, it’s almost time for breakfast and if I hear our cousins bumping uglies anymore, I might let Amber in here myself.” Wayne says over Claudia’s laughter as he kicks the doors open.

In the end, Bianca is brushing her teeth with Wednesday washing her face. Bianca nudges her and Wednesday rolls her eyes pointedly, soap getting in them but the raven doesn’t even flinch. The door knob twists just as Wednesday shoves the hair from her face. 

“No naked?” Pubert giggles, swinging the door open. 

He’s riding his wolf-dog, his braid undone and free, barefooted. He’s still in his sleep clothes as he rubs at his eyes. 

“Get out, brat.” Wednesday utters, face full of soap.

“Never.” The boy smiles, hopping down, his feet pit-pattering as he opens the bathroom. Crow sits politely parked at the door. 

Bianca is grateful that they are actually clothed by now. Pubert lights up and clambering on the closed toilet to get closer to the siren. 

“Morning, little boy.” Bianca says as she spits out the toothpaste. 

“Rabies.” He giggles. 

Bianca hisses at him, showing off her siren teeth for a moment, and he laughs harder. Wednesday isn't so easily amused.

“You brush your teeth yet, brat?” Wednesday asks, grabbing his face to check themself. 

Pubert huffs, barking at her before he nods, “Mama made me. Didn’t want to change. Comfy." 

Wednesday narrows her eyes, “Feral little boy. All that hanging around Crow you might turn into a mutt, and we'll have to put you down when you get fleas.”

Pubert pouts at the teasing, looking at the siren for help. The siren moves Wednesday’s hands away from the boy. 

“Be nice.” Bianca scolds, pinching Wednesday. 

The raven curses lowly as Crow circles them, brushing against them impatiently. Bianca picks Pubert up, setting him on her hip. He leans his head on Bianca's shoulder. 

“He can walk. Spoiled.” Wednesday huffs.

Crow whimpers as he tails them, licking his owner's little foot. 

“Stop that, Crow, it’s gross. You got your hair down, Pu.” Bianca hums, rubbing his back. 

Pubert nods, “Papa washed it last night. Was dirty.” 

Bianca runs her fingers through his long soft hair. She can’t help but think of her brother right now. She misses him. Wanting to see Gabe again, even if it meant being around her mother. Bianca was always so lonely growing up. 

Getting down the stairs with Crow under their feet is a challenge but it's well worth it. The beast at least barrels through the door, swinging it open wide enough for them to walk through. 

The kitchen is filled with the adults as filtered sunlight floods the room. Gomez and Ophelia are talking as they cook breakfast, with all the discipline and control of chefs. The smell of eggs and pancakes. Ophelia is making a protein scrabble, it seems, in a corner by itself. 

“This is for Joel. Don’t touch it, I swear. I wiped everything down because he’s allergic to peculiar things.” The lawyer demands. 

Morticia is leaning on Debbie's shoulder, yawning periodically as she sips at grape juice. Fester and Charles are joking, with the pale man cackling at his father’s words. Louis is fixing himself a plate, snatching food out of the pot while it's cooking, away from the sun's rays. Opehelia fights him back with a spoon. 

“Lou, if you don't get-Ma!” Ophelia calls as she glares at her younger brother.

Louis laughs before yelling back, “I'm starving, Momma. She won't feed me.” 

Ester seems to materialize from nowhere as she grabs Louis by the neck. The vampire yelps. 

“Honey-help.” Louis mumbles.

The older Jennifer pointedly looks away from her brother as she pulls rolls from the oven. Louis gasps loudly at the slight.

“You traitor!” He mumbles as his mother chides him. 

Jennifer just butters her bread whilst fighting back a smile. Bianca giggles. 

“Good morning, Bianca.” Jennifer says over Louis’s whining. 

“Morning, Honey.” The siren grins. 

“Children. They never stop being such.” The old witch comments flippantly, patting Charles on the shoulder.

The old man nods, “Morning, Ester. You dead woman walking.” 

“That will wake the dead.” The woman says, scowling at the coffee. 

Wednesday reaches forward to grab her cup, black of course, and pours it fully. Bianca makes a face at the raven drinking it black. It shouldn’t surprise her at all. Wednesday sits her down in a corner where a booth and table is crammed, slightly away from the noise.

“This, my dear, is the reason why all our kin get to sleep comfortably. Coffee runs the world, drives empires.” Charles grins, passing the pot to his granddaughter. 

“Morning, Charlie.” Bianca greets him and the old man beams at her. 

“Morning, my dear, with all this noise, you maybe my favourite right now.” He whispers.

“I don't recall beans giving me magic. I look like Jack to you?” Ester grumbles, still glaring at the pot. 

Charles hums, “Really, you're too old to hate coffee.”

The witch rolls her eyes at him. 

Joel stumbles into the kitchen with an inhaler and a notebook in his hand as he pads into the space. Morticia looks up in surprise, still blinking away sleep. 

“I thought you'd be on your way back by now.” The dove says, standing up. 

Joel gives her a half-hearted shrug, grabbing a handful of grapes to shovel in his mouth, “Guess I'll have to stay here for the rest of my days.”

“We'll take you up on that offer.” Morticia says instantly, leaning down to kiss the boy’s full cheek. 

Joel blushes and mumbles about it not being forever as he sits next to Bianca, their knees bumping into each other. 

The siren’s eyes sweep the area and how many people and moving parts are in the early morning of Sunday. This isn’t even all of the family. It almost gets Bianca’s mind off her own mother. 

Almost. 

She’s not tore up about it, which is a new freeing feeling but it just put her on edge. Why now, Gabrielle, what does she want?

It’s easy to know that, the money, the perks, especially with the law breathing down her mother’s neck. 

Bianca always knew Gabrielle had schemes, she was fluent in it, raised Bianca on it. How to talk to a person, how to tell someone how to do what you wanted without a single demand. How to read people. Control is easy to fall into when it’s sweet. 

It was a hard lesson to un-learn. 

A cold hand wraps around Bianca’s waist, pulling her to the present. The siren gives her lover a thankful smile. The raven glances at her with a curious and concerned look. 

Wayne runs in with Claudia hot on his heels, her phone clutched desperately in his hands as he slides behind Louis. He uses the man as a barrier. 

“Give it back, Daddy Lou, he’s got my phone. Way’s going to go through it!” Claudia tattles, pointing at the pale teen. 

Wayne laughs, sticking his tongue out before ducking behind the older vampire as Claudia throws a spoon at him. Gomez catches it before it hits a sleepy Morticia square in the face.

Louis huffs as he’s jostled between the pair of them, “You’ve got nothing to hide, right?”

Claudia sheepishly grins, ‘Course, daddy, but it’s still mine.”

“Hm, what has Ginger been texting you?” Wayne wonders out loud, tapping on the phone. 

Bianca can see from this angle that the screen is black. A fib but provocative one. Claudia nearly flies over Louis. 

“Daddy, please!” Claudia begs with her eyes wide. 

Louis whirls around, grasping Wayne by her shoulder before lifting him clean off the ground, “Go ‘head now and give it back.”

“She put her feet in my face!” Wayne utters, kicking his legs as they dangle.

“He wouldn’t let me down!” Claudia shoots back.

“You both are better than that.” Ophelia scolds, snatching a roll from Honey’s hands. 

Honey just grabs another one, her unbothered face not changing save for a snort. 

“Are we?” Claudia and Wayne say in unison. 

“Don’t make me separate you both.” Ophelia says, narrowing her eyes. 

Wayne rolls his eyes but sighs, “Fine. Let me down.”

Louis chuckles, “I don’t think I will.”

“What-hey!” Wayne cries out, his voice wavering as the vampire cradles in his arms like a baby, rocking him. 

Wayne squirms under the hold, trying to escape from Louis’ clutches. The vampire chuckles at him teasingly. 

“Now stop being a baby and say sorry.” Louis says slowly. 

Wayne erupts, “What?! Tell your daughter to say sorry to my face. Put me down, I'm not a baby!” 

“Then you'll have no problem apologizing, Way-Way.”

“Don’t call me that!”

Bianca pulls her eyes away from them as the door swings open again. Veronica is guiding a half-sleep Nancy, who is actively nodding off as she walks to the table. 

“C’mon. Wakey, wakey, Nance.” The sister says firmly, shaking her shoulders. 

The witch startles awake and almost sends the pot of coffee over the edge of the stove. Ester snaps her fingers and it ends up back on the countertop. 

“Huh? Wh-sorry, didn’t mean to-” Nancy mumbles, eyelids drooping as she leans on her mother. 

Ophelia shakes her head fondly but pulls the girl closer, a steady hand around her shoulders, “I know, I’ll wake you when you have a plate in front of you.”

Nancy nods, “Thank you, Ma-” and then instantly falls back asleep.

“Jen and Needs are still sleeping. I tried to get them and Jen threw a book at me.” Veronica mumbles, grabbing a cup for coffee before changing her mind to orange juice. 

“Well, you tried. It's a miracle we got everyone for dinner the other night.” Ophelia sighs. 

Enid and Yoko come in, already talking to each other about the wolf party. 

Bianca had forgotten, with, y'know, everything going on. Decades, the siren recalls the theme, thinking of the poodle skirt she got when Enid had sent the invite to the Nightshades. 

She was going now, whether she wanted to or not. At least she could dress the part.

“Willa!” Enid lights up, handing the raven a muffin.

She’s smiling widely, perhaps a tad too eager all things considered but the wolf is earnest. Bianca waves at her and Enid returns the action. 

“Enid.” Wednesday says coolly, plucking it from Enid's hands. 

It's polite enough but curt in a way that is surly. Bianca tilts her head but says nothing. 

It’s water under the bridge for Bianca, she’s been around enough mean girls for and had worse treatment, and was raised by a mean girl. It did sting a little but Bianca could push past it. 

Wednesday doesn’t seem so easily convinced. The raven just engages her father into a conversation of business about some vampire family by the name of Hayes. 

The wolf falters, sensing the shift in energy instantly and opens her mouth when a timer goes off. Honey emerges from the pantry, with jellies and preserves. 

“Bagels.” She explains as Matilda tails her. 

The little girl holds her hand up and the oven swings open. A large tray of baked goods floats on to a countertop. 

“Thank you, sweetie,” Honey smiles, leaning down to kiss the top of her daughter's head.

“Fest, go.” Debbie murmurs and Fester instantly makes his way over to grab her three.  

Honey narrows her eyes, “Where's Coraline and Pugsley?”

Matilda looks caught as she tries to shrug, “I dunno.” 

Gomez pauses, looking over his shoulder as he effortlessly flips pancakes and omelets. 

