Woven in Shadows (agatha x rio)

Whispers in the Woods

Chapter Forty-Three: Whispers in the Woods

The sun was just beginning to stretch its golden arms over the horizon when the three of them stirred. The warmth of the morning light seeped through the windows, casting gentle patterns across the wooden floor. Agatha, still in her robe, moved about the kitchen, preparing a pot of tea. The aroma of steeping herbs filled the air, wrapping the house in a soothing embrace. Nessa sat at the table, absentmindedly scrolling through her phone, her face lighting up with occasional giggles at something funny on the screen. Rio leaned against the counter, sipping coffee, her expression relaxed yet distant.

Agatha stood by the stove, humming softly as she stirred the sizzling eggs in the pan. The gentle morning light streamed through the window, painting her figure in soft, golden hues. She was so engrossed in her task that she didn't hear Rio's approach until strong arms wrapped around her waist.

Agatha stiffened for only a moment before relaxing, a smile tugging at her lips as Rio leaned in, her breath warm against the nape of her neck. "You smell... good" Rio murmured, her voice low, almost hesitant. She buried her face against Agatha's shoulder, inhaling deeply before pressing a line of soft, lingering kisses along her neck.

Agatha's hand paused mid-stir, her heart skipping a beat. "Well, good morning to you too" she said, a slight tremor of amusement in her tone.

Rio pulled back slightly, her arms still encircling Agatha, and raised one hand. With a flick of her wrist, a vibrant red rose materialized in her grasp seemingly plucked from the air itself. She stared at it for a moment, her brow furrowed as if she didn't quite understand why she'd conjured it. Then, without a word she held it out to Agatha, her expression unreadable.

Agatha turned, her eyes widening at the gesture. Slowly, she took the rose her fingers brushing against Rio's. "A rose?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I... I don't know why I did it" Rio admitted, a flicker of confusion flashing across her face. "It just... felt right."

Agatha's smile softened as she studied the flower, her thumb gently tracing the delicate petals. "You used to do this all the time" she said her voice warm and tender. She looked up at Rio, her eyes shimmering with an emotion she couldn't quite contain. "You'd conjure flowers for me when I least expected it. Sometimes just to make me smile. I didn't realize how much I missed it until now."

Rio's expression shifted, her confusion replaced with something deeper, an almost subconscious yearning she couldn't explain. "I... did?" she asked, her voice quiet.

Agatha nodded, reaching up to brush a strand of hair from Rio's face. "You did. It was one of your ways of showing me how much you cared. And even now..." She glanced at the rose, then back at Rio. "It's like a part of you remembers, even if you don't."

Rio's jaw tightened, and for a moment, she looked like she wanted to say something but couldn't find the words. Instead, she leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Agatha's forehead. "I'll try to remember" she said quietly.

Agatha smiled, her heart aching with both love and hope as she slipped the rose into a small vase on the counter. "Take your time" she whispered, pulling Rio into a gentle embrace. "I'm just glad you're here."

It was a moment of peace, and Agatha wasn't going to let it slip away. "You know" she said, her voice light as she turned toward the two of them, "I was thinking we could take a little trip today. Just the three of us. Somewhere quiet, somewhere we can unwind."

Nessa's eyes lit up immediately. "Like a hike? Oh, I'd love that! We could explore, maybe find some wildflowers!"

Agatha smiled at her enthusiasm, but her gaze shifted to Rio, who raised an eyebrow skeptically. "A hike?" Rio drawled, her tone dripping with her signature sarcasm. "Sounds... invigorating."