23 | It's Him

23 | It's Him

Series: Valentine Addams | Wednesday

Paring: (Xavier Thorpe x OFC Addams! Tyler Galpin x OFC Addams!)

Word Count: 1573

Warnings: death, falsely accused of murder, betrayal

22. You Sound Ridiculous | 24. My Theory

After everything I gave up on what Wednesday was up to and just stayed with Enid hoping to get the image of Dr. Kinbott out of my head. I helped her move everything back into her room with Wednesday since she wanted to go back.

"Why are you with me instead of your boyfriend? I'm sure he would distract you so much better?" Enid says looking at her nails laying in her stomach.

"He's not my boyfriend." I look over at her.

"You want him to be." She looks back at me with a smile.

"Maybe." I say making her sit up and turn to face me,

"You two would be so cute as an official couple. His Golden Retriever energy with you're a Black Cat energy." She says making me laugh agreeing with that. "Where's Wednesday?"

"Probably going to accuse Xavier now." I say as her phone goes off so she reads it.

"Val... Xavier was arrested for the murders. They found Rowan's and Kinbott's belongings in his possession." Enid looks at me sadly.

"What?" I get off her bed rushing to find Wednesday and see the police lights so I run over. "What the hell?" I ask her.

"He had Rowan's glasses and Kinbott's necklace. Not to me the painted her with claw marks across her face just the same as you saw. I'm sorry but he's the Hyde." She explains to me.

"He could've been set up." I don't believe it. He couldn't be the monster.

"Then explain the painting and don't say he saw it in his dreams. He had nothing to say when I revealed it. He's guilty."

I didn't know what to do, I didn't know what to believe, and my head was killing me with all theses emotions. I slowly back away and go where my feet take me ending up in town to see Tyler.

I walk through the door with tears running down my face because I swore it couldn't have been Xavier. Some one had to set him up since Wednesday was so set on believing it was him.

"We're closed." Tyler says cleaning with his back facing me.

"Tyler..." My voice cracks making him tune to face me quickly.

"Don't cry, please." He walks over pulling me into his chest making more tears come out. "I'm sorry. My dad told me what happened with Xavier. He always seemed so normal. You know, for an outcast." He rubs my back.

"I-I just can't believe it still. I swore he was innocent. I saw him get attacked by his own painting... He wouldn't have done that on purpose would he? I thought... he was someone I could believe in and trust." I rest my head against his chest.

"What can I do to help you?"

"I don't know... This just had to get dumped on top of me dealing with what happened to Kinbott. I thought hanging out with Enid would help distract me and it sorta did because she brought up my calling you my boyfriend." I let out a tiny chuckle.

"How did you respond to that?" He rests he chin on top of my head.

"You're not my boyfriend and she said I want you to be."

"And your response to that?" He asks so I look up at him,

"Maybe." I give him a tiny smile, "Just for the record my maybe means an embarrassed called out yes." I make him smile.

"So does that mean we're official now?" He tilts his head with a grin so I lean up to kiss him and he kisses me back.

"Does that answer your question?" I bite my bottom lip smiling causing him to bring his hand to my face pulling me into a passionate kiss.

Kissing him made me forget about everything going on outside this stupid cafe but it was ruined by a vision I wish I never got. It was Kinbott attacked then the Hyde turn back into himself and it being Tyler. Now you and him made so much since since I talked about Tyler more than anyone.

"Valentine are you okay? He looks at me worried as I lay on the floor.

I just stare at him feeling so many things. This was the main person I trusted with my life and he's the freakin Hyde. But then again being the Hyde... I felt the split personality. I know he has no control since Hyde's are unpredictable. I also knew part of him felt bad about what he does. My heart started to hurt as I just stare into his eyes. I felt betrayed and normally I would get back at him by trying to kill him but I couldn't even think to do that because I fell in love with him. Did he really have feeling for me? Was it a distraction? Was it the master's plan?

"Val." He waves his hand in front of my face making me tear up again. "Hey, what's wrong?" He pulls me to sit up so I scan his face.

"I have to go. I'll text you later. I just have to go." I get up from the floor.

"Val..." I hear the pain in his voice. "What did I do? Please tell me. I love you." I hear him say to himself making me cry more.

"Would you ever hurt me?" My voice cracks before I head to the door to leave.

"Why would I ever hurt you? I could never. I fell in love with you, Valentine Addams." He walks towards me and I don't back away from him.

"I fell in love with you too." I give him a kiss before leaving and once outside I run back to the school.

I didn't really want to tell anyone Tyler was the Hyde because I loved him but he killed innocent people and Xavier was falsely accused. I guess I was still the same messed up me since I didn't hate Tyler. I was hurt but I didn't hate him. After all he had a master against his will that forced him to become this killing monster.

"Tyler's the Hyde. I got a vision of him killing Kinbott while kissing him." I spit out to Wednesday out of breath from running rushing into her room.

-

The next day Wednesday gets a group of us to gather together to question Tyler. To get him to show up Wednesday took my phone pretending to be me saying I needed him to meet me about why I had to leave in a rush the other night.

"This is the right thing, Val. I understand you fell for him but he's murdered people and framed your friend." Yoko says as we wait for Tyler to show up. 

"I know but..."

"You feel slightly guilty because you love him and trusted him. You still wish deep down he's the boy you opened up to." Bianca walks over to me.

"Kinda, it's because I'm hoping that part of him hates what he does since he has no control. I want that feeling I got once from him to be real. I want him to have split personality. And if all that is real that's why I feel bad."

When Tyler shows up I had the guilty feeling as Wednesday walked out confusing him since he was expecting me.

"Where's Valentine? She texted me to meet her about the other night." Tyler looks around for me as the rest of us watch hidden out of sight.

"Xavier warned me and Valentine about you, but we didn't listen." Wednesday crosses her arms staring him down.

"Ironic now, huh? Where's your sister or did you steal her phone lying again to get me here?" Tyler crosses his arms now.

"Ironic would've been framing Xavier for murder while the real Hyde helped me put him away." She tells him ignoring the second half of his question.