“Little bookworm, lying doesn't suit you. You are a know it all, and you so must know.” He murmurs. 

Matilda giggles, playing with her red ribbon, “if I did, it definitely wouldn't be knowing about them fixing the dumbwaiter.” 

Honey huffs, fighting a smile on her face, “I blame your son.”

“Don't be so modest, Coraline is just as much of a bad influence as Lee.” Gomez laughs.

Honey walks over to what Bianca thought was a weirdly placed cabinet and opens it up. The woman sticks her head in the hole.

“You both have less than two minutes to get up, so help me.” Honey calls. 

“I'm coming!” Pugsley replies. 

“I was talking to both of you.” Honey says firmly, turning on her heel. 

Coraline groans loudly, the sound echoing up the shaft. There’s a loud clunk and then a soft mechanical humming. 

“Oh, the dumbwaiter. I thought it was still broken.” Bianca comments. 

“Well, I was bored.” Charles offers, cutting into his steak and eggs. 

Pugsley helps his cousin out of the dumbwaiter, wiping off dust and cobwebs off her. Coraline shakes a bolt out of her blue hair. 

“It works perfectly now.” Pugsley grins to his grandfather. 

“I can explore the basement again.” Coraline says, swiping over to the stove. 

“Wash your hands!” Matilda and Honey say in unison. 

Bianca tries and fails to ignore the soft sting of hurt at the sight of Matilda and Honey. The girl is excitedly talking about A Wrinkle In Time with Honey is hanging onto every word. 

Debbie, who is smearing a cow’s worth of cream cheese on a steaming bagel, nudges her with her foot. 

“Kiddo.” She starts before taking a large bite.

“Yeah, Debbie?” Bianca says amused at how the woman almost unhinges her jaw. 

“Wake up Tish for me, yeah?” She says softly. 

The siren nods and nudges the dove. Mortica grumbles and makes a face that is very Wednesday. 

Wednesday huffs, “Ma. Mother.”

Tish mumbles something and Wednesday pokes her. 

“Mis-Tish, wake up, please?” Bianca says, shaking her hesitantly. 

Tish startles awake, “Huh-what’s up, what’s wrong, baby?” 

Bianca flushes, mumbling, “uh, food’s almost done.” 

Mortica nods, rubbing her face before smiling warmly, albeit still sleepy, “How are you, Bia baby, how did you sleep?” 

The term makes Bianca blink as she shrugs almost instinctively. A hand reaches out to cup the siren’s face. 

“It’s okay to not be alright, Bianca. You must know that.” Morticia murmurs with her thumb stroking her cheekbone. 

Breakfast starts to be placed on the tables and plates are passed out. Charlie is wrangling Pubert in his lap, feeding the boy and making sure he doesn’t leave a mess anywhere. Crow watches them eagerly, waiting for crumbs. Ester drops her sausage on the ground for the beast. 

“I-she’s trying to worm her way into my life. Again. I, I thought being here, being in love would make her back off but now with her situation, I dunno.” Bianca says, fiddling Wednesday’s hand. 

The raven watches her intently, letting Bianca be with the feelings in her heart and head. 

Morticia nods softly, “I see. You’re strong and smart, more than I think your mother cares to think so. You are always welcome here, and I, for one, would love to meet Gabrielle. It would be lovely.”

Bianca balks at the thought, “She’s not, she plays nice. A great actor.”

Catching Gabrielle when the mask drops has always been a battle Bianca was losing at. She would look confused and hurt when Bianca was defensive whenever there were eyes. When it was just them, Gabrielle was worse than a villain. Bianca remembers how the woman screamed at her that her father’s death was her fault, that Bianca would send everyone into an early grave. That she must be cursed. 

That same week, Gabrielle kissed her cheek and told her how beautiful she looked, just like her mother, only because Weems was there. 

She made Bianca feel like she was crazy, like maybe it wasn’t so bad until they were alone again. 

“Who says you have to play a part?” Debbie cuts in, her eyes dark. 

“Exactly. She expects you do the same because you have in the past, for survival, for peace. Perhaps, you’ve grown enough to not entertain this anymore.”

Bianca furrows her eyebrows, “What do you mean?”

“The best way to garner a reaction is to give none. A woman like her, a person like that feeds off other people’s energy, feed into it, eat off the big emotions to get what they want.” Debbie utters, getting cream cheese on her lip as she wolfs down another. 

“She’ll become a bigger problem, pestering me until I give in.” Bianca utters. 

“We’re very good at weeding out pests.” Morticia and Wednesday say in unison. 

Debbie laughs and leans over to kiss Wednesday's cheek. 

"Or domesticating pests," The pastel-claded woman grins at her niece's glare. 

Enid eats her food, her eyes flickering back to Wednesday. They’re right in each other’s eyeline and yet they haven’t even glanced at each other since Enid was greeted. 

Wednesday is ignoring her. The wolf stabs her potatoes and nearly bites the fork. 

“It’s not going anywhere, E,” Ronnie chuckles, snatching a piece of bacon off her Uncle’s plate. 

Enid realizes she’s hunched over the plate like she’s resource-guarding and relaxes, “uh, sorry.”

“It’s alright. We don’t steal from wolves.” Nancy says lightly, proving her point by skipping her plate to yank a pancake off her mother’s. 

It makes Enid laugh and Yoko leans over to kiss her forehead. 

Wednesday tilts her head towards the sound but doesn’t make the effort to talk to her. It feels stifling, the silence in a room of warm laughter and comfort. A weight pressing on her beating heart. 

“I’m going to the bathroom.” Enid announces, standing up abruptly, startling Yoko.  

“I’ll guard your plate.” Yoko smiles but it falters as she catches Enid’s claws peeking out.

Enid flees the scene before she does something stupid like confront Wednesday’s apathy in front of the whole family tree. 

The hallway is empty as Enid ducks into her favorite upstairs bathroom. 

It’s not a big deal, they’re adjusting to their new reality. Maybe Wednesday is giving her space so Enid doesn’t give it away. But why does it feels like when she got ignore by her mom when she didn’t do what she was supposed to?

The wolf shakes her head and turns in the sink, splashing cold water in her face, glad that she didn’t put on any makeup. 

“Hey.” 

Enid whirls around to see an Addams in the bathroom, casually in the window. Well, a Frump. 

It's Jennifer. In some low-rise jeans and a cropped sweater. Enid wonders if she ever gets cold. She realizes she’s staring and tears her gaze away, the wolf’s face heating up. 

“How long have you been there?” Enid hisses, frowning at the smug smile the woman has at the reaction. 

"Long enough. You okay, pup? Claudia and ‘em couldn't find you yesterday.”

“We went out. Thank Nancy for me.” Enid says shortly. 

Jennifer hums, sliding into the bathroom silently like a cat, her feet hovering.

“You didn't answer my question.” She points out. 

“I-I don't know. I think-I think I've been a bad friend.” Enid admits, a lump in her throat. 

It's the truth. She assumed the worse of Bianca. More than once, even when the siren was constantly proving her otherwise. Bianca noticed how off Wednesday was acting and helped. And Bianca was nice to her even when she could sense Enid didn't like her. The siren gave her her space and didn't engage. When Enid finally felt like she got reason that approved her suspicions, the wolf jumped on and blew up at Yoko too. She put the vampire in an impossible spot. Enid knew Yoko and Bianca went way back since she got to Nevermore. 

She was a bad friend. To Wednesday and to Bianca. And a shitty girlfriend to Yoko. She put the vampire in a tough position. It puts a pain in her chest. 

Friends are supposed to be her pack. Pack protects pack. 

Jennifer doesn't pity her or reassure her the opposite. Her light eyes bore into Enid's, just as intense as Wednesday’s gaze but it holds that feeling that the wolf has when she looks at Bianca in the eyes. 

Ah. Succubus. More than a siren.

“Well, do you want to change that?” She murmurs. 

Enid is already nodding her head, “Yeah, of course-”

“Then do it.” Jennifer says simply with a shrug. 

Enid huffs, “It's not that easy.”

“No one said it would be. Jealousy is a monster and it will eat you alive.” 

Enid blinks at her, “I'm not jealous of Bianca.” 

Jennifer raises an eyebrow, it's perfectly arched and Enid can see she's not wearing any makeup. 

“Who said you were jealous of Bia?” Jennifer utters. 

“Well, obviously that's what you were getting at.” Enid scoffs. 

Having a fleeting crush on Wednesday for a couple of months wasn’t the reason for all this. Enid wasn't that shallow.

“No, puppy. You're jealous of Wednesday.” Jennifer says slowly, as if it's plain in view.

The accusation makes Enid's face burn and heart ache. 

Enid stammers, “What? No. I'm not-I don't-”

“I get it. Wednesday has something you don't, that you probably won't. It's not fair, right? Even with all these kooky people and freaks, they love each other. No matter what, not despite everything but because it's just in their nature. Why couldn't yours do that?” Jennifer spells out. 

Enid's claws slash out as she gnaws at her lip.

“You don't know-”

“Oh, but I do. Have you came out yet?” 

The question sends a flash of fear in her spine, “I-”

Jennifer tilts her head, green eyes staring though Enid's soul, “Ah. No. You haven't and Wednesday never had to do that. Aunty and Tio accepted them always, unflinchingly. I was bitter before too.” 

“I'm not bitter!” Enid growls, a rumble in her chest. 

Jennifer doesn't even flinch at the display of her wolf, just a passive look of understanding. It only makes Enid worse. She hates this, the way everyone in this house is so understanding. Enid likens it to pity. She hates pity. The wolf expects a bite back for Jennifer to shun and throw her out. 

Jennifer hums, and she seems to drop another layer of herself. 

“I was a bad person, Enid. I did terrible things before Ophelia, before my mom took me in. I hurt people, I hurt Needy. As soon as I used my brain, I wanted to run to her and beg at her feet. Ophelia stopped me, told I would only hurt her more unless I did the work.” Jennifer recalls, tilting her head, the curtain of dark hair moving.

Jennifer rubs her face quickly, like it's a nervous tic, a thoughtless action at the awkwardness of bringing up a moment so personal. 

Enid is reminded that even with how extraordinary everyone here is, they're just people too. Maybe that's what makes them so much more. 

If this whole band of crazy outcasts could fit together as a family, why couldn't Enid’s?

Because they didn't want to or couldn't?

Enid doesn't know which one is worse. Jennifer's voice cuts through her thoughts. 

