Chapter 17: The Balcony

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Wednesday's POV:

The quiet of my writing sanctuary is disrupted by raised voices outside. I recognize Enid's voice, filled with frustration, and Ajax's wavering replies. Setting my typewriter aside, I listen.

"You can't just run away every time you see me, Ajax!" Enid's voice is firm but hurt. "You need to apologize properly."

"Enid, I was scared," Ajax responds. "Seeing you in your wolf form freaked me out."

"That's not an excuse!" Enid snaps. "You knew about my condition. Running away made me feel like a monster. Do you have any idea how much that hurt?"

Curiosity piqued, I move closer to the window. Enid stands with her arms crossed, glaring at Ajax, who looks guilty and anxious.

"I'm sorry, Enid," Ajax says, looking down. "I didn't mean to make you feel that way. I just panicked."

"Sorry isn't enough," Enid replies, her voice softening. "You need to show you understand and that you won't run away again. Simple words and food won't cut it. You need to make up for it."

Ajax frowns, frustration evident. "So, what am I supposed to do? I feel like my feelings are being invalidated here."

Enid's eyes narrow. "Your feelings? What about mine? You need to prove that you can handle this, that you won't just run at the first sign of something difficult."

Ajax, unable to find the right words and feeling cornered, throws his hands up in frustration. "Fine! If that's how you feel, maybe we shouldn't even try!" He storms off, leaving Enid standing there, looking hurt and conflicted.

I step away from the window, returning to my typewriter. Her strength in confronting Ajax is admirable, but the pain in her voice is something I can't dismiss. I try to resume writing, but my thoughts are preoccupied with Enid's situation. I hear her weeping below my window, her sobs wrenching at something deep inside me.

Sighing, I look at Thing. "Bring her up here," I say. He scuttles out the window. Moments later, Enid's crying grows louder, right below our room. Does she not notice she's under our window?

I tie a rope to the balcony and descend. Landing gracefully in front of her, I startle Enid, making her jump and draw her claws.

"Keep your paws to yourself, Sinclair," I demand.

She looks relieved, then confused. "Wait—how'd you—?"

"Questions later," I suggest. "Let's get back to Ophelia Hall first." I take her hand and support her.

"I—well, sure—but how?" she stammers.

I wrap an arm around her waist. "Hold tight, Sinclair, if you want to get up unscathed."

She clings to me, her eyes swollen from crying, worried. "This is nowhere near the danger we both faced, so keep your chin up, Sinclair. You have more courage than you think."

Her cheeks flush, and we stare at each other. The tension between us is palpable, but I look away to focus on the task at hand.

"We'll run up the wall and land on the balcony," I instruct. "I need your assistance to run up. Don't fall and break a bone."

She nods, realizing the importance of her role. Together, we start our ascent.

With worried she-wolf securely holding onto me, I brace myself for the climb. We begin our ascent, running up the wall in perfect coordination. Her grip tightens around my waist, her fear evident but her determination shining through. I can feel her strength and resolve with each step.

Her claws dig slightly into my clothing, and a surprising sensation washes over me. The sharp, sudden pain from her claws sends a thrill through me, something unexpected yet oddly exhilarating. I grit my teeth, half-expecting to feel annoyance, but instead, I'm intrigued by the sensation. It’s not just pain; it’s a raw connection, a reminder of her wild nature and the trust she places in me.

As we continue, I find myself more attuned to her every movement, the rhythm of her breathing, the slight tremors of her fear.

Nearing the top, I feel Enid falter slightly. "Almost there, Sinclair," I encourage, tightening my hold on her to keep her steady.

With one final push, we reach the balcony. I help her over the railing, my mind buzzing with a mix of adrenaline and curiosity. Enid releases her grip, her breathing heavy but steady.

"See? We made it," I say, allowing a rare, small smile, with a hint of warmth.

Enid looks at me, a mixture of relief and gratitude in her eyes. "Thanks, Wednesday."

I nod, leading her to sit down. "You needed a distraction," I state simply, but deep down, I may deny it...but it was more than that. It was a gesture of support in the guise of my own practice.

"Your insufferable argument also cut into my writing time," I mention as an attempt to return to my usual tone, while processing the unusual delight I have felt from within the grip of her claws.

Enid takes a deep breath, her eyes still slightly red from crying. “I'm sorry eheh...and I appreciate it, really. It’s just… Ajax doesn’t get it.”

“I heard,” I reply, my tone neutral but my thoughts lingering on the unexpected thrill, as my fingers danced on the typewriter. “His reaction was unacceptable. He must face the consequences of his actions.”

She looks at me, a spark of determination returning to her eyes. “I just want him to understand. To really understand what it feels like.”

“He may never understand,” I say, my voice softer than usual. “But you do have the courage, Sinclair. You are...stronger...than you realize. Do not let his ignorance define your worth.”

Her eyes shined with genuine surprise, as she smiles weakly. “Thanks, Wednesday. That means a lot.”

We sit in silence for a moment, the tension gradually easing. I return to my typewriter, the familiar clacking of the keys a comforting sound. Enid watches me for a moment before lying down on her bed, her breathing slowly evening out.

As I continue writing, I steal glances at her, through my desk's noting the way her face relaxes. The room is filled with a peaceful quiet, a stark contrast to the turmoil outside. In this moment, we find a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

AN:
IM BACK FROM THE DEAD- well I was never dead- I update my original work weekly...and GUYS PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read it, it's really worth it believe me, things get spicy faster than this fanfic believe me, I'm dropping two new chapters when this drops hehe

Thank you for those who consider to read it, and for those who are just at the fanfic I also appreciate u all

Both are support to me, thank you again for being patient with my fanfic, I hope u all have a wonderful day

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