Woven in Shadows (agatha x rio)

Wishful Thinking

Chapter Forty-one: Wishful Thinking

The morning stretched lazily, golden sunlight filtering through the sheer curtains in the living room. The smell of the breakfast feast lingered in the air, blending with the faint scent of wood smoke from the fire. It was a quiet, perfect day a moment in time where the world felt right.

Agatha sat cross-legged on the couch, a book resting unopened on her lap. Her eyes drifted to Rio, who was seated on the floor, one knee bent and her arm draped across it as she stared out the window. There was something serene about her, even in the stillness. Her dark hair caught the sunlight, making her seem ethereal and Agatha couldn't help but study her as though trying to memorize every detail.

Rio turned her head slightly, catching Agatha's gaze. "What?" she asked, her lips curving into a faint smile.

"Nothing," Agatha replied quickly, her cheeks flushing as she looked back down at her book.

Rio raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced but didn't press. Instead, she leaned back against the couch, her expression thoughtful. "It's strange" she said after a moment.

"What is?" Agatha asked, closing the book and giving Rio her full attention.

Rio glanced at her, hesitating. "This...feeling. Like I've done this before." She gestured vaguely around the room. "Not exactly this, but something close. It feels familiar, but I can't place it."

Agatha's heart tightened. "Maybe it's a memory trying to surface" she said carefully, not wanting to push too hard.

"Maybe" Rio murmured, her gaze dropping to her hands. "Or maybe it's just wishful thinking."

Before Agatha could respond, Nessa bounded into the room breaking the tension. "Okay, so I was thinking" she began, flopping onto the other end of the couch. "Since we're all finally in one piece...kind of; maybe we should do something fun today."

Agatha arched an eyebrow. "Like what?"

"I don't know" Nessa said, shrugging. "We could explore, find a cute little town to wander through, or maybe just hang out here and play some games. Anything that doesn't involve magical disasters or life-threatening situations."

Rio let out a soft laugh. "That's a low bar, but I'm in."

Agatha smiled, the lightness in the room lifting her spirits. "A day without chaos sounds perfect."

The day unfolded as a blend of simple pleasures and easy laughter. They played card games at the kitchen table, Nessa proving to be a ruthless competitor, much to Rio's amusement and Agatha's frustration.

When the sun reached its peak, they ventured outside to the back garden, a small, overgrown space with wildflowers and patches of sunlight breaking through the trees. Agatha brought out a blanket, spreading it on the grass, and they sat together soaking in the warmth.

Rio stretched out on her back, her hands behind her head as she gazed up at the sky. "This is nice" she said quietly, her voice almost lost in the gentle rustling of leaves.

"It is" Agatha agreed, lying down beside her. She turned her head to look at Rio, her heart fluttering at the peaceful expression on her face. "You seem relaxed."

Rio tilted her head slightly, meeting Agatha's gaze. "I think I am. For once."

Agatha smiled, her fingers brushing against the edge of the blanket. "You deserve it."

A comfortable silence settled over them, the only sounds the distant chirping of birds and the occasional breeze. Nessa, sprawled out on her stomach nearby, scribbled in a notebook, her tongue poking out in concentration.

As the sunlight dappled through the leaves above, Agatha shifted closer to Rio on the blanket, propping herself up on one elbow. The warmth of the day mingled with the scent of wildflowers, wrapping around them like a comforting embrace. Agatha's gaze traced the sharp lines of Rio's profile, the way her jaw tightened thoughtfully, her dark hair glinting in the sun, her chest rising and falling in a slow, steady rhythm. There was something so effortlessly captivating about her in this quiet moment, unguarded and serene.

"Rio" Agatha said softly, her voice almost swallowed by the gentle rustle of the trees.

Rio turned her head, her intense dark eyes meeting Agatha's. "Yeah?"

Agatha hesitated, her fingers nervously brushing against the blanket. "I just—" She paused, her words failing her. Instead, she reached out, her hand trembling slightly, and let her fingers skim over Rio's cheek.

Rio didn't pull away. Her expression softened, curiosity flickering in her gaze as Agatha's touch lingered. "What's this about?" she asked, her voice low but not unkind.

Agatha smiled faintly. "I don't know. I just... wanted to."

There was a beat of silence, the air between them thick with something unspoken but undeniably there. Slowly, Rio leaned forward, her movements hesitant, as though unsure of what she was doing but unable to stop herself. Agatha met her halfway, their lips brushing together in a kiss so light it could have been a whisper.

The world seemed to still for that fleeting moment. Rio's lips were soft and warm, and Agatha felt her heart swell as if it might burst. The kiss deepened slightly, Rio's hand finding Agatha's waist and holding her gently, as though she might shatter if she gripped too tightly.

When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads rested together, and Agatha's breath came out in a soft, shaky laugh. "I've wanted to do that all morning" she confessed, her voice barely audible.

Rio's lips curved into a faint smile. "me too" she admitted, her tone laced with a hint of wonder. She leaned back slightly, her hand still resting on Agatha's waist. "You always do this to me; make me feel things I can't explain."

Agatha's heart fluttered at the confession, and she reached up to tuck a strand of black hair behind Rio's ear. "Then don't explain it. Just... feel it" she whispered, leaning in to kiss her again, this time with more confidence, letting the rest of the world fall away around them.

The day slipped by in this perfect harmony each moment a gentle reminder that peace was possible, even if it was fleeting. By the time the sun began to set, casting the garden in shades of orange and gold, Agatha felt something she hadn't in a long time....hope.

As night fell, the three of them returned to the house, their laughter filling the space. Agatha found herself standing in the kitchen later, watching Rio as she leaned against the counter, sipping a glass of water.

Rio caught her staring and raised an eyebrow. "What's on your mind?"

"Just you" Agatha admitted, her voice soft.

Rio smirked, setting the glass down. "Careful, Agatha. I might start thinking you have a thing for me."

Agatha laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Maybe I do."

For a moment, Rio's expression softened, a flicker of something unreadable passing through her eyes. "Lucky me," she said quietly.

The moment lingered, the air between them charged with unspoken feelings. It wasn't perfect it wasn't resolved but it was enough.....for now