Chapter Text

CHAPTER – The FALL/ THE END

Rio Vidal paced around a nearly empty hotel room. The woman across from her was one of the greatest liars of them all. The pinnacle of her study. Agatha Harkness had been plucked from obscurity just as she had. As Rio had gotten to know her – and fallen for her – it became increasingly obvious that all of the answers to her research questions were staring her right in the face. There was no attempt at celebrity empathy because the powers that controlled entertainment knew – this wasn’t a job, this was a paid for adventure into the depths of trauma.

The rich got richer and they had used to pay their play things for the damage, not that the money helped much. But now, the paychecks got weaker and weaker. 

Rio watched as Agatha stared at her, the vulnerability just beneath the surface, her eyes screaming for help every time they were alone. Rio allowed Agatha to be someone else when they were alone and in return the woman allowed her to ask the questions that Agatha desperately wanted to answer. She wanted Agatha to forget, and pretend everything was fine, because when they were alone, it was. 

Agatha loved to lie, she had loved the artistry since she was little. She lied to her family, her friends, her fans and mostly, herself. She thought at times she was happy creating and giving all of herself to a story only to be ripped apart by everything but the words on the page.  

Rio eyed her as she contemplated what to do. She couldn’t destroy Agatha, she knew her, she cared too much. And yet, she paced trying to figure out what she could even say.

“Don’t… come to the premier.” Her voice was a growl. She immediately saw the hurt reflected in bright blue eyes as Agatha tried to figure out why on her own. Rio watched as she tried to pick up on details she had missed, why Rio was suddenly rejecting her.

The movie was real, but everything behind Rio’s rise to landing it? That was the lie. A team of the nations, the brightest across multidisciplinary fields had achieved their objective – getting Rio Vidal a ticket to the club of fame via the next big movie, their documentary. And this premier? They were going to blow the project behind the project wide open and make history.

“But you said you wanted me there… That's what I’m doing here. I don’t,”

Rio sighed. “I lied, Agatha. I’m a liar.”

Agatha’s mouth fell slightly agape. Agatha cleared her throat. “We all are, honey, look at what we do for a living.”

Rio rubbed at her face. Agatha dropped the covers that covered her naked body as she extracted herself from the bed, completely vulnerable. “Baby…”

Rio watched the way Agatha’s shoulders caved in, knowing there were too many events in Agatha’s life being triggered right now. Rio cleared her throat. “From Obscurity isn’t just a movie, Ags.”

Agatha crossed her arms over her chest. “What is it then?” Her eyes guarded.

Rio sat on the desk behind her. “A study,”

Agatha’s brows furrowed. Agatha wasn’t unintelligent, but the idea of Academia was so far removed from her daily life, from her lived experience that Rio wasn’t sure what she would make of this.

Rio knew it was now or never, her clock was ticketing down. “Agatha, I’ve been collecting research on the Industry and… you.”

Agatha’s hackles raised, her throat growing thick. “What… What kind of research?” Rio could tell now that she was starting to absorb her words, turning into a frightened animal. “What… are there… tapes?”

Rio’s face fell. The fact that Agatha could think that she secretly recorded her hurt her deeply. “No. Not in the way you’re thinking. I took… notes. Occasionally, there were some who gave me interviews…”

Agatha’s voice deepened. “Wait, so you told some people, but not me?”

Rio sighed. “They needed to know…”

Agatha poked herself in the chest so hard that her skin turned pink. “And I didn’t?”

Agatha’s eyes filled with tears. “Did you ever love me?” Her face was crushed as if she already knew the answer. “I.. left him for you.”

Rio swallowed the bile in her throat. “I told you not to do that.”

Agatha shook her head as she tried to collect her clothing strewn all around the room. “I didn’t need your permission to leave my husband. It… wasn’t real. Her eyes looked at Rio as if she had stabbed her in the stomach. “Apparently neither was this.”

Agatha froze and dropped her clothing. Her eyes watching it fall, not even attempting to catch anything. She slowly lowered to her knees, her hands covering her mouth. Her sobs felt like jolts to Rio’s heart.

She watched the clock continue to run out. “Agatha…”

Blue eyes turned to her and she shook her head. “I’ll stay here, if that’s what you want just… come back to me.” Her voice was so small.

Rio dug her nails into the wood. “There won’t be anything to come back to.”

Agatha sucked in a breath. “I need… you to say it.” Her eyes stayed locked on Rio’s. “Tell me you never loved me .” She nodded. “I need to hear you say it.” She stared hopefully at Rio whether for her to say it and set her free, or for her to never say it, and keep her hostage. The woman did not seem like she knew which she truly wanted.

“I have to go,” Rio moved to get ready and Agatha moved past her into the bathroom, tearing at Rio’s gown, scattering her makeup. 

Agatha was a mad woman. She needed to create chaos, then maybe Rio wouldn’t be able to find her way out of this. Rio grabbed her hands when Agatha worried her. That she might hurt herself if she were to continue her blind rage.

Rio grabbed her wrists and held them tight, Agatha trying to get free. Rio was feeling her nose burn now, tears threatening to fall. “I studied the effects of the industry and fame on the actor’s psyche. My own and others. My thesis it’s… solid.” She took a breath. “We’re dropping the research at the premier. If you’re anywhere near the event, they’ll assume you have something to do with it.”

Agatha whimpered. “Don’t I?”

Rio nodded. “Yes.”

Agatha tried to breathe. “So, who are you? Why… even take an interest?”

Rio  shrugged. “Because I thought I could see you, all of you, the humanity that society tries to strip away the moment you become larger than life and are placed on that stupid fucking pedestal.”

Agatha protested weakly. “But I… I genuinely love what I do…”

Rio sighed. “And don’t you wonder why that is and if that’s healthy?”

Agatha shook her head. “It’s who I am , I’m… good at this . I’m good at playing with my emotions, getting even myself to believe I feel something when I didn’t a moment before.”

Rio ran her thumbs over Agatha’s wrists, “How many times have you hurt yourself to get what you thought you wanted?”

Agatha’s voice cut out. She was quiet for a moment. “So you come in and blow up our world and make us aware, for what? Just so you can slap your name on a paper, have a theory named after you and call it a day? What about those of us left behind, What about me? You’re going to just leave me here on the other side of your “research”? Because if you want to be honest with yourself, you’re a part of all of this now, too.”

Rio released Agatha as her mind raced. She wished she could tank the study, but so many others were riding on her research, it might finally bring about changes they needed in entertainment but she knew Agatha couldn’t fathom why Rio, the Rio who loved her and fought for her, could do this to her.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER – TO BUILD A TEAM 

Rio Vidal had been interested in people ever since she was little. In elementary school she was constantly studying her classmates and writing up narratives about her “research”, Rio’s parents had been called more then once about hurt feelings when what Rio observed turned out to hit a bit too close to home, like how Patty Deebo’s parents were getting divorced and Rio had figured it out based on context clues that fit with what she had seen on tv.

Nothing stopped her quest to understand others, in high school she had joined the school newspaper and the psychology club, desperate to further her passions. It wasn’t long till school had begun hearing about her amateur studies online, and though plenty of Ivy League schools had made her offers, she knew she needed to be in Los Angeles, close to where her current human inquiry lived, fame. 

One late night in high school Rio had been watching a movie with her friends, and after it ended, they had continued on to watching interviews from the actors. Rio was taken with the beauty of one in particular and honed in on every word she said. What surprised her the most was how candid the woman was and how her friends… completely missed the point of her vulnerability. 

Rio watched as Sabrina Sea talked about how the low points in the movie mirrored her own life after reaching a high level of recognition from some of the other work she had done. Rio’s face had fallen. While her friends sat making jokes from the movie, she felt a sense of melancholy wash over her. How could this woman love what she did so much, even though it made her so sad? What made it all worth it? And if she could go back, would she do it again?

Rio watched the jokes made about Sabrina’s own mental health struggles and felt her stomach turn, there were things she could relate to as well. Hard years, kids being mean, self-loathing, but the addition of being under a microscope that thousands to millions of people existed on the other side of was heart-wrenching. 

Rio had picked up her notebook she always carried with her and began to write a thesis, and a million questions about the effects of fame on real, live people. And somehow those little notes helped her years later when she was applying to her PhD program in L.A.

Rio followed her advisor into her office at the university, completely stuck on her latest idea to enhance her research. 

“Lilia, did you read my proposal? I think this tweak to my study is just what I’m missing. After all the roadblocks – you said it yourself, sometimes you have to become the research.”

Lilia rolled her eyes. “Yes, Rio, I read it.” She tried to balance her coffee and her folders in her arm, raising an eyebrow at Rio, the younger woman sweeping in to grab the folders. “It’s totally legit.”

Lilia snorted before she took a long sip of coffee, preferably to let Rio try and exhaust herself before they talked. The dark-haired girl was practically on the edge of her seat. “Well?” When Lilia tilted her head, Rio started to pace. “The interviews I collected, the data I harvested, would have much more of an impact if I knew I was right . Getting to not only sit down with my subjects but to become one of my subjects would give me the edge to make sure this study is done right.”

Lilia smirked when Rio paused. Her dark eyes sliding to Lilia’s. “You’re letting me rant. You… you know something.”

Lilia shrugged. “I may have made a few calls. You made a solid argument.”

Rio’s eyes widened. “No, fucking, way. You did it?”

Lilia raised her hand. “Jennifer Kale who is the head of Lightning PR is an old friend of mine, my god daughter actually. She owes me a favor,” She pointed at Rio before she could continue, “This relationship is mutually beneficial for you both, as well as for me, so neither of you better screw it up.”

She covered her mouth with her hand for a moment in complete shock before she let it slowly fall away. She eased into one of the visitor’s chairs across from her advisor. “How… how are we doing this?”

Lilia took a slow drink of her coffee. “Rio, I love the enthusiasm, I really do… but you’re going to pass out if you continue on like this.” She flicked her hand at the intricate clock on the wall. “Kale will be here any moment now, as well as Alice, as you requested. I’m combining your work. You made a valid point. Seeing the inner world with your own eyes will only elevate the empathy quotient of your work, just,” She set down her cup and made sure Rio was looking at her. “Don’t you dare ditch the study. Kale’s got a documentary deal on this work and you’re going to have to work that in. It’ll be great for the university, cross promotion at its finest. A lot of research… a bit of marketing .”

Rio nodded slowly. “You’re saying that I’m going to be making a documentary… about my research?”

Lilia knocked on her desk. “With luck, yes. Don’t screw this up, Rio. Keep the relationships vague, keep it clean. Until the research is done.”

A knock at the door drew both sets of eyes. Lilia yelled from her seat, “Come in!”

Rio turned and as the door opened she saw a tall coffee colored woman with the most flawless skin she had ever seen, and behind her, her friend from the program Alice. Alice blushed when Rio caught her dark eyes, her cheeks were practically as red as the flaming dipped dye job on her jet black hair. 

Jen swept into the room in some pink designer suit that seemed comfortable enough to get cozy in and Rio stood to shake her hand, “Miss Kale. I’m Rio Vidal. Thank you so much for agreeing to work with me on my little study.”

Jen’s smile was genuine enough, her own cheeks a bit rosy as she cleared her throat. “Please, it’s just Jen, we’re practically the same age. Shall we sit?” 

Rio nodded happily as Alice found an extra chair to drag over. Rio had thought she would pull it next to Rio’s, as Alice was usually a bit shy around new people, but she surprised the room by pulling a seat up next to Kale. Rio tried to hold back a snort, so Alice had a crush already .

Lilia nodded her head at her god daughter. “Thanks for coming, Jenny. I appreciate you making the time.”

Jennifer waved her off, her french nails swatting the air away. “Please, Lilia, anything for you. Plus, this sounded too good to pass up. An insider look into the industry that won’t cast any of my clients in a negative light? The PR of us collaborating with the university to do something good for the health of our clients industry-wide should pan out well for us. Drawing attention to the pain points so we are forced to at least act like we care is brilliant. I love this. Also, dibs on representing Miss Vidal,” She turned and smirked at Rio. “You don’t know this yet, but this is going to hit, I just know it. You’re going to blow up, and when you do, I need you under contract.”

Rio tilted her head. “I mean, it’s just a documentary, right? I’m not actually going to be acting…”

Jen pointed at her. “Well, not acting on screen, but to get into these events, we are going to position the documentary as a movie. Get you into red carpets and press events, parties, I have a decent level of connection myself – we’ll get you your interviews. And for that… you’re going to have to… fake it till you make it.” She waved her hands when Rio looked a bit sick. “We’ll coach you through it, don't worry. We have experience with press training.” 

Jen held her hands up in the air like she was picturing something. “The video is you reviewing your findings and giving your own commentary, it’ll be fresh, original. Like a YouTube tell-all video but on a larger platform, higher production value. Just…” She shrugs. “Try not to get too personal with anyone. I’m sure they won’t all be excited when this drops.” Jen let her hands rest back in her lap. “I think it’s… admirable that you even want to do this research to be honest. Everyone thinks they “care” about these people, but no one actually does, it’s all performative. These people make art, but everyone forgets the artist.”

Rio shrugged. “I think fame is fascinating, just as fascinating as the art itself. I’ve been digging through interviews for the last two years, and I really think the research is painting a pattern on its own but this last piece, the real life experience, it’s going to make it something more. I can’t wait to get started.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 3

Rio stepped onto the red carpet in a short cocktail dress that only covered her front like an apron. The thinnest straps she had ever seen draped the thing over her shoulders and she wondered how on earth this dress would even last the night. It was a vintage designer dress that she had been lucky enough to find at a thrift shop once and could never find anywhere fancy enough to warrant wearing it. But her first premier? That had seemed like the occasion to test the limits of the straps, if there was ever going to be such an occasion.

She wore simple black heels that dug into her skin at the back of her foot. She didn’t wear heels often but luckily she had done a short, parent imposed, stint of child modeling that had taught her to at least walk in them, well more to stand in them. She dug her hands into her hair due to anxiety when she remembered that it had been styled for the event. Her black shiny hair straightened to perfection before it had been given some very loose curls. She slowly extracted her hand hoping the curls were salvageable. 

Lighting PR had joined the project with the caveat that she did not study any of their other clients. Her contact Jen had been excited about the idea of the study and the subsequent documentary while the rest of her executives had thought it would generate an insane amount of press as well as perhaps tank some of their competition. 

Rio rolled her eyes, she wasn’t doing this to end careers, she was doing it because watching interviews fascinated her. The look in people’s eyes, the way they would light up when they talked about their work, but at some point during the interview it would always stray to the darker side of working in the entertainment industry. She wondered if her work could really have an impact at the end of it all, she hoped it would. Her eyes scanned the crowd and she had to admit she didn’t feel like she belonged. 

She thought that being in research mode would make her feel less awkward and provide her with a more distanced felling. Now that she was standing here where lights were flashing and everyone was dressed in outfits that she would probably never afford in her lifetime she felt a level of anxiety that she hadn’t known previously. 

She saw so many faces she recognized as she looked around the event, and everytime she caught someone's eye she quickly looked away. She felt too awkward making eye contact but somewhere deep down she knew she needed to get that feeling under control if she was going to do this work, because she stuck out, badly.

Her brown eyes noticed some movement up ahead and she watched as Agatha Harkness herself got out of a black car with her husband Ralph Bohner close behind. The brunette didn’t wait for him as she took long strides to the line for the carpet. She was wearing a tailored suit. What looked like a simple white cotton shirt underneath Rio knew must have cost way too much for its simple design. Her guess was at least a few hundred dollars. Because if her college roommate could own a hundred dollar or so Balenciaga tee, why couldn’t a celebrity? Agatha’s black pointed heels had a hint of red underneath and Rio knew enough to know that screamed money and status. 

She knew she would have to walk through the camera’s soon and her new PR firm had only briefly instructed her how to handle it all, they had even done a bit of practice but Rio felt like she should have paid more attention now that she was here. 

She was definitely contemplating if running away might be a better option. Her eyes glanced up as Agatha moved by her with her small entourage, an assistant carrying her bag. Rio glanced to her own shoulder, an orange tote bag was slung awkwardly over her arm. She didn’t see anyone else with a bag or a jacket, in fact when the car had arrived to collect her, she had stuffed her jacket, her metal water bottle and her phone, keys, wallet into the nicest bag she owned and had rushed out the door. She hadn’t really thought about the fact that you never saw people photographed with bags – but it wasn’t like she could stash it anywhere now. 

She sighed as she looked up and watched how Agatha step up into position and the cameras turned into a flurry of lights. She saw the woman smirk, toss her hair and turn and look back over her shoulder. 

Rio sighed, her photos were going to suck so badly. She rubbed the back of her neck as she looked about and noticed she was going to need to follow the A lister with how little people were left outside the event. Agatha had sure arrived late to capture attention and it was working.

Rio was just some unnamed talent in a movie that hadn’t dropped yet. She took a step forward and paused as she saw Agatha move towards the entrance only to stop and hovered as she signed autographs and took photos with fans. Rio looked about, knowing her time had run out, she guessed it was her turn. She blew out a breath and took her mark and camera’s started to flash. 

No one called out to her, as no one knew who she was, but she didn’t mind that. It had seemed overwhelming when it happened to those that had gone before her. She stood with her hands at her sides and smiled, flattened her face before she smiled again, then she quickly took her leave. Murmurs of who was that trailed her as she moved toward the building’s entrance. 

Agatha was standing off to the side to the right of the door. One hand opening a bottle of water that her assistance must have located for her. Her slim fingers wrapped around the plastic bottle and moved the thing to her lips, just as her husband Ralph turned around, and promptly knocked into it, sending the bottle bouncing to the ground. The water splashed onto Agatha’s pants and Rio saw the woman’s eyes narrow, she was now close enough that she could hear everything they were saying, and as they were blocking Rio’s way, she hung back. Watching discretely as Agatha growled.

“The fuck, Ralph.” Her hand instantly went to her temples and she started to rub. The man was staring at the floor with wide eyes at the mess as if it was a shock to him and not like he had caused the whole thing. 

“Oh shit. Uh, Sharon could you get Agatha another water…”

Agatha scoffed. “She can’t just produce another bottle you idiot…”

Ralph rolled his eyes. “Well, maybe we should start carrying an extra. Your head is always hurting now…”

Agatha waved him off. “Why don’t you go help Sharon find me another and do something useful with yourself?”

Ralph’s jaw dropped as Ralph practically whined. “But babe,” Before he could come up with an excuse for why he couldn’t possibly stoop to unpaid labor, this Sharon woman was ushering him off. “Mr. Boner, let's get you inside, and I will find Agatha some water.” 

Rio watched as Agatha took a step back against a pillar, angling herself away from the crowd, her head tilted back against the cement as she closed her eyes. No one was paying any attention to her anymore and Rio finally had a chance to slip by. This would be the perfect chance to chat someone up, and not a small player at that, but it didn’t feel right, and even with Agatha seemingly unwell, she didn’t possess the courage to strike up a conversation. 

She went to walk by when she heard the woman quietly groan. Rio paused instantly, her hand clutching her bag and feeling the water bottle. There was no way the woman would take water from a stranger… an open container at that… but she should at least offer it, shouldn’t she? The woman seemed like she was in pain. She could awkwardly offer her water and then scurry off when the woman ignored her.

She cleared her throat as she approached. “Excuse me?” She internally cringed as her voice wavered. 

Agatha’s face twitched uncomfortably as she heard her, her eyes fluttering before turning to Rio. She knew Agatha Harkness had blue eyes, but up close, you could almost see right through them, like a blue crystal. Agatha watched her for a moment seemingly waiting for something. Her brows furrowed when Rio continued to stare. “Yes?” she finally spoke, and Rio looked about to make sure the woman was addressing her. Rio’s face flushed in embarrassment. What was she doing? She shook her head.

“S-Sorry… Uhm,”

Agatha leaned away from the wall, but her hand stayed bracing against it. “Whatever it is, it needs to be quick…” Rio could tell she was expecting Rio to ask her for a photo or something when Agatha motioned for the raven-haired girl to quickly come to her.

Rio opened her bag and rooted around inside and produced a metallic green metal water bottle. She looked up and awkwardly extended it forward. “It’s not a bottle of water, but it’s full, and I haven’t had a sip of it today. It’s clean.”

Agatha’s eyes went to the bottle in Rio’s hands. Rio shrugged. “I saw your water spill. You seem to need it more than I do.” She was waiting for Agatha to laugh at her, or politely decline, but as the woman looked at Rio once more then back at the bottle, she took it, opened it, and drank from it. She started to practically chug it.

Rio shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot and crossed her arms. “Is it a migraine? Is there something you usually take? Because I have some of my meds with me… they’re unopened.”

Agatha’s eyes lifted to Rio’s brown eyes. “Are you event staff? You don’t have a lanyard.” She tilted her head in thought as her eyes quickly darted back to the bottle she just drank from. Rio shook her head.

“I’m in some up and coming movie, I’m an unknown. My PR company got me an invite to this thing to start to generate some press. I don’t really know what I’m doing here to be honest. I don’t think I’m any good at it.”

Agatha snorted before her face broke out into a smile. “You came to a red carpet, with a bag and a reusable water bottle?”

Rio’s chest flushed. “Well, I didn’t know if they would have water and I tend to dehydrate easily…”

Agatha leaned back against the pillar once more. “What do you have in your bag?” She reached a hand out and pulled one side open so she could peek inside, pulling Rio closer to her, the girl stumbling slightly in her heels. “W-Well, let me see… "Her fingers found her migraine stash quickly. She showed the item to the brunette. “This okay?” She handed the white package to Agatha and the woman nodded quickly. 

“Yes, thank you so much. I didn’t have a headache when we left the house, but my husband can be so annoying on the way to these things and we were stuck in traffic forever .” She extended her hand and Rio moved quickly to open the package for her, placing a small oblong pill in Agatha’s outstretched hand, and trying not to notice how soft her skin was. 

Agatha popped the pill and downed more water. She sighed. “I don’t know where my husband and assistant went, but I’m sure they have found me some water by now.” She moved to stand and tried to hand Rio her bottle back, but Rio lifted up her hand. “You keep it, just in case. I’m sure you could always find someone to fill it.”

Agatha tilted her head as she glanced down at the bottle. Rio realized a second too late that she was taking in her collection of stickers that adorned the green metal with a soft smile now. “This is definitely of some importance to you, you personalized it.”

Rio bit her lip. It was her favorite, actually, and those were some of her favorite stickers, but Agatha clearly needed it more than she did, so she shook her head. “It’s fine,”

Agatha held it out a second longer, but when Rio didn’t take it, she brought it thoughtfully into her chest. “I’ll get it back to you. I uh… don’t have my phone right now. Give me yours.” She motioned back towards Rio’s bag. 

Rio raised an eyebrow at the woman, and Agatha’s hand went for her purse again before Rio quickly dug it out. Handing it over. She re-crossed her arms. “Are you going to have your assistant drive it over?”

Agatha smiled. “Something like that.” Rio watched as she sent a text. “There. If you’re sure?” Rio waved her off. “Oh, totally. It’s no biggie. I’m feeling fine, just take it.”

Agatha turned and went for the door when Rio moved quickly to get it for her, accidentally getting all up in Agatha’s personal space as she reached in front of her to beat her to it. Agatha’s head turned slightly towards her as her eyes lifted to Rio’s once more. “Thank you.” She sounded breathless and all Rio could do was nod. Agatha moved swiftly through and Rio saw Sharon come jogging around the corner, apologizing that they still hadn’t located any water when Agatha waved her off. “I found some.”

Sharon’s eyes went wide. “Where on earth did you find that! Agatha, is that even clean? Who knows’ what’s in that! Give it here!” Sharon squawked and fawned her hands around like she was some kind of bird and Rio couldn’t help but smile at the exchange. She watched as Agatha rolled her eyes. 

“Oh please I got it from a friend. I’m not insane, they're not a stranger or anything…” She started to continue down the hall with Sharon’s hand on her back and Rio found herself rooted in her spot. She needed to find her way to her seat for the screening. 

She shook her head. Well there was no way she was seeing Benji, her favorite water bottle ever again. And yes, she named her emotional support water bottle. She hadn’t been allowed a pet in her apartment when she had moved and had left her kitten with her parents back in Chicago when she moved to LA for her PhD. 

She reached again for her bag and found her ticket. It was at the back of the theater; she was a nobody and she felt a little thrill at just being allowed in the room with these talented people to view something new for the first time.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 4

Rio cringed as she looked at her photos from the red carpet. First of all they had misspelled her name. Rio Vial. She sighed, Vidal wasn’t even a long name and Spanish was completely phonetic. She rolled her eyes. She was indeed the only person on the red carpet carrying a purse. She wanted to face palm, she really stuck out. 

She sighed. Seeing the bag she thought of Benji and wondered if the water bottle was having a nice life off somewhere in the Hollywood hills or if Agatha had simply discarded him. She rolled onto her back. She had about nine water bottles left, but she would need another. Something similar to her green one. Her mind wandered as she tried to remember Agatha’s face and eyes up close. 

She had of course seen her body of work, who hadn’t? The woman was in everything. When she closed her eyes, she couldn’t see what she looked like up close, perhaps the meeting had been too traumatic for her, but she could however remember how quickly her heart raced and how she now couldn’t remember if she had put on deodorant that day or if she had been musky around the woman. She cringed. Well, good thing she was probably never going to cross paths with her again, so she wouldn’t have to watch as the woman either rejected her for reeking without the distraction of her headache, or completely forget they had ever met.

Rio licked her dry lips as she was once again reminded that she needed to drink some water, an alert to her phone causing her eyes to fly open and her hands to almost drop her device onto her face.

Unknown number: As much as this water bottle literally saved my life, I don’t think it’s my color. When will you be picking it up?

The number struck up a conversation as if they had been speaking. No name. She would have thought it was spam if she hadn’t loaned out her favorite water bottle. She raised an eyebrow. This had to be from that woman, Sharon’s, phone. Or maybe a burner.

Rio tapped at the side of her phone as she read the message again. Picking it up? She sighed, of course the woman would have her come get it from somewhere. Driving in LA was a nightmare and traffic hours were just about around the clock. It would easily take her an hour to get anywhere, and that was if she was lucky. 

She looked at the time. It was around two in the afternoon on a sunday. She supposed she didn’t have anything left to prepare for today. She wasn’t syncing up with her research group until the online call the next day, she could go rescue benji from wherever Agatha had him stashed. 

She had a brief moment of panic about seeing the woman before she realized how far-fetched of an idea that was. Agatha surely wouldn’t want to see her. Maybe she was meeting up with her housekeeper at her house or something. Her fingers started to type.

Rio: I don’t typically meet up with strangers, but that is my favorite water bottle. Who are you and are you holding it for ransom? Did I forget my name and number were on the bottom? 

She watched as the Unknown Number wrote her back.

Well, I can’t help it that you misplaced your things. That orange bag looked cute on you, though it totally clashed with the red on the carpet. Perhaps fire your stylist unless you were trying to get on the worst dressed list. Which we’ve all done it for attention, don't get me wrong…

Rio’s eyes narrowed. Okay so this was definitely Agatha, but why was she talking to her directly? Why not get her assistant to do it?

Rio: No Stylist yet, unfortunately. That was all me. I hadn’t thought about the red in the carpet to be honest. But what is this about picking up my stuff? 

Rio’s brown eyes reflected with the light of her phone as she watched the little dots appear.

Unknown: You could come now if you want? We’re home.

Rio sat up slowly. 

Rio: And where am I going?

Her heart rate started to pick up. She wasn’t about to end up at Agatha’s home, was she?

She waited as someone was typing before the dots disappeared, and a few minutes later the person tried again.

Unknown: I’ll drop a pin when you are ready…. Are you? Ready?

Rio sighed, she grabbed her sunglasses off of the table and placed them on her head and she grabbed her keys and her ugly orange bag. 

Rio: Born ready.

There was no way her water bottle wasn’t just sitting outside of the gate when she got there.

***

Rio had been wrong. She realized her mistake when she arrived at the address and there was a large silver gate. It was a bit intimidating and almost had her turning around when a screeching noise began and she watched as the gate parted for her. She leaned forward and looked around for anyone, there was no one around. She drove through carefully and jumped slightly when the gates closed behind her. She really hoped she was going to be able to get back out. 

Rio rolled her shoulders and rolled slowly up the drive. A path of yellow roses had her tilting her head. Did Agatha and her husband have any clue that they meant infidelity? She shook her head. She loved her Nana and she had grown up learning her way around a garden but that was never going to pay her to live if she became a florist. Still she knew the meaning of just about every plant and petal she came across. She drove up to a circle drive and found a decently large home. You could see the surrounding mountains through certain patches in the trees but it seemed that Agatha and Ralph enjoyed foliage. Or at least one of them did. 

Rio wasn’t sure where to park and the three cars in the drive seemed to be discarded randomly wherever the person had landed. She pulled around the circle and as close to the right hand side as she could, situating herself out of the way. She wasn’t going to be here long, the cup was probably sitting on the porch behind a planter or something. She exited her car and approached the door. As she took the stairs she felt her phone beep.

Benji’s kidnaper: You can come on in, you don’t need to stand there.

Rio had felt weird putting Agatha’s name on the phone number in her phone. She was almost a hundred percent certain the woman would be using someone else's phone, but on the off chance she wasn’t she didn’t need to worry about her phone getting picked up and accidentt;y divulging the actresses’s number. She placed her hand on the door and she felt a coldness rush over her skin. She couldn’t just let herself in, they didn’t even know each other. She withdrew her hand, her eyes glancing up at the massive house as she located the camera and huffed. 

She turned her face back towards her phone as she typed.

Rio: Feels weird, I think I'll just wait for you if it’s all the same. 

Brown eyes were glued to her phone as she waited for a response. Agatha left her hanging for a few minutes before Rio jumped at the sound of the door opening. Her eyes lifted as Agatha Harkness once again stood before her. Her dark brown hair was in loose waves around her shoulders and halfway down her back. Her eyes were sparkling as they crinkled when she took in Rio at her door and Rio’s eyes drifted to what she was wearing, a dark purple robe that cut off at her mid thigh. Rio’s eyes jumped back up to her face quickly as she realized there might not be anything under the robe. Agatha leaned against her door frame.

“Hey.” She bit her lip as she looked Rio up and down. “You look cozy.”

Rio shrugged. “Did I need to dress up to come get my water bottle?” Rio didn’t know the rules, clearly Agatha hadn’t dressed up but then again this was her house, it wasn’t like she was going to invite Rio in.”

Agatha took a step back. “I think your drink holder is in my room. I had it down here but Ralph grabbed it once and tried to put it away in the kitchen, and it was almost lost to our things forever.” Rio’s eyes flicked over the woman to the man glued to his phone as he walked towards the foyer. Agatha didn’t even look up.

“Ralph, Rio’s here.”

The man looked up, his mouth hanging open and his eyes scrunched in thought, trying to place her. “Uh, is she….” He didn’t finish the sentence as he waited for Agatha to help him out. She sighed as she crossed her arms and looked over her shoulder. “My friend from the premier? She gave me her water when you spilled mine?”

He nodded slowly. “Uh, right.” Rio took in his dilated eyes. So he was on something already. She had heard most people had a loose relationship with drugs in their line of work but it was odd to see it up close. She had at first assumed maybe it was just weed but the white powder on the side of his nose was a dead giveaway. 

Agatha clicked her tongue. “Go to your cave. I have a friend over.” She cleared her throat. “And wipe your nose.”

He quickly brushed at his face. “Sorry. Uh, yeah I’ll just go to my cave then, do you know how long…”

Agatha looked at the ceiling as if it might hold the guidance she desperately sought at the moment, sadly, it did not. “I don’t know, Ralph. Until I say so, just…” She motioned with her eyes. “Get lost.”

He raised his hands in surrender and wandered away. Rio’s mind started taking note of the interaction. So far Agatha always seemed annoyed with Ralph. She wasn’t quite sure what the woman saw in him, he seemed pretty dense. She wondered what had ever pulled them to each other in the first place. She tried to smile as Agatha looked back at her, her own long gone. “It’s this way.” She turned abruptly and took off through the home. Rio had to speed walk to keep up. Agatha was fuming.

“I just don’t get where he gets off always being around when I told him explicitly you were on your way…”

Rio placed her hands in her back pockets a bit uncomfortable with the marital spat, as well as the size of the home she wandered through. “Men seem to be a bit clueless most of the time it would seem.”

Agatha slowed and waited for Rio to appear at her side before she raised an eyebrow. “Do you… have a husband at home?”

Rio snorted, shaking her head. “No.”

Agatha smirked. “Wife?”

Rio raised an eyebrow. “Someone has gaydar,”

Agatha’s smile returned. “I clocked you the moment you started watching me on the carpet, you weren’t subtle.” She turned and took off again, this time at a slower pace as they approached a small set of stairs, forgoing the grand staircase Rio had seen when they had entered the home. 

Rio shook her head. “I wasn’t… checking you out. I just… well recognized you of course and then you weren’t feeling well, I thought that maybe I could help…”

Agatha led them to a door at the end of the hall. Her fingers played with the handle for a moment. “Right. My… mistake, you couldn’t have been checking me out.” She released the handle, seeming to second guess something. Her brows furrowed. “Your cheeks were bright red.”

Rio bit her lip. “I was… am… a bit, uhm, nervous to talk to you, like I get that you’re a person and all…”

Agatha’s shoulders slumped. “Do you?” Rio hadn’t seen her look this unguarded before. She looked… sad. Rio was still finding it hard to look at the woman with eyes full of emotion like that, but she pushed herself now.

“Yeah. I mean, technically yes I know that. Previous knowledge is just a bit distracting is all. I’ll get over it I’m sure.”

Agatha’s arms tucked into her robe. Her eyes looked at the floor. Rio floundered, what was the right thing to say. She had spoken to Agatha for all of two minutes before and yet somehow Agatha had seemed to be expecting something more from the interaction. Pale fingers reached back for her door offering a fake smile. “Of course,” She entered her room leaving the door wide open. When Rio didn’t follow her she called her.

“Are you coming?”

Rio looked about the hall and then when she realized maybe it was more weird for her to stay lurking there by herself she entered the room. Her eyes took in an array of deep purples, Agatha’s large bed sat in the middle of the back wall. It looked extremely cozy, whereas she would have assumed the woman would have had something a bit more aesthetically pleasing. The witchy touches around the room definitely left a magical feel to the space. 

Rio tried not to look around too much, this was the woman’s bedroom afterall she didn’t need to be creepy. Rio rubbed at her arm as she tried to look uninterested. “This is your bedroom with Ralph?” She tried to find conversation but Agatha seemed disinterested in speaking about her partner.

“He has a room on the other side of the house.” She moved over to a large dark oak desk and started to open a drawer. A laptop sat promptly on top, a pair of large glasses beside it. Agatha lifted the cup in the air. “Found it.” She closed the drawer and returned to the end of her bed sitting softly, forcing Rio to come to her when she extended it out.

Agatha leaned back on her arms when Rio took the cup. “I have to say, this is the first time I’ve taken a woman back to my room and she’s refused to even look at what I’m wearing. She flipped her hair out of her face. She ran her hand over the dark silk spilling across her thigh. “Was it too much?” Her eyes looked up. “Would you have preferred something else?”

Rio’s fingers clutched Benji like her life depended on it. “I…” She wasn’t sure where Agatha was going with this line of thinking but her brain spilled its thoughts anyway. “I think you look amazing.” Her voice dipped as she watched Agatha’s hands run over her thighs. Blue eyes studying her so intensely that she looked away. 

“Well, uh, thanks for returning this to me. I really appreciate it. Not that I don’t have other ones to use, but this was kind of my favorite,” Oh no, now she was rambling, this always fucking happened around beautiful women. 

Agatha’s eyes narrowed, continuing to study her. “Sure.” 

Rio turned to look at the door. Then her eyes trailed back to Agatha; the woman wasn’t jumping up to lead her out. “So… I guess I should be off then?”

Agatha’s eyes widened. “If that’s what you want.” She looked like perhaps she had seen a ghost. Agatha folded some of her hair behind her ear. “Rio?” Her voice was quiet but a warning bell went off in Rio’s head.

“I didn’t tell you my name.” She stiffened as Agatha tilted her head in question before rolling her shoulders then shrugging.

“I had Sharon find out who you were.” I did text myself from your phone. “I wouldn’t invite you over unless you had been vetted.”

Rio’s eyebrows raised. “You looked into me?”

Agatha rolled her eyes. “Don’t be so naive, of course I did. We’re all paranoid here in LA.” She indicated the cup. “There were no drugs in there.” It was said casually but Rio noticed the hint of appreciation in that statement.

Rio just about choked on her next breath of air. “Why… why? Did you think there were?”

Agatha shrugged. “I’m high profile, it wouldn’t be the first time someone tried to slip me something to get me alone and more agreeable.” She nodded. “That was just water.”

Rio held the bottle closer to her chest. “Yeah… it was.”

Agatha nodded. “Sharon was pissed that I took it from you when she found out I didn’t in fact know you and that I had lied to her face. Honestly, she should be used to it by now…”

Rio shook her head. “So you just, what, took a chance?”

Agatha pursed her lips and nodded. “It was a public enough event, someone would have seen me if I started stumbling. I wasn’t about to walk off down a corridor with you or anything. It seemed safe enough if I collapsed.” She stood. Watching Rio carefully. 

Rio held her ground. “Okay well, yeah I didn’t drug you. So I guess we're good , right? You didn’t lure me deep into this mansion to like… kill me or anything?” Suddenly Rio felt a lot less safe alone with this woman. Her friends had always teased her that she would be the first to die in a horror movie and while she had argued angrily against that assessment, she had known deep down that they were right, that all it would take was one beautiful woman asking her to follow her alone and that would be it. She watched as Agatha moved closer still. Her eyes tracing Rio as if there was some sort of puzzle she was on the verge of figuring out. 

“It was nice of you to do something for me.” She moved to place a hand on Rio’s waist. “Am I reading this wrong?” She leaned in her eyes locked on Rio’s lips. When she shifted closer Rio barely held her off in time.

“Woah, woah woah. Wait!”

Agatha’s eyes lifted, wide. “What?” She seemed genuinely confused.

Rio’s eyes glanced at the door. “You… your husband is home.” She hissed, startled. 

Agatha nodded. “Yes, and I told him to stay in his room, like a good little boy.” Her voice dipped. “Don’t tell me you’re not a lesbian.” Her eyes shifted to watch Rio’s pulse beat in her throat. “I won’t believe you.” 

Agatha removed her hands, her face falling when Rio’s shock didn’t change to lust. “You’re not interested.” She took a step back. “That’s… that’s okay. I just… that hasn’t happened to me in a long time.” She offered a half smile. 

Rio’s mouth dropped open. “What is going on here?”

Agatha crossed her arms and shrugged. “I invited you over. I thought you were interested in me…” She shrugged. “physically.” She looked away. “I’m not going to force anything, I’m not a man.” She turned her eyes in frustration on Rio. “You should go.” As she moved to go around the raven-haired woman her robe slipped off one shoulder and she huffed trying to pull it back up her shoulder. Flushered. 

Agatha’s hand went for the door and Rio reached out. “So what is this? An open relationship?”

Agatha shrugged. “I’m not sure. Ralph just doesn’t do it for me… anymore.” She tacked on as if it were an afterthought. Rio’s curious mouth ran away.

“Did he ever?”

Agatha smiled sadly. “No.” She opened the door and allowed Rio through. “I do appreciate you helping me out at the premier. It was a really bad headache, usually I end up in the hospital after some of the events because I forget my medicine. I really should be better about that.” She rubbed at her stomach. 

“I’m not feeling well. Do you… think you can remember your way out?”

Rio looked down the hall and clocked the grand staircase. “I just go down that way right?”

Agatha nodded. “Yes, that is the fastest way out of here.” She turned to go when Rio wondered if this would be the last time she ever saw this woman. 

“Hey, Agatha?”

The woman turned back around. “You’re too pretty to settle for a man.”

Agatha smirked. “Thanks.”

Rio took off down the hall and tried her best not to turn back but when she reached the stairs she could feel Agatha’s eyes and turned to see her once more. The woman looked so lost and haunted, she almost took the trip back down the hall. But she didn’t know her, and she had gotten what she came for, so she proceeded to escape the awkward encounter.

When she got home forty minutes later, her phone pinged. 

I hope you got home safe. - A

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 5 

Rio sat down at her desk and opened her computer. She pulled on a dark green hoodie, the sun was beginning to set and a chill was entering her apartment but she would be damned if she was going to start her heat until absolutely necessary. 

Rio booted her computer. Navigating quickly to the link for the meeting. She had a few minutes to spare and she clicked back over to the research she had been finishing up earlier. She had been watching a few of Agatha’s interviews to see if she saw a pattern between her personality in person and the information she shared in the interview. Rio poured over video upon video to try and establish a connection. She knew she would need more subjects and Agatha was probably more trouble then she was worth. Not only was she complicated but things felt complicated between them.

She felt her phone vibrate and she picked it up – wondering if someone was running late. Her eyes flashed in recognition. It was Agatha, they hadn’t spoken in days. What could the woman even have to possibly say to her? She hesitated, wondering if she truly needed to know when she rolled her eyes. She knew she would look in the end so she figured she better get it over with. She expected something flirty, perhaps a more straightforward proposition for sex when it was far more tame.

Agatha: How are you? 

Rio scratched at the back of her neck. Why was Agatha wondering how she was? Picking up Benji from the woman’s home had been a strange fever dream. She still hadn’t quite processed it, and she was pretty sure she had been propositioned in the woman’s bedroom. She tapped on her desk a moment, considering if she was going to respond at all, but again, she knew that there was just something about this woman that intrigued her, and she knew she wanted to learn more. Her fingers typed, and she wasn’t sure what she had said until she hit send.

Rio: Been busy with work. How about you?