"Wait... you don't think-,"

Wednesday cuts him off, "I don't think. I know. Kinbott probably discovered your secret during one of your sessions. So she unlocked you. Why'd you kill her? I thought Hyde's were typically loyal to their masters."

"Wednesday, this is nuts."

"On Outreach Day, I told you I was visiting the old meeting house. Did Kinbott send you to spy on me? The night at the Rave'N you knew I was originally was going to go to your cave in the woods with Eugene. You warned Kinbott and Eugene probably saw her torching it. Then she sent you to clean up her mess. I have to hand it to you, Tyler. Wounding yourself that night at the Gates mansion, that was a masterstroke of misdirection." She tells him everything. "Kinbott told you to get Valentine to fall for you so she would never suspect it was you. You've just been using her."

"Okay, stop. Do you know how insane you sound right now? For one; I would never use your sister. I truly fell in love with her. Two; I'm not a monster. A.. And if you really thought that I was, why would you risk bringing me out to the woods to confront me alone?" Tyler has enough of her.

11 | Know What I Saw

Series: Valentine Addams | Wednesday

Paring: (Xavier Thorpe x OFC Addams! Tyler Galpin x OFC Addams!)

Word Count: 1613

Warnings: fighting about Tyler

10. Festival | 12. Looking for a Clue

The next day they didn't find Rowan in the woods dead confusing Wednesday and I. "What were you both doing out in the woods with him?" The sheriff asks as we all enter Weems office. 

"We heard a noise in the forest and went to go investigate." Wednesday tells him. 

"That's when we stumbled upon the attack." I add. 

"Then what happened?" He asks us. 

"We ran to get help but I fainted as soon as we got back to the festival. I was shocked by what we saw." I slightly lie. 

"I ran into Bianca Barclay, and told her to go for help. Next thing I remember, I was awaking in the infirmary next to my sister."

"Just to be clear, this monster wasn't a bear or some other wild animal?" He asks us. 

"We've hibernated with grizzlies. We know the difference." We tell him at the same time. 

"Thank you, Sheriff. I think the Addams are done now." Principal Weems stands up from her seat. 

"Actually, I would like to speak to Sheriff Galpin. Alone." Wednesday says but Weems says no before agreeing so we won't go down to the station. "Someone is trying to cover up Rowan's murder. That's the only reason to scrub the crime scene." Wednesday tells him as the three of us were alone. 

"Is that your professional opinion as the daughter of a murderer?" He asks making me mad.

"Our father's twice the man you are, the only thing he murders is the occasional opera in the shower. Sheriff, we know what we saw. We wouldn't lie about this. You have to believe us. I know you want to reject our claims but you can't because you know just like us there's a monster out there. What else would explain those three bodies?" I stare him down till the door opens and the deputy shows us Rowan making us shocked. 

After some time we were told for today's therapy sessions, Wednesday and I both had to go together. "Help me understand why you two claim you witnessed a murder. Was it to gain attention?" Dr. Kinbott asks. 

"Why should I bother telling you anything? You've already decided we're lying. We know what we saw." Wednesday tells her. 

"I've never lied in any session so why would I start now? It makes no sense to lie about something like this." I speak up so she looks at me then focuses on Wednesday, 

"Your life's had a lot of upheaval recently. It's okay to be confused about things. And maybe you are confused as well with the feelings of having your sister around." She then looks at me so I roll my eyes. 

"Don't try to lure me into one of your psychological traps." Wednesday tells her. 

"No one is trying to trap you. I'm here to help you process your emotions." Dr. Kinbott tells her.

"Emotions are a gateway trait. They lead to feelings which triggers tears. I don't do tears like my sister." Wednesday adds so I give her a look, 

"I don't even remember the last time I cried so I have no idea what you're talking about." I lean back in my seat as the two go on about Wednesday being alone and comparing her to me and how I've changed. 

"I will not be like this new side of Valentine." She said as the session was up so Wednesday gets up to leave first. 

"Valentine, are you playing along to win your sister back?" Dr. Kinbott asks as I head to the door. 

"The session is over but no. I know what I saw and I still have her. We're family after all." I leave the room heading out to see Tyler talking to Wednesday.

"You know, for the record, I believe you both." I hear him tell her as I get closer to them. He turns around to walk away and bumps into me, "Sorry." He looks down at me. 

"We had a session together since we both are liars." I tell him as Wednesday waits for me. 

"Well, I believe you two." He tells me now. 

"I heard you tell Wednesday that." I smile. 

"You okay?" He notices the little bandage on my head. 

"Yeah, my head hit a tree. It's nothing. We should get going." I see Wednesday walking off getting tired of waiting. 

"I have a feeling you aren't telling me everything." He says so I sigh letting Wednesday go off. 

"You know me so well." I chuckle. 

"So what happened when you ran after your sister?" He asks as we walk some.

"I found Rowan using his powers to hold Wednesday up against a tree. I yelled his name and he used his other hand to fling me into a tree, which caused this. Then this creature showed up killing him. It looked at us before running off. We got back to the festival and I fainted." I explain to him. 

"That's, wow. Why would he attack Wednesday?" He asks. 

"We don't exactly know." I lie but tell the truth too and so he believes me. 

"There's just something about the creature though..." I sigh. 

"What?" He looks at me confused. 

"The way it looked... and I had this familiar feeling I can't explain. But I have no idea." I groan. 

"Familiar? Like you could know who or what it is?" He watches me. 

"I don't know. All I know is I felt two feelings from it which confuses me. Anger and fear... Like it was two different people."

"Can you feel feelings? What is your power?" He asks since I never told him. 

"Visions. But I've got a new one recently and I don't know if I got another one or it was just something else." I explain to him. 

"When you mean two different people... like the guy that died and the monster?" He raises an eyebrow. 

"No, both were from the monster... And I actually felt a little sorry for it after it killed Rowan. Why did I feel sorry for it?" I look at him confused. 

"You said you felt fear from it... Maybe it's scared of itself." He looks me in the eyes. 

"Maybe... I should go because I promised to help Enid with something for our race coming up." I let him know. 

"I'll see you around then or text you." He smiles walking off as I head off.