“I didn't listen at first and, of course, Ma was right. Needy didn’t want me, it was all still too raw. And then I was doing the work, Wednesday was little then and they loved her. Gomez never put ‘em down. I thought she was a spoiled brat. Always got what she wanted, always had whatever she needed. Never ignored. Never beaten. Wednesday didn't know how good they had it. I wanted to hate her.” Jennifer explains, her voice softer with regret. 

“I don't hate her.” Enid sighs but it feels like another excuse.

It wasn't hate, the wolf knew this, she did, but Enid couldn't figure out exactly why Bianca was the one that sent her over the edge. Maybe if there was a residue of Amber in her, Enid could blame it on the witch.

It would be easier.

“Listen, wolf.” 

Enid shuts her mouth with a snap of her jaw. 

“I didn't hate either. I was bitter and lime jello. I avoided Wednesday, I ignored them when they tried to play with me and more when Wednesday got bratty because of it.” 

Enid can imagine it. A small, petulant Wednesday kicking Jennifer's shins. It almost lessens the chokehold around her heart. It certainly makes her laugh.

“The little shit liked to bite and kick.” Jennifer mumbles. 

“I blew up at her. Told her all the things I had been hiding in my head. Wednesday never been yelled at before. Not like that. I picked her up and shook her. Her eyes went wide and, ugh, Wednesday was confused. Asked me why I hated her, why I hated family, and ran off. I never felt so evil in my life. A teenager screaming at a child for something she can't control. I found her hiding in a tree. Stabbing at the bark with a knife. Her knees pulled to her chest, sniffling.” 

Enid knows that image. She's made Wednesday like that once before, curled up in the middle of their dorm. It felt horrible. 

“It took a while to earn Wednesday’s trust back after I hurt her.” 

“We'll get past that.” Enid dismisses.

They have in the past. That’s what friends do. 

“Is that what you think?” Jennifer says slowly before adding, “Really, after you threaten to blow up her entire world over something you don't understand, wouldn't try to understand?”

Enid freezes, “I never told you any of that.”

The Frump tilts her head innocently, “Didn't you?”

“You know.”

Jennifer's green eyes brighten, almost reflective, as the Frump hums, “A lot more than you know.”

“You don't care!?” Enid blurts it, before she can stop herself. 

“Of course I care. I care about how much Bianca has to trust Wednesday to run this little production. I care about how scared she was when we asked about her family. I care plenty. But it's not my right or place to dictate a relationship I'm not in. Especially one that seems to greatly benefit both parties.” Jennifer drawls.

“How…”

“I float. And I'm very nosey.” Jennifer murmurs with a shoulder shrug.

“Why-they're lying. To everyone.” Enid musters.

That thought keeps turning in her head like a stone. 

“Oh, please. Don't be a goody-two-shoes, Sinclair. Nobody shows all their cards to the whole table. Stop. Whatever this crusade is, it needs to end. It doesn't matter how it started. A ruse, a deal, whatever. You're only hurting yourself and your friendships. You lie too. You're lying right now. You haven't come out yet to your family, they probably don't even know you, not really. I’m lying, I haven’t told Needy that I’ll propose soon. Wayne’s lying, Nancy’s lying, Claudia too. In life, you lie. For good and bad reasons." Jennifer utters, looking up at her with a hard look.

“It’s not the same.” Enid sighs, pulling at her sleeves. 

“Isn’t it? I like you, Enid, you remind me how Needy used to be. Awkward but cute and sweet but she had this tendency to stubbornly push for what she thought was the right thing. It’s noble but unfortunately, the real world doesn’t work like that. There’s a time and place for everything. And you don’t get the right to be privy to every aspect of someone’s life or why they do what they do.”

“You’re talking to me like I’m a kid.” Enid huffs, her face hot.

She’s embarrassed and feeling small, like when she used to get scolded and sent away to her room.

“You are to me. And tough titties, E.” Jennifer shrugs. 

“Okay. Okay. I fricking get it. Now what?” Enid rushes out, more harsh than she wants it to be.

Jennifer looks her over, “You're going back away from their relationship and work on patching up your friendship. Give it it all and make them believe you are truly sorry or you can forget about all of this. We do love you and that’s because of Wednesday. We clear, puppy?”

Enid doesn’t avert her gaze away from Jennifer burning a hole in her head. 

“Crystal.” The wolf utters before turning around, letting the door slam.

She doesn’t see Jennifer’s wave to her back. Or the way Frump's eyes narrow. 

Bianca takes one glance around the busy table and takes in the chaotic but happy moment. A pair of hands tap her shoulder and the siren looks up to find Wayne, a pancake folded up like a taco in his mouth. 

“Way-way.” Bianca grins, enjoying the way Wayne’s eye roll. 

He stuffs the whole thing in his mouth and steals Ophelia's cup of coffee for a sip to wash it down. 

“I thought we had something.” He mumbles. 

“Ah, but I'm a kept woman now.” Bianca teases, showing off her ring.

Wayne clambers down to sit next to the siren, almost sitting in Ophelia’s lap. The lawyer huffs but lets him in her space. Wednesday is ordering Gomez to make two plates. 

“I get it, I don't need another bruise.” Wayne dismisses.

Joel is digging into his breakfast tofu scramble, dousing it with hot sauce despite Pugley’s concern about his sensitive stomach. 

“I dunno, You could stand to get another.” Bianca chuckles. 

Wayne gasps, clutching his non-existent pearls, “Bianca, why, how mean.” 

“Maybe I am an Addams after all.” Bianca shrugs, kicking Wayne lightly. 

Gomez snorts before he flips the french toast, one side more brown than the other. 

“But-you said differently earlier.” He blinks, his eyes wide. 

It reminds the raven of Kore. Wednesday supposed the owl is out hunting, the beast prefers solitude almost as much as Wednesday does. Or rather, did.  Some company is worth keeping.

Wednesday sighs, “I'm aware.”

“Are you sure, viper?”

Wednesday resists another eye roll, “Yes, Father. None of this suitor business. Have your wife take care of it.”

“They won't be happy.” Gomez points out, but there is a look of acceptance. 

Wednesday shrugs. Gomez huffs again, still making a plate before nudging Claudia. The vampire makes the delivery to the siren, talking a storm about Madeline. 

Bianca lights up and reaches out to tug Claudia into Wednesday’s vacant seat. Claudia is talking with hands, nearly hitting Pugsley in the face. 

“Then we deal with the stragglers when they make it known. With Gabrielle sticking herself back into Bianca’s life, I can't have anyone else making this harder for us.” Wednesday states, clenching her fists.  

Gomez nods, “You know you have my support, whatever it is.” 

That makes the raven force herself to relax. It’s okay. 

“I know, benefits of being an heir. I love you, Father.” Wednesday murmurs. 

It gets a misty-eyed smile from the man. He pauses to wipe his eyes before reaching out to Wednesday. The raven lets him. 

“Sois mi mayor orgullo y mi mayor alegría. I love you and your brothers, more than anything.” Gomez says with a kiss to Wednesday’s head. 

Wednesday sighs into the warm touch. 

“Sappy.” Wednesday scoffs. 

“Now, now, my dear, don't ruin this already.” Gomez chuckles, patting her cheek. 

Wednesday bites his finger and gets a pinch back for her troubles. 

“Too late.” Wednesday comments flippantly as she goes back to her seat. 

Claudia yelps as Wednesday yanks the back of the seat. 

“Out.” 

The vampire protests, “Ah! I was talking to my favourite cousin, Wednesday. Y'know, someone who gets me and understands how frustrating it is to have a partner who is stubborn and cagey for no good reason-”

“I thought Madeline was just a friend, no?” Bianca cuts in, kicking her feet. 

The vampire blushes, “That's what I said,”

“No, it isn't.” Wednesday and Bianca say in unison. 

Claudia throws her hands up, “You're nagging me, the both of you. A partner can be a friend. Madeline, uh, it takes two to date and to even be official. We're friends.” 

“Your tone seems very pointed right now, mon petit voleur.” Bianca says sweetly. 

“God, I forgot you're a retired mean girl.” Claudia mutters, her face flushed deeply. 

“Head bitch in charge.” Bianca corrects before adding, "That's a permanent position, by the way.” 

It gets a laugh out of Debbie and Ester. 

Claudia snatches a piece of bacon off the siren's plate as retaliation. Wednesday takes her seat back. Bianca will miss this, the calmness of the Addams Manor. Morticia makes her try some pineapple preserves on her toast. Pubert clambers into Bianca’s lap, eating off his mother’s plate. 

Wednesday makes her eat seconds. All is well here. Bianca doesn’t want to pop this domestic bubble of peace.  The siren leans over to kiss her fiancee’s cheek sweetly. 

“Maybe we should drop out. Stay here forever. Prove my mother right.” Bianca whispers, coyly smiling. 

Wednesday chuckles softly, “Bia-”

“I know, I know, we can’t. We’re almost done with school. It is tempting, though, the way they make it seem.” Bianca backtracks. 

“This will all be ours, Bianca. No one will get between us. I love you.” Wednesday says lightly, a hand reaching out to cup Bianca’s face. 

The siren believes Wednesday. 

“Te amo.” Bianca says back with a kiss. 

The cousins gag at them. Bianca flips them off, making Charles laugh so hard he wheezes. Ester thumps him hard on the back. 

“Damn it, woman, you’ll knock my teeth loose. They’re real, unlike yours.” He grumbles.

“We can change that.” 

Xavier wakes up with a gasp, sitting upright. His dream lingers, leaving a sour taste in my mouth. The door of his shed is wide open. He can’t remember his weekend clearly, can barely remember Thursday. Lyanna’s words ring in his head though. 

“This just isn’t working, Xavier.” 

Realistically, he should have seen this coming. She’s distant around him outside of being physical. Her eyes only seem to see him when he was drawing. A part of him wonders if Lyanna was his escape from the weight in his chest whenever he thinks about Bianca and Wednesday.

But mostly, Bianca. There's a deep twisting in his stomach urging him to protect the siren. It feels like life or death.

Xavier whips the cover off his legs and freezes as he sees dirt and dried mud on his bare feet. His sleepwalking is getting worse. His hands are shaking and covered in scratches. 

He sighs, reaching for his phone. He unlocks it and groans. Calls to Bianca, cryptic messages to the siren. This is bad, really bad. Wednesday must be asleep still otherwise the boy seer isn’t sure how he’s still alive. 

“She is not going back to you. She's not going anywhere." 

It makes the gears in his head turn as he scrolls. 

This is more than blacking out from drinking. Xavier’s ears ring as he tries to recall last night. All he can remember is dreams. 

The woods, running, clawing, his arrows.

His dreams are clearer than reality these days. 

