Shortly after Fin's arrival, all settled throughout the Addams' estate. Books were devoured, tea was sipped, music was played, spiders were cuddled, and bodies were charged after such an eventful few days. Thus a contented quiet had settled over the household only broken by the patter of footsteps on creaking wood and the gentle hum of Uncle Fester's generator.

Which made the sudden explosion of noise all the more effective at rousing all from the various rooms they had settled in. At first, it was still muffled cacophony as Bren found themselves hurrying down the stairs. Rather quickly ending up in step with Wednesday as they shared a look of confusion.

About the time they reached the front door, though, that rumbling sirens call burst forth almost violently as the driver's door of a beat-up old truck opened. Once escaped, that thundering transformed into a near deafening wave of orchestral music. A tsunami that was still, somehow, effortlessly cut through by a deep, booming voice.

"Mein Ehr' hab' ich verloren,

mein Ehr', mein Ehr' ist hin!"

For all the resonant gravitas and passion in the voice, the last thing Bren had expected was to see some beat up, leathery flip-flops hit the ground. Even more surprising was the visual of what, by all accounts to April, looked like the spawning source of all drunken, Californian frat boy on spring break depictions in existence.

The waving man-bun with sunglasses and a side-cut out shirt with jorts and flip-flops was a jarring opposition to the dramatic scene laid in the newcomer's expression.

Equal parts disgusted and grieved as the blonde stood steady before them: stance solid yet still somehow unsure. Gazing down near feverishly into their empty palms as if to search for something that slipped through their fingers despite the desperate clenching of them into white-knuckled fists. A bitter, piercing condemnation in his tone that faded into almost a grieved beg of forgiveness.

More jarring still, by Fin's thinking, was the sudden, beaming grin at the music's fade that greeted them as the blonde pulled off the sunglasses.

"Yo, what's up?! My name's Chad. This is the Addams' Estate, right?" The rough and tumble, edging towards nasal voice was completely different from the prior vocals. Somehow, his smile shone even brighter as he spotted Gomez. "Gomez! My hombre! Good to finally meet you face to face!" As Chad spoke, he strode across the drive to eagerly take Gomez's hand, only to pull the man into a hug as he slapped his back. A gesture which delighted the man by how eagerly it was returned.

Stepping back after a moment, Chad turned that megawatt grin to Morticia. "That means this must be the lovely Morticia! Sorry if I caused a ruckus pulling in. I just couldn't resist when Wagner came up in the shuffle! Gets the blood pump'n!" As he spoke, he took the hand she delicately offered him, smiling softly in approval as he brought it to his lips to just barely kiss her knuckles. "Gorgeous, just like Gomez said! I'm sorry I got here late, though. Ran into a bit of traffic then missed a turn while jamming to some Strauss. Got lost in more ways that one, ya know?"

"Oh, yes. There are lovely swamps to get lost in here." Morticia agreed merrily. "I can only evision the resplendent experience of getting lost among those murky pools to the classical works featuring such wonderful arrays of betrayal and trickery."

"See? Knew you'd get it! Man did you snag a good one, Gomez!"

April balked as Chad's eyes set on her, next. Bren preened a bit at her retreating a bit behind them at the blonde's purposeful approach. "You must be the other tenants! Name's Chadwick, but everyone but my Oma calls me Chad!"

Bren arched a brow at the immediate hand held out quite obviously for an uncomfortable looking April. Stepping forward a bit, They gave a disarming smile as the movement brought them close enough that Chad instinctively stepped back.

"Hey man, name's Bren. Pronouns they/them." For the first time in a long while, they let the thicker parts of the jersey accent that mimicked their father's a little to closely seep through. "Just so ya know, some folks 'ere don't prefer ya rush'n up on 'em like that. I know ya didn't know any better, just keep it in mind. Okay?" With that, they quickly and firmly gripped his hand, giving it a friendly shake before letting go to turn and snake an arm around the blonde's shoulders. Friendly enough of a gesture, but also insurance against another forward rush.

Chad's face instantly lit up with understanding. "Oh! Shit, sorry. Mom always says I've got a bad habit of that sorta thing. My bad! Doesn't help I'm riding a high from the excitement." A softer, almost apologetic smile graced his lips before he looked to April again. "Didn't mean to rush ya. Oma always says to greet a lady first when you can, and I got over eager. Like I said, name's Chad. Mind telling me yours?"

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Fin carefully watched the exchange as April quickly schooled herself back into a pleasant expression. Her introduction and welcome was swift but polite enough you could almost ignore the anxious twitch of the glinting nails buried in her cardigan. She had been so calm and sure greeting him earlier? Suddenly feeling eyes on him, he snapped his gaze to Chad. "I'm Fin. Like Bren said, a few of us are a bit...jumpy, for lack of better word. Specifically me and April. Honestly any of the Addams' I'm pretty sure you could leap into their arms with firecrackers attached and they wouldn't bat an eye. So don't worry about restraining yourself to much. Dunno about Bren's preference."

