Woven in Shadows (agatha x rio)

A Perfect Morning

Chapter Forty: A Perfect Morning

The soft rays of morning sunlight filtered through the bedroom curtains, bathing Agatha in their gentle glow. The warmth on her skin stirred her from sleep, but what truly woke her was the aroma wafting upstairs a delicious blend of sizzling butter, eggs, and something sweet, like cinnamon. She opened her eyes slowly, blinking away the remnants of sleep. The bed felt oddly empty beside her, and she reached out instinctively her hand brushing cool sheets.

She sat up, stretching languidly, and tilted her head toward the doorway. The faint hum of voices drifted up from downstairs, mingling with the clatter of pans and the occasional laugh. Her lips curled into a smile. Sliding out of bed, Agatha pulled on her robe and padded down the hall, her bare feet brushing against the cool wood floors as she descended the staircase.

The kitchen was bright and lively, sunlight streaming through the windows and reflecting off the polished countertops. Nessa sat at the table, phone in hand her free one holding a fork as she lazily poked at a piece of syrup-drenched pancake. Across the room, Rio stood at the stove, her back turned a spatula in one hand and a pan in the other. She moved with ease, her hair catching the light an air of contentment surrounding her.

"Good morning, sleepyhead" Nessa called out without looking up, her tone teasing.

Agatha's gaze stayed on Rio, her heart swelling at the domesticity of the scene. It felt so normal, so perfect, as though the chaos of the last few weeks had never existed. She stepped forward quietly, wrapping her arms around Rio's waist from behind. Her cheek rested against Rio's shoulder as she inhaled the faint scent of her something earthy and warm, like cedarwood.

"Morning" she murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Rio's neck.

Rio stiffened for just a moment, her breath hitching, before relaxing into the embrace. "Morning" she replied, her voice low and husky. She tilted her head slightly, giving Agatha better access. "Hungry?"

"For breakfast, or you?" Agatha whispered in Rio's ear, her lips quirking into a playful smile as she kissed Rio's neck again.

Rio chuckled, the sound deep and smooth. She lifted her free hand, fingers curling slightly as she whispered something under her breath. A soft glow shimmered in the air, and suddenly a flower materialized in her palm. Its petals were a deep crimson, tinged with gold at the edges, as if kissed by fire. The stem was delicate, but the bloom itself was vibrant and full of life.

Agatha gasped, pulling back slightly to admire it. "It's beautiful" she breathed.

Rio turned around, handing her the flower with a small, almost shy smile. "Not as beautiful as you."

Agatha's cheeks flushed at the compliment, and before she could reply, Rio leaned in her lips brushing against hers in a gentle kiss. It was soft and unhurried, a moment of pure affection.

"Ugh, get a room moms" Nessa groaned, though there was no real malice in her tone.

Agatha pulled back, laughing, and tucked the flower behind her ear. "Thank you" she said softly, her fingers brushing against Rio's hand.

"Anytime" Rio replied, her eyes lingering on Agatha's for a moment longer before she turned back to the stove.

The morning unfolded with a serene simplicity. Rio finished cooking, plating fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and golden pancakes stacked high with a dollop of butter melting on top. Agatha joined Nessa at the table, pouring herself a cup of coffee as they chatted about mundane things...movies, books, and even a silly story Nessa found online.

Rio joined them after setting down the last plate, her demeanor more relaxed than Agatha had seen in weeks. They ate together, laughing over Nessa's jokes and teasing Rio about her culinary skills, which were surprisingly impressive.

At one point, Agatha caught Rio watching her, her gaze soft and contemplative. Agatha reached out, covering Rio's hand with her own. "What's on your mind?" she asked, her voice gentle.

"Nothing" Rio replied, though the faint smile on her lips suggested otherwise. "Just...this." She gestured around the table. "It's nice."

Agatha squeezed her hand. "It is."

After breakfast, the three of them moved into the living room. Nessa sprawled out on the couch with a book, occasionally chiming in with sarcastic remarks, while Rio and Agatha worked together to clean up the kitchen. The mundane tasks felt oddly intimate.

Rio handing Agatha a dish to dry, their hands brushing occasionally, each touch sending a pleasant warmth through her.

When the dishes were done, they joined Nessa in the living room. Agatha sank into the armchair while Rio settled on the floor beside her, leaning back against the chair's side. The fire from the night before had been rekindled, its warmth filling the room.

For the first time in a long while, everything felt peaceful. No impending danger, no looming threats just the three of them, together, enjoying the quiet. Agatha reached down, her fingers brushing through Rio's hair absentmindedly.

"Do you think this is what normal life feels like?" Nessa asked suddenly, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Agatha glanced at her, smiling softly. "Maybe. If it is, I think I could get used to it."

Rio looked up at her, a small smile playing at her lips. "Me too."

The day stretched on in this perfect tranquility, each moment a treasure that Agatha tucked away in her heart. For once, the world seemed to pause, granting them the peace they had so desperately sought.