As Agatha typed, Rio’s eyes drifted to the video call. Perhaps Agatha would be a part of her research after all. The woman had been a bit intimidating but easy enough for Rio to talk to… when she could sort of forget who she was. 

Her advisor joined and she set her phone aside. Agatha would have to wait until the call ended. She saw the older woman with wild gray ringlet curls appear on her screen a little too close to the camera.

“Lilia! You know you don’t have to put your face in the computer, right?” She snickered and watched how her mentor’s face narrowed. 

“There was a bug on my screen, you little brat. I can’t believe I took you on for this project.” She sat back and crossed her arms but couldn’t stop her smirk. “You’re a sneaky bitch, how was the premier?” It was said as if Dr. Caldaru already had a pretty good idea.

“Uh, it was… strange. I felt so out of place, and let’s be real, I had no business there…”

Lilia rolled her eyes. “The edification to your study is what I admired about you. You’re going to do great, and I am sure there will be something good that comes out of this. It is you, after all, you’re annoyingly optimistic at the worst of times."

Rio smiled wider. “I just think that Fame is a fascinating subject, though I’m not sure how far I’m going to get. People are extremely paranoid. I’ve tried reaching out to a few people online, but no one is biting.” She heard a doorbell sound from the computer, and Jen arrived, their contact at the PR firm. 

Rio gave a little wave, and Lilia tutted. “Jennifer, you’re late.” She raised an eyebrow, and the coffee-skinned woman rolled her brown eyes, her hand smoothing down her pink suit jacket. 

“Please. You can’t even call this late. It’s within ten minutes. She looked somewhere else at her screen, presumably at Rio. “Hey girl, how’s it going?”

Rio shrugged. “Well, it could have gone better, given that my limited media training didn’t include a few things.”

Jen cringed. “That bag was atrocious.”

Rio rolled her eyes. “Well, apparently, I should fire my stylist.”

Jen practically cackled. “Oh, getting into the lingo already? I don’t think we taught you that one. More late-night research?”

Rio rubbed at her arm awkwardly. “Something like that.” The rules were she didn’t touch any of Jen’s clients. She was one of them now for all intents and purposes, especially because Jen claimed after this research and documentary dropped that she would have a certain level of fame herself and Jen wanted her all to herself – and to teach a lesson to those that had left Lighting PR, like Agatha Harkness.

Jen tilted her head. “Okay, who have you been talking to?”

Rio smirked. “None of your babies, Jennifer. You can relax.” Another doorbell rang, and she saw Alice join. Rio waved. “Hey, Alice.”

Alice waved and then started fumbling with her phone, her car prominently in her background. “Sorry all, I had to take this from the car, but I’m here. What’s the update, Rio?”

Lilia nodded. “Yes, I’m sure this will be a quick call due to your singular event, but were there any good notes?”

Rio tapped at her noted pad as her eyes slid over. “Okay, so besides my fantastic failure on the red carpet…”

Jen snorted. “At least that dress was promising. Great pick. We’ll get you a stylist next time.”

Rio perked up a bit at the idea of not sticking out so much. “Thanks, Jen, I think that will help. I did get one contact, I think.” She watched as three sets of eyes bugged out.

Lilia spoke first. “Who talked to you at your first event? That’s extremely lucky! You’re off to a great start, Rio!”

Rio picked up her pen and twirled it around her fingers. “Agatha Harkness, actually.”

She watched as Lilia’s and Alice’s mouths dropped and Jen’s eyes narrowed.

Jen’s voice deepened. “What did she say to you?” 

Rio tapped her pen to her chin. “It was totally an accident. Her husband spilled her water, and she had a bad headache so when her, I guess, assistant, went to find her another, I just kinda… offered her my water.”

Lila snorted. “Are we talking about that green monstrosity you take everywhere with you?”

Rio blushed. “Benji has a name. She didn’t mind…”

Alice shook her head, still in shock. “Like Agatha Harkness Witches Road Agatha? Like Egot Agatha? Damn, Rio.”

Jennifer jumped in. “Rio, she’s trouble. And not the fun kind. I would love for her to get a little slice of karma, but I like you; you’re sweet, and she’s… a lot.”

Rio nodded. “You used to rep her, right?”

Jennifer pursed her lips. “Lightning used to represent her, yes.” Rio watched the woman’s face tense, so there were stories there. She doubted she would ever hear even a single one.

Rio sat back in her seat. “I can handle it. She’s kinda the only lead I have so far. Depending on how the research goes, I can always drop her later. Who knows she’ll probably forget all about me in a few weeks.”

Lilia rolled her eyes. “I doubt she’ll just forget you, kiddo.”

Jen’s gaze intensified. “You’ve seen her again. After the premier.” It wasn’t a guess, it was an accusation.

Rio looked her in her eyes on screen. “I did, yes. I went to go pick up my water bottle…”

Jen leaned her elbows on the computer while Alice blurted out. “Oh my god, you went to her house! What was it like?”

Rio laughed lightly. “There was a lot of purple.” She relaxed a little as she looked at Jen. “Favorite color of hers, I’m assuming?”

Jen paused for a moment before she nodded. “It would seem so.”

Lilia’s brows furrowed. “Isn’t she married?”

Rio rolled her eyes while the other two made the same jump about what might have gone down in the A-lister’s home. “Lilia, I didn’t sleep with her.”

Jen tilted her head. “And why not?”

Rio’s fingers moved to anxiously tap on her desk. “She’s married for one and it… didn’t get that serious.”

Lilia nodded her head, appeased for now. “Well, what did you gather from your interaction with her?”

Rio let her mind wander. “She’s smart, she said she looked into me after the whole water bottle thing. Though, she’s probably insane for taking it from me.”

Even Jen shrugged. “You must have caught her on a good day.”

Rio continued to tap at her desk as she blushed. “I must admit I was a bit starstruck at first, I don’t completely remember it all…”

Lilia chimed in. “Document everything as soon as you can, you never know what will be relevant until later. This is just the beginning. I spoke with Jen earlier, and she has an invite to a party tonight. I think you should go.”

Rio sat up straight. “Oh… I don’t know if I have anything to wear…”

Jen waved her off. “Just head to mine, we’ll find something for you to wear. It’s pretty casual, just a house party with some agents and clients. Cross-promotional, so there will be some people there that you can talk to. You remember the list, right?”

Rio nodded. It was lucky for her that she practically had a photographic memory. “Yeah, I think I got it. When do I need to head over?”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 6

Rio followed closely behind Jen as they approached a home in the hills. Rio’s eyes looked about the property as they walked up the sidewalk. It wasn’t as large as Agatha’s home, but the grounds were just as sprawling. The house had giant glass walls and an insane view of the LA sky. She tried to reel it in but her wide-eyed look was definitely noticed by Jen. The woman gave her a knowing look. “I came out here from Chicago too; it takes some getting used to, but you will. Your study is solid, and who knows, maybe you’ll do something great for these people. A lot of them really get lost in the artificiality of it all. It would be nice to see some reality and humanity slip back into their lives… not that it’s any of my business.” She smiled softly. 

Jen texted when they arrived and a woman with red hair opened the door. “Jen! Vis said you were coming, it’s been too long!” 

Jen moved forward to embrace the woman. “Wanda, it's great to see you! It has been too long.” Jen leaned back and indicated Rio. “This is Rio, my newest.”

Wanda moved forward, and whereas Rio had expected a handshake, the woman took her by surprise and hugged her with a bit too much familiarity. “It’s great to meet you, Rio!” She leaned back, studying her face up close. “I really like your eyes, I don’t think I’ve ever seen that shade of brown before; they're practically amber!”

Rio blushed as she took a step back, feeling like she needed more of her personal bubble returned to herself. “Thank you. I, uh, I like your work, by the way.” Rio flushed at the fact that she had definitely seen quite a bit of Wanda’s work and she was just about as nervous as when she had met Agatha.

Wanda grabbed her arm and abruptly pulled her through the door. “You’re sweet. Well, come on in. You’re going to love everyone, it's a lively group.” As she walked through the door, she spotted someone across the room. “Oh, shoot, excuse me. I need to make sure that Vision doesn’t light the yard on fire again.” She patted Rio as she took off.

Jen snorted and shook her head. “Okay, then. So am I going to have to fight the women off you all night long? Is this a normal occurrence for you?” Jen snickered, and Rio blushed.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about…”

Jen rolled her eyes. “These people are a bit touchy, it comes with the territory of needing to acclimate to others quickly for their roles. You’ll get used to it; most of them are harmless like Wanda.” 

Rio crossed her arms as she moved a bit closer to Jen, feeling like she was her safety net this evening. Her eyes scanned the room at the same time Jen’s did, and both sets of eyes fell on the same bright blue that were glaring daggers from across the room. Rio and Jen’s eyes both comically widened at the anger wafting off of Agatha.

Jen whistled, “Damn, Rio, what did you do to her? She looks pissed. ”

Rio turned and scoffed. “Absolutely nothing! I literally just shared my water bottle and some headache medicine…”

Jen shook her head. “Yeah, so I can tell you from experience, that look means business. She took something you did personally.” She turned to Rio and placed her hand on her shoulder. “That bitch is crazy. I’ll do some recon and see if I can figure out what’s going on and see if I can figure out how to smooth things over. You might have to apologize…”

Rio’s mouth dropped open in shock. “For what?” 

Jen shrugged. “Who knows. Does it matter? I don’t need Agatha Harkness murdering either of us in our sleep. Just…” She looked around. “Ah, there. Go talk to Vision, he’s at Wanda’s agency. You should get some good thoughts from him about the industry. Just… play nice and,” She snagged a glass of champagne and downed it. “I’ll be back.”

***

Crystal blue eyes narrowed as she located the woman who had the audacity to blow her off. Rio was a nobody, Agatha felt her muscles tighten with annoyance. There were millions of people that would die for ten seconds in her presence, but it appeared that Rio wasn’t one of them and for some reason, that really pissed her off. And arriving with Jenny Kale? That enraged her even more. Was she screwing her publicist? How trashy could she get?

Agatha moved to the alcohol bar and ordered a whisky sour, bright green in color. She had them double the alcohol content with a couple shots of something. Her hand had just retrieved the drink when Jen arrived at her side, causing her to bristle.

“I would introduce the two of you… but it seems you’ve already met.” Jen didn’t look at her right away as she made her order and received it with a smile on her face, that smile dropping when she turned to Agatha, looking at her expectantly while she took a sip.

Agatha rolled her eyes. “The child you arrived with? We’ve met.” She took another drink and looked away, out one of the giant windows onto the terrace. She was contemplating fleeing the situation when Jen spoke again.

“She’s not that young, Agatha, but yes, I heard.”

Agatha’s eyes slid back to the coffee-toned woman beside her. “Did you?” Her voice lifted at the end in a mocking tone.

Jen rolled her eyes. “Heard your room is still that god awful purple color. Shame, I thought you would have grown up and gotten some class after you left Lightning.”

Agatha forgot to breathe for a moment. Fuming. “What…” Jen always did have a knack for getting under her skin. 

Jen shrugged, raising a hand in surrender. “Not my business. You’re not my problem anymore, Harkness.”

Agatha shook her head. Jen always grated on her nerves, but the one thing she knew she had was an ironclad contract that she knew Jen wouldn’t dare cross. “Well, no matter what you think you know, you can’t say anything so…” She shrugged aggressively. “I don’t really care what you think, Jen…”

Jen sighed. “Oh, Agatha.” She looked at her as if she felt sorry for her, and Agatha’s blood began to boil before it froze over. “I can’t and won’t say anything about what I might know… but it’s funny because… she can.” Jen’s dark eyes indicated Rio. Agatha followed her line of sight. “Did you even think to have her sign an NDA, or are you really just that stupid?”

Agatha’s stomach dropped. “What?” Her breath died out quickly enough. She hadn’t thought about that. Fucking Jen. She rolled her shoulders when she figured out how to get her lungs to start working again. 

Jen continued. “You know… this would have never happened if you were still with us at Lightning…”

Agatha’s eyes drifted back to Jen. She hated it when the woman looked smug. Especially when she knew she was right. “What… what has she said about me then?”

Jen raised an eyebrow. “So you pounced the moment there was fresh meat? Sounds just like you.” Jen’s eyes flicked to where she must have assumed Agatha’s husband had gone and back. “Did Ralph watch?”

Agatha’s eyes fell. She quickly pushed past Jen to get away. Nearly knocking Jen’s drink onto her in the process. She needed to get fucked up. 

She moved outside and found Ralph already high as a kite, she walked up to him and took the blunt right out of his hands. Taking a long drag. Ralph’s laughter died out almost instantly. “Shit, Ags, what has got you all wound up?”

Agatha took another drag before she closed her eyes. “It’s nothing.”

He tried to take the weed back, but the brunette held it out of his reach, he whined. “Ags, the cocaine won’t even be here for an hour, my dealer’s stuck in traffic. And you know how anxious these things make me…”

Agatha rolled her eyes, already annoyed by him. “Ralph.”

He waved her off. “It’s my body, Ags, my choice, isn’t that the line?”

She rolled her eyes. “Feminist of the fucking year.” Ralph wasn’t a creep, but he was quite dense when it came to the female experience. Agatha had tried early on in their relationship to educate him a bit, but she quickly gave up when she realized it was a lost cause. 

She took another long puff before watching the smoke billowing before her face. Her head was finally becoming fuzzy when she handed the joint back to her husband. “Try not to screw anyone I know.”

He shook his head. “I can’t help that Vis was on my last project. It was just to get into character. I really wish you would let that go, It’s not like I get upset when you mess around…”

Agatha shrugged. “Not with our friends.”

Ralph shook his head. “Wanda off the table?” He asked with a pointed look.

Agatha winked before she spoke. “I’m going to go find someone to do.” She turned and walked off. Now avoiding her husband, Rio, and Jen. Maybe it was time to seek out Wanda, she was always down to play. 

***

Rio had been chatting with Vision, who was a nice enough person to talk to, if a little boring, when Jen stole her away to have a quick check-in. “So how did that go? Learn anything helpful yet?”

Rio smiled. “Well, he did invite me to go bowling with him and his league. I told him I would love to, I have plans Wednesday night.” Jen bumped into her shoulder. “Wait to go, you! There will be quite a few people to talk to there, and none of them mine,” She raised her glass in a salute. “To the quest for knowledge.” 

Rio clinked her glass as she felt her enter the room. Her eyes were drawn to Agatha like a magnet.

Jen’s smile faded as she clocked the brunette’s entrance. “She’s about to do something stupid.”

Rio turned back to Jen. “How do you know?”

Jen sighed, shaking her head. “I used to be her rep. I know her tells. The blazing is usually just the start… wait for it…” She pointed at the brunette as she approached Wanda. “There.”

Rio turned just in time to see Agatha grab Wanda’s face and smash her lips to hers. Rio’s eyebrows rose. “She’s… not subtle.”

Jen shook her head “Nope.” She turned back to Rio. “You sure you didn’t hit that? Cause she’s sure acting like you did. She has a wicked jealous streak.”

Rio shook her head. “No… I mean, she was wearing a robe when I went over to get my water bottle, but I swear nothing happened.”

Jen looked at Rio knowingly. “Did she want it to?” Indicating that perhaps Rio had insulted her.

Rio shrugged her shoulders. And Jen sighed. “Agatha has an ego. It’s easy to bruise. You would think that’s not the case, but she’s a bit… fragile.”

Rio rolled her eyes. “Agatha Harkness? Fragile? I don’t buy it.”

Jen took another sip of her drink. “She hides behind her characters, and don’t get me wrong, girl has a quick temper and a sharp tongue, but it's all a front.” She shook her head. “Again, she’s on the wrong side of crazy, though. I would steer clear.”

Rio turned, and people were laughing and cheering as Agatha kissed Wanda like her life depended on it, Wanda giggling the whole time. Agatha’s eyes sought out Rio’s, and she decided she needed to get some air. She felt like she was back in high school and feuding with the girl she was secretly seeing on her cheer team. It wasn’t her fault that the head of women’s basketball had asked her to prom, and she had appeared to be single.

Rio moved outside and took a look around at the people spaced out around the yard. The only person not deep in conversation was none other than Ralph Bohner, Agatha’s husband. Dude had such an unfortunate name and for some reason, he actually appeared to think it was cool. Rio tried to relax her shoulders and wandered over to the man.

“Ralph, right?” She watched as he gave her a lazy smile and touched his two first fingers to his forehead before giving her a salute. 

“Sure am.” His eyes narrowed as he studied her for a moment before he recognized her. “Oh shit! You’re the water bottle girl!”

Rio snorted out a laugh and stuck her hand out. “I’m Rio.”

Ralph shook her hand loosely. “Rad. I hear you're in some up and coming film that was super top secret. We still don’t know who all read for the roles. Good on you for landing it though, you must be stoked. What’s it called again?”

Rio smiled easily. He wasn’t so bad. “They’ve given me a few names to throw out during interviews, but who knows what it will actually be called.”

Ralph seemed to like that answer. “Ah, yup, sounds about right. Hopefully, it’s a good one. Vis and I have one coming out soon, and they still haven’t told us what the final title will be… it’s going to make the press so weird if we don’t know soon, but hey, I’m just a pretty face. What do I know about marketing?”

Rio shook her head. “Who knows? I sure don’t. That’s Jen’s expertise.”

Ralph seemed to sober up a little. “Ah, Jennifer, kind of an intense lady. Her and Agatha always butted heads. Not like you, she likes you.”

Rio raised her eyebrows. “Does she? Seems she’s already mad at me for something, and I don’t even really know the woman.”

Ralph looked back towards the house before he looked Rio in the eyes. “She’s complicated. Sometimes, I feel like I don’t know her at all. She keeps it all,” He gestured, trying to gather the air in front of him. “So close to her, that no one else really gets to see it.” He shrugged as he reached for a new package of weed. “I’m sorry I’m so rude, did you want any? The good stuff isn’t here yet, but we at least have this to get us by.” 

Rio declined. “I’m good, gotta stay sober to drive home. I left my car at Jen’s.” The man nodded along as he lit up. “Ah, sober driving, very cool.”

Rio gestured back towards the house. “It was great chatting with you, I should probably get back to Jen before she and Agatha get into it. I’ll see you around?”

Ralph gave her a knowing smile. “Oh, for sure, don’t be a stranger.”

Rio found him to be simple minded but the dude wasn’t a straight up dick. He was thoughtful enough to ask about her project, and Ralph had listened as well as he could in his current state. The sun had started to set after, and she caught the name of an actor named Herb who had passed her to join Ralph. Before another woman named Dotty came rushing out into the backyard.

Rio paused to eavesdrop.

“Agatha’s lost it. Ralph, do you think she needs to go home?” Her eyes darted between his and the house. He shook his head. “I can’t get that woman to do anything she doesn't want, Dots. If she wants to let off some steam, I would rather she get it out of her system before we are alone in the same house. I don't need her to explode at me again once this week was enough. I might have to disappear to New York if she keeps this up.” His phone pinged, and his smile lit up. “Oh, thank god! The cocaine is almost here.” He looked up at Rio, seeing that she was still outside. “The coke is almost here! Did you wanna join? Me and Herb were going to set up on the outdoor bench?”

Rio’s hand landed on her chest as she shook her head, trying to keep cool yet polite. “Oh no, thank you, I don’t do those kinds of drugs. But you all have fun.”

Ralph pocketed his phone. “Suit yourself, it’s going to be like Aspen up in this yard.” He turned and high-fived Herb, and they walked off toward the gate together. Rio shook her head as Dotty lit up more weed and moved to join Rio closer to the house. 

“Cocaine is such a nasty habit. I can’t understand why Agatha lets her husband continue it. But oh well, I’m not going to try and talk some sense into her. I really don’t get paid enough as it is.” She turned and wandered away, and Rio was left standing on her own. She figured she should in fact, go check in with Jen and headed back inside. There was now music playing, and she watched as Agatha made out with another woman, a blond this time, as Wanda was kissing Vision against the wall.

Rio snorted, so things had escalated quickly. She turned to find Jen in a corner with… was that Alice? She didn’t know Alice was coming tonight. It was on her second pass of the room that Agatha clocked her, slipping away from the blond and making a beeline for her. Rio looked towards Jen for help but the woman was engaged in whatever Alice was telling her and didn’t look up. Rio opened her mouth to say something, but Agatha grabbed her by the arm and dragged her down the hall without a word. Rio remembered their conversation about not going off with strangers to secluded locations, and her current predicament was ringing alarm bells in her head. They moved through the house, to a master bedroom and into the bathroom, Agatha closing the doors as they went before she flipped on the fan switch.

“The fuck are you playing at, Vidal?” Agatha’s eyes were blown wide from something she had inhaled, most likely the drugs outside, but her words were sharp. “You think you can just, what, run around talking shit to anyone that will listen? It’s pathetic…”

Rio scoffed; the rush she felt from Agatha’s hand being placed on her skin was quickly replaced by a flash of anger at the accusation. “What are you talking about?”

Agatha huffed. “What is Jen for you? Your mommy now? Had to go tattle on me that I had you over without supervision? Please, if you felt so unsafe, you could have left sooner; I didn’t stop you. And you could have just not responded when I messaged you today instead of… blowing me off to do… whatever it is you were doing that was so much more important than talking to me.”

Rio browns knitted, she closed her eyes briefly to think. Agatha had sent her a message. She had seen it before her meeting and then… shit she hadn’t responded. Her eyes opened, and she looked back into Agatha’s face and noticed how close they were in the small ensuite; this must have been a guest bedroom. “Woah, okay,” She started to explain herself when she noticed Agatha was watching her lips as if she was blaming them for this whole confrontation. Her blue eyes were now nearly black. Rio briefly wondered if her pupil dilation was solely due to the drugs or if something else might have been at play. She had the strange feeling like she was being hunted. 

Agatha’s face shifted as she turned to sit on the sink. Her eyes dropped to the floor before they connected with Rio’s once more. The next phrase was uttered so quietly Rio had to wonder if she had heard it right at all. 

“Why don’t you want me?” Agatha’s voice was breathless. 

Rio took a step back. Okay, she was forward, maybe because she wasn’t sober. She couldn’t blame the woman for that. She herself had been pretty cringe-worthy plenty of times when she partied. She raised her hands before her to try and settle the woman, hopefully to avoid a crying spell. “Agatha…”

The woman’s eyes again darted to her lips, this time they didn’t appear mad. The look she gave her was as if she was being reprimanded for wanting to taste them. 

Rio watched as Agatha’s hands sought each other out and the woman started to dig a manicured black nail into the top of her other hand. Rio reached out to stop her. Blue eyes disappeared as Agatha closed her eyes.

“I… just,” She blew out a breath. “I don’t know how to do this.” She opened her eyes and stared at where Rio’s was still placed on her hand. She looked up sadly. “You’re really pretty. I would love to see you sometime…” 

Rio sighed. “Like as a friend?”

Agatha removed her hand from Rio’s hold and placed it by her side on the sink. “Not ideally, no, but… I could work with that.” Her eyes lifted. “Am I wrong?” She cringed a bit as she asked. “Are you straight?”

Rio snorted and fought the smile that appeared on her face. “Oh, I’m definitely not straight.”

Agatha smirked. “Neither am I.”

Rio rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I gathered.”

Agatha gasped, her hand pressing at her own chest. “Really? How did I give myself away?”

Rio laughed. “I mean, I know I’m pretty clueless when I’m being hit on, but the, well, everything you did gave me pause when I reflected on it later.” She watched as Agatha’s face flushed slightly. “What is the deal with Ralph?”

Agatha’s smile faltered. “That’s not a story for tonight.” 

Rio nodded. “Okay.”

Agatha relaxed at that. Rio’s phone pinged, and she saw there was an urgent message from Jen.

Jen: You okay? You disappeared…

Rio snorted. “Jen thinks I’ve been kidnapped.”

Agatha rolled her eyes. “Jen always thinks someone’s been kidnapped.”

Rio glared at the woman in front of her. “To be fair, you did drag me to some unknown location, alone.”

“I thought if we were alone, that we could talk…” Agatha bit her lip. “If I text you… Will you respond? Or is this it?” 

Rio couldn’t help but notice how cute Agatha was when she was nervous. The brunette’s hand moved to rub at her stomach as she must have felt sickened by a wave of anxiety this moment was causing for her. 

Rio watched Agatha stress only a moment longer before she took out her phone and navigated to her messages with Agatha’s. Rio started to type, the brunette thought Rio was avoiding her. Rio hit send, before offering her phone up to the woman when she realized Agatha didn’t have her phone on her.

Benji’s Kidnapper: I’m on my way to a hair appointment for a role, but I was wondering if you maybe wanted to get coffee or something? Go hiking if that was your thing… Or… idk. 1:09PM

Benji’s Kidnapper: I mean, I have some free time this week and I know you’re new and all and figured maybe you didn’t know a lot of people here yet and maybe you were bored.

1:15PM

Missed Call from Benji’s Kidnapper.

Rio watched Agatha’s eyes scan the messages until they widened at Rio’s response. 

Rio: Hey, Agatha. Sorry work got busy when you texted and I was a bit distracted. Then I had to go to this house party and some brunette kidnapped me and held me hostage in a bathroom. I was lucky she wasn’t bad on the eyes or it might have been torture. I like to hike, know of a good spot near the beach? I used to hit up Trails when I was a kid, visiting my aunt and uncle in Orange County. Wanna go this weekend? 

Agatha’s eyes were glued to the phone as she read Rio’s message a few times, the hype fixation from the weed was in full swing. She almost needed Rio to pull her away from the device. Her teeth tugged at her lip. “What is Trails ?”

Rio took her phone back. “It’s a surf spot. Like, you hike down to these pretty, secluded beaches. Figured maybe that would be a good idea? Not a lot of people to bother you… unless you’re into that sort of thing?”

Agatha smiled, presumably at her thoughtfulness. “Sounds fun.” She stood, moving past Rio a bit too closely, reaching around her for the door. “Gyatta let you go now, I guess.” Her eyes looked Rio’s outfit up and down. “Can’t wear that out hiking.” She made a strange face, and Rio chuckled.

“What is it?”

Agatha raised an eyebrow. “You really need to get in touch with a stylist. You really don’t do you justice.” She opened the door and indicated Rio should go first. “After you.” 

Rio moved past her. “For your information, this was all Jen. I think it looks nice…”

Agatha groaned. “Jen’s wardrobe is not something you should be frequenting. I preferred your premiere outfit, even with that stupid orange purse.”

Rio’s hand reached for the bedroom door and someone on the other side jumped when the door swung open. 

“Rio!” Jen’s eyes looked between the raven-haired girl and… then her eyes fell upon Agatha, her mouth hanging open for a moment before she remembered to close it. “Agatha.” She narrowed her eyes. 

Agatha pushed past Jen. “Stop stalking me, Jenny, it’s beneath you.” She turned around as she reached the end of the hall. “I’ll let you send me the details.” She winked at Rio before she rounded the corner.

Jen’s eyes were wide when she looked back at Rio. “Okay, what did you do? Go down on her? Because I have never seen that woman give up on vengeance so quickly. She’s… calm . She’s never calm.”

Rio pocketed her phone. “We had a miscommunication, that was all. We worked it out.” She placed her hand on the doorframe. “It wasn’t that deep. I forgot to text her back after our meeting. She thought I just left her on read. We’re going to hang out… as friends. I figured it’ll be a good opportunity to chat her up. I should prep some of the questions for a more informal chat.”

Jen looked to the ceiling, “May the goddess have mercy on your soul with that one, Rio. I hope you know what you’re doing.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 7

Rio pulled her car off the road to park against the highway. A line of cars fanned around the long stairwell and trail to a secluded beach. As always, there weren’t too many people who were willing to make the hike and preferred to hit the parking lot at San Onofre down the road. 

Rio just about took out her phone to text the woman she was meeting when she saw her in the farthest car, three up from her. Her long brown hair was braided today with a black sporty baseball cap helping protect her face from the sun, and a large pair of black chunky sunglasses to obstruct her face. She wore a dark purple windbreaker hoodie and a pair of black shorts, thick tennis shoes that must have been good for her back were in an obnoxious blue color on her feet. 

Rio smiled. She wore a sweatshirt from her Alma mater in Denver. The bright crimson color contrasted nicely with her shiny black hair, which today, she wore back in a ponytail. Her light waves, she knew, would be a mess from the wind by the time they were done, so she hadn’t even attempted to style them. She grabbed her backpack, full of supplies, and stowed her phone before exiting her vehicle. She locked her car and packed her keys away as she made her way over to the woman who was now staring intently at her phone.

Before she could greet her, Agatha's hand moved to her door handle. “I’m waiting for someone.” Her voice sounded funny, as if she were trying to mask it.

Rio snorted. “Well, I hope so. Though I don’t mind taking this trail by myself today, if you changed your mind.”

Agatha’s eyes snapped up at hearing Rio’s voice. Her head whipped around, likely wondering how she had missed her arrival. She stashed her phone in her own small backpack. Rio wanted to roll her eyes at the lack of supplies the other woman had brought with her. Not that it mattered, Rio was usually prepared for anything.

Rio grabbed the straps of her backpack with her hands and nodded to the trail. “Shall we?”

Agatha nodded and fell into step beside her. “So you surf?” Agatha took in Rio’s car once more, seeming to catalog it for details. “Figured you would have brought your board.”

Rio shook her head. “I always used my aunt’s extra. I’m sure I could always borrow it for the day, but I didn’t know if you knew how.”

Agatha pushed her sunglasses up onto her head when it appeared they were alone. Her blue eyes caused Rio to nearly stumble for a moment, just from seeing them up close, before she got a grip. She had forgotten how striking they were in person.

“No, I don’t. I’ve been here my whole life, and I've never learned. I was a bit too busy growing up to have hobbies.”

Rio turned and walked backwards a bit so she could watch Agatha’s face. “Child star, right?”

Agatha narrowed her eyes. “I was nearly twenty when I booked my first movie.”

Rio narrowed her eyes. “Really? Nothing before that?” She smirked, and Agatha scoffed.

“How on earth…”

Rio grinned. “Went deep into some old interviews gathering intel. You never know how safe you can be when you don’t really know someone and you invite them on a quiet hike to a secluded beach.”

Agatha rolled her eyes. “A bit of child modeling, some stints on some kids' shows. Damn, didn’t know you were going to fact check me today. Should I have brought my resume?”

Rio turned back around. “I just wanted to see if you were going to fess up or lie about it.”

Agatha snorted. “Most people have forgotten about that. You’re super annoying.” Her crystal eyes studied Rio. “What about you, then? What was the most embarrassing thing you’ve done?”

Rio side-eyed her. “Didn’t your secret agent find anything good on me? What do you know already?”

Agatha wiped some sweat from her forehead. “Not a lot, to be honest. I thought there would be more. You’re from Chicago, right? Looks like you got into a PHD program with UCLA but dropped out for this role, it's not like you could do both. You wouldn’t be the first to switch careers when the call came. Did you always want to act, or was this just a happy accident?”

Rio tried to slow down the panic she felt. Agatha didn’t know anything, not yet; she could spin this. She had done a bit of training with Jen, and it was about to be put to the test. 

“Yeah, acting was never really on my radar, no offense. Though I’ve always had a healthy… fascination with the industry, but who doesn't?” She kicked a rock and watched it tumble down the way. “But yeah, I’m from Chi-town. You ever been?”

Agatha nodded. “Of course, plenty of press to do there. It’s not LA or NY, but you all are for sure not a fly-over location." After a moment of contemplation, she tacked on. "I like your pier.”

Rio smiled. “I’m glad they let you outside when you travel. Was worried all you would have seen was the inside of some convention center and your hotel room.”

“Well, sometimes I do sneak off. Jen always hated that. I always made her earn her money when I was with Lightning.”

Rio noticed Agatha’s face flushing a bit, so she slowed down and took out two water bottles full of hydration mixed drinks,  And handed Benji to Agatha. The brunette’s eyes lit up. 

“Oh, this one.” As slim fingers took the offered drink, they briefly brushed against Rio’s fingers unnecessarily. “Thank you.” Agatha took a sip. Her eyebrows skyrocketed at the taste. “You didn’t spike this, did you?”

Rio rolled her eyes. “It’s a hydration package. I have more in my bag if you need to inspect the ingredients list?”

Agatha shook her head, taking another sip. “It’s… good. I just… was wondering.” 

Rio downed a bit of hers before she kept walking. She offered to carry Agatha’s drink, but the woman waved her off. Rio tapped on her second favorite water bottle. “So embarrassing story, but that’s Benji, and he’s kinda my favorite water bottle. I take him everywhere with me. So thanks for not losing him.”

Agatha’s eyes widened. “It has a name?”

Rio nodded. “Yeah, it’s my emotional support water bottle.” When Agatha snorted, she blushed. “I can’t have a pet yet, so he’s all I have. Don’t mock him, he got me through a breakup and some really hard undergrad and graduate work.”

Agatha’s finger securely looped through Benji’s strap. “I’ll guard him with my life.” She tossed Rio a shit eating grin when the raven-haired girl made eye contact again.

“You’re not going to let me live this down, are you?”

Agatha beamed. “Not a chance, you’re a total weirdo.” They both laughed, and when the laughter faded away, they were quiet for a time. “I like that you’re strange,” Agatha admitted as she looked around at the surrounding nature. “It’s… reassuring.”

Rio felt her anxiety melt away. Out here in nature, Agatha wasn’t some big, larger-than-life presence, just a woman out on a hike. 

Rio continued to walk and maneuvered her backpack around so she could pull out a tin of gummies and a package of fruit gummies. “Interested?”

Agatha snorted. “How long are we going to be out here in nature?” Her eyes indicated the edibles with interest. 

Rio shrugged. “I usually spend the day, but I might have an emergency vape somewhere in here for headaches if you want something a little shorter acting? No pressure, though. I will say, these fruit gummies hit hard for just being sugar and juice, super addicting.”

Agatha made her decision and snatched the tin, popping a weed gummy before closing the lid and handing it back. Agatha’s eyes indicated the snack package. “Oh, I’ll definitely want those in a bit.”

When they reached the beach, Rio found a place in the sun to spread out her large beach mat, and she showed Agatha the frisbee, sunscreen, and snack collection. Agatha’s hands excitedly shifted the snacks around until she did pick up a package of fruit snacks. Her eyes lit up when she plopped one in her mouth. “Shit, these are good.” Blue eyes looked down into the bag. “Or is it the weed?”

Rio snorted a bit too loudly as she rolled onto her back and looked up at Agatha. “Oh, it’s definitely the fruit snacks. There’s gotta be crack in there or something.” She watched as Agatha looked around, still snacking. 

“Can’t be cocaine. Doesn’t taste right.” Agatha let out a large sigh. “I like how quiet this is.” She grabbed another package.

Rio let her fingers run through the sand off the mat. “I do too.” She watched as a bird flew overhead. “So, how did you get into acting anyway? And not the bs version you tell in interviews, the real reason.” She assumed Agatha would laugh it off and tell her that the reason she always gave was the real reason, when her eyes lifted to the ocean and she let out a reluctant sigh.

“It’s a good thing we’re alone. She looked around once more, and when the only people they saw were a few hundred feet away, in the ocean, surfing, she began to speak. “I’m a child of divorce.” She moved to hug her knees to her chest. “My mother didn’t love my father; they were… in a way, in an arranged marriage. My mother blames me deep down for everything in her life, when in reality, there was so much time before me.” 

She plopped another fruit snack in her mouth and chewed slowly, Rio almost thinking she had lost her train of thought before she spoke again. “My mother’s always hated everything about me. She hates how I look like my father, she hates my laugh, she hates my skill with acting because if I could pretend to be someone else for a role, why could I not change everything about me to make her life easier ?” She sighed. “I’ve always loved acting because it’s an escape from being me. My characters always give me an outlet to express and feel my feelings and a…confidence I didn’t possess. This job, it makes me feel powerful… even though I’m really just reading the lines someone else created on the page. Well, mostly, sometimes I get creative.” She shrugged. “That’s the deeper answer, if that’s what you were searching for?”

Agatha took off her hat and tipped her face to the sky. Rio sat up and pushed the bottle of sunscreen at her. “At least put some on your face. I don’t need to be chewed out by your manager because I screwed up your tan lines, and burned your face off.”

“Maya is kind of a bitch, you should probably be scared of her wrath.” Her face scrunched up as her eyes took in the bottle in Rio’s hands in horror, “This is the sunscreen you use?”

Rio looked at her pharmacy sport brand sunblock and shrugged. “I like how it smells, it reminds me of summer.”

Agatha used two fingers to push it lightly away. “No thanks, I’d rather risk getting skin cancer.”

Rio leaned forward. “Agatha, seriously, just put some on.” She lifted the bottle up, but Agatha shrank back.

“It’s not even organic. It’ll probably make me break out.”

Rio rolled her eyes. “It will not. Just,” She squeezed some into her hands and rubbed them together before she turned to Agatha, the woman smiling wickedly before she bolted. Rio’s eyes were wide with how fast she could move while high, she must have a decently high tolerance level. “Get back here!” She grunted with the effort it took her to rise without the use of her hands, and gave chase. 

Agatha screamed as she ran away, the sand causing her to stumble until she reached flatter ground near the water. Rio, however, was faster. She swiped an arm at Agatha, nearly catching her, when the woman dodged her, giggling wildly before Rio sped up and wrapped her arms around the woman. They both turned toward the sand dunes and stumbled. Rio landing with Agatha on top of her. The woman momentarily paused at their close proximity, her hands on either side of Rio’s chest as she tried to push herself off of her slowly. Her face contorted in disgust when Rio quickly pressed what was left of the sunscreen onto Agatha’s cheeks. “Ha!”

Agatha’s mouth dropped in outrage. “I was going to see if you were okay, you bitch.” She moved to get up when Rio called her name, and she paused, straddling her lap.

“Agatha.”

Agatha didn’t move a muscle as Rio’s fingers came up to lightly rub in the sunscreen around her face. Blue eyes rolling. “This feels like plastic.”

Rio shook her head. “It’ll feel better than the burns you would suffer out here. Trust me, and my process. You’ll need some for your neck.” 

Agatha moved to untangle herself from Rio. “We use my sunscreen next time.”

Rio moved to get up and follow Agatha back to the blanket. “Next time, huh?”

Agatha snorted. “Don’t push it.” She sat down grumpily until Rio’s fingers moved some of her fallen hair behind her ear, a soft smile stretching across her face.

Rio’s eyes focused on the way Agatha’s hair reflected in the sun. “I love your hair.” Rio’s fingers moved over it when she felt the weed really hit. “Can I try something?”

Agatha nodded slowly as Rio grinned. “Cool! Turn around.” Agatha complied without question, and Rio carefully took her hair down from its braid. Luckily, the wind wasn’t blowing too hard, and every once in a while, there was only a light breeze. Rio’s fingers started to comb through Agatha’s long hair as she worked on an intricate waterfall braid.

Agatha dipped her head back slightly as she hummed at the sensation. “That feels nice.”

Rio was glad the brunette couldn’t see her face. She was only now starting to realize how this request had been a bit intimate for two people who were hanging out for the first time, but her brain was helpful in reminding her that, upon their second meeting, Agatha had tried to initiate sex.

Rio focused on her task at hand, before she eventually started musing out loud. “So what is the deal with you and Ralph?”

Agatha leaned back, her lower back resting against Rio’s crossed legs. “He’s convenient for my image, and for safety. People are generally more respectful when there’s a man in your life, especially one you’re married to. Makes him more desirable too, to whoever is floating his boat this week.”

Rio’s fingers moved slowly to work through a knot. “So you both date other people?” She paused when Agatha laughed.

“We don’t date.” She turned her head to look at Rio quickly. “We fuck.” She turned back towards the ocean. “More likely than not, those people end up being our costars, since they’re who’s around.” 

Rio licked her lips. “So, how many… women, are you seeing right now?” Her fingers shook slightly as she was suddenly reminded of whose hair she was playing with and she started to experience a bit of stage fright.

Agatha leaned away slightly. “No one. I’m… on a break from extramarital affairs.”

Rio shook her head. “You seemed pretty interested in one the other day.”

Agatha turned to her when she tied off her hair, her pale fingers feeling the pattern of it. “If I remember correctly, I was rejected.” She raised an eyebrow. “Doesn’t inspire much confidence to get back out there anytime soon.”

Rio leaned back on her elbows. “It was a bit confusing, with you being married and all.”

Agatha pulled her braid over her shoulder. Her hair was so long that Rio had wondered how long she had been growing it out for, or if she used some crazy expensive hair serum to get it to grow that long.

Agatha nodded, continuing their previous discussion. “It’s pretty standard practice amongst most of us. We sort of, tend to go on a bit of a break with our partners when we're filming. Not all of us mind you, but it's a bit of a… pass. Chemistry can be a bit hard to ignore, it would seem – just ask Ralph and Vision.”

Rio’s eyes widened. “Damn.”

Agatha shrugged. “Most people out here are bi anyway. It’s not a big deal.”

Rio tilted her head. “But you’re not.”

Agatha leaned her head on the inside of her palm as her arms wrapped around her knees. A slight twitch of her lips gave her away. “I am not.”

Rio sighed. “So what is it that you want from me?”

Agatha’s eyes studied her. “I don’t think I should say.” 

Rio leaned forward, and Agatha’s lips parted a little without her consent. “Why not?”

Agatha’s eyes darted down to Rio’s lips, before she tried to shake herself awake. “I’m kind of, insufferable, when I don’t get my way. Maybe if I don’t speak it into existence, then I can pretend all I want is to be your friend.”

Rio leaned in closer. “Do you want to know what I think?”

Agatha nodded dumbly as Rio leaned in to whisper her secrets into her ear. “I think you’re far too beautiful to be kissing boys, and someone needs to fix that for you.”

Agatha’s breath faltered as Rio pulled back. “You’re a tease.”

