Chapter Text
Tonight, the rain was falling with purpose; relentlessly, and what Enid thought, indefinitely. The drops were sounding more like tiny strikes of thunder as they hit the ground with intention, engulfing the forest in their force.
Enid had found a small corner tucked between some woodland just atop a cliff and stationed there, staring at the rainstorm with knowledge that there was nowhere to go.
As she stared into the evening, she wondered how long it had been. It could've been days, maybe even weeks, and even—Enid desperately hoped this wasn’t the case—months. There was no way of knowing the time that was passing, only sunrises and sunsets and then days like this, where the clouds would grow heavy and blend Enid’s understanding of the days altogether. It was terrifying to think of everything slipping away, and Enid was still forcing herself to try to be okay with it.
She knew the consequences well enough; she had to keep reminding herself. She knew she wouldn't take any of it back, and still, she was so scared that her biggest fear was suddenly her current reality.
Enid was alone.
Alone and lost, trapped in matted fur with no idea where she was or what she could or would do next.
Wolfing out hadn't been a hard decision; she could at least try to manage to survive another day, find cover on nights like these, and keep moving. Even when she would hear howling in the distance, which would cause her to never stay anywhere for too long out of crippling anxiety that she was being hunted. She could allow herself to feel all of these things with practiced strength because it was just how things were now.
There was only one thing that would cause immediate and absolute panic.
Wednesday.
The thought alone of the raven’s name caused a full-body ripple to tear through everything Enid had been trying to keep together. It would eat away at her slowly and deliberately, a howl escaping her each time involuntarily, which would prove even more difficult to settle anywhere in the labyrinth or trees and wildlife.
Enid forced herself not to go there, not to think of her, to be glad she was alive and safe, because that was the whole point. That was the risk she took, and she should be okay with the way the cards were playing out.
But—even still—she couldn’t stop it.
The memories lingered whether she wanted them to or not. The last time they were together, sharing the same space. The look of unmaintained confusion, eyes impaired, the look of hurt. Wednesday had managed the make the time stop between them then, her eyes had held her steady and adamant, not so much asking as demanding, why?
Why did you do it?
Why, Enid?
It was worse when she could remember the question as it crossed her face, because Enid knew she might never be able to explain it to her.
Because you're all that matters
Her eyes would well with tears that she would attempt to keep from spilling over because it was somehow more pathetic crying in her wolf form and made her that much more aware of what she had lost.
Though she sometimes thought it was hopeless, she still replayed Wednesday's words to her while she was locked up in the lupin cages that night. The moment was undeniably intimate, even with metal bars between them; the walls were down for both of them.
“Enid, I have no problem hunting you down.”
There was an undeniable part deep within Enid that knew Wednesday would come looking for her, despite the risks for them both. But even so, there was a smaller part of her that ached at the thought that even if Wednesday was trying, she would never find her. That maybe the other werewolves would get to her first. Or maybe she would succumb to the conditions of her new lifestyle. Or worst of all…she would forget.
Enid thought that would be the worst fate.
So maybe the thoughts of Wednesday weren’t the worst thing because they reminded her of when she was human; Wednesday reminded her of when she was human, and maybe as long as she nurtured the thought of her, she wouldn't have to be scared of forgetting.
A low huff escaped her, somewhere between a growl and a whine, as she let her paws settle into the wet ground beneath her.
The rain persisted for some time, but eventually settled into a drizzle, and Enid took advantage to try and shut her eyes and rest, if only for a limited time.
It didn't feel long until her ears twitched slightly as a new sound surrounded the area she occupied, causing her to immediately but cautiously revert to all fours, her eyes wide and searching.
The trees just beyond the small cliff were swaying, just slightly, as the leaves glistened with the nurture of the rain.
Nothing was noticeably out of place.
Enid still braced herself as she listened closely now, letting herself peek just slightly enough to get a better view of the forest beyond her pocket of safety.
Hunters, again? Enid thought to herself, ready to shift into running at any given moment.
A soft humming could be heard filling the air, not quite distracting enough for alarm, as Enid would often hear the sound of vehicles passing when she was in certain areas of the forest, but it sounded quite close, closer than usual. And unless Enid was that close to an open road, which she couldn't be because it was the first vehicle she’d heard since she settled in this specific spot, something was off.
