The Kim [Addams] Family

FIVE.

Lisa decided on staying in the room right beside Jennie's, to no one's surprise. If anything, the surprise was Lisa requesting a separate room when everyone knew she'd be spending her nights with Jennie. However, Jennie was just happy to have Lisa nearby; she didn't even bat an eye.

Octavius was introduced to Noodle, Jisoo, and Chaeyoung. He corralled everyone into the center of a living room and circled them multiple times while eyeing them up and down like his next prey, but Octavius must have liked what he saw because soon after he laid down and started grooming himself. Noodle slithered over and poised in front of the uncaring panther. Noodle looked as if she was about to strike the panther, neck recoiling and tongue hissing, but Noodle eventually settled and curled up beside Octavius. November decided she liked to ride on Octavius or Noodle's head, a small black dot against their black fur and scales. They could often be found in a pile near any fireplace cuddling together.

Lisa blended seamlessly into Jennie and her family's life. After their walk, the pair got right to making dinner while Jisoo and Chaeyoung put away the groceries. The kitchen was filled with laughter and spurting flames. Her place became a permanent fixture at their multiple dining tables, three chairs becoming four. More raw meat was bought for Octavius so he could share with Noodle.

Lisa just knew exactly how to fit into their routine, her integration so seamless. In the mornings when Chaeyoung had to gather the food for the day from their gardens, Lisa would help. While Jisoo was busy with her alchemy studies, Lisa would assist with gathering the right ingredients and watching from the side. The rest of her day would be spent with Jennie tending to her poisonous plants, foraging for mushrooms, cooking, creating new potions or hexes, or simply enjoying each other's company.

To no one's surprise, Lisa found her way to Jennie's bedroom every night of the week. They laid wrapped in each other's arms underneath the moonlight as they bared their souls and discovered every hidden secret and story to tell. They lithered each patch of skin with kisses and soft drags of fingertips. Jennie felt so loved; warm in Lisa's arms, safe as they laugh against each other's lips, peaceful as Lisa runs her fingers through her hair.

Jennie can't remember what it was like waking up, not in Lisa's arms, getting to brush away her unruly bedhead or hear her rough staccato voice begging her to sleep in. Jennie will no longer be able to cook without Lisa wrapped behind her back, chin on shoulder as she watched her cook. Lisa's gotten too used to listening to Jennie's sweet-like honey voice singing to her plants and pets. Somehow, Lisa has made herself a central part of her entire day and now it would simply feel wrong to have a day without Lisa in it.

Which is why it made this all the more devastating.

"I have to leave for a three week business trip," Lisa says over breakfast.

Jennie pauses midway to the spoon of her parfait.

"What?" Jennie's body froze.

"I was only able to take this entire week off if I went on this business trip." Lisa adds solemnly.

Everyone around the breakfast table paused their eating to take in Lisa's words.

"Butㅡ" Jennie stutters, finding it hard to reply. "That's basically a month..."

She sets her spoon down and looks at Lisa with wet, glossy eyes and slanted eyebrows that meet in the middle, her mouth dropped open in shock.

"I have to check in with my auction houses around the world, survey some new items and catch up with long time customers..." Lisa tells quietly, looking at Jennie with dim eyes.

"I've only had you for one week," Jennie replied, voice caught in her throat.

Lisa reaches for her hand with both of hers, turning to Jennie in her chair.