A loud bang and high-pitch screech startled him. Xavier grabs a metal yardstick, searching among the towers of paint cans and hidden canvases. He almost doesn’t see until a tarp starts to rattle angrily. The seer hopes he’s dreaming but the cage shakes on harder.

Xavier creeps forward, “God, please don’t be a person.” 

Xavier takes a deep breath, bracing himself before yanking the tarp off. 

Red eyes glare at him from its cage. It takes him a second to process what he’s looking at. It’s a massive bird, an owl, but he’s never seen a bird like this before. Almost a monster. 

“What the fuck?” He utters, surging forward to unlatch the lock. 

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you. She put up one hell of a fight.” A voice cuts through. 

Xavier swings his stick and a clawed hand stops it before it hits the intruder in the face. 

“Jesus Christ, where did you-why are you here, we’re done.” Xavier sighs, clutching where his heart was. 

Lyanna shrugs, but she’s smiling wider than he’s ever seen. Shades hide her eyes. She's not in her regular suits, but all black with a turtle neck. 

“I’m worried about you, Xavier. You’re on a bender.“ She says softly, but it’s all wrong. 

“I didn’t drink.” Flies from his mouth.

He poured everything out last time. Even cut up his fake I.D Lucas got him.

“Didn’t you?” Lyanna hums.

It would make sense. The loss of memory, the sick feeling churning in his stomach. But even though doesn’t seem like it belongs to him. It just seem like a thought in Xavier’s head but it’s not his. 

There’s a bandage on her neck that’s askew. This feels so familiar. She even sounds bored.

“I-no. No, you-I’ve done this before.” He murmurs, his stomach twisting. 

The caged bird squawks again. Xavier sees it has a cut on its wing. Her eyes scan his shed idly. 

Xavier racks his brain before he runs his hand over the cage. The beast backs away from him with a loud screech. It’s scared of him.

“You’re usually so agreeable. I think I pushed you too hard.” Lyanna sighs.

Xavier narrows his eyes, reaching out to take off her shades. He expects green eyes to be rolling at him but instead darker ones gleam at him. 

This is all wrong.

He makes a go to the door but it slams shut on its own, the werewolf standing in his way.

“Who-what are you?” He says stepping back and bumping into his table. 

Dried plants scatter on the floor. He spies wolfsbane, scrambling to grab it. 

Lyanna watches in amusement as he holds it up. It would make any wolf flinch but this one just blinks idly at him. 

“I thought I had more time with you.” She states because that makes sense. 

“I don’t understand.” He chokes out. 

It’s like there’s a wall blacking out parts of his brain. 

“That’s the best part of it all.” Lyanna chuckles and it sends him on the edge. 

He shoves her into a wall, rattling the paintings on the wall. Xavier’s forearms digs into her collarbone.

“Foxglove. Wolfsbane. You’re the reason I’ve been losing time. What the fuck is in the cage?” Xavier demands. 

“Wednesday’s pet, you hunted it down for me. Nice aim.” Lyanna says, patting his heated cheeks.

The bird shakes the cage at the name of its owner, nearly toppling it over.  The wing twitches and the boy sees a tip of something silver in the flesh of it. An arrow tip. 

He did that. But did he? Xavier hates the idea of hunting animals, even roadkill makes him throw up. 

“Woah, woah, easy. Okay?” He murmurs, outstretching his hand. 

The owl chitters and makes itself smaller, curling into its wings and flinching at the action. 

“I’m sorry. It’s okay. It’s okay. I’m sorry.” He coaxes over another loud scared squawk. 

“I wouldn’t.” Lyanna warns and it feels like all the more reason to.

 Xavier unlatches the door to it. 

The huge winged beast flaps out, its talon slashing at Xavier’s arms. He yanks his arm back and the owl leaves out the window, the flight path shaky. 

“Tsk. You shouldn’t have done that.”

“I-you’re the burning in my head.” Xavier murmurs. 

His visions. The same one over and over. The burning behind his eyes is worse than a migraine. 

“No one will believe you. You’re just, too good of a scapegoat to pass up. Weak-willed, impulsive, insecure, insignificant. If it makes you feel better you're not the only one I'm using.” Lyanna chuckles.

Xavier slams her back into the wall and she snarls, her face morphing in the light of day. She kicks him across the room. She's an abomination, stuck between human and wolf form, her face stuck in an in between. Her fingernails are claws and her canines are elongated. Deadly.

Xavier used his desk to pick himself off the ground as the wolf steps over the purple plant. 

“How-how you turning? It’s not a full moon-that was wolfsbane!” Xavier yelps, ducking as one of his canvases is hurled at his head. 

He leaps out of the window, not looking back as he sprints into the forest. 

A piercing howl echoes in the forest. Xavier clambers over a fallen tree, hitting his ribs on the ground. Pain shoots up and he groans. Thundering footsteps grow nearer. The boy seer claws his way to her feet. 

Bianca. God, he hopes he can get to her in time. 

Wednesday sighs as she tosses the last bag in the truck. Bianca and Enid are being mobbed by the family. Her cousins playfully wrestling each other to hug the pair. Joel has Nancy in a fake headlock turned real, Jennifer encouraging the boy to squeeze harder. 

Nancy floats and Joel yelps, clinging to her and his feet kicking. 

It makes Bianca laugh so hard she snorts and Wednesday files that away for her journal. 

The raven wipes the dust off their hands before picking up her backpack and frowning at the weight.  The bag moves and then huffs. 

Ah. Of course. 

“You can't come with us.” Wednesday utters, unzipping the bag to reveal the stowaway.

Pubert pouts, crossing his arms as his hiding spot is compromised,  “I'm smart enough.” 

“You're too little.” The raven states but there's a twinge of sadness that almost makes them scoff.

Her sentimental feelings were genetic, unfortunate for Wednesday. 

“I will miss you. I will miss Bia too. Missing you already.” Pubert sniffles, covering his face. 

Wednesday leans down to his level with a silent sigh. 

“Pubert.” Wednesday starts but the boy clutches his heart over his shirt and throws himself to the floor. 

The raven huffs as she grabs him from hitting the ground. Curse their father for giving all his children his heart. The raven carefully pries his little hands away from his face. 

“Hey, papito, none of that, you understand. I will always come back to you. You're my brother. You're an Addams. Strength in numbers. Pack mentality.” Wednesday murmurs, pushing his hair from his warm face. 

Pubert's cheeks are ruddy with tears, “Promise me.” 

Wednesday chuckles and Pubert rolls his eyes. 

“I will always come back to you. I-”

“Bia too.” He demands.

“Bianca too.” Wednesday relents, fixing his shirt. Spoiled brat.

Pubert narrows his eyes, looking for any tells of any untruths. He looks so much like their father. 

“Who else is going to help you get into trouble?” Wednesday shrugs.

“Crow.” Pubert deadpans.

It makes Wednesday smirk, “If I hadn't known better, I'd say you were half-mutt.”

Pubert kicks her but he's smiling again. Wednesday grabs him by the ankles to hang upside down.

“Hey! Where is your home training?” Bianca calls, waving her over. 

She's saying goodbye to the dog, by the looks of it. Kneeling on the grass and rubbing Crow’s belly. Bianca baby talks the thing and Wednesday looks at her soon to be wife endearingly.

The raven almost give into impulse. Kidnap her Bianca to whisk the siren away, somewhere quiet and romantic. The coast. Maybe sunny like Barbados, there's family there they can visit.

Wednesday sighs loudly but obediently walks over. Brother in tow and his mutt running up to them. 

“Fairwell.” Wednesday says shortly, dropping Pubert. 

The boy tucks and rolls into the grass.

Bianca pinches them, “Behave.” 

Morticia and Gomez walk up to Bianca in tandem, pulling her into an embrace. The siren melts into the touch, burying her face between their shoulders. 

“It was so nice to have you.” Gomez murmurs, rubbing her back. 

Bianca nods, “I was-this was amazing. You were all so nice. I feel silly for being stressed out.” 

They pull away. Wednesday settles for a side-hug for both but leans up to kiss her mother’s cheek. 

“I'm-I apologize for not believing you and pushing you away. I love you, Mother. Te amo, Papa.” Wednesday murmurs. 

“We love you always, Wednesday.” Morticia says, her voice breaking with emotion, like she can’t believe her ears. 

Wednesday fights the urge to avert her eyes. Instead, she deals with the guilt of it head-on. 

“Well, that’s all nice and dandy. Might I have a word with you, Miss Bianca?” Charles butts in, his cane leaving little circles in the grass as he makes his way to the siren. 

He holds his arm out with a meek smile. It's charming. 

“Uh, oh-of course.” Bianca squeaks out, linking their arms together lightly. 

Wednesday narrows her eyes but lets the grandfather guide her lover to the side. 

Bianca wrings out her hand as the man takes a deep breath. 

“I must apologize." is the first thing Charles utters, playing with his mustache almost anxiously. 

It nearly breaks her brain. The idea of an adult of his caliber admitting wrong so openly. 

“For what? You’ve treated me better than my own blood.” Bianca laughs but it falters as the man places a hand on her shoulder. 

His face softens, his real eyes a light brown. 

“I was the one that urged Wayne to look into you. It was underhanded and truly unwarranted. You must excuse my paranoia, my dear Bianca. I know you now. You are strong hearted, kind and determined.  I have no doubt of you now. I truly am sorry for making you think you weren’t trusted and for any anxiety I caused you. I had a lapse in judgment but that is no excuse.” He says slowly, gripping his cane. 

He looks utterly ashamed, so much it takes the siren aback. A part of her wants to laugh it off. Gabrielle has done worse, without care, without an apology. But instead it breaks down her air of indifference. 

She was scared. It did put her on edge.

He cares for her feelings. Charles, of his own volition, apologizing to the siren. Bianca didn't think it was possible. 

Bianca blinks, “Wha-why, you know then. You know I’m-” 

“Bianca is who are, who you always have been. Your previous nature is nothing now. It can’t hurt you. I didn’t mean to pick at old wounds. I know how first hand that can strike down your spirit.” Charles says firmly. 

There’s a fire in his eyes at the words. 

“You-Gomez is like me.” Bianca remembers. 

“My boy, my Gomez never felt shame for his self. I made sure of it. I cut many ties, some deep, some blood, for my son. I even spilled blood over it. And I wouldn’t change any of it. I will do the same for you, Bianca. You are to be my grandaughter, if you’ll have me hold that honor. I’ll love you like you are my own.”  The man swears.  

Bianca looks up at him and sniffles. She had almost forgotten what that felt like. She surges forward to hug him. Charles doesn't freeze, just wraps his arms around her gently.

He’s warm, and Bianca can feel his little gasp at her action. His dress shirt is like silk and the siren idly wonders how much his dapper outfit cost. 