Back at school I help Enid decorate the canoe for the Poe cup. "I'm still surprised you wanted to help out." Enid says as we all eat some pizza. 

"I said I would help a friend out. Plus I just hope you beat Bianca." I give her a smile. 

"It would've been better if you joined the team." She tells me. 

"That's too much for me." I make her laugh. 

"I understand but still you could beat Bianca..." She gives me a look. 

"If something happens to a teammate's then I will fill in." I say just to make her happy. 

"Hopefully that won't happen." She gets worried.

~

"You know you're sister is supposed to show up." Xavier tells me as we practice with our bows. I was apart of two clubs that I took turns going to. This and Bee Keeping. Weems didn't care I was part of both because she was just happy I wanted to be apart of things. 

"Principle Weems making her choose a club..." I laugh making every bullseye compared to him. 

"Can I ask you a question?" He looks over at me. 

"You just did." I make another bullseye. 

"Why do you think you saw Rowan die?" He asks so I look over at him. 

"I don't think... I know. And to be honest I don't care if you believe me or not." I look away from him. 

"Why? Let me guess, Tyler does?" He says as I pull back the arrow and turn towards him causing him to freak out. "Valentine! What the hell. Don't do that!" He moves around so I turn back to the target and make another bullseye before leaving not wanting to be here anymore.

"Thought you were doing archery this week?" Eugene asks as I walk towards him. 

"That was till Xavier pissed me off again." I go to change into my suit. As I come out my phone goes off with texts from Xavier saying sorry again. I growl putting my phone away. 

"What did he do this time?" He asks as we mess with the bees. 

"Bringing up a friend of mine, he hates. We always butt heads about him." I shake my head then we see Wednesday show up so he goes over to welcome her. 

"You're in both?" She tilts her head as I walk over to them. 

"Yep, I take turns. Xavier pissed me off so I came here." I smile. 

"Tyler?"

After changing into her suit, she disappears because of Thing. "She has an emergency." I tell Eugene as he sighs.

Once the club was over it was time to go to Thornhill's class and Wednesday tells me Thing lost Rowan in a bathroom. "How?" I ask her confused. 

"That's what I want to know as well." She said as we walk to find a seat. 

There was two open seats and I pick the one not next to Xavier. I watch him show Wednesday his power with his art work. "I doubt Wednesday is impressed by your tricks, Mr. Thorpe." Ms. Thornhill tells him. 

"Admit it, you're a little impressed." He smiles at Wednesday so he slams her hand down in the fake spider. As class starts Wednesday and Bianca go back and forth to prove who was better.

15 | Asking...

Series: Valentine Addams | Wednesday

Paring: (Xavier Thorpe x OFC Addams! Tyler Galpin x OFC Addams!)

Word Count: 1518

Warnings: conflicted feelings, arguing about a dance

14. It's Human | 16. Rave'N

Enid and a few girls decided we should all go dress shopping for the dance. They wanted us to wear white to match the theme but there was no way I'd wear a white dress. While I went to look at dresses with the girls, Wednesday whet off to see the sheriff. Barely into the shopping I got bored so I left to go to the Weathervane. 

As I walk in Tyler bumps into me on the way out, "Val." He smiles. 

"Tyler." I smile back. 

"What are you doing in town today?" He asks as we walk outside down the sidewalk. 

"A few girls are dress shopping. I got bored of watching them." I shrug my shoulders. 

"For the Rave'N this weekend. It was all the buzz at the Weathervane today." He says as we come to a stop. 

"Wow, everyone is really obsessed with this dance." I shake my head. 

"So, you're not going?" He asks. 

"Actually, I was forced to ask someone because of Wednesday." I roll my eyes still pissed at her. "

Sure, that happens. Who is it?" He asks eyeing me. 

"Xavier..." I watch his whole face change. 

"Got it. Hope you two have fun." He starts to walk away.

"Why are you upset? I literally said I was forced." I make him turn around. 

"I have a reason to be upset because you keep giving me these signals. I thought we liked each other, but then you pull something like this because you were forced?" He looks at me with so many different emotions. 

"Wednesday put me on the chopping block because he almost caught us snooping around his shit. She made something up on the spot and threw me under the bus she was driving. I didn't want to ask him to the stupid dance. If I was going to ask anyone it would have been you." I start to get frustrated. "I told you Xavier was missing something so that meant I don't like him more than a friend." I run my hands through my hair getting even more frustrated. "I still don't fully know feelings because I'm developing new ones I've never felt before until I met you. You make me feel so many things and it makes me feel like I'm losing my mind." I feel myself wanting to cry which I hated was a thing now when I feel super frustrated. 

Tyler walks up to me and stops right in front of me looking down at me, "You make me feel like I'm losing my mind as well." He takes a hold of one of my hands. 

"I'm sorry." I take my hand back and walk away confused wanting to run to the train station and lay down on the tracks.

-

I just end up walk back to school to clear my mind. "Miss Addams, a gift from your mother has arrived today. I sat it on your bed." Ms. Thornhill smiles at I pass her in the hall. 

"My mother sent me a gift? Thank you." I got to my room to see a box on the bed with a letter on top.

My dear, Valentine. I know the Rave'N will be coming up soon around this time. I have a feeling you'll end up going with a certain person or maybe just a friend. So I've taken the time to find you a perfect dress you would love. I didn't send your sister one because I know she would never go. And if I did send one she would even more think I was trying to change her. Love you my sweet little black rose.

I didn't want to open the box quite yet because I wanted it to be a surprise. I end up calling my mother with the crystal ball to thank her for the dress but I don't want to look at it till the dance. She was happy I was going but I told her Wednesday wasn't going to go which she had a feeling.

"We're going for a walk." Wednesday walks into my room. 

"A walk where?" I eye her. "The woods. Eugene is leading the way." She leaves so I get up from my desk following her. 

We end up at a cave that had the same circle spiral in the rocks. "It's definitely a match. What were you doing out here?" Wednesday asks him. 

"Collecting specimens. This place is ground zero for horny gypsy moths. You think it's in there?" Eugene asks. 

"Only one way to find out." She walks up to it and we go in. We see the floor covered in animal bones. 