Bren shrugged as all eyes volleyed back to them, hated accent once more dropped. "Grew up in a loud house full of little creatures that were supposedly children. I barely know the concept of quiet or personal space. Just don't come in my room without asking and we'll get along just fine. Now, go greet the little kiddies while Lurch takes your stuff inside."

Fin glanced to where Wednesday was flashed a glare at Bren at being called a little kid, not missing the latter's triumphant smirk. Seemed the two of them had fun picking at each other.

"Pleased to meet you, Chadwick. I am Wednesday." She greeted in a prim, slightly tinnier impersonation of her mother. Instantly, Chad mirrored the hovering kiss he had given to her mother's hand when offered hers.

"Incredibly charmed to meet you!" Releasing her, he grinned at Pugsley. "I'm guessing that means you're Pugsley. Gotta say, you're taller than I'd thought you'd be!"

Pugsley nodded as he took a turn shaking his hand, watching quietly for a moment. "Thanks. Its nice to meet you." Quickly releasing his hand, Pugsley looked to April with an odd determination in his gaze. "April? Do you mind joining me inside? I need to complete my essay and you were very helpful the other day."

"Oh, yes! I-I um, I'm happy to help." She said a touch to eagerly, quickly excusing herself before she walked ahead of Pugsley into the house. Which was odd in itself, as Bren had noted that Pugsley often walked ahead of everyone with those long legs. But no, he stuck oddly close to April as they disappeared into the house.

"Holy fuck, man! You're huge!" Bren nearly burst out laughing when they turned to see Chad staring up at Lurch in awe.

"Yeah, had about the same reaction. Chad, Lurch. Lurch, Chad." Lurch simply nodded in his usual way before continuing with his burden of bags towards the manor. "That just leaves...ah, there they are. Brace yourself."

"Brace myself? Why would I need to-?"

"Chad! How nice to meet you!" Instantly Fester was pumping Chad's captured hand with a matched enthusiasm. "Gomez gave a glowing review of your interview. Glad we got you away from that awfully sunny coast. You'll have a decent pallor in no time!" He assured gleefully. Once released, Chad was met by Grandmama's scrutinizing gaze.

"Your Oma calls you Chadwick, hm?"

"Yep! Well, my mom does, to, but only if I'm in trouble." He confirmed with a chuckle.

"Your Father doesnt use your given name?"

"Nah, dude was a high school fling with my mom. He preferred sending child support payments to raising me." He explained with a nonchalant shrug. "Anyways, call me however you like, ma'am."

She nodded, seeming to come to a decision. "I see. Well, Chadwick, best get you inside. Gomez is eager to give you the tour. I'll be making a snack in the kitchen." As she turned to leave, Chad grinned as he overheard her muttering. "Four growing boys. I'll need to have Lurch adjust the grocery list again..."

Fin waited quietly to the side as Gomez readily swooped in and spirited off Chad. Swiftly, he heard a cry of "Did the rug just growl at me?! Sick!" Before all fell quiet once more. Footsteps came to settle beside him. Close, but not uncomfortably so.

"...So we agree that April getting spooked like that was fuck'n weird, right?" Fin nodded.

"I barely know her and I noticed, as well. Glad Pugsley found a reason to let her go inside and calm down." He fought an exasperated sigh as Bren blinked at him in astonishment.

"Wait, so it was just an excuse? She's helped him before so I didn't think anything of it."

"He seems like an observant kid. He and Wednesday both. Good kids, to boot. Even if a bit...odd." Bren chuckled.

"Yeah, but to be fair I've never actually met a kid who's normal. Though those two are an extra odd set." While Fin noticed Wednesday's silent approach, Bren had certainly not as she settled at their other side.

"I think we're rather sophisticated young adults." She insisted suddenly, making Bren jump slightly.

"Jesusfuckingchrist you're gonna give me a heart attack ya little witchlet!" They yelped, only to be greeted by a smug little smile.

"You know April doesn't like it when you use profanity."

"I-you little-!" Fin watched in amusement as Bren quickly grew flustered before scowling at Wednesday.

"Im putt'n salt in your tea or someth'n!"

"I will look forward to it." She simply hummed in response before flouncing off inside with the others, obviously pleased with the exchange.

"C'mon, let's get inside. I wanna check in on April, anyways." Fin followed behind, quite entertained by the quiet mutterings of tying braids in knots and putting heads back on dolls drifting in Bren's wake.

It certainly wasnt what he had expected when agreeing to board here, but...this odd little group was starting to grow on him after just a few hours. They seemed like good people.

That or he was hallucinating after eating those strange cookies from earlier.

Either way, it was sure to prove an interesting semester.