Then, a rusting just to the right of her.
Quiet, but calculated, as if they knew she was there.
Enid braced herself, and with a silent growl, prepared to take off into the vast trees when—
“Enid!”
It was unmistakable. Enid felt her hind legs give out, stumbling to retain balance.
It was Wednesday.
Snapping her head to the raven’s voice, just beyond a small clearing, she could see Wednesday approaching at a methodical pace, and there was almost too much to take in.
Her hair was damp from the elements, bangs clinging awkwardly to her forehead, and loose hairs stamped to either side of her cheeks. What were usually meticulous braids that pillared her face now looked off-kilter, wisps of the dark hair broken free. Two straps sat upon her shoulders where she wore a black bomber jacket and the same boots she always wore, something about how familiar it felt to see had Enid's eyes prickling with tears.
The light from the moon was cascading over her; her skin had welcomed a new shade that made her appear undoubtedly starry.
“Enid…” Wednesday repeated her name, this time a little breathless.
Enid couldn't move.
Every instinct was telling her just to move; go towards her, anything, but her limbs were suddenly feeling a thousand times heavier than usual.
With her eyebrows furrowed, Wednesday took another deliberate step towards her.
Without meaning to, Enid let out a snarl, sinking into herself as she stared on.
Wednesday hesitated just for a split second, then took another step.
Enid could make out her face even clearer now, her heart tugging like it wanted out as she took in the unusually disheveled face on her, eyebrows furrowed, lips parted, breathing uneven.
Time gave an impression of a spill, pooling around both of their feet where they stood, stretching out and around endlessly; the pooling was slow and methodical if it knew that the moment was valuable.
Though Enid’s mind was telling her to just relax, the relief she felt at seeing Wednesday was budding with her innate abilities in her wolf form. She couldn't help the way her teeth were bared; the growling was hushed but still there. Even with the acknowledgement that at any given moment, Enid could hurt her, Wednesday didn’t shift an inch, didn’t even seem fearful for herself.
Instead, Wednesday was very still, staring at her with an expression mixed with astonishment and, somewhere deeper in her eyes, determination.
“Got you,” Wednesday breathed, her lips on the cusp of something quiet but smug.
Maybe it was the familiarity of Wednesday’s disposition, something between altered and still her, in this instance, that Enid's wolf gave in, something deep inside telling her to lower her defenses.
Enid felt herself relax, something like all at once, her limbs finally giving in to the emotional overwhelm, and she crumbled, only instinct stopping her from dropping completely, but she was hunched over, so she was nearly eye level with Wednesday, who was still focused on her intently.
Wednesday stepped once more, Enid’s ears twitching at the sound, and her hand lifted.
She didn't have to say anything. There was an unspoken understanding between them in the moment that was speaking for them, a delicate exchange between their eyes.
A soft touch between Enid’s ears, fingers still at first, but drifting to and from then with purpose. Enid let out a soft huff of air, her head leaning further into the touch, the soft feeling of Wednesday’s fingertips soothing her instantly.
Her eyes had fallen shut at the feeling, another soft hum of breath falling between them.
Enid opened her eyes to find Wednesday looking at her curiously, still astonished but more delicate. Her eyes were following her own fingers, almost like she didn’t expect herself to reach out, but she couldn’t stop it either.
The moment lasted for what felt like a long minute, stretched out to resemble hours. Enid let Wednesday’s touch wash over and melted into it, relishing in the touch she had missed for who knows how long.
This felt oddly similar to the wolf’s dreams, so much so that Enid became afraid. Afraid this was all an illusion. Could it be her reality that Wednesday was really here? Looking at her with such reverence, touching her with such intent?
“I have you.” Wednesday’s voice broke Enid out of her thoughts.
It was similar to before, but something about this rearrangement of words felt more important, nearly a declaration.
Then, it happened.
Enid’s form began to spasm, muscles suddenly overcome with an intense burning sensation so intense that she completely gave in and hit the floor with a heavy thud. The sensation of the loss from Wednesday’s touch was prominent, but Enid knew this feeling well enough to let herself feel some relief, deep, deep down.
