Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Present Day

The morning rush in Grateful Kitchen was a quiet hum of clinking cups and murmured conversations. The scent of fresh coffee and warm pastries lingered in the air. Rio sat at a corner booth, absentmindedly tracing the rim of her untouched glass of water. She and Alice had arrived first, but Alice had excused herself to the restroom, leaving Rio alone with her thoughts. A man approached her table, his voice cutting through the lull of the restaurant.

"What is your biggest emotional scar?" Rio looked up, startled.

The question hit her like a slap, her breath catching in her throat. Her fingers tensed around the glass. How did he know? Why would he ask that? It was almost cruel, like he was trying to twist the knife in a wound she hadn't even begun to tend to.

The man must have noticed the confusion on her face because he quickly added, "Oh, it's the question of the day."

"Ohh?" Rio's voice was flat, distant. The man gave a small, awkward chuckle.

"Mine’s actually my relationship with my dad." Rio scoffed lightly, pushing past the tightness in her chest.

"Ahh, daddy issues. Got it. I'm good, thanks." He grinned, unfazed. "Well, in that case, welcome to Grateful Kitchen. I’m Eden. How can I nourish you today?"

Rio exhaled, forcing a smile. "Oh, I’m actually waiting for a couple more peo- friends. A couple of my friends."

"Alright, just call me when you’re ready to order." She nodded, watching him walk away before her mind spiraled back to his question.

What is your biggest emotional scar?

One name echoed in her head.

Agatha.

 The thought was enough to send a dull ache through her chest, heavy and suffocating.

Just then, Alice returned, sliding into the seat across from her. She took one look at Rio’s face and frowned.

"You okay? How are you holding up?" The words struck something deep in Rio. She swallowed, trying to form an answer, but nothing came. Instead, her vision blurred, and before she could stop it, tears welled up in her eyes. Alice didn't hesitate. She scooted next to Rio and pulled her into a tight hug. The kind of hug that wasn’t just about comfort but about holding someone together when they were on the verge of falling apart.

Just then, the door chimed, signaling the arrival of Jen, Lilia, and Wanda. Rio saw them first and immediately broke the embrace, quickly wiping away her tears.

She forced herself to straighten, forcing a small, strained smile.

Jen noticed. Lilia noticed. And Wanda, especially, saw it.

Alice gave them a look- one that clearly said, not now, don’t bring it up.

Silently, they took their seats. But Lilia kept her eyes on Rio, the concern unmistakable. She had practically raised Rio since she was sixteen, and seeing her like this cracked something inside her too.

The table was filled with murmured orders, idle chatter. But the weight of Agatha lingered between them, an unspoken presence at the table. They all felt it- because what was Agatha’s was theirs too.

Jen, trying to lighten the mood, leaned back and clicked her tongue. "What an asshole move, Agatha. Leaving Rio like this. Tsk tsk tsk."

Alice flinched. Wanda shot her a sharp glance, but Jen just shrugged. "What? It’s true."

A tense silence fell over the table after Jen’s words. Rio’s grip tightened around the menu, her knuckles whitening. Her heart pounded in her ears, drowning out the low murmur of the restaurant.

Lilia sighed, shooting Jen a pointed look before turning to Rio. “You don’t have to pretend with us, you know.” Her voice was gentle, almost hesitant, as if she were afraid of breaking Rio even more.

“I’m fine,” Rio said quickly, forcing a small smile. It was a lie. Everyone at the table knew it. But no one called her out on it.

Alice reached under the table and gave Rio’s hand a squeeze, a silent reassurance that she didn’t have to say anything she wasn’t ready to.

Eden returned with their drinks, his usual bright demeanor dimming slightly when he noticed the tension at their table. “Here you go,” he said, setting down the mugs and glasses. “Do you guys need a few more minutes?”

“We’re good,” Wanda said, her voice unusually curt. She wasn’t mad at Eden—just at the situation, at the way grief clung to Rio like an unshakable shadow.

As their orders were taken and Eden walked away, Rio took a deep breath, steadying herself. She could feel the eyes of her friends on her, waiting for her to break or to open up—whichever came first. But she wasn’t ready for either.

Jen, clearly uncomfortable with the thick air hanging over them, leaned back in her chair. “So, uh… has anyone heard about that new bar opening up downtown? Might be a good place to check out.”

Wanda gave her a look. “Seriously?”

“What?” Jen said defensively. “Figured we could use a distraction.”

Rio let out a breathy laugh—more out of exhaustion than amusement. “Distraction, huh?” She stirred her coffee absentmindedly. “Might not be a bad idea.”

Lilia wasn’t convinced. “Are you sure?”

“I don’t know,” Rio admitted. “But sitting around and-” She gestured vaguely. “...this? It’s not helping either.”

Alice nodded slowly. “Then let’s do it. If that’s what you need.”

For the first time that morning, Rio felt a small sense of relief. Maybe pretending for a little while would help. Or maybe it would make things worse. Either way, she was willing to try.

What she wasn’t ready for was the memories waiting in the dark corners of her mind. And the truth she hadn’t yet spoken out loud.

........................................................................................................................................................

The neon glow of the new bar flickered against the damp pavement as Rio stepped out of the car. The sign above read Haven, a name that felt almost ironic. She stood still for a moment, hands tucked into the pockets of her leather jacket, staring at the entrance like it was some kind of threshold into the past.

She had promised Alice she would come. That a change of scenery, a night out with friends, would be good for her. But as she took a slow breath and stepped inside, the dim lighting, the hum of conversation, the distant clatter of glasses- all of it hit her like a wave crashing against an old wound.

A bar.

This was where she met her.

Agatha.

The memory was so vivid, so consuming, it almost knocked the air out of her lungs. The first time they locked eyes across a room just like this. The way Agatha had smirked, the confidence in her stride as she approached. The teasing lilt in her voice when she had said, “What’s a girl like you doing looking so damn lost?”

And just like that, Rio had been found.

“Hey, you good?” Lilia’s voice pulled her back.

Rio blinked, realizing she had stopped walking. Lilia’s brows furrowed with concern, her hand lightly brushing Rio’s arm.

“Yeah,” Rio exhaled. “Just… remembering something.”

Lilia didn’t push. She just nodded, understanding without needing words.

Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with a kind of energy Rio had forgotten how to enjoy. Jen was already at the bar, waving them over. Wanda and Alice were securing a booth near the back, away from the crowd.

As Rio sat down, the bartender came by, and without thinking, she ordered the same drink Agatha used to get.

A mistake.

Because the second the glass was in front of her, it was like Agatha was sitting across from her again. Laughing. Rolling her eyes at one of Jen’s bad jokes. Fingers tracing patterns on Rio’s wrist absentmindedly.

She stared at the drink.

Alice nudged her. “You don’t have to-”

“I know,” Rio muttered, pushing the glass aside.

Jen raised an eyebrow. “No tragic reminiscing tonight, OK?”

Rio scoffed. “Yeah, yeah. Let’s just drink.”

But as the night went on, she couldn’t shake the weight in her chest.

Because no matter how much she tried, she could still hear Agatha’s voice in places like this.

And nothing drowned that out.

..........................................................................................................................................................

Flashback: The Night Rio Met Agatha

Rio stood in front of the mirror, a pile of rejected clothes strewn across the bed. "I have nothing to wear," she groaned dramatically, arms crossed.

Jen, lounging on the bed, rolled her eyes before tossing a green top and tight leather pants at her. "Try this. You’ll thank me later."

Rio held up the outfit, tilting her head. Then, a wicked grin spread across her lips. "Yes! This is gonna get me eaten tonight!"

Jen snorted. "Yeah, if you're into women. Honestly, you can pull off anyone with that weird rizz of yours."

Rio rolled her eyes as she pulled the top over her head. "At least I've got rizz."

Alice’s text notification dinged, and Jen peeked at her phone. "She says she’s getting ready." Jen sighed. "She’s literally in the other room, too lazy to tell us in person."

They finished getting ready and headed to the club. When they arrived, Wanda and Vision were already there. Alice, however, looked confused.

"I thought this was for Wanda," Alice muttered. "Because she’s, y’know... pregnant?"

Jen smirked. "Well... SURPRISE! Happy early birthday, baby!"

A voice from behind them chimed in, "Oh, that’s a terrible idea."

They all turned, and there she was- Agatha.

Rio's breath hitched. Something about her- her confidence, the way she carried herself- made the air feel electric.

Jen arched a brow. "What’s a terrible idea, Agatha?"

Agatha smirked, eyes glinting. "Telling Alice this was Wanda’s celebration for finally getting fucked right and making a zygote... at a bar."

Jen scoffed. "Well, Alice believed it. Even Rio."

Rio, still distracted by Agatha’s presence, barely registered the words.

Wanda rolled her eyes. "Hey! I always get fucked right, okay?"

Agatha chuckled before glancing at Rio. "And who’s Rio again?"

Alice looped an arm around Rio’s shoulders. "Thissss is Rio- my sister in crime."

Rio extended a hand. "Nice to meet you, Agatha."

Agatha took it, her grip firm yet lingering. "Likewise."

From that moment, something shifted. Something unspoken passed between them.

The night carried on with drinks, laughter, and dancing. At midnight, Wanda, Vision, and Lilia left. Feeling tipsy, Rio excused herself to the rooftop to sober up, cigarette in hand.

Agatha watched her go. Then, after a moment, she followed.

When she stepped onto the rooftop, Rio was leaning against the railing, city lights reflecting in her tired eyes.

Agatha smirked. "What’s a girl like you doing looking so damn lost?"

Startled, Rio jumped slightly before turning. "Shit. You scared me."

Agatha leaned beside her, pulling out her own cigarette. "That’s a first."

Rio let out a breathy laugh, shaking her head. "What do you want, Agatha?"

Agatha studied her for a moment before lighting her cigarette. "To know why you look like you’re waiting for the universe to give you a sign."

Rio exhaled, watching the smoke swirl into the night. "Maybe I am."

Agatha tilted her head, eyes locked on Rio. "Then let’s see if I can be that sign."

And just like that, the night took a turn neither of them could have expected.

.......................................................................................................................................................

The city lights flickered below, stretching endlessly like stars trapped beneath the earth. The rooftop was quiet, save for the distant bass from the club and the occasional hum of a car passing by on the streets below. Rio exhaled a thin stream of smoke, watching it dissolve into the night air.

Agatha was still there.

She hadn’t said anything after that last remark, hadn’t tried to pry or make a move. She just stood beside Rio, arms crossed over the railing, her presence steady and patient. It was almost irritating. Most people took a hint when Rio closed herself off. Most people filled the silence with nervous chatter or awkward excuses to leave.

But not Agatha.

“You don’t seem like the type to run off from a party,” Agatha finally said, breaking the quiet.

Rio took another slow drag from her cigarette before glancing at her. “You don’t seem like the type to chase after strangers.”

Agatha smirked, her gaze sharp but not unkind. “I don’t chase.”

Rio let out a low chuckle. “Good. Because I don’t run.”

There was a flicker of something in Agatha’s eyes, amusement, maybe, or interest. But Rio refused to entertain it. She had been down that road before, mistaking intrigue for something more. She had no intention of playing with fire, especially not with someone like Agatha, who looked like she knew exactly how to set someone ablaze.

After a beat, Agatha reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a cigarette of her own. She tapped it against her wrist before lighting it, the flame briefly illuminating her face. She took a slow drag, exhaling as she leaned against the railing once more.

“So, what’s your story?” Agatha asked casually, as if they weren’t strangers standing on a rooftop in the middle of the night.

Rio gave her a sidelong glance. “You always this nosy?”

“Only when I’m interested.”

Rio scoffed, shaking her head. “You don’t even know me.”

“Yet.”

The confidence in Agatha’s voice was both irritating and, if Rio was honest, mildly impressive. She turned fully to face her, resting her hip against the railing. “Well, I hate to disappoint you, but I’m not that interesting.”

Agatha made a small, unconvinced sound. “See, I don’t buy that.”

Rio quirked a brow. “Oh?”

“You don’t seem boring. Just... careful.”

Rio’s jaw tensed slightly. She had spent years perfecting the art of keeping people at arm’s length, of not giving away too much. And yet, Agatha had seen through it in a matter of minutes. That alone was enough to make Rio wary.

“I’m just here for Alice,” Rio said, pushing off the railing. “Not looking for anything else.”

Agatha studied her for a moment before nodding. “Fair enough.”

There was no teasing, no challenge, just quiet understanding. That, more than anything, caught Rio off guard.

She stubbed out her cigarette, flicking the last ember into the night before turning toward the rooftop door. “I should head back.”

Agatha didn’t stop her. “See you around, Rio.”

Rio hesitated, just for a second. Then she nodded once and slipped back inside.

And for the first time in a long while, she found herself wondering what it would be like if she stayed.

Chapter Text

Rio checked her phone for what felt like the hundredth time that shift. Three more hours. She groaned inwardly, drumming her fingers against the glass counter of the department store’s toy section. If it weren’t for Alice practically dragging her into this job, she wouldn’t be here, wearing a name tag and dealing with customers who thought she was some kind of retail wizard.

She exhaled slowly, leaning her elbow on the counter and resting her chin on her palm. Her shift had been slow, painfully so. The only thing mildly entertaining was watching kids run around, begging their parents for the latest overpriced toys. She smirked to herself, remembering how she and Alice had done the same thing years ago.

Just as she was about to start mentally planning her dinner, something caught her eye—a familiar figure in the next aisle over, browsing the train sets.

Agatha.

Rio’s stomach did a weird little flip, but she ignored it. What the hell was Agatha doing here? She watched as the older woman ran her fingers along the boxes, her sharp blue eyes scanning each one with an expression that looked suspiciously like concentration. It was almost amusing—seeing someone like Agatha looking so intensely at toy trains.

As if sensing eyes on her, Agatha turned her head, locking onto Rio almost immediately. And then— she smiled .

Rio barely had time to react before a customer approached her counter. A woman, looking slightly frazzled, held up a small notepad. “Excuse me, miss, do you have this in stock? I’ve been looking everywhere for it.”

Rio glanced at the note, expecting to see some obscure toy name. But when she read it, her breath hitched.

Rocco the Robot.

She lifted her gaze back up, and there she was.

Agatha.

You’ve got to be kidding me.

Rio blinked, unable to mask the disbelief on her face. She quickly looked behind Agatha as if expecting to see a hidden camera crew filming some elaborate prank. “You’ve got to be following me,” she muttered before she could stop herself.

Agatha raised an amused brow. “I assure you, sweetheart, I’m not stalking you. This is just fate working its magic.”

Rio snorted. “Right. And I’m the Queen of England.” She crossed her arms. “What do you need a robot for?”

Agatha smirked and leaned in slightly, lowering her voice as if sharing some grand secret. “It’s my son’s 6th birthday in a few weeks.”

Rio almost choked on air. “Your what ?”

The words hung between them. Agatha had a son ? A six-year-old, apparently? Rio had always assumed Agatha was some kind of too-cool-for-kids, childfree-for-life woman. This was… interesting. Too interesting.

Her brain was still catching up when Agatha’s voice cut through again. “Rio? Hey. Earth to Rio.”

She blinked, snapping back to reality. “Oh—um, yeah. Right. Sorry, just… never mind.” She cleared her throat, glancing at the note. “So. The robot.”

Agatha nodded, waiting.