Rio batted her eyes. “Look who's talking and... I think you like that.”

Agatha placed her hand closer to Rio and leaned forward a bit. “What would you do, if I kissed you? Not that I would try…”

Rio tapped her chin in thought. “Probably kiss you back, but I don’t sleep with married women.” She shrugged and moved to turn away.

Agatha leaned forward before she could think better of it and kissed Rio on the cheek. Her lips lingered when Rio didn’t pull away and instead, a puff of air left her lips. Agatha pulled back slowly to look into Rio’s eyes, her hand lifting to cup her face. “What about women who don’t sleep with their husbands? How do you feel about those?”

Rio bit her lip. “You’re going to get me in trouble with Jen. Was that your plan all along?”

Agatha grinned. “Oh, if it pisses Jen off… then I definitely wouldn’t mind.” She leaned forward and grabbed the back of Rio’s neck, tugging her forward lightly in for a kiss. She expected resistance and the need to back off when Rio met her lips willingly. Agatha sighed at the contact.

Rio pulled back her eyes, growing darker. 

***

Rio and Agatha made it slowly back to their cars. Rio insisted that Agatha join her in hers so she wouldn’t “accidentally” drive off. Rio, despite being in a similar state, also made sure Agatha was hydrating; she didn’t want her to feel sick later. They had been chatting for a while, about everything and nothing, mostly high thoughts, when Agatha grew tired of waiting.

Her eyes looked Rio up and down as she sighed once again. She slapped her thighs and shook her head. “That’s it. Let’s call Jen.”

Rio’s eyes widened. “Why?”

Agatha picked up her phone and was scrolling for a minute when she must have realized she had deleted Jen’s number, flicking her hand at Rio. “You. You call Jen. She can come get us and have someone deliver our cars home.”

Rio’s eyes bugged out. “That seems a bit extreme.”

Agatha leaned back on her chair, which she had practically flattened into a bed. “It’s totally normal, I used to do this to Jen all the time . She would much rather she had to come get you, than have to deal with the press of a DUI. I found out that one the hard way. She can be a lot when she’s angry.” She sat up and leaned over the center console to reach for Rio’s phone in her lap. “Let me call her, she can yell at me…” 

The brunette snickered as Rio tried to fight her off. “Agatha!”

The woman was fast, and she swiped her phone and turned the other way, barricading the phone between herself and the passenger’s side door as she snorted. Her hands stalled when she looked at the lock screen with numbers. “Shit.” She looked back over her shoulder. “What’s your password?”

Rio rolled her eyes. “I’m so not telling you that.”

Agatha pouted. “I’m hungry… practically starving. I have some leftover pizza at home. If you call Jen to come get us, I’ll share.”

Rio held out her hand. “You’re going to get me fired.”

Agatha slowly put the phone back in Rio’s hands. “Please be my savior, again ?” her voice lowered, and she batted her eyes.

Rio licked her lips, noticing they were already going dry. “Jen’s right, you are trouble.” She unlocked her phone and started to scroll when Agatha leaned over her. 

“Can I talk to her? Please?” She set her chin down on Rio’s shoulder.

Rio sighed. “I guess there’s no way to stop you from talking.” She clicked call and braced herself for impact. It took only two rings before the woman answered.

“Hey, Rio. How’s the research going?”

Agatha’s head lifted slightly, and Rio rushed on. “Hey, uhm, I need your help.” She could hear Jen’s confusion down the line.

“Okay… what do you need?”

Agatha leaned back toward the device as Rio adjusted. “You’re little protege brought my ass out into the wilderness and now I’m starving.” She pouted as she waited for the sound of her voice to take effect.

“Agatha? What the fuck are you doing with Rio?”

Agatha was practically giddy. “Oh, don’t be jealous, Jenny. We just went for a walk. The problem is, neither of us can drive now, and I didn’t think it was such a big deal to drive home, but then I remembered how you hate to clean up a press nightmare. So I told Rio to call you to at least get her out of here… and I wouldn’t mind tagging along…”

Jen grumbled. “Agatha, I’ve tried very hard to stay out of your way. This is sabotage. Leave that poor girl alone.”

Agatha’s face fell. “I like her. You don’t own her, Jen.”

Jen growled. “Where are you?” 

Agatha sighed. “Rio took me to some surfing place in Orange County. Probably should be lucky she didn’t murder me and dump my body on the beach.”

Rio took over. “Hey, Jen, I’m really sorry about this. I told Agatha we could just wait things out, but apparently sitting in my car another couple of hours is beneath her.”

Jen calmed slightly when she heard Rio’s voice. “Don’t make this a habit. I’ll come and get you both. I’ll have to find another person to drive your cars back…”

Rio raised an eyebrow at Agatha. “Don’t you need two people?”

“Huh? Yeah. I need two people. Anyway, I’ll be there soon. Don’t move, and send me your location. It shouldn’t take me long to get there. I'm already on the outskirts of LA as we speak. Do not drive. You got it?”

Rio nodded. “We’ll be safe. Sorry about this, Jen, and thank you.”

***

Jen arrived just after Agatha had woken up from a little nap. Her mood was grumpy until her face brightened at the prospect of getting to annoy Jen on their way back to civilization. Alice and Lilia had arrived to help Jen pick up the cars, Alice driving Agatha’s.

Jen rolled her eyes as Agatha took the front seat. Blue eyes going wide. “Oh, I’m sorry. You know I get motion sick if I can’t see out the front of the car. Did you want me to vomit in your Subaru?”

Jen pressed at her temples as Rio climbed into the back seat, and handed Agatha her water bottle.

“Oh, I remember. Why can’t you go in your car with Alice?”

Agatha pressed her hand to her chest. “Get in the car, alone, with a stranger? Jenny, you taught me better than that for heaven’s sake.”

Jen raised her hands in surrender as if she were already exhausted. “Whose bright idea was this adventure today anyway?” She looked at Agatha and then Rio.

Rio blushed. “Mine, I guess.”

Agatha shook her head, taking the heat. “I asked you to go hiking. You just picked the spot.” She shifted her gaze forward, not ratting Rio out for being the one to bring the drugs.

Jen faced forward and pulled on her seatbelt. “Both of you, buckle up. It’s going to be about an hour until we make it to Agatha’s.”

Agatha leaned forward and attempted to adjust the radio when Jen smacked her hand away. “You have terrible taste in music. Get off my controls.”

Agatha pouted. “Hey!” Rio smiled as they bickered. Watching Agatha act way less controlled than she did when she was sober was a treat. Watching Jen and Agatha interact was almost like being at your own personal comedy show.

Agatha crossed her arms. “I took you to plenty of concerts. That you liked, might I add.”

Jen huffed. “That I had to book.”

Agatha threw her hands in the air, exasperated. “I paid for them, didn't I? VIP, just to make you happy.”

Jen pursed her lips. “We’re not doing this, Agatha.” Her eyes darted to the rearview mirror. “We have a child in the car.” Her dark eyes pointed to Rio. 

Blue eyes looked up as well. “Rio is plenty old enough for this discussion.”

Rio tucked her hair behind her ear and lifted her phone to her face to try and leave the argument. One that she definitely did not want to be a part of.

“You always do this, Agatha, you’re reckless. Did you even think about what could have happened to Rio, or you for that matter, if either of you had started driving?”

Agatha scoffed. “Yes, Jennifer, I did. It was my idea that we call you. I remember the drill. Relax. Your precious talent is safe.” She looked out her own window. “I wouldn’t let anything happen to Rio.”

The dark-haired woman in the back seat's ears perked up at that little bit of information. Her chest warmed at the protective nature in the comment.

Jen’s shoulders slumped. “I don’t want something to happen to you either, Ags.”

Agatha shifted uncomfortably, presumably at the nickname. “I’m fine.”

Jen blew out a breath. “Of course you are.” Her head moved to lean on her hand. 

They all quieted down for a while. Rio almost fell asleep when they hit the city, traffic made the drive slow down to a crawl as they got closer to their destination. Rio’s eyes were closed, but she was still very much still awake and listening.

Jen reached back out to Agatha after a while. “Look, I know we're not… friends, but I would always rather you called me than ended up dead on the news, okay?”

Agatha grunted. “Not your problem, Jen.”

Jen shook her head before she looked back at Agatha, her voice lowering. “Would you call Rio?”

Agatha bristled. “I already talk to Rio.”

Jen tapped at her steering wheel. “I bet she would miss you if something happened.” She shook her head, “Can’t imagine why, but I would… have feelings if something happened to you too. Just don’t do anything stupid.”

Agatha leaned her head back and closed her eyes. “Just wake me up when we get there. All of these feelings are unnecessary.”

Jen rolled her eyes, and Rio did drift off to sleep for a while, only to abruptly wake up the moment Jen put the car in park. The woman turned around to check if Rio was alive. “Hey sleepy head, ready to go home?”

Rio nodded as Agatha panicked. “Jen, she can’t drive yet. She can crash here. Just leave her car.”

Jen rolled her eyes. “Agatha, I don’t think that’s such a good idea. Alice is here and we can take her back…”

Blue eyes were icy. “What is it exactly you think that I am going to do to her?” Agatha raised an eyebrow. 

Jen turned to Rio. “Your call. Do you want Alice to drive you home, or do you want to stay at Agatha’s until morning?”

Rio looked between them as she fiddled with her phone. Her mind raced with the opportunity to have more one-on-one time with the woman. “I can stay. I’ll head out first thing in the morning. I know we have that…” She fumbled, but she found a lie. “Fitting, at three.”

Jen gave up as she nodded. “Alright. Just don’t be late.” Agatha quickly removed herself and her bag from the car, slamming the door.

Rio watched her go, taking into account the rigid body language. “What the hell happened between you two?”

Jen collapsed back into her seat. “You’ll have to ask her.” She looked up in her mirror with a tired smile. “Can’t discuss any of it due to the contract I signed with her from when we worked together. But I’m sure you can imagine, it wasn’t a good fit… any of it.” 

Rio leaned forward and gave Jen a hug. “Thank you for coming. I’ll try not to do this again.”

Jen sighed and hugged her back. “Did you get any research done?”

Rio nodded. “I did. I’m sure we’ll talk more tonight. She’s been great. ”

Jen patted her arm. “Go get her then. Just don’t do anything too crazy.”

***

Rio followed Agatha into the house, Ralph arriving in the foyer as he exited the kitchen. “Ags, you’re back…” his eyes brightened when he saw Rio. “You brought water bottle girl! Hey, water bottle girl!”

Rio waved awkwardly. “Hey, Ralph.”

Agatha stormed off into the kitchen, leaving them alone.

“Woah, what happened?” Ralph asked as he watched his wife go before he turned back to the dark-haired woman still in the foyer.

Rio indicated the front door. “Jen picked us up from our hike.”

Ralph whistled. “Damn. Rough. Oh well, I’m going to go hide, I can tell she’s in a mood. And I will not be letting her negative aura ruin my vibes tonight. Good luck with that.” He indicated as he scurried off, and Rio wandered into the kitchen, where Agatha was already slamming the microwave shut. 

Rio leaned against the kitchen door frame. “So, Jen?”

Agatha ignored her at first. Rio moved forward into the room. “Who reheats pizza? We can just eat it cold.” She shifted to grab the box and some plates. “Where are we eating?”

Agatha shrugged. But when Rio didn’t move, she led the way to her bedroom, carrying what was left of their hydration drinks. Agatha sat on her bed and gestured to where Rio could place the food down, the younger girl cringing. “It’s gross to put food on the bed…”

Agatha moved to the floor and looked up at Rio, expectantly, “Is this good for you?”

Rio nodded as she squatted to lay everything out. 

Agatha watched silently, then took a slice of pizza and started to eat.  “We weren’t a good match.”

Rio nodded. “Okay?” Taking a moment to jog her memory about what they had even been discussing, before she landed on Jen. 

Agatha chewed another bite before she found more to say. “She’s too pushy. She’s judgmental, like way too much. She has all these… rules, she wanted to always top me…”

Rio tilted her head. “Wasn’t it her job to be in charge? Like, as your agent?”

Agatha set her pizza down on a plate. “She knows I haven’t had a lot of control over my life and that… that was a trigger for me.” She pushed her plate away. “I’m not hungry.”

Rio’s eyes narrowed, taking in how very little Agatha had eaten. “You said we had to call Jen to get you home to get some food because you couldn’t possibly wait a few hours .”

Agatha shrugged. “I lied. Just wanted to get you back to my place.” She stood and moved towards her closet to presumably change.

Rio continued to eat. Her mind was swirling with questions, questions she wondered if Agatha would answer, and if she would remember her responses if she did.

Agatha walked out in a black cotton shirt that stopped right above her hip bones and a black satin thong. She crossed through the room to get ready in her bathroom before she ignored Rio and went straight for her bed. She pulled the sheets back and paused as she looked at her pillows. She moved one to each side and threw the rest on the floor as she got under the covers and laid down.

Rio sighed. So they wouldn’t be doing any talking tonight, that was fine, she could wait. She cleared her throat, and Agatha continued to stare at the ceiling. “Where did you want me to sleep? Or I could still order a ride home if…”

Agatha pushed up on her side. “I set out a pillow for you, didn’t I?” She pointed. “Unless, you’re uncomfortable in here?” She raised an eyebrow. Her eyes dropped when Rio didn’t immediately tell her no. “There are a few guest bedrooms on my side of the house. If this is too much for you, you can choose one of them, I really don’t care.” She flopped back down, and Rio stood.

“Your bed is fine. I’ll just… go use the restroom.” She quickly vacated the bedroom and closed the door. What was she doing? She tried to sober up, but it wasn’t working. She borrowed Agatha’s supplies and hoped the woman wouldn’t be too angry about her not asking, and she slipped back into the room. She moved around the bed and saw that while Agatha had turned off the lights, she was still awake, the light that streamed in from her open window gave away as much. 

Agatha sighed. “I had thought that if I could get you back here, something would happen.” She turned but didn’t look at Rio. “You’re so annoying. This never happens to me…”

Rio snorted, shaking her head in amusement. Hollywood types did not take to rejection well. “You look really good in what you’re wearing, if it’s any consolation.” Her eyes took a moment to glance over the top Agatha was wearing, barely remembering what the thong had looked like before it was covered by the sheets. 

Agatha shrugged, trying to feign disinterest. “I work out.”

Rio shifted the covers and got into the bed. “I don’t feel uncomfortable around you, not the way you’re concerned about, by the way.” She sat with her back against the headboard. “I know you don’t… understand, but you’re still this intimidating person to me. It’s not that I don’t want you…”

Agatha huffed. “You kissed me on the beach. I thought…” She pulled her knees closer to her chest as she lay in the fetal position. “Never mind.”

Rio sighed. Okay, so Agatha wasn’t taking this lightly. Rio’s hand reached out of its own accord to stroke Agatha’s hair; she had been wanting to do this again since the moment she had played with her hair on the beach. She had been in a haze, and only just begun to realize her hand was deep in Agatha’s hair massaging her scalp when the brunette sighed and her body released some of its tension.

“Don’t stop.” Agatha’s voice was breathless as she continued to make tiny little noises, ones that had Rio blushing.

Rio felt her heart race as she heard herself speaking. “Your hair is so soft.” She closed her eyes and internally cringed. That sure sounded like a statement a high person would make. She bit her lip as her hand started to drift back to herself. Agatha’s was quick in stopping her and moving her fingers back to their previous position, speaking as if this wasn’t crossing a line.

“I do deep hydration treatments when I can, really helps.” She kept her hand on Rio’s wrist as if she didn’t trust the other woman not to retreat. “I can send you my person and the product names if you want?”

Rio hummed as she was definitely not concerned with a referral and more concerned with how she would get to play with Agatha’s hair more often. She opened her mouth to try and form a coherent thought, when the brunette started speaking.

“No one has ever been this gentle before.” Rio’s eyes widened. Did she mean with her hair or with her in general? Rio’s fingers came upon a rogue tangle and started to carefully unwind it.

Agatha turned slightly to see what she was doing and why she had stopped her ministrations when her eyes softened. She shook her head lightly. “My mother would just rip through those, you can, you know. I’m used to it.”

Rio met her eyes with a look of horror. “Why would anyone do that?”

Agatha shrugged. “My hair is wild, some people don’t have the time for patience.” She lay on her back so she could watch Rio. “Are you always like this?”

Rio’s eyes didn’t stray from the knot as she almost had it. “Like what?”

Agatha’s eyes looked away before Rio could catch them, the hair now loose in her fingers. “It’s nothing.”

Rio’s hand brushed through Agatha’s hair once more and noticed how the woman’s eyes fluttered shut. She wanted to tell her how beautiful she was, how she had always deserved someone who would be kind to her, her fingers lifting and choosing to trace Agatha’s face. 

The woman stilled but did not open her eyes. Rio cherished getting to watch her like this. She could tell Agatha was lost to the feeling of her light touches. Rio’s eyes narrowed in on her lips. She remembered the feeling of them on hers at the beach. How soft they were, her mind slipping and her thumb moving to brush against Agatha’s bottom lip. As pink lips slightly parted, a quiet whimper made it just past the threshold. Rio closed her eyes tightly as her tongue dipped out to wet her own lips. 

She opened her eyes and found that Agatha’s hand had moved to touch Rio’s wrist, not commanding anything of her this time, just seeking connection. Rio’s mind wavered. She really shouldn’t. Agatha was going to be great for her research, and as a friend, maybe the woman wouldn’t completely hate her when this was all over, or at least it would hurt less when she did. She shifted, and Agatha’s eyes fluttered as the woman fought to keep them closed. Rio smirked at the action. She rolled her eyes. What was the harm in a little fun? Agatha was more than willing, and it wasn’t like this was going to actually go anywhere. Agatha would decide she was done eventually; it probably wouldn’t even take that long once the novelty wore off. 

She leaned down and lightly brushed her lips against Agatha’s. Not quite a kiss. She felt Agatha roll her hips slowly, and she sighed. She pressed her hand to Agatha’s hip. “Don’t. Move.” When Agatha’s hips pressed back into the bed, Rio brushed her lips again before she moved to nip at Agatha’s jaw. Her tongue darted out and found her pulse just below before she groaned into her throat. “Fuck, Agatha.” She kissed down her throat as she felt her pulse jump.

Agatha swallowed hard. “W-Why can’t I move?”

Rio chuckled. “Because. I’m not ready for this to escalate yet. I don’t move quickly. But I figured, since you were being so good…” She felt Agatha shiver. So she liked being called good, Rio tucked that knowledge away for later. “I figured you needed to be rewarded.”

Agatha gasped. “Fuck. You’re killing me.”

Rio huffed into her skin. “Oh, you’ll know when I’m torturing you. This isn’t it.”

Agatha bit her lip, and Rio leaned back to observe her. “What is it?”

Agatha’s skin flushed from her neck up to her cheeks. “If I’m not allowed to touch you… Can I at least touch myself? Cause this is getting painful.” Rio heard Agatha take a deep breath and attempt to let it out slowly. Her air flow wavered with the sustained effort.

Rio placed a single thigh over Agatha’s as she leaned into her ear. “How about you be good, and I’ll take care of it for you?”

Agatha nodded as her body tensed. Rio’s hand started at her neck. She dragged a nail lightly down the column and watched as Agatha tilted her head back. “Anything you don’t like?”

Agatha shook her head. “I’ll tell you to stop.”

Rio smiled. She loved open communication. “Alright,” She attached her lips to Agatha’s throat and started to suck. Agatha tried very hard not to move, but it was a losing battle; her hips bucked up into Rio’s thigh as she whimpered. Rio shushed her. “You’re okay, I’ll let you get away with that much.” She felt Agatha nod slowly, though she knew the woman must not know why she was doing it.

Rio’s hand lifted to Agatha’s breast and rolled it slowly. Agatha pressed herself up into the hold. Rio watched in fascination as Agatha’s lips parted. Rio released her as she moved to push up Agatha’s shirt. Blue eyes were hooded as they attempted to open. Rio’s eyes turned to the pale skin that was on display, and let her hand trail up over Agatha’s stomach as it twitched from the contact before she pushed Agatha’s shirt up far enough that her breasts were now on display. 

Agatha groaned. “You said you would help me, you're making it worse.” She pouted as Rio smirked. 

“Patience.”

Agatha’s hand lifted from where it was bunched in the sheets and cupped Rio’s cheek. “I’m not usually this good.” 

Rio’s eyes darted down to stiff peaks and tucked her hair behind her ear as she leaned forward. Her tongue circled a nipple before slowly closing her mouth around it and sucking. 

Agatha’s hand went into Rio’s hair on contact. Rio felt the pressure as Agatha pulled her in closer. She felt Agatha’s hands open and close as if she were trying to remember the rules of this game, but kept forgetting. Rio bit down lightly and felt Agatha’s whole body shudder.

“Please,” Agatha whispered. “Please, touch me.”

Rio’s hand slid down her body slowly as she cupped a slick silk, Agatha having already ruined the fabric. Rio’s lips moved back to Agatha’s throat as she slipped the brunette’s underwear to the side, causing a loud gasping sound to be emitted from Agatha’s lips.

“Yes.” She whispered as Rio started to spread her wetness around. “That feels so good.”

Rio bit her neck lightly, and Agatha grunted. “Fuck.”

Rio’s fingers moved slowly, tracing Agatha and diligently finding all of the spots that made her tighten at the contact. She drew her patterns aimlessly so Agatha would never know where she was about to be, and this seemed to drive the woman wild if her hips rolling were any indication.

She felt short nails dig into her back as Agatha’s forehead pressed to her shoulder. “Fuck there. Yes. Keep going.”

Rio, on a whim, turned and pressed her lips to Agatha’s temple, and the woman cried out. Her body seized up. She hadn’t expected that to throw her over the edge, but she quickly adjusted. Her fingers continued to work Agatha through her orgasm until the brunette tried to shift out from under her.

Rio slowed and stopped, but didn’t move from on top of her. She watched as Agatha tried to find her breath. Her eyes were no longer trying to open. Her hands had fallen back limply to the bed. She watched as Agatha licked her lips. 

“Damn.” She chuckled lightly. “And I thought nothing was going to happen tonight.”

Rio rolled her eyes. “Don’t get cocky. Weed makes me horny.”

Agatha opened her eyes slowly. “I’ll have to remember that.”

Rio shook her head. Agatha’s hand shook as she lifted it to Rio’s back, scratching lightly at her side. Rio’s hips lifted. “We should get some sleep.” As she moved off of Agatha, the woman’s nails dug in.

“Wait…” Her voice was strangled as she tried to find her words. “Where are you going?”

Rio placed a hand to her chest. “I’m not going anywhere, but I do have to work tomorrow. It’s getting late.” She laid down beside Agatha and faced her, her eyes watching the brunette’s tired face. A thought struck her that she couldn’t help but share. “You’re cute when you’re needy.”

Agatha pouted. “I’m not needy,”

Rio sighed. She leaned forward and kissed Agatha’s shoulder, and this seemed to ease the tension. “You do this often?”

The brunette shrugged. “Will you leave and never return if I say yes?”

Rio shook her head. “No… no.”

Agatha bit her lip as she reached a hand up to hold Rio’s hand where it still sat on her chest. “I thought you would be like this, you know?”

Rio’s eyebrows furrowed. “Like what?”

Agatha shrugged. “Kind. I mean… You gave me your water just because I needed it. It’s lucky I got to you before this world beats it all out of you.”

Rio pressed at the chest under her fingertips and started to rub lightly. “I don’t think it’s been beaten out of you .”

Agatha shivered. “I’m not the best person, Rio. I haven’t been able to just… be… since I was fifteen.”

Rio hummed. “That’s when you started working, right? Before your big movie break?”

Agatha nodded. “My first role. My mother was pissed until she saw the contract. I had run away from home to audition. The money changes people.” She shook her head. “Don’t let it change you too much, okay?”

Rio nodded. “I promise. I’m not going to become someone else.” She kept moving her fingers as Agatha stilled. “Funny thing, I’ve never been one to wish migraines on another person, but I’m glad we met. You would have never noticed me otherwise.” She smiled at her lighthearted humor when she saw that Agatha wasn’t laughing.

Agatha’s eyes opened as she stared at her ceiling. “I had noticed you before you came up to me.”

Rio’s fingers stopped moving.

Agatha continued. “Don’t get me wrong, my head was killing me, but not enough that I wouldn't have noticed you.” She shrugged. “I didn’t know how to go up to you. I was contemplating how, but the pain was too distracting to come up with a real plan. Usually I’m more charming.”

Rio let her hand trail down Agatha’s stomach and settled over her belly button, feeling her breath easily. “You’re being plenty charming right now.”

Agatha snorted. “It’s the sex. What can I say, it was good.” Rio burst out laughing, and Agatha smiled along with her. Agatha’s voice was quiet. “Are you going to sneak out in the morning?”

Rio shrugged. “Depends on how long you sleep. I do need to get going.”

Agatha’s hand gripped Rio’s. “Can I call you?”

Rio enjoyed Agatha’s company. Her research was going to take a while, maybe this could be a fun summer fling. She nodded, the guilt causing her not to meet Agatha’s eyes. “Sure.”

Agatha’s eyes closed. “Okay, that’s good.” 

Rio shifted to get more comfortable. “Go to sleep. I need my beautyrest. Unlike some people.”

Agatha turned away from her, pulling Rio’s arm with her, forcing the black haired woman to spoon her. Rio snorted out an exasperated sigh. Agatha wasn’t subtle. 

“I’m not keeping you up.” Agatha yawned as she got more comfortable. 

Rio placed her lips to Agatha’s spine, feeling the other woman melt. “Good night, Agatha.”

And that’s how she drifted off to sleep, to the quiet sounds of Agatha definitely snoring. 

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 8

Rio reached for her phone as she crossed the parking lot to Lilia’s office. The buzzing got more annoying with every iteration. She glanced down and saw it was Agatha again. She smiled. She had not expected her to be this clingy after sex but maybe she was starting to see who the woman really was. She figured she could be a little late to her meeting and decided to put Agatha out of her misery and picked up her call.

“Hey.” She slowed her power walk down to a stroll. Agatha’s voice paused before coming through.

“I’ve been calling.”

Rio tried not to react. “Yes, and I was busy. I’m actually on my way to another meeting, but I have a few minutes, so what’s up?” She felt the tension as Agatha was quietly putting her thoughts together.

“We should talk.”

Rio felt those words jolt through her chest. Shit . Not the we need to talk conversation ? So soon? They had just started whatever this was…

“I don’t know that you should get involved with all of this.”

Rio’s unconscious mind located a bench before she could grow too dizzy. “Okay… explain.” She heard Agatha’s heels clicking, so she wasn’t at home either.

“Well, for starters, you don’t seem like you even want to be here. You don’t love acting…”

Rio twitched at the correct accusation. “I don’t think I said…”

Agatha cut her off. “You did, actually. On the beach. I just, Rio, this isn’t a job you should take lightly. It’s not all fun and games, and if you don’t love it, like you would sell your soul to do it, love it, you should get out now.”

Rio leaned back and hugged herself with her free arm. “Agatha, you don’t need to worry about me.” When Agatha didn’t continue,e she tried again. “And where is this coming from?”

She heard Agatha let out a sigh. “I have regrets, okay? I love what I do. It… it heals something in me when I get to create in that way. It allows me to feel free and to express emotions… I never got to growing up. I just… there are things I would change about it if I could, but I can’t. So I don’t want you to be blindsided when fame isn’t everything you always wanted when you watched actors growing up.”

Rio rolled her eyes. “I’m not naive to what the experience is, Agatha, I’ve watched plenty of interviews, you people aren't subtle.” She pinched her nose. “So… is this just about my well-being, or is this how you break off things with everyone? You're scared of a little competition for roles, is that it?”

Agatha huffed. “Please, you’re not even in my casting pool, don’t flatter yourself.”

Rio bristled at the dig. “Fine, then you have nothing to worry about.” She was ready to hang up when Agatha cleared her throat.

“I’m… trying to help.” 

Rio bit her tongue. “Great. Thanks. We, done?”

Agatha was silent as the phone call continued its run time. Rio grew more annoyed the longer the brunette didn’t speak. “For fucks sake, why are we still on this call?”

That seemed to jolt the other woman out of her haze. “Sorry. I… got distracted. I think we should… look I know I’m the one who’s been pursuing you, and I just wanted to break things off in a clean manner. I figured you deserved that from me at least…”

Rio stood. “Yeah, that’s fine. I have to go. I’ll… see you around.” She hung up before Agatha could say anything else. Her mood plummeted as she entered the building to vent her anger to her adviser.

***

Rio walked into her advisor's office and hadn’t meant to slam the door, but the loud thud had her shocking herself back into reality, as did the wide-eyed look Lilia gave her.

“If you break my door, you are going to have to find a way to pay for that, this university isn’t made of money, you know…” Rio’s eyebrows shot up. Lilia cleared her throat, “Well, you get what I mean.” She raised her eyebrows, “It would be quite impressive actually, if you did break it; that door is thick.”

Rio rolled her eyes as she muttered a lame ass apology. “ Sorry.” She moved to her usual chair and flopped into it unceremoniously. Her eyes were trying to avoid Lilia’s as she fumed. The older woman came around her desk to lean against it as she tried to get Rio to talk.

“Alright. So, something happened with Agatha, am I correct?”

Rio shrugged. “Why would it have to do with her?”

Lilia crossed her arms. “Because we had to come get you guys from the beach, and Jen told me you stayed over.” Lilia stared pointedly. “Mixing work and pleasure is always a dangerous game in research.”

Rio shook her head. “I mean, my study is mostly based on the interviews. There’s just a portion of it that’s based on experience…”

Lila took a breath. “Well… if this isn’t going to be the breakthrough you thought, one that elevates your work, then why do it?”

Rio’s eyes finally met her advisors, and she groaned. “It will be. It’s already… confirming a lot of what I knew… and rewriting some of my assumptions.” She shrugged. “Agatha’s just gotten under my skin is all, it will pass.”

Lilia moved to sit in the other visitor’s chair next to Rio. “Out with it. You aren’t going to be able to focus until you start to process whatever the heck happened.”

Rio grumbled, “I hate that I teamed up with the Psychology Department for this…”

Lilia snorted. “Woah, big feelings. Let me guess… she dropped you after you had sex. Am I right?”

Rio slid further down in her chair, her face hardening. “I didn’t even want to sleep with her…”

Lilia reached a hand out, her fingers gripping Rio’s in a panic when Rio’s eyes widened at the woman’s assumption. “No! No… she didn’t force anything. Shit. Like I wanted to sleep with her. How could I not? She’s Agatha Harkness, and she knows she’s ridiculously attractive, but because of the work I did… feel bad. It’s a line I shouldn’t cross…”

Lilia leaned her chin on her fist. “A line you did cross.”

Rio nodded solemnly. “She’s… really persistent.” She looked away. “Guess when the chase was over, she was done. Oh well, it makes sense. Seems people like her are finicky with relationships and they’re mostly fluid anyway…”

Lilia tilted her head. “Fluid? Doesn’t she have a husband?”

Rio scratched at the back of her neck. “ Technically has a husband. God, that man is so boring and simple. All he does is drugs, and she is always so over him.”

Lilia patted Rio’s arm. “What did she say to you to break it off?”

Rio’s eyes watered as she remembered the call, and she bit her bottom lip because there was no way in hell she was going to cry over a girl she had slept with only once. “She told me I should stop all of it. That if I didn’t want to kill myself to work in entertainment, then I should go. I think she’s jealous…”

Lilia's eyes narrowed. “Or maybe she was actually worried about you. You’ve said it yourself, this line of work isn’t nice. Remember you wanted to do this research because of how watching those interviews made you feel? You’re an empath, Rio, don’t lose your passion over one woman who probably was trying to do the right thing.”

Rio tapped her foot. “I can handle myself. She…. uh!”

Lilia shrugged. “She doesn’t know you, kiddo. Just focus on the work. Do a deep dive into some interviews tonight and see if there’s anything else you missed. You need to hit a high mark for the number of subjects surveyed for this to be a solid study. Get going on a new set.”

Rio nodded. “You’re right. I’ll get back to it.”

Lilia held her shoulder down lightly when Rio tried to go. “Wait, let’s go over your notes. I think, despite how you’re feeling right now, you are doing some good work.”

Rio settled, trying to shift back into observer mode. “It’s fascinating, actually. Agatha is so different from the way she comes off in interviews. Jen’s right, she’s so much more… fragile is the only way I can think to put it. She doesn’t understand rejection, which is fascinating. She’s clearly been affected by the whole environment; her attempts at social interaction are… different.”

Lilia hummed. “Nothing that can be explained away by other things?”

Rio shook her head. “It’s not that there’s no neurodivergence or lack of trauma, but it’s such a specific flavor of trauma. There’s a pattern here. It’s close to what I saw in my previous research. I’m just not sure what the final analysis will be yet. Something about how those in the industry not only have their own mental and physical health challenges, but that this work creates them from the stress of the job alone.”

Lilia leaned forward and slowly stood. “Well, it seems you have some more digging to do to pull it all together. Jen secured a late lunch meeting for you with Wanda Maximoff. See if you can make it, I’m sure there will be plenty to learn from a chat with her.”

Rio stood and nodded before she heard Lilia call out. “Rio?”

Brown eyes looked up as Lilia smirked.

“Just don’t sleep with this one, too?”

Rio blushed as she headed for the door. “Don’t worry, I’ve learned my lesson. Only other students for me from now on.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 9

Agatha stormed into her agent’s office as she crackled with anxiety from her phone call with Rio. She didn’t let many people into her head, and even less to take up the cramped, small space in her heart, but she was already feeling trapped with the way that the other woman had made her chest ache when she thought about how naive Rio was to everything that surrounded their line of work. She rubbed at her forehead, she had been naive too when she had first started out.

Maya pushed her glasses up her nose as she indicated with a single finger that she would be a moment. Agatha rolled her eyes. Jen used to stop everything when she came in, maybe that was because she had demanded it, or… because Jen had actually cared about her as a person.

Agatha wandered to Maya’s floor-to-ceiling windows, where you really could see most of LA from up here, especially a great view of Runyon Canyon. She heard Maya get on the phone behind her.

“Cancel my 2 o’clock, I have a client here. Yeah well tell him to go fuck himself, it’s fucking Agatha Harkness.” The room was quiet for a moment. Agatha turned to see Maya’s eyes close as she tried to focus on the call. She jumped when the fire returned to her agent’s voice. “Sam! Do you know how much fucking money she makes us? I can’t help it, you know these actor types, they need a lot of hand holding, attention and… of course I’m not fucking talking to you about her while she’s in the room.” Maya hung up and took her glasses off briefly to rub at her eyes. Agatha almost felt bad for her, but she herself wondered if Maya was simply untouchable. 

Green eyes shifted to Agatha as the glasses went back on. “Sorry about that. I wish he would stop climbing up my ass every time I have to move a fucking meeting.” She closed her eyes, raised her hands in surrender, and took a deep breath before letting it out slowly. “Finding my peace.” She grabbed her too-large water bottle and took a long sip from the straw. She opened her eyes and looked quite a bit calmer. “Okay, hon, what is going on with you? Tell momma.”

Agatha leaned against the window. “I was in the area and had a little… update to share.” She quickly looked away when Maya narrowed her eyes. “It’s nothing catastrophic…”

Maya stood, her hands braced on her desk, a moment before she moved around the thing before sitting on her couch and indicating that Agatha should sit. “I think I’ll be the judge of that.”

Agatha sat down in a bit too formal of a position, giving away her anxiety about the situation. “I had a brief thing with an up-and-coming actress…” she shrugged. “Nothing serious, she’s got no power behind her name…”

Maya’s arm stretched out along the back of the couch. “So she could totally want to use this to elevate her reach. Got it. Maybe we fire first. Who’s her agent?”

Agatha looked away. “I don’t think we need to go that far…”

Maya poked Agatha in the arm. “Harkness. Look, I love you, you know that. America loves you, fuck over half the world does by now, but my job is to keep you safe. We can’t trust everyone who bats their eyes and calls you a good girl. Remember Oscar girl?”

Agatha swallowed hard. Her last dalliance that had nearly outed her. While there were a number of talent that were coming out as queer, none of them seemed to be in her age range, most of them were much younger and it was expected of them. She had been with Ralph for over fifteen years, and there was a large group of people who loved the idea of them together. Agatha ran her hand up and down her leg, increasing the pressure with each pass.

Oscar girl had fucked her up for a while for sure, and in the end, all she had really wanted was the clout, the fame, not Agatha. Agatha had done many things she wasn’t proud of in that relationship, all to make the Oscar girl happy.

Agatha nodded. “I remember, Maya. Rio… she’s not like her.” She felt how lame it sounded passing her own lips, before Maya gave her a look of pity. “Honey…. Everyone can be like that. Don’t do anything further without a contract.” She patted Agatha’s cheek. “I need you focused for this press tour. Your movie is doing well, I can’t have you getting distracted. And your TV show comes out soon, you wouldn’t want to let the rest of the cast down with your distractions now, would you?”

Agatha shook her head. Maya did have a way of guilt-tripping her into anything. It had been so much more enjoyable working with Jen, even if they were bickering. Though she loathed it, there was a part of her that loved the way Jen always tried to reach out to her and make sure she was okay, despite her fighting her the whole way.

When they had broken up, Agatha had run straight into the arms of another agency. She couldn’t handle seeing Jennifer Kale. It’s not that they had been in love, but the way Jen had given up on her, had rubbed her raw. Jen had said she couldn’t handle the pressure of everything publicly and privately and it was better to just keep things professional, especially since Agatha was never going to be fully out.

Agatha cringed. Maybe if Jen had given her any kind of hope that they would work their shit out, then maybe she would have considered leaving Ralph, but she wasn’t going to do so when there was no guarantee that things would be worth it in the end. She had worked for years to get to where she was today, and she wasn’t about to throw it all away for just anyone. Hell, Rio hadn’t really wanted anything to do with her married ass either, until they did drugs. 

She let her gaze drift back to Maya and realized that the woman had been waiting on her a while.

Maya reached out and grabbed her hand. “Agatha. I get it, dating is hard. Especially when you have to keep it quiet. But this girl, she’s nobody. Who cares if she doesn't want you…”

Agatha blushed. “We… fucked. I wouldn’t say she didn’t want me…”

Maya shushed her. “Look. You’re fucking amazing and you do good work. Let’s just… finish the press tour, then I can come up with some good excuse and you can fuck off to a private island for like a month? How does that sound?”

Agatha sighed. “I already called things off with her. I just… wanted to give you a heads up in case…” She wanted to smack herself. For as much as she wanted to defend Rio, this had all happened before, more than once. It wasn’t just Oscar girl. She knew that she should be worried. That she had gone off alone with Rio and said things she shouldn’t have. She didn’t even remember everything she herself had said, though she remembered every thought Rio had uttered. She closed her eyes. “In case she tries to stir things up. I just wanted to be prepared.”

Maya nodded, slammed her own thighs, then stood. She wandered over to her shelves and pulled down a wooden chest. She walked back over to Agatha, offering her the selection of coke, blunts, and edibles. “Let’s get fucked up.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 10

Rio had double, triple-checked the address Jen had sent her. Somehow Jen had gone MIA when she had arrived and wanted to confirm that Wanda and her were having lunch at fucking Nobu. She felt like that warranted a little heads up, but then again, where else had she expected them to have lunch? A fast food chain? 

Rio felt her face heat up as a valet came over to grab her car. She had no idea if she could afford this and figured she would settle that bill with Jen later… She slipped the keys to the young-looking man and as he drove off she turned her gaze on the restaurant. She walked up to the person at the entrance. Wondering if her black crop top, jean shorts, and brown sandals were going to get her thrown from the cliff she could see to the edge of the restaurant. 

The man, surprisingly, didn’t do anything but cast her a bright smile as she hiked her orange purse up her shoulder. “Hi… I’m here for a meeting…lunch… with Wanda Maximoff?”

The man nodded excitedly. “Let me check the reservations. And what is your name?”

Rio rubbed at her arm as she smiled. “Rio Vidal… my agent said this was the place, but maybe I was mistaken…”

The young man shook his head. “You’re all good, Miss Vidal. You’re on the list. Miss Maximoff is out on the terrace. I’ll show you the way.” He turned and held his head high as he glided through the room. Rio tried not to lose track of him as her eyes definitely wandered to all of the very recognizable people she passed on her way outside. She felt a heavy dose of the fact that she should definitely not be here.

As they rounded the outside of the patio Wanda’s bright red hair came into view. She had been reading the menu thoughtfully when her eyes flicked up and she saw Rio, she stood and waved excitedly. “Rio! Over here!”

Rio didn’t know if she would ever get over the feeling of having someone she had seen on a TV screen talking to her in person, but she was going to try like hell to act normal. She smiled and as she approached Wanda practically tackled her, pulling her in for a warm hug. “I’m glad you could make it!” She pulled back, still holding Rio’s shoulders. “I hate eating alone. I had asked Jen to accompany me today, but you know Jen, always so busy, but just my luck she said you were free and I have been wanting to hang out with you ever since we met at my party.”

Rio’s eyes widened. “That… was your house?”

Wanda shrugged. “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about a remodel or moving, but I do love the location. It’s got a nice view.”

Rio sat down when Wanda did. “Well, I appreciate you inviting me. I’ll be honest, I still feel a bit out of my element in this town…”

Wanda’s face looked like she had seen a stray kitten on the side of the road, one she was definitely going to try and rescue. “Awe, darling, everyone starts off that way… well, except for the child stars… but they’re another breed.”

Rio tried to relax. “How did you handle it all when you started?”

Wanda leaned forward on the table, her eyes lifting to the sky in thought. “Hm, it’s been so long. I think… well, getting used to the fans was the worst of it for me. I didn’t really care who I was running into in the industry as much as the shock I felt at running into people I didn’t recognize, but they knew me. That was… unsettling at first.” She shook her head. “You’re lucky you’re coming in the way you are, though, getting used to things first before the public adds another layer to it. I envy you actually.”