She was transforming back.
And it didn’t feel any less painful this time around, despite her experience; in fact, Enid could swear this was a pain she hadn’t felt before.
Bones crushing and rebuilding back together before Enid could catch her breath, the sound of her limbs breaking through, and her guttural yelps of pain, everything was an excruciating feeling that was surrounding her. She could feel herself stumbling all over the place, nails digging deep into the moist earth beneath her, until her body succumbed to the last tantrum of her transformation and she was again, dragged back down completely.
Now, she felt hot.
Unbearably so.
Enid wasn’t sure how long she was attached to the floor, but despite the utter and complete exhaustion that was taking over her body, her mind slowly, then all at once, caught up to her.
Wednesday is here.
“We—Wednesday?” Enid croaked out, eyes flittering open.
“I’m here, Enid.” Wednesday’s voice grew closer as she spoke.
Enid slowly brought herself off the ground, stuttering to eventually prop herself up on her elbow. She grew extremely aware of the fact that her clothes were a thing of the past, and before Enid could attempt to cover herself out of pure embarrassment and not only being bare in the words, but in front of Wednesday, something plopped right beside her on the gravel.
Squinting, Enid could now see a bag with a familiar pink jacket and a pattern recognized immediately as her knit V-neck, and, examining further, a glimpse of a pair of her pants. Her clothes.
The thought that Wednesday had thought ahead to bring her clothes made something in her twist and come undone all in the same breath. It might seem like an obvious gesture, something that, of course, a friend would do, but for Enid, it clarified that Wednesday was sure beyond any doubt that she would find her, and that she would be able to transform back.
Enid, struggling to unscramble the sentimental value of the gesture, peeked up at Wednesday, who was already watching her, arms at her sides, not quite relaxed but unusually loose.
“Before you get sentimental, don’t. There’s a reason they’re in a plastic bag.”
Enid couldn’t help it. She laughed. Which quickly turned into something that sounded a lot more like a cry. Not wanting to scare Wednesday off when she had just gotten her back, she muffled the rest into her shoulder.
Something about Wednesday not losing her touch was like the comfort that Enid didn’t know she needed.
The moment was delicate, but Wednesday wasn’t.
And everything about that was perfect to Enid.
Enid had changed in silence, stretching out her arms and legs as she did, feeling the familiarity with each movement rush back into her. She was finally back to herself. Enid could deal with feeling sore for a bit.
Turning around, Enid caught Wednesday about ten feet out, her back to her.
Letting her lips flip into a smile (something Enid had missed a lot, especially when it was regarding Wednesday), Enid shuffled forward to where she stood.
Wednesday’s eyes shot to her, head still facing forward while she spoke. “We should move now, if hunters are close, they won’t waste an opportunity to strike, especially if they heard you. Can you move okay?”
Her head had turned now to get a better look at Enid, and under the gaze, the blonde felt the overwhelming urge to just reach out, close the distance, break the walls between them.
So, Enid did.
This time, the hug was different.
For instance, even if Wednesday was caught off guard, her arms reached up and grasped Enid almost immediately, like she was just as expecting, just as wanting, just as overtaken by the same urge to have this closeness between them. Wednesday’s grip was locked tight, encapsulating her in a way that almost made everything hurt, but Enid wanted more of it. Her face was smushed into the side of Wednesday’s neck, her breath was staggered, and tears were stinging her eyes.
Something was confirming this time, the lack of an escape in the embrace, the way it felt less like a hug and more like a promise. It was silent and surrounded the moment, and Enid hoped Wednesday wouldn’t cut it short; she truly thought she might just stay stuck exactly like this, exactly this close.
Wednesday’s breath was cascading down the back of her neck, and Enid could tell that this moment was important to her, in whatever sense, it didn’t matter. It mattered that Wednesday was willingly surrendering to her.
Enid would take this moment and shut it away, something to remind her of its vital meaning in her life.
“Oh, darn! Leave it to me to miss an Alpha in action!”
A voice broke them out of their embrace. Enid whipped her head around to see the interruption.
