A/N: Thank you all for your feedback, your support really means a lot! Hope you're all safe and healthy!

We are on the home stretch with this story, so to speak. There's only one chapter left after this one and an epilogue.

Chapter 24

He could tell it was still awfully early even without looking at the clock at the bedside table and he's been awake for a while now, probably close to an hour, or maybe less he couldn't really tell, time was a peculiar concept anyway.

He felt peculiar as well, neither rested nor tired even though he couldn't have slept more than five hours.

Perhaps it was his guilt that was keeping him awake because he didn't tell Morticia that he was an unwilling witness to her conversation with Francois, thanks to Mama's devil-knows-where-she-got-them-from-listening devices which, incidentally, they will have to have a talk with Mama about because it was getting plain ridiculous and simply outrageous. Spying on one's neighbours or one's government was one thing, spying on one's family was quite another. Still, he did feel a little guilty about eavesdropping, although perhaps less guilty than he decently should. He could blame Mama... but then it's not like Mama tied him to a chair and forced him to listen, he could have left the kitchen but he didn't.

He didn't because… the ridiculous thing was that…ugh... the guy, Francois, made him feel pathetically insecure and he just couldn't find it in himself to admit it to anyone. Even though he knew it was all in his head and he shouldn't - logically - he shouldn't feel so insecure because, after all, Morticia chose him and it's not like she ever wanted to marry Francois in the first place. So logically, logically he shouldn't feel so insecure but then again, logic and Gomez Addams rarely crossed paths when it came to the matters of the heart.

He was grateful and jealous, or perhaps grateful but jealous. He was genuinely grateful that Francois managed to somewhat appease Morticia's fears about the situation, that he managed to ground her in the conviction that she's done nothing wrong, that she had every right to live her own life and yet… it bothered him that he, her own husband, wasn't able to get through to her like that. In the early hours of this morning, it occurred to him that maybe Mama was right and that Chalon was indeed the better man for her and say, if their roles were reversed, would Gomez be able to let Morticia go to be happy with another man?

No, plain and simple no.

Or rather yes, he would. Oh God, shut up you mad, jealous Castilian, why was he even thinking about it? They were together, they were married, what more could he -

Of course, he would never force her to be with him if she chose another man...but he would die without her.

He couldn't help but let out a loud, exasperated sigh. He really wished his brain had a switch-off button.

Alas, in the absence of a switch-off mechanism, he couldn't help but wonder that if he had to ever let her go, if she'd chosen Francois over him he truly doubted he would survive another day. If he had to let her go, he would, even though the mere thought was to him unbearable. He would let her go because her happiness mattered to him the most but then he would die. He would die without her because that's how he loved her, to the point where he would gladly spend every minute of every day for the rest of eternity in her company. She was the oxygen of his life, the beat of his heart...hell, how cliche it sounded, even for him, but it was the honest truth. She was his life and he couldn't imagine anything beyond her.

He turned carefully towards her sleeping form and twirled Morticia's silky tresses gently around his fingers, as to not to wake her up just yet. God, he loved her hair and what a needy, pathetic creature he's become. Maybe Morticia was right, maybe the way they loved each other was too much. Mad and obsessive. And then again, what was the choice? He couldn't imagine loving her any other way, he couldn't imagine living a life where she wouldn't be at the centre of his existence.

He pressed the silky lock to his lips, placing a butterfly kiss to it, focusing on its softness, blocking the unwelcome thoughts - the anxious ifs. He's suddenly decided that he wanted to get away for those few days perhaps even more than Morticia, the sooner the better.

Also, he sighed wearily, he most definitely needed a lock on their bedroom door, he decided as he heard the unmistakable sound of scratching, then the door opening and, of-bloody-course, Kitty marched in proudly and promptly jumped at the foot of the bed to lie down with them. That fluffy devil, sorry excuse for a lion came and went as he pleased like he owned the place. Actually, Gomez started to suspect Kitty really thought this was his house and they were all his pets, not the other way around.

Oh well, they might as well start this day and leave early for the lake cabin. With that thought in mind, he took Morticia's hand and placed a firm kiss to it. He watched as her eyelids fluttered and she smiled at him softly...and then frowned at him.

"Gomez," she murmured in her sleep-laden voice.

"Rise and shine, querida" he chirped jovially.

"Don't utter such profanities in my presence," she muttered, blinking the haze of sleep from her eyes and then frowned again."Why are you up so early?" she asked, snuggling back into her pillow. "What time is it anyway?"

"Five o'clock."

"In the morning?"

"Very much in the morning."

"What the devil, darling...why are you doing this to me?" she moaned and purposely turned on the other side, covering her head with the duvet.

"Doing what?" He asked innocently and tried not to laugh when his usually highly sophisticated wife let out an unusually highly unsophisticated growl.

"Gomez…"

"I thought of a rather brilliant idea, cara mia -" he announced, propping his back against the headboard and reached for the box with his cigar.

"At five o'clock in the morning?"

