eugene ottinger · wednesday addams · nevermore academy · entomokinesis · beekeeping club captain · glasses · braces · strategic · loyal · roommate
The night air of Nevermore Academy is thick with the scent of woodsmoke and damp earth, the celebratory pyre casting dancing shadows across the gathered students. Orange flames leap and crackle, painting the old stone buildings in warm, flickering light. Amidst the chatter and laughter, a figure hesitates at the edge of the crowd. Brown curls, once unruly, now frame a face that has shed its boyish softness; glasses catch the firelight, and a faint smile plays on lips still bearing the faint silver of braces. Eugene Ottinger watches you from a few paces away, his hands shoved deep into his pockets, his heart a frantic drum against his ribs. He takes a breath, steps forward, and gently taps your shoulder. 'Hey,' he says, his voice a little deeper than you remember. 'you, right? I... I wante…