“Fester,” Wednesday’s hands didn’t immediately detach from Enid, lingering just for a moment that Enid recognized, until she dropped her hands and took a step forward. “Is everything prepared?”
Enid’s brain was slow to understand the situation, eyes darting between Wednesday and her uncle, waiting for an explanation.
What was he doing here? Was this good or bad?
Fester made an obvious gesture with his hands, “All set up, just a few miles east of here. Say, what do you guys think about s'mores? I brought everything we needed once we heard we’d be in the woods, I mean, who doesn’t love—”
“Fester.”
Wednesday whipped her head back to Enid. “Come on.”
Enid, still dazed in confusion, and also the lingering feeling of Wednesday’s fingers' tight grip on her just moments ago, shakes her head to rid the thoughts and wills her legs to move.
“So,” Enid starts, walking in time with Wednesday as they follow just a few steps behind Fester, his commentary on the forest fading into background noise.
“You found me,” Enid concluded.
Wednesday gave her a look. “Yes.”
“Well…I mean, how?”
Enid watched closely as Wednesday turned her eyes back to the path in front of her.
“Agnes has proven herself useful.”
“Oh my gosh, Agnes!” Enid ignored how Wednesday flinched at her enthusiasm. “Where is she?”
“Was trying to dissect some information from Capri. It appears she went MIA after everything. Though she can't be far.”
“MIA? She’s missing? But, how?”
“That,” Wednesday narrowed her eyes, “is information I’d love to know as well.”
Enid tilted her head and continued walking, slowing down just slightly as her thoughts continued on their own path.
She tried not to think of everything too fast, given the fact that she just barely transformed back to her human, very Enid, self, but it started to set in just how much had been taking place that night she wolfed out.
“Wait, is…Tyler—” Enid let the sentence trail off, watching closely as Wednesday’s jaw tightened.
“You don’t have to worry about him. He’s gone. Even if he comes back, I’ll be ready.”
There was a finality to Wednesday’s words that made Enid drop the subject.
Then, remembering something else, “Wait, and—and Pugsley…” Enid gasped.
“Enid,” Wednesday whipped her head to meet her eyes. “He’s fine.”
Letting her chest settle, Enid nodded. “Good, that’s…that’s good.”
“You know, your lack of confidence in me is insulting,” Wednesday said, and Enid bit the inside of her cheek nervously.
It wasn’t that Enid didn’t have faith that Wednesday would overcome the odds that were stacked against her. She knew she would find a way, because Wednesday always found a way. Enid blames it on the time spent roaming the forest for however long on her unusual pessimism.
There’s a silence that washes over them now, Fester’s commentary still the background noise as they ventured for, Enid wasn’t sure how long.
Even though they weren’t exchanging words anymore, Enid could feel that there was a lot that was unsaid. She would steal glances to her right, watching Wednesday’s features glow and dim as they moved along, thinking, shamelessly, how unfairly pretty she looked at the moment with her dewy appearance. And, unsurprisingly, how badly she wanted to reach for her again and pull her close.
Her chest ached with the feeling of how much she had truly missed her.
“Ta-da! Quite the setup, eh?”
Enid watched as they entered a small clearing, less busy with trees and filled with more openness.
There, two tents were set up, one just a few feet up and the other farther behind.
Two oil lamps sat just in front of each one, illuminating the area in a soft, secure manner.
“We’ll station here overnight. It’ll be reckless to leave at this hour,” Wednesday, ignoring Fester’s hands gesturing towards a small campfire he must’ve made himself, walked directly towards the first tent.
Wednesday looked back and locked her eyes on her, one hand working on the tent and the other grabbing for the oil lamp, “Come,”
Offering an ‘I’m sorry’ in her smile directed towards Festure, who was still excitedly gesturing towards the fire, Enid put one foot in front of the other and followed Wednesday into the tent.
Enid knew it was dumb to feel this nervous.
The comfort Enid has felt with Wednesday has always been a strong point in their relationship, something they had built over the time they’ve known each other. But now, stepping into the tent where Wednesday was off to the side waiting for her to zip up behind her, Enid was feeling extremely self-conscious.
Having no choice, Enid plopped herself down on top of where a blanket and a small pillow lay, neat and untouched.
