Chapter Text
First Date
By the time Friday arrived, Agatha and Rio had privately hung out every day. Their first date certainly didn’t feel like a first date at all. Rio showed up in a suit with a driver at 4pm as expected. Rio rang the bell and waited.
When the door opened, Evanora Harkness smiled at her. “Rio, come in! Agatha is looking forward to this so much. She’ll be down in just a moment.”
Rio knew Agatha was genuinely excited, because they’d discussed it earlier in the day on a video call. She also knew the other woman was nervously brushing her teeth, because Agatha had sent her a text saying as much when she sent a message to let her know she was pulling up.
“How are your parents?” Evanora said, her voice professional and exhausting.
Rio pulled her eyes from the staircase to her. “Oh, they’re great. Having a date night of their own. Thank you. How are you?”
Evanora folded her hands in front of her beige skirt and nodded. “That’s wonderful. I wish them the best. I’m well. Thank you.”
Agatha made her way down the stairs. A tight smile on her face. “Hi, Rio.”
“Hi, Agatha.” She held out her hand to help her off the last step.
Agatha linked arms with her. “Thanks.”
They smiled at each other. The room around them faded into the background; Agatha felt momentarily safe as she looked into Rio’s eyes.
“Four in the afternoon is such an interesting time to start a date.” Evanora’s voice brought her back to the surroundings.
She blinked and looked at her mother. “I think we have a lot of ground to cover.”
“Lots of events planned. One starts a bit on the early side.” Rio held a finger to her lips. “But it’s a surprise. We should head out. Thank you, Mrs. Harkness.”
Evanora gave another professional smile. “Right. Agatha, you behave, you hear?”
Agatha’s smile flickered for the smallest second, but she recovered quickly. She gave a silent nod, trying to send a telepathic message to Rio begging that they leave now.
Rio’s jaw clenched, and Agatha felt her arm muscles tighten. She swallowed and smiled back at Agatha’s mother.
“I’m sure Agatha will be wonderful, Mrs. Harkness. We’ll be on our way now. Thank you and have a good evening.” Rio gave a small nod and led Agatha out the door.
Evanora couldn’t muster a response before they’d exited. She stood still, fuming. Ernie shut the front door behind them with a quiet thud, and Evanora’s eyes landed on him.
“Ernie, don’t slam that door, damn it!”
Ernie nodded. “Yes, ma’am. Sorry, ma’am.”
Rio and Agatha slid into the back seat of the car waiting for them, and they both let out a big sigh. Rio stared at her for a moment, shaking her head.
“I’m sorry, but your mom sucks so much. What was with that comment?” Rio grimaced. “I wanted to say more than I did, but I didn’t want her to back out of the merger, because of some bogus reason like ‘that Rio doesn’t have manners,’ or whatever gripe she could come up with.”
Agatha rested her head on Rio’s shoulder. Her eyes took in the inside of the car: tinted windows, black seats. She realized she wasn’t buckled up; lifting her head, she quickly fixed that.
She bit her lip and said, “I hope that doesn’t happen. I-I’d still want to do this.”
“Well,” Rio said, turning to face her. “It would be absolutely batshit insane, but I could propose tonight? So, she doesn’t have time to…back out?”
Agatha’s eyes widened. “Oh, wow. Do you think that would work?”
“I don’t know. To them, it might seem crazy, but technically, we’ve seen each other every day this week. It wouldn’t be the most insane move since we’ve hung out a lot, right?” Rio shifted in her seat. “It is completely up to you.”
“It would get me out of there a lot sooner.” Agatha weighed the pros and cons mentally. “When do you want to do the other four dates? If we stick with the fifth date plan?”
“We could do one per week for the next five weeks or we could do two next week and two the week after?” Rio counted out the weeks on her hands. “So, two weeks or five weeks?”
“I’m scared she’ll know something’s up if we change the plan.” Agatha bit her lip. “Let’s do two weeks. Maybe we can avoid her until the proposal.”
Rio laughed and ran her hand through her hair. “I don’t know if we can. I will do my best to not say anything that she might be upset by. Maybe there could be a way for us to avoid having her in a setting where she feels comfortable saying that sort of thing in front of me?”
Agatha settled back into her seat, resting her head on Rio’s shoulder again. Rio reflexively held her hand. She thought about what Rio was saying, thinking about her mother.
“Yeah, that might be good,” she said. “She doesn’t want to look bad in front of your parents. She probably wouldn’t say anything in front of them. Oh, or in a public setting.”