"Check this out." Eugene flashes his light on shackles nailed into the wall with scratches marks around it. 

She walks towards something else while I touch the shackles. "Stop! Please leave me alone! Don't come near me! No!" A distorted voice screams getting deeper and their blurry body becomes the monster.

"Valentine, what did you see?" Wednesday looks at me. 

"That's the thing, I couldn't really see or hear. It was blurry but the person who's the monster didn't want to change they were forced by someone." I explain to her as she holds a claw. 

"I need to go back to the shed. I need something to compare this too. You don't look well. Eugene make sure she gets to her room okay." Wednesday leaves us so Eugene helps me.

As I lay in bed after taking something for my head I kept thinking about how there was two people we needed to find. Why would someone force someone into that monster? There was banging at the door making me jump in bed. "What the hell?" I get up walking to the door opening to see Xavier. 

"Did you only ask me to the Rave'N because you and Wednesday think I'm the monster? She heavily believes I'm the monster because of all those things I painted of the monster." He brushes past me coming into the room. 

"I don't think it's you." I tell him truthfully. 

"I don't know if I can believe you." He shakes his head. 

"All I want to know is how did you get the scratches and why paint all those? You're my friend Xavier, you can tell me. I was confused to see all that but I still don't think it's you." I walk away from the door.

"The creature has been haunting my dreams for weeks. I try to block it out but I can't. So I just paint it. The recent one, the claws reached out and took a swipe at me." He sits on my bed. "See that makes sense to me." I take a seat next to him. "You're sister doesn't think so." He messes with his hands. 

"Do you care what she thinks?" I laugh. 

"No, I care what you think." He looks at me. 

"Well, I still don't think it's you. I only will if there's hardcore evidence to support it." I chuckle. 

"You didn't want to ask me to the dance did you? You only did it to cover up you two were in the shed." His eyes scan my face so I nod my head, 

"She cornered me into asking you but I'll still go with a friend if you want me to. If you're upset about the whole thing I get it." I let him know.

"I'm hurt you didn't want to ask me originally but I was going to ask you, so yeah, I still want to go to the dance with you." He smiles. 

"Great, because my mom sent me my dress today but I don't want to see it till I get ready for the dance." I clap my hands and he leans over kissing me making me freeze in place. 

"Can't wait to see you in your dress tomorrow." He leaves my room. 

"I just called you a friend, dude." I wipe my mouth as I was left alone.

-

"Whose your date for the dance?" I ask Enid as we hangout in her room. 

"Lucas." She smiles, "It's to make Ajax jealous." She rolls her eyes. 

"But out of everyone, Lucas?" I give her a look. 

"He approached me to get back at someone too so why not." She shrugs her shoulders. 

"Your dress matches the theme." I say as she shows me her dress. 

"What dress did you end up getting?" She asks me but Wednesday jumps in. 

"She's not going to the dance anymore." She says making me look over at her. 

"Why do you say that?" I ask her. 

"Because Xavier knows the truth that you were forced to ask him." She turns to face me.

"I'm still going with him. And my mother sent me a dress. I still haven't looked at it. I want to be surprised when I put it on tonight." I tell both of them. 

"Why still go with him?" Wednesday asks me. 

"He's a friend still. Have fun doing whatever you and Eugene plan to do." I leave their room to go do whatever in my room.

3 | Knock It Off

Series: Valentine Addams | Wednesday

Paring: (Xavier Thorpe x OFC Addams! Tyler Galpin x OFC Addams!)

Word Count: 1721

Warnings: Xavier just jealous of Tyler

Last: Therapy | Next: Changing

So far Nevermore hasn't been bad and I was surprised how well I made friends. Well, except for Bianca. We were more like frenemies because we were very competitive against each other. Especially in fencing most of the time we went against each other it came to the tie. Me and Yoko got along pretty quickly being roommates. Enid and I were sometimes alike but in different fonts. Xavier and me were good friends which Bianca didn't like at all. It took awhile for Ajax to stop being nervous around me. Divina and Kent were alright, I wasn't super close to them but I knew Divina more because of Yoko.

Having to join a club I met Eugene and he remained me of Pugsley so I treated him like a brother. There was Rowan, who was basically an outcast of outcast. We had a few conversations but he never stuck around long. Lastly was Tyler. After every therapy session I would go over to the Weathervane to get a Hot Chocolate and talk to Tyler as he worked. Xavier didn't quite like me talk to Tyler telling me what he did to him last year. I understand that it was bad because he put time into his work, but compared to what I do to people... It didn't seem that big of a deal to me.

"Bianca seems a little pissed today. Do you know what happed?" Yoko asks Divina as some of us were going into town today. 

"Xavier broke up with her." She looks at Bianca in the front of the bus alone before telling us making Enid gasp next to me. 

"Why?" She asks wanting more details for her blog. 

"She won't talk about it." Divina tells her and I watch Enid start typing on her phone. 

I look in the back to see Xavier looking out the window listening to music alone. When we all get off the bus the girls take off and I wait for Xavier. 

Once he sees me he takes out his earbuds, "Why are you looking at me like that?" He asks annoyed. 

"Wanna get a drink and a snack from the Weathervane? We can talk about whatever." I suggest to him. 

"Sure." We head over there.

"The usual and?" Tyler asks Xavier as we walk up so he tells him before we go sit in a booth. 

"I'm assuming you heard the news. I know Enid just posted about it on the way here. Is that why you want to talk to me?" Xavier leans back on his side. 

"I wanna know how a friend's doing. And if you want to talk about it you can but if you don't it's okay." I do the same. 

"We broke up for two reasons." He looks out the window as Tyler brings us our drinks. 

"Thank you." I tell him as he leaves. "What are your reasons since you broke up with her." I sit up. 

"The main reason is because I had doubts about Bianca and her intentions as a siren. I'm constantly paranoid that she's using her siren song me and we keep getting into fights over it." He sits up looking at his drink.

"But she has her amulet she wears." I tell him. 

"I'm still paranoid about it." He sighs. 

"Is there another reason?" I ask. 

"The second reason is she doesn't like our friendship." He rolls his eyes. 