"I thought it would be grand if we could leave earlier -"

"At five o'clock, darling?"

"Any why not?"

"Good night, Gomez."

"We leave early," he said casually."No chance of getting delayed again."

She blinked slowly and then removed the duvet from over her head and turned towards him in disbelief.

"Gomez Addams, you... jealous maniac,"

"I'm not jealous," he denied promptly."I just want to leave early before the heat of the day and -"

"Jealous. Maniac," she pressed."I can't believe you woke me up at this ungodly hour because you feel je-"

"Kitty," he interjected, addressing the cub purposely and the pet immediately lifted his head, wriggling his tail excitedly.

"Gomez don't you dare -"

"Mommy needs help waking up... pronto," he said and nodded his head towards Morticia who promptly tried to cover herself with the duvet but it was of no use as Kitty was on top of her in a flash.

"Gomez no...ugh, Kitty… you traitor," Morticia complained wrinkling her nose and turned her face away as the lion proceeded to lick her face quite ardently."Stop it, this is disgusting."

"Why, darling," Gomez deadpanned, slowly puffing his cigar." What a hurtful thing to say...how can you resist this adorable ball of fluff?"

Owing to the fact that they were all somewhat accustomed to Gomez's peculiar behaviour, neither Eudora nor Fester saw anything all that unusual when Gomez practically swallowed his breakfast without chewing and gulped his coffee in one go before Morticia had a chance to lift the cup from the saucer, so eager was her husband to get them all ready for the journey. Until Morticia, obviously still half-asleep, muttered about the reason for her husband's frantic behaviour.

Eudora Addams did not think it was possible to look annoyed, pleased and amused at the same time but looking across the breakfast table at her daughter-in-law, there was no doubt that Morticia Addams managed to accomplish just that.

"All I said was that he was a nice chap," Eudora assured before adding casually."And that it's a pity it didn't work out between the two of you," she explained eliciting a roar of laughter from her eldest son.

"Always the queen of subtlety, aren't you, Mama?" he commented amused from behind the morning newspaper.

"How is it my fault that Gomez takes it as a personal affront?" she asked, raising her both hands in an open gesture as if she was beyond bemused by Fester's words.

"He read between the lines?"

"Oh, don't be silly, darling," Eudora huffed dismissively."Obviously, he knows I'm delighted it didn't work out between Morticia and Chalon but one had to admit he's a one, splendid fellow."

Morticia couldn't help but smile and shook her head good-naturedly. There was no doubt that her mother-in-law was not in the habit to mince her words nor did she sugarcoat her opinions, especially when it came to her youngest son and she usually appreciated her honesty but...really -

"I wish you wouldn't share such thoughts with Gomez, Mama," she said gently, curling her fingers around her cup of coffee. "There's enough jealousy in him without stroking the fire."

"Well, that's true," Eudora agreed."I like teasing him about it, though," she admitted with a wild smile."It's like karma for all those years of jumping from one flower to another. Let me enjoy it," she added and was pleased to notice that Morticia's eyes sparked with amusement. She was so happy to see Morticia in such a lighter mood.

"Why are you all up so early, anyway?" Morticia muttered instead into her cup, she was still barely awake but she had to admit it felt good to finally have a less dramatic topic of conversation at the breakfast table. She was also pleased to notice that the swelling on her face was mostly gone, with the exception of still visible bruises that, although thanks to Eudora's ointment faded quite significantly, still contrasted sharply with her pale skin. Nevertheless, she looked much better and that, in turn, made her feel much better.

"It's six-thirty in the morning, "Mama pointed out.

"Exactly."

"We're always up at this time," she said.

"Really?" Morticia asked, wrinkling her brow in disbelief."My body clock doesn't even recognize any hour before nine am." It was true. She was sure that any time before nine o'clock in the morning her body operated solely on a copious amount of coffee and sheer willpower.

Fester snorted in amusement...more amusement that she thought her comment warranted and Morticia frowned at him gently in amounting suspicion.

"What's so funny?" she asked.

"Oh...marriage announcements," he replied brazenly.

"Why do I have a feeling I'm not going to exactly like it?"

Fester cleared his throat and smiled at her before reading in his gruff, amused tone.

"We are delighted to announce the marriage between Mr Gomez Addams and Miss Morticia Frump," he read jovially." The marriage took place on...blah, blah, blah... we are absolutely thrilled to welcome Morticia to the family. We all wish Gomez and Morticia many happily miserable years together."

"Nice," Eudora nodded thoughtfully, biting on her peace of stale bread."That's half of the society matrons choked on their breakfast biscuits today."

Morticia couldn't help but snort gently into her coffee.

"Nothing says summer season like a good scandal, doesn't it?" she quipped.

"Yes, indeed," her mother-in-law nodded in agreement and took the newspaper from Fester to look at it."Ah, just look at that, half a page ...this has Constance's fingerprints all over it," Eudora assessed affectionately.