Rio shrugged. “Jen thought it would propel my career if there’s some buzz around who that random girl is that keeps showing up at events, before my movie drops.”

Wanda nodded. “Oh, Jen is fantastic. I would consider moving over myself if Maya didn’t do such a good job with my career. She’s ruthless, but she makes me money, so I can’t complain. Have you met Maya Mason? She manages Agatha as well.” She raised an eyebrow at the Agatha comment. 

Rio shook her head. “No, the only agent I know is Jen, and I’m pretty sure she wants to keep it that way. And no… Agatha hadn’t mentioned her name.”

Wanda sat back as the waiter arrived. “I’m sorry, did you have a chance to look over the menu, or did you want me to just order for us? You like sushi, right?”

Rio felt her stomach drop from splitting the bill with someone like Wanda, though it wasn’t like she could be rude. “You go ahead and order for us. Of course, I love sushi, any kind is fine, I heard it’s amazing here.”

Wanda perked up. “Oh, it’s the best I’ve ever had.” She turned to the waiter. “Let’s get the specials of today, some unagi rolls, some soft-shelled crab, some sea urchin.” She turned to Rio when she saw her eyes flash hesitantly. “I get it, normally not the best, but here it is, trust the process.” She made a few more selections before ordering sake as well, turning back to Rio with her full attention when the waiter scurried off.

Rio clasped her hands in her lap. She had prepared questions, she just hoped they came off more naturally than an interview. “So… you mentioned the fans being a lot. How do you cope with that level of… intensity?”

Wanda smiled and leaned back in her seat, outdoor furniture had really been elevated in this place; Rio was actually comfortable. “Lots and lots of drugs and therapy, but more so, the work itself helps. Creating is a great outlet, don’t worry so much, once you’re busy, you’ll find that you kinda float in and out of the anxiety of the work. Being distracted is the best way to deal with it all. I never know how much time passes when I’m working. It could be days, weeks, months, before I realize I haven’t seen or talked to people.”

Rio nodded. “Time marches on, I guess.”

Wanda nodded. “Exactly. So, I’m curious, are you seeing anyone?”

Rio felt her chest constrict. So Wanda was into gossip. “I…not currently.” She moved to take a sip of her water when Wanda rolled her eyes. 

“Come on, I’m not going to tell anyone. Who is it?”

Rio crossed her arms, a bit annoyed. “Who are you seeing?” she realized maybe she should have toned back the attitude, but it seemed Wanda didn’t mind, maybe even found her to be a bit funny if her smile was anything to go by. 

“Vison, but I thought that was obvious? There have been rumors, and we have an open relationship, so feelings don’t get hurt when we’re off to work, but… we’ve been together a long time actually.”

Rio’s eyebrows raised. “Well… I guess that makes sense with you and Agatha kissing at the part…”

Wanda gave Rio a knowing look. “Agatha likes to have fun. You two disappeared for a while that day, if I’m not mistaken? I had wondered if you two had run off together…”

Rio’s mouth felt dry. So Wanda wasn’t as clueless as she let on. Rio tucked some hair behind her ear. “It wasn’t…. Like that. We just had to talk something out, was all.”

Wanda tapped at the table. “Agatha seemed pretty… agitated beforehand. What happened?”

Rio’s hand twisted her water glass. “I forgot to text her back, I didn’t know that would be such a big deal, but apparently it was.”

Wanda nodded. “Ah, yeah, Agatha hates being ignored. She’s a big baby about it. Luckily, we’ve always been just friends. I couldn’t handle her as a partner. Jen and her had a good run, I thought maybe if anyone could calm Ags down, it would be her. No such luck. Agatha is a good one, though, don’t get me wrong. She’s shown up for me a lot, actually, when I’ve needed her.”

Rio sat back as their food arrived. Contemplating how to shift the conversation away from Agatha. “Do you feel like the industry gets how bad it is for the artists? Like fame and stuff?”

Wanda picked a fish and shoved it into her mouth before nodding. She swallowed after quite a bit of chewing. “Oh, they know. Then again, it’s not like there’s a lot they can do to prepare you for any of it. It’s a surprise once you’re in it. Could they do a bit more so that there are fewer suicides? Absolutely, but that’s not exactly part of their job. If we’re making money, so are they, and they’ll push us into every project they can get their hands on.”

Rio nodded thoughtfully at that as she chose a piece of fish, something with eel on top, and she placed the bite-sized thing into her mouth, her eyes lighting up. Her hand moved to cover her mouth. “Okay, I have never had sushi this good before, you were right.”

Wanada sat up straighter. “Told you! And I’m so glad I could pop your Nobu cherry. It’s a rite of passage for sure.” Her voice trailed off, and her head tilted at something behind Rio, “Ah, speak of the devil, and she shall appear.”

Rio’s brows furrowed as Wanda flicked her chopsticks behind her. “Agatha’s here.”

Rio whipped her head around so quickly that it was amazing she didn’t hurt herself. Agatha stood in a short black skin-tight dress with her arm through Ralph’s. She smiled at the female waiter, giving a quick up and down, before her eyes drifted to Rio’s, her face falling as her eyes traveled to see who Rio was here with, before her jaw twitched.

Wanda sighed. “Oh, she’s in a mood. Did you forget to text her again?”

Rio turned back, ignoring Agatha, and shook her head. “Nope, we stopped talking, actually. She told me to leave the industry.” She took a large gulp of her sake and pinched her eyes shut at the taste. “Forgot how strong this stuff is.”

Wanda snorted. “Yeah, especially at this place. Oh, well, you better prepare yourself. Agatha’s coming this way.”

Rio and Wanda’s benches were technically big enough for two if you sat close. Rio hadn’t really contemplated that thought until a body squished in next to hers. 

“Wanda.” Agatha leaned forward on an elbow. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming here today? We could have gotten a table big enough for all of us?”

Rio’s body tensed as Agatha’s body pressed against hers. Her face failed to stifle her shock when Agatha’s arm, which was under the table, came to rest on her thigh.

Wanda shrugged. “You know you’re always welcome, Ags, I was trying to catch lunch with Jen, actually, but she had something come up and sent Rio instead. We’ve just been talking…”

Agatha smiled, and it was too sweet to be real. “Oh, that’s amazing. What a happy accident. Rio here loves fish.”

Rio looked at Agatha incredulously when she finally caught the innuendo, and the smell of weed that flooded her nostrils. How high was Agatha?

Wanda nodded happily. “I’m glad Jen didn’t force her just for my sake, she’s really been enjoying her first time here.” Wanda shifted her attention away from Agatha. “There are so many firsts waiting for you, Rio, I’m so excited for you!”

Rio nodded as Agatha’s hand gripped her thigh as she spoke. 

“So, what were you two talking about?” Agatha’s nails dug in, and Rio discreetly grabbed her wrist. 

“Agatha, don’t you need to get back to Ralph?” Rio trie,d but the dismissal went ignored. 

“Oh, please, he’s a big boy, he can eat by himself.” Her hand retreated.

Wanda’s eyes glanced between Agatha and Rio. “Agatha,”

Agatha bit her cheek. “Do you and Vision need to really be dipping into all of my affairs?” The brunette pointedly stared Wanda down.

The redhead rolled her eyes. “Does Rio know you’re a flaming dyke? Or have you just been acting pissy around her anytime she looks at another girl?” Wanda’s smile dropped. “And come on, Agatha, I wouldn’t do anything unless I knew you two weren’t attached, give me a break.”

Agatha smirked. “Oh, Rio’s aware of my preferences.” She crossed her legs and leaned back. “Aren’t you?” 

Wanda sighed, turning to her guest. “Rio, Agatha here thinks you two are a thing. She doesn’t share well… unless it’s her husband,” Her eyes slid back to Agatha.  “With mine.”

Agatha bared her teeth. “Please, you’ve gotten plenty out of our arrangements in the past.”

Wanda raised her hand. “Agatha, we have fun, but we both know there’s nothing emotional in it for us.”

Rio’s face flushed. She had been called out; she was fairly certain about her extracurriculars with Agatha if she was following the rapid back and forth. Wanda looked at Rio. “Sorry, Rio. Agatha’s being a baby again.”

Agatha’s mouth dropped open. “I am not!” She huffed. “I just…”

Wanda handed Agatha her water and some chopsticks. “Just eat and drink something. You’re far too high to be having this conversation in public right now.”

Agatha looked at the water as if it had done her wrong before she snatched it up and drank half of it in one go. She stuck out her tongue when she was done. “Uh. gross, what even is that!”

Wanda shrugged. “Water, Ags, maybe it’s been too long since you’ve had any.”

Agatha took her chopsticks and started to eat. She tensed when Rio looked her way. The dark-haired woman wanted to ask what the hell was going on, when she decided now was probably not the best time. She continued to eat and chat with Wanda about what advice she had for her upcoming work. They ignored Agatha like a petulant child who sat in the corner. 

***

Rio excused herself to the restroom, and Wanda was on Agatha in an instant. “What the fuck are you doing?”

Blue eyes refused to make eye contact. “I just thought… maybe you were interested in her…”

Wanda shook her head. “I mean Rio’s hot, don’t get me wrong. She would be fun to play with, but I can tell how you feel about her, I wouldn’t.”

Agatha shrugged. “You got with Oscar girl…”

Wanda closed her eyes clearly trying to remain calm. “'Cause none of us knew you were seeing her!” She tried to rein it in. “Look, if you like her, don’t be an ass, talk to her.”

Agatha looked out to the ocean. “I broke it off with her.” Agatha’s hand went for Rio’s sake, but Wanda’s quick fingers snatched it up. 

“Oh, no. No more for you. Agatha. You can’t…”

Agatha deflated. “I just don’t think this is good for her. She doesn’t get it, Wands, she’s some nerd playing at being an actress. You think she’s going to stick around when shit gets real? She should leave now while she can. It would be better for everyone.”

Wanda’s voice softened. “Better for everyone, or better for you?” 

Blue eyes lifted. 

“Agatha, I don’t want you to get burned again, I don’t. I care about you, but this kid is going to make her own decisions, and you can’t control her.” 

A visible flinch ran through Agatha at the accusation. 

“Maybe go cool off, then try and talk to her.” Wanda reached across the table and took her hand. “I’ll always be here when you need to let off some steam, you know that… unless… you get into a relationship?”

Agatha rolled her eyes. “There’s no chance that’s happening.” She licked her lips. “She doesn’t date married women.”

Wanda smiled. “Oh, I’m sure that might change. Give it time.” 

Agatha looked around. “I should go home.”

Wanda nodded. “Did you want me to come over?” The question was charged. 

Agatha seemed to contemplate the offer for a moment before she declined. “No, not today.” Blue eyes lifted to Wanda’s once more. “Rio’s off limits, okay?” Her voice was wavering as she let her vulnerability slip out. 

Wanda nodded. “I got it. No, Rio.”

Agatha finally relaxed. “Thank you.” She stood. Her eyes were now searching for Ralph. “I guess I’ll go finish up with my… man.” Her voice sounded like she had tasted something gross, and Wanda snorted. “Go get him. He’s a catch!”

Agatha rolled her eyes as she left.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 11

Rio picked up her phone the moment the vibrating wouldn’t stop, her head tilting at the name on the screen. “Hey, Jen, what’s up?”

“Rio, what the hell is going on? I just had Agatha walk into my office.”

Rio’s back leaned against the wall at the mention of the woman. “Why?”

Jen sounded like she was stuck in a haze. “She… brought you flowers. She said she wasn’t sure where to send them. She asked for my advice in regards to you. She even mentioned wanting to come back to Lightning…”

Rio closed her eyes. “Why would she do all that?” Her mind drifted to how the woman had crashed her lunch date a few days prior.

“Look, I don’t know what you’ve done to her, but she has it bad.”

Rio laughed. “She broke things off with me, then showed up at my lunch with Wanda acting like a pissed off lover.”

Jen was quiet for a moment. “She did mention her run-in with you. She failed to mention that she had broken things off. Are you sure she did?”

Rio gasped in shock. “Yes!”

Jen sighed. “Okay, well, she’s having second thoughts. She wants to call you but is scared you won’t pick up.”

Rio rolled her eyes. “I’m not in middle school. I can be a big girl and talk to her.” 

“Well, good, because she had a proposition I think you’ll benefit from. I’ll let her talk to you about it, but I told her if you want to, you’re all clear on my end. She’s really concerned about you.”

Rio slid to the floor, pressing at her temples. “I’ll… give her a call then.”

“Great, what do you want me to do with these flowers? They’re expensive.”

Rio grumbled. “I’ll have Alice pick them up today and get them out of your way.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 12

Agatha barreled past Jen into her office. “My god, took you forever to get the door.” Agatha walked over to Jen’s couch and threw her purse down. Jen’s eyes widened.

“Because I don’t work for you anymore, Harkness. What the hell is this?” Dark eyes gazed suspiciously at the large arrangement of flowers in Agatha’s arms. “No, thank you.”

Agatha moved to set down the bouquet on Jen’s desk, and before the woman could vomit, Agatha amended. “Those are for Rio, I didn’t know where to send them.” She crossed her arms and shrugged. “Figured you would.”

Jen placed her hand to her chest. “Oh, thank god.” She moved closer and looked at the selection. “Ah, this is a wild-looking arrangement?”

Agatha shrugged. “She likes nature. I thought it was fitting.” She walked away and went to look out Jen’s window, she wasn’t as high up as Maya, but it was still a decent enough view, looking out towards the ocean, it had always been a bit of a bitch to come in for meetings when Jen sat in Santa Monica and the city was always blocked by traffic. 

Agatha turned when it got a little too quiet and realized too late that Jen was reading the card. “Hey! Jen, that’s private!” She rushed to take it away, but Jen held it out, already done reading. “Someone’s got it bad. What do you need my help for? Just call her.”

Agatha’s hand came to rest on Jen’s white wooden desk. “I messed up, you… You read the card.” Her hand gestured wildly. 

Jen turned and walked over to her mini fridge, grabbing a sugar-free soda and a strawberry health soda for Agatha. Remembering she had a sensitive stomach. She handed Agatha the drink, and the woman took it without question. Opening it and starting to sip anxiously. “Do you think she’ll like them? Should I… do more?”

Jen moved to sit on her couch. “That depends, what did you do exactly?” She raised an eyebrow, and Agatha scoffed.

“Nothing. I didn’t do anything…” Jen shook her head, and Agatha tried again.

“I just, maybe, thought that you and Maya were right and I should let this go.” Pale fingers turned her drink in circles. 

Jen nodded slowly. “Right. So here you are… letting this go?”

Agatha bit her lip. “I don’t know.” She blew out a breath. “I don’t know if she even likes me… I’m wasting my time… aren’t I?” She looked at Jen as if begging her to put her out of her misery.

“Agatha…”

The brunette hugged herself, and Jen caught the need for comfort. “Would you sit your ass down before you’re ill or pass out in my office?”

Agatha moved to sit on the couch, as far away from Jen as possible, the darker woman rolling her eyes. “Agatha, I’m not going to jump you. I wouldn’t touch you again with a ten-foot pole.”

Agatha glared. “Well, how would I know that?”

Jen raised a single hand to stall the argument. “Fine, sit over there. Why do you think you need my help?”

Agatha’s hand ran through her dark hair. “Because you know her… and you know me. I don’t think there’s a more appropriate person to have this discussion with.”

Jen closed her eyes. “Agatha, we used to fuck.”

Agatha shrugged. “And? Why is that a problem?”

Jen let her eyes open wide. “Because when we broke up, you ran as far as you could to get away from me, you ass.”

Agatha shifted uncomfortably. “It was weird to continue working with you. You broke up with me.”

“Agatha, in what world were we not already broken up? You’re a sociopath.” Jen’s eyes softened as that blow landed. Agatha looked like she had been slapped. “Sorry. Too far. It’s just… You were a lot.”

Agatha let her sitting stance widen as she leaned forward and fisted her hair. “Could you at least put me out of my misery and tell me she hates me and doesn’t want to see me already?” Her voice was quiet this time, like she was fighting back tears, and that’s because she was.

Agatha felt the couch dip as Jen moved closer, her hand landing lightly on her back and rubbing small circles. 

“Agatha. If you can’t tell that that very intelligent, beautiful woman likes you, I fear there is no hope for you.”

Agatha snorted. “She just… left.”

“Did you ask her to go?”

Agatha looked sideways at Jen. “I was trying to be good.”

Jen’s shoulders fell. “Ags, where do you see this going? You have Ralph…”

She shook her head. “I don’t have to have Ralph.”

Jen’s eyes widened. “Okay, that’s the first time I’ve ever heard that. Damn, does Rio have a magic vagina?”

Agatha snorted. “Fuck off. She’s cute. I don’t know.” She shimmied her shoulders uncomfortably as if she could shake the remnants of her feelings from her shoulders. 

Jen leaned back against the couch, kicking her shoes off and pulling her legs beneath her. “Are you ready to jeopardize your career for her?”

Agatha moved away from her touch. “I wouldn’t go that far… It's early.”

Jen tapped against the couch. “Fine, I'll help you.”

Agatha side-eyed her ex. “You wouldn’t be saying that just to get back at me, would you?”

Jen shook her head. “Agatha, I could hook up with Rio any time I wanted. Girl’s hot and unattached, but I don’t fuck my clients… anymore.” She gave Agatha a pointed look. “That did not go well for me last time.”

Agatha smiled and took a moment to realize how safe she felt in this room alone with Jen, she didn’t feel judged or like she was walking on eggshells, not like she did with Maya Mason. As if the woman herself were about to turn on Agatha at any moment. 

Agatha folded her long, wavy hair over her shoulder as she steered the conversation in another direction. “What do you think about me coming back?”

Jen stilled. “Like, to Lighting? To work with me?”

Agatha nodded. “Yeah, I mean… You actually care about your clients. As people, that’s hard to find, and I seem to be… feeling a bit… unfocused.”

Jen’s brows shot sky high. “Agatha… listen. I have a pretty full load right now…”

Agatha let out the breath she was holding, grumbling. “Great.”

Jen waved her hands. “Just… wait a couple of months. My time should open up. And if you still want to come back home, you can.”

Agatha’s head lifted. “Yeah?”

Jen pushed at her shoulder. “But only if you swear not to make my life hell. I know you.”

Agatha laughed out loud. “Oh, Jen, would it be me if I didn’t?”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 13

Rio slammed her microwave shut as she added the time and clicked start. Why had Agatha suddenly decided to reach out? That couldn’t be good, could it? 

She poured herself a large glass of juice before she second-guessed things and decided to spike it with a THC tab that she and Alice had become accustomed to during the stress of their study. She set her glass down on a coaster as she heard her microwave start blaring. She retrieved her sad-looking burrito and moved to get comfortable in her living room. She pulled a blanket down across her lap but didn’t move to touch her food. She took a large inhale of her drink before she grabbed her phone and called Agatha. The phone rang a few times, and just as the anxiety about what if Agatha answered started to dissipate, her voice came barging through the ringing.

“Hel-lo!” She sounded out of breath.

Rio tried to center herself. “Hey.” When nothing more was said, she tried to offer up some goodwill. “Thanks… for the flowers. Jen sent a photo.”

“I wasn’t sure where to send them. I figured Jen knew where to find you.”

Rio leaned her head back on the couch. “Agatha, why did you send me flowers?” She could practically hear Agatha’s mind swirling. “Was it because Wanda made you jealous?”

She heard Agatha’s voice darken. “Oh, I’m sorry. Did I interrupt your date? Did you get cock blocked?”

Rio closed her eyes. “It wasn’t a date.”

She heard Agatha snark down the line. “Sure.”

Rio huffed. “And what if it was? Whatever we had going on is done, right?”

Agatha waited a few moments to speak. “Did… you read the card?”

Rio curled into herself. “No… Alice is bringing the flowers by tonight. Jen just said I should call you. Do you… want to tell me what it said?”

“Not really. Can I come over?”

Rio’s eyes fluttered shut. “Wow.” So Agatha thought that some flowers were the way back into her pants. 

Agatha corrected her thoughts immediately. “Not for that, Rio. I just… want to talk. After you read the note.”

Rio bit her lip, contemplating whether it was a good idea for Agatha to show up at her tiny one-bedroom apartment in Sherman Oaks. “I don’t live anywhere near you, you’ll hit traffic.” No one liked to go far in LA unless they had to. When she had first moved out there, she had zero app dates because no one lived close enough to her and no one wanted to get into a situationship with someone who lived in the valley and would be a chore to commute to.

“I don’t mind. That should give Alice, whoever she is, plenty of time to deliver your flowers.” Rio thought she detected a hint of jealousy but decided not to push.

Rio bit her lip. “I’m not really in the mood to put in much effort. I’m really tired.”

“You don’t need to do anything. Just let me come over and talk at you.”

Rio smirked. “I guess I can tolerate that for a night. Kind of interested in what you wrote in the card if I’m being honest.”

“I’ll see you soon.” 

Rio looked down at her phone as she heard the line go dead, sure that if Agatha hadn’t figured out where to send the flowers that she now had no idea where she was trying to go. A beep and a text brought a smile to Rio’s lips, and she tried not to giggle.

Benji’s Kidnapper: So… where do you live?

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 14

Rio hopped in the shower and put on a pair of shorts and a black concert tee with a green neon rose on the front. She hoped this was dressed down enough that Agatha wouldn’t feel like she had tried. Rio had shaved though, she wasn’t a monster, if things happened to move to the bedroom, well, she wasn’t going to be caught off guard.

She ordered pizza, just in case Agatha stayed. Just cheese, since she didn’t recall any interviews where the woman had stated another preference. She was cleaning when she found some research papers sprawled across the kitchen table. She wanted to smack herself in the face. That was not a conversation she wanted to have tonight. Besides, things were too uncertain, she could wait until there was actually something to be worried about to have that talk.

She stuffed her research in a drawer in her closet when she heard the knock at her door. She pulled wet strands away from her face, where they had landed when she whipped her head towards the sound. She rolled her eyes. This was bad. She was practically becoming a puppy that followed Agatha around looking for attention. 

She opened the door and was left staring at Alice and Agatha. Alice was holding the obnoxiously large bouquet of mostly green flowers, and Agatha looked like she wanted her turn for Rio’s attention. 

Rio looked between them and how they were both awkwardly standing on her doormat. She reached for the flowers first. “Thanks, Alice.”

Alice nodded, and she eyed Agatha. “I thought that… this,” She gestured at Agatha. “Was done.” 

Agatha crossed her arms, and Rio shot a glare in Alice’s direction. “Alice.” Giving her a warning to behave. 

The woman turned and put her hands in the air as she stormed to the door directly across from Rio’s and angrily opened it, before she slammed it shut.

Agatha eyed the inside of Rio’s apartment but didn’t dare ask to be let in. She bit her lip to stifle whatever she wanted to say when Rio shook her head. “Sorry about her, come on in.”

Agatha slipped past her quickly as if she might change her mind before she could make it inside. Rio moved to set the flowers down on the kitchen table when she indicated the living space. A couch and two chairs. Agatha sat in a chair, which Rio thought was an interesting option, while she moved to the couch. Leaving plenty of space in case Agatha decided to join her.

Rio widened her eyes at the brunette when she remained silent. “Well?”

Agatha gulped audibly. “Did you… Read the note? Because I didn’t see you look at it…”

Rio stood slowly and walked towards the kitchen without another word. Her eyes paused on the arrangement, taking a moment to look through it. It looked like Agatha had taken great care when selecting her flowers. It was a bit strange, but totally something Rio would have chosen for herself. She reached for the card when she heard Agatha shift in the chair. Her eyes scanned the handwritten note.

“I’m an idiot. And I don’t admit that lightly. I want you here.”

Rio’s fingers turned the card over, but that was all that was written. Her eyes lifted to catch Agatha staring as she worried her hands. “I… I don’t ever admit to being… that. My mother used to call me… that, all of the time. But in this case, it’s an accurate description.” She placed her palms flat on her thighs, which were covered in worn-down jeans. A light purple hoodie sat on top, and it really made her blue eyes pop.

“Did I… do okay?” Agatha asked. 

Rio felt her shoulders sag. “You’re not an idiot, Agatha.” She sensed there was a lot more about the phrase that the brunette wasn’t sharing and worried about the implications of her connecting with the word. 

Blue eyes glanced to the floor, a sad smile ticking up the corners of Agatha’s lips. “I was.”

Rio leaned against her counter. “What is all this for you?”

Agatha reached for her bag she had brought with her, her hands shaking. Rio’s face tensed as she moved back to the seating area. “Agatha?”

She kneeled next to her when she saw her fumble an orange bottle back into her purse. “Fuck.” She tried again, but Rio steadied her hands. 

“I got it.” She placed Agatha’s hands gently in her lap as she lifted the purse to the floor and lifted the bottle. “This one?” She could tell Agatha was having a hard time breathing, but she nodded her head quickly. Rio’s eyes turned to the medication name before checking the dosage. Xanax. She took what looked like a half already cut out of the bottle and placed it in Agatha’s hand. “Did you need anything to drink?”

Agatha shook her head as she placed it on her tongue, her voice quiet. “Sorry.”

Rio lifted her hand up to brush through Agatha’s hair. “You’re fine.”

Agatha closed her eyes and worked on her breath until Rio felt her body release some of its tension. 

Rio lowered her hand to Agatha’s lap. “Better?”

Blue eyes were sleepy as they struggled to open. “Yeah.”

Rio nodded. “Okay. What happened?”

Agatha shook her hand, her eyes drifting off. “I’m not good at this, and if I mess up, you’re gone.”

Rio paused. “Well, I've not reached the point of cutting you off, so I wouldn’t worry too much about how today goes. I think there’s time.”

Agatha rubbed at her face, presumably to try and keep the tears at bay. Her voice whispered so quietly that Rio almost didn’t catch her words.

“ I’m sorry.”

Rio sighed. “It’s okay. Did you need to lie down?” 

Agatha tilted her head in thought. “I came over to talk… but I don’t think I should while I’m medicated…”

Rio nodded. “That’s alright. How long does it last? You shouldn’t be driving.”

Agatha chewed her lip. “A few hours.”

Rio nodded. “Alright. Do you want to watch a movie with me on the couch, or do you want to go lie down in bed?”

Agatha’s eyes slid slowly to Rio’s when the dark-haired woman snickered. “Just to rest, Agatha.”

Rio couldn’t help but notice how cute Agatha was when she was pouting. She figured the woman would argue if she told her, so she kept that thought to herself. “Will you stay with me, no matter which one I choose?”

“Of course. Did you want to rest then?” Dark eyes watched as Agatha moved to lean forward. Rio outstretched a hand to steady Agatha as she led her to her bedroom. The bed had been messily made, but she figured Agatha wouldn’t be judging it in her current state. Rio led her to one side and pulled back the blankets, encouraging her to get in. Agatha, in her blissed out state, didn’t even question it and moved right in.

Rio went to the other side when Agatha stared at her TV. “Can we make that play something?” Rio watched as Agatha nuzzled down into her pillow further. Rio moved to grab the remote.

“Sure can, what do you like to watch?”

Agatha shrugged. “Whatever. It’s just… too loud in my head.”

Rio moved to pick the last thing she had been watching, random people applying for their K-1 visas for their partners to come to the U.S. Agatha smiled and squeezed her pillow tightly. “I love watching trash TV. This show is one of my favorites.”

Rio moved to settle down on her back, her hands folded lightly over her stomach. “I like it too. Did you see this one already?”

Agatha shook her head. “No…” Her brows scrunched. “At least, I don’t think so?”

Rio smiled at the cute face Agatha was making. This woman would be the death of her if she weren’t careful. The silence settled over them for a bit until Agatha spoke up.

“Do you like me?”

Rio rolled her eyes. “Of course, I like you. I let you into my house and my bed, didn’t I? I don’t do this for just anyone.” Rio shook her head.

Agatha sat up, adjusting the pillow against the headboard before she pressed her lower back against it. Her fingers drifted to her mouth as she played with her lip. “I mean… like as a person.”

Rio turned and tilted her head. “How do you think I like you?”

Agatha let her hands fall into her lap. “I don’t know that you do .”

Rio cupped Agatha’s face, and crystal blue eyes lifted to her before checking out every feature that existed. Rio ran her thumb across Agatha’s cheek. “I like you as a person. I think you’re… sweet.”

Agatha leaned forward a bit. “That’s good… anything else?” Her eyes fell to Rio’s lips and stayed there. The move did not go unnoticed.

Rio let her thumb drift down to Agatha’s lips, which she regretted a moment later when Agatha placed her teeth lightly around the pad of her finger. Rio took a deep breath to steel herself against the woman’s less-than-sober advances. She took her hand away slowly. “I think you are insanely beautiful, and I am very attracted to you.”

Agatha leaned forward once more, groaning at losing contact with Rio. Rio shook her head. “Not while you’re high. But… If you want to snuggle a little…” Before she had even finished her offer, Agatha was sliding into the spot beside Rio. Rio snorted out a laugh as she put her arm around Agatha.

“Alright then, be a good girl and watch TV.” She felt Agatha gasp quietly. She trailed her fingers up and down to try and soothe her. 

Agatha leaned her head against Rio, the dark-haired woman was well aware that this new position meant the brunette could no longer see the TV. “Oscar girl didn’t like to cuddle.” Her voice was quiet as her arm snuck around Rio’s waist. “You’re warm.”

Rio had to make a solid attempt to even out her breathing, but after her monumental effort, she was successful. “Who’s Oscar girl?” Rio felt Agatha’s body pressure increase.

“I shouldn’t say.” She chewed her lip. “She told me she loved me, but she didn’t. She didn’t even like me in the end.” She let out a heavy sigh. “I don’t trust myself to understand women or what they want anymore.”

Rio moved her hand to hold her hip firmly in a side hug. “Agatha, not everyone is terrible.” Rio felt Agatha sigh again. “Most of the women I hook up with are, and it’s fine if that’s all it was, but she… she told me I was special.” Rio heard the brunette sniffle. “I wasn’t.”

Rio swallowed the bile that wanted to make its way up her throat, because who looked at the woman and decided that breaking her heart was an easy thing to do. When they had this version of Agatha, not the woman who pretended she was above it all. “Hey… you are special, she just didn’t deserve you.”

Agatha wiped at her face. “My mother caught me with a girl when I was fifteen, that's why I ran away to audition.” She paused and clearly left something out. “I couldn’t take being around her anymore, she made me want to off myself. I hoped that if I could just get away from her, that I would feel better, that I could love myself…” She sniffled. “Not that I don’t want to off myself now, sometimes, anyway. I thought I would have gotten financially stable, found a woman to marry, and have a family by now. But what do I have to show for it? A drugged-out male husband and a closet that’s suffocating me.”

Rio leaned down and kissed her head. “Aren’t these drugs supposed to make you… less depressed?”

Agatha shrugged.  “No, just less like I’m going to jump out of my body. Which I don’t feel like I will now.”

Rio pointed to the TV. “Do you think they are going to make it?”

Agatha turned her head, taking into account the two lesbians on the screen. They were both super excited and nervous to meet each other, and upon the first meeting, they both could barely speak. Agatha shook her head. “No. I think it’s too good to be true. Most of the couples don’t make it.”

Rio hummed. “But some do.”

Agatha nuzzled into her chest, repeating her words as if it was the first time they had ever occurred to her. “ Some do.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 15

Rio’s eyes struggled to open as her arms instinctively reached out for the body she had been cuddled up with. Her face scrunching when her hands came up empty, she patted around a moment more before her eyes flew open. She pushed herself up and looked around the room.

“Agatha?” She called out, wondering if the woman had moved to find water or make herself something to drink, she did seem like the type to get comfortable fast. Rio heard nothing, her apartment was silent. She felt like she was alone. 

She stood and grabbed a dark green hoodie from the end of her bed and pulled it over her head as she struggled with the arm holes on the way to the bathroom. She looked around the tiny room and besides if Agatha was hiding behind her shower curtain… she wasn’t in there. 

Rio turned and walked to her living room and kitchen area. Her eyes sweeping the space for any evidence that Agatha had been there, the only sign of her was the ginormous bouquet she had gotten for Rio as an apology. Rio wandered over to make coffee, a habit that was years in the making, when she paused to let her finger’s ghost over the leaves and petals. She did really like them. She found her phone on the counter and tapped it on, and was relieved to see a message from the woman herself.

Benji’s Kidnapper: You sleep like the dead. I had to get going, but maybe we can talk a bit more when you wake up? I… had a good time. Sorry, I freaked out. - A

Rio smiled, it wasn’t a normal hang, but she had a good time as well. She moved to start her coffee before she navigated back to her messages with Agatha. 

Rio: Is it pathetic that I was disappointed that you weren’t here when I woke up? 

She expected Agatha to be away from her phone, she had sent her a message hours ago, but a response was nearly immediate.

Benji’s Kidnapper: I wish I could have stayed, alas, work. Actually been meaning to talk to you about that. I don’t want to start a fight but I did mean it when I said I was concerned about you. Would you maybe join me for a day ? Just so you can see everything that goes with this job? That way, at least I can feel like I did warn you.

Rio tapped her fingers on the counter and bit her lip in thought. This would be very good for her study. Though, she felt like she was already gathering enough insider intel that backed up her interview research. She liked Agatha, she hadn’t been lying. Maybe a bit more time with her could also help the woman heal a bit, too. Maybe, it could be mutually beneficial?

Rio: If you insist. When is this?

She watched as Agatha made a few attempts at a response before one came through.

Benji’s Kidnapper: How about on Friday? I have a full schedule that day. You can come over the night before and we can get going at an ungodly hour. 

Rio checked her calendar. She had nothing at all on Friday. Perfect.

Rio: Friday is free. Sounds good. 

Rio moved to input the event in her calendar when another notification interrupted her.

Benji’s Kidnapper: What are you doing for the rest of today? I need a break.

Rio smirked. She was about to type something back when her doorbell rang. She walked over and opened the door, a delivery man with a package stood just off her mat. “Rio Vidal?”

Rio nodded, confused. “Yep.”

“Cool, this is for you. Have a good day.” He handed over the package and peaced out. Rio shook her head as she locked up and wandered back over to the kitchen so she hopefully wouldn't forget her coffee so long that it would run cold.

She pulled her scissors from a drawer and started to open the box. A light green silicon thing made her blush. It was too big and light to be a dildo but it definitely threw her mind into the gutter for a moment or two. She lifted the packaging and her eyes went wide. There was a photo of Benji on the cover, it’s exact make and model. It was a skin to protect the water bottle from drops. Rio couldn’t help her stupidly wide smile as she opened the package and struggled to pull the case onto her water bottle, eventually whooping when she got it.

By the time she remembered her phone she had a few missed messages, and she did feel a bit bad, particularly because she knew how sensitive the brunette had been the last time she had lost track of their conversation.

Benji’s Kidnapper: I wanted to see if you wanted to come over for a swim?

Benji’s Kidnapper: You don’t have to.

Benji’s Kidnapper: Okay, I see the package I sent got there. Did they kidnap you? You okay?

Rio smirked, shaking her head. Instead of texting back, she hit call. Agatha picked up on the second ring.

“Hello.”

Rio poked her tongue into her cheek. “Are you courting me?”

Agatha snorted. “It’s a gift for Benji.”

Rio laughed. “Right, so it has nothing to do with me.” Rio heard car sounds in the background.

“I’m worried for their safety. I could have dropped it when it was in my care. This is better for everyone.”

Rio hummed. “Ah, okay. It was returned unharmed, but I’m glad to know if you are entrusted with their care again, that nothing will happen.” She ran her finger over the casing as she looked at it. “So what is this about swimming?” She heard Agatha’s voice perk up.

“I just wanted to go for a swim, but you know, I shouldn’t swim alone. Think you can come over and help me with that?”

Rio bit her lip. “I guess I have some time today. When should I head over?”

“I’m on my way home now. Maybe in about an hour?”

Rio nodded. “I’ll be there. See you soon.” She hung up and tapped Benji against the counter. “Well, let’s fill you up. You’re coming with me.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 16 - POOL date  

Rio had selected her dark green two piece suit to wear over to Agatha's, topping it off with a gray cotton shirt with the sides cut out and a pair of black shorts with brown flip flops. Her hair was back in a french braid with the tail that barely came past her shoulders, little wisps of hair escaped out the sides as if they had been pulled strategically by a stylist. 

Rio wasn’t sure what she needed so she brought a tote bag with Benji and a beach towel. She rang the doorbell and received a text message.

You can come in. I’m in the kitchen.

Rio’s fingers lightly grasped the door before she took a breath and let herself in. She had already been let in past the gate and gotten a text, Agatha knew she was here, she wondered if Ralph did or if he was in for a big surprise when he ran into her. 

Rio closed the door and locked up as she ventured back towards the kitchen. So far there was no sign of Ralph. She walked through the kitchen door and found Agatha trying to strong arm a bottle of champagne. Rio snorted.

“Did you need help?” Blue eyes didn’t look up.

“I can open a bottle of alcohol myself.” Agatha pulled once more and groaned in frustration. “Fine, you handle it.” She walked over to Rio and placed it into her hands as she wandered back to the fridge. “I’m starving. Fruit?”

Rio set her bag down on an island chair as she started to fiddle with the alcohol bottle. “Please.”

Agatha moved to prep the food when Rio heard a bop and had secured the cork firmly in one hand, proud of herself that she hadn't broken anything in Agatha’s kitchen. “Done!” She handed the cork over to the brunette across the kitchen counter as blue eyes rolled but took it from her hand.

“Nicely done.”

Rio bowed. “Thank you.”

Agatha grabbed the bowl of fruit and two glasses. “Bring that out with you.” She turned and went through the sliding door, leaving it open for Rio. As brown eyes were met with the sun she saw the most gorgeous backyard she had ever seen in her life. The foliage was lush and there were trees and grass and a gigantic pool that was part of the patio just off the kitchen. White tiles spanned a space larger than her entire apartment. 

“Woah. This is nice.”

Agatha set her items down on a pool table between two sunning beds with large blue cushions. “Thanks, I really took my time designing the yard, figured I needed a place to escape all the hustle of LA.” Her hands landed on her hips as she looked around. “The fruit trees drop a bit too often for my liking, but I let the gardener take about half everytime it fruits so that helps.”

Rio’s eyes darted between the fruits trees and Agatha and the brunette lead her over to them , pull Rio’s forearm. “Here, give me some free labor and choose something from the trees.”

Rio’s eyes tried to reign in her excitement she had never been fruit picking before. She gravitated to a peach trees her fingers gliding over the soft outsides of the fruit. “How do you know when they're ready?

Agatha brushed by Rio’s shoulder as she extended her hand. She pinched her thumb and forefinger lightly at a few. “It needs a little give… unless you like them hard.” She winked and Rio blushed.” Agatha’s eyes trailing back to a fruit she had just tried. “Pick that one.” She pointed and Rio tried to pull it off then panicked about breaking the tree and pouted at Agatha, blue eyes alight with Agatha’s enjoyment. 

She took Rio’s hands gently in hers and helped her twist the fruit free. The tree brach snapping back to its previous position. Rio’s face lit up as she pressed on the skin, her one finger going through the skin a little, the liquid running down her hand. She lifted the peach to Agatha’s face and at first the brunette leaned away “What are you doing?”

Rio shrugged. “Ladies first.” She took a step closer and held the fruit just before Agatha egging her on. Agatha paused as she seemed to contemplate if she was going to take a bite, her hands coming up to steady Rio’s wrist as she took a bite before locking eyes with Rio, a single trail of peach juice dripping down her chin, Rio’s other hand reaching out to wipe it away. 

Agatha smiled. “That’s a really good one. You have to try it.” She pushed the fruit towards Rio and she took a bite, her hand coming up to catch the juice,

“That’s amazing.” 

Agatha smirked. Blue eyes watching Rio’s tongue as it darted out to clear the remnants of juice from her lips. Agatha handed Rio the peach as she picked another and walked slowly back to her chair, leaving Rio’s eyes to follow her before finally deciding she had moved far enough away. 

Rio moved to take up one of the chairs near Agatha, spreading out her towel with a green T-rex for a design. Blue eyes drifted over to take in the towel. 

“Cute.”

Rio blushed. “I like dinosaurs.” She shrugged. “It was a cute design.” She moved to take her clothes off and Agatha sat down on her bench staring off at the water.

Rio tilted her head. “Are we not swimming?”

Agatha seemed startled. “What? Yes.” She cleared her throat and tried not to look at Rio. The younger girl shaking her head. “Is there something wrong with my swimsuit?”

Agatha shook her head quickly as she pulled her own shirt over her head and pushed her shorts from her hips, nearly pushing the swim bottoms down with them. “No…”

Rio moved to reach for Agatha and the woman jumped. Rio taking her hand back. “Sorry.”

Agatha bit her lip. “It’s distracting.”

Rio huffed. “Well, it’s kinda what I needed to wear if we’re going for a swim.”

Blue eyes drifted to the water. Her voice grumbled. “I know that.”

Rio took a step back into her space but didn’t touch her. “Did you want me to put something else on?” Rio wasn’t sure what that would be, but she thought she should ask. Who knew, maybe Ralph had a collection of rash guards she could put on.

Agatha shook her head. “No. You’re fine.” Rio’s eyes took in Agatha’s suit. It was dark purple with the cups twisted once and strapless, the bottoms looked like a gathered loin cloth with very little fabric, and Rio couldn’t help but notice that when Agatha turned, it was a thong. Dear gods have mercy on her soul.

Rio turned toward the pool and dipped a foot in, her mouth opening in shock. “It’s warm!”

Agatha rolled her eyes. “Why would I get in a pool that’s not heated? To torture myself?”