"Like you with me about..." I motion towards Tyler. 

"It's different." He eyes Tyler working. 

"Stop it." I kick his leg underneath the table, "But why does she have a problem with me with you? I don't treat you any differently than others and you don't treat me differently either." I raise an eyebrow. 

"She doesn't think that." He messes with his hands. 

"Well she's stupid because I don't like you like that. I don't like anyone for a fact. You have to prove you're worth my time. And it takes a lot to melt my semi ice cold heart." I explain to him not seeing the slight disappoint on his face.

"You don't mind if I draw while we sit here, right?" Xavier pulls stuff out of his bag. 

"Do you have an extra book I can draw in while we sit here?" I ask him. 

"Here. I haven't used this one. You can keep it." He passes me one and a pencil. 

"Thanks, I'm going to use you as my muse." I open up the book. 

"Okay." He laughs before we sit in silence sketching each other.  

After awhile I take a break to go use the restroom then go to the counter to ask for another drink. "Hey Ty, can I have another and two croissants?" I come around the corner leaning on the counter. 

"I had a feeling you would come ask at some point. Sure, I'll bring it after this customer." He gives me a smile that makes me feel happy on inside but never show it, "Thanks." I go join Xavier who was glaring at me. "Knock it off, Thorpe." I huff taking my seat. 

"I told you he's bad news." He huffs as well making me turn to look at Tyler for a second to see him making my cup with a slight smile before tuning back around.

"Yes, because the boy with the light-brown curly hair, greenish eyes, and a kindly smile is bad news. Xavier, I know what he did to you but I'm worse. I can handle myself." I roll my eyes. 

"For someone who, in fact doesn't like anyone, sure described him like you do." He rolls his eyes drawing. 

"You have golden brown shoulder length hair, eyes are a light olive color with brown surrounding the pupil, when you smile you get dimples." I say making him look at me, "I'm just good at describing someone."

"Your hot chocolate with two croissants like you asked. Do you want another drink or anything else?" Tyler sets my stuff down then asks Xavier. 

"I'm good." He tells him coldly. Tyler just nods his head leaving the booth. "I don't see how you're friends with him." Xavier goes for one of my croissants so I smack his hand away, 

"Because he's nice to me and that's all that matters when it comes to me. And he asked if you wanted anything so don't touch my shit." I explain to him going back to my drawing.

Bianca ends up coming in with Divina and a few of her other siren friends catching sight of Xavier and I. "She looks pissed." I laugh so I give her a smile and a little wave. 

"Now you knock it off, Addams." Xavier reaches across the table putting my hand down. 

"Why? Let me have some fun."  I say eyeing her as she glares at me. 

"Why would you want to piss her off more when you're kinda one of the reasons I broke up with her?" He leans on the table refusing to look her way. 

"Because I love chaos." I lean on the table as well starring him in the eyes. 

"You're terrible." He shakes his head at me. 

"Thank you." I give him a smile.

"I'm finished by the way." Xavier shows me his drawing. 

"You finally got my nose right." I say before showing him mine. 

"Oh my god. It's like a fucking picture. You still haven't show me your work so I'm amazed. You said I'm quite the artist but you are a artist " He takes it from me looking at it more. 

"I'm best at people." I take it back as he hands it back over to me. "I'm gonna go pay for our drinks. Then meet you at the bus." We get up and go different directions.

"How much do I owe you? I'm paying for Xavier's too." I walk up to Tyler. 

"It's on the house." He walks over to me. "Ty, no. How much, really? I normally wouldn't care if someone told me that but you're a friend and this is your job." I tell him getting serious. 

"No, really it's on the house." He smiles making me get all warm again. 

"Fine, here's your tip." I put a twenty in the tip jar. 

"Valentine." He pulls it out trying to give it back to me. 

"Nope, you worked for it. See you tomorrow since I have my session with Kinbott. I gotta bus to catch." I rush out getting on the shuttle. 

"How much do I owe you?" Xavier asks as I take a seat next to him. 

"Nothing. He said it was on the house for the both of us." I keep it short and Xavier rolls his eyes.

Back at the school walking towards my dorm Bianca show up, "I can't believe he left me for you." She eyes me. 

"He didn't but if he did I would say he upgraded. But Xavier is just a friend to me. I don't date. Plus it's quite difficult to melt my semi ice cold heart." I tell her with a straight face. 

"An upgrade?" She laughs crossing her arms. 

"Yes. Now I think this conversation is over." I walk past her going to my dorm. As soon as I enter the room the crystal ball was going off. "Mother, father." I answer it. 

"How are you doing my black widow?" My father asks me. 

"Good. Just got back from the town with some friends." I tell him. 

"I'm still so proud of you making friends at Nevermore." My mother gets a big smile. 

"I'm quite impressed with myself actually." I tell them.

"Enid, I told you no." Yoko huffs as she walks into the room with her following her. 

"Val, did Xavier tell you why he broke up with Bianca?" She rushes over to me. 

"Mother, Father, I'll call you back tomorrow." 

"Okay, dear." They end the call. 

"Spill the tea." Enid shakes me, "And don't tell me he didn't because if he was to tell anyone it would be you." She glares at me. 

"I'm not telling you, Enid. It's not going on your blog. I keep other's secrets to myself." I tell her making her pout. "It's not going to work on me." I look at her with no emotions. 

"Fine..." She huffs crossing her arms.

16 | Rave'N

Series: Valentine Addams | Wednesday

Paring: (Xavier Thorpe x OFC Addams! Tyler Galpin x OFC Addams!)

Word Count: 1949

Warnings: jealousy, opening up about secrets

15. Asking.. | 17. Under Arrest

The day of the Rave'N, I spend time with some of the girls and get ready alone with it was time for the dance. "Coming." I say going towards the door opening it to see Xavier smiling as he eyes me head to toe.

"It's very you." He says as I come out of the room to join him in the hall. 

"Thank you. I love what my mother picked out." I mess with my dress. 

"You look beautiful." He puts his arm out for me to link mine with his. 

"Just this one." I link my arm with him as we walk to the dance. Everyone we passed would stare at me and said I looked great which surprisingly I liked. 