Rio ran a hand through her hair before looking over at the inventory tablet. After a few taps, her screen displayed exactly what she already knew. “Yeah, uh, unfortunately, that model sold out yesterday.”

Agatha let out a deep sigh, rubbing her temple. “Of course it did.” She muttered something under her breath before reaching into her coat pocket and—

“Agatha, seriously?” Rio shot her a deadpan look as the woman pulled out a cigarette. “You cannot smoke in here.”

Agatha paused, glanced down at the unlit cigarette, and chuckled. “Force of habit.” She twirled it between her fingers before tucking it back into her pocket. “Shopping for my son makes me nervous.”

Rio huffed out a laugh before she could stop herself. “You being here makes me nervous.”

Agatha turned her head sharply, catching Rio off guard. “What was that?”

Rio’s eyes widened slightly. “Nothing.”

Agatha studied her for a moment longer before letting it go. “Alright, then. What do you suggest for a six-year-old boy?”

Rio thought back to what Agatha had been looking at before approaching her. “You were looking at those train sets earlier. Maybe he’d like one? They’re almost sold out too, so if you’re gonna grab one, better do it now.”

Agatha followed Rio’s gaze to the display and nodded. “Good call.” Without hesitation, she reached for one of the largest, most expensive sets. “I’ll take it. You take cash?”

Rio stared at her. “You’re not even gonna ask the price?”

Agatha smirked. “Would it change my mind?”

Rio sighed, shaking her head as she reached for a form. “Alright. Let me get a paper for you to fill out.”

Agatha leaned against the counter, watching Rio write. “Will you guys deliver it directly to my place?”

Rio paused, pen hovering over the paper. She shot Agatha a knowing look. “Is this your way of inviting me over?”

Agatha smirked. “Well, you are going anyway. My son’s birthday, remember? Alice and Jen are coming, so you should too.”

Rio scoffed, rolling her eyes. “You’re not as smooth as you think, Agatha.”

Agatha chuckled, sliding the completed form back to Rio. “I never said I was. But thanks for thinking I am, hun.”

Before Rio could muster a response, Agatha was already walking away, leaving her slightly flushed and irritated at herself for reacting.

A few moments later, Alice appeared at the counter, arms crossed. “Was that Harkness ?”

Rio turned, still slightly dazed. “Who?”

Alice rolled her eyes. “Agatha. Agatha Harkness ?”

Rio blinked. “Wait. Harkness ?” She had never heard Agatha’s last name before. Somehow, it made her even more curious.

Alice nodded, then tilted her head. “Why do you sound surprised?”

Rio hesitated. “I don’t know. Just… I didn’t expect that to be her last name.”

Alice laughed, shaking her head. “You’re weird.” She turned to leave, but Rio called after her. “Hey, wait.”

Alice turned back. “What?”

“You guys said Agatha was a lesbian, right?”

Alice raised a brow. “Uh, yeah. Gay as a maple.”

Rio nodded slowly. “Then explain to me how she has a six-year-old son .”

Alice burst into laughter. “Ohhh, Nicky! Yeah, uh, ever heard of IVF?”

Rio opened her mouth, then closed it. That… actually makes sense.

She stood there for a few moments, her mind racing.

Agatha Harkness. Mother. Lesbian. Mysterious as hell. Flirts too damn much.

Three hours later, when her shift finally ended, she still couldn’t stop thinking about it.

And somehow, she knew this wasn’t the last time she’d see Agatha Harkness.

…………………………………………….

Rio clocked out the moment her shift ended, slinging her bag over her shoulder as she walked out of the department store. The encounter with Agatha still lingered in her mind, her words playing on repeat as if they carried some hidden meaning.

My son’s birthday in a week. Alice and Jen are going, so I think you should too.

She scoffed under her breath. That woman had a way of making simple things sound like personal challenges.

As Rio stepped onto the street, the cool evening air brushed against her skin. She pulled out her phone, considering texting Alice to ask about Agatha and this mysterious son of hers. Before she could, a black car pulled up in front of her. The passenger-side window rolled down, revealing Agatha’s smug face.

"Need a ride?" Agatha asked, resting her arm on the window frame.

Rio’s first instinct was to refuse, but the exhaustion from her shift made her hesitate for just a second too long.

"I don't know, are you going to try and kidnap me?" Rio teased, arching an eyebrow.

Agatha smirked. "If I wanted to kidnap you, I wouldn’t be this obvious about it."

Rio rolled her eyes, but before she could step back, Agatha reached over and pushed the door open. "Come on, Ri. I promise I won’t bite."

That nickname again. Rio narrowed her eyes but sighed, stepping into the car. "You’re lucky I’m too tired to argue."

Agatha chuckled as Rio settled in, and the driver pulled into traffic. The car smelled like a mix of leather and the faintest trace of Agatha’s perfume—a scent that was surprisingly warm, yet sharp, much like the woman herself.

"So," Agatha started, turning slightly to face her. "You work in retail now? Never would’ve guessed."

Rio shrugged. "It’s temporary. Alice kind of roped me into it."

"Hmm, she has that effect on people." Agatha’s gaze lingered for a beat too long before she looked out the window. "So, about my son’s birthday. You’re coming, right?"

"You’re really pushing this invite, huh?" Rio smirked. "I mean, I get it. You want me there, obviously."

Agatha laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, you caught me. I’m obsessed. Can’t get enough of you."

Rio chuckled, but there was something in the way Agatha said it—too playful to be serious, but too smooth to be completely joking. It left Rio a little off-balance, and she wasn’t sure if she liked it.

"Fine," she finally said. "I’ll think about it."

Agatha grinned, satisfied. "That’s all I ask."

The car ride continued in comfortable silence. Rio watched the city lights blur past, stealing occasional glances at Agatha. There was something oddly domestic about seeing her like this—relaxed, one hand draped casually over the console. It was different from the sharp, confident presence she carried at the bar.

"Here’s my stop," Rio said as they pulled up to her apartment building. "Thanks for the ride."

"Anytime, Ri." Agatha’s voice was smooth, her smirk still in place.

Rio hesitated for a split second before opening the door. "Night, Harkness."

Agatha’s smirk widened. "So you do know my last name."

Rio rolled her eyes, stepping out and shutting the door before she could let Agatha have another win. She heard the car pull away as she walked up the steps, shaking her head to herself.

This woman was dangerous. Not in the traditional sense, but in a way that made Rio feel like she was playing a game without knowing the rules.

And she had a feeling Agatha loved that.

………………………………

Rio slumped onto her couch, kicking off her shoes with a heavy sigh. Her shift had drained the life out of her, and the unexpected encounter with Agatha still lingered in her mind. Agatha Harkness. A mother. The thought amused her, baffled her even. It wasn’t something she had ever imagined.

Her phone buzzed on the coffee table. She considered ignoring it, but the name flashing on the screen made her stomach tighten. Wade.

She clenched her jaw, staring at the screen until it stopped vibrating. Not even five seconds later, the phone rang again.

“Jesus Christ.” She snatched it up and answered. “What do you want?”

“Rio, hey,” Wade’s voice came through smooth, familiar. Too familiar. “Look, I just… I just wanted to talk.”

“You always want to ‘just talk,’ Wade,” she snapped. “What do you want?”

A pause. Then, “Can we meet up?”

Rio scoffed. “Are you serious? No.”

“Come on, Rio. Just for a few minutes. I—”

“I said no ,” she cut him off sharply. “I know how this goes. You ‘miss me,’ you want to ‘fix things,’ and then three weeks later, I find out you’ve been screwing some random girl behind my back. I’m done, Wade. Done. ”

“Rio, please—”

“No! I am so tired of this shit! I forgive you, you cheat. I forgive you again, you do it again. The cycle never ends, Wade! I should’ve never picked up this damn call!”

She could hear him sigh on the other end, but she wasn’t going to let that guilty silence drag her in again. She wasn’t the same girl who kept giving him second, third, fourth chances.

“I’ve changed, Rio,” Wade said quietly. “I swear.”

“Good for you,” she bit out. “But I don’t give a damn.”

She ended the call and tossed her phone onto the couch. Her hands were shaking, her throat tight with frustration. It wasn’t anger. It wasn't a heartbreak. It was exhaustion.

A knock on the door made her jerk her head up. She sighed, rubbing her temples. “If that’s you, Wade, I swear to god—”

“It’s me, dumbass.”

Rio let out a breath of relief. Alice.

She got up and opened the door. Alice stepped inside, glancing at her face before rolling her eyes. “You look like you just fought off an exorcism.”

“Close enough.” Rio flopped back onto the couch. “Wade called.”

Alice groaned. “That human yeast infection?”

“Yep.”

“And?”

“And I told him to fuck off.”

Alice smirked, plopping down beside her. “Proud of you.”

Rio exhaled, rubbing her face. “Yeah, well. I’d be prouder if he actually stayed gone.”

Alice nudged her. “Want me to block his number for you?”

Rio sighed. “No. I’ll do it. Eventually.”

Alice raised an eyebrow. “Rio.”

“I will! Just… later.”

Alice shook her head but didn’t push. “Fine. But if he shows up at your place, I’m calling the cops.”

Rio laughed, but deep down, she knew Alice wasn’t joking. Wade had a habit of not letting go.

And she had a habit of letting him get too close.

This time, she wouldn’t make that mistake again.

……………………………………………

Rio groaned as she sat on the floor of Alice’s apartment, surrounded by colorful wrapping paper, tape, and ribbons. A half-wrapped gift lay in her lap, one side neatly covered while the other remained frustratingly exposed.

“This is why I don’t do gifts,” Rio muttered, wrestling with the paper as Alice snickered from across the room.

“It’s a six-year-old’s birthday, Rio. It’s not that deep.” Alice sat cross-legged, wrapping a box with the kind of precision that made Rio’s attempt look like a crumpled disaster.

“I know, I know,” Rio sighed. “But I suck at this. Just shove it in a bag and call it a day.”

Jen, who was sitting on the couch scrolling through her phone, looked up and smirked. “Or you could actually try to make it look decent? You know, considering we’re showing up at Agatha Harkness’s place. You might wanna impress her.”

Rio scoffed. “Impress her? Please. She’s already insufferably smug. Giving her another reason to tease me? No thanks.”

Alice shot her a knowing look. “Right. Because you totally weren’t blushing when she called you ‘hun’ at the store.”

“That was just—ugh, whatever,” Rio grumbled, aggressively taping the wrapping paper into place. “Let’s just get this over with.”

Jen grinned. “So, when’s the wedding?”

Rio chucked a roll of ribbon at her, making Jen laugh as she dodged it.

A couple of hours later, Rio found herself standing in front of Agatha’s house, holding a neatly wrapped gift (courtesy of Alice, because Rio gave up halfway through). The house was elegant but welcoming, the front yard decorated with colorful balloons and banners celebrating a six-year-old’s big day.

“So,” Alice said, nudging Rio’s arm as they walked up the steps. “Excited to see your favorite person?”

“Thrilled,” Rio deadpanned.

The door swung open before she could make another sarcastic remark, revealing Agatha herself. She leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a smirk already in place.

“Look who finally made it,” Agatha mused, eyes lingering on Rio. “I was starting to think you chickened out.”

Rio rolled her eyes. “You wish.”

Agatha chuckled, stepping aside to let them in. “Come on in. Nicky’s been bouncing off the walls waiting for his presents.”

The living room was already packed with people, kids running around, laughter filling the space. Rio scanned the room, spotting a little boy who must have been Nicky, tearing into a pile of presents with the kind of unrestrained joy only a child could have.

Alice and Jen immediately went over to greet him, while Rio hesitated for a moment before stepping inside. Agatha, noticing, leaned in slightly.

“Relax, Ri. It’s just a party.”

Rio scoffed but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

Agatha smirked. “Immensely.”

Shaking her head, Rio finally walked in, blending into the chaos of the celebration. She had no idea what the rest of the night would bring, but one thing was certain—Agatha Harkness was going to make sure she didn’t forget it.

………………………………..

The afternoon sun had started to dip when the adults bid farewell to little Nicky, leaving him in the capable hands of Wanda Maximoff. Wanda had volunteered to babysit for the night since she wasn’t drinking, and she seemed more than happy to spend time with the energetic six-year-old.

With their hands full of expensive liquor bottles, the group made their way to Agatha’s beach house. The moment Rio stepped through the grand entrance, her breath hitched. The house wasn’t just a beach house—it was a mansion disguised as a getaway retreat. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooked the ocean, and the interior was a perfect blend of modern luxury and antique charm. She had assumed Agatha was well-off, but this? This was wealth on another level.

“Holy shit,” Rio muttered under her breath, taking in the sheer size of the place.

Alice, who was walking beside her, smirked. “What, never been inside a billionaire’s beach house before?”

Rio scoffed. “Billionaire? Agatha? Yeah, right.”

Alice only grinned knowingly but said nothing more as they stepped inside.

The night kicked off with drinks, laughter, and banter. Expensive whiskey and top-shelf tequila flowed freely, and before long, they were all sprawled across the grand living room, tipsy and uninhibited. The ocean breeze drifted through the open balcony doors, adding to the intoxicating atmosphere of freedom.

At some point, Jen clapped her hands together and announced, “Alright, we’re drunk enough. Let’s play a game!”

Alice chuckled, already expecting chaos. “Oh? What kind of game?”

“Kiss, Marry, Kill,” Jen said with a sly grin.

Alice rolled her eyes but laughed. “Seriously? We’re grown-ass adults.”

“Oh, come on, babe,” Jen teased. “I’ll go first! Obviously, I’d marry you.”

Alice hummed in amusement. “And?”

“I’d kill Agatha,” Jen continued, smirking.

Agatha let out a mock gasp, placing a hand over her chest. “How dare you?”

“And I’d kiss Ri—” Jen stopped short as everyone turned to look at Rio, who was slumped against Agatha on the couch, completely knocked out.

Alice snorted. “Well, guess the game’s over.”

“Pity,” Agatha drawled lazily. “Was looking forward to seeing who’d kiss me.”

Jen laughed. “You wish, witch.”

Alice stretched and sighed. “We should call it a night. I’ll take Rio with me.”

Jen immediately shook her head. “And share a room with this witch? No, babe, you come with me.”

Agatha rolled her eyes. “And you want to leave Rio here on this couch?”

“What? Your couch is comfortable enough for her drunk ass,” Jen quipped.

Alice chuckled but relented. “Good one, but in all seriousness… Agatha, just take Rio with you. She’s already knocked out, so she won’t do anything. Just… take her upstairs.”

Agatha groaned but didn’t argue. “Fine.”

With Alice on one side of Rio and Agatha on the other, they helped the half-conscious woman up the stairs, Jen trailing behind them. Once they reached Agatha’s bedroom, they carefully laid Rio down on the plush bed.

Alice turned to Agatha and smirked. “Oh, by the way, Rio can be really grumpy when she’s hungover. Maybe leave a cup of coffee or matcha latte by her bedside before she wakes up. Good luck with her.”

Agatha rolled her eyes but nodded. “Noted.”

As Alice and Jen left, Agatha changed into a long T-shirt that reached just above her knees, slipped off her jeans, and climbed into bed beside Rio. Within moments, she dozed off.

—

The sound of retching pulled Agatha from her sleep. Groggily, she sat up and glanced at the clock—4 AM. The gagging sounds were coming from her bathroom.