Rio turned and looked at Agatha. “This is deep enough to jump, right?”

Agatha’s brows furrowed but she nodded slowly. “The sides are about 4 feet but where you are standing should be about six…” before she could finish her thought, Rio cannon balled in. Agatha’s shrieks were muffled as the water covered Rio’s ears. When she surfaced she pushed the water droplets from her eyes and Agatha was wet from the waist down. Rio swam back over to the side and crossed her arms over the tiles. “You look good wet.” She winked and Agatha scoffed. “That wasn’t fair.”

Rio held out a hand. “Get in here with me?”

Agatha shook her head. “I don’t like to be pulled in.”

Rio set her hand back down. “I can be good. Just get in next to me?”

Agatha sighed. “Meet me at the stairs. If you pull me in, I’m not talking to you the rest of the day.” She started to walk and Rio dove under water and tried to make it as far as she could before her breath ran out, she was gasping for air when she surfaced. Her eyes took in Agatha as she walked carefully into the pool. Stopping as the water covered her hips. Her face was flushing. She gestured towards her breasts.

“They’re a bit sensitive to the temperature change. It’s why I go slow.” She started to wade in deeper when Rio walked up beside her. 

“I have an idea… trust me?”

Agatha raised an eyebrow but didn’t stop Rio as she grabbed her hips and brought her closer. She leaned in and cupped Agatha’s face and started to kiss her, the brunette melting into her touch as Rio brought them closer. Rio moved one hand to wrap around Agatha’s body and brought them flush against each other, a quiet hiss made it past Agatha’s lips. Rio smiled. “Now, you’re a little more wet, might as well finish the job now. She leaned in and kissed Agatha’s jaw and started to trail kisses down her neck when a pale hand cupped the back of her head. Quiet mewling sounds slipped past Agatha’s defenses.

Rio gave one last kiss to Agatha’s chest, above her heart before she turned and dove back towards the opposite end of the pool. “Come get me!”

Agatha’s mouth was left wide open as Rio flipped onto her back to watch the brunette as she snarled before she did give chase. Rio shouted and turned around to try and outrun her. She made it through the deep end, and could have made it out the other side of the pool but she slowed so Agatha could catch her. Her smile grew when Agatha locked her against the side of the pool with her arms. Rio’s hips pressing into concrete. Her hands down on the tile.

Agatha snorted. “Almost.”

Rio felt her body shiver. “I could have been faster…” Rio’s heart rate sped up, and she was about to egg Agatha on, when movement caught her eye and her body stiffened. Agatha’s hands quickly moved away. Her lips parted to make her apologies for whatever line she had crossed; her eyes also noticed the movement in one particular window. Agatha's jaw clicked.

“What the hell!” She moved from the pool so quickly Rio didn’t have time to grab her. Rio watched as she stormed back into the house.

***

Agatha slammed the door behind her as she made a beeline for Ralph’s section of the house. “What the literal fuck, Bohner!” 

Ralph met her in the living room, not waiting for her to make it to him, perhaps afraid that she would break the door down. “Ags, calm down.”

Agatha advanced and shoved him back. “What is wrong with you?” Agatha’s eyes were blazing.

Ralph tapped at his own chest. “Agatha, I’m a man. I saw two hot women about to get it on in the pool. Of course I looked!”

Agatha snarled. “You don’t fucking look at her!” Her voice boomed and echoed around the space and they both stilled.

Ralph’s voice was calm. “Why would it matter…” He tilted his head as if finally piecing something together. “Oh, you like this one.”

Agatha crossed her arms. “We don’t share.”

Ralph looked off and nodded. “I’m sorry.”

Agatha huffed. “Have Vision and Wanda over if you need to get off. I’m sure she’s more than willing to be fucked by two men…”

Ralph’s eyes widened. “Wait, Wanda… Wanda is on the table now?”

Agatha turned back and grabbed the front of his wife beater. “If you never look at Rio again, the deal’s off.” She looked at him as if she had seen something truly repulsive. “I don’t want to be home when it goes down, you can go to their house.”

Ralph put his hands up in surrender. “Ags, you were about to fuck her in the pool…”

Blue eyes narrowed. “I paid for this house, didn’t I?”

Ralph scoffed. “Well, it’s not like I can move out and still keep up the façade that we are married.”

Agatha moved one hand to fist her hair. “I know! I know…” She bit her lip. “Just… don’t. Not with her.”

Ralph let his hands fall. “Agatha, I know I’m not the brightest, but that girl is not into men. I don’t understand what you’re even worried about.”

Agatha let a small smile tick up the corner of one of her lips. “I don’t need her questioning that, and definitely not with you.” She raised an eyebrow and Ralph smiled.

“Go get your girl. I’ll hang out in the TV room so I’m not tempted.”

Agatha shook her head, her body still buzzing with energy. “I think you should go. Go drop in and see what Vision is up to.” 

Ralph nodded, giving up. “Sure. I’ll… just head out then.” 

Agatha watched him leave and her shoulders dropped. She took her time heading back outside. Worried that Rio would now be dressed and ready to leave, but when she stepped outside, Rio sat waiting for her on her lounger. “Hey.” She stood quickly and moved to Agatha, not waiting for her. Her hands rested lightly on Agatha’s hips and the brunette felt reassured that things weren’t about to go backwards. She tilted her head towards the house. “He’s leaving.”

Rio watched her carefully. “Okay, and are you alright?”

Agatha nodded, biting her lip and taking in Rio in her swimsuit. “I’m fine.”

Rio smirked when she caught her eyes wandering. “Maybe we don’t have sex outside?”

Agatha pouted and Rio stepped closer so that their hips were touching. “I didn’t say we couldn’t do anything outside, but let’s leave that for your bedroom.” Agatha’s eyes darted to Rio’s lips as she tried to keep breathing. Rio’s hand came up to cup her cheek and bring her lips in for a slow chaste kiss, Agatha felt like her body was buzzing.

Rio pulled back slowly and took Agatha’s hand, guiding her over to the chairs and pulling her down onto the same one with her. Rio spread her legs and pulled Agatha to her chest, the brunette leaning back into the warmth. Rio was quiet for a few moments before she spoke. “I need to know what the deal is with Ralph.”

Agatha’s body went limp as she sighed. “It’s a mutually beneficial relationship.” She shrugged. “We were young, we both needed to look straight. For many reasons…”

Rio wrapped her arms around Agatha and placed a kiss on her shoulder. “Alright. What’s the deal with Jen?” 

Agatha snorted. “I told you already…”

Rio bit down lightly on Agatha’s shoulder, and Agatha tried to suppress her groan. “No chance of getting back together?”

Agatha’s eyes fluttered closed as she hummed. “None.”

Rio gripped Agatha tighter. “Anyone else I need to worry about?”

Agatha shook her head. “No.”

Rio laid back and pulled lightly on Agatha until she leaned against her once more. Rio holding her. “That’s good.”

Agatha watched Rio’s hands as they traced her sides. “What about you? Do I need to worry about anyone?” Her voice gave off an air of annoyance, but deep down she was desperate for the answer.

Rio sighed. “I don’t see more than one person at a time. Your jealousy is safe.”

Agatha sat up and turned. “I wasn’t jealous…”

Rio raised an eyebrow. “Oh?” When Agatha didn’t lean back Rio tried again. “So who was she?”

Agatha pulled her legs to her chest. “Who?”

Rio lifted a hand to trace Agatha’s shoulder blades. “The girl who hurt you.” 

Agatha bit her lip. “She doesn’t matter. She got what she wanted from me, you don’t need to worry about her. I’m sure if you do some digging, you’ll figure out who she is.”

Rio had momentarily paused her hands. “Agatha, I don’t have to know, but I would like to know so if I come across her then I can kick her ass.”

Agatha turned to look back over her shoulder. “Oh, you would, would you?”

Rio nodded seriously. “You didn’t deserve to be played with. You’re a person, with real feelings.” She shrugged. “I think we’ve all had that ex that was just… experimenting or playing games.”

Agatha pursed her lips as she nodded. Her own hand coming down to rest on Rio’s thigh. “So… what are we doing?”

Rio looked up and lost her cool. “Oh… well,”

Agatha smirked, she liked when she wasn’t the nervous one, the shade of pink that was gracing Rio’s skin she thought was a good color on her. She turned and crawled up to Rio to straddle her lap. “I’m currently available…”

Rio scoffed. “You’re married.”

Agatha rolled her eyes. “Only legally.” She let her fingers trace Rio’s swimsuit. “This looks beautiful on you.”

Rio's chest quivered. “Thank you.”

***

Agatha leaned in and kissed Rio lightly, thin fingers finding and pressing into her sides as the raven-haired woman mewled into the kiss. She kept it tame. Just slowly tasting Rio’s lips and dipping her tongue into her mouth to test her boundaries. She kissed her for a while, before she leaned back onto her palms on either side of Rio’s legs. 

“So,” She folded Rio’s hair behind her ear. “For Friday…”

Rio deflated against the chair. “Right.” She licked her lips and Agatha beamed. She had an effect on Rio and she loved to see that now firmly in place, her own confidence continuing to build. 

Rio nodded as Agatha continued. “It’s a long day, and I wouldn’t mind the company. Sharon will be there, but you can mostly ignore her. Jen made me hire her when she said we needed healthy boundaries .” She shrugged. 

Rio tilted her head. “Are you sure it won’t be an issue with me following you around to all of these things? Like won’t people get suspicious?”

Agatha rolled her hips and watched as Rio’s eyes narrowed. “Stop that.”

Agatha looked toward the pool. “It’s fine. Let me worry about those things.” She turned her head back and looked Rio up and down. “I really want you to go inside, now. Go up to my room. And wait for me while I make a call.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 17

Rio had been frantic about the bring your hookup to work day for the rest of the week. She repacked twice before her sleepover at Agatha’s and was second guessing if she had forgotten anything in her backpack and duffle as she walked up to the front door. She paused before she rang the doorbell and turned back towards her car. Maybe she should run home and grab a different outfit for tomorrow… though she was painfully aware that she didn’t own much else besides her “work jeans” and her “presentation editor pants”. She heard the door open and she stiffened, unsure if it would be Agatha or Ralph. When she turned she relaxed slightly, Agatha stood there with her brows raised.

“Were you running away?”

Rio blushed. “I just… thought I left something at home.”

Agatha nodded. “Benji?”

Rio snorted. “I would never leave my child behind. I have him in the backpack.” She walked up to Agatha and slid in past her. Agatha locking up. 

“You did give your child to a complete stranger.” Rio pouted and opened her mouth to respond when Agatha cupped her face and kissed her until she didn’t remember anything she had been about to say.

Agatha grabbed her hand. “Let’s go put your stuff in my room.” The brunette led them up the stairs and Rio deposited her things under Agatha’s large bay window. The curtains were drawn and the pool shimmered in the night lights. She heard Agatha return and the woman sighed. 

“Close that, will you?”

Rio did so before turning and cocking an eyebrow at her host. Agatha bit her lip.

“Oh, I wish, but I really do need to get some sleep tonight.” She walked over to Rio and looked her up and down. “Uh, this was a dumb idea. You should spend the night tomorrow night too, that way we can have some fun.”

Rio shook her head. “That sounds serious.” She smirked and Agatha cleared her throat trying to act unaffected.

“Oh, please, Wanda has slept over hundreds of times and it never meant anything.”

Rio’s heart spasmed and she took a step back. “Cool.” She rubbed at her chest and tried to hide her hurt, Agatha clocking it quickly.

“I’m… sorry.” She crossed her arms. “You’re not Wanda. This isn’t… just friends, right?”

Rio pursed her lips. “I don’t know. I told you I don’t date married women, so it would make sense that we aren’t more than friends…” she grumbled at the end of the sentence she tacked on, “with benefits.”

Agatha sat on the end of her bed. “So… here it goes.” She took a breath, but she was sure she didn’t look like she was going to continue breathing. “I don’t plan on leaving Ralph.” She watched Rio’s expression.

Rio stayed standing and crossed her arms. “I didn’t ask you to.”

Agatha’s fingers played with the necklace she was wearing, a crescent moon. She was twisting it so much she did wonder if it might snap. “I want to see you, romantically, but I can’t promise where it will go. Do you… hate me?”

Rio let out a breath and moved to sit a little spaced out from her host. “No, I don’t hate you.”

Agatha nodded, her face falling in presumed defeat. “There’s still time.” She tilted her head towards her bathroom. “Why don’t you get ready? I already did.” She turned to crawl up her bed and pull the sheets back, giving Rio a nice view of her ass in her sleep shorts. She knew it was effective when the dark-haired woman didn’t immediately move to get ready for bed. When she turned around, she saw Rio desperately trying to look away.

“I’ll just… yeah.” She grabbed her things and headed for the bathroom before returning a moment later in bright yellow pikachu shorts and a baby blue t-shirt. When Agatha smiled she muttered. “ Shut up.”

Rio climbed in bed and Agatha set her phone to the side. “Call time is at 4AM. It moved up. We still have time for a long nap if we get started now.” Her eyes looked at Rio hopefully. The woman flopped down and turned away from Agatha.

“Gross. That’s so early.”

Agatha watched Rio breathe for a moment and slowly slid down under the covers, adjusting the lights on her phone to darken the room as she turned to face Rio. Her body was desperately wanting to be closer, but she was finding it hard to ask. She nearly jumped when Rio sighed.

“If you want to cuddle then get over here.”

Agatha shifted closer. “I never said anything about…”

Rio turned onto her back and extended an arm in invitation. “I think I’ve figured out your preferences by now.”

Agatha tutted but slotted herself into Rio’s chest, getting comfortable. “You’re too boney.”

Rio laughed. “Woah, thank you.”

Agatha grumbled as she made a show of trying to get comfortable, forgetting she already was. When she stopped moving she could practically hear Rio smirk in the dark.

“Better?”

Agatha pretended to already be asleep.

***

Rio’s eyes blinked rapidly as someone rubbed her arm. The strong smell of coffee was the first thing her tired mind registered.

“Rio, we need to get up. We’re running late.”

Rio pressed the heel of her palm into her forehead. She was beyond tired. Who the hell was talking to her in her bedroom?

“Rio, we really have to go, at least sit up…”

Rio’s eyes turned towards the woman speaking to her, and she straightened up when Agatha was who she saw. She looked around confused before Agatha filled in the gaps.

“You’re going to work with me today, remember?”

Rio nodded, though she definitely wasn’t sure what was going on. Agatha handed her a paper coffee cup and she started to sip slowly. Her mind was still floaty. She watched as Agatha stood, already dressed. Her hair slightly wavy, her makeup fresh with just a hint of black eyeliner around her eyes and a dark blue sweatsuit donned her body. 

Agatha checked her watch and swept her hair over of her shoulder before she grabbed Rio’s jacket and pants. “Put these on and grab your things.”

Rio tilted her head. No idea why she would need her bags, couldn’t she just get them from Agatha’s house later? But she was far too tired to argue so, on autopilot, she packed herself up and headed downstairs. Her eyes widened when she found Sharon, Agatha’s assistant, in the foyer. Her mind slowly pieced things together from her memory. Agatha had mentioned Sharon would be there today. She was too tired to do anything but stare at the woman, and apparently that made Sharon avoid her eye contact like the plague. She smirked, she was enjoying this little game. 

Agatha came down the stairs, grabbing Rio’s coffee and taking a sip while she frowned before handing it back. “Alright, let’s go.”

Sharon got the door and Agatha grabbed Rio’s hand to lead her to the car, a darkened SUV that came equipped with a man that took her things and placed them in the trunk. 

Sharon got in the front while Agatha got Rio’s door and ushered her into the back. Rio cuddled her coffee to her chest when she felt Agatha’s hand land on her thigh while she talked to Sharon, Rio’s dark eyes growing comically large. Agatha sure wasn’t keeping this quiet. She wasn’t really picking up what was said and before long she leaned against the car’s window, assuming someone would wake her up when she got to their first destination.

Rio jumped as a car door slammed. She whipped her head around and saw a line of cars, and heard the hum of flying planes. Her eyes saw movement and turned to her side of the door before it was yanked open, Agatha’s tense face staring back at her. “We need to go.”

Rio unbuckled herself quickly as Agatha placed a hand on her back, leading her towards the doors, Sharon already pushing a cart with all of their… suitcases? Rio continued to walk but her mind was starting to panic. Why were they at an airport? She turned to ask Agatha what was going on when they arrived at the concierge desk for some business class.

Sharon launched into checking in and Agatha stood ideally by, her hand rubbing at Rio’s back. The girl shook her head as she leaned towards Agatha’s ear. “Care to explain?”

Agatha shook her head. “Not really, no.”

Rio groaned. “Agatha… this isn’t what we talked about…”

Agatha removed her hand. “You agreed to the itinerary and accompany me… I just… failed to mention that our day was going to start off with a trip to New York.”

Rio pinched at her nose, feeling a headache coming on. “What?” She hissed out the accusation.

Agatha took her ideas and Rio’s back from Sharon. “It’s really not that big of a deal…”

Rio felt as Agatha took her wrist and pulled her forward as they followed Sharon. The blond turned to give them each a pair of dark glasses for after security .

Rio followed Agatha through, offering up her ID, one that Agatha or Sharon must have pulled from her wallet, and removed her shoes before stepping through the scanner. She was tying her shoes when Agatha appeared at her side. “Sharon’s going ahead to make sure everything is ready. Did you want to hang out in the lounge or go straight to the gate?”

Rio shrugged. “I need another coffee.” Agatha took the sunglasses that were in her hands and placed them gently on Rio’s face before bringing her own down to cover her eyes. “I’ll go grab you another. Sorry, they always throw them out, you had most of it though.” 

Rio looked around the sleepy people at the airport and noticed that despite it being an odd place to wear sunglasses, perhaps given the early hour, no one paid them any attention. Agatha slipped into a coffee line and ordered for her and Sharon before turning to Rio indicating she should order. Rio ordered three donuts and a large coffee. Agatha paid and they moved on to their gate. Sharon already acquired seats for all of them. Agatha slid into her seat and passed Sharon her drink, the woman gushing with too much gratitude. 

Rio sipped her warm drink and felt like she was about to fall asleep again. Agatha must have been watching.

“You can sleep on the plane. It’s almost time to board.” Agatha’s hand reached out and rubbed at her leg. Rio’s eyes darted to Sharon who definitely fought her face making any kind of expression, and she just ended up looking constipated.

Rio leaned towards Agatha in her seat, it was still too early to be able to find conversation, so she just continued existing. Before long they were loaded onto a plane and Rio was knocked out against the wall in first class.

***

Agatha looked around before she curled up on her side. At least these seats were more cushioned than economy. She was going to need a nap with everything she had planned for today. She looked to the side at her companion. Rio was knocked out. She smiled, at least she hadn’t told her to fuck off before she continued sleeping. She hoped Rio would enjoy their little trip, even though it would be short. She had been booked a hotel for the next two nights and she really hoped Rio would stay the whole time – though she had planned ahead and gotten her an escape ticket for the evening should she wish to return home. 

Agatha checked her phone with the inflight wifi and saw she had a message from Jen she rolled her eyes. She had cleared Rio’s travel and itinerary with Jen ahead of time. Swearing her to secrecy had been a hard sell, but when it worked in Rio’s favor, how could her publicist say no?

She opened the message and smirked. 

Jen: She kill you yet?

Agatha looked over at a sleeping Rio before directing her attention back to her phone.

Agatha: She’s out cold. Told you she would be fine.

Agatha watched as Jen continued to type.

Jen: I would have killed you with no warning. Remember Greece?

Agatha laughed before her eyes widened and she stifled her laughter. 

Agatha: It was cute that all you remembered to pack was lingerie… I enjoyed myself.

Agatha thought back on the time fondly. Her and Jen had plenty of good times, she just wished she would have figured out for herself sooner that all they were, were friends. She wondered if Jen would be open to that in the future. 

Agatha was momentarily distracted from her conversation as Rio grumbled and readjusted, this time instead of the wall she settled onto Agatha’s shoulder before she started lightly snoring. Agatha felt her heart hammering in her chest, it was just sleeping, it was innocent and it wasn’t like there was anything they could do on the plane, not comfortably. 

Jen: You asked me to pack a bag in the middle of the night, I wasn’t thinking clearly. Did you remember to take the bag we packed for her?

Agatha rolled her eyes. 

Agatha: Yes, Jen, your horrible fashion advice will be followed.

She could practically hear Jen scoff.

Jen: Agatha. I dressed her in black per YOUR request. Nothing in there is offensive. Trust me, you’ll like it :P 

Agatha blushed and rolled her eyes. She was going to find a smart remark when Sharon appeared at her side, buzzing with nervous energy. Agatha had to take a breath through her nose before addressing her. “Yes?”

Sharon nodded. “So Maya left instructions to change in the bathroom once we get to La Guardia…” Her eyes held sympathy and Agatha frowned.

“She knew I was bringing Rio…” She spoke as if she was having her breath stolen. Maybe there was plenty that could go wrong with this trip. She sighed and rubbed at her forehead. “Sharon… I didn’t bring…”

Sharon pointed to a small rolly bag under her seat. “I did.”

Agatha’s gaze narrowed. “And what about Rio?”

Sharon looked embarrassed now and Agatha huffed. “What am I supposed to tell Jennifer? That you all simply forgot that her talent was going on this trip and was going to be seen with me and that I didn’t have the,” her voice dropped lower, “Fucking foresight to double check if we were doing a fucking TMZ run?”

Rio stirred awake at her tone and Agatha waved Sharon off. “Just go.” She rubbed at her face. This was a disaster. Rio leaned away and rubbed at her face.

“What time is it?” Her eyes could barely open and Agatha was sure she felt her heart stop.

“It’s still early. Perhaps you should get some more rest…”

Rio’s brows furrowed. “You’re not sleeping.”

Agatha sighed. “Yeah… I have too much on my mind.”

Rio’s hand reached out and grabbed her arm, her fingers running lightly along the back of her hand. “Tell me.” Her yawn at the end indicated that though she needed more sleep she was willing to push through to comfort Agatha.

The brunette swallowed. “So, there’s planned paparazzi at arrivals.” She felt sick. “I… I didn’t know.”

Rio leaned her head back against the seat rest. “Alright. What do you normally do when this happens?”

Agatha’s hand reached for her bag, Rio grabbing her hand. “Talk to me a little longer, if you still need it, I’ll get it for you.”

Agatha leaned her head back and closed her eyes. “Well, I change and get a little more put together for one.” When Rio didn’t respond she opened one eye to see her reaction, there wasn’t much.

“Okay, do you have something to wear?” Rio said.

Agatha nodded slowly. “I do, but I didn’t… I didn’t plan for you… Well, I didn’t plan for me either, I just found out…”

Rio nodded. “It’s fine.” She shrugged. “No one knows who I am.”

Agatha shook her head. “Your image matters. You have a movie coming out.”

Rio tapped her arm. “Agatha, we’re just starting filming in a week. It’s not that serious.”

Agatha chewed at her lip until Rio’s finger drew her attention with a touch to the soft pink skin, Agatha’s hand following the sensation. 

“Be careful.” Rio smiled gently when Agatha’s teeth released her lip.

Agatha shook her head. “I won’t change. It will be fine…”

Rio sighed. “Agatha…”

The brunette rubbed at her face. “Fuck, I am so tired.”

Rio scooted closer. She patted her shoulder. “Lay down.”

Agatha eyed her suspiciously. “There’s no way I’ll be able to sleep like that…”

Rio shrugged. “Just give it a go.”

Agatha leaned on the center counsel and slowly set her head against Rio’s shoulder, slumping grumpily to the side. Her skin prickled when Rio laughed quietly. “I’ll help you sleep in the car.” 

Agatha tried to close her eyes.

***

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 18

Agatha had touched up her makeup and Rio had adjusted her hair in the bathroom into loose waves, refreshed with a bit of water. After they both donned sunglasses they were ready. They passed the photographers in a rush. Agatha’s hand grabbing Rio’s to pull her along, before they swiftly were met by a car. This one had a bench back seat and Agatha breathed a sigh of relief as she got comfortable. She laid down, her upper body in Rio’s lap with gentle fingers lightly brushing through her hair. She could feel Sharon’s disapproving gaze but for the minute she didn’t care.

She dozed on and off until they got to their hotel. They were running late so they barely had time to change their clothes and Agatha resorted to light glam until they made it to the first studio interview. She leaned heavily against Rio as the car neared the venue. Agatha took a few deep breaths before she sat up and rolled her shoulders. She turned to Rio and smiled. 

“I’m going to stop and take a few photos with some fans, sign a few things. You can go ahead with Sharon.”

Rio nodded and looked up and smiled at the blond woman.

Agatha went first. The car door opened for her and her smile lit up her face. There were so many people for a late morning interview. She waved enthusiastically. Her eyes wide as she took in all of the fans. She took a few photos on the carpet before she walked over to the people straining against a small fence.

“Hey guys!” She leaned over and took a photo with a few people, there were a few posters of herself shoved into her face. She signed them as quickly as she could. A photo placed in front of her gave her pause and she froze. It was a nude and one she had for sure never taken. Her eyes didn’t leave the image and she wasn’t aware of how long she stood there for, but she had heard the other people around starting to yell at the person who had shoved the image in her face. Her hands were eased away as someone grabbed her waist and pulled her away. She turned and apologized to the people still waiting as she was guided into the building. Only then did she turn to thank whoever had grabbed her. Her eyes landed on caramelized brown.

Rio was breathing hard. “You… okay?”

Agatha nodded numbly. “Yes.” She closed her eyes. “That wasn’t one I’d seen before.” She huffed out a humorless laugh.

Rio shook her head. “That was dumb. Why would someone even do that?”

Agatha shrugged. “Because if I signed it it’s worth something.” She rubbed at her forehead. “Fuck, I almost did too… Maya would have a field day.”

Rio rubbed at her back and she let her eyes flutter open. “I’m fine.” She felt as Benji was pressed into her hands. “Drink.”

Agatha smiled as she did as she was told. Her eyes noticed Sharon returning with their contact.

“Mrs. Harkness, great to see you! Let’s get you into hair and makeup. How was the drive in?”

They swept in, cutting Rio’s hold on her off. Her eyes unwillingly looked for her. Rio’s kind eyes rolled as she waved her off, following close behind. Agatha redirected her attention to their new companion. “I’m not sure, it’s way too early, my time.”

The man laughed as he led the group through several doors, finally arriving in a room with two people who waved. Agatha sat down promptly and greeted both, learning their names before collapsing and letting them work.

***

Rio watched with her arms crossed, observing everything that was going on. Sharon hovered with her nervous energy near her shoulder, “Miss Vidal?”

Rio turned her head. “Yes?”

Sharon cleared her throat. “We… should go over Maya’s instructions for the… companion appearances.”

Rio frowned. “Okay.” She glanced towards Agatha who was most definitely nodding off as her makeup was done. She turned her attention back to Sharon. “This is all new to me, I just want to know she’s taken care of.”

Sharon pulled on her purse strap. “Mrs. Harkness is a bit… careless with her… friends.” She looked at Rio apologetically. “Ideally, you should be… invisible… blend into the background.”

Rio blushed, her understanding clear. “I’m not awake yet, sorry. I’ll… be more careful.” She crossed her arms and watched as a coffee was placed in Agatha’s hands. Her makeup was now complete, and her hair half done. Rio frowned, she had enjoyed it in its natural state, why they had found a need to straighten it was beyond her.

Agatha raised her hand and Sharon moved forward to hand her something, but it didn’t look like Agatha’s panic attack medicine. Rio couldn’t help herself when Agatha’s hair was done, she inched closer. Sharon was busy talking with someone with a clipboard and she took the opportunity to slide in beside her companion. 

Rio looked down at the round pill in Agatha’s hand. “What’s that?”

Agatha smirked. “You didn’t think I did these sober, did you?”

Rio snorted. “Well, I don’t know what I thought you did…”

Agatha threw the pill back and chased it with coffee before sighing. “It’s weed.”

Rio’s brows rose. “Ah, well, I hope you don’t fall asleep.”

Agatha smirked before she winked at Rio. “I’m a pro, sweetheart.”

Rio’s eyes glanced up into the mirror first, checking where Sharon was before her gaze drifted to Agatha. “You look beautiful.” She watched as blue eyes lifted to the mirror and she noticed a light pink dusting Agatha’s nose. 

“Thanks.” The woman opened her mouth to say more but she was quickly rushed off to the sound stage. Rio and Sharon in tow.

Agatha sat down with an interviewer and hair and makeup checked her once more while she was fitted with a mic. The man adjusted it freely, Rio knowing the view he currently had down her shirt and she would have been angry if she hadn’t immediately noticed how tight all of this clothing was. Her hackles lowered. It’s not like Agatha was even hers. Legally… She was Ralph Bohner’s wife. Rio crossed her arms. What did she expect? Agatha to run away with her? To come out for her? She needed to wake up before she did something stupid. This was just a bit of research to aid her study, nothing more. Agatha was just helping her out, as a friend. 

She watched as Agatha threw on the charm and she felt a bit taken aback. She had thought it felt special when her and Agatha were alone, when all of her personality was focused on Rio, but here watching Agatha charm someone else, she wondered if she was even special at all. She found a spot to sit behind the scenes and listened as Agatha continued to speak. She started to zone out when she swore Agatha had said her name. Her head lifted.

“Agatha, did you say, Rio? Who’s that?”

Agatha, to her credit, was unphased. She nodded along as if she had meant to discuss her “friend” this whole time. “Yes, she’s a friend of mine. We're having a bit of a girl’s trip in the city since I’m here for work. Rio is working on her own project that starts filming next week. It’s her first, so I wanted to show her the ropes.” 

The interviewer placed their hand on their heart and looked at the camera. “That’s so sweet of you, you must be an amazing friend.”

Rio bit her cheek as she grumbled internally. Sure , friend . She rubbed at her face as she tried not to shiver as she started to notice it was a bit drafty in the empty space. She wished she wouldn’t have left her hoodie in the car.

When Agatha was done, she came walking off with a smile until she was out of camera shot. Then she pulled off her mic with a sigh. “Welp, I did that .” She smiled when she saw Rio. “Hey, let’s go get some food. Then we have a gap in my schedule today for a nap and I can’t wait to crash for a minute.” Blue eyes took in Rio as she stood. A pale finger pointed at Rio accusingly. “You’re angry.”

Rio rolled her eyes. “I’m not mad.”

Agatha circled Rio’s face in the air with a single finger. “That says otherwise. What happened?”

Sharon started to usher them towards the door. Agatha grabbed on to Rio’s arm before Rio could get away. The brunette’s voice lowered. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring you up and drop your film like that. I… I didn’t spoil anything! How could I? I don’t know anything. It should be good for you, you know? I drew attention to your name, people will start looking you up…”

Rio rolled her eyes. “Cool.”

Agatha shivered and Rio felt it. Her arm left Agatha’s hold to wrap around her and rub at her in an attempt to warm her up. Agatha’s eyes didn’t lift as they made it to the car, getting in without a fuss since the car came around a side door and they slipped away easily. 

The ride to the hotel was quiet. Agatha took their keys from Sharon and practically dragged Rio upstairs, Sharon’s text telling her that she would be by to get them in a couple hours.

Agatha closed the door and engaged all of the locks. 

Rio moved to sit on the bed. “Don’t stress yourself out. I’m just tired. I’m not a morning person.”

Agatha crossed her arms. “I… need to shower.”

Rio’s eyes darted towards the room, a bit confused by the confession. “Okay, then go first.”

Blue eyes looked between the room and Rio. “Did you… want to join me?”

Rio tilted her head. “Just to shower, or…”

Agatha shrugged. “Whichever, but I do need a nap.” She moved to walk into the room and turned the shower on, not bothering to close the door. Rio groaned as she pushed up from the bed to follow the brunette. A trail of clothing leading her to the drawn curtain. 

She took off her own clothes and left them on the floor, before she moved the curtain out of the way, Agatha’s head was tipped back in the water, her hair flat back against her head as she soaked up the warm water. 

Rio took two steps into her and Agatha’s eyes flashed open a smirk lifting one side of her mouth. Rio gently pushed her back against the wall, stealing the water, Agatha’s face pouting. “And I thought you came in here for me.”

Rio snickered. “Oh, you were in here? This water pressure is amazing.”

Agatha splashed Rio in the face and the dark haired girl laughed. “Hey!”

Agatha pouted. “Rude.” Agatha’s hands found Rio’s hips and she squeezed lightly. Her eyes tracing Rio’s body for a moment before dragging up to her face. Her eyes landed on Rio’s plush lips. She leaned forward but paused, as if she was worried she wasn’t allowed to do this. Rio cupped Agatha’s face and leaned in the rest of the way connecting their lips. It was as if that barrier only needed to be broken for Agatha’s confidence to surge. Her fingers quickly found their way into Rio’s hair, tangling in it before pulling firmly back. Rio gasped as Agatha’s lips started to trail her throat.

“I thought you needed sleep?” Rio laughed lightly, her mind floating as Agatha continued to kiss her, her lips sucking at the base of her neck. Rio groaned out loud. “Shit.”

Agatha walked her to the back of the shower where there were almost like steps against the wall. She pushed Rio down and smirked over her. “I selected this hotel for a reason.” She splayed her hands on either side of Rio’s hips as she leaned into her ear. “Spread your legs.”

Rio couldn’t help the pathetic sounds that accompanied the action. Her knees widening at the request alone. Agatha placed her hands on Rio’s thighs as she lowered herself to her knees. Agatha’s hands scratched down the insides of Rio’s legs before she had to lean back on her elbows. Dark eyes watched as Agatha’s hands slid up to spread Rio wider before ducking her head slowly. Rio’s eyes slammed shut as she felt Agatha’s tongue glide up her slip. Her hands threading into Agatha’s hair and holding her in place. Rio ground her hips forward and Agatha ran her nose up to her clit, Rio choking as she tried and failed to keep herself quiet.

More seemed to be the only word she knew now. No other concept or phrase seemed to make sense to her as she let her head fall back as she rolled her hips. Agatha took to tracing patterns into her slick folds as she continued to pant out her pleas.

Rio felt the moment Agatha added two fingers, slowly stretching her out when she widened them. Rio looked up as she gasped, Agatha not even wiping her mouth as she looked up to check that Rio was enjoying herself, as if she couldn’t fully trust her ears. She continued to work her fingers, her eyes lowering to her task as Rio grunted and her head fell back once more. She could die right now and she’d be happy – fuck leaving her mark on the world of research this is what living was about. She felt as Agatha changed the angle and she cried out, her walls started to constrict violently. She was already about to come when Agatha’s voice entered her mind.

“Not yet.”

Rio’s eyes flew open and she struggled to lift her head with Agatha pumping in and out of her at a slow pace. “Are you fucking serious right now?”

Agatha frowned. She leaned back in quickly to connect her lips with Rio’s clit and it didn’t take much suction for Rio to break whatever slight hold she had over her orgasm slamming into her. She screamed as it crashed over her. Her legs twitching hard, she collapsed back on the stairs, not evening caring at the moment about the uncomfortable feeling in her back. She took a few minutes to gather herself before she slowly moved to sit up. Her eyes widening at finding Agatha sitting now. Her eyes startled.

“Was that, okay?” She bit her lip. “I didn’t want to rush it, but… you said you were about to come so I…”

Rio snorted. “Agatha, that was the best head of my life, get up here and kiss me already.”

Agatha’s shoulders relaxed as she climbed up to sit in Rio’s lap before leaning in to connect their lips. Rio groaned loudly at the taste of herself that lingered on Agatha. Rio slipped her hand between them and started to play with Agatha’s clit, the woman struggling to sit still in her lap. She wrapped one arm around Agatha’s waist, as her right pressed two fingers slowly into her. Agatha’s arms came to wrap around her shoulders, Agatha’s face resting against her neck as she panted out Rio’s name. Her hips thrusting forward to try and encourage Rio to go faster. Rio continued her slow pace as Agatha whimpered into her skin. She held her close the moment she went taught before she fell limply against Rio. Her body gave up.

Rio turned and kissed her head. “You okay?”

Agatha nodded lazily but didn’t move. Rio held her close and started to draw small circles on her back. Rio wished they could stay like this forever but she knew there were other events today and that Agatha really needed to rest. She tried to ease Agatha back and at first the brunette gripped her harder. Rio took a moment to hold her once more before she spoke. 

“We need to get you cleaned up. You need to rest.”

Agatha sighed, her voice sounding far away. “I don’t think I can stand.”

Rio smiled, triumphantly. “I won’t let you fall.” She eased her back and helped Agatha stand over her legs, but when her legs were indeed wobbly she shifted their positions and had her sit. She moved around grabbing soap and a washcloth and cleansed Agatha’s body, before starting in on her hair. Agatha’s eyes closed as she lathered the shampoo, her lips releasing little sounds that Rio wasn’t even sure she was aware of. She focused on her task and helped her rinse before she put in some of Agatha’s leave-in conditioner and helped her out of the shower and into a towel, making sure she was seated securely on the bed before she moved to get ready herself. 

When Rio was clean and her hair dried she appeared in her towel looking for their suitcases before she noticed Agatha was on her side snoring. She shook her head. Well her hair was going to dry a bit crazy but she assumed they could fix that with the time they had left. She found what she assumed was her bag and put on a soft black cropped tee before she found matching black underwear. She sat on the bed and saw Agatha’s phone flash. Sharon was letting them know that they had an hour. 

Rio sighed. Agatha needed as much rest as she could get. She took out her own phone and set an alarm for thirty minutes. She wasn’t sure how long it would take to wake Agatha but she assumed that she should give herself some time. 

She moved to a secure note app for her research and after inputting her passcode she started to type up her notes. From the paparazzi at the airport, to Agatha’s agent not keeping her in the loop, to her need for reassurance and physical comfort. She remembered the photo signing and cringed yep, that was gross. Why would someone even feed a photo of Agatha into Ai to get an image like that was beyond her. At a time when actors were trying to protect themselves from the threat of AI it was amazing that people would just freely violate their wishes.

Agatha shivered in her sleep and Rio moved to drape a blanket over her, effectively stilling her movements. She continued her notes and thoughts until her phone sang its alarm at her. She looked over at Agatha the woman had her mouth slightly parted and was so far under that Rio’s alarm hadn’t even registered. Rio silenced it and leaned forward, stroking Agatha’s cheek.

“Agatha.” The woman’s face twitched but she didn’t stir.

Rio tried again, her chest constricting, she wished she could just let her sleep.
“Agatha, you need to get up.” She noticed this time that Agatha curled herself into a ball tighter. Her eyes blinked slowly as she tried to wake up. 

Rio ran her hand through her still damp hair. “Good Morning.”

Agatha’s eyes found Rio’s and they narrowed. “How are you awake already…”

Rio shrugged. “I didn’t go to sleep.”

Agatha pushed herself up quickly, wincing at the muscles she must have been feeling from their shower activities. “Why?”

Rio looked around the room. “You needed to rest, and I didn’t want Sharon to be the one to wake you up the moment you had to go.”

Agatha rubbed at her face. “I’m generally late.”

“Well, that’s not very professional.” She teased. Agatha rolled her eyes.

“When you get as big as me, people generally wait. I try not to be obnoxious about it though.” Her hand covered her mouth as she yawned. Rio moved to adjust her hair, “This will dry alright if you want to leave it down.”

Agatha nodded as she looked about. “I need clothes.” She moved to stand and Rio steadied her hips as she swayed. Agatha’s hands bracing on her wrists for a moment. 

“Not awake yet.” She shook her head slightly before she patted at Rio to let her go and she dropped her towel and continued over to her suitcase, rummaging before she pulled out a lavender suit and a white cotton shirt with a scoop neck and a dark purple thong. She dressed quickly and looked through a hidden side pocket for some golden hoop earrings and a thin gold necklace. When Rio took a closer look it was a crescent moon. 

Agatha took her makeup bag to the bathroom and put on some mascara and some moisturizer and serum before she reappeared. Her hands moved to her pockets. 

Rio stood and put on a pair of jeans and a zip up jacket with the name of one of Agatha’s past projects. She smiled. “You sure it’s okay if I wear this?”

Agatha nodded. “It’s warm. We might be out for a while. Don’t want you to get cold.”

As Agatha collected her things and placed them in her purse they heard a knock. Rio’s eyes lifting to Agatha. “How long are we here for anyway?”

Agatha paused with her back to Rio. “I’m here until tomorrow night. I haven’t decided if I will sleep here or head home.”

Rio tilted her head. “How long am I here for?”

Agatha turned back to her, her arms crossing. “I got you a flight out tonight, just… in case you wanted to leave.” She tensed. “I also have a flight booked for tomorrow.”

Rio smiled. “That was very thoughtful. Thank you.”

Agatha’s eyes lifted. “When would you like to go home?”

Rio shrugged. “I do need to get back for work, but as long as it’s not much later than tomorrow, then I think I can stay till you leave.”

Agatha beamed even as Sharon knocked louder. Rio’s eyes indicated the door. “Don’t want to keep her waiting.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 19

Rio carried her and Agatha’s bags as the brunette was ushered through another set of hair and makeup professionals before being set up in a green room. Agatha checked her phone quietly while Rio tried to stay awake enough to take everything in. She was now wearing jeans and a sweater, Agatha had swung it so she would be in the front row of the taping. Rio knew she should feel grateful, there was no way she would have gotten an opportunity like this with anyone else, but she felt the nagging remnants of her guilt flair her anxiety. Agatha was doing this because she wanted to help, she didn’t know that Rio didn’t really need it.

She looked over at Agatha who was still focused on her device when her own pinged. Her face was flushing red when it was a photo of Agatha in lingerie. 

Benji’s kidnapper: would you wear something like this for me?

Rio’s eyes bugged out as she looked up and Agatha gave no indication that she was doing much of anything on her phone.

Benji’s kidnapper: what about if it was green? Is dark green okay?