"What's Wednesday's plans tonight?" He asks me. 

"Her and Eugene are spying out the monster's lair." I tell him having no idea her plans changed last night when I said I was still going with Xavier.

"You look gorgeous. So gorgeous!" Ms. Thornhill says as Xavier and I head inside the dance. "Welcome to this year's Rave'N." She smiles. 

"Welcome to the Rave'N. You look amazing, Valentine. Glad you decided to join the fun." Weems smiles as we enter the dance. 

"Thanks." I give her a smile back then stop when out of view. 

"Done with the act?" Xavier laughs as I remove my arm from him. 

"Yes." I look around at the decorations, "White is a choice..." I chuckle. 

"Look at you!" Enid rushes over to me, "I love it. You look amazing!" She claps her hands.

 "You look amazing too. I love the jewels." I give her a genuine smile. 

"Thank you. Enjoy yourselves." She goes back over to Lucas.

"Well look at you." Ajax walks over to us with his date. 

I grab him by the arm roughly and pull him away from his date and Xavier. "Ouch. You're going to rip my arm off." He groans. 

"Why did you stand Enid up? You're lucky I didn't go looking for you to breaking a limb for breaking her heart." I glare at him. 

"I didn't stand her up... I sorta stoned myself while in the shower. I was embarrassed so I've been ignoring her." He sighs looking over at her. 

"Embarrassed? She would understand if you took the time to go talk to her and explain what happened. Instead you did the worst thing you could do. I don't normally care for others feelings but Enid is an exception. Explain to her and apologize or I will, and I mean it, will rip your snakes out of your head." I stare him down. 

"I will. I promise." He tells me and I believe so we go back to our dates.

"I got you a drink." Xavier smiles as I sit at the table with him. 

"Thank you." I look over at Enid looking a little sad.

 "You threaten Ajax?" Xavier laughs. 

"I did. Said if he doesn't apologize and explain everything, I'll rip his snakes out of his head." I mess with my drink. 

"Damn, that's a bit much don't you think?" He tilts his head. 

"No. I've tried killing someone's remember. That's why I'm here at this school." I remind him. 

"I forgot you used to do terrible things." He nods his head. "I'm glad to be here with you." He adds as I look around again. 

"It's not as bad as I thought." I make him laugh. 

"Let's have some fun." He stands up putting his hand out to me.

"Yo, check it out. Wednesday totally busted out of her cocoon." Ajax comes over motioning at her coming in with Tyler. 

"What the? Excuse me." I get up going over to her as she goes to the punch bowl. "I thought you were going to spy on the cave with Eugene. Yet here you are with Tyler..." I tilt my head confused. 

"Change of plans. When I heard you were still coming with the potential monster, I had Thing take an invite to Tyler. He also stole this dress for me." She explains to me. 

"Why ask Tyler though?" I look over at him standing alone awkwardly. 

"Because you like him, he likes you, and Xavier hates him." She explains to me. "Go talk to him. I brought him here for you." She tells me so I go over to him.

"Look at you." I walk up beside him making him turn to face me. 

"Wow, you look... beautiful." He smiles. 

"Thank you." I smile back. 

"Your date is looking at us." He looks over at Xavier with Wednesday before they walk off some. 

"Who cares. I told him I didn't want to ask him originally but I'll still come with him." I explain to him. 

"Can I show you something?" He motions out of the room. 

"Sure." He takes my hand leading us out of the dance to the trophy case.

"See that woman right there?" He points at one of the girls in the fencing photo. 

"Yeah?" I look at him confused. 

"That's my mother." He looks at me. 

"She came to Nevermore?" I turn my whole body to face him. 

"Yeah, I found that out looking through files. My father kept it from me." He sighs. 

"She's pretty. I see where you get your good looks from." I look back at the photo, "That's my mother." I point at my mom. 

"I see where you get your beauty from." I see him smile down at me. 

"Thank you." I look up at him. "Sorry, you don't know much about your mother. It must be hell. Especially when your father never wants to talk about her." I look back at the photo. "It is. Makes me feel alone." He sighs looking at his mother so I take his hand into mine. "I'm glad you felt comfortable with sharing this information with me." I squeeze his hand. 

"You're the only one I would tell this too." He squeezes my hand back. 

"Why did you agree to come with Wednesday?" I ask letting go of his hand walking backwards making him turn to face me. 

"To see you and hopeful to talk to you.. About the other day, I'm sorry. It's like I said, you make me feel like I'm losing my mind as well." He looks down at the floor. 

"You don't have to apologize. I understand that it could be confusing for you since I don't know things compared to most people. But I'm getting there, I think, to understanding my feelings." I let him know.

"We should go back before Xavier thinks I kidnapped you." Tyler makes me laugh agreeing. 

"Xavier told me what you did last year." Wednesday speaks up as we walk back to the dance outside the entrance. I look at Tyler and leave him to explain to her while I go find Xavier. 

"Where did you two run off to?" Xavier eyes me rudely.

 "Just a walk and talk. I was curious why she asked him and why he said yes." I kinda tell the truth. 

"Was his answer she wanted to keep an eye on you with me, and he wanted to see you too and piss me off?" He says annoyed. 

"Are you going to keep this attitude all night now that they're here?" I cross my arms. 

"Depends if they try to ruin our night." He rolls his eyes. 

"Well you're ruining our night right now. We're all supposed to have fun with each other. Wednesday is my sister and Tyler is my friend."

I watch the two come back in and go to the dance floor and I could tell Xavier wasn't going to leave this table at all. Wednesday sees me looking at her annoyed so she walks over pulling me out of my seat to join her and Tyler. 

"If I have to be here, you will enjoy this stupid dance." She says making me smile and we dance together while Tyler watches us. 

"Get in to it." I grabbing Tyler's hands making him dance with us while Kent, Divina, Ajax, Yoko and Enid joined us letting loose. "There you go." I laugh as he moves his body to the music. 

Enid grabs my shoulder and we dance together laughing. "He can't take his eyes off of you." She whispers to me then bumps me towards Tyler.