“I’d like that. I never had a grandfather before, Charles.” She beams. 

He hugs her back fiercely now, lifting her off the ground. The siren laughs at that. 

“Call me Charlie.”

“I’ll spoil you rotten, you’re much too good now.” He beams, putting her down gently before swooping her up in another hug. 

“Grandfather Charlie, I forgive you.” Bianca smiles. 

Charlie’s eyes go misty as he wipes his own face. The siren can see where Gomez gets his heart from. 

Wednesday tears her gaze from her grandfather and Bianca as Wayne saunters into view, hands gripping around a closed umbrella. Wednesday feels proud he’s still sporting a black eye and split lip, a gift from the raven. 

“Is this the part where you lecture me to be careful? It doesn’t mean much from you.” Wednesday says idly. 

“No. I’m sure it wouldn’t do much anyway. No. This is the part where I say this. You’ve been far too lenient. Allowing this to fester. Neglecting your duty as heir. Our family.” Wayne starts, tilting his head. 

He kicks at the grass absent-mindedly as he paces around Wednesday. 

“You think I’m weak?” Wednesday snarls slowly. 

“Easy, King Addams, I mean, you’re focusing in on the wrong things. How can Bianca have a sweet life, a good one, with you letting this get between you two? Between Family?” 

Wednesday’s eyes flit back and forth as her jaw tenses. 

“You should have gotten your affairs in order before preposing, but and Addams is impulsive when it comes to the heart. Believe me, I get it.” Wayne shrugs. 

“Since when did you get all wise and powerful? Is it the concussion I gave you?” Wednesday scoffs, peering over at Enid. 

The wolf is hugging Veronica and Claudia. Wednesday ignore frustration rushing to the surface. 

“I will help you. Together, we will clear the path for both of you. No meddling mother-in laws or evil exes in your way.” Wayne say diplomically. 

“Why?”

Wayne’s smug face slips and he takes a step into her space. He holds the umbrella out. Wednesday stares at him questioningly before the boy gestures for her to take it. 

“Consider it an apology.” Wayne utters, looking pained to even say it. 

Wednesday smirks, grabbing the handle, “ I thought you didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I still stand by most of my actions. But you’re not the only one who loves to watch bridges burn.” He says before sighing long and suffering. 

Wednesday nods, pleased and reaches in her back pocket to produce a folded-up piece of paper. Wayne takes it hesitantly. 

“For building the bridge.” Wednesday comments. 

He opens it suspiciously. Wayne’s eyes widen as he reads it and then instantly water. 

“Did you-”

“She knows. Gave me permission. Misses you, even.” Wednesday shrugs, mimicking him as the raven kicks a patch of grass. 

Before Wayne can do something stupid like cry on her, Bianca walks over to the pair of cousins. 

“Yoko is rushing us.” Bianca hums. 

“Well, she's probably trying to get Sinclair alone to feed on her.” Wednesday comments flippantly. 

“Don't be like that.” Bianca chides but she snorts. 

The siren nods at Wayne, “My, my, I didn't think you could smile and it not be smug.” 

The boy shrugs, boyishly grinning, “First time for everything, siren.” 

“Cousin.” Bianca corrects before pulling him into a hug. 

He's taller than the siren so he leans down to return the embrace. 

“Thank you.” Wayne murmurs before adding, “I'll be seeing you soon, prima.” 

Bianca beams widely as she pulls away. 

“Less drinking when I see you?” Bianca asks. 

Wayne huffs, good-naturedly, but nods, “I can cut back.”

Bianca pats his cheek before pressing a light kiss there. Wayne goes pink before shuffling off playing with the paper in his hands. Joel runs over, wheezing as he breaks free from Nancy’s chokehold. He grabs at Bianca for stability as he catches his breath. 

“This…family…is…oh, god, gonna be the death of me. My lung.” He pants. 

Joel has ditched his signature green sweater and Bianca sees a faded burn on his arm.

Bianca pats his back sympathetically and idly wonders how he survived so long. 

“Where's your inhaler, Glicker?” Wednesday demands. 

“Back pocket.” He mumbles. 

Bianca slips her hand in the sweats and pushes it in his hands. Joel gives her a thumbs up as he takes it. 

Wednesday watches him warily. Joel rolls his shoulders back as he stands up. 

“Uh, Hi. Well, bye, Nes.” Joel smiles with a soft smile, his warm eyes.

“It's not forever. You're in my wedding party.” Wednesday muses, taking a deep breath and pointing at him.

Joel copies his friend, his breathing evening out. 

“I'm a bridesmaid! When will I get fitted for my dress? I have good legs, y'know.” He chuckles. 

“Pasty, maybe.” Wednesday mutters and Bianca laughs. 

Joel pouts, “You got me to stay and here you are, leaving me behind again.” 

Wednesday pushes him, “Guilt tripping is so juvenile.”

“Ow! Worth a shot. I'll miss you both.” Joel says easily. 

It makes Bianca blink, “Me?”

Joel nods, ‘You're so cool. Can I hug you goodbye?”

Bianca chuckles but indulges him. Joel is lanky and wraps his arms around her shoulders. He's trembling a bit. Bianca finds herself rubbing his back. 

“I'm so glad it's you. I swear, you're the one for Nes.” He mumbles softly, relaxing into her arms, still shaking slightly. 

“I-i think so. Are you cold?” Bianca hums, frowning with concern. 

It's nice out, clouds covering the sun and slight winds but still warm enough. 

Joel chuckles, “It's anxiety. I can't help it.”

Bianca pulls back and Joel unlatches for her instantly. 

“Relax. It's just little ole cool me.” Bianca smiles, patting his cheek.

Joel blushes looking away, “Working on it. And don't worry, I'll be looking into how to solve our would-be homewreaker.”

Wednesday kicks him for that comment and Joel laughs. 

“Hurry up!” Yoko shouts from the car. 

Bianca flips her off and the vampire crosses her arms with a judgmental face on. 

“I guess we're getting rushed.” Bianca says, wiggling her fingers. 

Wednesday holds her hand easily, “We'll come back. Let's get there before dark.”

The raven whistles and Enid stops her animated conversation with Claudia. The vampire is giggling at her. 

“Go on, wolf, your vampire might get me” Claudia says, tutting at Yoko who is tapping an imaginary watch.

The group makes their way to Wednesday’s car. Enid rushes Morticia for another hug. The mother reaches out and thanks her for coming.

“Give Larissa my love.” Morticia beams. 

“Yes, tell her we owe her some ribs.” Gomez chuckles.

“Do I have to?” Wednesday deadpans. 

Bianca pinches the raven, “Be nice. Weems is a good person.”

“And a pain.” 

“Most good people are.” Gomez agrees with a laugh. 

“Oh, do you have to go?” Morticia sighs, holding a hand to her heart. 

“Yes, mother, I can only tolerate so much insanity at once.” Wednesday huffs. 

“We're already missing you.” Gomez murmurs, pulling his wife close for a kiss. 

“We will be back.” Wednesday reminds them, guiding the siren to the car. 

Yoko is already in the backseat, chatting with Nancy, who is floating over the trunk of the car. Enid is tucked in the vampire's arm, looking far away. Bianca bites back a question of concern. Instead she presses a kiss to Wednesday’s cheek. 

“Promise me, you won't be spiteful to Enid.” The siren murmurs as they near the driveway.

Wednesday falters but settles for a nod. 

“Goodbye. We will see you soon. We love you.” Wednesday calls. 

A chorus of farewells echo in the Addam residence. Pubert sniffles into Crow’s fur.

Wayne makes sure they have all their bags packed as Nancy sighs, feet hitting the ground. 

“Be careful, Queen Addams.” Nancy says to Bianca. 

“Remember the plan.” Wayne adds. 

Wednesday pulls the middle console up and tugs the siren close. Bianca crosses her legs, leaning on the raven’s shoulder. 

“We will.” Wednesday states. 

The car rumbles to life. Wednesday revs it thrice before Wayne steps back, giving the pair a look. 

Wednesday speeds down the street. Honking a few times before they leave the property. It feels bittersweet. The raven does miss her chaotic army she’s related to but, being with her lover and friends, away from it all soothes something in Wednesday.

“How do you leave?” Bianca says suddenly as they merge onto the highway. 

“Same way I come back. With confidence.” Wednesday hums, kissing her temple. 

Yoko leans over to turn on the radio.

“Enough of that.” The vampire says lightly.

“If you play Alice in Chains twice in a row, I'll drive in silence.” Wednesday deadpans.m

“Fun police.” Yoko mutters. 

Donovan puts out his cigarette on his rearview mirror as he looks up at the Fuchs house. His back still hurts from the long drive here from Tyler.

His neck still aches from sitting so long with his sleeping son's head on his legs. Donovan never thought that was possible. He kept waiting for the rug to be pulled under his feet but it didn't come. Tyler was there, so was the Hyde, but it seems like they weren't at odds with each other. 

Donocan flips to his notepad, looking at his scrawled down handwriting as he kicks his door closed. 

It's a nice house, big backyard. A bike on the porch.

The last lead. He's been dragging his feet with this one. Donovan felt obligated to come to the wake and give the family flowers. It was odd. Donovan didn't like the boy by any means. He was temperamental. Stubborn. Bad police straight out of the academy. Galvin always dismissed any mention of his family. Calling them vapid and stupid.

Paul and Bethany Fuchs, few years younger than him. Good people. He's on good terms with Paul, the man is a firefighter. Their youngest son, Garrett was still in high-school, a sophomore. 

“Here goes nothing.” He sighs before walking up the stairs. 

Donovan knocks thrice, firm but politely. It takes a moment before the door flings open.

Red-rimmed blue eyes greet him. Bethany Fuchs is in a loose navy dress, her cross necklace bright against the dark fabric. Her red-hair is frazzled. 

“Heya, Beth, how…how are you holding up?” He starts off, flinching at how stilted his voice sounds. 

“Oh, Don.” She sighs and nearly throws herself at him. 

He catches her in an unsure hug, “It's okay.”

“Donovan. It's been so-god, I just ambushed you at the door, come in.” She rushes out pulling away and letting him in.

The man steps into the house, hands tapping at his side. He left his firearm in the car. This was a wellness visit. Allegedly. 

“It's quite alright, Beth. I get it. I just-i cam here to talk about Galvin. We're still trying to get to the bottom of this.” Donovan says lightly.

Beth nods, wiping at her face, “I wanted you when they started asking questions, Don. You always had a way with you. Never talked down to me. Never did anything like that. You're good police.”

