Daughter of a Witch

Chapter Three: In Their Eyes

The morning light trickled softly through the kitchen windows, casting a warm glow across the space as Agatha moved around the stove, focused on making breakfast. She didn't need magic here-just patience and skill, perfected over years of practice. Sizzling bacon and the sweet aroma of pancakes filled the kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere despite the surreal presence of younger versions of herself and her wife at the table.

Across from her, Young Agatha watched intently, her sharp gaze following each of Modern Agatha's movements with fascination. She seemed almost mesmerized by her older self's ease and gentleness, a far cry from her own younger intensity.

At the kitchen table, Rio and Y/n looked a bit worse for wear, slouched with sleepy eyes and half-hearted yawns. Modern Rio, still in her pajamas, rubbed her eyes, reaching for her mug of coffee as if it were her lifeline. Y/n was mirroring her mother, her head propped on her hand as she blinked at the breakfast spread, trying to wake up.

Young Agatha's lips curled into a slight smirk as she observed the two sleepyheads. She nudged her younger partner and murmured, "Some things never change, do they?" Her eyes flicked to Modern Rio and Y/n, who looked eerily similar with their tousled hair and bleary expressions.

Modern Rio lifted her head just enough to shoot a half-hearted, bleary glare. "You sound way too awake to be saying that, especially before I've finished my coffee," she grumbled, taking a long sip from her mug. Y/n, still half-asleep, gave a vague nod of agreement, muttering a quiet "Mhm."

Modern Agatha chuckled as she poured more coffee for the both of them. She placed the mugs in front of Rio and Y/n, patting their shoulders affectionately. "This should get you both up to speed," she said warmly.

Young Rio eyed her older self and daughter with a curious smile, watching their ease and intimacy. "You're really our family, aren't you?" she murmured, half in awe. She studied Y/n momentarily, her eyes catching on the familiar features. "She has your nose, Aggie..." she said softly to her partner, her voice tinged with wonder. Then, her gaze shifted to Y/n's eyes, and she smiled, unmistakably hers. "But those eyes... that smile... those are all me."

Taking in her younger self's wistful expression, Modern Rio reached over and rested a gentle hand on Y/n's shoulder. "She's got the best of both of us," she said, her voice warm with pride.

Y/n's cheeks flushed a bit as she glanced up at her younger mother, a small, bashful smile forming. "I guess I'm just lucky, then," she said, giving her mothers a fond look before focusing on her breakfast.

Young Agatha was studying them all, a flicker of emotion crossing her face. Watching this scene-a family, their family-brought a sense of wonder mixed with disbelief. She wasn't quite sure what to say, but the words slipped out anyway. "We really made it," she said, almost to herself. Her gaze landed on her older self, and something was vulnerable in her voice. "The life we dreamed of... it's real."

Modern Agatha looked over at her younger self, a gentle smile gracing her face. She placed a comforting hand on Young Agatha's arm, reassuringly squeezing it. "We did," she said softly. "But it wasn't an easy road." Her eyes held a depth of understanding that came only from experience. "There were times I didn't think we'd get here... times I thought we wouldn't find peace."

Young Agatha's expression softened, her defenses lowering slightly as she listened. "What about the coven?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "And Evanora... did she ever..." She trailed off, her question lingering in the air, heavy with fear and uncertainty.

Modern Agatha took a steadying breath, choosing her words carefully. "There are some battles you'll have to face, Agatha," she said, her tone quiet yet firm. "Some things... I can't take it away. But trust me, you're stronger than you know. And you're not alone, no matter how it might feel."

Young Agatha swallowed hard, her eyes dropping to her lap as she absorbed the words. She didn't reply, but there was a glint of determination in her gaze.

Sensing her partner's apprehension, Young Rio leaned closer, placing a hand on her shoulder in silent support. "We've made it through everything together, haven't we?" she murmured softly. Her eyes were steady as they met Agatha's. "And no matter what, we'll keep doing that."

Across the table, Modern Rio watched her younger self with a bittersweet smile. She reached for her wife's hand, intertwining their fingers in a gentle squeeze. "Funny, isn't it?" she murmured to her own Agatha. "Some things really are timeless."

Modern Agatha returned the squeeze, her gaze softening as she met Rio's eyes. "Yes," she replied quietly, brushing her thumb over her wife's hand. "Some things never change. Thank goodness for that."

Young Rio had been watching them, her eyes flicking between her older self and Agatha with a mixture of awe and something like relief. She turned to her partner, whispering, "You know... this actually gives me hope." Her voice caught, and she gave a small, hesitant smile. "I've always dreamed of this... of us having a family, a home."

Young Agatha met her gaze, her usual intensity softening. "You have no idea how much I want that too." She looked over at Modern Agatha and Rio, a quiet determination filling her voice. "And seeing it here... seeing them... it makes me believe we can."

Modern Rio, overhearing this, leaned in slightly, her gaze warm and encouraging. "You can," she said softly. "It's not easy, but it's worth every fight." Her words were careful, a small smile tugging at her lips as she shared a silent understanding with Young Rio.

The room fell into a comfortable quiet as they finished their breakfast, the sound of clinking forks and hushed conversation filling the space. Young Rio and Agatha exchanged small, knowing glances now and then as if silently communicating their awe, joy, and perhaps even lingering worries.

As they stood to clear the table, Young Agatha turned to her older self. "Thank you," she said simply, her voice thick with unspoken emotion. "For... for everything."

Modern Agatha gave her a soft, knowing smile. "No need to thank me," she replied gently. "Just... trust yourself. Trust each other." She placed a hand on Young Agatha's shoulder, squeezing it lightly. "You're more resilient than you know."

Young Agatha nodded, a hint of a smile forming on her lips. She took Rio's hand, squeezing it tightly as they both took one last look at the family they would one day become, their expressions a blend of awe, relief, and quiet hope.

And in that moment, past and present, dreams and reality, all blended together, bound by the love and resilience that had carried them through and would continue to do so, no matter the trials ahead.