𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐲-𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫

She's a woman in total control of herself

•───⋅⋆⁺‧₊☽⛦☾₊‧⁺⋆⋅───•

Wednesday slammed Xavier’s drawing of the monster onto Sheriff Galpin’s desk with a firm hand. The paper made a sharp slap against the polished wood, grabbing the sheriff’s attention immediately.

“We both know there’s a monster out there,” Wednesday said, his voice edged with determination. “If we’re going to stop it, I think it’s time we both put our differences aside and work together.”

Sheriff Galpin arched a brow, his gaze shifting from Wednesday to the drawing on the desk. “And this is your stake for me to deal you in?” he asked dryly, lifting the sketch and scrutinizing it. With a faint sigh, he pulled out a photo of the monster from a case file, holding it next to the drawing as if to compare.

“I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to do better than that,” Galpin muttered, though there was a hint of reluctant admiration in his tone. “You’ve got some nice detail here, though.”

Wednesday’s eyes narrowed, and he reached out to take the drawing back. “I didn’t draw it.”

Galpin’s expression didn’t waver. “Well, I need to know who did.”

Wednesday’s jaw tightened, his tone unwavering as he replied, “Unless we’re exchanging intel, I’m not at liberty to say.”

Sheriff Galpin rolled his eyes, crossing his arms with a skeptical huff. “Why would I share information about an ongoing murder investigation with a high school kid?”

“Because I go to Nevermore, and you don’t,” Wednesday countered, his eyes cold but intense. “Don’t you want someone on the inside? Someone who can see and hear things behind those ivy-covered walls?”

"Listen, Fred," Sheriff Galpin sneered, crossing his arms as he leaned back in his chair, "why don't you, Daphne, and the rest of the Scooby Gang stick to your homework and leave the investigating to the professionals." His words dripped with sarcasm, the smirk on his face making it clear he didn’t believe for a second that Wednesday had anything useful to offer.

Just then, the sharp ring of the phone cut through the tense silence. Sheriff Galpin sighed, rolling his eyes as he pressed a button on his desk.

"What?" he barked, clearly annoyed by the interruption.

"Mayor Walker’s on line two," a voice replied, calm and professional.

The sheriff let out an exasperated sigh, and Wednesday, taking the cue, turned to leave. He’d barely taken a step toward the door when the voice on the intercom added, "He’s looking for an update."

Sheriff Galpin glanced up at Wednesday, his expression shifting as he seemed to reconsider. "Hey, Addams," he called out, stopping Wednesday in his tracks. "Let me see that sketch again."

Wednesday turned, his expression impassive as he stepped back toward the desk. He held out the drawing, his steady gaze never wavering from the sheriff’s face.

Galpin took the sketch, studying it with a furrowed brow. After a moment, he glanced up, a hint of genuine curiosity in his eyes. "The person who drew this...that your suspect?" he asked, his tone softer, almost as if he was finally willing to listen.

Wednesday gave a single, resolute nod, his dark eyes gleaming with a mix of confidence and determination.

˚₊𓆩༺🕷༻𓆪₊˚

The halls of Nevermore were silent, almost hauntingly so, as Wednesday made his way to the infirmary. The memory of the fire still lingered vividly in his mind—the blinding heat, the crackling flames, and the sight of Lilith shielding him without a second thought, risking everything to protect him. Now, he was here to see her, his usual stoic mask hiding the unusual tug of worry that gnawed at his insides.

As he pushed open the door, the soft sound of his footsteps was swallowed by the heavy stillness in the room. There, lying pale and bandaged on the infirmary bed, was Lilith. The burns on her arms and face were carefully wrapped, and faint bruises marred her skin, where she had fallen amidst the chaos. Despite her injuries, she wore a small, weary smile when she saw him enter.

"Wednesday," she greeted, her voice a bit weak but steady. "Didn’t think I’d get a visit from you.”

He moved closer, pulling a chair beside her bed and sitting down with his usual quiet elegance. His gaze softened just slightly as he took in her injuries. “It seems that no one informed you,” he said, his voice low and calm. “I’m not the type to leave my debts unpaid.”

Lilith let out a breathy chuckle, though she winced, the action pulling at her burns. “A debt, huh? You don’t owe me anything, Wednesday. I chose to protect you.”

He tilted his head, his dark eyes unwavering as they met hers. “Regardless, I don’t forget acts of… loyalty.” The word came out softer, almost as if he struggled to say it, but it held a weight she could feel.

Lilith's eyes softened. “You’re not as heartless as you pretend to be, you know. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

For a moment, he looked down, his fingers tracing small, absent patterns on the edge of her bed. “You shouldn’t have had to,” he murmured. “That was my battle, not yours.”

“Perhaps,” she replied gently. “But sometimes, we don’t get to pick our battles when it comes to the people we care about.”

Wednesday’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t look away. The admission was quiet, barely a whisper, but it hung heavily in the air. “Does it hurt?”

Lilith managed a small, teasing smile. “Only a bit. I’ve been through worse.”

He raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “And they call me a liar.”

They shared a brief, silent moment, the air thick with unspoken words. Eventually, Wednesday’s gaze softened, just slightly. “Lilith… next time,” he said, his voice low and earnest, “don’t risk yourself for me. I would hate for anything… permanent to happen to you.”

Her expression softened, and she reached out, her fingers brushing his hand briefly—a simple, caring touch that conveyed more than words ever could. “It’s part of who I am, Wednesday. I protect the people I care about.”

He looked down at her hand, then back up into her eyes, his usual cold demeanor melting just for a moment. “Then I suppose I have no choice but to watch over you, in return.”

She chuckled softly, the sound filled with warmth. “Guess that makes us even, doesn’t it?”

For the first time, a faint smile tugged at the corner of Wednesday’s mouth. “Perhaps.” He stood up slowly, reluctant to leave but aware of the need for her to rest. “If you need anything… I’ll be around.”

Lilith nodded, her eyes never leaving his. “Thank you, Wednesday.”

He gave her one final look, something close to gratitude and something deeper lingering in his gaze, before he slipped out of the room as silently as he’d come, leaving her with a sense of warmth that chased away the chill of her injuries.

•───⋅⋆⁺‧₊☽⛦☾₊‧⁺⋆⋅───•

By: SilverMist707
I know this chapter is short, and I am sorry, but I hope it is okay. <3