Rio wanted to face palm. Sharon was right next to her; it wouldn't take much for the woman to accidentally see their conversation. She tried to adjust herself to the opposite side of her chair.

Rio: Agatha. Is this really the time? She glanced up and saw Agatha pout.

Benji’s Kidnapper: What’s wrong with discussing this now? We’re not doing anything…

Rio sighed. Sharon’s eyes lifted at the sound, before Rio ducked her head down to try and look like she was bored.

Rio: Yes, I would wear that, but don’t buy me anything expensive. She was about to type more when she got a rapid response.

Benji’s Kidnapper: too late.

Rio rolled her eyes. She heard the knock and they all looked up. 

“We need to seat Miss Vidal in the audience if she is still watching the show.”

Rio opened her mouth to protest and Agatha interrupted her. “She’s ready.” She looked at Rio. “Go, I’ll see you after. Have fun.” She winked and Rio stood and followed after the guy. He took her through a side door and handed her a lanyard. “You’ll want to show that to the stage manager to get back into this hallway after the show. Just keep it hidden for now. People get weird when friends and family of the interviews are in the crowd.”

Rio nodded and placed the item in her back pocket. She was shown to a seat and the studio was already full. She sat down and tried to look inconspicuous. She settled in her seat and realized she had left her phone with Agatha. She figured this whole thing would start when it did and tried to entertain herself with people watching. It wasn’t long until the lights dimmed and rose, a timed warning. Everyone quieted down while the host came out on stage. A woman in her mid 40’s that Rio knew she had seen somewhere before, but had forgotten where. 

“Hello, Everyone! We have a very special guest today so when she is announced please give her an extra loud round of applause! We’ll get started in a moment with a bit of music and all that. Just shake it out since we’re going to be here a while. Please no recording or photos or the studio will have to ask you to leave and I want everyone to have a good time. Okay? Let’s have some fun!” 

The room erupted in applause and Rio clapped along, not quite sure what she was doing but feeling the energy. Music began and everyone danced a little before the host dove into her monologue. Near the end, she was practically bouncing as she went to announce her surprise guest.

“You know her and love her from… The Witches Road but I know her and love her as the inanely hot… and rudely married goddess… Agatha Harkness!”

Rio stood with the crowd and cheered, and her world slowed down as Agatha appeared from stage left, waving and smiling. She had to admit, Agatha wasn’t always this excited when she did interviews, but she must have liked this host on a personal level if her grin was anything to go by. 

Rio had to admit, she couldn’t believe that this woman was who she was seeing behind closed doors. After this taping, she was going to go backstage and essentially go home with Agatha. She shook her head as she tried to let that sink in, when Agatha’s blue eyes landed on hers and she felt like electricity had shot through her. Agatha’s face softened before she moved on to wave at the crowd then she hugged the host before finding a seat on the blue couch.

“Agatha! It’s been a minute, how are you, dear?”

Agatha sighed. “It has! We really shouldn’t wait this long again,” She reached out and grabbed the host’s hands. “I missed you.” Rio felt her stomach cramp. Agatha did seem to be a little saddened by the fact that she hadn’t seen this person in a while. Rio wondered how close they actually were, and tried her best not to feel inadequate.

The host indicated Agatha’s outfit. “Let me just say, wow, you are giving today. Don’t we think she looks great, all?” The room cheered and Rio caught Agatha smile wider at the praise. Standing and bowing, being a bit silly before reseating herself and getting comfortable.

“My stylist, she earns her keep. I have to say, if it weren’t for her, I would leave the house in my underwear. I hate deciding what to wear.”

The host smiled and launched into the interview, all standard topics about Agatha’s movie and upcoming projects, a few personal stories were told about their friendship and then the host moved to take audience questions. 

Rio wished she had a watch to see if they were almost done, and was rubbing at her wrist when an old woman stood. Gray wiry hair, dressed in what looked like a very expensive gray suit. Before she even spoke, Rio felt the air shift. The woman was offered the mic but instead, she walked around the production assistant and marched straight for the stage.

Rio’s mind sensed danger. She waited, gripping the arms of her seat, assuming someone was going to intercept the woman on her way to the stage, and it looked like the production assistants were panicking and like no one was about to stop her. Rio was up the moment the woman came within ten feet of Agatha, suddenly appearing at her side and blocking the older woman. The crowd gasped as Agatha stood to meet the woman head on, now safely behind Rio. 

“How long has it been, Agatha?” The woman sneered.

Rio held her hand out, catching the woman barely two feet from the woman she was secretly seeing. 

Agatha’s hand covered her mic. “What the hell are you doing here?” Her voice was quiet. Rio had never heard her lower her voice like this, except when they were alone and Agatha was feeling less than confident. 

Rio felt as her arm was grabbed by a large man, but Agatha quickly had him release her. Her voice was rough. “She’s with me.”

Rio looked at Agatha and blue eyes panicked. Her lips quivering, before she pressed them into a fine line. 

The older woman started shouting. “You ungrateful…” Security started to remove Agatha from the stage. Agatha was ushered away from Rio when Rio remembered her lanyard and ripped it out and showed it to the man trying to stop her at the side door. 

“I came with her!” The man looked at the ID and quickly pulled her into the hall before shutting the door. Agatha was shouting.

“How the fuck did she get in!” Her voice was shrill as she paced back and forth. The interviewer came rushing down the hall past Rio. “Agatha! Are you alright?”

Agatha shook her head, her arm angrily whipping towards the stage. “That… What the hell happened?”

The host shook her head. “I don’t know how she got in here, you know I would never…”

Agatha rubbed at her face. “Fuck. I have… I have to go.” She looked around lost as if she didn’t know how to get out. Sharon appeared out of nowhere and led her to the side. “Daysha, we’ll reconnect about the taping…”

The tall woman shook her head. “Share, we got the full thing, just let her know we’re sorry. We’ll cut the tape before the questions…”

Rio rushed past everyone standing around and got behind Sharon and Agatha. They stood by a side door and Sharon got on her phone talking rapidly to the driver. Rio reached a hand out and touched Agatha’s hand but the woman pulled away. Rio’s brows furrowed. She stood by, watching everything go down, and it didn’t take long for the car to arrive and Agatha to barrel past Sharon and into the waiting vehicle. Sharon talking to the crew before climbing in front and Rio getting in the back before they had a chance to leave her behind. She shut the door and Agatha was balled up into her seat, her head in her knees, shaking. 

Rio looked to the front of the car, no one was watching, no one was paying attention to Agatha. Rio turned her head. “It’s okay… you’re going to be fine. She can’t follow you.”

Agatha shook harder. Rio’s eyes grew wider. “Did you need your meds? Want me to get them from Sharon?”

Agatha coughed and Rio moved to try and find something in case Agatha was sick, luckily nothing much came up when the only thing she found were her own hands. Agatha dry heaved up nothing before her hand covered up her own mouth.

Rio didn’t touch her. She just hovered, helplessly. Hopeful that eventually Agatha would need something from her. As they arrived at the hotel, Agatha looked more and more out of it. Sharon pulled Rio to the side when they exited. “Take her to her room and don’t let her leave.”

Rio nodded as she now wrapped her arm around Agatha’s back. The brunette’s eyes were glued to the floor as they moved through the hotel back to their room.

Agatha’s hands dove into her hair the moment they entered the privacy of their room.

“Fuck…” Her breathing grew even faster.

Rio caught her and held her shoulders. “Agatha… who is she?”

Blue eyes looked up in horror. “My mother.”

Rio’s hands loosened their grip. “Oh… okay… well…”

Agatha ripped herself away. “Not now, Rio. You don’t understand…”

Rio lashed out, frustrated. “Plenty of us have shitty mothers, Agatha, you’re not the only one,” and before she could calm herself down or maybe try and amend what she had shouted at Agatha, the brunette boomed back so loud Rio was surprised her ears weren’t bleeding.

“Did yours try and fucking kill you?” 

Rio’s mouth dropped open. Her voice was quiet now, because she was definitely not prepared for that. “What…”

Agatha took a step back. “I need to get out of here…” She turned around in circles for a moment not knowing where she was. When she went for her bag she started to tear through it. Rio almost caught on a moment too late when she noticed Agatha had dumped her bottle of pills into her hand and went to swallow them.

Rio’s hand shot out and smacked Agatha’s away before it reached its destination, the pills spilling all over the floor. Rio grabbed Agatha as she went to lunge for them.

“No!” Agatha roared as Rio pulled her back.

“Agatha! Stop!”

Agatha tried desperately to throw Rio off of her. 

“Ah!” Agatha screamed. 

Rio had to hold on tighter with the way Agatha clawed at her arms. “Get off of me!” Agatha shouted.

The brunette dug her nails harder into Rio’s arm and the dark haired girl yelped. The sound broke through Agatha’s haze as she froze. Rio quickly turned Agatha and pushed her down onto the bed. 

“Stop!” She held her shoulders down and Agatha didn’t struggle, though her eyes were distant.

Rio was breathing heavily as her head dropped forward. “Fuck, Agatha. That hurt.” Her dark eyes glanced at her arm. It was bleeding, but barely. 

Agatha raised her hands in surrender and Rio let her go, careful to watch to the slightest hint of aggression. Agatha backed up across the bed. Her eyes trained on Rio’s injury. Rio continued to track her movements, noticing that the brunette had gone still.

Agatha heaved air into her lungs. “We… should clean that.” She looked concerned.

Rio looked down at her arm before looking back at Agatha. “Can I trust you to stay put if I leave you alone for a moment?”

Agatha’s mouth opened to lie and when no words came out she shook her head. 

Rio nodded. “I’ll be fine.”

Agatha’s eyes filled with tears, her hand cupping her mouth. “She should have just done it…”

Rio reached for her and this time Agatha didn’t fight her. “I’m… sorry.”

Rio nodded. “It’s okay.” She placed her bleeding arm on Agatha’s hand as she winced. “Fill me in. What’s going on?”

Agatha heaved, “I don’t…” She took another breath and Rio gripped her hand harder. 

“Take your time, we have all the time in the world.”

Agatha gripped Rio’s hand back. “I was… fifteen when she tried to kill me, the last time.”

Rio’s voice was soft trying not to startle her companion. “The last time?”

Agatha nodded, still trying to breathe. “Yea. When she caught me with a girl. She…”

Agatha sighed. “I had tried to kill myself already. I don’t know why she didn’t just let me do it… she told me that god would condemn everyone I knew if I did it myself. But I couldn’t… stop looking at women.” She heaved in another breath. “I didn’t want to.” She shook her head.

“I came home from school the next day. I was contemplating running away. My drama teacher told me I was good and that there were some auditions coming up for pilot season that I should audition for, but I was too scared to go… and… all I remember that day was I had turned my back for a second to grab something in the kitchen and when I turned around I felt the knife.” Her hand pressed against her stomach. “It was horrible…” She crumbled into the fetal position again. She covered her ears.

Rio moved to wrap her in her arms. Not caring if Agatha lashed out again. “Hey, it’s okay. We’re alone.” She smoothed her hair down and held her close. Her mind whirling with this new information. Agatha shook violently.

“I deserved it… I…”

Rio’s voice darkened and Agatha jumped at her tone. “Don’t say that.”

Agatha crossed her wrists over her eyes. Rio’s face crumbled. “Agatha.” 

“I don’t want you to see this. You weren’t supposed to see this.” Agatha whimpered as she tried to pull further into herself. 

Rio stood and engaged all of the locks for the door, her heart hammering. “Look…” before she could continue, she heard a voice shouting down the hall. She felt her blood run cold as she recognized the voice as the woman from earlier.

Agatha’s eyes opened and darted around the room like a terrified animal. Rio thought fast. She ripped through her bags and took out her over the ear headphones, and placed them on Agatha’s head, making sure her ears were covered, and engaged the noise canceling feature. 

Agatha’s pale fingers were shaking as they lifted to touch the device. Her eyes wide as her world went quiet. 

Rio turned and grabbed her phone. Typing a quick message before turning it around.

Trust me?

Agatha bit her lip before she nodded. Rio guided her to the bathroom. Making sure there was nothing dangerous in the room before she settled Agatha in the tub then she got her pillows and blankets. She took the phone and typed another message. 

Don’t take those off until I tell you to. Just get comfortable. You’re safe in here. I won’t let her get you.

Agatha’s fingers took the phone and nodded. Rio jumped when she heard a thud on the door and shouting. Agatha’s eyes watched her and she schooled her features, pointing at the phone. Agatha’s face scrunching in confusion.

Rio typing as Agatha held it loosely. 

Put something on to listen to.

Agatha’s eyes stayed on the phone as she took to her task. Her fingers navigated to an app for shows and movies and played the first thing she found, the show she and Rio had been watching together. 

Rio breathed a sigh of relief. Agatha was calming down. She jolted again as she heard another loud thud and she turned to leave. Blue eyes lifted at the movement and Rio gave the universal motion for stay and Agatha nodded, her eyes going back to the phone. Rio left the door mostly closed and moved closer to the front door.

“You ungrateful, godless whore! I should have killed you the moment you left my body!”

Rio glanced back at the bathroom before she shifted all of Agatha’s things behind the bed and reached for an extra towel in the room before she took her clothes off. Hoping she wasn’t about to do something incredibly studpid, like get murdered. 

“What the fuck is your problem lady!” She roared as she stepped into the hall, the door locking behind her.

The woman before her held the same exact blue eyes as the ones she had just been gazing into, but somehow these held no warmth. “My daughter is staying at this hotel and it’s time she faced god for her sins!”

Rio’s eyes narrowed. “You’re a lunatic! I don't know what you are talking about…”

Evanora took in her fluffy towel and growled. “You’re the latest sinner she’s taking with her to the depths of hell. I saw you at the studio…”

Rio scoffed. “What the hell are you talking about?”

The older woman huffed, hesitating. “You… you’re not here with her?”

Rio’s eyes widened in alarm, she put all of her willpower into believing that she was alone at this hotel and that she had no connection to Agatha in the slightest. “I’m not here with anyone. I was job shadowing today when some insane woman launched at a guest!” She indicated Agatha’s mother. “I don’t know who you are, but I swear to god I will press charges for stalking.”

The woman seemed to ease off. “No… you don’t know what’s going on here, do you?” It was then Rio realized that the woman had her hand in her bag. Rio felt light headed, did she have a fucking gun ? 

“What are you doing anyways?”

The woman growled. “None of your business.” Rio was about to say something incredibly stupid when she saw Sharon down the hall, two cops following her. 

“Her!” A guy and a girl in uniform approached. 

“Mam, you need to come with us.” 

Agatha’s mother snarled.  “I have rights.”

Sharon’s voice went shrill. “There’s a restraining order, Evanora! You know what happened the last time you…”

Agatha’s mother growled as the female cop took her arm and started to escort her away. “This is a mistake! I’ve done nothing wrong, but try to talk to my daughter…” As she was dragged off Rio heard her get even louder. The moment she was gone, Sharon started pacing. 

“Shit, this is bad… very bad.”

Rio stood there becoming more and more aware that she was standing in the hall naked with only a towel on. “The hell just happened?”

Sharon shook her head. “She’s not supposed to know anything about Agatha’s whereabouts… how did this happen…” she was clearly talking to herself. Rio jumped when she looked up and Sharon grabbed her arms. “Where is Agatha? Listen, it’s very important we find her, now.” Her eyes were panicking. 

Rio wasn’t sure why she lied, but she did. “She left.”

Sharon’s body tensed up even more. “Left! Where did she go? I told you…”

Rio shrunk back, “I don’t know. She said she needed air…”

Sharon started to fan at her face. “Fuck, fuck fuck.” Rio motioned towards the door. “Can I get the extra key? I know you have one…” She didn’t want to give away her panic, but she had left a very vulnerable Agatha alone in the room and she was starting to worry about if she had taken the headphones off and what might currently be happening in her absence, and if Agatha was safe.

Sharon huffed as she dragged Rio down the hall, trying and failing to key card into her own room. Rio took the key from her and got it on the first try. Sharon grabbed a key off the desk and slapped it into Rio’s hand. “Get back to the room in case she comes back. I need to call Maya and get ahead of this…” She was already dismissing Rio as she dialed Agatha’s management.

Rio left the room and as the door closed, she leaned back against it. She looked down the hall and her door remained undisturbed. The area was now deathly quiet. She quickly took the necessary steps back to her door and keyed in. Turning to lock up before she looked at the mess surrounding the room. Medicine was still spilled across the floor and the sheets were disturbed from when her and Agatha had wrestled.

She moved to open the bathroom, and breathed a sigh of relief when the door wasn’t locked. Agtha’s eyes lifted when she entered, now looking like there was someone home when they made eye contact.

Agatha watched Rio, her gaze blank. Rio moved to sit down against the tub, feeling like she herself might faint from the adrenaline drop. She leaned her head forward on her knees when she felt Agatha’s hesitant fingers run through her hair. She let go, she felt her body grow heavy and didn’t know when she would be able to move again. 

She tried to focus on her breathing, and the more relaxed her breaths, the mores she became aware of the stinging in her arm. She lifted her head and Agatha sat before her, she turned slowly on instinct to see if she were hallucinating, and if the real Agatha still sat back in the tub. The makeshift bed was now empty. 

Agatha kneeled before her, taking her arm and blotting it gently with a cotton ball. Rio winced and hissed at the sting.

Agatha her eyes apologetic. “I know. I’m sorry, this part’s a bitch." She smiled and opened some ointment and spread it across the scratches, following it up with gauze and tape, wrapping it with a brightly colored pink pre wrap. “That should hold it.” 

Agatha’s eyes watched for Rio’s and it took a moment for the brown eyes to lift.

“Where did you get all of this stuff?”

Agatha shrugged. “I called the front desk. Said I cut myself.”

Rio sighed, leaning back against the tub. “Thanks.”

Agatha nodded. She tapped the headset that now hung around her neck. “How did you know to do this?” Her gaze settled on Rio. 

The brunette shrugged. “I had a little cousin that lived with us growing up. Our parents got into it a lot.”

Agatha wiped at her nose. “I’m sorry.” She snorted. “Guess we aren’t the only ones that had shitty parents, huh?”

Rio smirked, “Well, I don’t think I have anything on yours .”

Agatha shrugged. “Maybe not, doesn’t mean it was easy for you though.”

Rio leaned forward, her fingers lifting Agatha’s shirt, finding the white line she had somehow missed before, her breath leaving her. “Shit.” it was faint, but Agatha’s mother hadn't used a small knife.

Agatha nodded, pushing her shirt back down. “Yeah.”

Rio’s eyes glanced nervously out into the room. “Did you take anything?”

Agatha nodded slowly. “Yes.”

Rio swallowed. “Okay, how many did you take?” Her mind was ready to spiral into a host of tasks to complete for an overdose. 

Agatha lifted one finger into the air. Rio let her head hang forward as the number sunk in. “Thank fucking god.”

Agatha rubbed at Rio’s back, her voice quiet. “I’m sorry.”

Rio let the feeling of Agatha’s touch ground her. “Does this happen a lot?”

Agatha snorted. “My mother appearing after I paid her off? No.”

Rio raised an eyebrow when she lifted her head. “No. Your… uh,” she fumbled for what to call what had happened. “Meltdown.”

Agatha retrieved her hand. “No. Only when it involves her.” She shivered.

Rio felt reassured by that answer. “Okay, that’s good.”

Agatha rubbed at her face. “Shit. I still have to be here tomorrow.” 

Rio’s voice deepened. “You’re not staying. This is insane, you need to get back to California and regroup, away from her.”

Agatha looked on sadly. “Rio… I have obligations…”

Rio pointed towards the door. “Not when your psychotic mother is off her rocker and could kill you!”

Agatha shrank back. “She…” Agatha’s hands found each other. “I grew up in a cult.” Her eyes lifted to check and see Rio’s reaction. “We had money… but…” Agatha’s shoulders folded in clearly embarrassed to be sharing her secrets. 

Rio placed her hand on top of Agatha’s. “Guess marrying a man makes sense now.”

Agatha removed one of her hands from Rio’s hold to wipe at her face. “I thought if I was away from her, that I would be free.” She sniffled. “She’s in my head…always telling me I’m an idiot , that I shouldn’t be here, that I’m evil , that she should have killed me…”

Rio opened her mouth to say something, but her heart cracked the moment Agatha spoke.

“Most days I wish she did it.”

Rio cupped her face. “She’s wrong about you.” Her voice sounded like gravel with all the emotions coursing through her, she hoped Agatha was able to understand her. With the way her eyes closed and she leaned into the touch, Rio figured she had gotten her point across.

Agatha pursed her lips. “When I started… working. I was advised that I keep my… lesbian tendencies… deeply hidden. I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to do anything else, and I love this job. I couldn’t risk it, and Ralph was… so … easy .” She laughed and Rio couldn't help but smile along with her.

Agatha placed her hand on the ground. “It got easier when I told him not to touch me anymore, and that I wasn’t attracted to him. He opened up about how he was bi, actually. He’s… not a terrible person I suppose.” She shrugged. “He just annoys me.”

Rio ran her thumb over Agatha’s cheek. “You don’t have to stay with him.”

Agatha’s eyes lifted, hopeful for the first time that night. “Well, I would need a reason to leave him… there’s no way I would burn everything down just for me.”

Rio sighed. “You deserve to be happy, Agatha, that’s a good enough reason.”

The woman’s eyes fell. “I don’t think that will happen for me.” She bit her lip. “It’s a nice thought though.” Her finger drew at the floor, what looked like random patterns.

Rio took her hand. “We’re heading back tonight.”

Agatha deflated. “Okay.” She wiped her eyes. “I’m not able to function anyway…” She rolled her eyes. “Maybe I’ll go to rehab and get away from everything for a while.”

Rio’s face fell. “Could we not keep you busy between me, Wanda and Jen? Do you need to be locked away?”

Agatha shrugged. “Depends.” She bit at her lip. “Will you really take me home?”

Rio nodded. “Yes, I will take you home.”

***

It had taken a fair bit of calls and pushing, and a bit of yelling on Rio’s part, but it was all worth it when it was seven AM and they were pulling up to Rio’s apartment. Agatha hadn’t wanted to be alone just yet, and Rio felt more comfortable in her own space to watch over her. 

Agatha wandered into Rio’s home, her things discarded by the door. Her arms wrapped around herself while she took in the familiar surroundings. Rio cleaned up as Agatha looked around the space, lightly shifting her things. She found pictures of Rio and Alice and wondered why Rio didn’t have pictures with anyone else. She decided now wasn’t the time to ask. She wandered into Rio’s doorway and watched her pick up.

“You don’t need to do that. I can help tomorrow.” She leaned her head on the doorway. “I’m still exhausted. Will you be mad if I can’t shower yet?”

Rio looked up, shaking her head. “No, I won’t be mad. We can change the sheets tomorrow. Go on get in bed. I’ll be in in a minute.”

Agatha moved to the side she had taken up residence last time and sunk into the mattress. She was away from her mother. She was safe in Rio’s home. She didn’t have to worry about anything for a few days.

Chapter Text

Chapter 20

Agatha opened the bedroom door and yawned before she quietly spoke. “Morning.”

Rio’s eyes lifted and her face broke out into a soft smile. “Hey.”

Agatha’s eyes took in the fact that Rio was cooking and unhelpfully settled on the knife, making her internal dilemma clear when she couldn’t look away.

Dark eyes clouded and as she shifted her weight Agatha took an unconscious step back. Rio’s eyes drifted to her kitchen utensil. “Agatha?”

Blue eyes didn’t shift away but she did try to breathe. Rio wasn’t going to hurt her. She hadn’t had this fear pop up in a long time. She hated sharp objects when they were wielded by others. One time she had almost sent Ralph to the hospital when he hadn't known yet and tried to approach her while holding a knife. They were in the kitchen and he had been cooking, it was totally innocent. He had actually been asking her opinion on the seasoning and had failed to set the knife down. 

She shook her head.

The sound of Rio discarding the knife drew her from her thoughts. Rio stepped away from the counter and put her hands up. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking this morning. I’m not going to hurt you.”

Agatha’s eyes lifted. Her hand moved to press at her scar. “Can you just keep that in there ?” Her voice was quiet and Rio nodded.

“Of course.”

Agatha looked about the room, feeling a bit more confident that she could look away, a little at a time. “Your home is so empty…”

Rio snorted. “If only I could keep my clothes picked up.” She shrugged as she went to move the knife into the dishwasher and moved back to the pan she was using to cook. “I didn’t bring a lot out here when I moved. Figured I didn’t know how long I was staying. Left my new kitten back home with my parents.”

Agatha’s brows furrowed. “You could bring your kitten to my house.”

Rio turned, her eyes wide. Agatha didn’t understand the confusion. “Then it would be closer.”

Rio inclined her head. “Do you even like cats?”

Agatha crossed her arms and shrugged. “I like animals, yes.” She wandered towards Rio’s windows and looked out on the streets that were already bustling with people. Luckily the valley was decently transient and no one would be looking for her there. 

Agatha turned as she heard Rio exit the kitchen, carrying a mug. “Tea?” Rio asked. 

Pale fingers wrapped around the cup as Rio moved to turn the TV on. Agatha’s chest warmed at the fact that Rio must have remembered she liked noise. She moved to sit on the couch when her eyes landed on Dotty on screen, her hands instantly letting go of her mug that she had been about to place on the coffee table. She jolted away at the sound of the ceramic hitting the wood and she frantically tried to use her hands to collect the liquid.

Rio shouted. “Agatha! It’s hot!” 

Before she could register what was going on, Rio had pulled her away from the mess and into the kitchen, her hands quickly shoved under warm water. Rio huffed. “Stay here.” Agatha had assumed she was going to go clean up her mess, but instead, she left the room and returned with a first aid kit. 

Agatha’s eyes turned to the water. “I’m fine.”

Rio shook her head. Taking Agatha’s hands and checking for herself, luckily it didn’t appear like Agatha had sustained serious burns. Rio shook her head, her dark eyes glancing back over at the TV. “I’ll make you another cup.” 

She placed Agatha’s hands back into the water, giving Agatha her orders, “Two minutes,” before she moved to grab another mug and filled it with water and a tea bag. Agatha continued to count down her time as Rio left to clean up the living room, seeming unfazed by the mess. 

Agatha removed her hands when it was time and checked their dexterity. A little sore but the skin appeared to be alright. She moved to pick up her tea then set it back down, as if she wasn’t sure she could be trusted. 

Rio arrived at her side and picked it up. “I got it.” She moved the cup back to Agatha’s previous position and grabbed the remote. “I take it you don’t want to watch something with Dotty? That’s alright, I find her lacking anyway. I don’t know how she lands roles.”

Agatha wandered over before sitting beside Rio. Her face was tight as she contemplated what she should say. In the end, she found that it just poured out of her. “Dotty is Oscar Girl.” She rubbed at her chest. “She’s good at getting what she wants.” She flicked her eyes to Rio before her hands went for the new cup of tea. She was extra careful this time and allowed the cup to sit in her lap.

Rio changed the show quickly. “I’m sorry.”

Agatha lifted the tea to her lips, her eyes closing at the sweet taste, was that strawberry ? She swallowed and let the warm liquid calm her. “You didn’t know. I could have told you.”

Rio remained staring at the screen. She could tell Rio tried not to ask but her curiosity won out. “What did she do?”

Agatha let out a sad huff. Her mind going back, seeing flashes of moments she had hoped she would forget before she tried hard to pull herself together. “What didn’t she do?” She bit her lip. Not sure how much detail she wanted to divulge. She figured maybe just unburdening herself a little would be enough. “She slept with me, my husband, Wanda. She took photos and videos of me… for my silence.”

Rio’s hand reached out and settled on her thigh. “She what?”

Agatha set her tea back down. “It doesn’t matter anymore.” She tried to brush it off but Rio wouldn’t stop. 

Rio shook her head. “Of course it does.” Her eyes, fiery. 

Agatha shifted further back into the couch. “Being angry about it, crying about it, it never changes anything.” She bit at her lip. “I’ve done a lot of therapy. I thought that if I could do everything right, everything that she wanted me to do, then maybe she wouldn’t leave.”

Rio sighed. “Some people just suck.”

Agatha nodded her eyes darting up to Rio’s face. “Yeah. Not you though.” She leaned into Rio. 

Rio’s head dipped, kissing her hair. “Oh, I’m sure there are times when I suck.”

Agatha rolled her eyes. “I doubt that.” She laid her head on Rio’s shoulder. “Don’t become someone else. I like you just the way you are.”

Rio felt her eyes burn as she fought back tears. “I’ll try.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 21

Rio took a long drink of her bottle of wine. She didn’t normally drink and had to dust this particular bottle off but she was needing to relax and she had run out of weed, so alcohol it was. It was the middle of the night so it wasn’t like she could go for a run. She sat against her cabinets in her kitchen. They were recording tomorrow. She felt her chest tighten. Agatha… things were getting too complicated, too deep. She pressed against her temples as she tried to rationalize everything. The study wasn’t about Agatha. None of it was directly connected to her… except her proximity to Rio would blow up her involvement in Rio’s research.

She took another sip before she got up and put on her headphones and started to blast a song on repeat with base. She needed to feel something other than her own feelings. She started to sway as she felt her phone in her hand buzz. Her eyes looked sadly at the message. It was from Agatha. 

She looked away from her phone as if she could avoid what was happening. She was hit with a sick feeling in her stomach, she knew how Agatha felt about being ignored. She could pretend to be asleep… but she would much rather be there if Agatha needed her. She blew out a breath as she clicked on the message, her hand nearly dropping her phone as she saw Agatha sitting on the end of her bed, using a full length mirror to take a photo of the outfit she had on. The bra was a size too small, making her chest look a lot larger than it was. The dark purple lace looked like it was so fragile that if she so much as ran her fingers across it that it would tear. Her eyes traced the path from the top down to the barely there thong. A thin see through robe hung off of Agatha’s shoulder’s, her blue eyes were hard to see as the Agatha in the photo intently stared at her camera to capture the image.

Rio’s breath shuttered. Fuck. She didn’t deserve to be gifted something like this. She sat down on her bed, leaning against her headboard. Her eyes swept over the photo again and again. Another image came through and she didn’t want to look away from the one she had. She saved it. She navigated back to her messages and saw Agatha’s face better as the woman had approached her mirror now, the image was from her belly button up. Her eyes were wide as she bit her lip. Rio felt her hips roll. She hated herself. 

Another image and this time Rio felt a tear slip down her face. Agatha’s eyes had disappeared again as her eyes watched her hand as it dipped into her underwear. Rio coughed on her next breath. She let her fingers start to type a message. 

Rio: damn. I wish I was there. 

Agatha didn’t respond right away. Rio wondered if she was enjoying herself. Maybe getting off on the fact that Rio had seen the photos. Rio sighed. Her mood continued to fall. Agatha deserved someone to love and protect her and not be researching her like some exotic animal. Rio angrily swiped at the wetness on her face and scratched herself, growling out in frustration. She needed to sleep. She wasn’t mentally okay. Just as she went to shut down her phone, she received one more image. 

Agatha sat on her carpet in front of her mirror, her legs under her to one side. Her robe pooled around her. Her outfit was now gone and only her pale skin was left glowing in the low light. Her eyes looked down, her hand without the phone trailing down her chest. 

Rio started sobbing. 

***

Agatha adjusted the thin lace covering her body. She had darkened her makeup to hide any signs of her upset. She wanted Rio to enjoy these. She knew that if she did, it would make her feel better. 

She had been panicking since she left Rio’s. Her mother always ruined everything. She… she herself always ruined everything. She ran her hands through her hair. She shouldn’t have told Rio things. Who wanted to be with some crazy person that grew up in a cult? Rio didn’t even know it all, and Agatha hoped she never would.

She looked at herself. She had gotten the green outfit for Rio, and this one for herself to surprise her the next time they had a sleepover at Agatha’s, but she couldn’t wait for that day to arrive, she needed to use it now. 

She didn’t know why, but she couldn’t lose Rio. She wanted her more than she had ever wanted anything. She felt her veins pulse. The last time she had done something like this had been because Dotty had asked. Rio hadn’t, and maybe, that’s why she wanted to give her something so intimate, so dangerously personal. 

She looked at herself and knew Maya, and even Jen, would try and stop her if they knew. Dotty had photos and videos of her… ones that would make her want to jump off a cliff if they ever made it to the masses. She felt sick, had she really trusted Dotty… or had she wanted to hurt herself? She felt her trauma crushing her. She turned away from her bathroom and grabbed her phone as she approached the new floor length mirror as she sat on her bed. 

She watched herself trace what she was wearing. She looked pretty, even she could tell that she did. She opened her phone and instead of using her camera app, she did it in the chat with Rio, that way she would have less control. She snapped the first photo. Her eyes darkened as she sent the photo and saw it was seen. She felt her body heat up. Rio was watching her.

She stood and approached the mirror, lifting her camera, she bit her lip. Her finger snapped the photo. Her finger hitting send rapidly. She felt her body taking over her mind as she let her hand trail down her body and dip into her panties, sighing as she felt how wet she was, her finger clicking the photo on its own, and sending on autopilot. 

Agatha’s mind drifted back as her phone chimed with a new message.

Rio: damn. I wish I was there. 

Agatha wasn’t sure when it happened, but she had taken off her lingerie and placed her see through robe lightly on her shoulders. As she moved to sit, it slid off. She watched it flutter around her, her hand going to her heart. Wondering if Rio could love her…her hand trailing down as she felt her hope waning. She snapped the photo and set her phone down. Her hand came up to cover her mouth as she sobbed. She didn’t know if these would ever be enough to distract Rio from everything, and deep down she knew they wouldn’t be. 

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 22

Agatha laid on her floor, staring at the ceiling after she had run out of tears. It was nearly 5AM when she felt a call coming in. She turned and lifted her head, her eyes widening when it was Rio’s name on the screen. She picked up the call.

“Hello?” Her voice was rough, and she cringed at not hiding it better. She heard someone crying. She closed her eyes to focus on what she was hearing. “Rio?”

She heard a whimper. “I’m drunk.”

Agatha sighed, smiling at how Rio truly sounded a mess. “Okay… that’s fine.” She let her hand scratch at her scalp in an effort to self soothe. “I’m still here.” She heard Rio let out a long breath.

“Why did you send me those photos?”

Agatha released her hair and dug her fingers into her shag carpet. “Because I wanted you to have them…” She heard Rio sigh.

“You shouldn’t.”

Agatha found that she couldn’t find the energy to panic. “I wanted to.” She heard Rio grumble.

“Well, I should send you some so we're even.” 

Agatha heard Rio shuffling around and she couldn’t help but feel a little better. “You don’t need to do that.” She heard Rio grunting.

“Why are these things so hard to put on…”

Agatha snorted. “I don’t know that you should attempt something complicated right now. Why don’t you have some water, a snack, and go to sleep. You can wear something nice for me this weekend and we can call it good.”

Rio was quiet for a moment. “I’m not going to be like her. You’ll have something of mine too.”

Agatha played with a section of hair that had fallen into her face. “I don’t think…” before she could finish her thought a photo came through. Rio was standing in front of her bathroom mirror with a top she had definitely not put on correctly, and a matching pair of underwear. Agatha couldn’t help how her chest vibrated as she tried not to laugh. “Oh, Rio, you’re so cute.”

She could practically hear her frown. “Not hot?”

Agatha rolled her eyes. “Yes, that too.”

Rio blew out a raspberry. “Why are you so far away right now?”

Agatha laid on her stomach on her rug as she propped her phone up against her mirror and she started a video call. Rio answered it and immediately dropped her phone. 

“Fuck.”

Agatha placed her chin in her palm. “Would you be careful? I would like to see you again.”

Rio set her phone on her nightstand and tried to adjust her top and fell over, Agatha shaking her head. “Rio?”

The girl pushed her hair out of her face. “Yep?”

She wanted to reach through her phone and brush the stray hairs away from her face. “Can you please go get some water?”

Rio nodded, she went to get off the bed when she paused. “Wait, but you’re not in the kitchen…”

Agatha sighed, offering up further instruction. “Then take me with you.”

Rio licked her lips. “Ah, right.” The phone was lifted, and a moment later, repositioned on Rio’s counter as Agatha was given a great view or Rio’s ass while she bent over to get some water and pour it in her glass. Agatha had to admit, Rio in her underwear, in the kitchen, was doing it for her. She had ideas and wished they were in the same location. 

“I’m glad you called.” Agatha let her thoughts tumble out. “I was having a rough night.”

Rio stopped chuggin her water. “Why?”

Agatha shrugged but when Rio’s gaze didn’t waver, she tried to open up. “I felt like our trip didn’t go well. It was… intense.”

Rio leaned in against the counter, her arms pressing her boobs forward, clearly was not done on purpose and seemed more like an accident. Yet, Agatha’s face started to heat up. 

“I don’t mind.” Rio offered.

Agatha’s fingers played with the pieces of her carpet. “I did.” Her mind trying to stay on of the gutter.

Rio tilted her head. “I really like you.”

Agatha lifted her chin. “Yeah?”

Rio nodded. “I don’t know if that’s a good thing. Do you… like nerds?”

Agatha rolled her eyes. “I guess you could say I do think there’s something intriguing about them.” Agatha mulled something over. “Do you miss it? The nerd stuff?”

Rio took a long sip of her water and Agatha nodded. “You do.” She rubbed her neck. “Have you thought of going back?”

Rio shrugged. “I like what I’m doing. I don’t know if I fit in here, though. I honestly, probably, shouldn’t be here.”

Agatha snorted. “Rio, please. Half of the people in this town are idiots, and the other half, they’re psychopaths. You shouldn’t aspire to fit in.”

“Which half are you?” 

Rio caught her off guard with the question, she thought about it. “Maybe a bit of both, if I’m being honest.”

Rio set her water down. “I wish… you…” her voice trailed off and Agatha hung on what was left unsaid. 

She was so invested she was about ready to bargain to get the rest of what had been on the tip of Rio’s tongue to spill forward, but the girl did it herself.

“I wish you were mine.”

No one spoke after that. Eventually the call died, no one was sure whose phone had died first.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 23

Agatha jumped back from her phone as Jennifer Kale screamed down the line. “The hell is wrong with you, Harkness!”

Agatha moved around Ralph as she walked outside to the backyard. “Jen, I have no idea what you are talking about…” She heard Jen’s rabid cry, 

“Check the fucking timeline, Agatha! You’re sick!”

Agatha took her phone away from her face as she opened the internet and searched her own name. About ten articles from decent sources were sprawling across the top of the page. 

Actress Rio Vidal’s Sexual Harassment Allegations.

Agatha’s eyes widened. “The fuck.”

Jen laughed. “I knew you and Maya would do something like this. What the hell is wrong with you?”

Agatha closed her eyes. “Jen, you know I wouldn’t do something like this…”

“It doesn’t matter what I think, does it? Rio is crushed.”

Agatha swallowed the bile that started up her throat. “Rio… has seen these?”

“Yes, Agatha.”

Agatha nodded. “I need to talk to her… I didn’t do this.”

Jen snarled. “It’s your fucking name on record, Agatha!”

She felt her vision go. “No. No, Jen, listen,”

“I thought you maybe you weren’t off the rails, that maybe fucking Maya Mason couldn’t twist you into something you never were, but I’ve had it, Agatha.”

She shook, her eyes lifting to the sun beams reflecting off of her pool. “Jen! Just stop. I didn’t, I would never do this. I… I’ll talk to Maya, I’ll release a statement. Rio’s never done anything but be respectful…”

She heard Jen hang up and she cursed. She immediately tried to call Rio but her call went to voicemail. She shook her head. She called Maya next.

“Mason.”

“Maya, it’s Agatha.” She heard Maya shift things around her desk.

“What is it that you need?”

Agatha took a breath. “Was this you?” She hoped it wasn’t, that would make this easier. Maya’s slow response was telling.

“Was what me?”

Agatha dug her nails into her arm, “The articles on Rio.” She felt her head spinning. 

Maya sighed. “I told you I would get ahead of this.”

Agatha shouted. “I told you not to!”

Maya kept her cool. “You have no idea what this woman was about to do to you. I don’t have the full story yet, but it’s not good, Agatha. She’s up to something, and it was going to blow up in your face. I saved your ass!”

Agatha scoffed. “I’m dating her! We’re together! How the hell would she be doing any of the things you claimed she did to me, if it was fucking consentual!”  

Maya snorted. “You’re fucking her? Still?”

Agatha slapped her thigh. “Yes, I am.”

Maya muttered. “Jesus fucking Crist.”

Agatha pinched her nose. “Maya, you’re fired.” She heard the woman ignore her.

“Fuck, Agatha, it’s not that big of a deal. We can spin this…”

“The only way we are going to fucking spin this, is when I fucking claim you did everything you said Rio did to me. I was high plenty of times. I don't know what you did with me in your office… Get a fucking lawyer! ”

Maya’s tone was sharp. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Agatha snarled. “Fix this, or I will.”

She hung up. Ralph poked his head outside. “Ags?”

She turned, her face falling. “I can’t…” She walked up to him and lifted her hands in surrender. “We’re getting a divorce.”

His face dropped. “What?”

Agatha shrugged. “It’s time. I just… can’t do this anymore.”

Ralph moved outside. “Agatha, I have that project coming up…”

She moved around him. “And you’ll be fine without me.” She continued into the house as he trailed her. “Agatha!”

She turned, “This never worked, Ralph!”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 24

Rio sat with her head in Alice’s lap, on her couch, while Jen typed on her laptop. She refused to eat, and Alice was growing concerned that she was no longer drinking either.

Jen looked up and made eye contact with Alice as she shook her head. Rio had been out running errands when the news broke and somehow suddenly everyone knew who she was. 

She had been in a pharmacy picking up her meds when the woman behind the counter gave her a nasty look before shoving her medication at her. She had taken it in stride, probably just someone having a bad, not worth going and getting them in trouble. But when half of the people she ran into seemed to be taking their “bad day” out on her, she started to get suspicious. 