"Yep," Fester nodded and turned towards Morticia."Welcome to the family, Morticia. Officially."

"Ha ha," she replied but regarded him affectionately.

"Damn, too bad we couldn't see the face of that Diamond woman when she read it."

"Which one?" Morticia asked lightly, even though the thought of her sister reading this announcement was not exactly amusing. Although truth be told, it wasn't exactly solemn either. She was neither ashamed nor remorseful about this marriage and she certainly wasn't going to hide it. In fact, she came to the conclusion that the sooner it became common knowledge the better. Francois was right, she had to show Ophelia that this was going to be permanent, that there was no going back, regardless of the consequences.

"The old bat, of course," Fester replied and his mother let out a sarcastic snort.

"Dear Dorothy cut her teeth on social scandals," Eudora pointed out, still glancing at the paper."I doubt it that it will hurt any of her five feelings," she deadpanned.

"Fine assessment, Mama," Morticia agreed, biting her cheeks, highly amused."I didn't know you were so intimately acquainted," she teased.

"Ah, well...I considered turning her into a komodo dragon once or twice," she admitted.

"Now look at that, what a coincidence, so did I," Morticia quipped."Although I reckon she would also make a lovely perentie."

Her mother-in-law turned towards her with widened eyes, as if delighted with the idea and pointed at her with her index finger.

"Very true," she said appreciatively.

"Both of you are simply outrageous," Fester scolded half-heartedly, shaking her head." I'm very disappointed in both of you. It's more than obvious that Mrs Diamond would make an ideal gila monster."

Ophelia Diamond leaned back in her chair and took a deep breath in an attempt to collect her thoughts. There were so many things to think about, to take care of, in the light of the event of the past few days. As if the fact that her husband was in the intensive care unit wasn't worrying enough, as if this fact alone didn't gnaw at her insides making her almost sick with guilt. Her own husband had to suffer such despicable abuse at the hands of that bloody psychopath and all because of her sister.

God, she felt like such a fool, a complete idiot. Stupid, stupid, utter fool.

She didn't have the luxury to wallow in those thoughts, though, because it turned out there were certain logistics to be taken care of, owing to the fact that her husband was now incapacitated for God only knew how long. Apparently, one could be dying in the hospital bed but the business did not stop and it wasn't going to wait. Hence, here she was, taking care of logistics such as cancelling or otherwise postponing Jared's business appointment and concocting a nice, plausible conglomeration of lies, some larger than others but all necessarily. Yes, it was an awful accident, yes Jared was driving on his own, no, we don't know where exactly, yes, it's a very trying time for our family, thank you for your support. No, of course, we won't let that affect the business.

On the other hand, what were they supposed to say? The truth? Unthinkable.

"Mama, look," her son's adorable, little voice interrupted her thoughts and she peered obediently at the piece of paper he was currently colouring.

"It's lovely, baby," she praised, looking at the paper that was now scribbled entirely with all the colours imaginable. Well, at least it wasn't all black."What is it?"

"A flower," Charlie announced like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Wow," Ophelia smiled."That's a very colourful flower, well done."

"For Granny Frump, yes mama?"

She blinked, utterly taken aback.

"Aww, you're so sweet," she cooed at him, kissing his cheek."She'll love it. She loves flowers."

She was touched but surprised by the gesture. Although she made sure to take Charlie regularly for the visits to her mother it was the first time he referred to her without her prompting it beforehand. She usually had to remind him who the person in the hospital was because her mother never paid Charlie any interest at all.

"All grannies love flowers, mama?"

"I don't know," she smiled at him again, smoothing his blond hair. He needed a haircut." Your grannies definitely love flowers"

"But no kicking ball on flowers - no, no," he recited with an adorable frown, shaking his head.

"No, definitely no kicking ball on flowers," she agreed, amused.

"And Tishy loves flowers but no head, chop, chop, chop, yes mama?" the boy mused."Chop, chop, snap snap, off with the head," he exclaimed, waving enthusiastically with the yellow crayon above his head like a sword and Ophelia couldn't help but smile.

No one has ever managed to convince her sister that flowers are supposed to bloom and you were not supposed to chop it off. Morticia always thought it to be the most ridiculous idea in the world. God, how many times she caught Morticia and Charlie cutting the rosebuds off in the garden… now it seemed like a lifetime ago, almost a different reality.

"I have just called the hospital," Dorothy announced, entering the garden again."He had a peaceful night, he woke up today briefly but they have him on very strong painkillers so he's very groggy and sleeps most of the time."

"That's good," Ophelia nodded solemnly.

"Granny look, flower," Charlie interjected happily, showing off his picture.

"Well, look at that, what a beautiful picture," Dorothy praised her grandson and smiled at him softly before turning towards Ophelia again."They're keeping him on the ICU for the time being, though," she added, sitting in the wicker chair opposite Ophelia."The nurse said the police asked for our details so they will be in contact soon," she informed her solemnly."Probably later today."

"Fantastic," she muttered in resignation."What shall I tell them?"

