In the End ~ Wednesday x Xavier ~ SLOW-BURN

Chapter 8

It was intolerably loud, the music hitting her ears like sledgehammers. She could barely think straight, though she supposed that was purposeful, she instantly regretted coming here. There was no way she was getting out of here with her hearing, and she was resisting pulling out her pocket knife on anyone who bumped into her, which was in every direction she turned. It was crowded, repugnant, and revolting in every way imaginable. But she guessed she owed this to Xavier since she was now dragging him along on this current escapade, though she tried to cut him loose before. He was entirely too persistent and caring for his own good.

The noirette stood in the corner watching for Yoko or Bianca to show, and because she wasn't in the mood to tolerate drunk adolescents who had no moral compass or conscious thoughts. Plus the irritable smell that clung to them, the alcoholic smell that escaped their mouth any time they talked was far too atrocious to handle. Xavier walked over, carrying a small cup of punch. 

"Are you doing alright?"

Wednesday stared at the drink, swirling around the drink as she eyed it once more, ultimately deciding to just set it aside. She faced him, her expression mixed between annoyance and frustration as he carefully grabbed ahold of her arm.

"How about we go outside in a little bit? Just for some fresh air? Then maybe we can come back and dance."

The raven stared at him, considering the offer before nodding slowly.

"We can do that. We just have to keep our eyes open for any intruding members," she mouthed, the music washing out her voice as he scrunched his eyebrows together.

Xavier laughed, shaking his head.

"You never rest, do you? Well, I'm gonna go talk to some friends then we'll go, okay?"

Wednesday felt a pang in her stomach, almost feeling betrayed he was leaving her. Why was this repulsive feeling flooding her gut, as if she had just been stabbed? Like he had forcefully battered her with his statement, and she was facing the repercussions mentally?

"I would rather nail my hands to my desk than wait another minute in here," she stated, but again the music overpowered her voice.

He nodded and headed back into the crowd, towering over some of the dancers. Apparently he was bad at reading lips, so she checked that off her list of things not to do if they were ever in a situation they had to stay silent. The monochrome girl scanned over the faces again, locating Bianca in the process. The siren was talking to Yoko; a strange coincidence. 

Wednesday swirled the punch around, not sure what to do with herself. She watched Enid and Ajax dance to the upbeat song, smiling and laughing. Her mind thought about her and Xavier doing that, but she quickly shook the thought away. She saw Xavier talking to a girl, smiling and laughing before heading back her way.

Her stomach churned, watching as he cheerfully interacted with the girl. If that was what he enjoyed, why was he wasting his time making romantic advances toward her? She simply couldn't understand what the boy found so intriguing about her that he felt the need to stay when it was so blatantly obvious he had a preference: colorful, enthusiastic girls who smiled and were utterly odious on any occasion that required work. Enid had called those types of girls 'pick-mes' at one point, and she for once vouched for the title they had been given. But she detested them, she didn't care about being picked, being solo tended to be smoother when it came to a lot of things. 

"You ready to go out for some air? It's getting hot in here." Xavier chuckled, holding his hand out. She ignored it and walked past him, heading for the door. He dropped his hand, silently following the girl. Once they were both outside of the blasting radio and nauseating lights, Wednesday inhaled the fresh air deeply as her shoulders slumped slightly. They strolled around the backyard, the cool night air washing over them. She stared into the dark sky, studying the stars.