It was when she had gotten coffee and was walking back to her car that someone threw their, luckily iced, coffee at her as she gasped in shock. They screamed at her about how disgusting she was. At that point, Rio got in her car and had searched her own name, and she wished she hadn’t.

The images of her and Agatha in New York cropped up at the same time as the allocations. Claiming Rio had stalked Agatha, that she had attacked her at the studio and then the hotel. 

She felt the tears come again. She tipped her face into Alice’s leg to sob. A steady hand rubbing at her back.

Jen typed for a few more minutes when she suddenly stopped. Alice taking notice. “What’s going on?”

Jen’s eyes grew large. “Agatha is trending.”

Rio lifted her head a little, she wanted to hope it was the woman finding her own karma, but at the same time, she couldn’t help the fact that she was worried about her. She couldn’t understand how the woman she knew had done this to her and why. She cleared her throat. “Is she okay?”

Jen’s hand covered her mouth. Rio sat up all the way. “Jen, Is she hurt? Jen!” Rio scrambled for her phone, that she had previously turned off, when Jen turned to face her. 

“She’s leaving Ralph.”

Rio dropped her phone and it tumbled across the floor. “What?”

Jen nodded. “She… posted it on her social media.”

Rio scrambled to turn on her phone. The thing did it’s annoying little song before her phone blew up with notifications. Mostly calls and texts from Agatha herself. Rio navigated to the messages and saw the flurry of texts.

Benji’s kidnapper: Rio please pick up.

Benji’s kidnapper: I need to talk to you.

Benji’s kidnapper: I’m leaving him. Please talk to me.

Rio moved into her bedroom before anyone could stop her. She locked the door and tried to ignore Alice calling out for her as she escaped into her bathroom and flipped on her fan.

“Pick up….” She paced wildly in the small space. She groaned when she got Agatha’s voicemail.

She returned to her text messages. 

Rio: Have you gone completely insane?!

She saw it was read and she huffed as she typed quickly.

Rio: Agatha, pick up your fucking phone!

Benji’s Kidnapper: A little busy at the moment….

Rio: Agatha! You tell people I assaulted you and then you pull a stunt about leaving your husband? Pick up the damn phone! You’re psycho!

She saw that it was read and was about to call again when she received a message.

Benji’s kidnapper: I won’t be able to hear you over Ralph screaming. I want to talk to you… please just wait for me. I’m sorry.

Rio sat down on the toilet seat. Agatha had been serious. This wasn’t a stunt, she was planning on leaving him. Oh shit . Did Ralph drop that story about her? She put her head in her hands. She needed to breathe. Why couldn’t she breathe?

Her bedroom door slammed open. “Rio!” Alice had broken through the first barrier. Rio tried to center herself as she moved to open the bathroom door. Alice grabbed her and held her tight. “Don’t scare us like that!”

Rio heaved out a sigh. “I just… needed to call her.”

Jen appeared behind Alice. “Did you get her?”

Rio shook her head. “No, but she texted. She said Ralph is currently screaming at her.”

Jen crossed her arms. “I’m not surprised. They have an arrangement and this was sudden. I can't imagine he’s happy, he’s probably going to pull something.”

Rio shook her head and she leaned back out of Alice’s hold. “Jen, why would she do all of this now?”

Jen shifted uncomfortably. “I’m just as confused as you are. None of this makes sense… unless… are you sure she knows nothing about the study? She didn’t see anything when she stayed over here?”

Rio shook her head. “She hasn’t said anything.”

Jen nodded. “Alright. She must not know, but something is definitely going on. If Agatha didn’t know, her publicist sure as hell did. I’ll get to the bottom of this.” Jen let her shoulders sag. “She wanted to talk to you, when I called to yell at her.” Jen leaned her back against the wall. 

Rio’s phone chimed and she quickly opened her messages. Agatha had reappeared. 

Benji’s Kidnapper: Are you home? I need to see you. please.

Rio looked between Jen and Alice. “She wants to come over. What should I do?”

***

Jen and Alice had moved to Alice’s apartment across the hall, and Rio had waited a while on her own, but when she felt like the walls were going to close in on her she headed over to Alice’s. She let herself in and got an eyeful of Alice with her tongue down Jen’s throat.

“Gross.”

Alice jumped off of Jen and the taller woman glared at Rio. “Girl, knock.”

Rio snorted. Jen waved her off. “Alright, alright. You’re having a rough night, we’ll let it slide. Heard anything yet?”

Rio turned and collapsed in a recliner. “No! She hasn’t even read my message.” Rio held her phone above her head. “I’m so fucked. My whole career, I’ll never find any sort of job again with those allegations…”

“Plenty of congress people have those and still get paid a fuck ton of money to do… something?” Alice offered unhelpfully. 

Rio rolled her eyes. “I’m not holding my breath.”

Jen leaned forward on her knees. “If she really didn’t do this… she can release a statement. Say she had nothing to do with those articles and that it’s simply a witch hunt, she could also mention… her involvement with you.”

Rio let her arm with her phone drop to her side. “Yeah sure, when hell freezes over. She told me she wasn’t coming out.”

Jen raised an eyebrow. “She also said she would never leave Ralph, and look at her now… actually… the day she came to my office she did kind of mention the idea.”

Rio pressed up on her elbows. “What?”

Jen nodded as she tapped her fingers. “She came in asking for my advice.” She pointed at Rio, “About you. I asked if she would be willing to leave Ralph and she said… she would consider it.” Jen pointed at Rio again excitedly as if something finally clicked. “Oh my god, she’s in love with you!”

Rio laughed. “She is not.” She looked at Jen as if she had lost it. 

Jen raised her hands up. “Not to toot my own horn, but I give fantastic head, and Agatha never even considered coming out for me.”

Rio flopped back down. “She’s not coming out. Maybe Ralph really just pissed her off that badly, she could totally just be single… and still straight. ”

Jen and Alice exchanged a look. “Yeah, dude, Jen’s got a point…”

Rio smirked. “About her fantastic head game?”

Alice blushed as she threw a pillow at Rio. “Don’t be a dick. About Agatha.”

Rio rolled over and pressed her face into the back cushion of the chair and groaned. “Why did it have to be her? ”

Jen snorted. “I don’t know what to tell you. In fact, I did warn you, but the coochie wants what the coochie wants.”

Rio glared. “It’s her stupid sad blue eyes. They’re evil.”

Jen smiled as her phone went off. “She’s here. She’s panic texting me. Maybe go put her out of her misery and see what she has to say?”

Rio sat up properly in the chair and stared at the front door. “I don’t know if I’m ready for this.”

Alice stood up. “If it sucks, you come back over and we get fucked up.”

Rio stood stretching. “You guys just want me to leave so you can bang it out.”

Jen nodded. “You got it.”

Rio laughed. “Fine, but I’m totally coming back over if she breaks my heart again.”

Jen nodded and Alice walked her to the door, opening it as they both stared at Agatha’s back. The woman was awkwardly standing at Rio’s door. She must have heard Alice’s door open, because she spoke without turning around. “She knows I’m coming, Alice.”

Alice whistled. “Damn, even learned my name and everything.”

Agatha turned around to respond, a scowl on her face, when her jaw dropped at seeing Rio. “Oh…” she pocketed her phone, her eyes looking between them before she looked back toward the stairs. Her eyes falling back on Rio, her hand rubbing at her stomach, drawing her own conclusions. Rio stepped out into the hall. “I’ll see you later, Alice.” The woman narrowed her gaze at Agatha before shutting her door.

Agatha stood silently by as Rio unlocked her apartment. Agatha didn’t move to enter when Rio held the door open. Blue eyes darted back across the hall. “What was that?”

Rio swept her arm wide. “Would you like to actually come in?”

Agatha huffed as she took two steps inside and paused. “The story broke today, might I add, how long has this thing been going on with Alice ?” Her tone gave away her distaste and Rio moved to the kitchen to get something to eat. Her hands went to grab a knife but before she could pick it up, she quickly withdrew and shut the drawer.

Agatha’s blue eyes watching her. 

Rio shook her head. “Sorry, I’ll grab something else. I’m starving.”

Agatha sat at the kitchen island while Rio moved about. 

“Well, you’re here.” Rio offered up.

Agatha looked exhausted when Rio took a moment to glance her way for more than a few seconds. “You look like shit.”

Agatha sighed. “Thanks.”

Rio handed Agatha a couple bags of fruit snacks and the woman opened them quickly. “Thank you.”

Rio nodded as she leaned across the counter. “So when did the unwanted touching occur?” Her voice held a bit of a sharp edge to it. 

Agatha’s fingers stilled. “You know none of that was true.”

Rio nodded. “Well, I had hoped not. Too bad the rest of the world thinks I’m an ass hole now.”

Blue eyes lifted. “You have to know I didn’t write that…”

Rio pulled back to her full height, not making any attempt to cover up her hurt. “Do I?”

Agatha crossed her arms. “It was Maya, she said she found out some things about you, and she wanted to get ahead of it. I told her she’s fired, but who knows if she listened to me.”

Rio’s eyebrows hit her hairline. “So how do you plan on fixing this if it was your agent?”

Agatha nodded. “‘I’ve been working on that. So, Maya wasn’t moving fast enough so I took matters into my own hands. I figured why just make a statement denying the rumors, when I could… come out… in a relationship, with you.”

Rio’s hands gripped the table. “What?”

Agatha started to lay it out. “Think about it. If I’m publicly going through a divorce and then I can mention how this article was a misunderstanding, because we are actually seeing each other, then this all goes away.” She smiled as if she had figured it all out. 

Rio’s face fell. “Agatha, this is crazy. Don’t leave Ralph for me.”

Agatha’s body tensed. “Why? It’s done…”

Rio rubbed at her face. “We’re not even together…”

Agatha countered, hurt coloring her tone. “Aren’t we?”

Rio tapped her fingers on the counter. “I don’t date married women… I told you that. It’s… casual.”

Agatha bit her cheek. “We’re separated.”

Rio let her head hang forward as she tried to contemplate the implications this could have on her study when Agatha cleared her throat. “I could post an update now… honestly we should probably get Jen’s help with drafting the response. I know it’s late, so I could just…”

Rio pointed at the front door. “Jen’s across the hall.”

Agatha stood. “I can go ask her…” Rio moved around the table and caught her arm. 

“Don’t. Just… slow down.”

Agatha took a step back. “The last time we talked… on the phone, you said… that you wanted me to be yours… I’m right here. You can have me, just like you wanted.” She pointed at her chest.

Rio crossed her arms. “So you can make me the homewrecker?”

Agatha scoffed. “What home? That wasn’t a marriage, it was all a lie.” Agatha's words trailed off and she let her fingers trace her purse. “Do you want me to go?”

Rio shrugged. “Is it even safe for you to go home right now?”

Agatha shook her head as if the thought hadn’t occurred to her yet. “I don’t know. I can’t imagine Ralph would do anything…”

Rio turned and moved to her room to start stripping her bed. Agatha followed, confused. “What are you doing?”

Rio grunted as she wrestled with her sheets. “Changing these, I assume you’re staying. People lose it sometimes when shit hits the fan, and I would rather not have to worry about you when I want to sleep tonight.” 

Agatha inched closer. “Shouldn’t I go ahead and post something?” She lifted up her phone. “Get your name cleared and all of that?”

Rio rolled her eyes. “What’s one more day? Jen can help us in the morning.”

Agatha sat down on the floor with her back against Rio’s dresser. Watching Rio as she kept busy. “Are we together?” Agatha’s voice was so full of hope but Rio didn’t want to make any promises, not before she had thought everything through, hell Agatha still didn’t know about the study. 

Rio ripped a pillowcase off of a pillow. “I don’t know, Agatha. I need to rest.”

Agatha stood and finished making the bed when Rio had set sheets down. When she finished she didn’t invite herself in, she just stood by with her arms crossed, waiting for instructions. 

Rio pressed at her forehead. “Did you want to shower? I have extra towels in there.” She nodded at the bathroom but Agatha shook her head, remaining silent.

Rio took in the distance between them on opposite sides of the bed. “I’ll take the couch.” She turned to go and Agatha grabbed her. “What? Why?” 

Agatha took a step back angrily. “I didn’t do anything!” She pressed her palm to her forehead. “I didn’t do this, this isn’t my fault.” Her voice grew louder with each statement. 

Rio winced at the volume. “Agatha… it’s been a long day for me.”

Agatha’s eyes glared at Rio. “So I deserve to be punished?”

Dark eyes looked up hurt. “Even if those words weren’t yours, they hurt, Agatha.” Rio’s eyes burned. “I’ve never been accused of forcing anyone before. It’s a new feeling.”

Agatha’s nails bit into her skin and the little indents were turning white. “I would never say something like that about you… I,” Her voice trailed off. “Can’t believe you think I would.” Blue eyes were glossy in the lighting. “I want this. I called my lawyer, the paperwork is getting signed tomorrow on my end. I’m leaving him, for you.”

Rio scoffed, her heart clenching, making it hard to breathe. “I didn’t ask you to.”

Agatha bit her lip. “Do you even want me? Was that a lie? What did you mean when you said you wished I was yours, because I think I might have gotten confused somewhere…”

Rio rolled her eyes. How stupid could Agatha be? Of course she wanted her, how could she not? Rio just was so overwhelmed she couldn’t wrap her head around anything that had happened that day. Her reputation was trash and the woman she was in love with was burning down her life for her. This was all going to end so badly.

Rio grumbled. “You’re not confused. ” She stomped back over to the bed and got in on the side she had slept on when Agatha had been in her bed. She huffed. “There. I’m here, now shut up and go to sleep. I’m tired.”

Rio tried to pretend she didn’t care but her ears were on high alert waiting for Agatha to move to the bed. It took far too long and Rio almost got up again to drag her, but she finally heard the floor creak. She heard Agatha set her bag down and turn off the light, walking quietly back over to the bed before Rio felt it dip and felt a hesitant hand wrap around her waist. Rio stiffened and Agatha moved to back off, Rio hand shot out and grabbed her arm to hold her in place.

Agatha settled back in, her face pressing to the back of Rio’s neck. Rio’s breathing was shallow as she felt Agatha squirm. “Agatha, stop moving.” She felt the other woman instantly still and she felt bad with how the other woman had seemed to stop breathing.

Rio rolled away and watched as Agatha drew her hands under her head, shutting down. Rio adjusted onto her back. “Come here.”

Agatha didn’t move until Rio reached an arm out. “I was uncomfortable. I’m fine now, come back.”

Agatha moved slowly into her, her head laying on her shoulder as she draped an arm over her waist. Rio wrapping and arm around her shoulders, squeezing. “I do want you. Give me time, everything is complicated.” She felt Agatha sag against her and she closed her eyes and fell asleep to the steady beating of Agatha’s heart.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 25

Rio was cutting up fruit on a cutting board, hoping to finish before Agatha woke up when she heard her door creak open. The brunette stepped out into the living space with one of Rio’s hoodie’s on and the dark-eyed woman couldn’t help the pride she felt at Agatha being in her clothes and clearly comfortable enough to take them.

Rio continued what she was working on, staying in the kitchen as she had promised with the knife, when she felt Agatha run her hand down her arm. She heard Agatha’s sharp intake of breath as she pressed herself to Rio’s back, her lips coming to kiss Rio’s neck. “Morning.”

Rio stilled her cutting job and turned her head to meet Agatha’s gaze. Her eyes located the sharp object.

Agatha tried to smile but failed, “Well, do you plan on stabbing me with that?”

Rio’s face scrunched up. “Of course not!”

Agatha nodded. “Then I’m fine.” She turned her back and Rio couldn’t believe the amount of trust Agatha was displaying. This had been when her mother had hurt her, when she had her back turned for only a moment before turning back around. The moment wasn’t lost on Rio. Agatha opened the fridge and took out a bottle of orange juice as she looked for a cup. Rio moving back to her task. Letting Agatha do what she needed to do. 

Rio couldn’t help herself as she wondered about the attack Agatha had survived. “What did you do after you were stabbed?”

Agatha didn’t pause, she poured a second glass of juice as she moved to put the bottle away. “I don’t remember much, but I know I ran. Out into traffic actually. Someone took me to the hospital, luckily I still had my mother’s insurance and I got stitched up.”

Agatha took a sip of her juice before she continued. “Apparently, I must have reacted the moment I saw the knife because it didn’t go very deep, missed anything vital, though… it did take out an ovary.” She shrugged as she took a sip of her drink. “When I got out of the hospital, I crashed on my teacher's couch and went to auditions.” She shrugged. “He liked hand jobs.”

Rio’s face fell but before she could say anything, Agatha waved her off. “It was better than sleeping with him, he didn’t require that.” She patted at Rio’s face. “I booked work quickly and I wasn't there long. My mother signed off on the condo near work when I showed her the contract and promised to go to church and not look at another woman again.” She let her fingers tap on the glass. 

“The moment I got my big break, I cut her out. Got a restraining order, the whole ordeal.” She leaned against the counter. “The cult was one of those twisted Christian ones where women are for breeding and the whole, women are subservient to men thing .” She shrugged. “I never believed in it. But clearly it still fucked with my head.”

Rio put some fruit in a bowel and handed it to Agatha, the woman plopping a strawberry in her mouth. “Do I get your story now? I shared mine.”

Rio blew out a breath. “My parents are doctors. They didn’t understand my need for… feelings growing up. I was so interested in the concept of the human mind that I couldn’t get myself to study anything else. I went for my doctorate eventually, but as you can imagine… that’s not the kind of doctor they were hoping for.” 

She shrugged. “I’m a huge disappointment. Gay, an academic, no children,” She sighed. “I escaped their displeasure for me growing up by watching movies, tv, any media I could get my hands on. Over time, and with puberty, I … discovered women. More so how I felt about them. I had my first crush on an actress and started to follow everything she did, and watched every interview. It was just a crush, but the more content I consumed, the more I felt like I could actually see her. She was… so sad.” Rio blew out a breath. “I wished I could help her, then over time, I saw the pattern repeated with others. I followed it. It led me to… my study.”

Agatha leaned her hands on the counter. “Wow. That’s…” Her mouth opened and closed. “Isn’t it masochistic to be obsessed with pain?”

Rio smiled sadly. “I didn’t say I was normal .”

Agatha looked at Rio thoughtfully. “Maybe you do belong here.”

Rio shrugged. “Who knows.” She looked around the room. “Have you ever gotten death threats?”

Agatha’s face fell. “Of course. Have you?”

Rio nodded. “Yeah, yesterday. It’s how I found out actually. Not that I blame them, if I had thought I hurt you like that, I would probably tell me to kill myself too.”

Agatha ran her hand through her hair. “You haven’t done anything wrong. Everything you’ve done, I wanted you to do…”

Rio sighed. “The photos didn’t help.”

Agatha’s head tilted. “Photos?”

“There were photos of us from our trip. It did look like I was… controlling you, for lack of a better term.” Rio’s shoulders drew in. “I don’t know, I wondered if I had messed up somewhere.”

Agatha shook her head. “Rio, stop. I feel completely safe with you. None of that… bull shit is real.” The brunette quickly pulled her into a hug. “We are going to wake up Jen and get her to write a statement. I’ll film something if I have to. I’ll fix this.” She leaned back holding Rio’s face. “Okay?”

Rio nodded, her eyes started to pool. “Yeah,”

Agatha released her and went for the door. Rio calling out. “Where are you going?”

Agatha paused as she held the door open. “To get Jen?”

Rio snorted. “She’s going to kill you, I’m sure her and Alice were up late.”

“What’s new?”

***

Jen sat on Rio’s couch sipping a freshly made coffee courtesy of Rio. “Agatha, tell me everything.”

The brunette turned to Rio before she looked back. “Maya said she found out some information about Rio, and that she needed to act and get ahead of it, to protect my career. I don’t know what she found.” Agatha blew out a breath. 

Jen nodded, not giving anything away. “Alright, and why did you spur-of-the-moment, decide to publicize that you are planning to leave your husband last night?”

Rio just about fell over when she heard Agatha’s response. “To get Rio’s attention.” Dark eyes shot to cerulean blue. Agatha looked taken aback by the looks in the room. “What? I assumed after seeing those articles there was no way she was going to hear me out, so I figured I had to do something big. I thought… that if Rio heard I was leaving Ralph, then she would know I was serious about us, and that I couldn’t have possibly done this…”

Jen’s face held firm while Rio’s broke. “What!”

Agatha rolled her eyes. “Please, would either of you have listened to me if I simply said I didn’t do it? No.” She sat back in her chair. “Ralph is fucking livid by the way.”

Jen leaned forward in her seat. “Okay, so you want to clear up the rumors, that they are false. Are you actually leaving Ralph?”

Agatha nodded. “Yes, and I have to go in and sign the paperwork today.”

Jen nodded. “And what is your relationship with Rio?”

Agatha looked for Rio’s eyes but the raven-haired girl wouldn’t look at her. “I… want to be public with her.”

Rio stood from where she was sitting at the counter. “Well, I don’t.”

The room went silent. Rio falling into a spiral. “What if I don’t want all the press and attention this will cause? There’s the homewrecker allegations and then there’s the stalking and online hate and, and… it’s a lot and I don’t know if I want all of that.” Her words were rapid fire and she was scared to see Agatha’s reaction when she looked up.

Blue eyes fell to the floor as Agatha’s mouth opened slightly. Her hands found her thighs. “I… I’m sorry. I didn’t… think about all of that.” Her fingers pressed into her skin. “I thought…” She shook her head. She looked at Jen. “I suppose… she’s my… friend,” it sounded like it physically pained her to say the phrase.

Jen’s eyes looked like they held thinly concealed sadness when she looked at Agatha. “Ags… it doesn’t mean she’ll always feel that way…”

Agatha nodded as she adjusted her hair. “I’m fine.”

Rio wasn’t, she was having a panic attack. Agatha looked at Rio like she might fall apart. “Are we… anything… privately?” Her eyes were wide and pleading. Begging Rio not to take back anything she had said to her.

Rio was panicking. They couldn’t be anything, not until she could tell Agatha that the study was still on, that the study was a documentary, and that their time together had aided in the direction of the work… but she also didn’t want to crush Agatha. She had so many people abandon her, use her, and give up on her and here she was trying to be brave just to have a chance at something with Rio. Rio felt faint. “In Private. Yes.”

Agatha looked relieved. “Okay. I can handle that.” She smiled with tears in her eyes. Agatha looked at Jen. “What do I need to do?”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 26 - RALPH AND MAYA

Maya tapped angrily at her computer. No one was ever grateful for her quick and efficient work. Agatha had no idea what was coming, and now she wasn’t going to hear it from her. She had somehow survived her firing and talked Agatha around in circles but that didn’t mean that they were good.

She glanced up as her assistant opened the door hesitantly. “Maya, Mr. Bohner is here to see you?”

She raised her chin. “Thank you, Darla.” The tall gangly man with bleach blond surfer hair wandered into her room. “Hey, Maya.” His face was drawn and he looked exhausted.

Maya stood and gave him a hug. “Hey, Ralph, let’s sit.” She moved him over to the couch. “Tell me baby, what happened?”

Ralph laid his arm across the back of the couch between them. “She’s leaving me, and I don’t know what to do. We had an arrangement. We stay together for the press bumps. I don’t know why she has to do this right now, when I have things going for me. It’s like, she forgets everything I’ve ever done for her. I’m my own person, Maya, I have needs, and she just doesn’t care about how this will look for me…” He placed his head in his hand. “It totally sucks, bro.”

Maya patted his arm. “It does fricken suck. But you know what doesn’t? Karma, baby.” She pulled her legs up beside her on the couch. “Listen to this tea. I heard from my sources that that chick, Rio….”

Ralph slowly caught on that Maya didn’t remember her last name. “Vidal?”

Maya fought her eye roll. “Yes, that one. She’s not an actor at all, she’s a researcher, and she’s doing a major undercover story on the industry.”

Ralph sat up. “Okay… I guess that’s cool, right?” He looked to Maya for her approval and her face fell.

“No, it’s not cool, man, very fucking uncool.” She closed her eyes as her hand splayed in the air in front of her. “She’s going to take Agatha down with her. Them being connected, it’ll be obvious that Agatha is a large part of what Rio studied, and she’s going to realize that the woman she’s in love with, has been playing her the whole time.”

Ralph tilted his head like a curious dog. “She’s in love with Rio?”

Maya rolled her eyes but plastered a smile on her face. “Yes, Ralph. Why else would she blow up her public facing marriage, and try and fire me at a time like this?”

Ralph shrugged. “I don’t know, that’s what I have you for.”

Maya nodded. God she hated how dumb some of her talent was. “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m here for. Basically, I need you to lay low, play the sad husband card. You got dumped by your lesbian, soon to be, ex wife. This will really be useful in your upcoming press. Sympathy works well.”

Ralph grinned. “Wait, this will actually help me?”

Maya nodded. “Yes, just don’t do anything stupid. Let her ruin everything herself. Just… stay out of the way. And let it all fall down.”

Ralph nodded. “Yeah, I can totally do that.”

Maya reached out to hold his hand, faking a proud smile. “I believe in you.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 27

Rio looked at her notes before the next take. The production value of this documentary was high. Jen had gotten a few of her clients to sign on as legitimate interviews and she was really enjoying the conversations. She got to test her theories in real time and she was thriving on the research. 

Her phone dinged and she shifted her gaze. She couldn’t help feeling giddy when she saw Agatha’s name, her secret girlfriend’s name.

Benji’s Kidnapper: baby, I miss you. 

Rio took a walk away from the set and went to stretch her legs and get some fresh air.

Rio: You saw me this morning.

The response was rapid.

Benji’s Kidnapper: So you don’t miss me? 🙁

Rio figured she could take a small break before she had to get back to it. She wandered around the parking lot as she tapped call . It only rang once.

“I thought you didn’t miss me?” She heard Agatha’s self satisfied smirk down the line.

Rio bit her lip. “Agatha, you know I’m working.”

She heard her girlfriend’s dramatic sigh, “And if it weren’t super secret, I could come see you.”

Rio stopped walking. “I do miss you.” She looked around. “Don’t you have a photo shoot today?”

Agatha tapped away on her computer. “Yes, I’m leaving soon. Did you see the article drop?”

Rio shook her head. “No… I didn’t, but thank you.” Her voice was sincere as she felt relieved that people could finally move on and leave her alone. 

Agatha’s voice turned distracted. “I’ll post a video later… maybe with you.”

Rio rolled her eyes. “Won’t that seem like I’m controlling you?”

“Oh, Rio, this is my circus, let mama handle it.”

Rio blushed. “Sure. Will I see you tonight?”

Agatha sighed. “Considering my soon to be ex husband still refuses to give up his key, yes, I won’t be staying here overnight.”

Rio snorted. “He still can’t figure out how you are getting in to the house?”

Agatha seemed awfully proud of herself. “Nope!”

Rio shook her head at her woman’s antics. “Just stay safe. I gotta get back.” She heard Agatha pause. 

“I’ll see you tonight, hon.”

“See you!” The call hung up and Rio rolled her eyes. She could tell Agatha wanted to say the three letter word but was holding off, probably for the best. She could say it when Rio’s project was all over, if she even wanted to anymore. 

Rio walked back towards the set and she froze. Dotty stood by the door she had come out of.

“Hey…” Rio lifted a hand and gave a fake smile. 

Dotty tilted her head. “Are you the assistant?”

Rio snorted. “No.” She took in what Dotty was wearing and leaned her arm against the wall making a split decision. “I’m the producer… doll.” She was one of them it wasn’t an outright lie, she looked her up and down and smirked. “Damn, hot stuff, you get all dressed up for me?”

She watched as Dotty’s eyes widened in delight. “Well… I mean, I had heard there were standards to keep up on this project.”

Rio whistled. “Why don’t you come on in… we should… get together sometime.”

Dotty licked her lips. “Definitely.”

***

Rio flirted with Dotty until she saw Jen arrive on set. She quickly made a beeline for her, directing her into an empty room and shutting the door. “What the fuck is Dotty doing here?”

Jen smoothed out her suit. “Rio! What has gotten into you? She’s here for an interview…”

Rio gave her a look and Jen tensed. “I didn’t call for her. Maya… sent her.” 

“Why would Maya…”

Jen raised her hand. “I don’t know, Rio. But isn’t this good for you? She’s one more interview going on record, does it matter why she’s doing it?”

Rio crossed her arms. “You know what she did to Agatha. And what if she or Maya tell Agatha.”

Jen nodded. “Yes, I do, Rio, I am well aware. When we… broke up, Dotty pounced. Agatha wouldn’t listen to me and at the end of the day it wasn’t my job to protect her from herself, but I tried.” She flicked her hand to the side. “And if they tell her they do at this point. We can’t keep it from her forever.” 

Rio’s face was set in a scowl. “I don’t want her here.”

Jen pinched her nose. “Just get the tapes, we don’t have to use them…”

It was like a switch flipped for Rio. “Fine.” She turned and stormed out of the room. She would get the interview… and then she would get the tapes .

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 28

Rio entered Dotty’s house wearing a long black coat. 

“It’s nearly in the fifties, I swear it gets too cold here at night.” She stepped inside and the blond handed her a bottle of champagne. 

“LA has always been cold at night, always pregame, sweetheart.” She sipped her own and looked Rio up and down. “So, do I get to see what's under that, or…”

Rio bit her tongue as she took in Dotty’s short dress. “If you take that off and show me what I’m working with, then perhaps.” She downed her drink and Dotty finished hers before setting it on the table beside Rio without breaking eye contact until the last possible second she turned around and swept her hair over her shoulder. “Take it off for me?”

Rio finished her drink and also discarded it on the entrance table. Her fingers undoing the zipper of Dotty’s black cocktail dress. “Ooh eager, are we?”

Rio undid her jacket and let it fall to the floor. Her racy black teddy and fishnet stockings on full display. “I’m always eager.” 

Dotty giggled, “Damn and to think, Agatha had you all to herself.” Rio’s brow rose and Dotty shrugged. “I looked you up, I know a thing or two about Agatha myself, if you’ve been spending time with her… well, I know what that looks like. Too bad she’s a total slut for the smallest bit of attention. I like women who are more… powerful, like me.” She looked Rio up and down. “You clean up nice.”

Rio reached forward and grabbed her throat, snarling. “I like sluts that get on their knees.”

She pushed her back a step and Dotty bit her lip. “Oh, is that a promise?”

Rio surveyed the room. “Did you get my gift?”

Dotty nodded. “Those photos were… hot.”

Rio’s face dropped. “So where are mine?”

Dotty pressed herself up against Rio, “Oh, I think we’ll find a way to shoot some tonight.”

Rio pulled a baggie out of her bra. The white powder was fine and she knew that if the bag opened at all there would be a mess. “I brought you something, I thought… we could mix business talk with pleasure.”

Dotty snatched it from her hands with glee. “Oh, now it’s a party!” She pulled Rio in for a kiss and Rio shoved her tongue into her mouth. She pulled back with an innocent smile. “Go on then… get started.” Dotty turned away rushing to clear the TV table and Rio’s smile dropped. She walked up behind Dotty and ran her hands over the front of her thighs. “Better hurry, don’t want to keep me waiting.”

Dotty drew lines with the powder and leaned over her ass up in the air to take the first two lines. Rio dug her nails into her thighs. “Good girl.”

Dotty finished up then turned and kissed Rio hard. “Your turn.”

Rio tilted her head. “I always smoke first.” She left Dotty and moved to her bag, pulling out a blunt. “Let’s do this.” She held up a lighter and smoke began to billow from the paper. 

She took a hit and blew out a large cloud of smoke, not even coughing as she passed it to the blond. “It's your turn.”

Dotty, to her credit, took a larger inhale then Rio would have thought possible, coughing intensely as the smoke poured from her mouth. Rio laughed. “Not big on weed?”

Dotty snorted. “It’s child’s play.” Rio seemed to remember all of this stuff was a “nasty habit” from what Dotty had said at Wanda’s party, but it seemed that didn’t apply when the woman wanted more screen time from Rio.

“So you think you could carry this film? Be the face of my research?” Rio took the blunt back and took another hit.

Dotty licked her lips. “Oh, Rio, I know my face would be the highlight of your research.” She turned to do another line of cocaine and nearly stumbled. Rio set the blunt down on an ashtray. She was only slightly buzzed, she needed to stop now she knew the weed would continue to build a bit. She moved to sit on the couch as Dotty did even more powder. 

“So tell me, Agatha, what did she do to piss you off?” Rio twirled a piece of hair between two of her fingers, trying to appear only mildly interested in their conversation, like she was above it all. 

Dotty shrugged. “I just needed to get rid of the competition, and she’s so desperate for someone to love her. You’ve spent time with her, you must know. Her mother was crazy, gotta hand it to Evanora, that scar is wild. Any that I added were child’s play in comparison.”

Rio tied not to bristle at that, Agatha had more? She tried to focus as she leaned her head back on the couch. “So you have photos?”

Dotty snorted. “Of Agatha? Of course. Video too.”

Rio lifted her head with a wicked smile. “Show me.” It was a dare.

Dotty used a single finger to beckon Rio to follow, “You’re nasty, Rio. I didn’t know you would be this fun.” She looked giddy as she took Rio into her office and pulled up her computer, taking a few attempts to open it. Her brown eyes slid to Rio’s triumphantly when the computer booted up. “What do you wanna see? I have everything.” She opened a folder and there were numerous dates. Rio took over, selected a folder, and saw Agatha bound with ropes. Her bright eyes were nervous, as if the brunette didn’t really want to be there. 

Dotty leaned over Rio’s shoulder. “She’s scared of knives. I thought we could work through that with a bit of practice.”

Rio kept her face blank as she opened a video. Her eyes taking in Agatha on a bed, tied down, the video recorded from the foot of the bed, as Agatha was spread out, starfish style, on her stomach.

Rio watched the Dotty in the video as she ran her hands down Agatha’s back. Her voice crackled through the laptop speaker. “Tell me you want this.”

Agatha’s voice was quiet as the words came out forced. “I want this.”

Rio clicked off the video. “These are…. Great .” She let her voice rise in excitement. “We should totally finish getting fucked up and watch these.” 

Dotty snickered as she wandered away. “She was down for anything, you know? If she thought that would get her five more minutes of attention, she was more than willing to do whatever I asked.” Dotty tilted her head as she looked for something. “She had this look…”

Rio’s eyes glanced about as Dotty moved to pull out her sizable toy collection, taking her time to choose what she thought she would be using to impress Rio. Rio though opened a command prompt and went to work. Slipping a USB drive from her underwear and straight into a port on the computer, undetected. 

Rio tried to strike up what would sound like conversation, but she was digging. “Why do you keep them on your laptop? Why not the cloud? Or your phone?” She was hoping that Dotty would clue her into what she would need to access to make sure she got it all, but she shouldn’t have been worried. 

Dotty turned, her eyes already red and blown. “What’s a cloud?”

Rio shrugged. “I don’t know, it’s something the kids say.” She rolled her eyes when the woman looked away. 

Dotty shrugged. “I just uploaded them from my camera. I’m not great with technology, but I know my way around a camera.” She giggled. “I can’t wait to shoot you.”

Rio, double, triple checked, but there was no external server that this computer had ever connected to. So these were the only copies. She pulled them onto her drive. The transfer started. Rio groaned out loud, trying to prolong why she was still looking at the computer, “Fuck this one is good. How did you get her to do that?” She was talking out of her ass as nothing played across the screen but the download bar.

Dotty practically cackled. “You mean the one where she’s fucking Ralph? Girl was so disgusted she had to look at me, or woman on woman porn on TV to get through that one.” 

Rio arched a brow and Dotty giggled. “Oh, she actually got pregnant from that one. Had her get rid of it two weeks later. She was a bitch with the influx of hormones. I was not going to play that game with her.”

Rio’s chest constricted. These videos were the work of a sociopath at the very least, and she would know, she had studied them in school. Her hard drive rushed to download every file. Her breath strained as the process was almost complete. Her anger was white hot under the surface. How dare this woman do such disgusting things to Agatha? How could anyone look at her and think she deserved that?

Rio’s drive flashed before turning off. The files moved. She restashed the thumb drive. She closed the laptop and licked her lips. “Give me your phone and I’ll give you something better to remember me by.” Dotty walked over to her dresser and got her phone out. “The lighting's the best in the bathroom.” She winked. 

Rio slipped inside and locked the door. She scanned the phone. Empty. She took a photo of herself with the lights off before flicking them back on. Dotty was probably too stupid from being high to notice. She exited the bathroom and found Dotty had left once more, probaby back out in the other room, finishing the cocaine. Rio walked through the house and found her turning on her stereo with white powder all over her nostrils.

Rio pouted when they made eye contact. “I got a call from Jen. I have to go… but consider your involvement in the project secured. I think I got everything I needed.” She sighed. “Too bad, too, I was going to have some fun with you.” She tapped Dotty’s chin with mock affection. 

Dotty frowned. “We can raincheck? I have some availability…”

Rio squeezed Dotty’s shoulder. “Call me when you wake up?” She winked and she scooped up her coat. The thumb drive, secure in her bra. Dotty watched her leave with a gleam in her eye, thinking she had finally found a playmate as sick as her.

Rio rushed to her car, locking it quickly once she was inside. She pulled through the gates and very slowly took off down the street. She whipped out her phone and called Lilia. The woman answered despite the late hour.

“I did something.” Rio rushed to get her words out.

“Rio, slow down…”

Rio shook her head. “I’m high as fuck, Lilia, I just did something completely unethical… “

She heard her advisor shuffle through her home. “I’ll come get you. Where are you?”

Rio was about to try and figure out her phone when Agatha began calling. “Oh, fuck, Agatha.” She switched the line and her girlfriend appeared.

“Rio? Baby, you were supposed to be over tonight… Where are you?” 

Rio smacked her forehead. “Something came up…”

“You sound weird.”

Rio fell back against her chair. “I was… working on something.”

Agatha’s voice was measured. “Did you need me to come get you?” Rio didn’t know how Agatha knew she shouldn’t be driving, but she did. 

“I’m… not too far away actually. I can go slow.” She heard her girlfriend sigh.

“I don’t want you to. We can get your car in the morning. Please, don’t drive. I can come.”

Rio sighed. “I’m at Wolfe and Melrose.” She parked and took her keys out of the ignition. Getting out of her car and hearing Agatha turn hers on. “I’m only twenty minutes out. Stay on the phone?”

Rio leaned back against her car. “Okay.”

***

Agatha’s car came into view and Rio waved her hand. Agatha pulled up and opened the door from the inside. Rio climbing in. Agatha rolled her eyes when she didn’t put on her seatbelt and leaned over to do it for her. “Fuck, Rio, what if we were in an accident. You need to be more careful.”

Rio leaned back in her seat and felt the seat warmer as it kicked on, she hadn’t touched anything, so Agatha must have put it on for her. She leaned her seat back a bit. Her eyes flicked up when Agatha wasn’t speaking. She wasn’t sure how long it had been, but by the time she went to open her mouth, Agatha was parking her car. Rio’s mouth fell closed. Agatha turned the car off, but didn’t immediately move to get out. 

Rio sat up. “I… did something tonight.”

Agatha closed her eyes. Rio took in the fact that Agatha’s hair was back in a messy ponytail and that she was in a less than dressed state. She was actually wearing Rio’s shorts and tshirt that her girlfriend must have kidnapped at some point. Rio bit her lip knowing that if she had been freezing that what Agatha had on would barely protect her at all from the nighttime chill.

Agatha took a breath in through her nose. “You were at Dotty’s. I recognized the cross streets.” Her hand went to her door and Rio reached out to stop her.

“I was, yes.”

Agatha's hand fell from the handle to her side. “Why?” 

Rio sucked on her bottom lip. “I… had this crazy idea that if I could just…”

Agatha barked out a laugh. “If you could what, just fuck her, too? Is that what you did? What was it, Rio, felt like you were missing out?”

Rio shook her head confused. “No…”

Agatha pushed her away. “Get off of me.” She fumbled for the door and exited the car. Rio waited as she watched Agatha drop her keys multiple times before remembering that Ralph had changed the locks and they would need to go in through the garage. Agatha grumbled as she looked back at the car just as it locked. Rio’s eyes went wide as Agatha stomped back over to her before she unlocked it again. Rio sliding out slowly. 

“Sorry, I’m… a bit slow,”

Agatha turned and went for the gate, Rio following this time. Agatha led her through the side door and around Ralph’s motorcycle collection as they entered the home. Agatha took them to the living room where she had her laptop out and a box of barely touched sushi, Rio’s favorite. Her stomach bottomed out.

“You ordered?”

Agatha shrugged. “It’s been hours, it’s probably bad now. She plopped on her couch and shut down all of her tabs, Rio’s eyes unhelpfully catching the trend to her searches before they closed. “You were looking for me.”

Agatha gripped her seat. “I was worried something happened to you.” She looked up angrily. “It was my mistake.” She tried not to look at Rio when she sat down next to her.

Agatha’s eyes darted to her legs and she looked like she wanted to vomit. “Did she ask you to wear those?”

Rio shook her head. “I needed them for… my… mission.”

Agatha snorted. “Great.”

Rio grabbed the thumb drive from her bra and reached for Agatha’s laptop, sliding it in front of herself. She inserted the stick and started working to bring up the files. Agatha watched her warily. “You do computers?”

Rio nodded. “I have a minor in computer science. It’s not hard for me.” She continued clicking and tapped on the drive. “This is why I was late.”

***

Agatha’s eyes drifted to the computer and she didn’t know what she had expected to find, but file names with her name on them, were not it. Agatha felt light headed. “Rio, what the fuck is that?”

Rio clicked on a folder and thumbnails appeared in quick succession. “Your files.”