“Wow, you really thought this out, huh?” Enid broke the silence, voice soft.
Wednesday followed her line of sight towards the arrangement and pursed her lips. “Festers' idea; I didn’t see why an Alpha wolf would need a full sleeping setup.”
“Well, I appreciate it.”
Shuffling her bag off her shoulders, Wednesday nodded once. “I’ll let him know.”
But, of course, since Enid was an expert at reading her, she saw the slight flicker of her lashes as she spoke, and the way she had waited just a beat too long to respond told her that maybe Wednesday had more to do with this setup than she let on.
Flushing, Enid fiddled with her hands, taking a solid second to notice that her claws hadn’t fully retracted, but were still there, not fully out but out enough to cause her to bite her lip in confusion.
Was this just a side effect of her Alpha transformation? How long would it last?
Not wanting to draw more attention, she stuffed her hands in her coat pockets, the sudden sound of fabric attracting Wednesday, who was sitting across from her, pulling a book out of her bag.
“Are you hurt?” Wednesday put her book in her lap, not opening it yet.
Enid flushed again. “Uh, no…I’m good.”
Wednesday didn’t look satisfied with her answer, though, and let out just a hint of a sigh. “You spent two weeks roaming the forest on your own, running from Alpha hungry werewolves, and you say you’re good.”
Two weeks…
Enid swallowed, suddenly feeling nauseated. “So that’s how long it’s been…”
“What matters is we found you.”
“You…” Enid felt breathless now, eyes unable to focus on anything other than Wednesday, who sat unblinking, staring right back at her. “You found me.”
A twitch of Wednesday's brows.
Something seemed to shift between them now, and Enid could see the switch in Wednesday’s demeanor.
“Why did you do it?”
The question was simple enough, but there was something serious about the way Wednesday asked it, like she needed to know and wasn’t just being inquisitive.
Buffering, Enid spoke. “I couldn’t let you die, Wednesday. You mean too much.”
It was supposed to sound like a declaration of sorts, but came out as something closer to a whimper, even to Enid’s ears.
Enid could see the tightening of Wednesday’s jaw as she spoke, tone holding a vicious edge. “You’re an idiot.”
Before Enid could open her mouth to reply, Wednesday was speaking again.
“You wolfed out, knowing you might never be able to change back. You risked being chained to a life where you’d be suspended in knowing absolutely nothing. You were reckless; your actions were uninformed to the highest degree. A newborn baby would have better instincts.”
Each word from Wednesday was a dagger to her chest, each one splintering her harder than the last.
Enid felt her heart pounding in her eardrums, fast and heavy, as she stared at Wednesday, who was still sitting, unblinking.
Well, ouch, Enid thought to herself, her heart aching against her better judgment.
Then, a warm flood throughout her entire body.
It burned hot and angry, spreading like a house fire unchecked, starting in her ribs and creeping deadly to her chest, throat, until it reached the tips of her fingers.
“You—” Enid’s breathing came out erratic now; she closed her hands into tight fists despite the pain from her claws.
“You don’t get to do that.” Enid’s voice left the softness behind, voice deep and clear now.
“What the hell was I supposed to do? Leave you to die? You knew I would never risk that. I mean…what about you? Everything you went through to save me from the premonition of my death? How, why am I the one getting reprimanded?”
Wednesday tightened her grip on the book in her lap.
“To answer your first question, leave. The second, yes. The reprimand is because your actions were unnecessary.”
Enid was seething. She tried to calm her breathing, creeping in of wolfing out at of pure, unadulterated rage.
“Unnecessary? So, what, you would’ve just let me die if it were me?”
If the air felt thick before, Enid could barely breathe now; the room felt like a gas chamber of sorts, everything tilting on its axis while all she could do was just accept it.
Wednesday met her with the same unyielding intensity. “This isn’t about me, Enid.”
“Why, why…” Enid had to take a good, long second to control her breathing, meeting Wednesday’s eyes with now, defeat. “Why are you so angry with me?”
Wednesday appeared to let up now, her expression shifting to something similar to her own.
And when she spoke, it was nothing above a whisper, “Because I can’t be without you.”
Enid’s heart stopped.