Agatha felt the tears in her eyes and wiped her eyes quickly. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’m sorry. I wish I could have defended you better.” Rio wrapped her arms around Agatha. “I swear I’ll rebuke that kind of thing once paperwork is signed. I don’t want to make things harder for you at home. And honestly, I’m scared of your mom pulling out of the deal and you winding up getting married off to someone who sucks or goes along with your mom’s bullshit way of treating you.”
She paused for a moment. “And, selfishly, I really am enjoying spending time with you.”
“I’m enjoying your company, too, Rio. You’ve been so great.” Agatha kept her head rested on Rio’s chest. “Um, I have a question, though.”
“Sure, what’s up?” Rio stroked her hair and waited for the other woman to speak.
“I really do like you,” she said. “Do you like me? Like…romantically?”
Rio was quiet for a moment; her heart lodged itself in her throat. She couldn’t breathe for a second as the blood rushed through her ears. She cleared her throat. “Sorry. I’m not hesitating, because I don’t know. It’s because I’m nervous. The answer is yes. Yeah, I do. I like you a lot. Spending all this time with you this week has been so wonderful.”
Agatha sat up and looked at her with a big smile on her face. “Cool.”
The car stopped and they both looked up.
“We’re here.” Rio straightened her suit, while Agatha double checked her dress.
“Ready?” Rio said.
Agatha nodded and they stepped out of the car into a sea of flashing lights. Rio kept her hand securely in Agatha’s, while guiding her through the throngs of people.
“All of this for a hotel heiress?” Agatha said, softly against Rio’s ear.
Rio smiled and shrugged.
People shouted at her, asking her questions, asking Agatha questions. She led them through the throngs of people to the first stop on their date: a fancy dinner at a restaurant owned by the Vidals, all so they could get to the basketball game that started at what Rio would call a normal, reasonable dinner time.
Once they were seated deep within the restaurant, Rio kept her hands in front of her mouth as she spoke. “There will be some people who slip in and take photos.”
“Yeah, gonna assume we’re performing anywhere outside of the car.” Agatha hid her lips as well. “Also, hiding your lips, that’s a smart move.”
Rio made a face, confirming Agatha’s assumption and laughed. “Yeah, it’s a good move for sure.”
They ordered food and pretended this was the first real conversation they’d ever had.
“So, Rio, what do you do for fun?” Agatha chewed her food slowly, waiting for Rio’s acceptable public answer.
Rio took a sip of wine and dabbed her mouth. “I collect glass animals, play sports, and take hikes. What about you?”
They heard the snap of cameras, both trying to ignore them. They exchanged a look, staying in character.
Agatha answered the question and then with her mouth covered with the napkin, she asked a real question. “Why is there so much fanfare about this date?”
Rio, hiding her mouth, said, “You’re the first person I’ve ever been seen going on a date with or seen with romantically at all.”
Agatha nodded, smiling. “I see.”
Rio laughed, focusing on her food.
The man with a camera standing across the dining room snapped several more shots of them. Other patrons were starting to glance in their direction, but once the man left, the extra attention faded. Agatha eyed Rio, chewing a bite of food slowly; she had questions for later. She stuck to the script for the sake of dinner.
Once they were back in the car, Agatha said, “Can I ask a real question?”
“Of course.” Rio tilted her head and watched her.
“Why am I the first person you’ve been seen with? What’s the big deal with your dating life?” Agatha narrowed her eyes. “What’s going on there?”
Rio smiled and shrugged. “I have been able to be very discreet. There’s been speculation about my sexuality for a long time. Nobody’s been able to figure out if I’m straight, gay, bisexual, or ‘other.’ I’m notoriously alone in public.”
“But you’ve dated people?” Agatha frowned.
“In high school, yes, but not since then.” She rubbed her neck. “Most people aren’t dating me for the right reasons.”
“Oh.” Agatha watched the traffic passing by in the window next to Rio. “But you’ve slept with people?”
“Yes,” Rio said, staring at Agatha, nerves flickering across her features. “I’ve slept around, but I haven’t committed to anyone in my adult dating history.”
Agatha brought her attention from the cars rolling along next to them to the woman in front of her. “Why?”
Rio ran her hand through her hair. “It isn’t because I’m not interested in commitment. I-I’m just not interested in the people I tend to attract. Someone who wants to use me for clout, money, or whatever. The people I’ve slept with, I’ve met elsewhere, outside of all of this, who didn’t know who I was.”
Agatha bit her lip and nodded. “Okay. Thanks for answering my question.”