Agatha didn’t move. Why would Rio have her files? Why would she even show this to her? She rubbed at her chest. “How do you have… my files?” her voice petered out at the end. 

Rio shrugged. “I stole them from Dotty.”

Agatha’s eyes narrowed, “Stole them?”

Rio nodded, turning to look at her. “She doesn’t have them anymore. They're all right here.” She pointed at the stick connected to Agatha’s computer.

This was a nightmare. Dotty had wanted to keep Agatha quiet, to keep her away from certain people and roles, to control her. Rio didn’t care about acting, she didn’t care about roles. So what did she want with Agatha’s files?

Agatha felt a cold sensation slither up her spine. What had Maya wanted to warn her about? She had stopped listening the moment Rio’s name had appeared in those headlines, too consumed with trying to fix everything. She suddenly tried to review every moment she had spent with Rio in her head, hoping something would clue her in to what the woman’s plans might be, but she came up blank. Rio had seemed so caring, so sweet, thoughtful…

“What… what do you want?” She whispered as she closed her laptop. Her eyes were left staring at the hard plastic.

Rio tilted her head. “What I… I got them for you.” 

Agatha turned abruptly. “Is it money? How much? How many copies do you have! Fucking hell!”

Rio raised her arm to defend herself. “Why are you yelling at me?” She moved away slowly. “I don’t have any copies….”

Agatha screamed. “Of course you fucking do! Why else would you show me this?” Her hand slammed the table next to her computer. “This is fucking blackmail, Rio!”

Rio frowned. “It… was blackmail, but now all she has is a few photos of me…” Rio pointed at her chest. 

Agatha’s eyes started to burn, “What?”

Rio nodded. “I gave her some photos of me… to get an invite over… to get your files back. And I got them. You have them now.”

Agatha felt violated. “Have you…” she had to swallow the bile back down as it crept up her throat, “seen them?”

Rio bit the inside of her cheek, and Agatha knew before she spoke. “Some of them, yes, she wanted to show me… I had to verify they were real.”

Agatha cut her off, her voice hard. “Which ones?”

Rio shrugged. “I don’t… I could open them for you, if you want…”

Agatha shook her head. She exhaled loudly. “Just… why?”

Rio looked distraught. “I thought you wanted them gone?”

Agatha shook. “I wish none of them had ever existed! Including you!” She felt her voice crack as the statement rocked through Rio.

Rio’s eyes started to run over. “Delete them. I just…wanted you to know I recovered them. I wasn’t… going to do anything with them. They’re yours.”

Agatha sobbed. “How could I possibly know that? I’m just supposed to believe you?”

Rio looked hurt. “It’s me , Agatha.”

Agatha moved to her computer. “How… how do I get rid of them?” Light eyes connected with her own in too many thumbnails staring back at her. Her hands were shaking. “If you… help me get rid of them…”

Rio sat beside Agatha. Her hands moved quickly. “None of this is encrypted, so if you just right click, see delete? You press that and since these weren’t moved onto your laptop…” she clicked and the previously full box they had been staring at, went white. “Boom, gone.” 

Dark eyes looked up at Agatha. “I only have the photos you sent me. Three photos. Would you… like those back too?” She cleared her throat. “I might have those backed up… I’m sorry, when I’m sober I can wipe them and show you…”

Agatha shook her head, her voice not regaining its previous volume. “Get out.”

Rio looked up. “What?”

Agatha shook her head. “I want you out of my house.” Her eyes turned to Rio, cutting her down to size. 

Rio winced. “I… we left my car…”

Agatha stood. “I’ll… call you a ride.”

Rio didn’t move. “Okay. Agatha… can we talk about this?”

Agatha shook her head. “I can’t… you have to go.”

Rio nodded. “I… okay, I’ll go.” 

She moved to the front door and before she went to open it, she looked back at Agatha once more. “Agatha? Can I call you tomorrow? This is all just a misunderstanding, I swear.”

Blue eyes looked haunted as she Agatha looked up, the shake of her head was all Rio got as she ran away.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 29

Agatha had told her not to call. And she tried to respect that, Rio really did, but it seemed it wasn’t just Agatha that had been invested in their situationship.

Rio made it two days before she texted. 

Rio: I’m sorry. I didn’t really think everything through… I just … Can we please talk? 

She made it until that evening before she texted again. 

Rio: Can you please just let me know you’re okay?

Rio had to hand it to Agatha, when she ghosted, she went all the way. Rio was becoming paranoid that maybe Agatha had blocked her number. She spent the time looking up if there was any way she could tell, which didn’t lead her anywhere good. She sighed as she walked across the hall and knocked on Alice’s door, noting that it took a few minutes for her to answer, she assumed Jen was over.

In the end, Jen was actually the one to get the door. “Hey, Rio… what’s going on?”

Rio ran her hand through her dark hair. “She’s not responding to me.”

Jen sighed, her face falling. “Damn, what did you do? That’s like catastrophic bad, Agatha always wants to have the last word.” She opened the door and Rio came in. Sitting at the kitchen table as Jen made tea.

“I… did something crazy.”

Jen knocked over a cup. “Oh… my god. You proposed?”

Rio’s mouth dropped open. “What! No!” She waved her off. “Not that kind of crazy.”

When Jen raised her hands in surrender before taking a sip of her drink Rio spoke. “I stole Agatha’s sex tapes from Dotty.” Jen spit out her drink into Rio’s face from across the island. Rio was left blinking as the liquid dripped down across her eyes, obstructing her vision. After the shock wore off she wiped the remaining droplets with her fingers.

She tried not to cringe at the stickiness that now clung to her skin. “Yeah… so…”

Jen raised her hand. “Did you tell her you stole them?”

Rio shrugged. “I gave them to her and helped her erase them.” Rio put her head down. “She acted like I took them for myself. I don’t think she wants to ever see me again…”

Jen closed her eyes. “There’s no backup?”

Rio lifted her head confused, shaking it. “No… Dotty isn’t that smart.”

Jen nodded. “But you are.”

Rio shifted uncomfortably. “Why does everyone assume I suck?”

Jen blinked as if she could clear the fog away. “Rio, besides what you are already doing… this is a huge violation of her privacy,”

Rio growled, her voice low. “So I was supposed to what, just let Dotty get away with everything when I had a chance to make it right? To protect her?”

Jen pressed short French manicured nails to her forehead. “Rio, I get what you were trying to do for her, what you did do for her. That’s huge, a bit crazy, but really sweet, but you had to understand there would be ramifications…”

Rio shook, whether it was from rage or a deep rooted sadness she wasn’t sure, maybe both. 

“I thought she would trust me.” Rio crossed her arms, digging her nails into her skin to get a grip.

Alice came out of the bedroom wearing an inside out muscle tee. “Dude, I was totally eavesdropping while I found clothes. Holey shit, Agatha had sex tapes!”

Rio sat down in a chair and face planted into her palms. “I quit.”

Jen rolled her eyes and Alice moved to wrap her arms around her best friend. “Hey, I’m not going to tell anyone. Plus you said they were gone right? Who would ever believe me?”

Rio sighed and let herself melt into her friend's hug, her nose wrinkling. “You smell like sex.” She turned slightly and glared. “You two are always at it.”

Jen’s gaze narrowed when Rio made eye contact. “Don’t be mad at us cause your lady is making you celibate due to your own actions. Agatha can be hot headed, she’ll calm down… I hope. Either way, I am sure this isn’t the last you’ll hear from her. If she’s really that mad, you’ll hear all about it.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 30

It had been only a couple weeks of no contact, and just when Rio was starting to get used to not being able to talk to Agatha, that new normal came to a screeching halt.

Rio was about ready to scream, the calls and texts weren’t stopping. Jen had been right, she was bound to hear from Agatha, but if her ex didn’t want to listen to her, then she wasn’t going to feed into her self destruction. 

She got yet another call from Benji’s Kidnapper and was close to renaming her stalker . She pulled off the highway and over on a dead industrial road as she opened her phone.

Rio: I swear to fucking god, Agatha, stop contacting me.

She felt her eyes flutter closed angrily at the response.

Agatha: Or you’ll do what? Release my content?

Rio did let out a scream then. Her hands smacking against her steering wheel, not giving a shit at the way her car horn blared at the action. She was breathing hard when she finished and she gave one final huff before she picked her phone back up from where she had tossed it in the passenger's seat.

Rio: No, Agatha, I’ll fucking block you.

She bit her lip so hard she tasted metal. Her phone started to ring, again. She hung up but when it only continued to ring, she gave in and answered.

“Go back to rehab!” she yelled.

“Oh, I’m the one who needs to go?” 

Rio wiped at her lip, the action causing her to wince. “Why won’t you leave me alone?”

Agatha scoffed. “I need to know what you plan to do with it all, Rio! I trusted you!”

Rio brought her legs to her chest, accidentally hitting her car horn, her eyes closing tightly at the sound. “I just… was trying to help. There are no more sex tapes, not ones you took with Dotty anyway, you saw me erase them.”

Agatha sobbed. “How am I supposed to believe you? You had them!”

Rio deflated, “I did, for like less than an hour. You came to pick me up, remember? What would I have had time to do?”

Agatha sniffled. “Upload them to a cloud.”

Rio snorted. Well at least not everyone in this town was stupid.  

Agatha heaved in a breath. “Did you ever… take anything of me?”

Rio looked out the window at the lone car passing by. “No, Agatha. Just the three photos you gave me. Which I have offered to delete in front of you or Jen, but you don’t seem to care about those.”

“None of those files were meant for you, Rio.” They both knew she meant Dotty’s. 

Rio nodded. “I know that… I only saw at most two videos. I didn’t watch the whole thing and I only know a little… but, Agatha, you didn’t deserve that… I know what I did was a little… crazy , but I just… wanted to help.”

Rio heard water, her brain short circuiting. “Agatha… where are you?”

“ Shit .” She heard Agatha moving around. Her mind provided disturbing images that she did not need to see. 

“Are you alright?” Rio asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

She heard Agatha take a moment before she responded. “No.”

Rio put Agatha on speaker. “I’m about forty minutes away. Are you in the pool?”

Agatha sighed. “No.”

Okay so Agatha was in the house. “Can you get out of the tub for me?”

She heard Agatha whine. “No.”

Rio turned her car on and routed. “Okay, can you stay on the phone and yell at me then?”

Agatha started breathing heavily. 

“Agatha, I don’t want you to pass out, can you please try and slow your breathing? I’m on my way. Should I call Jen?”

Agatha wasn’t speaking but it did sound like she was trying to control her breathing, at least the cadence was changing. Rio continued speaking, not knowing what else to do. “So how was rehab? Did you have a nice break?”

She heard Agatha huff and she smiled. She was still responding, which was good. “Okay, so you don’t want to talk about that. Well, did you take anything… today?”

She heard Agatha grumble. “They took my meds because I live alone.”

Rio sighed. She wasn’t sure if that was better or worse for Agatha. “Alright. Well, what’s making you feel like this?”

“You mean besides the fact that you won’t talk to me?”

Rio checked before switching lanes. “I didn’t think it was a good idea. You told me to leave and not contact you, you didn’t respond to any of my messages. Then you disappear to rehab, and when you got out, you wouldn’t stop calling. It’s all very confusing…”

She listened to Agatha’s breathing. “Were you happy?” She checked the time, she was fifteen minutes away.

Agatha moved from the water, Rio heard the water dripping off of her. “Were you?” Her voice sounded more subdued, and Rio wasn’t sure if that was a good thing.

Rio decided to be honest and she heaved out a big sigh. “I was. As happy as I could be with my stupid project looming.”

Agatha sounded tired. “Your premier is coming up. I checked.”

Rio smiled. “Ah, are you going to sabotage it?”

Agatha sounded farther away. “Maybe. I haven't decided.”

Rio’s phone read five minutes and she started to panic. “Hey, Agatha, you’re home right?” She heard a quiet hum. She drove faster, fuck it if the cops got her, they could take it up with her at Agatha’s house, after she knew the brunette was okay.

Rio got there in half the time and input an emergency code Agatha had given her in case Ralph tried to do something stupid. He had finally moved out and Agatha was in her large house, alone. 

Rio tried the front door and when it was locked, she took the gate, quickly entering the garage and running through the empty space to the door, barreling into the house. She bolted down the front and up the grand staircase, her feet pounding as she practically slammed into Agatha’s door, her room looked a mess and she walked quickly into her bathroom. Agatha laid naked on her floor mat, a knife clutched in her hand and she was snoring soundly.

Rio’s eyes bugged out. What the hell was Agatha doing with a knife? She removed it from her hold and leaned her onto her back. Agatha’s pale skin was cold from getting out of the tub, but she didn’t have anything but a single, short, cut to her wrist. Rio took off her shirt and pressed it to the small incision to staunch the bleeding.

Blue eyes struggled to open. Rio cupped her face with one hand. “Did you take anything?”

Agatha shook her head slowly. She looked around. Her eyes landed on the knife. Her hand grabbed Rio’s wrist as she struggled to sit up, Rio pulling her to her chest. “Fuck, Agatha.” She pressed her face into her neck. “What were you doing?”

Agatha sobbed as she curled into Rio. “I want to stop feeling like this.”

Rio gathered her up in her arms. “How do I stop it?”

Agatha shivered, her hands gripping Rio.

“Can you… show me how you got rid of the videos again?” Agatha shook. 

Rio nodded. “Yes. I can do that. Do you want me to film some stuff for you? Cause I can do that too… then you would have that if…”

Agatha shook her head. “No. I don’t need it.”

Rio kissed Agatha’s head. “I didn’t save anything. I didn’t back anything up but those three photos. I can get rid of them right now.”

Agatha winced, she must have felt the cut on her wrist. “Why did you… do all of this?” Her voice was quiet as if she wasn’t sure she really wanted Rio’s answer. 

“Because I care about you. And no one deserves to have images of you that you’re not alright with. I’ve had some experience with that. And those videos were a violation.”

Agatha sat up and reached for the knife. Her eyes lifted. “It’s the same kind as the one my mother used.” She shrugged. She held the hilt out to Rio. “I wasn’t sure if I could do it myself, I think I can.”

Rio shivered as she took it. Agatha bit her lip. “I wanted to talk to you one more time. I’ve been… trying for days.” 

The weight of the situation dawned on Rio. “You’ve been trying to call me to say goodbye? This whole time?”

Agatha nodded. “That was the plan, yes.”

Rio felt her heart stop. “Agatha… were you always in here… with that?”

Agatha nodded.  “I wasn’t sure if I was going to reach you…”

Rio felt sick, a too clear image of Agatha laying on the bathroom floor with lifeless eyes filled her mind and she promptly vomited. 

Agatha’s eyes went wide. “Oh my god!”

Rio coughed up more as Agatha moved to grab a towel. “Rio, here…”

Rio shook her head and wiped at her mouth. She struggled to take a breath and not lose more of her breakfast. “Was it because I left you?”

Agatha shook her head. “No…”

Rio placed her hand over her mouth again as she was hit with another wave of nausea at the fact that she could have lost Agatha any of the last number of days and she only was sitting before her because she was so damn stubborn. Rio’s hair was gathered up and Agatha tied it back.

“You’re going to get your hair a mess… “

Rio put her hand up to stop her from talking. “Agatha! What the fuck were you thinking ?”

Agatha’s eyes shrank back. Her eyes wide at the outburst. Her lips trembled as she fought to voice the answer to Rio’s question. “That you were going to release my videos all over the world to get back at me, and I really didn’t want to be around when they started going viral… I-I didn’t even know what I did to you to make you hate me…”

Rio grabbed her face. “Agatha. I fucking swear to god they’re gone.”

The desperate look in her eyes finally connected with Agatha, who placed her hands over Rio’s. “Okay…” She took a breath, “They’re gone.” She nodded. 

Agatha released Rio. Her body language shifted from desperation to embarrassment, her shoulders drawing into her body. “There was a lot in those tapes. I still have nightmares about some of the sessions.” She folded her hair behind her ear. “Thank… Thank you for getting rid of them.” Blue eyes held Rio’s when she could. “What… what did you do to get them?”

Rio blew out a breath. She leaned back on her arms as she crossed her legs. “Dotty’s pretty easy to read. It wasn’t hard to get her to invite me over for… some fun.” Rio bit her lip. “I didn’t sleep with her. I did give her drugs, and I did get high with her, and also sent her a few photos of myself as I mentioned previously…”

Agatha frowned, her voice quiet and resigned. “I don’t know how we will get those back…”

Rio snorted. “I don’t care if she puts them on the internet. It’s fine.”

Agatha took a moment to look for something in Rio’s face before she grasped her face quickly and brought their lips together. 

“Thank you.” 

Rio ran her hand through Agatha’s hair and the woman sighed. 

“I missed you.” Blue eyes darted between Rio’s before she looked away shy. Her head nodded to the shower. “Why don’t you get cleaned up, and we can find something to eat and talk.”

Rio brows lifted as if Agatha were insane. “You were going to kill yourself… and you want me to just… pretend that didn’t happen?”

Agatha nodded. Her eyes took an interest in where blood had dripped onto her lavender floor rug. “I’m alright. We should… just move on.”

Rio grabbed her chin and shook her head. “No. You… you need to promise me you’ll talk to someone, a professional… you literally had a plan, a date, a time… that’s serious, Agatha.”

Agatha took Rio’s wrist away slowly, and when Rio thought she was going to leave, she held it. “Honey, I do talk to a professional.” She patted Rio’s hand. “The only thing that helps me is acting.” She shrugged. “If it will make you feel better, I’ll go for an extra few sessions, but I can assure you, it won’t do much.”

Rio’s jaw ticked, “They’re… not good enough then. I can help you find someone better, someone who gives a shit…”

Agatha squeezed Rio’s leg. “I feel… alone.” She ran her hand through her hair before settling to play with a strand. “I’ve always felt that way. Well, I thought Jen cared about me…” She raised her hand. “I understand she does to a point, but when she’s so ready to disappear the moment something happens between us, it doesn’t feel any less suffocating to me.”

Her eyes lifted. “It’s not that I’m asking you to never leave me… I could handle that. If I’m not what you wanted… I just need someone who’s going to stay in my life… in some capacity.” She looked up at the ceiling, blinking. “It’s not something I can fix.” She laughed, letting the tears just fall. “All the talking in the world doesn’t change the fact that no one can stand me.” She pulled her knees to her chest. “It doesn’t make sense to me, but time and time again I think maybe this time will be different, then I end up alone,” she looked around, “in this house, where it’s just me.”

Rio’s chest hurt. “Maybe I should bring my kitten out here. You need to not be alone.”

Agatha stood and moved to grab her robe. “You could move in.” She tossed it out there as if it were simple. 

Rio blew out a breath, now was not the time for this discussion. “It’s too soon.”

Agatha nodded. “Alright. It’s too soon.” She moved to grab a towel for Rio. “I’m not alone right now, you can shower, my mind is safe.” She pressed it to Rio’s chest. “I’m going to go take the knife back downstairs…” 

“Leave it.” Rio blurted out. “I just…”

Agatha nodded. “It’s okay, I… I can leave it for now. Did you need me to stay in here while you showered, or can I go watch TV?” 

Rio bit her lip. “You promise you aren’t going to go slit your wrists because I swear to god, Agatha, I will find a way to make your afterlife hell if you are lying.”

Agatha moved past Rio to start the shower, checking the temperature. She turned back and nodded. “I promise. I will be here when you are done. I’m not in danger anymore,” She bit her lip. “Why would you lie to me when I did everything I could think of to push you to release the tapes.” She turned and walked away and closed the door. 

Rio rubbed her face as she let that last comment sink in. Agatha wanted to push her to publish her videos. Rio wanted to sit there and spiral but instead she got into the shower, her mind started playing horror movies in her mind, all starring Agatha in this room. She showered quickly, as her own pulse continued to race. Knowing it wouldn’t settle until Agatha was back in her sight.

***

Agatha shut her bathroom door and sat down on her bed. She didn’t think she would be seeing it again, she had felt like tonight it was all over, even if she didn’t hear from Rio. She grabbed her pillow and pulled it to her chest to cry. She had wanted to hurt Rio, she had wanted her death to destroy her, but now sitting where she was, she wished she hadn’t done it, hadn’t tortured her. 

She moved to her closet. Rifling through her boxes and looking for the stuffed animal she had bought herself at fifteen when she booked her first show. She had the condo to herself and she had never been allowed toys. She had always felt that if she had something to hold on to that it would help her, and as she grew up she stuffed him away, because adults didn’t need comfort. She found the right box and pulled it to the ground, shifting things away until she came to a slightly smaller box, pushing her hair out of the way. She lifted the lid and there he was. A fluffy white rabbit that looked realistic and was amazingly soft to the touch. She lifted him with careful fingers, Senior Scratchy. She cradled him to her chest. It had been too long. She rocked back and forth trying to dispel some energy. 

She felt stupid but she wondered what would have happened to him if she had ended her life that night. He was just a toy but he meant so much to her. She pressed her face down into him as she continued to quietly cry. “I’m sorry.” She wished a younger her would have been loved better, then maybe she would have been ready for someone like Rio when they walked into her life, and she would have been smart enough to see through someone like Dotty. She didn’t know how long it had been but she knew she would need to hide him away again soon, that way Rio wouldn’t know that she was a child. She was giving him one last squeeze before she put him back when she heard her closet open wider.

“Agatha?” 

She didn’t move, she continued to hold her bunny, in fact, she held him harder. Hoping that Rio would walk away and pretend she hadn’t seen anything. The last thing she needed was for Rio to laugh at her. She felt Rio’s presence as her warm body sat next to her. She felt the vibrations of Rio stroking his soft synthetic fur.

The darker haired woman set her chin on her shoulder, wrapping her arms around her. “I didn’t know you liked rabbits.”

Agatha nodded into the bunny. Her fingers flexed, as if preparing to drop it. Rio turned his little head to face her and Agatha leaned back a bit.

“He’s cute. Does he have a name?”

Agatha wasn’t going to speak, it was too stupid of a name, it was stupid to name the stuffed animal at all. She had been fifteen, old enough to know better. But then… Rio kissed her cheek. “How long have you had him?”

Agatha licked her lips as they felt dry, Rio turned the bunny to face them, never removing him from Agatha’s hands.

“Senior Scratchy.” She ran her thumbs over his sides. “I was… fifteen.” She felt her body tense at the admission and Rio released the bunny and wrapped her arms around her torso. 

“We should get you a real one. I had one growing up, they’re not that hard to take care of. They do smell though. I wouldn’t suggest we keep them in here.”

Agatha set her bunny down in the box, and he sat there for a moment before Rio’s fingers retrieved him. “He deserves to be out, don’t you think? Don’t want him suffocating in there.”

Agatha shook her head. “You’re ridiculous.” She felt Rio kiss her shoulder and she sighed softly, turning when Rio stood to go. 

“He goes on the bed.” She left the closet and Agatha followed, watching Rio place him front and center on her bed. She rolled her shoulders. 

“And what if we have sex? He’s just going to be looking at us…”

Rio raised an eyebrow. “We can turn him around.”

Agatha didn’t know why but her chest felt too full with the way Rio was redecorating her space. “Does that mean you’ll… be around for a while?”

Rio turned and readjusted the bunny. “If you continue to want me to be.”

Agatha looked down at her wrist seeing the cut had mostly dried. Maybe Rio could be the one person that didn’t leave. Agatha tried to push the thought away as she moved to join Rio on her bed, not wanting to think too far in advance and ruin everything.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 31

Rio’s filming schedule was picking up. Dotty continued to text her, oblivious to the fact that her “Agatha Tapes” were now gone. She was barely sleeping, mostly because at night she was too preoccupied with nightmares and needing to make sure Agatha was still breathing. She had noticed Agatha’s face fall when she asked why she wasn’t sleeping well, it was showing in her face and her energy levels, but she couldn’t put that on Agatha. 

She felt her phone vibrate and when she saw it was Agatha she answered frantically. “Hello?” She heard the frustration in the brunette’s voice. 

“Rio, I am fine. You didn’t have to pick up if you were busy.”

Rio walked off the sound stage, her face set into a permanent state of overwhelm. “I’m not going to not pick up if you call…” 

Agatha took a breath. “Fine, I am sorry I worried you and I hate that it’s causing you pain. I think you need to talk to someone.”

Rio leaned her forehead against a wall. “Well, as you said, it’s not that I need the help when the problem is outside of my control.” She cringed as she knew she had said the wrong thing.

“I’m a problem now?”

She wanted to bang her head against the wall. “Baby…”

Agatha ignored her and carried on, “I want to go to the shelter tomorrow. You said I should get a pet. I think you’re right.”

Rio’s eyes opened. “You’re serious?”

“Yes. I mean… you studied psychology, right? If you think it’s a good idea, then I might as well go and see if I connect with someone…”

Rio snorted. “You’re ready for another relationship? So soon?” She could see her maybe still girlfriend, pouting in her mind’s eye.

“Do you now think I’m not?” The self conscious tone breaking through her speech made Rio jump back in.

“No, no. I think it’s a great idea. When… when did you want to go because I have tomorrow off and I would love to come if… that’s not intruding?” She heard Agatha brighten right up at the suggestion.

“I would love for you to come. Stay the night tonight? Please?”

Rio had been staying over every night, she refused to move in and told Agatha it was temporary but she had to admit she now kept a few things over at Agatha’s in a box, a box she could easily take with her should she need to leave. 

“This is the last night.” She knew that was a lie and she hoped deep down Agatha did too.

“Of course…you need to see your other wife… how is Alice doing?” The joking lilt to her voice helped Rio calm.

“Oh, ha ha. You know she’s dating Jen. I don’t think we’re ready for swinging yet, are we?” She heard Agatha burst out laughing and felt pride swell in her chest at being able to make her laugh so hard.

“Oh, what have I gotten myself into. Unfortunately, Jenny and I have sworn off each other for life, but I think I can make it interesting enough for you without others, if you give me another chance?”

It was the first time they had tiptoed near the question of if they were still together. Rio felt Agatha holding her breath. “I think we can see how it goes.” Her eyes saw Jen waving her arms and wanting to know what the hell was going on.

“I gotta go, I’ll see you later. Jen is about to have a heart attack that I walked off set again.”

She heard Agatha giggle. “Oh, don’t kill Jenny, she’s a riot. Where would I find all of my fun?”

Rio wanted to say I love you but they hadn’t even said that in person yet. She bit her tongue and changed her words. “I’ll see you later.” 

“Bye!” Agatha hung up first and it allowed Rio to release any tension she had remaining in her shoulders as she wandered back over to set.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 32

Agatha wandered around the shelter with large black sunglasses on, her hair pulled back into a messy ponytail. Rio had to admit she didn’t look much like herself today. Especially in Rio’s clothes. She wandered over to another enclosure and leaned on the railing. “I don’t see the brown and white one…”

Rio leaned next to her as they looked at the bunnies chewing on alfalfa hay. “You mean Peanut Butter? The one bunny you kept looking at online?”

Agatha huffed. “You said it was a stupid name. So if we get him, why get attached to it if I am going to need to find a new one?”

Rio reached out and placed her hand on Agatha’s arm. “I was being stupid. It’s a cute name. And we ?”

Agatha shrugged. “You’re the one that told me you were ready for a baby. If we were a straight couple this could be a lot longer of a commitment.”

Rio shook her head, her face grew taught. “We’re having a baby? Already?”

Agatha looked over the options again. “If you’re backing out, that's fine. I can be a single mom. Figures I would fall for a deadbeat dad…”

Rio wrapped her arms around Agatha and she fought her smirk. “I can go ask where he is so we can meet him.” Agatha’s arm suddenly pointed. “Oh my god! There he is!” She was so excited and Rio tilted her head at the bunny that had hopped up onto a little log hideout and almost immediately fell off. Rio nodded. “Yep, seems like that would be my son.”

Agatha turned her head. “Could you… go ask a worker to meet him?” She bit at her finger.  “You know it’s already going to be weird for me when I want to fill out the paperwork…”

Rio kissed her head and wandered away, Agatha’s eyes staying glued on the rabbit. She found someone at the front desk, leaning over it. “Hey, could we take a look at Peanut Butter? My…” she almost slipped up and said girlfriend, damn she needed to work on that. “ Friend is interested in adopting.”

The small Asian girl practically bounced over to her. “I’m Sara. He’s the absolute sweetest little guy. Does your friend have a lot of bunny experience?” She chatted happily as they walked back the way Rio had come.

“No, but I do and I’m staying with her right now. So I’ll be able to teach her the ropes.”

Sara nodded. “That’s amazing. Well, he’s really into soft beds, I actually fostered him.”

Rio tilted her head. “How does he feel about cats? Not that we have one… I just, maybe one day.”

Sara smiled. “He loved my cat. He’s a bit needy sometimes but he loved to snuggle with her.” Sara looked up and nodded at Agatha. “So you’re interested in seeing Peanut Butter?” 

Agatha nodded and Rio saw the moment Sara recognized her. “I… y-yeah. I’ll, just. Get him out.” She unlocked the gate and closed it before she wandered over to the bunny and scooped him up, Rio could tell she was slightly shaking. She placed her hand on Agatha’s back and the woman turned to speak quietly. “She seems nice.”

Rio nodded. “She actually fostered him.”

Agatha hummed. “I guess I have some questions for her.”

They had sat in a little room while Agatha grilled the poor girl about all of Peanut Butter’s preferences. The little guy immediately gravitated towards the actor and sat between her legs, his eyes growing sleepy as her fingers drew circles on his head.

“And why didn’t you keep him?” Agatha pressed. 

Sara’s shoulders were still tense after twenty minutes. “He’s really sweet, I just really love fostering and if I kept him then… there’s someone else I can’t help. I already have three.” She looked at Rio apologetically as if it was Sara’s fault that the little guy was here.

Rio reached over and stroked the brown and white back, she had to admit it, he was incredibly soft. His little head popped up and looked at her, before he promptly sneezed. “Well, thank you, I guess?”

Agatha smiled. “We’ll take him.”

Rio smiled. “He’s really cute.”

Sara nodded. “Awesome! I’ll just go get his carrier and we can work on the paperwork.” She went to pick him up and faltered as her hands almost dove into Agatha’s crotch, she caught herself and held out her hands. Agatha sighing as she reluctantly handed him over. “I’ll see you in a minute.” She promised the little guy. Sara disappeared and let them wander back to the main desk. Rio wrapped an arm around Agatha who was now visibly freaking out. 

“What if I’m not a good mom?”

Rio swiped her thumb in comfort against Agatha’s arm, grateful the woman had worn her baby blue t-shirt, her clothes always looked good on Agatha.

“You’re going to do fine. I’ll help.”

Agatha gripped Rio’s arm. “I’m… panicking.”

Rio’s voice was quiet. “You really like him, I can tell, and he already loves you.”

Agatha bit her lip as they waited. “We have to go shopping, he’s going to need things.”

Rio tilted her head. “He’s going to have his own room isn’t he?”

Agatha knocked into Rio playfully. “No….” she sounded exasperated then her face turned contemplative. “Maybe.” She turned and smiled. “I never thought I would do this, this is insane.”

Sara waved them over and they sat down. Rio noticed Agatha digging her nails into her legs beneath her jean shorts, so she took her hand to give her something else to fiddle with. Sara didn’t comment on the interaction, but her face said it all – she thought it was sweet. 

“So he’s already fixed and chipped. He will need his next shots in a few months. Don’t forget rabbits are more like cats and dogs than anything else. He needs playtime and not exactly walks but he will get the zoomies.”

Agatha’s face was set in a thoughtful scowl as she focused hard to take everything in. Occasionally squeezing Rio’s fingers. Her head nodded after everything Sara said. The girl still looking very nervous.

Agatha moved to get her credit card and Rio stuck hers out first. Blue eyes going wide. Rio shrugged. “What? I wanted to get him for you.”

Agatha’s hands settled in her lap. She went quiet. Rio could tell her mind was working but Agatha didn’t offer to share any of her thoughts so Rio didn’t ask. Sara walked them both through the adoption forms and handed Agatha a pen, the woman taking a deep breath before signing then handing the pen to Rio.

Rio faltered. “It’s okay, I don’t need to be on the papers.” 

Agatha raised an eyebrow and Rio frowned before she took the pen and signed. She figured it didn’t really mean anything. He was Agatha’s; it was symbolic… of… her involvement. Shit. She almost went to reach for the paper as Sara took it back.

“Alright, well, here you go,” she handed over the carrier and quickly pressed her face to the grate. “I’m going to miss you little guy, enjoy your forever home.” Agatha carried him to the door before she paused and handed him to Rio.

“I should thank her. Right?”

Rio clicked her tongue. “I mean… you can, that would be nice.” Rio watched as her girlfriend pushed her shoulders back, and walked over and talked to the girl, her walls coming down. She couldn’t hear what she said, but the girl nodded excitedly and Agatha took her phone, snapping a picture of the two of them together, before she waved as she ran back to Rio and opened the door for her.

“Well, that was nice.” Rio said. 

Agatha shrugged. “She let me be normal, it was a nice experience. I told her I’ll send an update to the shelter’s social media page so she can see how he’s doing.”

Rio moved to place the bunny in the car when Agatha opened the door, setting him on the floor so he wouldn’t jostle around. Agatha climbed over the back seat to get in with him. “You’re going to have to drive.”

Rio snorted. “Sure.” When Agatha didn’t look like she was kidding, Rio's mouth dropped open. “Agatha, I can’t afford your car if anything happens to it!”

Agatha’s face scrunched. “Then don’t mess up my car? Also, I have insurance. It's fine. I need to hold his carrier so it doesn’t move.”

Rio wanted to mention that the way the seats were he really wasn’t going anywhere, but the way Agatha held her hand to the kennel made her keep the thoughts in her head. It was too precious how dedicated Agatha already was to the little thing. She closed the door and circled around for their trip to the pet store to get Peanut Butter all set up.

***

The store had taken an hour. Agatha agonizing over everything. They couldn’t get much at the store and would have to order parts for larger enclosures but he would have a setup for the next few days. A puppy play pen, a litter box, and toys. When they got to Agatha’s home, Agatha sat with the bunny in the living room while Rio insisted on bringing everything inside. When she brought the last bags in, she looked down and Peanut Butter was standing on his hind legs sniffing the air and looking up at her expectantly, as if he knew all of this were for him. 

Agatha came running, out of breath. “Shit… I looked away for two minutes.” She scooped him up and snuggled him.

“Don’t scare me.” 

Rio reached out and pet his head, the little thing looking down at the bags and wiggling in excitement. “Well, I think he is about to be extremely spoiled.”

Rio moved to set up his pen and everything upstairs. In Agatha’s room, against her advice, because Agatha didn’t want him spending his first night alone. She said after he acclimated they would move him into the room next door. Rio settled his waterproof blankets and toys before adding his water and litter box and a bowl of food and a pile of hay. And a large soft cat bed.

Agatha set him down reluctantly in the pen when Rio told her it was ready. “Should one of us stay here?” Rio watched as Peanut Butter became interested in checking out the toys before he noticed his large soft bed and crashed into it, rolling around.

Rio snorted. “He’s good. Let’s let him rest for a while, he’s had a big day.” She took Agatha’s hand and led her out of the room. Rio’s back was pressed against the wall the moment the doors shut, Agatha’s body holding hers hostage against the door as she kissed her lips. Rio smiled. She had never had a woman attach themselves to her over a bunny before, she needed to reevaluate her game.

Agatha pulled back her arms grabbing Rio’s waist. “Are you sure you’re okay with the name? Be honest.” Her eyes stared intently at Rio as if she was looking for any hint of a lie.

Rio sighed. “It’s a cute name, I was wrong. Happy?”

Agatha beamed. “Extremely.” She moved back and Rio kissed her quickly, before taking her hand and guiding her down the back stairs.

NOTES

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Chapter Text

CHAPTER 33

Rio poured over her laptop in Lilia’s office. She was coming up on her deadline for the documentary and after that it would be time to panic about wrapping up her research. She was checking the final edits of the “movie” and making notes. Her phone buzzed and she saw Agatha’s name appear. She had felt a bit better since she had Peanut Butter now and felt like she could finish what she was doing before she checked what her girlfriend needed from her.

She continued on for another couple minutes when her phone buzzed a couple more times. She rolled her eyes. Okay, it’s not like she wasn’t going to check it if Agatha was being persistent, maybe it was important.

When she opened her messages she saw three full stacks of photos. The first two were just of Peanut Butter's face, at every angle.

Baby Momma: Your son should be a model. I’m thinking about asking Jen to rep him if I get comp shots taken. Just look at him!

Rio snorted as the pictures rolled in. Okay, he was a pretty cute bunny.  

Rio: I’m not sure how I feel about our son getting started in the industry so young. We’ll need to discuss.

She about lost it when the last set were photos of Agatha and the bunny. The first few were their faces squished together, Agatha scrunching her own up that had Rio go temporarily insane and ponder what kind of wedding ring Agatha might like.

The next few were Agatha in her room, in Rio’s comfy clothes, a dark green crewneck sweatshirt and gray sweatpants with Peanut Butter standing and looking into the mirror, Agatha’s eyes were on the bunny as she took the photos using the mirror to line up the shot. 

Rio leaned back in her chair as Lilia came wandering into her office, escaping her afternoon seminar. Her mentor must have seen her face because she was teasing her within moments.

“Let me see the kid again.” She held out her hands for Rio’s phone. When Rio hesitated Lilia pulled a face like she had eaten something sour. “Oh, are these not work safe?”

Rio rolled her eyes and handed the phone over. “She wants him to get into modeling now.”

Lilia smiled warmly at the phone as she swiped through the images. “He is very striking. I could see him in a movie.” She handed the phone back. “How are the edits coming?”

Rio tipped her head back to look at the ceiling. “You mean how goes counting down the moments until my life implodes? Great… I’m just great .”

Lilia sat down across from Rio in a visitor’s chair. “I think there’s a chance she’ll forgive you, she seems quite taken with you.”

Rio shook her head, her hands flicking up at the ceiling. “I suck.” Her hands came down to grip the arm rests as she slouched further down. “Do you know how I know I suck? Because how was this woman placed in my fucking lap so that I could fumble her? I must have been incredibly stupid in a past life.”

Lilia took a skittle from a candy bowl she had near her computer and lobbed it at Rio. The brunette pouting. “Hey…” her eyes lighting up at the color. “Oh, lime! Sweet!” She quickly placed it in her mouth and chewed away while she kept rambling. “I bet you she burns down my apartment or at the very least keys my car.”

Lilia shook her head. “Give her a little credit… I think she’s more creative than that.”

Rio narrowed her eyes as she swung the office chair back and forth. Lilia closed Rio’s laptop with two fingers. “Maybe it’s best if you tell her before it drops.”

Rio huffed, crossing her arms as her eyes looked towards the window, sadly the view was obstructed by closed blinds so she could focus. “It’s not going to make a difference.” Rio sat up and opened her laptop. “It’s fine, the life of an academic is supposed to be a lonely one right?”

Lilia snorted. “Speak for yourself… I have a line of lovers.”

Rio lifted her eyes and scrunched up her nose. “Ew, you’re practically my aunt at this point. I don’t wanna know about your women .” Rio picked up her phone and looked at a photo of Agatha and Peanut Butter, saving it to her wallpaper. “What if I just burn the study down? Then I can marry Agatha and run away with her.”

Lilia sighed. “Talk to her.”

Rio grumbled. “I don’t wanna be the reason she kills herself.”

Lilia lifted her palms up. “Kiddo, you know you can’t control others. You said it was her mother and the sex tapes that drove her over the edge. I think she could survive this, it’s not that bad.”

Rio chewed on her lip. “She wouldn’t leave Peanut Butter alone, I’m sure of that… however, she might assume I would just take him.” she sighed. 

Lilia patted her on the arm. “She’ll be okay. Now, get to work. You have a premiere in a couple of days.”

Rio let her eyes drift back to the edit as she turned her phone over to focus.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 34

Rio was about to turn in for the night. She had texted Agatha that her apartment was closer to the studio and that she needed to crash. The brunette had been suspiciously quiet until Rio’s phone started blaring, late.

Rio couldn’t sleep and didn’t mind the distraction. “Hey, you.”

Agatha sounded breathless. “Hi…”

Rio’s fingers dug into her sheets, maybe it hadn’t been a good idea to stay at her place yet, though she had to figure that out soon, because the premier was coming up and who knew how Agatha was going to respond? It wouldn’t be well, that was for sure. “Are you okay?”

Agatha didn’t answer and she had to repeat her question. 

“My mother called me. I think… or I was dreaming. I don’t know, I’m too scared to check.”

Rio sat up. “Did you need me to come over?”

“No… can you just… stay on the phone with me a while?”

Rio rubbed at her forehead. The stress of everything was sure to give her wrinkles in the end. “Of course, whatever you need.” She closed her eyes as she tried to focus. “Where is Pea?” She heard Agatha perk up.

“In my lap. We’re sitting in bed. Missing you.” She heard Agatha pause. “Is that too much to say?”

Rio leaned back against her headboard. “No… I… miss you guys too. I’m sorry I was too tired to come all the way there tonight. It was a long day.”

“I could come and get you next time, I don’t mind the drive.”

Rio pulled her blankets up higher to get cozy. “Yeah?”

“I would rather have you here. Pea is super soft today, I think those supplements you got him are really working.”

Rio snorted. “It’s just collagen.”

“Well, he’s so soft it’s illegal. Also, we should really discuss his career. I think he could do well in movies.”

Rio shook her head. “I showed Lilia your photos, she thought the same honestly.” She missed her mistake.

“Who’s Lilia? I’ve met her before, but you’ve never really told me how you know her… or Alice.”

Rio blew out a breath, shit . She decided being as honest as possible was the way to go. “So Lilia, you can call her my advisor, we met at my PhD program. And Alice, we’ve been studying together for years, we actually got into the UCLA program together. She’s my best friend.”