Chapter Text
“You’re positive you set it to the right route?” Rio questioned, gaze glancing at the GPS on the phone before focusing back on the road.
“Yes, for the umpteenth time. You do understand that asking repeatedly is not going to change the length of time it takes.” Agatha exhaled deeply.
“Nineteen hours just seems a little extra compared to what I would’ve guessed.”
“If I recall correctly you didn’t want to just fly there and were adamant to drive it. How long did you think it was going to take? Do you realize how many states we have to cross?”
“Well–the number of just a recommendation, could probably shave down an hour or two. Speed limits are just a suggestion anyways.”
“If you terrify my rabbit with your reckless choices you’ll be on the sofa for a month.”
“I do have my own room, y’know.”
“You think that changes anything?”
“No.” Rio grumbled
The previous level of disgruntlement at losing the disagreement had begun to tarnish as the minutes ticked by. One hand, Rio concluded to be finding rabbit fur in every crevice and compartment. On the other hand, there was the smallest benefit, watching the scene play out in the corner of her eye.
Fingers gently treading through fur, the ministrations gradually slowing as Agatha’s head bobbed in effort to keep awake. The background noise of a podcast playing added more fuel to the fire, as the next side-glance confirmed it–head propped against the side panel, fingers still intertwined within fur, Senor Scratchy nestled comfortably in her lap.
Next time, perhaps she would listen, and agree to fly. Not that she’d tell her that she was right, no, it was better to just coast through it, Rio mentally concluded. It was hard to tell what was worse,the two hour chemistry practical exam or everybody else that was driving. No, the practical was better, especially as nineteen hours somehow managed to turn into thirty six.
Hour five had brought forth the need of a pit stop for gas tank refill, a quick bite, a set of rabbit snacks, and giving the furry friend a moment to stretch his legs.
Hour nine resulted in a tire pressure gauge deciding to come to life out of the blue, thereby resulting in another pit stop.
Hour twelve resulted in Rio dozing slightly, hands shifting the wheel a touch too much to the right, giving the collective a small jumpscare at the noise. Thereby deciding an actual rest stop was needed for a quick recharge, denying Agatha’s recommended solution. Which later resulted in flashing red & blue lights followed up with an interrogation as to why a blacked out car was parking in the back of the lot.
Hour eighteen resulted in Agatha potentially being banned permanently from a coffee shop in Ohio.
Hour thirty six finally gave the desired results as the hotel came into sight, which meant the chaos would get to be put on pause. Unsurprisingly there were stares as they stood to get checked in, Rio leaning on the suitcase and Agatha having Señor Scratchy carefully secured within the carrier. Not that it mattered, Rio had already given the harsh warning when the attendant tried to argue that the rabbit didn’t count as a pet despite being pet friendly.
One disagreement, a pizza, and potential bribery later, they were finally successful in getting to have a seat somewhere that was not the inter of an automobile. Rio fell backwards on the bed with a sign of relief as Agatha set and unlocked the cage, the little one cautious of leaving the ‘safe zone’ to inspect the surroundings.
“It’s only nineteen hours huh? Bullshit, next time listen to me.” Agatha sighed heavily, unceremoniously setting the box between them, climbing onto the bed to sit cross legged. Rio hoisted upright, turning to face her as she eagerly flipped open the box.
“So who’s all going to be there? I need to have all my bases covered.” Rio questioned, pointedly ignoring the prior comment, while pulling a slice away from the rest.
“My mother, obviously. Father might be there, who knows. No doubt a collective of cousins will be there too.”
“You have cousins?”
“Supposedly, never exactly looking into family ties, but I’m vaguely aware of them. Salem seven is an ideal nickname for them anyways.”
“Names beyond your nickname?”
“Cicada, Echidna, Cato, Reynard,” Agatha began ticking off, counting on her fingers, “Kioti, Remy, and Corbett”
“I thought my family was into bizarre names.” Rio commented, nose scrunched in mock disbelief, “Think you beat me on that level.”
“Clearly I try so hard.” the sarcasm dripping through words as she wiped her hands off with a napkin, “All of that yet I’m considered the evil one, who would’ve guessed?”
“Not evil to me, rather I find you to be quite good. To me at the very least.” Rio hummed happily, leaning and pressing a small kiss on the cheek, “Besides, by the time I’m done, I don’t think they’ll be wanting either of us back.” The comment gave the exact reaction she was looking for, a laugh.
The morning was beyond what was possible to be stressful. Why was it stressful? She didn’t even know. Perhaps it was the internal twisting and knotting that made things worse than the reality actually was. All resulting in her going back and forth between the bathroom and the collection of clothing spread out on the bed.
Not as though Rio was being of any assistance, rather instead tiredly pawing at her face as she sat cross legged. Half-lidded gaze following the same motions as the latter wore holes into the hardwood.
“Rio….Rio—Rio.” Agtha snapped her fingers in front of the other, causing a blink in surprise.
“Hm?”
“First, eyes up here. Second, focus and get dressed.”
“Yes beloved.”