Daughter of a Witch

Movie Night

Six months after Rio's return, life in Westview was settling into a new rhythm. Y/n and Agatha had found their footing in this updated version of their family, and Rio was slowly adjusting to her roles as Y/n's mom and Agatha's wife once more. But certain moments still tested the waters.

It was a quiet Friday night, the kind of evening where the humdrum of a small town made itself known. The faint sounds of distant laughter drifted in from the street, mingling with the occasional bark of a dog. Rio stretched on the couch inside the cozy living room, her legs draped over the armrest. She glanced at Agatha, who was sitting in her favorite armchair. Rio flipped through an old book, her fingers trailing along the worn pages. The soft crackle of the fireplace filled the air, accompanied by the faint scent of pine from a candle Agatha had lit earlier.

"Y/n," Agatha called out, breaking the comfortable silence. "Why don't you invite James to go to the movies? We could make it a family outing."

Y/n poked her head out of the kitchen, mid-bite into an apple. Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. "You sure? I thought you didn't like going out when it's cold."

Agatha shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "What's a little chill? Besides, your mom here hasn't met James yet. It's about time, don't you think?" She shot a sly grin at Rio, who raised an eyebrow but said nothing, her lips curving into a small, amused smile.

Y/n leaned against the doorway, considering the idea. "Alright," she said after a moment. "I'll text him." She disappeared into the kitchen, and the sound of her typing quickly followed.

Rio closed her book, resting it on her lap. "So, tell me about James," she said, tilting her head. "You've met him already, haven't you?"

Agatha leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs. "I have. He's... polite, smart, and a little too charming for his own good. Y/n likes him a lot."

Rio raised an eyebrow. "Too charming? Should I be worried?"

Agatha chuckled. "No, nothing like that. He's a good kid. Treats Y/n well, which is what matters."

Rio's expression softened. "You've seen them together?"

"A few times," Agatha admitted. "She's different around him—happier. It's sweet, really."

Rio nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "I just want to make sure he's good enough for her. She deserves the best."

"Agreed," Agatha said with a faint smile. "And if he's not, well... we know how to handle that, don't we?" She wiggled her fingers, her magic sparking faintly in the dim light.

A moment later, Y/n reappeared, phone in hand. "He said he's free, and he'll meet us at the burger place in a half hour."

"Perfect," Agatha said, clapping her hands together. "Go grab your coat, then. We'll leave soon."

As Y/n headed upstairs, Rio leaned forward in her chair. "You know," she said softly, "these little moments... they're what I missed most."

Agatha glanced at her, her expression softening. "Yeah. Me too."

By the time they left the house, the sun was dipping low, and the streets were bathed in the golden evening hues. Westview was small enough that everything was within walking distance, so they went to the movie theater on foot, stopping at a burger joint along the way. As they ate, Rio subtly observed James. He was polite enough, chatting about school and basketball, but something about him put Rio on edge. Perhaps it was the way he leaned a little too close to Y/n or the casual way he tossed an arm over her shoulder as they walked.

"So, James," Rio began her tone light but with an edge of curiosity. "What are your plans after high school?"

James paused mid-bite of his burger and swallowed quickly. "Uh, I'm thinking of going to state college. Maybe major in business or sports management. I'm still figuring it out."