“Of course.” Rio smiled and tentatively reached for her hand.
Agatha took it and squeezed. She rested her head on her shoulder and sighed.
Rio ran her thumb up and down the side of Agatha’s and watched the scenery change. She knew they were nearing the arena where the basketball game would take place. She chewed on her lip, trying to decide how to circle back to their previous conversation. “Earlier, before dinner, you asked if I like you romantically, and I said, yes, but I didn’t get to ask you the same thing. Um, do you like me romantically, too?”
Agatha popped her head up and looked at Rio, smiling widely. “Yeah, I do. A lot.”
Rio felt her face warming up. “Okay. I thought you’d said so, but I wanted to clarify. Also, um, does my dating history—is that okay?”
Agatha’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean? Yeah, of course, it’s okay. I wanted to understand you, that’s all. Mine, I guess, is sort of similar. I wasn’t worried about people seeing me, but I liked keeping it more private. And I dated in college, and Jen, I met on a dating app. But I-I don’t know. I held people at arm’s length. I was afraid they’d treat me like my mom treats me.”
She shrugged. “Sorry. I’m babbling.”
“No, no, you’re great.” Rio gave a low chuckle. “It’s a bit reassuring, honestly. I got nervous with the way you were asking.”
Agatha rubbed Rio’s arm, leaning her head on Rio’s shoulder. “I was nervous you might…I don’t know.”
Rio frowned. “I might what? Not like you for long?”
Agatha exhaled. “Hm, I don’t know. Maybe. Yeah, I think so.”
“Agatha, I’m sorry. No, not the case at all. I-I’m really loyal to a fault. My love life is just a nightmare because of who I am related to. And you and I, we have something else going on. This is different. I promise.” Rio’s foot jiggled. “Hey, would you like to be my girlfriend?”
Agatha lifted her head and blinked. “Like, privately?”
“Yeah,” Rio said, softly. “No pressure.”
Agatha started to answer when the car stopped and the driver said, “We’re here.”
They both looked at the driver and then back to each other.
“Yes,” Agatha said, quickly. “Yes, I want to be your girlfriend.”
Rio ducked her head. “Cool. I want to be your girlfriend, too. Is it okay if I kiss you?”
Agatha leaned in, nodding. “Yes, come here.”
Rio closed the distance. Their lips pressed together, and Agatha’s hand undid her seatbelt, so she could shift to face Rio better. She tangled her hand in Rio’s hair, and Rio grabbed her wrist and rubbed her thumb against Agatha’s skin.
The driver knocked on their door and they broke apart, sharing a giant smile.
“Where are we?” Agatha said, sliding out of the car with Rio right behind her.
There was a lot less fanfare when they stepped out of the car. She slipped her hand into Agatha’s, trying to guide her inside. She leaned forward and said, quietly, “We’re going to a basketball game.”
Agatha’s head was buzzing from the kissing in the car. And their decision to really be girlfriends. Once they were inside, Rio stepped in front of her, holding on to her hand and leading the way to their seats. The concession stands, the merch stands, the other attendees all passed Agatha in a blur. The chatter and excitement wafted through the air riding on the smells of popcorn and hot dogs.
Agatha followed her to the courtside seats and sat next to Rio, but she was overwhelmed by the loud music and louder fans in the stands.
“You okay? Is this okay?” Rio said, biting her lip. Her eyes scanned Agatha.
Agatha nodded vigorously. “Yeah, it’s loud and crazy, but yes, it’s great. I’ve never been to a basketball game.”
Rio looked distressed for a minute. “I’m sorry I thought it would be fun, because it’s loud and we could talk a bit more freely, and any paparazzi types, they can’t be here in quite the same way.”
Agatha shook her and grabbed Rio’s hands. “Oh, no! No, Rio, it’s wonderful. I’m excited to experience this with you. I’m having a great time with you.”
Rio’s features relaxed, and a smile formed. “I’m having a great time with you, too.”
They people-watched until the game started, which Agatha watched but spent a lot of time watching Rio. While she wasn’t sure of the rules, she appreciated that when there were major upsets, Rio would lean over and explain.
They were able to be a little more relaxed while the game played out.
When the game ended, Agatha and Rio slipped out quietly. Once they were back in the car, Rio bit her lip, nerves back in her throat.
“Was that okay?” Rio said. She kept her eyes on the ring on her finger.
“Yeah, absolutely.” Agatha buckled up and grabbed her hand. “Thank you, Rio. Seriously. It was really nice. I also enjoyed your helpful explanations throughout the game.”
