Kathryn Hahn Character OneShots

Seen & Heard | Professor!Agatha Harkness x Rio Vidal | AAAW- Day 4: Professors

College wasn't as great as Rio had expected it to be. The way it was described by her peers made it seem like a whole new world, with mature people who are thriving their way into adulthood.

It wasn't much different than highschool. Rio wasn't the most popular, and she never really got on with her classmates. Not everyone was rude, but it was obvious that they didn't like her much. Rio was weird, unique, and there weren't many others like her.

It was pretty much the same in college. Sure, some people might've been more mature, but deep down, no one had changed. Even though she wasn't well liked by her classmates, that wasn't the case for the professors.

The majority liked Rio, as she never caused any disruption and was always so polite to them. She may not have been a straight A student, but they all seemed to appreciate her attendance.

One professor in particular though, let her eyes linger on Rio just a second longer, offered a smile more genuine than the rest. Her name was Professor Agatha Harkness, and she taught ancient and modern history. Rio was intimidated by her at first, but she became more drawn to her as the classes went on. The outfits she wore, her weird sense of humor that only certain people would understand, and the way that she made Rio feel seen, heard, and appreciated.

It was simple acts that made her feel that way, such as praising her essays and projects that she turned in, or not taking her eyes off of her when she spoke, whether she was answering a question based on the lesson, or telling Agatha about her day before class started.

A few months into the semester, Rio had had a tiring first few classes. She had to work in a group project with two of her classmates who made it quite obvious they didn't like her, and none of them were happy about having to work together, but no one complained.

Thankfully, it was time for history now. Rio walked into the classroom and Agatha was already there, giving Rio a soft smile in greeting.

"Good morning Rio, how are you?"

Rio's eyes beamed more than a student's should, "I'm okay, you?"

"I'm fine, dear." 

Rio took a seat right at the front, just like every single time. Originally it was so she could have the best view access to the writing on the board, and possibly have better access to ask questions and such, but now, it was also because she was hoping to get more chances to interact with the older woman.

The class passed quite fast, much to Rio's disappointment. She made sure to take her sweet time in packing her single textbook, pen and highlighter. She subtly raised her eyebrows, looking to make sure that most of, if not all of the students have left, and they had.

Agatha wandered over to Rio's seat and sighed, "Did you understand everything today? Any questions?" 

Rio looked up with her, her grin wider than she intended, "Yeah, everything was clear. To be honest, your class is the one I understand the most."

Agatha put her hand to her heart and chuckled, "I appreciate that. How's your week been so far?"

"It's been okay I guess, we just had to do this stupid group project which kind of put my mood down. Most of the people here don't like me." Rio admitted casually.

Agatha frowned, her brows furrowed, "Why not? You seem decent enough."

Rio shrugged, shuffling awkwardly, "I don't know. I've always been a little weird I guess."

Agatha grunted, taking a seat on the desk and held her hands together, "Sometimes, people just prefer to stick to the plain and boring because they're afraid," She explained, "They're too afraid to reach out to those who are different because they are too scared to be themselves."

Rio bit her lip, nodding. "It doesn't bother me too much, it's not that often that people are rude to me about it, just seems like no one is even willing to give me a chance, to get to know me." She looked up, locking her eyes to Agatha's.

Agatha's expression softened again, refusing to break eye contact, "I see you."

"What do you mean?"

"I see you." Agatha repeated, "I'd take time out of my day to talk to you at any point. It doesn't take long of talking to you to see that you're an interesting and good person."

Rio's face reddened a little bit, both a little embarrassed but mostly flattered. "Really? You like talking to me?"

Agatha nodded without hesitation, slowly taking Rio's hand in hers, "Oh absolutely. I hear you, Vidal."

Rio stayed silent, just looking at her without speaking, taking in her words and processing them. Her soul felt less empty, and her heart felt warmer

"I had my eye on you since the first day. You stood out immediately." Agatha stated.

Rio blinked, "It didn't take long for me to find comfort in your class, either. I'm... Actually excited to come to your classes." She chuckled, and Agatha's smile widened again, squeezing her hand.

"That's what I want, hon. I'm glad my class can be a safe space for you, especially if the rest of the world doesn't always treat you right." Agatha sighed, looking at her with sympathy. "You don't need to worry about me giving any group projects, though."

Rio laughed, nodding along, her hand still holding Agatha's comfortably, "Thanks, working solo is always better anyway."

Agatha hummed in agreement, when her eyes wandered to the clock she had on the wall. She almost frowned, almost. "Oh, I have another class soon." She sighed, "How about you stop by another time and we can have another chat?"

Rio let go of her hand and smiled, "Of course!"

"Great." Agatha stood up, stretching her legs. "I'll be seeing you tomorrow, Rio. I would say don't forget the assignment, but I know you won't."

Rio chuckled again, "You know me well then. I'll see you soon, professor."

And with that, she left the classroom, feeling more hopeful than ever, and her crush on her professor bigger than ever.