Donovan fights back a rebuttal of that and just takes his hat off, “That's very kind of you. I'm just trying to figure something out.” 

It was no secret that Bethany was a tad needy and neurotic. She would work herself up all the time. Donovan had to inch his way into this. 

“I'll answer it. I know the guys came by to investigate but I just want to double check. Especially about Galvin before he passed.”

Bethany goes quiet, tears welling up as she looks at the floor. She sits down by the window. 

“I-i can tell you the truth, right? You won't, you won't think of me differently?” She utters. 

Donovan shakes his head, reaching over to pat her hand, “I understand what you're going through, more than most. More than anything.”

“I'm glad he's gone. I didn't want Gal dead not-not like that, never lied that. He's always been troubled, always struggled with his anger but it was like he was a teenager again.”

“Was there anything that was before this that you think triggered him?” Donovan says, sitting down next to her. 

The mother reaches for the cup on the table, her hands shaking as she sips from the cup. Donovan hopes it's not coffee. 

“I uh. When he came back from the academy, one of Paul's friends had set him up with a job in Hawthorne. They went out to celebrate at a bar. He met a girl. Didn't come home like he said he would.” Beth says shakily. 

A girl. It's always about a damn girl. 

“Yeah, you told me about her. Dark hair, petite. On the younger side.” Donvan recalls. 

At first, he thought it was the Addams kid but it didn’t sound like her. No, it was the mystery girl. Another part of the equation Donovan wasn’t getting. Beth nods again, her hair getting in her face. 

“I thought she was cute but…off. I-I don’t mean any harm but I thought she wasn’t normal. Maybe she was, uh, outcast.” Beth says hesitantly. 

“I see.”

“Not that there’s anything wrong with that, I just, they’re so troubled, aren’t they?”

“Aren’t we all?” He says lightly. 

Beth’s eyes glaze over at that and Donovan nudges her to bring her back to reality. She looks around, like someone else would monitor her words. 

Or not like what she has to say.

“He-Galvin hit Garrett. Hard.” Bethany whispers. 

“My god.” He murmurs, grabbing his pen. 

This is how it starts. A slip up in cultivated safe-space. It's like a crack in the dam.

“I-Tyler was like that. It was awful. I felt horrible, y'know? You do everything for them and it's like it was never enough.” He adds, just to nudge her along.

She nods, wiping at wayward tears with her sleeve. It's a childish act, one that endears Donovan to the woman. 

She's like the complete opposite of Ophelia Frump. 

“My oldest was always rougher with my baby but that was not this. Garret asked him about something, I can’t even recall but next thing I know, Galvin cocked his hand back and, gosh, it was so loud. Paul got in between when Galvin put his hands around Garret’s neck. He had bruises for weeks.” Beth confesses.

“Who did you tell?” Donovan asks gently. 

Beth breaks down, completely, body shuddering with a soft cry, “Nobody. Galvin. We didn't want to ruin his future with his past. He was supposed to get through this. Learn control. Discipline.”

Funny that. Donovan thought that too. 

Donovan rubs her back, “Oh, Beth. I'm so sorry.”

The woman curls into his side as she continues her crying. 

“I never seen him like that. And to Garrett?” Beth cries out.

“I'm so sorry you had to see that.”

“I can't keep talking about it. The cops were fine. But that girl. That lawyer, she keeps coming back.” Bethany continues. 

“What lawyer?” Donovan says, pulling away to look the woman in her eyes.

Ophelia wouldn't, is his first thought, like Donovan knows the woman enough to make that judgment call. But his gut tells him that's not her style. 

Ophelia was a woman of morals. Whoever did this, leveraging a weak woman's grief, was a manipulator.

“That girl. Her name was Lillian.” Bethany sniffles. 

Donovan's brain kicks into high gear and a sense of dread fills him. He needs to talk to his lawyer. 

Wednesday slams the door to her car shut, Bianca's duffel bags in her hand. 

The ride was awkward to say the least. Enid kept trying to initiate a conversation with the Addams. Wednesday was curt to the wolf. Not entirely mean but dismissive all the same. 

Bianca had tried to get her fiance to cut it out but figured that Wednesday had to feel her feelings. Better to process on the drive here. 

Wednesday was quiet mostly, in deep thought probably about their problems. 

Bianca kept thinking about Amber. Wednesday constantly reassures her that the plan will work, that Amber will show herself and slip up. The siren has trust in that. 

But Wednesday has a devotion to being reckless in the face of danger. 

Her Wednesday wouldn't be here now if her plan had gone right all those years ago. Bianca isn't forgetting that. 

And she would be lying if she said she didn't get it. When Gabrielle had her claws in her, everyday felt like drowning. Bianca could never bring herself to give in, if only because of her Grandmother.

And then, Bianca was at Nevermore, and Yoko was there to catch her when she was at rock-bottom. Bianca couldn't stop then. Her grandmother sacrificed everything for her to be away Gabrielle, to be her own person. 

But Wednesday wasn't filled with despair. It was like a lack of self-preservation. It was selfish to be so selfless in those moments. 

Bianca finds herself reaching out to Wednesday. The raven looks up at her with concern. 

“Bella. Where did you go?” Wednesday murmurs as Enid brushes past them both. 

“Right here. I'm just-I am thinking.”

Yoko follows, giving a look to Bianca. 

"I'm going to, uh, take E out for a walk, okay?" The vampire utters. 

Yoko leans down and Bianca kisses her cheek, "Okay, Ko."

"Are you?" 

“I'm working on it.” The siren mouths before calling out to her raven, “Take me to my dorm, babe.”

The raven blushes but complies. Bianca internally smirks.Wednesday carries the duffel bag all the way to Bianca's dorm hall. 

“You've gone quiet.” Wednesday notes after a moment.

“So have you. Deep in thought?” Bianca hums. 

It's easy, causally pointing it out. She doesn't want to spook Wednesday into putting those walls back up.

“Thinking about ending our foes so we don't have to deal with this anymore.” Wednesday utters. 

“We will get through this. We have a wedding to plan. I want a good cake. No smashing.” 

“Never. You have a pick a sword to slice the cake on. Mine. My parents or Abuelo. Some others up on the displayl.” Wednesday states. 

Bianca smiles at the thought of it, the siren banishing a sword in a wedding dress.

“Yours probably.” The siren grins. 

She likes the weight of Wednesday’s blade, it was light and balanced.

“That can be arranged.” Wednesday deadpans but her voice sweetens.

“You keep talking like that, they're going to think I siren-songed you or you're a mafia boss.” Bianca chuckles. 

“Ah, Addams aren't affiliated with the mob. We have a lawyer to coach us.” Wednesday says with a sly smirk, showing dimples. 

“Yes, sir.” Bianca hums, leaning down to kiss Wednesday’s dimpled cheek.

The raven still blushes all the same with a that light of devotion in the Addams’ face warms Bianca down to her core. 

“I should go. Let you unpack.” Wednesday starts but still lingers at the door. 

“Go.” Bianca says, giving Wednesday a parting kiss. 

“Yes, ma'am.” Wednesday utters slowly, pecking her lips again. 

The raven rocks on the balls of her feet idly. 

“Play nice with Enid.” Bianca orders, pushing her lover back with a finger.

“Hm.” Wednesday says but obeys, turning on her heel. 

Bianca watches Wednesday go, embracing the flutter in her chest before looking in her purse for her keys. The siren huffs as she turns the key, pushing in. Bianca shuts the door to her dorm and sighs.

She didn't know the last time she was here alone. A part of Bianca misses her space. She's had the same dorm for years. Perks of being here every summer. 

She tosses her bags down. One was her clothes, the other gifts from the Addams Family that was insistent the siren take. 

Claudia was giving her headscarves and bonnets, offering to braid the siren's hair if she ever grew it out. 

Nancy slipped her a blue bracelet in her jacket when Bianca was looking. She found a wadded of cash in her purse with an note from Fester. A pair of gold earrings. The siren was sure that the more she unpacked, the more gifts she would find. 

Bianca just hopes Pubert didn't stowaway in her bag. She isn't sure she could keep up with the kid and do homework.

There's soft shuffling behind her and she freezes. The siren reaches for Wednesday’s knife, tucked away in her pocket. She conjures up a million things but Amber is the same thought going through her brain. 

For once, she is inclined to be violent.

She's looking forward to it. Her in-laws will be proud. Wayne, especially.

“Sè!” 

Bianca flinches as she whirls around. Gabriel, her brother, is sitting on her bed, making grabby hands at her with a big smile. 

The siren puts her knife in her back pocket.

She rushes forward, putting him in her arms. The boy is warm against her cool skin. 

“Gabby, what are you doing here, ti gason?” Bianca murmurs to him. 

Gabriel lights up, his brown eyes big and warm, as he lays his big head on her neck. He has two front teeth now, like a little bunny. Bianca taps a tooth curiously and he bites her, not hard but purposefully. Gabriel's hair is fuller, closer to her texture than Gideon's. His brown eyes are way more present, he's less baby and more toddler now. He's wearing yellow overalls and a brown shirt, a signature of their mother.

Bianca muses that highly poisonous things in nature wear bright colors too.

For a moment, she allows herself to think Gabrielle ran away and left her brother here. Maybe a little note tucked in his diaper bag.

Here. Take him. I need a fresh start away from you and the brat - Gabrielle, your shitty mother.

Bianca supposes that would be too easy. And Her balcony is open. 

Her mother is watching her, hands winging together. Bianca relishes the silence before an inevitable fight and the soft warm body pressed against her.

“What are you doing here and can it wait?” Bianca huffs. 

Maybe it was the fact that the siren knew she was protected now, that made her nerves calm. Bianca can scream. Enid will hear it, Bianca ponders and the wolf will alert Yoko and Wednesday. 

“Bianca.” Gabrielle starts, her voice trembling. 

The name, her name, nearly makes her falter. Bianca pushes through the slight hesitation, still tickling her brother to hear his giggle. Gabriel blows a raspberry at her, smushing her cheeks with his little brown hands. She laughs back at him.

“BB!” Gabriel says in a moment of recognition. 

“Bianca, Gabe.” The young siren corrects, not taking her eyes off him. 

She’s trying to emulate Wednesday with the ease the raven interacts with the smaller children in her family. It seems to be working.

He's kicking his legs idly, wriggling in her arms but by the grip Gabe has on her shirt, he doesn't want to get down. Just wants to make a fuss. Maybe he's bored.

“BB!” He grins, stubborn as he taps her nose.

She can't argue with that logic. 

“Bianca, I'm sorry.” Gabrielle tries again. 

