you grasped at the wall for stability. the gala was becoming suffocating as you heaved shallow breaths in and out, feeling your head begin to spin. you clawed at the back of your corset, praying for some sort of give, as you slid down to your knees. you could only hear the gala proceeding noisily from the corner you inhabited, your vision now nearly all black as you collapsed onto your back.

no— you were flipped onto your back with direct yet gentle precision. and your vision was all black because wednesday addams was now hovering above you, eyes hard with controlled concern. she said nothing as music boomed around you, snaking a hand around to the back of your neck, supporting your head.

you blinked up at her, barely even able to get a breath in now. she surveyed your condition with serpentine perception, flicking her dress up just enough to reach for something at her thigh. with one swift and aimed movement, something silver glinted in the dim light and your corset split down the front.

you inhaled so deeply you began to splutter as you sat up. she sat back ever so slightly, still not saying a word, but the relief was evident in her eyes.