Chapter Text
SUMMER OF 2004, STUDIO CITY, LA
In the quiet of the night faint whispers scatter across the bedroom walls of a modest apartment. It’s subtle but the hints of history shared together are peppered across the walls in the form of polaroids taken together (often out of focus as the other party is too distracted), different trinkets coming in pairs, clearly set in mind to be couple items; the atmosphere shows someone happy to be in commitment to each other.
A pair lazily lounging on the bed in a tight embrace is an even further testament to it.
Agatha reverently brushes her fingers over Rio’s hair as she excitedly talks about an audition that seems to go well. Or badly. Agatha has serious trouble concentrating as she tries to catalogue Rio’s features to her memory, gaze tender as ever.
Rio quickly catches on and gets shy and laughs out of embarrassment.
- Are you even listening to me? Stop looking at me like that.
- Like what? – Agatha’s gaze doesn’t get any less intense which makes Rio’s cheeks tint bright red this time. Agatha likes the effect she has on her, relishes in it.
- Like you’re focusing on literally anything else but the story.
- I am focusing on you.
The cheesy line prompts a disgusted noise from Rio as she jokingly tries to get out of the embrace but to no avail.
So she changes tactics, and turns to face Agatha, her expression suddenly changing to serious.
- What was I talking about?
- An audition going well..?
Rio huffs and shakes her head but smiles fondly nevertheless.
- Close enough. You stopped listening at about the start of my story, - Agatha apologetically pouts which gains another shaky laugh from Rio, - This could be my breakout role if all goes well. They seemed to really like me.
- Rio, that’s so great! – Agatha immediately intertwines their hands together as they both stare at the gesture, – We will be taking Hollywood by storm anytime!
Rio nods bashfully, clearly still not fully believing it finally happening to her.
- What is the project about?
- It’s something planned for the Halloween season? The working title is something like… ‘Witches’ Brew’?
Suddenly the world crumbles around Agatha as she’s trying her best to seem interested in Rio explaining the plot. She knows the plot alright. Grabbed the opportunity and used blackmail on the producer to ensure she’s getting the main part. She should tell Rio now, come clean, shatter her dreams right in front of her, is she even capable of doing so?
- What do you think? – The question pulls Agatha out of her restless stream of thoughts, Rio looking at her expectantly.
- Sounds promising, darling.
- You weren’t listening again, were you?
- No, I mean it. You’ve been working so hard for this, if anyone deserves it, it’s you.
Agatha tells it as genuinely as she possibly can while her insides scream to reveal the truth, it’s going to get only worse from here if she stalls.
But she’s getting weaker under Rio’s adoring gaze and wants to pretend for a moment that everything is fine, and she hasn’t single-handedly ruin everything out of her own greed.
- Thank you for believing in me. – It sounds so sincere that Agatha nearly gives in and tells the truth. Rio deserves to know. But Agatha can’t seem to pluck up the courage to set off a rift in their relationship.
So instead, she pulls Rio into a deep kiss as if trying to convey the severity of her devotion through actions, clinging to her as if it’s the last time ever they are going to spend together peacefully. She wasn’t entirely wrong.
Rio pulls back first to look at her incredulously, reaching out to cup Agatha’s face in her hands, concern shadowing her features.
- What’s gotten into you?
- I just got overwhelmed with emotions is all. – And the award for being the main coward of the night definitely goes to Agatha Harkness. It doesn’t help that Rio fully believes her.
Rio smiles teasingly, her thumb swiping over Agatha’s jaw.
- Who knew that the chic Agatha Harkness is a hidden softie inside. – She pokes her ribs for good measure, making Agatha laugh awkwardly.
- It’s reserved only for you. So don’t you dare tell anyone. – Agatha threatens jokingly, and Rio responds with zipping up her lips in a comical motion.
They keep fantasizing together about how good their life can turn out soon, and for a moment Agatha lets herself get lost in the safety of the situation. Tries to memorize everything to a minute detail: the sound of Rio’s laughter at her lamest jokes; the glances they keep stealing at each other as if too shy to fully give into vulnerability; how soft Rio’s voice is getting only with her, defenses falling when she’s not trying to prove to the cutthroat industry that she’s tougher than she actually is.
Agatha knows her too well, and Rio does Agatha. Too bad this belief is about to shatter into million pieces.
A few weeks later the news breaks out, and Rio is silently packing her bags.
No amount of pleading is stopping her, until she finally does only to wound Agatha with the coldest stare she has ever encountered. Agatha has seen it being directed towards others but never to her.
- How long have you known?
The silence between them hangs so thick, Agatha knows there’s no room to keep running anymore. Time to face the music.