"You? Nothing," Dorothy replied calmly."You've had enough stress as it is. I'll speak to them."

"Thank you," Ophelia said wearily, rubbing her forehead tiredly."I really don't have the energy for that. Cynthia managed to cancel or postpone most of Jared's appointments, except two."

"Which ones?"

Ophelia glanced through the leather-bound diary in her hands, flipping a few pages.

"Tomorrow at half-past two with Wolfe, Jared said they were discussing the sell of the restaurant building we're currently renting him," she informed her."I think they've had some difference of opinion in regards to the price."

"Ah, that place," Dorothy nodded knowingly.

"The other one is with the lawyers to sign the lease agreement," Ophelia continued."Cynthia was reluctant to postpone those, she said Jared flagged them as a priority but - "she paused and shrugged."I don't know what to do."

"Why don't you go instead?" Dorothy proposed.

Ophelia blinked and her brows furrowed in confusion.

"Go to… Jared's business meetings?"

"I know it's not ideal and you know I would rather you wouldn't have to do that but - " she paused and shrugged gently."You've sat through enough business dinners to know how it works and you're a good friend with Wolfe's daughter, aren't you?"

"Yes, her son attends the same Montessori day school as Charlie but I doubt it would matter," she replied, resting her palms on to her pregnant stomach.

"Don't underestimate the connections or the power of the feminine charm, my dear," Dorothy said knowingly. "There's a reason Jared asked you to organize all those soirées."

Ophelia sent her a small smile. Dorothy was right, though, just because she wasn't openly involved in her husband's business ventures, didn't mean she was completely clueless about the mechanics of making a good deal. She just didn't think she had energy for it at this point.

"I thought you despised the thought of female employment?" she pointed out, after all, she and Jared heard an almost endless litany of protestations when Morticia started her work.

"Now, now...business ventures are not exactly employment," Dorothy contradicted promptly with an audible huff."Besides, this is family business, nothing wrong in dabbing in those... occasionally."

Ophelia smiled inwardly at the explanation but didn't reply. Gods, she felt so tired, she had no idea how she was managing to keep her eyes open. She must be still riding off on the adrenaline.

"Try to relax," Dorothy urged."Go and get some rest. You need to think about yourself and the baby."

Ophelia almost snorted at the suggestion.

"How?" she asked incredulously."Have you seen today's papers?"

Dorothy frowned gently, glancing at the folded newspaper on the table next to Ophelia.

"Not yet, why?"

Ophelia opened the page and slid it across the table. She watched her mother-in-law scan the writing and arch her eyebrows in surprise.

"She's got a nerve, I have to give her that," she commented sardonically.

"I still can't believe I was such a blind idiot about her," Ophelia whispered."I actually felt sorry for her."

"Oh, forget about her," she sneered."She's made her bed."

"No, I still want to speak to her."

"I can't imagine why?"

"What do you mean why?"

Dorothy took a deep breath and looked briefly away as if making sure there was no one to eavesdrop on them, before leaning forwards slightly towards Ophelia.

"If I were you, my dear," she said in a slow deliberate manner." I would sever all contact with her."

Ophelia couldn't help but wince at the idea.

"And what would that achieve?" she asked.

"Let her see exactly the consequences of her actions," Dorothy said."Hit her where it will hurt most," she proposed, nodding her head towards the little boy."Tell her that you want nothing to do with her. Forbid her all contact with Charlie."

Ophelia shook her head immediately. It was absolutely out of the question, the idea was beyond cruel. No matter what the situation between them was, Charlie should not burn any burden of it.

"Charlie adores her, he's been asking about her every day," she replied."And Morticia loves him so much, I could never -"

"But that's exactly the point," Dorothy said fervently.

"Easier said than done."

"Perhaps... but it will give her a taste of things to come," Dorothy admitted."She wants to play the hard game? Well... this is it."

"Mother, I can't do that - " she retorted but paused when she heard a loud cough.

"I beg your pardon, mesdames," Dorothy's butler said politely, holding the black phone in his left hand and a receiver on the right."Monsieur Chalon," he informed and almost took an involuntary step back when Ophelia turned toward him sharply.

"Please tell him I'm not here," she informed him loud enough for Francois to hopefully hear it over the phone."Better yet, tell him to go to the devil."

"Yes, Mrs Diamond," the butler replied politely."Hello? Yes sir, Mrs Diamond kindly requests that you go to the devil," he deadpanned and for a few moments Ophelia heard only vague hmmm and mhmm." Yes sir, I believe so, " he added." Thank you, sir…. I shall, of course, pass the message. Good day to you too, sir."

Both women watched him replace the receiver and regard them politely.

"Well?" Ophelia urged somewhat impatiently."What did he say?"

The butler cleared his throat gently before recounting in a smooth, deadpan manner:

"That he's quite certain that he's visited the devil just yesterday, madam, and it would be a great imposition on his part to visit again on such short notice."