The apology falls flat between them like a stone. Bianca assumes that she should be touched or moved by the words but it does nothing to frustrate the siren. Another inconvenience she doesn’t need right now. Gods, her mother is probably drunk again. 

The siren idly notes she might have Wednesday cleanse this area now. It's tainted. The younger siren swipes her phone off her desk idly, forcing the urgency out of her motions.

Code blue. She’s here but I’m fine. Don’t make a scene. 

“Did you hear what I said?” Gabrielle murmurs, inching forward back into Bianca’s dorm. 

Bianca shrugs, ignoring the growing thorn of irritation in her side, “So, what? For what?”

“For-for the phone call, for how I acted, how I’ve been acting. For everything.” Gabrielle laments, taking a step forward. 

For everything. It's so all-consuming it's lackluster. Oh, my bad, for it all. Just another thing flippantly said to smooth this conflict over so Bianca can play nice.

Bianca stares at her mother, tilting her head, “Are you dying?” 

It's to make the woman squirm more than anything. Bianca knows why but she knows her mother well enough that the siren wouldn't tell her. It would tip the scales in Bianca's favor.

Even so, Gabrielle must really be desperate.

It’s the only option that makes sense. The only reason why Gabrielle is this docile. Bianca almost relishes in it, the way Gabrielle’s brimming with uncomfortable energy. Maybe Wednesday is onto something.

Gabe frowns, letting his little fingers run over her lips. Bianca bites them gently, fake growling. 

Gabriel blows another raspberry on her neck. Bianca rubs his back before messing with his ear. No need to upset him when this doesn't concern him.

The woman blinks and shakes her head, “No. No, ti siren. I just-”

Bianca cuts in, “You just-what? Thought you could just come here, use my brother as bait and do what, Gabrielle? Water under the bridge, Momma, you told me I was valuable like I was a piece of fucking tool for you to use, but you’re forgiven, Momma-”

Bianca hasn’t called the women that since Gabrielle had her bleeding on the kitchen floor. It strikes a nerve in the woman by the way Gabrielle’s hands start to shake. It makes her ring glint in the light, a big gaudy thing that only makes Bianca acutely aware that her father’s ring is at the bottom of the ocean or six feet deep still on his finger.  

Gabrielle takes another step forward, this time with purpose. Bianca steps back, tightening her grip on her brother, eyes blazing as she glares up at her mother. 

“Don’t you dare. Not in front of him and never him. Not again.” Bianca snarls, a hand around the back of a soft head. 

Gabielle has the gal to look shocked at her.

“I didn’t-I wasn't-I came here not to fight, I just wanted to talk. Just us.” 

“So talk and don’t touch us.” Bianca hisses. 

Gabrielle sighs and fidgets in place. She looks like she wants to tear her hair out. 

“I-what I said to you, I was-I wasn’t myself or maybe I was but I don't want to be that right now. We need each other more than ever.” The woman fumbles. 

Every word sounds like it's painful to speak.

“You need me now, is what you mean.” Bianca says before she can stop herself.

“When did you get so mean?” Gabrielle says quietly, in astonishment.

“I could be meaner.” Bianca warns.

The new knowledge she has threatens to spill from Bianca’s lips but she holds fast. Think like an Addams. It takes looking down at her brother, who sensing the change in the room. Bianca takes a deep breath.

Gabriel whines at her raised tone and she hushes him, “Not you, G-baby, never you.” 

It's a pet name that slips out with ease. Her father called her Baby B or B Baby. 

Gabrielle sucks in a breath, her pained face twisted up. Bianca hopes it twists in the knife. 

“I made you so mean. You were a sweet child. I-thought boys shouldn’t be soft but your father put his foot down on that. Let you be. You got him that pink bucket hat for Father’s day because his blew away. I was so mad, you-your grandmother told me to leave it or I’d lose you both.”

“Maybe you should have listened to her.” Bianca murmurs. 

Gabrielle looks up at Bianca and her whole face seems to age before the siren, her navy eyes that are almost black well up with tears. 

“Maybe.” Gabrielle chokes out. 

“No use crying. Sere dlo nan je ou pou yon trajedi. ” Bianca parrots. 

It’s something Gabrielle hissed at her for as long as she can remember, usually followed by a slap or a pinch. 

Gabe is nibbling at her neck like a weirdo and Bianca tugs at his shirt, “Gabby, that tickles. Stop it.” 

He laughs at her. In that fleeting moment, suddenly Wednesday’s whispered plan of kidnapping doesn’t seem so ridiculous. They could make it work. A little apartment nearby a university with Bianca and Wednesday swapping schedules to let one stay with the toddler while the other is at school. Making ends meet. Gomez and Morticia coming over to babysit. Yoko pretending to be annoyed by the boy. 

No, focus, Barclay. We need to get rid of Amber and Gabrielle first and get married. 

Doesn't hurt to dream, though. 

“Bianca. I-I shouldn't have done any of it. I-you have no idea what I've done. Not really. I thought I was helping you. I couldn't get this like you did. You're smart, child, I was too impatient and greedy for school.” 

“Helping. Was it helping when you tried to kill me?” Bianca hisses. 

Gabrielle flinches like she's the one being hit.

“I got out of hand. I know that now. I was angry, B-Bianca. I was angry that you were disrespecting me, my image I had for you, the life I was molding you for. I didn't want you to struggle. I love you.”

That sets Bianca ablaze. She just runs a hand over Gabe's round head, biting her lip at the wave of disgust she feels.

“I still have the scars on my back that say otherwise. You don’t love me and if this is how you love, I don't want it. The only reason I'm not kicking you out or getting my wife is because of Gabe.” Bianca says lowly. 

“I did it all wrong. Manman, padonnen mwen, ou te gen rezon.”

“You don't bring her up!” Bianca spits out, covering Gabe's ears. 

“I-”

“No. Not after you kilt her. You sent her into the grave. You didn't even let me see her.” 

She's never even seen the headstone in person. Gabrielle snapped her a pic of it and told her that Marie died in her sleep. That it was peaceful. Like anything on that island was peaceful. 

Bianca remembers the rage that invaded her for months. Even Yoko was victim to it. With a pang of guilt she remembers how she made Rowan’s life a living hell when he slighted Xavier whilst they were dating. Even if he was an asshole, the boy didn't deserve that.. 

“I cain't-you ain't even let me say goodbye.” Bianca says finally, her voice breaking on the last sentence. 

Bianca's accent dips in, as it always does when she's worked up around her mother. Her talons scratch at the surface but she keeps them at bay. She's holding precious cargo. 

“There's nothing to say goodbye to.” Gabrielle says quietly. 

The siren's hands shake with rage. Bianca glares at her. She's itching to put Gabe in the bathroom and launch herself at the woman. She'd win, Bianca knows she would, and by the time someone came to pull her off Gabrielle, she'd had her pound of flesh. 

Only Gabriel nuzzling into her calms her head down. The idea of sticking the little boy between them, distressing him, sickens the siren. 

Bianca will not repeat that mistake with him. 

She settles for words. 

“I didn't get a choice in the matter. I didn't get a say.” Bianca says slowly.

“I-but I'm sorry. I love you, Bianca. I'm sorry, child. I'm so sorry. I'm trying to make amends.” Gabrielle stammers, looking up at her, she's curled up into herself. 

Tears clings to her lashes before falling down her face. It stirs a part of Bianca, before everything went to shit. 

It sounds like desperation and it's pathetic. A couple of years back, Bianca would’ve killed for this, a scrape of realization, an apology for it all and the subsequent groveling after. She would have taken and ran with it.

Now, it seems too little too late. The siren supposed her partner is rubbing off on her because Bianca relishes in the helpless moment from Gabrielle, fake or not.

“What do you want from me?” Bianca shrugs. 

Gabrielle blinks rapidly. 

“Look at what I did to you.” She whispers. 

The mother reaches out and Bianca flinches back. Gabrielle lets out a stifled sob, still reaching out. 

Think like an Addams. 

Bianca lets her. Gabrielle’s hands are soft, free from calluses but cold. Bianca closes her eyes and counts to ten. 

Wednesday unpacks her things flippantly, Wayne's words still ringing in her ears. 

“You’ve been far too lenient.”

Enid is beside her and fidgeting. 

“Um, Willa?” She starts. 

Wednesday looks over her shoulder and waits expectantly. 

Enid is playing with her fingers, like a child caught doing something they shouldn't. Wednesday bites back a sigh.

“Yes, Enid?” Wednesday utters. 

“About…breakfast.”

Wednesday turns away from her again. This. Again. The Addams really doesn't want to hurt the wolf’s feelings again. 

“What about breakfast?” Wednesday murmurs, pushing this dragging conversation along. 

“I-you were-you didn't talk to me then. Or on the way back. You just asked me what I wanted from the gas station and like two other things before back to radio silence.” Enid mumbles. 

Wednesday places that black spell book in a desk drawer, one that locks. 

“Yeah.” Wednesday scoffs. 

“I thought-I dunno, I thought we were moving on.” Enid says quickly.

“We are. I have. That doesn't mean you're getting hugs and kisses from me.” Wednesday says wryly. 

“I-Bianca said-” Enid starts.

“I don't particularly care to know what Bia said to you about it. I can feel however I want to feel about it. You don't get to tell me otherwise. You can stop with the wounded puppy look too. It doesn't sway me.” Wednesday huffs. 

Enid shuffles closer, “Look, Willa, I was wrong, okay, I'm sorry.”

“Okay.” Wednesday deadpans. They’re doing this.

“Okay?” Enid says confused, her light eyes wide.

A burn of frustration runs up Wednesday’s nerves and she pinches the bridge of her nose.

“Okay. You're sorry. Okay. That doesn't negate this. It doesn't absolve you of it either. Enid, you have no idea what you could've done. Bianca shouldn't have to show you her scars for you to back off.” Wednesday lets out. 

The raven has been trying to push down how upset she felt for Bianca for this whole debacle. 

Wednesday recalls the way Bianca's walls were always so high in the beginning. Only the Addams could bravely scale them to get to the whole of her siren. How Enid could have made all their progress vanish. How it was a miracle and point of pride that Bianca didn't just turn tail and run, run away from this whole complicated mess. 

Wednesday wouldn't blame her but the next course of action would be to chase the siren wherever she went.

“I didn't know.” Enid mumbles, blinking rapidly.

Wednesday shakes her head, shutting her book with a soft snap. 

Ophelia was usually right about everything. But especially her way of life. It was time for some tough love. 

“I would've taken your word for it. If I was you. I would have because sooner or later, you would have told me when you were ready. I thought, because you’re my closest friend, you’d get that. I'd-it doesn't matter, anyway, I have bigger problems than this.” Wednesday utters, forcing any anger away from her voice. 