With a sigh, Agatha swung her legs over the bed and padded toward the bathroom. When she stepped inside, she found Rio hunched over the toilet, emptying her stomach. The moment Agatha reached out to help, placing a hand on her back, Rio shot her a glare and rasped, “Get the fuck out!”

Agatha raised her hands in surrender. “Suit yourself.”

She left, listening to Rio’s continued heaving, but what made her pause was the quiet sob that followed moments later.

Remembering what Alice had said, Agatha sighed and headed downstairs to make coffee. She found some Advil in the kitchen and returned upstairs. The sobbing had stopped, but now the shower was running. Agatha knocked on the bathroom door. No answer.

“Rio?” she called.

Silence.

Concerned, Agatha opened the door and found Rio sitting in the bathtub, her clothes soaked in cold water, her head buried in her hands. She looked up, ready to snap at Agatha again, but then her eyes landed on the coffee cup in Agatha’s hand. Her gaze softened instantly.

Agatha noticed. ‘Ahh, so coffee’s your weakness? Got it.’

“I’m just gonna wait outside with your coffee,” Agatha said.

Rio, to her surprise, didn’t argue. Instead, she murmured, “No. Leave the coffee. You go out.”

Agatha smirked but complied, handing her the coffee and the Advil before stepping out. On her way out, she grabbed a robe and a towel for Rio.

A few minutes later, she returned and knocked lightly so as not to startle Rio. When she peeked inside, Rio was sitting in the tub, eyes closed, sipping the coffee.

Agatha placed the robe and towel on the counter. “I’ll leave this here. I’m going back to bed.”

Rio nodded, barely opening her eyes, and mumbled a soft, “Thank you.”

—

Ten minutes later, the headache had dulled, and Rio finally peeled herself from the tub. She discarded her wet clothes, showered, and washed her hair. When she was done, she put on the robe Agatha had left for her and used the towel to dry her hair.

When she returned to the bedroom, Agatha was already fast asleep. Rio’s gaze landed on the bedside table, where a framed photo caught her attention. It was a picture of a little girl who looked exactly like Agatha, beaming as she hugged a man behind her.

‘Her father?’ Rio wondered, studying the warmth in the little girl’s smile.

Yawning, she slipped back into bed, turning to face Agatha. Her gaze traced Agatha’s peaceful features, the way her dark hair fanned across the pillow, and for reasons unknown to her, she found herself watching the woman until her own eyelids grew heavy and she drifted off to sleep once more.

Chapter Text

The evening shimmered with an air of exclusivity. The department store had been transformed into a luxurious haven for its VIP clientele—elegant chandeliers casting a soft golden glow, shelves lined with limited-edition pieces, and a flowing bar serving the most expensive champagne. Rio adjusted her blazer and exhaled. She wasn’t particularly excited to work tonight, but Alice had convinced her to pick up the shift. “Good pay, easy work,” Alice had said. “Just smile and help rich people spend their money.”

She stood near a section displaying high-end fragrances, ensuring everything remained in order when she felt an odd shift in the air, like she was being watched. Her skin prickled before she even turned her head. And when she did—

Agatha Harkness.

Draped in a sleek purple ensemble that looked effortlessly expensive, Agatha was holding a glass of champagne, eyes locked onto Rio like a predator who had just found its favorite prey. A slow smirk played on her lips as she took a leisurely sip, clearly enjoying the sight of Rio in her formal work attire.

Rio immediately turned away, muttering a curse under her breath. Of all people. Of all nights.

She busied herself adjusting a bottle on the display table, but that smirk had already imprinted itself in her mind. She could feel Agatha’s gaze following her every move.

It wasn’t long before the inevitable happened.

“Well, well. Didn’t expect to see you working here, sweetheart.”

Rio tensed as Agatha’s voice came from just behind her, smooth and teasing. The scent of expensive perfume and aged whiskey followed, mingling with the air between them. Swallowing her irritation, Rio turned, expression neutral.

“Didn’t expect to see you shopping here,” she countered, eyes flicking over Agatha’s outfit. “But I suppose you do like throwing money around.”

Agatha laughed, full and rich. “Guilty as charged. But tonight, I’m a guest. Exclusive invitations only.”

Rio raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t peg you for a perfume kind of woman.”

“I like to surprise you,” Agatha murmured, leaning slightly closer. “You like surprises, don’t you?”

Rio resisted the urge to step back. She wouldn’t give Agatha the satisfaction of making her retreat. Instead, she crossed her arms and leveled her with a bored stare. “If by surprises, you mean annoying encounters I didn’t sign up for, then no. Not particularly.”

Agatha chuckled, setting her glass down on the counter beside them. “You wound me, Rio. And here I thought we were getting along so well.”

“‘Getting along’ isn’t exactly how I’d describe our last few encounters,” Rio muttered.

Agatha tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Oh? Which part? The beach house? The train set shopping? The part where you scowled at me like I’d just kicked your puppy?”

Rio’s patience was thinning. She wasn’t in the mood for this game. Not tonight. “Are you actually here to shop, or are you just here to make my life difficult?”

Agatha smirked. “Can’t it be both?”

Rio sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “If you’re not buying anything, I suggest you move along.”

“But I am buying something.” Agatha reached into her clutch and pulled out a slip of paper, unfolding it with an exaggerated elegance. “I need a gift.”

“For who?”

“A friend.”

Rio scoffed. “Didn’t know you had those.”

Agatha grinned. “Oh, sweetheart, you wound me again.”

Rio rolled her eyes, reaching for the paper Agatha held. Their fingers brushed—barely a second, but enough for a flicker of warmth to pass between them. Rio ignored it. Focused on the note instead.

“You want—” Rio stopped, looking up. “You want a candle?”

“A very specific one,” Agatha corrected. “I hear this store carries it. Scented with oud, bourbon vanilla, and a touch of something sinful.”

Rio blinked. “That sounds oddly familiar.”

Agatha’s lips curled upward, eyes gleaming. “Should. It smells just like you.”

Rio felt her stomach tighten, but she masked it with a deadpan expression. “If you’re trying to flirt with me, it’s not working.”

“Flirt?” Agatha gasped dramatically. “Moi?”

Rio exhaled sharply. “Stay here.” She turned on her heel, making her way toward the candle section before Agatha could get another word in. Of course, she followed.

Agatha moved like she owned the place, ignoring the other VIP guests who eyed her curiously. She stayed close behind Rio, almost like she was daring her to react.

Rio grabbed the candle and handed it over without ceremony. “Here.”

Agatha examined it, then looked back up at Rio with a slow, knowing smirk. “Perfect.”

“Glad you think so,” Rio muttered. “Now, if you don’t mind—”

But before she could finish, Agatha leaned in, voice just above a whisper. “You always run away when things get interesting.”

Rio’s breath hitched before she quickly masked it. She stepped back. “And you always push when you know you shouldn’t.”

Agatha chuckled. “That’s what makes it fun.”

“It’s not fun for me.”

A beat of silence passed between them. Something flickered in Agatha’s expression—just for a second—before she quickly masked it with another smirk. “I’ll see you around, sweetheart.”

She turned, walking away with the candle in hand, leaving Rio standing there, fists clenched, heart pounding.

This woman was a problem.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Rio is sitting at the bar, nursing her drink, when Agatha slides into the seat beside her. Rio doesn’t even look up, already bracing herself for whatever teasing comment is coming next. She’d hoped to get through the night without any more of Agatha’s flirtations, but of course, Agatha has other plans.

Agatha smirks, leaning in just enough to make Rio uncomfortable. "You know, I’ve been wondering... Do you always act so uninterested, or is this just a game to you?"

Rio shoots her a sidelong glance, her tone sharp. "Not a game. Just not interested, Agatha. You’re not my type."

The words come out colder than she expects, and for a second, there’s a flicker of something in Agatha’s eyes—surprise, maybe? But then the smirk is back, and Agatha leans closer, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "Ahh, so Jen isn't kidding," she says with a knowing glance. "You straight as a ruler, huh?"

Rio stares at her in disbelief, the tension spiking. "Did you seriously just say that?" she shoots back, shaking her head in disbelief. She chugs the rest of her drink in one go, the burn from the alcohol a welcome distraction from the intensity of Agatha’s gaze. "Shift’s over," Rio mutters, standing up abruptly and grabbing her things. "Goodbye."

She doesn’t wait for a response from Agatha, striding toward the exit with a mix of frustration and annoyance boiling inside her. She glances at the clock as she walks past, realizing it’s late, but she doesn’t care. She just wants to be away from Agatha.

Agatha watches Rio walk out of the bar, her gaze lingering on Rio’s retreating figure. She feels a knot tighten in her stomach, but she doesn’t let it show. It’s a challenge now. Rio thinks she can walk away? Agatha’s not done yet. Not by a long shot.

After a moment’s hesitation, Agatha grabs her jacket and heads out. The building and the street outside are crowded, and she can’t immediately spot Rio. Frustrated but undeterred, Agatha slides into her car and drives off, eyes scanning the sidewalk. Her mind races with a mix of desire and annoyance—she won’t let Rio get away that easily.

Then, as if on cue, she sees her. Rio is walking down the street, cigarette dangling from her lips, hands shoved in her pockets, her face a picture of annoyance. She’s trying to look unaffected, but Agatha can tell she’s still wound up from their earlier exchange.

Agatha slows her car as she drives toward Rio. She’s going slow, letting the moment drag out, enjoying the sense of power she has over the situation. She knows Rio can hear the car’s engine, the low rumble as it approaches her. Finally, she pulls up alongside Rio, who looks up in surprise.

Agatha rolls down the window, her smile almost predatory. "Hey," she calls out, her voice dripping with amusement. "Get in. I’ll give you a ride."

Rio stops dead in her tracks, her jaw tightening as she glares at Agatha. "Seriously? Again?" she snaps, clearly irritated. "I’m not some street woman you can pick up and have a one-night stand with, Agatha."

Agatha laughs, the sound low and teasing. "C’mon, Rio. It’s late, and it’s dangerous to walk home in the dark. Don’t be so stubborn. Just get in."

Rio’s eyes narrow. "It’d be more dangerous if I get in that car with you," she shoots back, her tone biting.

Agatha chuckles at that, getting out of the car without a second thought. She stands there, her body language confident, challenging, almost like she’s daring Rio to refuse. Her eyes lock with Rio’s, silently saying: Come on, don’t make this difficult.

Rio glares at her, crossing her arms over her chest, her irritation clear. But there’s something about Agatha’s insistence that gets under her skin. She can feel her resolve crumbling, even though she doesn’t want to admit it.

With an exaggerated groan, Rio finally gives in, her eyes rolling as she mutters, "Fine. I’ll get in. But don’t think for one second that I’m doing this because I want to."

Agatha smiles triumphantly, her eyes lighting up with victory. "That’s all I need to hear," she says, opening the passenger door for Rio. "Now, let’s go."

Rio climbs into the car, her mood even more sour than before, but Agatha doesn’t seem to mind. She starts the engine, the car purring smoothly down the street as they drive off into the night.

The silence in the car is thick, almost suffocating. Agatha’s driving is smooth, controlled, while Rio sits in the passenger seat, arms crossed tightly across her chest, her eyes glued to the window. She’s annoyed. She doesn’t want to admit it, but the constant push-pull between them is starting to wear her down.

Agatha glances over, noticing the tension in Rio’s posture, the way her jaw is clenched. She can’t help the smirk that creeps onto her lips. She loves this—getting under Rio’s skin, making her lose control, even if it’s just for a moment. There’s something about it that makes her feel like she’s won, even if Rio won’t admit it.

"So," Agatha finally breaks the silence, her voice low but playful. "I guess I wasn’t completely wrong earlier, huh? You really are straight, then."

Rio doesn’t respond at first, and Agatha thinks she’s won again. But after a few beats, Rio finally speaks, her voice tinged with sarcasm.

"Why does it matter to you so much, Agatha? You’re not my type. End of story."

Agatha chuckles, the sound playful and teasing. "Oh, I know. You’ve made that perfectly clear. But I like to think I’m a challenge. A little fun, you know?"

Rio shoots her a glance, her eyes narrowing. "Fun for you, maybe. But I’m not some toy for you to play with when you’re bored."

Agatha doesn’t flinch. "I never said you were. But you’re definitely more fun than most people give you credit for."

Rio huffs, looking out the window again. She’s frustrated, irritated, and still trying to keep her guard up. Agatha’s like a magnet, drawing her in with every little comment, every playful smile. But Rio won’t let herself be pulled in. She won’t fall for it. Not again.

The car turns onto a quieter street, the city lights flickering in the distance. Agatha slows down, looking over at Rio. "You know, Rio, you could’ve just taken the ride and kept your mouth shut. But you’ve gotta make everything harder than it needs to be, huh?"

Rio’s eyes flick to her, the frustration evident. "I’m not here to make your life easier, Agatha. I don’t owe you anything."

The words hang in the air between them, a palpable tension that neither one of them is willing to break. But Agatha’s smile doesn’t falter. "Maybe. But you still got in my car. So, there’s something, right?"

Rio doesn’t respond to that, her fingers tapping rhythmically on her thigh. She’s trying to ignore the heat between them, trying not to acknowledge the pull that’s always there when Agatha’s near. But it’s impossible to ignore now. Every word, every look, is driving her insane.

The car comes to a stop in front of a familiar street. Rio’s neighborhood. Her apartment building is just a few blocks away. Agatha parks the car, turning off the engine. Rio hesitates for a moment, unsure of what to do next. She wants to get out, to walk away and leave this whole night behind her. But she also knows Agatha won’t make it that easy.

"So, this is where I get out?" Rio says, her tone clipped. "Are you done with your little game?"

Agatha leans back in her seat, giving Rio a pointed look. "I don’t think you’re done yet. You’ve still got that whole stubborn thing going on. Come on, Rio, just relax for once."

Rio glares at her. "Relax? Are you serious? I don’t need you telling me how to live my life, Agatha."

"Of course you don’t," Agatha replies smoothly, not backing down. "But I’m just saying... you’ve been tense all night. Maybe a little company isn’t the worst thing in the world."

Rio opens the door, her hand gripping the handle. "I didn’t ask for your company," she says, her voice low but firm. "Goodnight."

Agatha watches her go, her lips twitching into a small smile. She knows she hasn’t won this round, but she’s far from finished. Rio’s fire is what makes her interesting, after all.

Rio steps out onto the sidewalk, the cool night air washing over her. She can feel the weight of Agatha’s gaze even as she walks away, and she hates it. But there’s a part of her, a small voice she tries to ignore, that wants more. She won’t admit it—not even to herself. She’s not the type of woman to let someone get under her skin.

She pulls out a cigarette, lighting it with a quick flick of the lighter, and takes a deep drag. Her mind is still racing from the night’s events—Agatha’s teasing, her persistence, the way she seemed to always be just one step ahead. It’s like she can’t escape her.

As she walks, she can’t shake the feeling that Agatha’s watching her, waiting for her to break. And maybe she will. But not tonight.

Back in the car, Agatha waits a beat before starting the engine again. She watches Rio walk away, her gaze lingering for a moment longer than it should. She’s not done with her, not by a long shot. If anything, this little game is just getting started.

She drives slowly, the engine humming under her, and as Rio disappears down the street, Agatha makes a decision. She won’t give up. Not now. Not when Rio’s as interesting as she is.

30 Minutes Later...

The car’s headlights cut through the quiet streets, casting long shadows on the sidewalk as Agatha turned the car around. The decision was made—it was time to see Rio again, whether she liked it or not. But first, Agatha had a little detour in mind.