The journey to the lakeside turned out to be quicker than they expected, despite the...ehm...a pre-journey mishap, courtesy of Kitty. Morticia was made to promise her husband to never ever mention the said incident anywhere and to anyone and Eudora Addams almost choke with laughter. Morticia thought the whole thing was funny and adorable but a wife's promise was a wife's promise, although surely her husband wasn't naive enough to think that Mama would not spill the beans within fifteen seconds after they've left the Addams mansion.

The cottage greeted them with its usual, pleasant shade provided by the thick array of trees and Kitty darted from the car and towards the lake quicker than Gomez managed to open the door. The cub jumped over Morticia's legs and outside.

"He has no manners whatsoever," Morticia complained good-naturedly, rolling her eyes to high heavens before accepting her husband's outstretched hand and gracefully stepped out of the car.

"Told you," he smirked as they watched Kitty make a wild run… straight into the lake and a moment later they could hear his terrified shriek."I can't believe him - "

"Kitty!" Morticia called after him shaking her head in disbelief."Don't you have any sense of self-preservation, you doofus?"

"I assume it's a rhetorical question, querida," her husband quipped next to her as they calmly observed as the completely soaked lion cub made his way back when he froze in a sudden motion before pouncing at what, Gomez was pretty sure, was some innocent fly."How would that pea-brain survive in the wilderness?" he asked out loud before he could stop himself and, unsurprisingly, was rewarded with a gentle slap on his arm.

"Stop being mean to him," Morticia scolded."He's not a pea-brain, he's a baby. He has to learn his survival skills."

Gomez snorted loudly.

"This one? Survival skills?" he asked mockingly, earning himself another light slap.

"He's precious," Morticia insisted but smiled at him when he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her gently towards him.

"I'm precious," he replied cheekily, promptly placing a soft kiss on her smiling lips before she had a chance to say anything."Hungry?"

"A bit," she responded slowly before capturing his lips in another kiss and was pleased when it elicited a low moan at the back of his throat. She was about to explore that farther when she felt him stiffen and he broke their kiss, letting out a somewhat uncomfortable cough.

"Let's have some lunch," he proposed before she had a chance to ask what the matter was."You will have the unique opportunity of tasting the culinary genius of your beloved husband."

"Hmmm, sounds like an enticing prospect," she replied, trying her best to keep the disappointment from her voice and rested her palms against his broad chest. She had every intention of kissing him again but she felt him tense slightly again and he let out a gentle cough before placing a small kiss to the inside of her wrist. She couldn't help but frown in bemusement.

"Come on," he urged gently."Let's have some coffee first and we can go about some lunch."

Morticia smiled over her freshly brewed cup of coffee as she sat on the kitchen counter, her feet bare, dangling blithely. Kitty still outside, ferociously hunting flies or whatever the hell he thought he was hunting.

It was amazing how good this place made her feel, even mere moments after arriving, although the man next to her undoubtedly had something to do with that as well. Still, the place itself, so close to nature, dark and desolate was undeniably soothing and it was all too easy to forget that there was something else outside the spectrum of this glorious tranquillity. Here, with the most wonderful, delightfully mad Castillian - she absolutely loved it, just the two of them. She felt unapologetically content as she watched her beloved husband performing a wonderfully exaggerated, almost theatrical act of cooking them lunch - as theatrical as cooking could get, she supposed, since he was also singing an opera, although she had no idea which one because she didn't really know much about operas nor had she never had an opportunity to see any. Something her husband was apparently intended to rectify at the nearest opportunity.

"We shall see Mozart first, of course," he announced, chopping some withered spring onions into fine pieces before adding them to the large pan where they sizzled loudly with the rest of ingredients. He refused to tell her what the dish was going to be.

"Why Mozart?"

"The Magic Flute is my favourite opera," he explained."I have seen it eleven times."

She raised her in surprise.

"Eleven times?" she repeated, she didn't think she even has seen the opera house this many times. Her father wanted to take her once when she was twelve but at that age, she had exactly zero interest in seeing any operas at all. All she wanted to do was concoct magic potions, tend to her garden and her animals and, of course, travel to the wildest corners of the Earth. The only interest in music she had was her violin, although she mostly played it to please he mother who often asked her to play Vivaldi's L'inverno Largo, so many times that Morticia was sure she could still play it by heart without so much as glancing at the notes. Even though it's been years since she played the violin because there were too many memories attached to it and she had no emotional strength to revisit those.

"I try to see it in every city I visit," he admitted, interrupting her little musings.

"I always wanted to see Eugene Onegin," she mentioned lightly.

"Ah, you can never go wrong with Tchaikovsky," he agreed, smiling at her as if pleased with her reply."Magnificent talent."

"My grandmother had records of his operas," she told him."But Onegin was the only one I've ever heard, she played it only once when we were visiting and I found it beautiful," she said, taking a sip of her coffee." I swear when it comes to music and literature the French love all things Russian."

"Was you grandmother's French?" he asked, stirring the onions gently, quite unable to hide the curiosity from his voice and watched her nod.

