Woven in Shadows (agatha x rio)

A Quiet Morning

Chapter Eighteen: A Quiet Morning

The smell of sizzling bacon filled the kitchen, mixing with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The sun had barely risen, casting soft light through the windows, illuminating the quiet kitchen where Agatha worked, her movements calm and steady as she prepared breakfast. Nessa wandered downstairs, still half-dazed from sleep, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Rio, sprawled out on the couch. The sight of Rio, curled up in the corner, confused Nessa. She usually left late in the night, returning to her own space and coming back once the day began. So, seeing her stay the night without explanation made Nessa pause.

She tilted her head, wondering what had changed. She couldn't ignore the odd sense of comfort that came from Rio being here, but it didn't take long for her to shake the thought and focus on the morning. Agatha, unaware of the quiet shift in the room, continued her task. Nessa looked over at her mother, catching Agatha's brief glance as she hummed softly to herself while stirring the eggs. There was a subtle change in Agatha's demeanor this morning, a quiet peace that was both rare and familiar.

As Nessa sat down at the table, Agatha glanced over at the couch. She was completely unaware of the sleeping Rio on her couch, Agatha just assumed she left last night. Something about Rio's sleeping figure tugged at Agatha's heart and she couldn't quite shake the memory of the night before. Agatha can't help but feel disappointed in herself for not giving in and kissing Rio last night. But deep down even she knew that it would've been to soon. She felt the warmth of Rio's presence still lingering, and a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Without thinking Agatha walked over to Rio, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind Rio's ear. The simple act was tender, a soft reassurance that she was here, that Rio was safe in her space. Rio, the sharp tongued woman, looked so different in this peaceful moment, her face relaxed, free from the usual deflecting sarcasm.

Agatha lingered for a moment, just watching Rio, as the quietness of the morning washed over her. Then, almost reluctantly, she pulled away and walked back into the kitchen, turning the heat down on the stove and continuing with breakfast, the hum of the room filling the silence.

About five minutes passed before Rio stirred awake. With her usual flair, she stretched lazily, her eyes half-lidded and still heavy with sleep. She didn't bother saying anything at first. Instead, she walked towards the kitchen following the delicious scent. With a lazy flick of her wrist, a small flower appeared in her hand, Agatha's favourite. Which she placed on the kitchen counter beside Agatha, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. She didn't make a fuss about it...no words, no fanfare, just the soft gesture.

Agatha couldn't help herself. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight, and she picked up the flower, bringing it to her nose. The soft fragrance of lavender and jasmine filled the air as she inhaled deeply. Her cheeks flushed with warmth, but she quickly looked away, not wanting to make a bigger deal out of it than it was. The simple, almost effortless gesture from Rio made her feel something she didn't know she was missing.

"Thanks," Agatha said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, as she glanced at Rio who was already staring at her.

Rio just smiled, still not saying anything, her eyes half-closed as she tried to wake up fully. The usual sharpness in her gaze softened, and she made no comment, letting Agatha take in the moment. The tension between them was always there, but in moments like this, it was quiet, manageable. A peacefulness filled the room, both women silently acknowledging their growing connection.

The quiet breakfast continued, and Nessa slowly started to eat, not fully understanding the shift in the air but noticing it nonetheless. It wasn't a bad shift in the slightest, the energy seemed to be of love. Her eyes flicked between her mother and Rio, sensing something different about their interaction, but she didn't ask. It felt like a private moment one they were still figuring out.

"So, what's the plan for today?" Nessa finally asked, her voice breaking the stillness in the room.

Agatha, still thinking about the tender moment with Rio, blinked and looked over at Nessa. "We're going to try a different approach today. I think it's time we start focusing on control. We'll be outside this afternoon, working with your energy." Agatha turned to Rio with a small, quiet glance hoping for her input.

Rio, finally sitting up and rubbing her eyes, nodded lazily. "Yeah, we can try a different method. We'll keep it low-key, though. Don't want you burning the town down just yet, kid." She shot a smirk at Nessa, knowing full well the girl was frustrated by her lack of progress.

Nessa sighed, a mix of determination and frustration crossing her features. "I just... I don't know how much longer I can keep trying. I'm just... exhausted."

Agatha's gaze softened. "We're going to get there, Nessa. We'll figure this out together. It's a process, but you're not alone in it."

Rio's hand brushed against Agatha's briefly, a touch that felt both familiar and necessary. The moment passed quickly, but the unspoken reassurance between them was there. They were in this together.

The rest of breakfast went by in a quiet hum. Agatha made small talk with Nessa, trying to keep the atmosphere light, while Rio, despite her usual sarcasm, offered occasional bits of wisdom about controlling energy. The morning routine was a little different this time, but there was something about it that felt right.