She drove down the familiar route, heading toward the local convenience store. Inside, she grabbed a couple of pints of ice cream—two chocolate, one matcha—because she knew exactly what Rio’s favorite flavor was. She smirked to herself. This was going to be interesting.

Agatha parked in front of the building about 30 minutes later, the ice cream in the passenger seat beside her. She looked at the clock—almost 1 AM. Perfect. She made her way to the door, each step purposeful. When she knocked, it took a moment before Rio answered, already dressed in casual sleepwear, her damp hair still clinging to her neck from a recent shower.

“What do you want, Agatha?” Rio’s tone was flat, her annoyance clear. She didn’t even bother to hide it this time.

Agatha held up the ice cream tubs, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "I come bearing gifts," she said, her voice teasing.

Rio raised an eyebrow, not amused. "Yeah, no thanks," she said, trying to close the door, but Agatha quickly blocked it with her foot.

“I’m actually here for Alice," Agatha said, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm. "Not for you." She let the words hang in the air for a second longer than needed, relishing the look on Rio’s face.

Rio’s lips twitched into a frown. "Right," she said, clearly not buying it.

Just as Rio was about to slam the door shut, Alice appeared from around the corner, looking sleepy but smiling when she saw Agatha. "Hey, what’s up? Agatha, right?" She looked at Rio, “Come on, let her in. We’re watching a movie, right?”

Rio rolled her eyes but reluctantly stepped aside. “Fine,” she muttered, stepping back.

Agatha smiled triumphantly as she stepped inside, holding the ice cream. She shot Rio a look, feeling a little smug. "What, no warm welcome?" she teased, taking in the apartment’s cozy vibe.

"She’s grumpy, don't mind her," Alice said with a grin, gesturing for Agatha to sit. "You guys can keep me company while I pick the movie. I’m picking something good, so don’t complain."

Rio threw herself on the couch with a huff, already acting like she wasn’t going to enjoy any part of the evening. But she couldn't resist a small smile when Alice threw her a pint of matcha ice cream.

“Catch,” Alice said, tossing it across the room. "It’s your favorite."

Rio caught the ice cream with one hand, her expression softening just a fraction. She stared at the tub for a moment before glancing up at Alice. "You’re not right, you know that?"

“Yeah, yeah,” Alice replied, “You’re not getting away from this movie night.”

“Fine, fine.” Rio finally relented. "But I’m going to sleep afterward." She leaned back against the couch, crossing her arms as she prepared to tune out.

Alice picked the movie—Gia, starring Angelina Jolie. Rio groaned but didn’t object. She had seen it before and knew exactly what Alice was up to. As the movie started, they all settled in, Agatha making sure to sit close to Rio on the couch, casually but deliberately.

As the movie played, the plot unraveled, showing the rise and fall of the model Gia Carangi, who struggled with addiction and tumultuous relationships. The tension in the film was palpable, and the way Angelina Jolie portrayed Gia’s complex emotions had the room quiet for a while. But then, the inevitable came—the intimate scene between Gia and another woman.

It was a raw, sensual moment, and Agatha couldn’t help but glance over at Rio to gauge her reaction. Rio, surprisingly, was already looking at Agatha. Their eyes locked for a split second, and the tension between them thickened. Agatha quickly looked away, feeling a flutter in her chest that she wasn’t expecting. She cleared her throat and adjusted her position, trying to seem casual about it.

Before she could retreat further into her thoughts, a knock sounded at the door.

Rio, who had been trying to zone out, glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s 1 AM,” she muttered under her breath, almost irritated by the interruption.

Alice, not missing a beat, jumped up and went to the door. Agatha seized the opportunity, shifting closer to Rio on the couch. Rio didn’t move to push her away—she was too tired to care at this point. But Agatha’s presence made her heart race, and she hated that she was so aware of every little move the woman made.

As Alice opened the door, Agatha leaned in, her breath almost hot on Rio’s neck as she settled against the couch beside her, their bodies nearly touching. Rio’s heartbeat quickened, but she didn’t push her away. She didn’t want to.

"Hey, guys!" Alice called, letting in Jen, who was wearing a mischievous grin.

Agatha shot Alice a look, catching the glance she knew was meant for her—this was about to get interesting. Alice turned back to Rio and Agatha, holding her things and preparing to leave.

“I’m heading out with Jen,” Alice said, a knowing look in her eye. “We’re going to spend the night together.”

Agatha chuckled under her breath, eyes glinting with amusement. “Liar! You’re just gonna have sex.”

Rio snorted, a soft laugh escaping her as Alice shot her a playful glare before quickly gathering her things and heading out with Jen. The door closed behind them, leaving Agatha and Rio alone in the living room.

With the sudden quiet, Agatha leaned in a little closer, her voice low, “Now... where were we?”

Rio shifted uncomfortably, her cheeks flushed from the intensity of the moment. "You’re not gonna give up, are you?"

Agatha smiled softly, her usual playful teasing replaced with something a little more sincere. “I’m not here to force anything on you, Rio. You’ve got your walls up, I get it. But I see through them. You don’t have to pretend around me.”

Rio’s breath caught in her throat. She hadn’t expected Agatha to speak so openly, so sincerely. It made her want to pull back, but something about the way Agatha said it made her feel... seen. In that moment, for the first time, Rio didn’t feel like she had to hide. She exhaled slowly, her voice quieter than usual.

“Why are you so persistent?” Rio asked, her tone a little softer than before. "Why even bother with me?"

Agatha’s eyes softened. “Because despite your tough exterior, you’re not as unbreakable as you think. And I’m not going to stop until you see that."

The sincerity in Agatha’s voice broke through Rio’s defenses just enough. Her shoulders relaxed, and she met Agatha’s gaze for a long moment. She felt herself letting her guard down for the first time that night, letting herself feel something that wasn’t so hard and cold.

“I’m not an easy person to deal with, Agatha,” Rio said quietly, her vulnerability showing. “I don’t trust easily.”

Agatha nodded, her expression understanding. “I know. But maybe, just maybe, you don’t have to do this alone.”

Rio exhaled slowly, leaning back against the couch, her walls a little lower than before. She didn’t answer, but the silence between them was no longer uncomfortable. It was... gentle, in a way.

“I’m just saying,” Agatha added, her voice teasing once more, “I’m not as bad as I seem.”

Rio couldn’t help but let out a small, exhausted laugh. “I’m sure you’re not.”

The quiet hung between them, filled with unspoken things. And for the first time in a long while, Rio didn’t feel so alone.

Finally, Rio sighed, shifting her position to face Agatha. “You can stay,” she said, her voice tired but soft. “It’s late, and you’ve already had a long night. I won’t make you drive home.”

Agatha raised an eyebrow in surprise. “You sure about that?”

Rio nodded, her gaze softer now. “Yeah. It’s fine. Just... no more trying to get in my pants tonight, okay?” Her voice was playful, but there was a tenderness in her tone now that hadn’t been there before.

Agatha smirked, her heart racing slightly. “I’ll try,” she said, but her eyes held an unmistakable promise that she wouldn’t give up so easily.

Chapter Text

The scent of coffee drifted through the apartment, pulling Agatha from the haze of sleep. She blinked, adjusting to the dim morning light seeping through the curtains. The air was thick with the aroma of something frying, and as she turned her head, she caught sight of Rio moving around the kitchen.

Dressed in a loose shirt that barely hung off her frame, Rio moved with practiced ease, flipping something in a pan. Agatha let a smirk tug at her lips. The image was almost surreal, Rio, the guarded, sharp-tongued woman who barely tolerated her, now making breakfast while Agatha lay sprawled out on her couch.

“Wow,” Agatha drawled, pushing herself up on her elbows. “Didn’t think you had a domestic side.”

Rio didn’t look up as she plated the food. “I don’t. Don’t read into it.”

Agatha chuckled and stretched, the blanket slipping off her. “Too late. I’m already picturing us as newlyweds. Should I start calling you ‘honey’?”

Rio shot her a glare. “Or you could shut up and eat.”

Agatha grinned and got up, sauntering toward the kitchen counter where two plates were set. She settled into the chair across from Rio, eyes scanning her as she took a bite of her toast.

“So,” Agatha started between bites, “last night was fun.”

Rio hummed noncommittally, focusing on her food.

“Didn’t expect you to let me stay over,” Agatha continued, watching Rio closely.

Rio let out a slow exhale and leaned back in her chair. “You’re annoying, but I’m not heartless. It was too late to send you back.”

Agatha smirked. “Ah, so you do care.”

Rio gave her a dry look. “Don’t push it.”

Agatha rested her elbow on the table, propping her chin on her hand. “You always keep people at arm’s length, huh?”

Rio tensed almost imperceptibly before stabbing at her eggs. “Some people deserve to stay at arm’s length.”

Agatha watched her, the playfulness in her gaze dimming just slightly. “And what about the ones who don’t?”

Rio hesitated, fingers tightening around her fork. Then she shrugged. “Haven’t met one yet.”

Agatha leaned back, studying her. “That’s a lie.”

Rio’s jaw twitched, but before she could retaliate, the sound of keys jingling broke the moment. The door swung open, and Alice stepped inside, looking far too awake for someone who’d just spent the night elsewhere.

She barely glanced at them before smirking. “Well, well, well. Look at you two, having a cute little breakfast together.”

Rio rolled her eyes. “Don’t start.”

Alice leaned against the counter, grinning. “Oh, I’m definitely starting. Agatha, how was the couch?”

“Surprisingly comfortable,” Agatha replied smoothly. “Though I think I’d prefer a bed next time.”

Rio scoffed. “Don’t count on it.”

Alice chuckled, eyeing them both. “Mhm. Sure.”

She moved to grab a glass of water, but her gaze flicked between them with mild curiosity. “You know,” Alice mused, “I never thought I’d see Rio actually make someone breakfast.”

“I didn’t,” Rio muttered. “I made myself breakfast. She just happens to be here.”

Agatha smirked. “You made two plates, babe.”

Rio leveled her with an unimpressed look. “Because I didn’t want to hear you whine about how hungry you were.”

Alice let out a laugh. “Right. Sure.”

The room fell into a brief silence before Agatha tilted her head. “So, what’s the deal with you, Rio? Why do you act like you don’t need anybody?”

Rio’s expression darkened slightly. “Because I don’t.”

Agatha leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm. “That’s a pretty lonely way to live.”

Rio clenched her jaw, eyes flicking away. “I manage.”

Alice, sensing the tension, cleared her throat. “Alright, well, as fun as it is watching you two verbally spar, I need a shower.”

She started toward her room but glanced over her shoulder. “Don’t kill each other while I’m gone.”

Agatha grinned. “No promises.”

As Alice disappeared down the hallway, Agatha shifted her gaze back to Rio, watching her intently. “You ever think maybe you don’t have to manage everything alone?”

Rio exhaled, standing and taking her plate to the sink. “You ask too many questions.”

Agatha smirked, but there was something softer in her eyes now. “And you avoid too many answers.”

Rio paused, gripping the counter for a second before sighing. “Eat your food, Agatha.”

Agatha watched her for a long moment, then picked up her fork. “Whatever you say, sweetheart.”

……………………………………………………………………………………………

After breakfast, the tension in the apartment was still thick in the air. Rio had cleaned up the dishes in silence, but Agatha could sense something unspoken between them. They both were edging around whatever that electric charge had been earlier. It was a weight neither of them knew how to handle just yet.

Agatha stood, stretching as she grabbed her jacket from the couch, and walked toward Rio, who was heading toward the door.

“Hey,” Agatha said, her voice a little too casual. “I’ll give you a ride to work.”

Rio froze, her hand on the door handle, then slowly turned to face Agatha. Her eyes narrowed with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. “What, are you my chauffeur now?” she asked, her tone playful but guarded.

Agatha leaned against the doorframe, grinning, a playful gleam in her eyes. “I can be anything you want.”

Rio’s face flickered with surprise, a blush creeping up her neck before she quickly masked it with a scoff. She adjusted her jacket, feigning indifference. “Fine. If you’re so eager.”

Agatha suppressed a smile, following Rio out the door and into the elevator. The air between them felt like it was teetering on the edge of something, something neither of them quite wanted to admit. They had reached a point where small gestures, even small conversations, carried a weight they weren’t prepared for.

The ride was quiet at first. The hum of the engine and the occasional click of the turn signal filled the silence between them. Rio had her arms crossed, her gaze focused out the window. Agatha kept her eyes on the road but couldn’t help but glance at Rio every few seconds, noticing the way her fingers fidgeted, betraying her calm exterior.

Finally, Agatha broke the silence. “You know,” she began, glancing over at Rio, “I never took you for the type to be so... evasive.”

Rio’s eyes flicked to her, raising an eyebrow, but she didn’t respond. Agatha pressed on.

“You always keep things to yourself,” she said, her voice light but laced with curiosity. “Is it that hard for you to let someone in?”

Rio tensed slightly, but the words hit too close to home. She turned her head, her gaze sharp. “I don’t need anyone, Agatha,” she said, her voice cold. “I’ve been doing fine on my own.”

Agatha kept her eyes on the road but noticed the stiffness in Rio’s shoulders. “Sure you have,” she said, her voice teasing, but there was a deeper tone beneath it. “You’re so good at pushing people away, but I wonder if it’s because you’re scared of what would happen if someone actually stayed.”

Rio’s jaw clenched, and Agatha could tell that the comment had struck a nerve. But before Rio could respond, they reached a stoplight, and the brief pause in conversation felt more loaded than it should have.

Agatha, sensing an opening, decided to push just a little more. “You know,” she said with a sly grin, “you fold your shirts a certain way. Every single time. It’s like a routine. A little obsessive, don’t you think?”

Rio’s eyes flicked to Agatha with a flash of irritation, but Agatha’s teasing tone made her smile despite herself. The tension was palpable, each word between them an unspoken challenge. It was a weird sort of intimacy, the way they danced around each other, not quite friends, not quite enemies, but something in between.

They came to a stop at a red light, and as it changed to green, Agatha pulled the car off the main road, taking a brief detour through a small, quiet park. She parked, killing the engine, and they sat in silence for a few moments, the world outside quiet and still. The park was almost empty this early in the morning, and the cool breeze ruffled the leaves of the trees, creating a soft rustling sound.

“I used to come here when I needed to think,” Agatha said, breaking the silence. Her voice was softer now, almost hesitant. “It’s peaceful.”

Rio didn’t respond immediately. She just stared out the window, her face unreadable. But Agatha noticed how her posture had softened, her body less tense than it had been earlier.

For a moment, they just sat there, neither speaking, both caught in the thick atmosphere. The quiet between them felt like a heavy weight, yet Agatha felt something else—a connection. Something unspoken, lingering just beneath the surface. Rio wasn’t just a closed-off mystery anymore; Agatha could see the vulnerability flickering in her eyes, even if she refused to show it.

Agatha decided to break the quiet. “You know,” she began, her tone lighter now, “you really need to stop pretending you don’t care. It’s so obvious.”

Rio’s lips twitched, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. She glanced at Agatha, a flicker of something in her eyes before it vanished. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice quiet.

“I mean,” Agatha leaned slightly closer, her voice lowering just a touch, “every time you pretend like you don’t want to be close to someone, I can see it. It’s all in the way you look at people. The way you...” She paused, almost teasing.