“I’m glad.” She exhaled a shaky breath. “Um, I’ve also got tickets for a late movie. If you want.” She swallowed and shifted in her seat as the car drove toward their next adventure. “We can skip it if you’re tired. I wanted to keep you out as late as I could to help you avoid your mom.”
Agatha felt a squeeze in her chest. “You said we’d be out late before you knew enough about her to know I’d want that.”
She shrugged. “I’m perceptive. You said a few things that first day, and then in that first text, I just-I got the impression it might be helpful.”
Agatha smiled wide. “Thank you. What movie are we seeing?”
Agatha sat shoulder to shoulder with Rio, playing with her hand. Rio settled in next to her and relaxed, chatting about the movie.
Once they were settled in the movie theater with the lights down and the movie, Agatha tapped Rio on the shoulder. She turned to look at her, offering her the small bag of popcorn they’d opted to share. Agatha gave her a peck on the lips.
Rio kissed her back before Agatha pulled away. They shared a small smile.
After the movie was over, Rio felt a sadness set in. She hated the idea of taking Agatha back to her home. Would Evanora be waiting up for her to debrief on the date? Would she grill her in the morning? Would they have a business meeting Monday?
She glanced at Agatha, who looked sleepy.
Once they were in the car, Rio ran her tongue over her teeth. “Will your mom grill you about our date?”
Agatha blew a deep breath out of her mouth. “Oh, I don’t know. Probably. She might wait until the morning.”
Agatha checked her phone for the time. “Yeah, since it’s nearly one in the morning, she will likely wait until the morning.”
“Do you think she’ll be upset with you about the comment that I made?” Rio watched the familiar drive to Agatha’s house bring them one step closer to ending their evening.
“I’m not entirely sure. I’ve never had someone…stand up to her like even in that subtle kind of way.” Agatha spun Rio’s ring around on her finger. “When she grills me, I assume she’ll ask me when our next date is set for. But beyond that, I’m not entirely sure.”
With a nod, Rio sighed. “Well, I’ll wait out here until I know you’re safely in your room and away from her. Is that okay?”
Agatha looked at her. “Really?”
“Yeah, of course. It sucks she’s such a bummer.” Rio’s stomach dropped as they turned on to the last road before they were at Agatha’s. “Um, for our next date, how about Tuesday? We could go to a double feature at a drive-in movie theater, and then we could go stargazing or dancing. Whatever will keep you out as late as you want to be out.”
Agatha tilted her head and nodded. “It sounds wonderful.”
“And our third date could be Friday. We could go roller skating and grab dinner and maybe we could pick a movie to watch at my place and you could stay with me that night?” Rio stared at Agatha. “Again, no pressure for anything sexual to happen. Just a sleepover to help you be…not at home.”
Agatha’s heart raced. She didn’t want to rush into anything, but she really appreciated Rio’s thoughtfulness.
“If they get weird about the accelerated timeline, we can just say we’ve really hit it off.” Rio’s heart sank as they pulled up in front of her house.
Agatha looked out the window and sighed. She looked back to Rio and smiled.
“Both of those dates sound wonderful. This plan sounds great.” Agatha said as she unbuckled. “Thank you.”
“Let me know how it goes when you get inside.” Rio hugged her, kissing her temple.
Agatha shifted so that her lips were close to Rio’s. “Can I kiss you?”
Rio closed the very short distance between their lips and softly kissed her.
When they pulled away, they shared a smile. Agatha’s smile faltered as her heart sank. She didn’t want to get out of the car.
Rio bared her teeth, giving a pained expression. “I know it sucks. I’m sorry.”
Agatha sighed. “The sooner I go in, the sooner it’ll be over.”
“Pick you up tomorrow?” Rio squeezed her hand.
“Yes,” she said, groaning. “It can’t get here soon enough.”
Agatha stepped out of the car and headed inside, bracing for whatever her mother might be waiting to say.
Once she was inside, she made it to her bedroom and felt her shoulders relax. She sent a quick text to Rio to let her know she could go home.
Once she had changed, she went to turn off her light when there was a light knock on her door. She held her breath.
“Agatha?” Her mother’s voice came. “How did the date go?”
“Hey, Mom, the date was good.” Agatha’s fingers hovered over the light switch.
“Good. When is your next one?” Evanora tapped on the door. “Are you decent?”
The door opened before Agatha could answer.
Agatha dropped her hand from the light switch. “Mom, it’s late. I’d like to sleep now. Our next date is scheduled for Tuesday.”