It doesn't soften the blow by the way Enid's eyes well up with tears. Wednesday braces for more but instead dissolving into tears or storming off, Enid takes a deep sigh. The wolf wipes at her tears before standing tall. 

“I-okay. You’re right. And it was wrong for me to push it. I don’t know why I-I did what I did. I’m sorry, Wednesday. I really am.” Enid declares. 

“I don't want nor need your sorry. Bianca shouldn’t have to tell you her sob story for you to get it. Nobody but Bianca and her sordid mother knows how bad it really got.” Wednesday blurts out. 

Enid flinches at that, like she’s truly ashamed of it and that gives Wednesday an annoying amount of pause. 

“No, she shouldn’t have. And I would understand if this changes our friendship or makes us not be friends anymore. It would hurt like hell but I would get it. I crossed a line.” Enid chokes out, playing with her nails, the claws peeking out. 

It feels even worse, to be on the giving side of inflicting truth and pain to a friend. Wednesday can relish twisting in the knife more so than anyone but this doesn’t feel good at all. It just hurts, even with the wall Wednesday’s trying to build between them.

“You almost made me choose between her and you.” Wednesday levels with the wolf. 

Saying it out loud makes her heart ache.

“It wouldn’t have been me.” Enid finishes for Wednesday.

The raven nods, “It wouldn’t been you. Bianca, she told me, made me swear not to take it out on you and act rash. I hope you realize that. That she values our friendship more than you trusted us.”

The wolf nods again and she doesn’t look shocked by the revelation.  

“Are, are you still thinking about it?” Enid says, her voice softer and desperately trying to pull herself together. 

Wednesday turns the idea over in her head like a stone. The choice is easy, even with the raven’s knee-jerk reaction to go scorched earth. 

“I'm inclined to give you a lot of grace.” Wednesday utters.

She’s taking a steady breath and fighting the urge to look away from Enid. 

“I’m thinking about how you have a lot of making up to do but it would be a shame if I lost you as my friend.” Wednesday continues after a moment. 

The wolf processes her words with widening eyes.

Enid starts crying then, soft tears rolling down her face that she wipes away fast and murmurs, “It would. Can, am I still allowed to hug you?” 

Wednesday makes a big deal out of sighing but steps into Enid’s space to take her into her arms. Enid stills, like she can’t believe it and her clawed hand lightly rests on Wednesday’s back. 

Wednesday holds her tightly. It's a testament to herald how far she's allowed herself to show this. This doesn't feel like weakness, it feel like family. 

Enid is always warm but she’s a furnace now, still smelling of the woods and those horrid sickly sweet perfumes. 

“Don’t make me regret this, Sinclair.” Wednesday says, it’s supposed to come out as a warning but it’s more of a plea.  

“Please.” Wednesday adds, her tone faltering. 

Enid buries her face into Wednesday’s neck and nods into it, “Never. We’re in this together. All of us.”

Wednesday phone buzzes and the raven frowns, pulling away. 

“What is it?” Enid mumbles as the raven pulls out her phone.

Bianca sighs, looking down at Gabe as Gabrielle talks. He’s fighting his nap, bouncing up idly to keep himself awake. 

“I want to believe this,” Bianca starts tentatively. 

Her mother nods softly, her hands resting on Bianca’s cheeks. Her hands are cold or maybe Bianca’s burning up from her restraint. 

“There is so much I have done wrong. So much, and you are my biggest regret. My child, my firstborn, my daughter.” Gabrielle utters, staring at her with those dark eyes.

A siren's eyes are bright when they're younger. Bianca’s were almost white when she was small, the direct sunlight would hurt unless she was in water.

Bianca bites the inside of her cheek. And takes another breath.

“Is your siren song dried up?” Bianca murmurs. 

The question makes Gabrielle’s hands shake.

“Mostly. It hurts to sing now. Like singing out of range.”

Bianca never thought that was a possibility. A siren’s song drying up has to do with age, or misuse, abuse, rather of it. Some think it’s when you no longer have any appeal, sexual or otherwise. Some think it's a finite source. Bianca thinks it's mental, that Gabrielle is so full of guilt and denial that she can't use it. 

“Your new man, right? You got him snared.” 

“Gideon has always been agreeable, just needs a nudge here and there. He talks of you. Wants you to be in your brother’s life. I'm inclined to agree. You always were a lonely child. Might be why you…act out.” Gabrielle says, tutting at the shortness of Bianca’s hair. 

“This is the longest it’s been since I cut it.” Bianca comments, pointedly ignoring the last comment.

She’s still debating on cutting it back when the hand over her hair seals the deal. The air between them is stifling but the siren doesn’t back down. 

Gabriel is humming into her shoulder with his brown eyes blinking slow. Bianca runs her hand down his back. She idly thinks about Wednesday right now, the look of care she gave Gabby in the brief interaction they had. 

Soon, Gabriel. I’ll get you out of her hands, I swear. Wednesday will take care of us both. 

That thought takes her aback. Bianca hasn't depended on anyone for years let alone put her faith in someone else like this. 

“I hate that you cut it. You had such long beautiful hair. Remember when you did sit between my legs and I'd braid it? I can do that again. For our wedding. I'm sure the girl prefers you with longer hair. More feminine.” The older siren murmurs, pulling her hand back. 

Bianca bites back a remark just as there’s a knock on her dorm. 

Speak of the devil and a raven will arrive. 

Bianca stands up, “It’s Wednesday.” 

Gabrielle waves her forward, like the women had a say in this anyway, and the younger siren steps back. Bianca opens the door gently and Wednesday’s already checking her for damages, dark eyes soften to that honey-brown Bianca loves. 

Wednesday murmurs her name with concern, reaching out to stroke Bianca’s cheekbones.

“Behave for me.” Bianca mutters, turning her face to kiss the palm. 

As much as she would love for her raven to throw Gabrielle out, it’s not the smartest decision right now. 

“Is she?” Wednesday mutters, turning her head to look at the woman but Bianca redirects her chin back to her.

“More or less. Did you talk to Enid yet?” 

Wednesday nods before smiling at Gabriel, who hides his face shyly. Bianca allows that, they can wait to talk about that later.  

“You remember me, tiburónito? You have teeth now, Gabriel.” Wednesday greets him. 

Gabriel looks at Bianca for approval and the siren nods, “It’s okay, Gabby, this is my Wednesday, can you say Wednesday?” 

The boy is biting at his hand and shakes his head. His overalls is undone on one side.

“What about Day?” Bianca offers. 

It’s what her brothers call the raven anyway. 

“Day.” He copies. 

Bianca leans down to kiss Gabriel’s cheek, “Good boy.” 

The little boy claps proudly.

A pale hand winds around the back of Bianca’s neck, guiding the siren down to press a kiss to her pulse point. 

“Recuerda que esto es temporal.” Wednesday whispers into her ear.

It makes Bianca nod. Wednesday separates from them, eyes fixed on Bianca's mother with a sharp look. Gabrielle smiles at the heir, eyes bright and scanning Wednesday. 

“Miss Gabrielle, it has been too long.” Wednesday muses, her eyes closed off. 

“I would have to agree, your…investment has not gone unnoticed. It was a great help.” Gabrielle say sweetly. 

“What's a favor between family?” Wednesday dismisses before adding casually, “What brings you to Nevermore? In the neighborhood?” 

“I confess, it's not for a moment I'm proud of. I'm making amends to my dear daughter.” Gabrielle breathes out. 

“A good first step. Had I known you were coming, I could have arranged something. My parents just left. You know of them and they just adore our Bianca.” Wednesday says coolly. 

Bianca smiles to herself, almost regretting Wednesday’s parents were long gone.

“No, no this was just a quick visit.” Gabrielle says quickly. 

“Am I intruding?” Wednesday says suddenly but makes no effort to move.

“No, that would be me, I’m afraid. I should leave you two alone then.” Gabrielle smiles wryly, before reaching into her bag. 

It's a wadded piece of tinfoil, still warm passed to Bianca. The siren places it on her desk. 

“Gabriel. Say goodbye now.” Gabrielle hums. 

The boy leans up to kiss Bianca’s cheek, a sloppy but welcome one. Bianca laughs at him, her hands holding him firmly. She doesn’t want him to go. 

“Bye-bye, Sé!” He giggles and Bianca’s drowning in those brown doe eyes.

“See you soon, Gabby.” Bianca promises, swallowing back a lump in her throat.

She presses a chaste kiss to his warm forehead, closing her eyes briefly.

Pulling away is hard. 

He wiggles down, toddling over to Wednesday who scoops him up. They murmur something to Gabriel, soft enough that both sirens can't hear. It makes the boy light up and nod eagerly. 

“I meant what I said, Bianca.” Gabrielle says softly, leaning down to kiss her cheek.

Bianca can see Wednesday's eyes darken with anger at the touch. Wednesday surrenders Gabriel with a soft touch to his chubby cheeks and another smirk when he growls at her.

“Be a good boy for me, yeah?” Bianca reminds. 

Gabby nods again, pausing for a moment before proudly saying, “Love you. Sé.” 

“Mwen renmen ou toujou.” Bianca says slowly, with promise.

Gabrielle puts her son on her hip and saunters away with a parting comment, “We’ll be in touch.” 

Wednesday closes the door, locking it before facing Bianca.

The room is silent for a moment save for Bianca's forced even breathing.

“You’re shaking.” Wednesday comments, holding the siren by the arms. 

Bianca tries to take a deep breath and instead words pour out. 

“She’s desperate, apologizing, gendering me right. She called me Bianca when no one else was here. It’s a ploy. It’s just an act to get me on her side.” The siren whispers. 

“Doesn’t mean it can’t feel good.” Wednesday hums, running a hand to the nape of Bianca’s neck. 

Wednesday’s fingers gently tease at the tight coils of her afro. The touch soothes the siren, Bianca’s shoulders relaxing. 

“Can we cut it?” Bianca blurts out.

Wednesday nods, “Of course. Are your clippers-”

“In the bathroom.” Bianca lets out. Her chest tightens as she feels Gabrielle on the edges of her mind.

Wednesday leans up to press a kiss to the taller teen's cheek. Bianca rests her forehead on Wednesday’s shoulder. 

“I don't want anything she can control me with.” Bianca murmurs. 

“I always think of you with your shaved head. That's how I saw you for the first time. That's how I fell for you. Stubborn, irritating, strong. ” Wednesday states. 

"Real?" Bianca asks quietly. 

"It was always real that I love you." Wednesday confirms. 

And that's enough to drown out any of Gabrielle lingering in Bianca's brain.