Daughter of a Witch

A Night with Rio

For as long as Y/n could remember, Mami had always left for work trips. Not Mama. So when Agatha packed her bags and kissed them goodbye, promising to be back in a few days, it felt strange. Different. Y/n clung to Rio's hand as they waved from the porch, watching Agatha drive away.

"Well, mi amor, looks like it's just us!" Rio said, giving Y/n's small hand a gentle squeeze. "What do you wanna do first? Ice cream for dinner? Stay up past bedtime? Watch a scary movie?"

Y/n giggled, shaking her head. "Mama wouldn't like that."

"She's not here, is she?" Rio wiggled her eyebrows. "C'mon, baby, let's have some fun."

And fun they had. They made a mess in the kitchen baking cookies, and Rio put flour on Y/n's nose just to hear her laugh. They built a fort in the living room and snuggled up with blankets and popcorn, watching a movie until Y/n could barely keep her eyes open.

But just as Rio carried her upstairs to get her ready for bed, a loud clap of thunder rattled the house. Y/n tensed in Rio's arms, her little fingers clutching the fabric of her Mami's shirt.

"Ay, mi amor," Rio cooed, running her hand over Y/n's back. "It's just a little storm. Nothing to be scared of."

Y/n didn't say anything, just pressed her face into Rio's shoulder. Rio kissed the top of her head before setting her down in her room. "I'll be right down the hall, okay?"

Y/n nodded hesitantly as Rio tucked her in and kissed her forehead. "Te amo, Dulce niña."

"Te amo, Mami."

Rio turned off the light, leaving the door cracked just enough for the hallway glow to seep through. But as soon as she was gone, the storm grew louder. The wind howled, rain pelted against the windows, and every crack of thunder made Y/n curl tighter under her blanket.

Minutes passed. She hugged her stuffed bunny close, trying to be brave. But then another loud boom shook the sky, and that was it. Y/n scrambled out of bed, her bare feet padding against the floor as she tiptoed toward the stairs.

Peeking around the banister, she spotted Rio sitting on the porch, her phone propped up in front of her as she chatted with Agatha over FaceTime.

"—don't worry, baby, we're fine. She had a blast today. I think she's asleep now."

Y/n hesitated. She wanted to go to Mami but was too scared to step outside. The rain was pouring, the wind whipping the trees back and forth. Still, she stayed there, watching Rio smile at Agatha's voice, sipping from a mug, completely unfazed by the storm.

She waited, biting her lip. Another flash of lightning. Another crack of thunder. She squeezed her bunny and finally made up her mind.

Bolting forward, she ran through the door and straight into Rio's arms.

Rio let out a soft "oof" but caught her easily, laughing as she kissed the top of Y/n's head. "Well, there you are, sweetgirl. What took you so long?"

Y/n buried her face in Mami's chest, breathing in her comforting scent. "Too scared."

"Ay, baby, you don't have to be scared," Rio murmured, rocking her gently. "I got you. Always."

Agatha's voice chimed in from the phone, "Hey, baby girl. Couldn't sleep?"

Y/n shook her head, peeking at the screen to see her Mama's familiar smile. "Storm's too loud."

"I know, sweetheart. But you're with Mami, and Mami keeps you safe, right?"

Y/n nodded against Rio's chest.

"That's right," Rio agreed, holding Y/n closer. "I love storms, you know. That's why I'm out here. I like watching the rain and feeling the air get fresh and clean. It's like the earth is taking a big, deep breath."

Y/n tilted her head up. "Really?"

"Mhm. Wanna sit with me for a little while?"

Y/n nodded again, snuggling into her warmth. Rio wrapped the blanket around them both, keeping her dry. They stayed like that, the sound of the rain surrounding them, Agatha humming softly on the phone as she watched her girls. Y/n's heartbeat slowed, her fear slowly ebbing away.

But then the storm grew heavier, the rain coming down in thick sheets, the wind howling through the trees. Rio sighed. "Alright, Miel, let's get inside before we get soaked."

She lifted Y/n easily and carried her up the stairs. But instead of stopping at Y/n's room, she walked right past it and into her and Agatha's bedroom.

Y/n blinked sleepily. "Not my room?"

"Nah, you're staying with me tonight," Rio said, setting her gently on the bed. "Now, let me change real quick."

Y/n yawned and nodded, flopping onto the pillows as Rio grabbed some dry clothes. When she returned, Y/n immediately climbed into her arms, curling up against her chest.

"Mami?" she murmured, already halfway asleep.

"Mmm?"

"Tell me a story. About you and Mama."

Rio smiled, running her fingers through Y/n's dark hair. "Alright, baby. How about when I tripped over my feet while trying to impress Mama and knocked over an entire bookshelf in the library?"

Y/n giggled sleepily. "No way."

"Oh yeah. Funniest thing ever. And you know what? That's when Mama knew she loved me. I stood up, covered in books, gave her the biggest grin, and said, 'I meant to do that.' She couldn't help it—she knew I was the one."

Y/n smiled, feeling safe, warm, and happy. Within minutes, her breathing evened out, her little body limping against Rio's.

Rio sighed contentedly, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Sweet dreams, mi amor."

And with that, she closed her eyes, holding her daughter close as the storm raged outside.