"All my mother's side is French," she said."My mother was the first person in the family to marry a foreigner actually."

"Really?" he frowned, somewhat surprised."She doesn't speak with an accent."

"They used to live in America for years before moving back to France," she explained."She went to a high school in America."

"Did she? Where?"

She frowned at the question.

"I don't know, actually," she replied."I've never asked," she admitted somewhat sheepishly but smiled when he laughed at her response.

"You don't speak French to her though," he pointed out.

"No, we spoke English at home all the time," she confirmed."My father's American and his French was…," she paused, then wrinkled her nose and laughed gently."Well, not so great, he never really learnt it to have a decent conversation… perhaps because he was away so much... I don't know, but Mother decided it would be best if we used English at home, we spoke French with everyone else anyway."

He smiled at her, pleased with that new insight into the mystery that was Morticia Addams. He loved finding these new things about her and he absolutely adored the fact that she was increasingly more open with him.

"We shall see Onegin first then," he decided and she smiled at him softly."But I want you to see The Magic Flute as well, I just know you will love it," he said and then turned towards her, wooden spatula in hand."Although, if you don't then please, please, pretend you do, don't break my heart," he added and she could not help but laugh at the utter seriousness of his tone.

"Oh, I promise," she grinned at him."I would never break your heart like that, mon amour."

He tilted his head back and let out a low growl at the back of his throat before grabbing her hand, almost making her spill her coffee in the process, and pressed a firm kiss to the smooth skin of her hand.

"The rules, querida," he reminded her in a faux exasperated manner."No French while I'm cooking or we'll starve...you know what your French does to me."

"It's far too tempting to tempt you, though," she retorted teasingly.

"Vixen," he said and shook his head but, to her disappointment, he didn't proceed any further. Instead, he placed one last, chaste kiss to her black lace-cladded arm before returning to cooking again.

She cleared her throat gently and smiled at him, deciding promptly that she wasn't going to ruin the moment by letting the disappointment seep into her heart. Even though his behaviour was indeed peculiar.

"Smells delicious," she commented appreciatively.

"Snail paella - the Addams style," he revealed proudly as he seasoned the dish in the large pan.

"Your mother's recipe?"

"My grandmama's," he admitted."But I've perfected it," he added proudly, eliciting an amused laugh out of her."Just wait till you taste it."

"You're so perfectly domesticated, darling," she teased.

"I like cooking," he said simply." It's a valuable skill… besides," he added with a mischievous gleam in his eyes." Everyone knows women love men that cook."

She laughed then, heartily, tilting her head gently back before regarding him again with an amused look.

"Oh, do they, now?" she grinned at him.

"No woman can resist a man in the kitchen," he insisted, making her laugh again.

"Hmmm," she mused, tilting her head to the side and then grabbed gently the rolled sleeve of his black shirt at the crook of his elbow and pulled him firmly towards her until he was standing in between her legs."Care to test that theory?" she whispered against his lips and smiled when she felt his breath quicken and his hand sneak under her dress but it got no higher than her calf when she heard him swallow heavily.

"Stop distracting the cook, you vixen," he teased gently and placed a soft kiss to her forehead. He was about to return to cooking but she fisted her hand into his shirt, effectively halting his movement and he looked at her quizzically.

"Don't do that," she said firmly, her tone surprisingly hurt.

"Do what?" he asked gently, obviously confused.

She frowned and pressed her lips together into a thin line.

"Trying not to touch me...you know...intimately," she explained and watched him look away briefly."It hurts me that you…," she paused and swallowed heavily." I hate that you treat me differently because of…," she frowned and motioned vaguely to her face."This."

His eyes widened at her accusation and he immediately shook his head.

"No, God, Tish I would never… don't ever think that," he denied promptly."I'm not -"

"What is it, then?" she asked and watched him draw his lower lip in between his teeth and look away briefly again.

"I don't want you to feel... pressured," he explained finally, placing both palms of his on her knees and gave it a gentle, reassuring squeeze."I want to give you space to... heal. I don't want to pressure you into something you might not feel quite ready for," he continued.

"You're not pressuring me," she assured." You never did."

"This is different, you need -"

"I need you, I need this intimacy with you, I want it to be normal," she interjected, suddenly upset."Don't treat me like I'm…," she paused, frowning gently before adding somewhat angrily: "I'm not damaged, I don't -."

"No Tish, it's not...I don't think that, I swear," he retorted fervently." What he's done doesn't change the way I feel about you… nothing can ever change it," he assured before taking her coffee off her hands and placed it gently on the counter beside her."If you only knew…," he whispered hoarsely, framing her face between his hands and kissed her firmly before slipping his hands in between her silky tresses and rested his forehead against her." If you only knew how much I want you, how much I yearn for you, cara, all the time... day and night. Don't ever think...even for a split second...that anyone or anything can change that, I will always desire you. Forever. You can't ever doubt that."