“Tuesday?” Her eyebrows shot up. “So soon?”
“Yes,” Agatha said. “The date tonight went really well.”
Evanora smiled, rubbing her hands together. “Wonderful. That will speed up the business timeline.”
Agatha crossed her arms and nodded, biting back a retort.
“Don’t fuck it up, you hear me?” Evanora said, grabbing the doorknob. “Good night.”
Evanora shut the door before Agatha could respond. Her blood boiled, but she thought of Rio, and then she realized her mom hadn’t mentioned Rio’s comment from earlier. She felt relief.
She turned off the light and got settled in bed. She grabbed her phone and checked in with Rio again. The glow of the screen illuminated her face as she tapped away from under her cream-colored comforter and sheets.
Agatha: Hey, settled in bed now. Mom checked on me, asked when our next date was, and didn’t mention your comment from earlier.
Rio: That’s a relief. I’m glad she didn’t cause problems for you. What’d she say about the date?
Agatha: Ugh she was thrilled because she said it would ‘speed up the business timeline,’ so stupid
Rio: I’m glad she wasn’t an asshole about it =)
Agatha: Can I call?
Rio: Of course!
Agatha hit the video call button and Rio picked up instantly.
“Hey, Agatha,” Rio said, smiling at her screen.
“Hey, Rio.” Agatha felt her whole body relax. “I wanted to see your face before I fell asleep.”
“Happy to be of service.” She winked.
Rio was in a tank top, and her hair cascaded down over her shoulders. After the past few days of video calls, Agatha was accustomed to this look. She sat against the dark green headrest, and Agatha could see the black pillowcase wedged behind Rio’s back.
Agatha was lying on her side, her arm folded under her head, hugging the pillow to her face and watching her on the screen. “Rio?”
“Hm?” Rio said, who was staring back at her.
“I don’t care about the business timeline. And I’m happy we’re really girlfriends. I’ve been having such a good time with you.” Agatha spoke softly, afraid to be overheard.
Rio’s eyes lit up. “Me, too. The business stuff is for them. I don’t care. I’m still relieved that you’re great. I’ve really enjoyed this week, and I’m happy we’re girlfriends, too. Is it okay that I asked you tonight?”
“Yes, of course.” Agatha laughed quietly. “It was the best part. It made the whole situation feel less weird.”
Rio’s face relaxed. “Okay, that’s a relief. I was worried.”
They were quiet for a few minutes. Rio worked up the courage to ask a serious question.
“I know we’ve seen each other every day this week, so no pressure if you don’t want to hang out tomorrow. I don’t want to smother you or take up too much of your time. Do you really want to see me tomorrow?”
Agatha’s eyes widened. “What? Yes, of course. I love spending time with you.”
“Okay, I didn’t know if you wanted to spend time with other people or anything. I didn’t want to monopolize your time or anything.” Rio pulled a stray fuzz off her shirt.
“No, no, you’re not.” Agatha yawned. “You’re great. We could hang out with friends or something if you wanted to keep it not so isolated?”
Rio tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “Sure, that works for me, if you want to do that. Probably too last minute for them for tomorrow, but maybe next Saturday?”
“Yeah,” Agatha said, grinning. “I’m happy I get you all to myself tomorrow.”
Rio giggled. “Oh yeah, why’s that?”
“Because I want to hang out with my girlfriend.” Agatha said, sing-songing the word ‘girlfriend’ and smiling.
Rio beamed. Her heart soared.
“I’m so excited to hang out with my girlfriend,” she said, mimicking Agath’s sing-songing of the word ‘girlfriend’ and laughing.
Agatha yawned again and gave her a sleepy smile.
Rio clocked the sleepiness getting the better of Agatha and said, “I’ll see you in the morning, okay?”
Agatha nodded, her eyes drooping shut. “See you tomorrow.”
Rio hung up and pictured Agatha next to her. She replayed the night in her head. She’d had such a good time with Agatha. She was nervous, because she was out of practice when it came to being a girlfriend. She suspected she was doing all right, but the nerves still got the better of her.
She’d been so worried about this arrangement, but she was finding solace in building this friendship with Agatha. She was second guessing whether or not asking her to be girlfriends this early was the right move, but when she looked inside herself, she knew what she wanted. She wanted to be with Agatha. She wanted to get to know her and kiss her and give her the world.
Rio cozied up in the sheets and blankets, and she drifted off to sleep coming up with more ideas of their future home together.