I end up going to take a break and see Bianca sitting alone, "Why aren't you with Divina and Kent on the dance floor?" I sit next to her. 

"I went to go check on Xavier because he was alone at the table. We had a tiff about you." She looks at me. 

"Why?" I ask confused. 

"He wanted me to use my powers to forget about you." She looks away from me. 

"That's funny coming from him since apparently you were using your powers when you two were together. For the record, I don't believe you ever did. I could tell you really liked him. Xavier's just a stupid teenage boy." I make her look back over to me. 

"You're lucky." She says making me tilt my head, "You don't care what people think of you." She sighs. 

"Actually, I think I do now and that scares me. I'm not used to caring." I sigh getting up going back. "Are you done whining?" I walk up to Xavier. 

"I don't want to interrupt your fun with everyone and Tyler." He gives me a rude smile. 

"Are you serious? I said I would still come with you if you wanted me to but you haven't left this table all night." I walk away from him and he grabs my wrist pulling me closer to him. "If you kiss me again, I will smack you so hard you'll feel the sting for months." I get myself free and going to Tyler. "Where's my sister." I ask him. 

"Went out for a second." He looks around. "Where's Xavier?" He asks. 

"Being grumpy still because I'm having  fun with you." I roll my eyes. 

"Maybe he should have joined so you'd have fun with him as well."

"It wouldn't be the same." I say making him lock eyes with me. 

We didn't even notice Wednesday join us and everyone else for the last song. "It's the last song come on." Enid shakes me to dance before joining the others. 

"Come on." I sing trying to make Wednesday and Tyler to dance with me but they don't just staring at me. 

Wednesday and I notice something drip on Tyler's shoulder and we see red. He looks at well then up before the sprinkler go off raining red. "Thank god I didn't wear white." I laugh as everyone runs. 

"They couldn't even spring for real pigs' blood. It's only paint." Wednesday tells us. Someone bumps into me and I almost fall and lose Tyler as people run around more. 

"Wednesday! Are you okay?" Thornhill asks as she has a vision. 

"Eugene is in the woods. He's in danger." Wednesday says making us run off to find him.

We run for through the woods shouting for Eugene and finally hear him so we run towards his voice then his screams. We end up finding his bloody body laying down on the ground. "No." We get down next to him and I get a vision of him laying in a hospital bed recovering. "He's still alive. My vision was him at the hospital. He's not dead." I let her know and I see some relief on her face. 

"Oh my god. Is he alive?" Thornhill randomly runs up to us. 

"If we get him to the hospital he'll stay alive." I tell her.

4 | Changing?

Series: Valentine Addams | Wednesday

Paring: (Xavier Thorpe x OFC Addams! Tyler Galpin x OFC Addams!)

Word Count: 2149

Warnings: opening up, self evaluation, confusing feelings

Last: Knock it Off | Next: Conflicted

"Don't you usually come in here after the session?" Tyler asks as I walk in. 

"I want a drink for the session." I walk up to him so he makes my hot chocolate then takes my money this time. 

"My dad said a bear apparently killed a woman last night. I over heard it was bad."

"I've been in those woods many of times and never seen anything that shows bears around. And I've hibernated with Grizzly's. I know signs of bears." I take my cup from him. 

"You keep surprising me with new bazar facts about yourself every time we talk." He tilts his head smiling. 

"Gotta keep you on your toes."

"Just be careful out there." He tells me so I time to face him at the door, 

"Where's the fun in that?" I give him a little smile leaving.

-

"Miss Addams." Kinbott smiles as I come in taking a seat. 

"What shall we discuss today?" I ask taking a sip of my drink. 

"How about your relationships at school. Staff and students." She takes her seat as I yawn tired. I barely got sleep having a nightmare about some ugly monster. 

"Fine by me." I yawn again. 

"Didn't sleep well?" She asks me. 

"Nightmare. Well, nightmares aren't really nightmares to me like to others. Just had this monster in it. Now my relationships?" I motion for her to go on. 

"How many friends do you have?" She crosses her legs. 

"Six; Yoko, Enid, Xavier, Tyler, Ajax, and Eugene. I don't count Rowan, Divina or Kent as friends but I talk to them at times. Then Bianca is a frenemy. We're very competitive against each other." I explain to her.

"And the faculty?" She asks. 

"Principal Weems cares about the school very much. She's nice but you can tell sometimes it's an act. I've noticed she compares me to my mother a lot in a sweet sour tone. Which lets me know she has something against my mother. I'm not close to any of the teachers. Ms. Thornhill is a good teacher. Tries to connect with the students. I like her but sometimes she seems too nice. I feel like she hides something behind that smile." I put my cup on the table next to me.

"How's your friendship with Tyler? Since you only see him when you come into town? Is it the least connection compared to who you see everyday at school?" She sits up more. 

"No, I would say it's the strongest actually. We have similar things we can relate to and talk about. You seeing him as a court order as well, you know what I mean. There's just something about him that draws me to him. There's more to him than he shows which makes me interested. I want to get to know the whole Tyler...both sides of him."

"You've had a boyfriend so you know what's it like to like someone in a romantic way. Do you feel that for him as well?" She asks making me blink at her, 

"No." I feel my heart kinda skip a beat which I hated. "As I told Xavier yesterday, You have to prove you're worth my time. And it takes a lot to melt my semi ice cold heart." I tell her as she watches me closely. 

"Why did you have to tell him that? Does he like you more than just a friend?" She makes me laugh, 

"He was telling me his ex things there was something between us. I told him I see him as a friend and I don't date."

"You think perhaps he might developed feelings for you? Or maybe Tyler as well with you? They're the two boys you're closest to." She makes me laugh, 

"I don't know why they would. I'm not exactly people's type." I take another sip. 

"They might see something in you that you don't see in yourself." She sits back some. 

"That would be odd since I know myself very well." I look away from her. 

"Can you see yourself falling for one of them? Or both?" 

She makes me close my eyes to imagine me with both. I reopen my eyes to see her waiting for a response, "No." I lie to her. 

"Remember everything we say stays in here. There's no need to lie. Today is about relationships."

