Daughter of a Witch

AU - Looking Out for Her

It had been 4 months since Rio and Agatha started dating, and Y/n was adjusting to the new dynamic. While she wasn't ready to call Agatha her step-anything, she didn't mind how happy her mom seemed. Agatha had a knack for showing up with little things-like Y/n's favorite snacks-or finding ways to crack a joke at just the right moment to lighten the mood. But it wasn't just that. Agatha had also begun to show a genuine interest in Y/n's life, which felt foreign but welcome.

Today, however, wasn't one of those lighthearted days.

Y/n stared at the blank page on her laptop screen, the cursor blinking mockingly. Her English assignment was due in two days, and she hadn't started. Worse, her English teacher was none other than Agatha Harkness herself.

As much as she hated the idea, Y/n knew she needed help. She sighed, frustrated, rolled her chair back from her desk, and ran a hand through her hair. "This is stupid," she muttered. The assignment was on Pride and Prejudice, and she couldn't seem to get her thoughts in order. Sure, she liked reading, but this-analyzing the themes, the character arcs-wasn't exactly her idea of fun.

With a heavy heart and a sense of reluctance, she grabbed her bag and went to Agatha's classroom after the final bell.

Sitting behind her desk and grading papers, Agatha looked up in surprise when she saw Y/n standing hesitantly in the doorway. "Well, well, if it isn't my favorite student," she teased lightly, her smile softening when she noticed the frustration on Y/n's face. "What's going on? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Y/n sighed, leaning against the doorframe. "I need help with the assignment. The one about the themes in Pride and Prejudice."

Agatha raised an eyebrow with a smirk. "You? Asking for help? Did hell freeze over?"

"Ha-ha," Y/n replied sarcastically, rolling her eyes with a small smile forming on her lips. "Yeah, I know, shocking. But can you help me or not?"

Agatha raised her hands in mock surrender, laughing as she stood. "Of course, I can help you. Just... I didn't expect you to come to me for it, is all."

Y/n dropped her bag onto a nearby desk and sat, folding her arms across her chest. "You're the English teacher, so who else should I ask?"

Agatha grinned. "Fair point. Let's get to it then."

For the next hour, Agatha worked with Y/n on the assignment, breaking it down in a way that felt more accessible than the formal academic explanations Y/n had been struggling with. They discussed the themes of pride, prejudice, and personal growth. Agatha pointed out that Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship was more complex than Y/n had initially realized.

By the time they were done, Y/n felt much more confident. Agatha had a way of explaining things that made them seem less daunting, and Y/n found herself actually getting excited to write the essay.

"Thanks," Y/n said, stuffing her things into her bag. "I didn't think I'd be able to finish this, but now I feel like I actually understand it."

Agatha gave a satisfied nod. "Anytime. I know you've got it in you. You're a lot sharper than you give yourself credit for."

Y/n smiled, grateful but too shy to admit it. "I guess. But I'll take the help anyway."

As she left the room, Y/n realized something. She didn't just see Agatha as her English teacher anymore. She wasn't just the woman dating her mom. There was a new, growing respect there. Maybe-just maybe-Agatha could be someone she could rely on.

A couple of weeks later, Agatha noticed that Y/n seemed to be under more stress than usual. At first, it was just little things: Y/n's normally upbeat attitude was tempered with a sense of exhaustion, and she didn't seem as quick-witted in class. It wasn't like Y/n to look so drained.

One day during lunch, Agatha spotted Y/n sitting alone in the courtyard, her lunch untouched in front of her. A few other students were talking and laughing in groups, but Y/n sat alone, staring at the table with an unreadable expression.

Not wanting to push too hard, Agatha made her way over slowly, taking a seat across from Y/n without asking for permission.

"Hey, hun, do you mind if I join you?" she asked, trying to keep her tone light.

Y/n didn't look up right away, but after a moment, she shrugged. "I guess."

Agatha studied her for a moment, noting the tiredness in her eyes. "You've been quiet lately. Everything okay?"

Y/n looked up, meeting her gaze. "Just... a lot going on. School, college stuff... my mom's stuff."

Agatha raised an eyebrow, unsure whether Y/n was referring to her relationship with Rio or something else. "Sounds like a lot to carry. High school can feel like it's crushing you sometimes, you know? But you don't have to do it alone."

Y/n shifted uncomfortably. "I don't know. It's like... no matter how much I try, it's never enough. Like I'm always behind. I'm trying to keep up with everyone, but it feels impossible."

Agatha's expression softened. She understood that feeling all too well. "It can feel that way, yeah. But you know what? It's okay to lean on people when things get tough. You've got your mom, your friends... and me. You don't have to do it all by yourself."

Y/n met her gaze, and for the first time in a long while, she didn't look so defensive. "Thanks, Agatha. I guess it helps to know that someone's watching out for me."

Agatha smiled, trying to keep the conversation light. "I've got your back. Don't forget that."

Y/n nodded, her posture a little less tense. "I won't. Thanks again."

That evening, as Agatha and Rio were having dinner together at home, Agatha mentioned the conversation she'd had with Y/n.

"I talked to Y/n at lunch today," Agatha said, gently stirring her pasta. "She seems to be holding it together, but she's definitely under a lot of pressure. I think she's feeling like she's falling behind."

Rio's expression immediately softened with concern. "Is she okay? I've noticed she's been a little more... distracted lately."

"She's got a lot going on, but I think she'll be okay," Agatha reassured her. "She's tough. But I'll keep an eye on her, especially at school. She's got a lot of potential, Rio. I think she needs someone to help her realize that."

Rio leaned over and kissed Agatha's cheek. "Thank you. I'm really glad she has you to look out for her."

Agatha smiled, her heart warmed by the words. "I care about her, Rio. A lot. I want to be there for both of you."

Rio's eyes softened. "We're lucky to have you, you know that?"

Agatha smiled and moved closer, pressing her lips to Rio's while Rio's hands cradled Agatha's face.