Rio’s eyes widened, and for the briefest moment, she seemed vulnerable, like she didn’t know how to respond to that. It wasn’t anger this time, just something else, something softer.

Agatha moved even closer, drawn in by the quiet shift in Rio’s demeanor. “You don’t have to keep people at a distance, Rio,” she whispered, her breath catching. “Not everyone’s going to hurt you.”

And then it happened.

Rio’s eyes flickered to Agatha’s lips, and before either of them could register what was happening, Rio closed the space between them. Her lips crashed into Agatha’s with surprising force, and for a moment, everything stopped.

The kiss was raw, intense. Rio kissed Agatha like it was the only thing she could do to quiet the storm inside her. Agatha froze for a split second, but the heat of the kiss was enough to pull her in. She kissed Rio back, the tension between them exploding into something neither of them had expected. The kiss was a mixture of aggression and longing, everything they’d both been holding back, desire, frustration, and something deeper, something that neither of them could admit to.

They pulled away, breathless. Agatha’s heart raced in her chest, her mind still trying to catch up with what had just happened. Rio, on the other hand, was already looking away, her hands clenched in her lap.

Agatha didn’t speak at first, still processing the intensity of the kiss. Finally, she managed to whisper, “Well, that escalated quickly.”

Rio muttered something under her breath, her usual cool demeanor slipping. “You talk too much.”

But neither of them moved, and the silence between them was thick with unspoken things. Neither of them knew what would come next, but one thing was clear: whatever it was, they couldn’t ignore it anymore.

…………………………………………………………………………………

Later that night, Rio steps into the dimly lit bar, her eyes scanning the crowd for Alice. The familiar buzz of conversation and the clink of glasses is drowned out by the quiet hum of her thoughts. She was still processing the events of the evening, both the unexpected kiss and the unsettling distance she now felt between herself and Agatha.

Just as Rio walks up to the bar, her eyes land on Agatha. She’s sitting at a table in the corner with a woman, clearly enjoying a drink together. The woman is leaning in close, speaking quietly into Agatha’s ear. Rio’s stomach tightens. She shouldn’t care, right? Agatha isn’t hers, and Rio doesn’t owe her any explanations. Still, the sight hits her like a punch to the gut.

Agatha laughs at something the woman says, and Rio immediately looks away, pretending not to notice. Her fingers tighten around the edge of her glass as she mutters to herself, “Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter.”

But as Rio takes a sip of her drink, she can’t ignore the ache gnawing at her chest. Her eyes wander back to Agatha. And just then, Agatha looks up and catches her gaze. A smirk forms on her lips.

With a smooth, deliberate motion, Agatha excuses herself from the table and saunters over to Rio. Her hips sway confidently with each step, her eyes locked on Rio’s as she approaches.

“You jealous, sweetheart?” Agatha teases, a playful glint in her eye.

Rio narrows her gaze, trying to hide the emotion building inside her. “I told you. You’re not my type,” she responds, her voice clipped, deliberately cold.

Agatha steps even closer, her breath warm against Rio’s ear as she lowers her voice. “Right. Straight as a ruler.”

Rio feels a pulse of irritation, her insides tightening. She wants to fight it, to brush it off like it doesn’t bother her, but somehow, she can’t. The playful teasing, the near proximity, it’s all too much.

Before the moment can escalate further, however, the woman Agatha was with earlier approaches. Her face is clouded with annoyance, her voice sharp.

“So you’re done with me already?” she demands, grabbing Agatha’s arm.

Agatha tenses visibly, the easy-going smile from earlier replaced by something more guarded, but Rio notices it immediately. It’s the first time she’s seen Agatha look uncomfortable in this situation, almost like she’s trying to dodge the confrontation but doesn’t quite know how. It’s a side of Agatha Rio hasn’t seen before.

Without even thinking, Rio steps forward, her protective instincts kicking in. She slides an arm smoothly around Agatha’s shoulders, pulling her closer without hesitation.

“Sorry, but she’s with me,” Rio says, her tone calm but firm.

The woman stares at Rio, eyes narrowed, trying to size up the situation. She doesn’t seem impressed by the claim but after a beat, she shrugs and mutters something under her breath before walking away.

Once she’s gone, Rio releases Agatha, her arm falling back to her side. Agatha stands frozen for a moment, clearly surprised by the move.

“Didn’t think you were the protective type,” Agatha says, her voice quieter than usual, something softer in it.

Rio shrugs, keeping her expression neutral. “You looked like you needed an out.”

Agatha just watches her for a moment, her usual playful demeanor fading for the first time that night. There’s a flicker in her eyes as if she’s seeing Rio in a new light, something she didn’t quite expect.

For once, Agatha doesn’t tease. She doesn’t press. Instead, she looks at Rio and says, “Thanks.”

Rio simply nods, unsure of what she’s feeling. But in that moment, standing so close to Agatha, Rio realizes that maybe there’s more to her feelings than she’s willing to admit.

The night wore on, drinks kept flowing, and before Rio realized it, she was tipsy. Alice had wandered off, lost in conversation with someone at the bar, leaving Rio alone with Agatha.

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the weight of unspoken words settling between them. Every so often, Agatha’s eyes flicked toward Rio, watching her sip her drink, observing the way her fingers curled around the glass. Rio pretended not to notice, but she could feel the heat of Agatha’s gaze lingering.

“You’ve been staring at me all night,” Rio finally said, glancing at Agatha over the rim of her glass.

Agatha smirked, leaning in slightly. "Funny. I was about to say the same thing."

Rio rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the small smile forming at the edge of her lips. The air between them had shifted—charged with something neither of them were quite ready to address.

“So,” Agatha continued, tapping her nails against the bar, “you having fun?”

Rio scoffed. "As fun as a night out with Alice can be. She ditched me ages ago."

Agatha chuckled. "Yeah, I noticed. I was waiting for my chance to steal you."

Rio raised an eyebrow. "Steal me? What am I, a prize?"

Agatha leaned in, her voice low and teasing. "Maybe."

Rio’s heart skipped a beat. She blamed it on the alcohol. "You wish."

Agatha just grinned, reaching for her drink. "Oh, sweetheart, I always get what I want."

Rio shook her head, laughing softly. She should’ve been annoyed by Agatha’s cocky demeanor, but somehow, she wasn’t. Instead, she felt drawn in, her body betraying her better judgment.

It was Agatha who leaned in first, voice dropping low. “Meet me in the bathroom.”

Rio blinked. “What?”

But Agatha was already slipping off her seat, walking toward the back of the bar. Rio hesitated, heart pounding against her ribs. She shouldn’t follow. She should finish her drink, grab Alice, and go home.

And yet, her feet moved before her mind could argue.

She pushed open the bathroom door, barely having time to process before Agatha grabbed her, pulling her into an empty stall and locking it behind them.

Agatha’s lips crashed against hers, hot and urgent. Rio barely had time to gasp before she was pushed against the stall door, Agatha’s hands roaming over her waist, pulling her even closer. The kiss was deep, intoxicating, making Rio’s head spin. She moaned softly into Agatha’s mouth, feeling the press of her body, the way Agatha’s fingers gripped her hips possessively. The stall door rattled slightly as Agatha deepened the kiss, her tongue sliding against Rio’s, stealing whatever breath she had left.

Rio was confused, her mind screamed at her to stop, to question what she was doing, but her body betrayed her, melting into Agatha’s touch.

“You’ve been driving me crazy all night,” Agatha murmured against her lips, fingers working on the buttons of Rio’s shirt.

Rio moaned, her head falling back as Agatha’s lips found her neck, sucking, marking. The sensation sent a jolt of pleasure down her spine. She should stop this. She should—

“I… Agatha…” Rio gasped, barely able to form words as Agatha’s hand slid under her skirt, her fingers tracing slow, deliberate circles that sent shivers down Rio’s spine. The anticipation was maddening, her breath hitching as she clung to Agatha’s shoulders, a soft moan escaping her lips.

Agatha kissed her again, deep and unhurried, stealing the soft whimper that escaped Rio’s lips. "Relax, baby," Agatha murmured against her mouth, her touch slow, teasing, as she traced delicate patterns over Rio’s skin, drawing out soft, breathless sighs. Rio felt her body melt into the moment, losing herself in the warmth of Agatha’s presence, her pulse racing in anticipation.

Rio’s knees nearly buckled, her hands clutching at Agatha’s shoulders. “I—I haven’t…” Her breath hitched. “I haven’t done this before. With a woman.”

Agatha froze, her eyes searching Rio’s face. Slowly, she withdrew her hands, fixing Rio’s clothes before unlocking the stall door.

Rio, still breathless, frowned. “What—?”

Agatha peered out, checking for anyone outside before turning back to Rio. And then, with a smirk, she kissed Rio once more, slow and deliberate. “You’re coming with me.”

………………………………………………………………

The ride to Agatha’s place was a blur. They barely made it to the car before their lips crashed together again, hands roaming as if they couldn’t get enough.

Rio pulled back for a second, breathless. “Drive.”

Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at Agatha’s apartment. As they stepped inside, a sudden thought hit Rio, sobering her just slightly. “Wait… What about your son?”

Agatha pushed Rio inside, shutting the door before kissing her again. “Don’t worry, he’s on a field trip with his classmates.”

Rio hesitated. “And you’re not there? Aren’t you worried?”

Agatha chuckled, leading Rio toward the bedroom. “He’s with Wanda. He’s fine. They’ll be back tomorrow.”

And then she kissed Rio again, and all hesitation melted away.

Agatha reached for Rio's hand as they walked up the stairs, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Nervous?" she asked, dark eyes glinting with amusement.

Rio bit her lip, nodding mutely. Agatha's thumb stroked over her knuckles, soothing her frazzled nerves.

"It's okay," Agatha murmured, leaning in close. "We've got all night to ourselves. No interruptions." Her other hand slid around Rio's waist, pulling her flush against her body.

Rio melted into the embrace, arms winding around Agatha's neck as she opened eagerly for the other woman's questing tongue. They kissed deeply, languidly, reacquainting themselves with each other's tastes and textures. Agatha's hands roamed restlessly over Rio's back and sides before settling on her hips, holding her firmly against the heat of her body.

By the time they separated for air, Rio was panting softly, cheeks flushed and eyes glazed with desire. "Inside," Agatha growled, voice rough with want. "Now."

She fumbled with the key before finally getting the door open and dragging Rio inside. They barely made it two steps into the living room before Agatha had her pinned against the wall, lips latching onto the sensitive spot just below Rio's ear.

Rio keened softly, head falling back to grant Agatha better access as the other woman sucked and nibbled at her throat. Her hands fisted in Agatha's hair, tugging lightly as arousal sparked through her veins.

"Agatha," she breathed, hips rolling forward to press against the heat of the other woman's body. "Please..."

"Shh, I've got you," Agatha soothed, trailing open-mouthed kisses along Rio's jawline. "Gonna take care of you so good." 

She walked them backwards towards the bedroom, hands roaming and tugging at clothes as they went. By the time they tumbled onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, they were both breathless and nearly naked, bodies burning for more.

When Agatha finally dipped a hand between Rio's legs, she was met with slick heat. "Mmm, you're so wet," Agatha purred, fingers slipping easily through Rio's folds. "Does that feel good, baby? Having my fingers inside you?"

Rio could only whimper in response, hips lifting to meet Agatha's touch. The rough pad of a fingertip circled her clit and Rio cried out, the sensation nearly overwhelming in its intensity. "Ah! Yes, please..."

"Shh, I've got you," Agatha soothed, continuing to stroke and tease Rio's most sensitive flesh.

Rio gasped as Agatha's fingers found her folds, stroking through the slick heat gathering there. "So wet already," Agatha purred approvingly, circling Rio's clit with a maddeningly light touch. " Want me to make you feel good?"

"Yes," Rio whimpered, hips lifting to seek more friction. 

"I know," Agatha cooed, finally pressing two fingers deep inside Rio's tight heat. "I know exactly what you need." 

Rio cried out at the sudden invasion, inner muscles clamping down greedily around Agatha's digits as pleasure swamped her. Agatha pumped her fingers slowly, curling them just right to hit that magic spot inside that made Rio see stars.

"Oh fuck," Rio panted, eyes squeezing shut as ecstasy built rapidly in her core. "Don't stop, just like that..."

Agatha chuckled wickedly, picking up the pace as she leaned down to capture one of Rio's nipples in her hot mouth. She sucked hard, tongue flicking over the sensitive peak as she continued to stroke Rio's pussy.

It was too much - too intense, too good. Rio could feel herself teetering on the edge of release, entire body coiled tight as pleasure wound tighter and tighter.

"So tight," Agatha groaned, working the finger in and out gently. "You feel amazing, Rio." She curled the finger just right and Rio saw stars, a keening wail escaping her throat.

"Oh god, Agatha!" Rio sobbed, hands fisting in the sheets. "I...I gonna I'm...oh!" Her words dissolved into a wordless cry as orgasm overtook her, body convulsing with the force of it. Agatha continued to stroke her through it, prolonging the intense pleasure until Rio collapsed back against the mattress, boneless and sated.

"Come for me," Agatha demanded, thumb pressing down on Rio's clit as she scissored her fingers deep. "Let go, baby."

Rio obeyed with a scream, back arching off the bed as her orgasm crashed over her in intense waves. Agatha worked her through it patiently, fingers and mouth gentling as Rio floated down from her high.

"Beautiful," Agatha murmured when Rio collapsed back against the mattress, glazed eyes half-lidded and lips parted. "So fucking beautiful when you come."

Rio managed a shaky laugh, already feeling a delicious ache between her thighs. "That was...wow." She pulled Agatha down for a slow, deep kiss, moaning softly at the taste of herself on the other woman's tongue.

For the first time, Rio didn’t feel the need to guard herself. She let herself relax, let herself be held. Agatha’s fingers traced lazy circles along her arm, a silent promise of comfort.

“Still not your type?” Agatha murmured, her voice laced with sleep.

Rio huffed a quiet laugh, eyes fluttering shut. “Shut up.”

Agatha chuckled but said nothing more.

As Rio drifted off, nestled against Agatha’s side, she realized—maybe, just maybe—she had never felt safer.

Chapter Text

The revving of an engine sliced through the quiet morning air like a chainsaw to her dreams.

Rio shot up from the bed, wild-eyed and disoriented, heart jackhammering in her chest. “What the hell—?”

The room was unfamiliar. Not hers. Definitely not hers.

Silky gray sheets. A velvet headboard. Clothes flung everywhere like a hurricane had passed. Her boots were halfway across the room. Her leather jacket was dangling from a bedside lamp like it owed rent.

Then it hit her.

Last night.

Agatha.

The bar. The bathroom. The cab. The heated make-out session that definitely didn’t stay PG.

“Shit,” Rio whispered, flopping back against the pillows, face buried in her hands. Her heart was still doing cartwheels and she couldn’t tell if it was from panic, regret… or just straight-up giddiness.

She rolled over.

The bed was empty.

“Of course she ghosted,” Rio muttered, sitting up and scanning the room for any signs of life. “Classic.”

She found her bra on the floor next to a half-empty wine bottle, muttered another curse under her breath, and started gathering her things, tugging on her jeans while hopping toward the hallway like a confused flamingo.

“Agatha?” she called out, peeking into the living room. Nothing.

She checked the kitchen.

Still nothing.

And then—there it was. A note stuck to the microwave with a cute little dinosaur magnet that said "RAWR means I love you in dino."

