Shadows of Nevermore

Chapter XV

Enid's hand was a comforting weight on her arm, grounding her as they walked towards the entrance of the grand school. Her brief panic over Pugsley in the rearview mirror after seeing him. He's suffered worse. Especially from me.

"You know," Enid said with a playful glint in her eye, breaking the silence, "I never thought I'd see the day when Wednesday Addams showed a hint of concern for anyone, even Pugsley."

"I've always been concerned for you, Enid," Wednesday replied cooly.

"You know what I mean," Enid chuckled, "I think you're getting soft.

Wednesday's eyes flicked to Enid, a smirk playing on her lips. "Soft? Perhaps. But only because you insist on touching me so much."

Enid chuckled, her laughter a bright counterpoint to the gloom of the hallway. "And here I thought you thrived on threats."

"Only when they come from a worthy adversary," Wednesday replied dryly, her tone tinged with a hint of genuine affection. "You, Enid, are more of a... necessary nuisance."

"Oh I'm sure," Enid whispered, trying to catch Wednesday's eye as they walked, "almost knocking your typewriter off your desk earlier was a huge inconvenience,"

Wednesday mulled the thought around in her head. A warmth radiated from her chest as she detangled her arm from Enid's to take her hand, fingers lacing together.
"Surprisingly, no."

They walked silently for a moment, Wednesday thinking back to the many times they walked up and down this same hallway those years ago - Enid grasping onto her arm and Wednesday trying to walk faster to shake her off. Her refusal to show any kind affection, yet Enid is always willing to adapt to her specificities. How times had changed.

As they approached the front courtyard, the atmosphere changed. The courtyard was a haven for students, a place where they could study, read, and relax. Tonight, it was dotted with groups of students, their conversations a low hum that filled the air. The students looked up as Wednesday and Enid approached, their curiosity palpable.

Great, an audience, Wednesday thought, her gaze sweeping over the onlookers. Just what I needed.

Enid quickly dropped Wednesday's hand, the absence of warmth immediate.

"Looks like we've attracted some attention," Enid whispered, her voice tinged with amusement.

Wednesday's eyes narrowed, a hint of irritation in her gaze. "I suppose we make for an interesting spectacle."

Enid laughed softly, her eyes sparkling. "Don't worry about them. They're just curious."
"Just say the word," Wednesday muttered, shooting a sharp look to the nearest group of kids, "I can be very persuasive,"
"Down, girl," Enid hushed, nudging her shoulder against the smaller woman as they walked. "I'm their teacher,"

"Trivial gossip," resigned, resisting the urge to lash out. She makes me less... lethal.

As they walked across the courtyard, the students' whispers grew louder, their eyes following every move. Enid leaned in closer, her voice a soft murmur in Wednesday's ear. "I think they're talking about us."

Wednesday's gaze remained fixed ahead, her expression a mask of indifference. "Let them talk. Their opinions are as insignificant as they are."

Enid stifled a laugh, her eyes dancing with amusement. "You really know how to make friends, don't you?"

"Friends are overrated," Wednesday replied, her tone dry. "Allies, however, are invaluable."

They reached the edge of the courtyard, the whispers fading into the background as they prepared to part ways. The evening air was crisp and cold, and Wednesday was reluctant to leave.