"Forever?" she asked a little facetiously, even though her throat felt constricted by the sheer love and passion for her laced in his voice. "Will you never get bored with me?"

"Bored?" he laughed hoarsely like it was the most ridiculous thing he's ever heard."God, Tish, do you have any idea how...how I burn for you," he swallowed heavily."There's not a moment when I can get enough of you...you're sacred, you're...you're everything. If I could I'd spend every moment of every day with you, I swear. I love you so much, sometimes I feel like I can't breathe without you."

"Mon savage," she whispered tenderly, capturing his lips in a loving kiss and heard him moan ardently.

"Don't do that," he begged in a strangled whisper."I can't," he moaned, pressing his head into the crook of her neck, painfully aware that his self-control was rapidly slipping away."We can wait...we don't have to -"

"No," she agreed and slid her finger under his chin, lifting his head from her arm until he looked straight at her and she leaned forward to place a loving kiss on his lips and whispered softly: "I want to."

The rapid, angry sound of high-heels reverberated through the hospital corridors as Ophelia made her way to her mother's room. It was convenient that she practically knew the way by heart because she was barely paying any attention to where she was going, mentally going through the list of things she still had to do today.

On top of everything, Charlie, who was usually happy as a clam to stay with Dorothy, threw an absolute tantrum because he just had to, had to visit Granny Frump and give her the picture he's drawn for her. Except Ophelia had two business meetings she had to attend and there was no way she could take her two-and-a-half-year-old with her. It didn't do any good that she promised to take him to granny next time and she could still hear his wailing when she got into the car.

"Mrs Diamond," the familiar voice called behind her, the moment Ophelia stepped inside the hall leading to her mother's room, and she forced a smile on her face.

"Doctor," she greeted politely as turned towards him."Good to see you, again."

"And you," he replied with a friendly smile."It's been an exciting few days, hasn't it?" he mentioned knowingly.

Oh, small talk, how wonderful. Nothing's better than a useless prattle when one is pressed for time.

"Has it?" she asked casually because what on earth was the man talking about? Exciting the last epithet she would use to describe the last few days but surely he didn't mean -

"Well, with your sister's wedding and all," he explained."I've already had an opportunity to meet your brother-in-law, what a splendid fellow. It's such a delight to see two people so happily in love, don't you agree?"

It took absolutely all of her will power to remain stoic and not to grit her teeth. Well, Morticia was obviously inclined to piss the hell out of her.

"Indeed," she agreed and forced a smile.

"As a matter of fact, I have spoken to your sister just yesterday," he continued jovially."I don't know if she's mentioned it?"

"She hasn't."

"I see. Well, I'm pleased to say that we've received all the details from Mr Addams' accountant," he recounted in a content manner." Rosemary, the nurse who'll look after your mother, arrived this Tuesday, your mother took very well to her and so... we're ready to start as soon as you're all ready."

"That's wonderful news," she said."How is mother today?"

"Well, we are still keeping the dosage high as agreed until we're in a more controlled environment but I'm very hopeful about her treatment."

"That's good to hear," she said."Well, I'll let you go, Doctor, I'm sure you have lots of things to do," she added gently with an air of finality and hope that he will please, please just take the hint and let her go about her business.

"Indeed," he smiled."Being constantly busy comes with the occupation, I'm afraid. In any case, we will finalise the details as soon as your sister's back but of course, you can come and see me any time."

He hell we will, she thought but smiled warmly.

"Thank you, I appreciate that."

"I will see you soon then," he added."Please send my greetings to your husband as well."

"I will, thank you," she assured and watched him make his way back to… well wherever he was going and she sighed tiredly.

He's already met her brother-in-law… good Lord the audacity that girl had was unbelievable. Absolutely astonishing. It was increasingly obvious that whatever Ophelia thought she knew about Morticia was nothing but an illusion. A lie. The only thing she knew for sure that her sister was indeed an excellent actress to be able to put the wool over her eyes for so long. Or perhaps Ophelia was just a complete and utter idiot because it seemed that everyone saw through Morticia's act, except herself.

Ophelia was about to knock gently to announce herself when the unusual sound came through the door to her mother's room and she frowned, for a moment completely stunned, utterly sure her ears were deceiving her.

Laughter.

Her mother was laughing. Well, the doctor did not exaggerate when he said his mother got along nicely with her new nurse. At least, something positive among this whole mess.

"And he was so happy about this trip, the poor pet, he peed all over Gomez's shoes," the familiar voice recounted and her mother laughed jovially.

Ophelia compressed her lips into a thin line. Unbelievable.

Truly.

Un-fucking-believable.

"Ah, that's a good one," Hester replied, smiling wildly but then frowned."Who's Gomez again?"

"Your son-in-law," Eudora reminded lightly."Morticia's husband."

"Ah, that's right."

The door opened and both women looked up.

"Hello, Mama," Ophelia greeted and smiled when her mother greeted her back but her smile vanished instantly upon seeing the person sitting on the chair next to her mother's."Mrs Addams, what a surprise."