"Went to pick up Nicky & Wanda from the train station.
Food’s in the microwave, coffee’s on the table.
Try not to run off without me ;)
— A."

Rio blinked at the note, a surprised smile tugging at her lips.

Inside the microwave was a covered plate with “R” written in sharpie. Eggs, bacon, toast. Toast even had butter and jam , like she was royalty. Who was this woman and what had she done with Chaos Goblin Agatha?

Then she saw the iced coffee sitting like a crown jewel on the kitchen table, condensation running down the sides. Another note stuck to the lid:

"Don’t ghost me. I’ll drive you home after lunch."

Rio stared at the note. Then at the coffee. Then back at the note.

She smirked.

Challenge accepted.

She scarfed the breakfast in record time, chugged half the coffee, and tiptoed toward the front door like a rebellious teenager sneaking out of their crush’s house. She left the note neatly folded on the table with a tiny, smug grin on her face.

Thirty minutes later

The apartment door creaked open.

Rio tried to be stealthy . She was basically a ninja. Soft steps, no sudden movements. She even took her boots off to sneak in silently.

Too bad Alice had the ears of a freaking bloodhound.

"HEY!" Alice’s voice rang from the kitchen like a grenade. “Where did you and Agatha run off to last night?!”

Rio flinched so hard she almost dropped her phone.

Alice stood there in her hoodie, cereal bowl in hand, eyebrow raised like a prosecuting lawyer.

Rio blinked, deer-in-headlights mode activated.

“I—I—uh—"

Alice squinted at her. “I’m kidding. Damn, relax.”

Rio exhaled so loudly it probably registered on the Richter scale.

“But seriously though,” Alice continued, narrowing her eyes, “Where did you go? You disappeared faster than my will to finish college.”

Rio set her keys down, trying to sound cool and casual. “I should be asking you that. Why’d you leave me with her, huh?”

Alice took a slurp of her cereal and shrugged unapologetically. “Jen called. Said she needed me. And you looked… I dunno. Kinda like you wanted to kiss her face off, sooo I left.”

Rio blinked. “Excuse me?!”

Alice just grinned. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

Rio shook her head. “Unbelievable.”

Alice took another bite of cereal, chewing thoughtfully. Then paused. Her eyes narrowed again, suspicious now.

“Wait... wait a minute. Were you with Agatha last night?”

“No.” It came out way too fast.

Alice’s spoon clattered into her bowl as she pointed dramatically. “YOU TOTALLY WERE!”

Rio turned away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Alice gasped. “OH MY GOD. YOU HAD SEX WITH HER!”

“Wha—no! I—"

“YOU DID!” Alice was practically dancing now. “OMG I KNEW IT. You had the post-sin glow when you walked in!”

Rio grabbed a throw pillow and launched it at her. “Shut up!”

Alice cackled and ducked. “Tell me everything or I’m texting Jen that you slept with our group project’s villain!”

“I didn’t —” Rio stopped, glared, then threw her hands in the air. “Ugh, I hate you.”

Alice winked. “Love you too, slut.”

And with that, she pranced off into her room like the little chaos demon she was.

Rio slumped onto the couch, groaning into a cushion. Her phone buzzed.

It was a text from Agatha.

“You left me. I’m hurt. But I’ll forgive you if you tell me what color my sheets are 😘”

Rio stared at the screen, cheeks burning.

Alice was never going to let her live this down.

……………………………………………………

Rio’s second day off felt… weird.

Too quiet. Too calm.

She stretched across the couch in a sports bra and her favorite Minecraft briefs—Steve’s little pixel face right on her hip. Classy.

Alice was out doing God knows what, leaving Rio alone with nothing but her thoughts and the leftover heat from last night’s very not-safe-for-public-texting session with Agatha.

God.

The things that woman could say.

Agatha wasn’t sweet. No. She didn’t send good morning texts with sunshine emojis and hearts. She sent messages like:

“I can still taste you.
Breakfast sounds good. You’d taste better though.”

Rio had thrown her phone across the bed when that one hit. She had curled up and screamed into a pillow. Agatha had her blushing , kicking her feet, and hiding her face like a teenage girl in a teen drama—and Rio hated it. She hated how good it felt.

They'd been texting all night. All damn night.

Now it was morning. And Rio, wide awake and grinning like an idiot, had just sent her another message.

But no reply.

She checked the time.

7:54am.

Then 8:03.

Then 8:32.

Still nothing.

Rio stared at her screen like she could will it to vibrate.

“Maybe she’s asleep,” she mumbled. “Or maybe she hates me now. Maybe that kiss was a mistake. Maybe she saw the Minecraft briefs and got the ick—”

Knock knock knock.

She nearly fell off the couch.

“ALICE?” she shouted, scrambling for her blanket.

No response.

She tiptoed to the door, cautiously peeking through the peephole like she was expecting the mafia.

And there she was.

Agatha.

Holding a brown paper bag in one hand and two iced coffees in the other. Her sunglasses perched on top of her head, hair in a loose bun, and her smirk?

Smug as hell.

“Well?” Agatha tilted her head. “Aren’t you gonna let me in?”

Rio’s jaw worked but her brain had left the chat. She opened the door wordlessly and stepped aside.

“Thank you,” Agatha said with a grin, brushing past her like she owned the place.

Rio blinked.

“I—I thought you ghosted me,” she muttered, closing the door behind her.

“You sent a text with four question marks and a sad face,” Agatha said. “I figured the only cure was caffeine and a sausage sandwich.”

She made her way to the kitchen like she’d done it a thousand times, unpacking two breakfast wraps, one croissant, and the blessed iced coffees.

Rio stood awkwardly, tugging at the hem of her oversized hoodie. “Uhh… I’ll go change. I’m literally in underwear.”

Agatha barely glanced up. “I noticed.”

Rio blinked.

And before she could retreat, Agatha reached out, grabbed her by the waist, and pulled her in.

“I missed you,” Agatha murmured against her lips, then kissed her—slow, warm, and with just enough pressure to turn Rio’s knees to pudding.

“Sit,” Agatha whispered, nudging her toward the stool by the counter. “Eat.”

Rio obeyed on instinct, dazed and very much unprepared for this early morning seduction.

Agatha leaned on the counter with her chin resting on her palm, watching Rio unwrap her breakfast like she was watching a slow-burning romance movie in 4K.

They talked.

Agatha told her about Nicky and Wanda’s train drama. Rio told her how she got tangled in her own bedsheet this morning while rolling around thinking about someone .

(Agatha raised an eyebrow at that.)

And just when Rio was starting to think the morning couldn’t get any better, her phone buzzed on the counter.

Alice.

"Meet me at the grocery store in like 30. We’re out of everything. Including dignity."

Rio sighed and held up the screen for Agatha to see. “Guess I gotta go. She’ll buy five packs of cheese and nothing else if I don’t.”

Agatha leaned in, tucking a strand of hair behind Rio’s ear.

“Go take your shower,” she said softly.

Rio nodded, slid off the stool, and turned—

—but not before Agatha caught her by the hand again, pulling her in for one last kiss. This one was slower. Deeper. More deliberate.

Agatha rested her forehead against hers.

“I’ll wait.”

Rio could only nod, dazed and giddy, before stumbling toward the bathroom.

And Agatha?

She watched her go, sipping her coffee like she didn’t just cause a category five hurricane in Rio’s brain.

…………………………………………………………

Twenty minutes later, the bathroom still hadn’t seen Rio come out.

Agatha, leaning against the kitchen counter, had already finished her coffee. She checked her phone, tapped her nails, glanced at the clock.

7:23am? She’d been energized.

8:43am? She was restless .

Without another thought, she knocked gently on the bathroom door.

“Rio?”

The door cracked open, revealing Rio in a fluffy robe, her dark hair wet and dripping, towel in hand as she began wrapping it up on her head.

“I—sorry, I took a while—” Rio started, but Agatha cut in with a deadpan,

“I need to pee.”

“Oh, right, okay—”

Rio stepped aside to let her in. As she turned to leave, Agatha shut the door behind her.

Rio paused. “Wait—why are you locking the door?”

Agatha turned slowly, a smirk already blooming across her lips.

“You see…” she stepped forward, stalking her like a predator in silk and leather. “I didn’t get to eat breakfast.”

Rio blinked. Her brain short-circuited.

A beat.

Then Rio chuckled, teasing, “And what do you want me to do with that?”

Agatha was already in front of her, fingers brushing the tie of her robe. Her voice dropped to a velvet murmur.

“I want you to be a doll and sit on the counter for me, baby.”

Before Rio could react, Agatha’s mouth was on hers—hot, demanding, breath-stealing. She kissed her like she meant to wreck her. Like she wanted her ruined.

Rio barely managed a gasp before Agatha was hoisting her onto the bathroom counter, untying her robe in one smooth pull.

“You always smell so fucking good,” Agatha murmured against her skin, trailing kisses from collarbone to breast, her tongue circling before sucking hard enough to leave Rio trembling.

The first moan that escaped was soft.

The second was breathy.

But the third? The third echoed off the bathroom tiles as Agatha knelt between her thighs, tongue laving over her clit with maddening precision.

“Fuck—Agatha—” Rio choked out, clutching her shoulder with one hand and fisting her hair with the other.

Three minutes.

That’s all it took for Agatha to pull an orgasm out of her like it was nothing. Warm, shaking, breathless.

But Agatha didn’t stop.

“More,” she whispered, sliding two fingers inside her, curling just right. “You’ve got more for me, baby.”

And she did .

But just then—

CLICK.

The sound of the front door opening made them both freeze. But Agatha’s smirk didn’t falter.

She just curled her fingers deeper.

BANG BANG BANG.

“RIO!” came Alice’s voice from the other side. “You serious? I went to the grocery store and you’re still in there? I gotta pee so bad!”

Rio bit her lip hard to stop from moaning, but it was no use.

Agatha’s mouth was back on her clit, tongue ruthless.

“Rio?” BANG BANG “At least say something!”

Rio’s body betrayed her.

A moan ripped from her throat—loud and shameless.

Agatha immediately kissed her to muffle the sound, whispering hot against her lips, “Come on, baby. One more. Just one more for me.”

Her fingers moved faster, deeper, perfectly hitting that spot.

Rio’s breath stuttered.

And then she screamed .

“Fuck—Agatha!”

Alice gasped.

“OH MY GOD . Are you literally masturbating to Agatha right now?! What is wrong with you?!”

Agatha laughed against Rio’s neck but didn’t stop. Rio scrambled for a response between ragged breaths.

“Yes! Now fuck off and use the toilet in my room! Fuckkk! ”

Alice stomped away, muttering something about being scarred for life, but it barely registered as Agatha slid her other hand behind Rio’s back and circled her clit with maddening softness.

That final orgasm crashed over her in heatwaves, her moans swallowed by Agatha’s mouth as her body shook from the aftershocks.

Agatha pulled her fingers out slowly, dragging them up to Rio’s lips.

Rio, still panting, locked eyes with her.

And licked.

Agatha’s smirk? Diabolical.

She tucked Rio’s robe loosely back around her and straightened her own outfit, running a hand through her hair. “I should probably bounce before Alice catches me here.”

Rio could barely nod.

One last kiss—a soft one this time—and Agatha cracked open the bathroom door, checking if the coast was clear.

She was almost at the front door, hand on the knob—

When Alice’s voice rang out like a gunshot.

“Well, speak of the devil .”

Agatha jumped.

Alice stood there with a knowing smirk and a grocery bag hanging from her wrist.

“Rio, your lover is here!”

Agatha blinked. Wait—did she think I just got here?

Perfect.

She played it cool. “Hey! You… two…” she gave Rio a very subtle look, all heat and secret wickedness. “I, uh, just got here. Sorry, I should’ve knocked. I came by to…”

Pause.

Think.

Lie.

“...invite you both to Wanda’s baby shower tomorrow!”

Alice blinked. “Isn’t she like… two months pregnant?”

Rio slapped her forehead behind her.

Agatha, unfazed, grinned wider. “It’s not a gender reveal. It’s just a little celebration! You know. A get-together. I invited our friends and everyone’s... coming!”

She winked at Rio when she said “coming.”

Rio turned red .

Alice shrugged. “Alright, whatever. As long as there’s cake.”

Agatha beamed, proud of her improvised excuse. But as she walked out, Rio muttered behind her hand:

“She didn’t think any of that through.”

… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

Rio stared at herself in the mirror, hair still damp, lips kiss-swollen, and cheeks burning from the memory of what just happened. She wasn’t sure if it was the post-orgasm haze or the embarrassment from Agatha’s disastrous “baby shower” excuse—but either way, her brain had decided to clock out.

She opened the bathroom door and walked straight into Alice, who was holding a bag of mini croissants like a weapon.

“So,” Alice said, biting into one dramatically, “just got here, huh?”

Rio groaned, dragging a hand down her face. “Please don’t.”

Alice raised a brow, half-sassy, half-smug. “You know I support you. I just didn’t expect to support you while hearing your O-face through a locked door before 9am.”

“I will literally throw you out the window.”

“Try me, baby girl.” She smirked and tossed Rio one of the croissants. “Eat. You’ll need the energy for tomorrow’s fake baby shower.”

Meanwhile... Agatha

Agatha was pacing in her apartment, half-regretting the lie she told, half-planning the most extra, last-minute baby shower in history.

“Okay,” she muttered, scribbling in a notebook. “Cake. Balloons. Champagne. Definitely inappropriate games…”

Her phone buzzed.

Group Chat: Which Witches

Agatha: 🍼Baby shower tomorrow at mine! Bring chaos and no questions. Wear something pastel-ish. Wanda will be there, don’t scare her. But also do.

Natasha: …she’s barely showing??

Wanda: WAIT WHAT

Agatha: YOU’RE THE GUEST OF HONOR SHUT UP AND COME

Thena: I’m bringing vodka and a onesie for the baby. Not sure which one’s for who.

Hela: Pastels? Ew.

Agatha: I swear to god, Hela—

She tossed her phone aside and grabbed her laptop. “If I’m gonna lie, I’m gonna commit,” she muttered, pulling up Pinterest boards with titles like “Elegant Chaos: Baby Shower But Make It Sexy.”

… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

Rio stood outside Agatha’s door, staring at the pale pink balloon arch that looked like it had been thrown together by a drunk fairy godmother on speed.

Alice was beside her in a mint green jumpsuit, sipping mimosa from a travel cup.

“So… we’re pretending this is normal?” Alice asked.

“Completely,” Rio sighed.

Agatha opened the door in a blush pink slip dress with sheer lace detailing, hair pinned up, heels clicking on marble.

“You’re late,” she said, with zero irritation and all the flirt.

Rio’s mouth was dry.

Alice just whistled low. “Girl, where’s the baby in your oven?”

Agatha winked and stepped aside to let them in. “Come in. Drink. Mingle. Don’t ruin the illusion.”

… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

The room was filled with women in pastels, streamers that said “Push It Real Good”, and a cake shaped like a pregnant belly. Champagne flowed like water. There was jazz, flower crowns, and the occasional shriek of laughter from the living room.

Wanda, wearing a sash that read “Mama in Progress”, looked completely overwhelmed but oddly amused.

“I don’t even know half of these people,” she whispered to Rio, clutching a mocktail.

Rio smiled. “You’re glowing, though.”

“Because I’m terrified.”

