The last three months

The day of arrival/last part

Rio's eyes fluttered open in the quiet of the night, the silence broken only by Agatha's faint groan beside her. Her fingers were twisted in the sheets, her breathing slow yet strained, betraying an undercurrent of discomfort. Without hesitation, Rio's hand found hers, gently wrapping around her fingers in a steadying grip.

"It's time, isn't it?" she asked quietly, her voice carrying both a tremor and a determination that steadied her as much as Rio's presence.

Agatha's eyes met hers, reflecting a mix of excitement, fear, and a strength that had carried her through all the challenges life had thrown her way. She nodded, her gaze never leaving Rio's as she took a grounding breath, her hand squeezing back, almost testing the resilience of the bond that held them.

Rio helped her sit up, brushing stray hair from her face. "Remember, Aggie," she murmured, her own emotions wavering between awe and a protective intensity. "I'm right here. You're not alone in this."

They took their time in the hours that followed. With each contraction, Agatha's fingers clutched at Rio's hand, her grip tightening with every wave of pain, each one more intense than the last. As the night wore on, they became a single, steady rhythm – breaths, touches, whispers, words of encouragement. Rio's voice softened, calm and steady, with whispers of, "You're doing amazing," and "We're so close, Aggie," keeping Agatha grounded even as her strength ebbed and her determination burned through every fiber of her being.

The hours dragged, an endless tide of exhaustion and persistence. Agatha's breathing grew more labored, sweat clinging to her brow as dawn crept toward them. Just as her energy threatened to falter, the culmination of all their waiting, anticipation, and love emerged with a single, powerful cry. Agatha, utterly spent and breathless, felt a warmth against her chest as the tiny life they had long dreamed of finally lay in her arms.

Their son.

Eyes wide, Agatha's breath hitched as she gazed at the delicate features, his face red and scrunched as he let out another fierce cry. The room, just moments ago a space of near-silent endurance, was now filled with his life – his voice, his presence, and everything Agatha and Rio had longed for. Her heart surged, an overwhelming tide of love and disbelief settling into a contentment that was as terrifying as it was beautiful.

Exhausted but unable to tear her eyes away, she looked up at Rio, who stood by her side, equally captivated. Her dark eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she noticed Rio's expression – awe, devotion, and an undeniable pride that seemed to radiate from her entire being.

"Look at him, Rio," Agatha whispered, brushing her finger along his tiny, soft cheek. "He has your nose."

Rio chuckled softly, her fingers tracing the smallest details of their son's face. Her heart was swelling, a quiet awe filling her as she murmured, "And I think he has your determination," a faint smile warming her lips. She leaned closer, marveling at each delicate feature, each miracle of his tiny form. For a moment, Rio's world consisted only of the three of them, as if time had stopped to let her fully take in this profound moment.

As dawn broke, casting the soft orange glow of the morning after Halloween shined through the window, they lay together – Agatha's head resting against Rio's shoulder, their son nestled safely between them. His cries had softened into gentle breaths, his small chest rising and falling in a rhythm that felt almost sacred.

Rio pressed a tender kiss to Agatha's forehead, her voice filled with emotion. "Thank you, Agatha," she whispered, her words a reflection of the wonder and gratitude she felt. "For making this magic real. For believing in us. For him."

Agatha let out a soft laugh, tears in her eyes, too exhausted to hold them back any longer. "Well, I am the great Agatha Harkness, after all," she whispered playfully, a smile breaking through the weariness. "It was bound to happen someday."

In the quiet moments that followed, they held each other close, reveling in the warmth and love that filled the room. The anticipation, the challenges, the years of waiting – everything had led to this single moment, this delicate yet powerful beginning. As they looked at their son, each heartbeat felt like a promise, a reminder that whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.

Their hands intertwined as they took one last look at the peaceful dawn settling over them, their hearts full, knowing this was only the beginning