Eudora Addams regarded her with a politely neutral expression as she slowly sipped her hot beverage.

"Mrs Diamond," she greeted her

"Ophelia," her mother said gently."Have you met my friend?" She turned towards Eudora and faltered, furrowing her brows.

"Eudora," Eudora reminded her with a kind smile.

"That's right...Eudora," Hester nodded."I keep forgetting, you must forgive me."

"Oh, don't be silly," Eudora retorted lightly with a slight wave of her hand."It turned out that your mother is an old friend of mine. Small world."

"Tiny," Ophelia replied frostily.

"We went to the same high school," Eudora revealed and her lips curled in a gentle smile.

Ophelia bit into her lips so hard she was certain they'll bleed. Was this some kind of a joke? It had to be, this utter...fuckery couldn't be really happening to her.

"Eudora's been so kind, keeping me company these past few days," her mother smiled happily." And she even brought a henbane tea, I haven't had a henbane tea in...well I really can't remember how long."

"Yes, it's very kind of her, " Ophelia said tensely." How are you today, Mama?"

"Well," her mother replied."Quite well."

"That's good," Ophelia smiled."Did you have your walk today?"

"I… I think so...I really can't remember, dear," her mother replied slowly, frowning gently."I must have. Would you care for some henbane tea? It's truly delightful."

"No, thank you, Mama, I already had one today," she lied, watching the Addams matriarch intently.

"Well," Eudora said gently, pushing herself forward and patted Hester's hand gently." I shall leave you two together, then."

"But you must visit tomorrow again," Hester insisted, wrapping her bony hand around Eudora's.

"But of course I will," Eudora assured, setting her empty cup on the saucer."I'll bring some frog pie to accompany the tea, I tell you it's to die for. My recipe, of course."

"Sounds marvellous."

"Hold on," Ophelia interjected sharply."Mama, forgive me, I just want to have a quick word with a... ehm...your friend."

"Well, of course, dear," her mother smiled at her softly.

Eudora didn't say a word but was merely watching her expectantly as they made her way outside the room.

"Where's Morticia?" Ophelia asked, still holding one hand on the door handle.

"They went away for a few days," Eudora replied smoothly."Her and Gomez."

"Oh of course," Ophelia replied sardonically, crossing her arms against her middle."What a splendid time for a vacation. Oh pardon me, a honeymoon isn't it?"

"A well-deserved rest, I would say," Eudora corrected, completely unperturbed by the frost in younger's woman voice.

"Yes, I imagine sending my husband to an intensive care unit must have been quite taxing on his energy."

"Ah...well, it wasn't exactly undeserved now, was it?"

"Undeserved?" Ophelia snapped."I see my sister managed to fool you as well."

Eudora frowned, not exactly sure what to make of such a bizarre statement. Fool her?

"I take it you disapprove of your new brother-in-law?"

"I disapprove of an animal who abused my husband," she retorted sharply.

"But not the one who abused your sister?"

"I'm not condoning what he's done - "

"Seems like you do."

"I don't and please do not put words in my mouth," Ophelia almost hissed."Whatever went between Morticia and Jared was no excuse for your son to come to my own house and play the judge, the jury and the executioner."

Eudora stayed silent for a moment, staring at the young woman intently.

"It seems to me, my dear Mrs Diamond," she said finally."That you're under quite a significant amount of misinformation. Perhaps it would be more prudent to speak to your sister first and get her side of the story before passing any judgement."

"Sound advice," Ophelia agreed sternly."What a pity your son did not follow it."

"I believe your sister ending up in the hospital was enough in terms of evidence."

"Oh yes, I concur," Ophelia retorted sardonically." Nobody cries the victim better than my sister."

"Your bloody husband had no right to raise his hand against her," Eudora replied sharply. Getting progressively irritated with Ophelias behaviour." And I can't believe you have the audacity to stand here and try to put blame on Morticia."

"You're only so outraged because you don' know what my little sister is really like -"

"Let me cut this ridiculous conversation short because I have no time nor patience to listen to this utter absurd sprouting from your mouth," Eudora interjected angrily and watched Ophelia's jaw contract in fury." If you believe in anything you've just said then you obviously know not a damn thing about Morticia."

"Oh, and you think you know her better than me?" Ophelia asked condescendingly."You're in for a nasty surprise, I can promise you that."

Eudora was about to offer the young woman a tart reply but thought better of it. Not that Ophelia didn't deserve it, but she doubted Morticia would appreciate it one bit, well-meaning as it might be. It was clear, though, that what Morticia was so afraid of was very much present in Ophelia's behaviour and it didn't bode well for their upcoming conversation, to put it lightly. Eudora knew how much Morticia counted on resolving this situation, despite the difficult circumstances, and her heart broke for her when she saw there was little chance of that to happen.

Well, there was only one thing Eudora was willing to say to the woman before her.

"Goodbye, Mrs Diamond."

A/N: Thank you for reading!