Across the room, Agatha caught Rio’s eye.

Her look said, come here.

Rio excused herself and walked over, trying to play it cool.

Agatha leaned in, voice barely audible over the music. “You look so pretty when you blush.”

Rio blushed again.

Alice passed by holding a plate of deviled eggs. “You two better behave. I swear if I walk in on something in the bathroom again, I’m setting this whole place on fire.”

Agatha didn’t even flinch. “No bathrooms this time. I have a very nice walk-in closet.”

Rio nearly choked on air.

Chapter Text

It was almost noon, and the familiar buzz of chatter filled Wanda’s cozy living room as everyone gathered around, snacks in hand, feet sprawled across plush rugs. Agatha, Jen, Wanda, Alice, and Rio were in the middle of a lazy Saturday, the kind where you felt both productive and like you’d just lost five hours of your life to a Netflix binge.

Wanda was on the couch, eyes glued to her phone, while Alice was half-heartedly debating some random social media trend with Jen. But Agatha and Rio? They were sitting across from each other, and the space between them felt… just a bit too charged. Every so often, their eyes would meet, and the quiet exchange didn’t go unnoticed by Jen, who had been watching them with her ever-watchful gaze.

"Okay, so who is going to finally make a move here?" Jen muttered under her breath as she sipped from her drink. Her voice was just loud enough for Agatha and Rio to hear.

Agatha’s eyes flickered up for a second, but she quickly feigned disinterest, her fingers twirling around the rim of her glass.

Rio, on the other hand, felt her face heat up, trying to pretend she wasn’t feeling the intensity of Agatha's gaze. Every time their eyes locked, her chest fluttered in a way she didn’t know how to explain.

"Wait, what?" Wanda raised an eyebrow, not fully listening to Jen but still catching the vibe in the room.

"Nothing," Jen smirked, crossing her arms. "Just... the usual."

Meanwhile, Alice was lost in her phone, oblivious to the growing tension between Agatha and Rio.

The conversation around the room continued, but it felt distant, like background noise to the real drama unfolding in Rio’s head. Her heart raced every time she caught Agatha glancing at her, or when Agatha turned to say something, and Rio could feel the air shift. She was trying so hard not to smile back or blush, but it was getting impossible.

Then, as if the universe had heard Rio's inner turmoil, the nachos ran out.

"Ugh, we’re out of nachos," Rio groaned, throwing her hands up in mock exasperation. "Guess I’ll go rescue the kitchen."

Before she could get up, Agatha jumped to her feet, the excitement in her voice betraying her as she said, "Uh, I’ll come help you." She was already standing, ready to follow.

But Jen, in her usual, snarky way, was quicker on the draw. She stood up with a smirk and shot Agatha a look. "Sit down, Agatha. I’ll come help Rio."

The playful tone in her voice was only a hint of the sly, somewhat biting edge beneath. Agatha rolled her eyes, her lips curling up into a smile. "Fine, fine," she muttered, sitting back down, but not without a knowing glance at Rio, who, even in the midst of this strange dynamic, managed to still catch her gaze.

"Thanks," Rio mumbled, trying to shake off the strange tension she felt in the air as she and Jen made their way to the kitchen.

As they entered the kitchen, Jen wasted no time leaning against the counter, her arms crossed as she cleared her throat.

Rio started setting things up to make the nachos, pretending she wasn’t entirely aware of Jen’s watchful gaze. She could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.

"Rio," Jen started, her voice low but firm. "Watch your back with Agatha, okay?"

Rio froze, her hand hovering over the cheese. "What do you mean, Jen?" she asked, her voice barely louder than a whisper. She forced a casual tone, even though a twinge of anxiety crept up her spine.

Jen gave her a sharp look, but when no one else was in the kitchen, she stepped closer and lowered her voice, clearly weighing her words. "I’ve been friends with Agatha long enough to know how she works," Jen continued. "And I’ve seen how you were when you found out about Wade. I don’t need to tell you what happened with him, right?"

Rio raised an eyebrow, her pulse quickening. "What... are you talking about?"

Jen’s gaze shifted to the doorway, checking if anyone was listening. When she was sure they were alone, she leaned in slightly. "You know what I mean. Agatha’s not an easy person to deal with when she wants something. You’re my friend, Rio. And I like you more than I like our coven leader—" She paused with a smirk. "—I’m just looking out for you."

Rio blinked a few times, trying to wrap her head around what Jen was implying. It didn’t make sense. There was no way Agatha was trying to play any kind of game with her. Or was there?

Jen finished preparing the nachos, handed them to Rio, and then made a quick exit from the kitchen. "Think about it," she called over her shoulder. "Just don’t get too deep, okay?"

Rio stood there for a moment, the clinking of the nacho dish echoing in the quiet kitchen. Her mind raced, replaying Jen's words over and over. What did Jen mean by all that? Was she right? Was Agatha really trying to get something out of this?

A few minutes later, Rio returned to the living room, a strange unease settling over her. As she walked in, her eyes automatically searched for Agatha, and her heart sank when she saw her sitting casually with the group, laughing at something Alice had said.

She hesitated. Jen’s warning echoed in her head, making her second-guess everything. Am I just being naïve?

“Everything good in there?” Agatha asked, eyes flicking up to meet Rio’s, her voice light but still filled with an underlying tension.

"Yeah, it’s fine," Rio replied, her voice colder than usual. She forced a smile, even though inside, she felt like her whole world had just been turned upside down.

As the afternoon wore on, Rio couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. She tried to join in on the conversation, but it was hard to focus when the weight of Jen's words clung to her like a second skin.

Finally, Rio stood up, excusing herself. "I think I’m going to head out," she said, offering a tight smile to the group.

Agatha looked at her with concern. "You sure? We can stay a little longe-"

"I’ve got errands to run," Rio interrupted quickly, avoiding Agatha’s gaze. "But thanks for today."

There was a brief silence. Agatha could see through the mask Rio was putting on. She knew something was wrong, but she didn’t press.

"Okay," Agatha said quietly. "If you need anything, you know where to find me."

As Rio grabbed her bag and headed for the door, Jen shot Agatha a look. There was a brief exchange of unspoken words between them, but Jen said nothing. Agatha’s gaze lingered on Rio’s retreating figure, worry tugging at her.

Sunday mornings in the Harkness household were sacred—no alarms, no chaos, just sunlight slipping lazily through the blinds, and the soft clinking of mugs in the kitchen.

Agatha was already up, wearing one of Nicky’s favorite oversized sweatshirts that he claimed made her look “extra soft.” She shuffled across the living room in thick socks, holding two steaming cups of cocoa.

Nicky was curled up on the couch in a nest of blankets, a sketchpad on his lap and colored pencils scattered like confetti. His hair was a little wild, his focus laser-sharp.

Agatha dropped down beside him with a groan. “This old mom needs a massage and a week of sleep.”

Nicky smirked. “You’re not that old. You just creak like a haunted house.”

“Oh-ho! Disrespect. No cocoa for you.”

“Mom!” he whined, reaching for the cup she held hostage. She gave in instantly, letting him have it with a teasing eye-roll.

They sat together in a cozy silence for a few minutes, the only sound being the scratch of Nicky’s pencil.

“Hey Mom?”

“Yeah, kid?”

“Do you ever think about what it would’ve been like… if it was just you? Like, without me?”

Agatha turned to him slowly, caught off guard. “What kind of question is that?”

Nicky shrugged, avoiding her gaze. “Just wondering.”

She set her mug down and pulled him closer, arm draping over his shoulder. “Listen to me. My life started the day I had you. Everything before that was just… noise.”

Nicky leaned his head against her. “Even when I’m annoying?”

“Especially then. Builds character,” she grinned. “And besides, I’m pretty annoying too.”

He giggled. “A little.”

Agatha kissed the top of his head. “I love you more than every nacho in the universe.”

“Whoa. That’s like… a lot.”

“Exactly.”

Later that afternoon, after Nicky had gone over to Wanda’s, Agatha found herself standing in front of Rio’s apartment, arms crossed, unsure if she should even be there.

But she knocked anyway.

Rio opened the door in her comfy clothes again—sweatpants, oversized tee, hair in a messy clip. She blinked in surprise but didn’t close the door.

“Agatha.”

“Hey,” Agatha said, trying not to look nervous. “Can I come in?”

Rio hesitated for only a second, then stepped aside. “Yeah.”

The air inside smelled like fresh coffee and toasted bread. Comfort.

Agatha stood awkwardly near the kitchen island while Rio went to grab two mugs.

“I wanted to. You left Wanda’s kinda... off.”

Rio sighed and leaned on the counter. “Jen gave me a talk. About you.”

Agatha stiffened a bit. “Let me guess. ‘Stay away from the emotionally unavailable witch.’”

Rio huffed a soft laugh. “Something like that.”

She paused, then met Agatha’s eyes. “I told her nothing’s going on. But I don’t even know if that’s true.”

Agatha’s mouth parted like she might speak—but Rio lifted a hand to stop her.

“Look, I’m just... tired. I think I need a little space to clear my head.”

Agatha nodded, trying to hide the flash of disappointment in her eyes. “Okay. I get it.”

A small silence stretched between them before Rio added, “Thanks for checking in, though.”

Agatha gave her a small smile. “Always.”

And with that, she left.

That night, back at home, Agatha was curled up on the couch with Nicky again, The Lion King playing low on the screen. She’d texted Rio a simple “Goodnight, Rio. Hope you’re okay.”

No reply.

She sighed, setting the phone down and trying not to overthink it. Nicky leaned into her side.

“My head hurts,” he mumbled.

Agatha pressed the back of her hand to his forehead. “A little warm. No more movies for now, bud. Let’s get you to bed.”

Nicky didn’t complain. He let her guide him to his room, and she helped him change into his pajamas, brushing his hair gently off his face.

“Stay with me?” he murmured sleepily.

“You don’t even have to ask.”

She climbed into bed beside him, wrapping an arm around her son as he curled into her. The room was quiet. Safe.

Agatha stayed awake for a little while longer, staring at the ceiling, thinking about Rio... about Jen’s warning... about what she wanted and what she was afraid of.

But then Nicky shifted closer in his sleep, and Agatha closed her eyes, holding on to the one thing she was absolutely sure of.

The coughing started around midnight. At first, Agatha thought it was just Nicky being dramatic — he sometimes faked a sniffle to avoid school.

But by 2:17 a.m., she was sitting upright in his bed, her heart pounding, watching her son curl in on himself, red-faced, drenched in sweat, burning up.

“Nicky?” she whispered, brushing his damp hair back. “Baby, talk to me.”

His breathing was shallow, lips dry, and he winced every time he coughed.

“Okay, okay—no, this is—this is not normal,” Agatha panicked, stumbling out of bed and grabbing her phone with shaking hands. Her fingers trembled as she dialed 911.

“911, what’s your emergency?”

“My son—he’s burning up, he’s coughing non-stop, I think—he’s barely responsive—I don’t know what’s wrong. Please, please come fast.”

The dispatcher calmly talked her through what to do as she held a cold compress to Nicky’s forehead, tears falling onto his small, burning cheeks.

As soon as the call ended, Agatha shakily called Wanda.

“Wanda—it's Nicky. Something’s wrong. I—I called an ambulance.”

“I’m coming,” Wanda said immediately, voice firm. “Text me the hospital once you know.”

Minutes blurred into sirens.

Agatha didn’t even remember the ride to the hospital — just flashing lights, a sea of white coats, and the feeling that her world was teetering on a cliff's edge. She clutched Nicky’s tiny hand as they wheeled him away, her voice hoarse from whispering, “You’re gonna be okay. You’re gonna be okay.”

The waiting room was far too cold. Wanda arrived with a sweatshirt and a bottle of water, pulling Agatha into a tight hug the moment she saw her pacing.

“What did they say?” Wanda asked softly.

“They’re running tests. They think it’s a severe flu or respiratory infection but—he was so hot, Wanda. His skin was red.” Agatha’s voice cracked. “I thought I was going to lose him.”

“You’re not. He’s strong. He has you.”

Agatha just sat down, burying her face into her hands. Wanda sat beside her, quiet. But her fingers worked fast on her phone.

She texted Rio.

“Emergency. Agatha needs you. Nicky’s in the hospital. Don’t ask, just come.”

Thirty minutes later, the door to the private hospital room opened quietly.

Agatha sat at Nicky’s bedside, her face pale and her eyes bloodshot. One hand on her son’s chest, watching the soft rise and fall. The monitors beeped gently.

She didn’t even hear the door open until a soft voice said, “Agatha…”

Her head snapped up.

Rio.

Wearing a hoodie, looking like she’d come straight from bed. Concern written all over her face.

Agatha blinked in disbelief. “Rio?”

Rio walked in slowly. Wanda, standing nearby, gently excused herself, giving Agatha’s arm a squeeze before stepping out. She glanced back at the two women for a moment, her heart softening — it was clear now, whatever they were, they were something.

When the door shut behind Wanda, silence settled.

Agatha didn’t speak. She just looked at Rio, trying not to cry all over again.

Rio sat on the edge of the couch across from the bed. “Wanda told me what happened. I... I came as soon as I could.”

Agatha finally let the tears fall, quiet and tired. “He was just watching The Lion King last night. He was fine. How does it get this bad, this fast?”

Rio moved to sit beside her without thinking, her hand gently settling on Agatha’s back.

“Kids get sick. It’s not your fault.”

“I panicked. I was useless.”

“You got him here. You saved him.”

Agatha looked at her, a small, broken laugh escaping. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

Rio gave her a soft look. “Because I care. Even when you drive me crazy.”

They sat in silence again, but this time it wasn’t heavy.

It was warm.

Safe.

Agatha leaned her head lightly on Rio’s shoulder, her voice barely a whisper. “He’s all I’ve got.”

Rio rested her cheek against Agatha’s hair. “And you’ve got me. For as long as you need.”

The house was too quiet.

No running down the hallways. No scattered Legos or excited yelling over cartoons. Just the soft tick of the clock and the occasional beep from the monitor the nurse left behind.

Nicky had been diagnosed with pneumonia. They caught it early, thank God, but he was still weak, feverish, and completely drained. Bedrest, strict meds, and a nurse visiting twice a day.

Agatha barely slept.

She’d sit by his bedside with a book in her lap she never read, occasionally wiping his forehead with a cool cloth, whispering little nothings that probably only made sense to her heart.

He’d open his eyes sometimes, smile weakly, whisper “Love you, mama,” and drift again.

It crushed her every time.

The morning nurse had just left when the doorbell rang.

Agatha rubbed her tired eyes and opened the door to find Alice holding a bag of groceries and Rio behind her, holding a small box wrapped in blue ribbon.

“Hey,” Alice greeted softly, walking in. “I brought soup. And vitamins. And caffeine.”

Rio gave a soft smile, offering the box. “And I brought something for Nicky.”

Agatha stepped aside, letting them in, her voice hoarse. “He’s asleep. But thank you.”

Alice slipped past to the kitchen like it was second nature. Rio stayed behind, watching Agatha for a moment.

“You okay?” she asked gently.

Agatha gave a tired shrug. “Not really. But I will be.”

They sat in the living room for a while. Alice heated soup and chatted lightly, trying to lift the mood. Agatha tried to laugh where she could.

When Nicky stirred, Agatha rushed to him.

Rio followed a moment later, standing quietly by the doorframe, watching the way Agatha knelt beside the bed, checking his fever, brushing his hair back.