"I never imagine with Xavier but closing my eyes and actually picturing... did. Tyler lately has been making me melt inside some when he smiles. Hell, Xavier's smile too." I rub my face annoyed with these feelings, "Why can't I be more like my sister in the department of feelings?" I groan. 

"Your sister doesn't do feelings for people?" Kinbott asks. 

"Hell, no. Not even 100% with family. She's very true to her words. Won't fall in love, won't get married and have a family. She refuses to be like our mother." I lean back in my seat. 

"Do you want all that? Love, Marriage, Family?"

"Unlike my sister yes but it's hard to find someone can put up with me, that can handle me, that can match my energy, or at least add to it. Won't judge me for things either." I explain to her feelings a bit defeated. 

"Valentine, I'm sure there is someone out there that will be perfect for you. Look, you finally found a school that understands you and you've made friends easily. You even have a therapist that has cracked yet." She smiles, "So believe me when I say there's someone out there for you. Maybe you already met them and don't fully realize it yet." She tells me and we end our session early.

-

I walk to the Weathervane thinking about what Dr. Kinbott told me about finding someone. I mean she was right about the school, friends, even herself. Was I turning even more softer being here? Nevermore was really changing me as a person. I was so in my head I just take a seat at a booth and pull out the sketch book Xavier gave me. While being in my own little world I didn't notice Tyler brought me a drink and snack. I guess he realized so he didn't try talking to me.

"You know if you wait any longer that hot chocolate will be room temperature chocolate." Tyler finally snaps me back to this world. 

"Sorry." I put my sketchbook down. 

"Your session ended early today." He takes a seat across from me. 

"Yeah." I drink my drink. 

"What was today about?"

"Relationships at school. Students and faculty. My friendship with you. Is it considered one of the weakest since I only see you when I come to town compared to people at school." I add. 

"And you said?" He waits. 

"I would say it's the strongest actually. We have similar things we can relate to and talk about. There's just something about you that draws me to you. There's more to you than you shows which makes me interested. I want to get to know the whole you...both sides of you."

"There's something about you too, Valentine. You're a very interesting person and when I say that I mean it. I'd like to know the tad unique psychotic side and the unique soft side of you." He gives me a smile. 

"That's the nicest thing someone has ever said to me." I smile back. 

"I gotta get back to work. How long are you staying today?" He gets out of the booth. 

"When I feel like walking back. I walked here today because Weems was busy." I tell him going back to my drawing. 

"I could give you a ride when I get off? I don't work long today." He suggested. 

  "Sure." I answer making him smile as he goes back to work.

The entire time till Tyler got off I just drew him working putting in a lot of detail in the background and him. "Okay, and I'm done for the day." He sits across from me. 

"Me too." I show him what I drew. 

"Wow. That's amazing, Valentine. You never mentioned you're an artists." He looks at it closer. 

"Half of my work is really gruesome so I normally don't go around showing it because people don't see the art like I do." I close up my book. 

"I'd like to see it sometime. I think I can handle it with my dad being the sheriff. I saw the crime scene photos from the bear attack this morning. You probably would've liked it." He chuckles. 

"Maybe." I agree.

"Okay, you ready to go?" He asks so I get out and we head to the door. 

"I want you headed home." His dad shows up. 

"I will after I give Valentine a ride back to Nevermore." He says so the sheriff eyes me. 

I've never had a conversation with the sheriff but I knew he was Tyler's father. "Sheriff." I give him a head nod. 

"She's a friend?" He asks his son ignoring me. 

"Yes, I am." I answer for Tyler. 

"Dad, I'll go straight home after dropping her off. I don't want her walking back alone after someone was killed by a bear, that hasn't been caught." Tyler says as his dad looks at me. 

"Unless you want another body in the morgue, I'm fine walking back to school. It would be a good way to go out. I can imagine how it would feel and the horrific screams I would be letting out as it's claws rip into my flesh and it's tear pulling apart my body." The sheriff just stares at me while Tyler tries not to laugh.

"Home right after." He points at his son. 

"Got it." Tyler nods his head. 

"Nice meeting you, sheriff." I wave following Tyler out.

"The look on his face when you started describing your death to him." Tyler laughs as we walk to his car. 

"I could have gone dark." I say as he opens the passenger door for me. 

"Oh, I bet." He says as I get in then goes around to his side. 

"I appreciate this even though you don't have to." I look over at him as he drives. 

"We get to spend a little more time together." He glances over at me. 

"Since I started at Nevermore and we first met, have you seen a change in me?" I ask him wanting to know his view on me. 

"I've seen you have some character development. You're not as cold as you first were but you still can be. Why are you asking?" He tells me.

"In my session today... Dr. Kinbott asked me do I ever see myself in love, marriage, having a family. I said unlike my sister yes but it's hard to find someone can put up with me, that can handle me, that can match my energy, or at least add to it. Won't judge me for things either. And she said she's sure there's someone out there that will be perfect for me. Since I finally found a school that understands me and I've made friends easily. I have a therapist that has cracked yet. So that got me thinking since she was right about everything she said... Am I turning even more softer being here? Is Nevermore really changing me as a person."

"Maybe going to Nevermore has changed you a little or just helped you become a better you without realizing it. You finally find where you belong and feel comfortable being yourself without being judged. Like you found a second home and family... I wish something like that can happen to me. I hate being stuck here. My relationship with my father has been distant since my mother passed. He never wants to talk about her which makes me think he never loved her. I have no other friends. I dropped the only friends I had because that reminds me of the me I don't want to be and they wouldn't be any help to change. Sorry, I made this all about me." Tyler stops his rambling.

"No, it's fine. Remember I said I wanted to know the whole you and that means you thoughts and feelings. But you're right about me finding a second home and family at Nevermore... And having not friends isn't that bad, I never had any before coming here. Like Kinbott told me about people, things, and places for you... I'm sure you'll find whatever that makes you feel better and at home. I can't help you with the whole relationship with your father but I am a hell of a loyal friend." I say as we pull up to Nevermore. 

"You're the only person besides a therapist that listens to me. Thank you."

"Welcome, and never tell anyone I was this caring and open to you or you'll regret it." I give him a glare.

"Cross my heart." He laughs.