“Hi, sweetheart,” Agatha whispered. “You want some soup? Just a little?”

Nicky, pale and sleepy, nodded.

Alice entered with a tray of soup and crackers, and they all helped — Rio holding the glass of water while Agatha fed him a few spoonfuls, Alice keeping things light by telling a funny story about how Jen once fell asleep during a zoom meeting and drooled on her keyboard.

Nicky cracked a small smile.

It felt like a victory.

Later, after Alice left to grab lunch, Agatha walked Rio to the door.

“Thanks for coming,” she said softly, folding her arms, her voice more vulnerable than she intended. “For the soup, for the visit… for being here.”

Rio hesitated, then spoke gently. “You don’t have to do all of this alone.”

Agatha looked at her, eyes heavy with exhaustion but warm with something deeper. “I’m used to doing things alone.”

Rio stepped a little closer. “You don’t have to be.”

Agatha didn’t say anything. But she didn’t look away either.

And that silence between them — thick with unspoken emotion — said more than either of them could.

Later that night, after the nurse had returned and checked on Nicky again, after the quiet had returned… Agatha tucked Nicky back in, kissed his warm forehead, and sat beside him as he fell back asleep.

Her phone buzzed once.

[Rio]: Goodnight. I hope he sleeps better tonight. Let me know if you need anything. Even if it’s just someone to talk to.

Agatha stared at the message for a long moment.

Then she smiled — tired, small, but real.

[Agatha]: Thank you, Rio. I really mean that.

She put the phone down, crawled under the blanket beside her son, and pulled him close.

And for the first time in days, she finally slept.

The worst had passed, but the road to full recovery was still long.

Nicky was stronger now—he could sit up in bed without coughing every few seconds, and his fever had broken the day before. But his energy was still low, and the doctor ordered a full week more of bedrest, no exceptions.

Agatha, once sharp and guarded, had turned into a full-time nurse, wrapped in oversized hoodies and tied-up messy buns, living off reheated coffee and soup deliveries.

She wouldn’t leave his side unless it was to shower or grab something downstairs.

And every day since the hospital scare, Rio would stop by.

Sometimes she brought Nicky a new little book or a small toy. Sometimes just her company. But never empty-handed.

And never pushy.

She didn’t hover. She didn’t question.

She just showed up.

Wednesday afternoon.

The nurse had just left. Nicky was asleep after a short walk from the bedroom to the living room couch.

Rio was sitting on the floor, legs crossed in front of the coffee table, flipping through one of Nicky’s picture books. Agatha sat on the couch above her, sipping lukewarm tea.

“You don’t have to keep coming, you know,” Agatha said softly.

Rio looked up, an eyebrow raised. “Do you not want me to?”

Agatha gave a tiny, tired smirk. “I didn’t say that.”

Rio smiled to herself and went back to flipping the pages. “Then I’ll keep coming.”

Agatha looked at her for a long second. “Why?”

Rio shrugged. “Because I care. About Nicky. About you.”

Agatha’s expression faltered for just a moment. She didn’t respond, not right away.

So Rio changed the subject.

“Nicky was telling me yesterday that you used to be in a band?”

Agatha chuckled under her breath. “He’s exposing me now, huh?”

“I want details,” Rio said, playful. “I bet you were the moody lead guitarist.”

“Drummer,” Agatha corrected, pointing at herself. “And not moody. Just emotionally layered.”

Rio laughed softly and tilted her head to look at Agatha fully now. “He talks about you like you hung the stars.”

Agatha looked down at her tea. “He’s all I have.”

There was something in the way she said it. A quiet truth. Raw and delicate.

Rio didn’t respond with words. Instead, she stood up slowly and placed the book on the table. She reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair from Agatha’s face.

Agatha’s breath caught.

“I know he’s your whole world,” Rio whispered. “But maybe you don’t have to be alone in it.”

Their eyes locked.

Something buzzed—Nicky stirred, coughing lightly—and the moment slipped back into something more casual.

Agatha stood. “I should—”

Rio nodded. “Go. I’ll wash the mugs.”

As Agatha tended to Nicky, Rio walked to the kitchen, her chest tight and her fingers still tingling from touching Agatha’s cheek.

No rush, she reminded herself.

This was a slow burn.

And she was more than willing to wait.

The morning was quiet—too quiet for someone like Nicky, who usually hummed or whispered stories to himself even while sick. Agatha had noticed the shift the moment she entered his room.

He was curled on his side, wrapped in blankets with his little plush dinosaur tucked under his arm, but his eyes were open. Tired. Dull.

“Hey, baby,” Agatha whispered, sitting beside him, brushing his hair back. “Did you sleep okay?”

Nicky nodded, barely.

Agatha leaned closer. “You feeling worse again?”

He shrugged. “I just don’t like being sick anymore. I’m bored. I wanna go to the park…”

Her heart broke a little.

“I know,” she said softly, placing a kiss on his forehead. “We’ll get there. Just a few more days, okay? You’re doing amazing.”

She was about to say more, but the doorbell rang.

She didn’t need to check—she already knew.

Rio had a tote bag slung over her shoulder and a hopeful expression on her face.

“Thought I’d bring something,” she said, holding up a small wooden box painted in stars and cartoon rockets. “Alice and I just stocked these at the store. I figured it might be something fun.”

Agatha let her in with a smile she didn’t realize she was holding in until now. “From the store?”

Rio nodded. “Yeah. New arrivals this week. It’s a craft kit—kid-friendly paints, little wooden models. It screamed ‘Nicky’ to me.”

And she was right.

The second Nicky saw the box, his eyes lit up just a little brighter. “For me?”

“All yours, space captain,” Rio said gently as she sat at the edge of the bed.

They opened it together—tiny wooden rockets, non-toxic paint pots, little glow-in-the-dark stickers.

Agatha sat back in the corner chair, watching Rio help Nicky dip a brush in blue paint, their heads leaned close together, shoulders brushing. For a moment, she saw it.

The three of them. This quiet rhythm. It didn’t feel strange. It felt… warm. Like sunlight on a cold morning.

After an hour, Nicky grew tired again. Rio helped Agatha tuck him in, leaving his painted rocket to dry on the nightstand. Agatha leaned in, kissed her son’s cheek.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“Love you too, Mama,” he mumbled, half-asleep.

Rio stepped into the hallway first, Agatha trailing behind and quietly shutting the bedroom door. Neither spoke for a moment.

Then Agatha glanced over at Rio. “You’re really good with him.”

Rio smiled, soft and almost shy. “He’s easy to love.”

Agatha’s breath caught. “So are you.”

The silence that followed wasn’t awkward. It was warm. Heavy with something they weren’t quite ready to say.

Rio’s voice broke the quiet. “You’ve been so strong through all of this.”

Agatha scoffed lightly, shaking her head. “I cried in a hospital hallway for forty-five minutes last week.”

Rio took a small step closer. “That’s what strength looks like sometimes.”

Their eyes locked again, like it always did. Like gravity.

But still… no rush.

“Come with me to the backyard,” Agatha said suddenly, her voice low. “Just for five minutes. I need fresh air.”

Rio nodded, following her outside.

They sat on the back steps, shoulder to shoulder, no words needed for now. Just breathing the same cold morning air. Quiet. Together.

From inside, the faint hum of Nicky’s toy rocket drying on the nightstand kept time with the slow, growing beat of something new.

Something steady.

Something that could be real.

RIO'S POV

Rio hadn’t been able to stop thinking about that night in the hospital.

Agatha curled into herself, breaking in quiet sobs beside the hospital bed. The way her hands trembled on her knees. The way Wanda wordlessly handed Rio the visitor pass without even explaining—it was like she knew Rio had to be there.

She hadn’t been able to forget that moment. Not since.

And now, standing in the backroom of the little artisan store she co-managed with Alice, Rio stared at the box of wooden space-themed kits and suddenly thought of Nicky.

The kid loved space. He called his plush dino "Astronaut Rex."

Without a word, Rio packed one into her tote and told Alice she’d be back after her break.

Agatha looked tired when she opened the door.

Not the kind of tired from lack of sleep—but that bone-deep kind. The kind that settles into someone’s spine when they’ve been strong for too long. When the quiet hits after a storm.

Rio didn’t say anything about it. She just handed her the box, smiled a little. “For your space ranger.”

The way Agatha exhaled, soft and relieved… Rio felt something loosen in her chest too.

Inside the room, Nicky’s face lit up just a little when he saw her. It made Rio’s throat tighten.

“For me?” he whispered.

She nodded, kneeling beside the bed. “Only the best for Captain Nicky.”

As they painted together, his little hand brushing blue over the tiny rocket, Rio snuck a glance up at Agatha—sitting in the corner chair, arms wrapped around her legs, just watching them.

There was so much emotion behind her eyes. Raw. Proud. Tired.

God, she loves him so much, Rio thought.

Nicky fell asleep halfway through putting on the glow-in-the-dark stars.

Rio helped Agatha tuck him in. Their hands met briefly over the blankets—neither of them pulled away.

Outside the bedroom, they stood in silence. Agatha leaned against the wall, and Rio could see her trying to hold herself together even now.

“You’re really good with him,” Agatha said suddenly.

Rio smiled. “He’s easy to love.”

Agatha met her eyes.

“So are you.”

And just like that, Rio forgot how to breathe.

They sat outside a few minutes later, on the steps behind the house. It was chilly. Rio could see her own breath.

But next to Agatha—close enough to feel her warmth through their sleeves—it felt okay.

She thought about saying something. About the night in the hospital. About how it felt watching Agatha cry, and how she’d never felt more protective in her life.

But she didn’t.

She just leaned her shoulder into hers, gently, like an answer to a question Agatha hadn’t asked yet.

They sat like that until the wind picked up.

When Rio left, she took one last glance at the softly lit window where Nicky slept.

One star sticker stuck to the glass, crooked but glowing.

She smiled.

Then walked home—heart heavy, warm, and a little scared.

The rain came down in a soft mist the next morning, coating the world in silver.

Inside Agatha's cozy little home, it was quiet—except for the low hum of cartoons playing in the background and the occasional cough from the blanket-covered figure on the couch.

Nicky was out of bed today. Still weak, still pale, but well enough to sit upright in his dino pajamas with tissues tucked beside him and a sippy cup of lukewarm tea in his hands.

Agatha had moved heaven and earth for him over the last few days. The nurse had come and gone that morning, giving her a good report. “His lungs are clearing up. Keep him warm. Keep him rested.”

She’d smiled politely and nodded, but Agatha’s fingers had still trembled as she tucked Nicky’s blanket tighter.

He was her everything. He always would be.

When the front door opened later that afternoon, Nicky perked up—his weak little voice squeaked out, “Rio!”

Agatha was just finishing up folding laundry and smiled to herself. Somehow, even Nicky could sense Rio coming now like sunshine.

“Hey, Captain,” Rio grinned, stepping inside and shaking her umbrella dry.

Alice was with her again, holding a lunch tray with two containers. “We brought soup. Don’t worry, it’s not cursed with too much salt,” she said with a smirk.

Agatha rolled her eyes fondly. “As long as it doesn’t come with side-eye.”

Alice just winked and whispered to Rio, “You two should be left alone today. I’ll pick you up at 5.”

Rio blushed, but she didn’t say no.

They sat in the living room, with Nicky in between them—Rio showing him how to make constellations with stickers and a black paper notebook.

“This one’s Orion,” she said softly, pointing. “And this one here’s the Big Dipper.”

“Like ice cream?” Nicky asked, giggling weakly.

“Exactly like ice cream,” Rio replied, glancing at Agatha, who was watching them with her chin resting on her hand.

There was a tenderness in her gaze, something wordless. Something sacred.

Later, Nicky dozed off beside Rio, his little head leaning on her shoulder.

Agatha returned from the kitchen with two mugs of tea and found them like that—Rio holding the child gently, fingers lightly combing through his messy hair.

“He likes you,” Agatha said quietly as she sat down beside her.

Rio looked at her, almost bashful. “I like him too.”

There was a pause.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Agatha whispered.

Rio met her eyes, the soft glow of the afternoon light making everything feel warmer than it should.

“You don’t have to do everything alone, Ags.”

Agatha looked away, blinking back something in her throat. “I’ve just… always had to.”

“Well,” Rio said, brushing Nicky’s hair again, “maybe not anymore.”

They didn’t kiss. They didn’t touch beyond the casual closeness they’d fallen into.

But there was something in the air between them now. Something gentle. New.

And when Rio left later that evening, she kissed Nicky’s forehead, whispered, “Keep getting better, Captain.”

Then she looked at Agatha—only for a second—and gave her the smallest, shyest smile.

And Agatha smiled back like it hurt to do it.

But it was real.

The sun filtered through the curtains, warm and golden. Agatha stirred first, the soft breathing beside her anchoring her before her eyes even opened. Nicky was still asleep, arms tucked in, his little body snuggled against her.

It had been a long week.

She brushed his curls gently with her fingers, whispering, “Still with me, little man?”

He groaned, half awake. “Momma…”

“I’m here,” she said, kissing his forehead. Still warm, but the fever had dropped to something manageable now.

By mid-morning, Nicky was propped up on the couch again, wrapped in a fresh blanket fort. He was giggling at some animated show when a knock came at the door.

Agatha opened it to find Rio standing there, holding a small brown paper bag in one hand and a plush dinosaur tucked under her arm.

“Peace offering,” Rio said with a lopsided grin. “One smoothie, one smiley pancake, and one surprise.”

Agatha blinked, then laughed. “You didn’t have to…”

“I wanted to,” Rio said softly, stepping inside.

Nicky’s eyes lit up when he saw her. “Riooo!”

“I brought you a friend,” Rio said, handing him the plush. “His name’s Toast.”

“Toast?” Nicky burst out laughing, then started coughing again, but his smile never faded. “Like food?!”

“Yup. Because he’s warm and soft and goes well with jam.”

“Toast is my new best friend,” Nicky declared, clutching the toy to his chest.

Agatha was watching them from the kitchen with her arms crossed, lips curled in a soft smile that she wasn’t even trying to hide.

Rio noticed. And that smile? It settled right in her chest like it belonged there.

Later, Nicky insisted Rio stay for “breakfast lunch,” and so they ate together—Rio feeding him little pieces of pancake while Agatha poured them all tea.

“You make my momma smile,” Nicky said, his voice quiet as he watched Rio.

Agatha nearly choked on her tea. “Nicky!”

Rio turned red, laughing nervously. “I—uh…”

“You do,” he said with certainty, nodding. “She doesn’t smile like that at other people.”

Agatha covered her face. “Sweetheart, stop exposing me.”

Rio couldn’t help the grin spreading across her face. “I’m glad I do,” she said honestly, her eyes meeting Agatha’s.

And Agatha—flushed, wide-eyed, vulnerable—didn’t look away this time.

They spent the afternoon sprawled on the living room floor, coloring, watching movies, building block towers that Toast guarded from “the evil cereal monsters.”

And for the first time in days, Nicky’s laughter came out pure and strong. Not tired. Not forced.

And Agatha… she was radiant in a way Rio hadn’t seen in a long time.

When it was time for Rio to leave, Nicky grabbed her hand and said, “You’re family now, okay?”

Agatha’s heart squeezed.

Rio looked over at her, eyes wide but warm. “Okay, Captain. If your mom says it’s alright.”

Agatha didn’t say anything.

She just nodded.