- Since that night you told me about the audition. Even earlier than that. – Agatha tries sounding as apologetic as possible, but it doesn’t work. She’s not surprised in the slightest.
Rio scoffs and shakes her head. Her disappointment is coming off in waves without a single word uttered.
She finally looks up, and there’s a new emotion twinkling in her eyes that Agatha has never seen before. Is it hatred? The realization makes her stomach sink to the deepest pits of hell, where she frankly belongs now.
- You know, you could take any roles you want, I don’t care about that. You know what I hate the most. Deceit. If you told me right then and there, all would’ve been fine. You made me get so caught up in these delusions I actually thought I have a chance.
- But you really do, you are so talented—
- Well that’s not enough to survive here, isn’t it? Thank you for the lesson, Agatha. I need to toughen up and be just as ruthless as you.
- Rio, I was scared to tell you… - Agatha knew that any excuse would be pretty much useless, but she kept trying anyway.
- And I’m not scared every goddamn day? That I’ll have to go back home with my tail between my legs, be the infamous Vidal family’s failure? I’ve told you all about my hopes and dreams and—
- Well, I have them too! – Agatha regretted her words immediately. Greed is taking over her once again, making her spew out nonsense she doesn’t mean.
And that seems to be the final straw for Rio. She nods to herself bitterly, clutching to her suitcase in a tight grip.
- Then I hope you fulfill them, Harkness, I truly do, because you’ll never find happiness anywhere else. Good luck. That’s the last time I’m being nice to you.
Rio almost leaves, but Agatha grabs her arm impulsively. Rio stops, clearly fighting feelings she still has, maybe Agatha can still influence her to—
- Let me go, Harkness. It’s over.
- Where are you even going to live?
- I have my ways. I cannot be in the same space as you are right now. And I don’t plan on being in one ever again. Goodbye.
Rio avoids making eye contact, still fighting off the urges of going back, and Agatha is frozen in place. She knows it will only get worse, if she tries manipulating her. Rio still loves her but she’s no idiot. Maybe it’s for the best for the both of them.
Rio pretty much keeps her promise. Agatha knows too well how petty she can get. To her relief, Rio’s career took off right after their breakup, too. Strangely enough, the theme of the projects she was getting was always similar to whatever Agatha was working on. Her first memorable role also belonged to a witchy realm, though had to deal with a lot of time travel and confusing lore that Agatha didn’t bother to get into too much.
Agatha gets a role at a true crime drama – Rio scores a role for a satire on true crime. Agatha wows everyone as a flawed protagonist in an action thriller, and Rio becomes a very quotable action thriller villain. It really seemed like Rio was trying to one-up Agatha in anything she did. It amused her, to be on Rio’s mind non-stop after all these years, or maybe fate was playing a cruel joke on them.
It became worse when it turned into an actual feud, spanning across several decades.
BREAKING! Sparks fly: Vidal and Harkness caught in a passionate fight over restaurant seating.
Restaurant reservations might seem like a cause unworthy of colorful language and getting handsy but not for these divas! Could there be something more personal hidden under yet another petty feud?
Agatha knew exactly why Rio was in this restaurant tonight. It’s her birthday. They used to come here anytime they had something big to celebrate. Agatha came here to reminisce about past times until she felt someone’s eyes on her and a slender figure walking in her direction with fierce determination.
- I need you to get out of here. – Rio states bluntly, no other emotion but resentment coloring her features.
- I don’t remember you owning this restaurant. – Agatha shouldn’t rile her up. She knew the tales about Rio’s tantrums on set. She read all about them. Half of them are probably not true but the other is believable enough. Agatha knows her temper. Or lack thereof. Not much seems to have changed since then.
- You really can’t get me out of your head, can you? Coming here, of all places, on my birthday no less?
- Same can be said about you. Isn’t it our special place?
Shadows of the past cast themselves onto Rio’s face until she quickly gets ahold of herself. In her own manner. That being her suddenly grabbing a plate on Agatha’s table and smashing it to bits.
All Agatha can do is gasp in shock. If they weren’t making a scene before they sure as hell are making it now.
- You’re going to pay for this, by the way. – Rio says in a nonchalant tone, cocking her eyebrow in a challenge.
- Can’t believe you’ve gone even crazier, Vidal.
That seems to set off all the wrong instincts in Rio because she slowly starts moving a glass on Agatha’s table like a petulant cat until it finally reaches the edge and smashes against the floor with a flair.
- Oops? – Rio says it so innocently but the spark in her eyes gives off too much of her inner insanity.
All the other empty glasses at the table follow suit. Agatha watches this spectacle happen and can’t bring herself to stop Rio. She sadistically enjoys the thrill of riling her up.
It could’ve gone for eternity until everyone in the restaurant took a good shot with their phones, but Rio’s manager, Lilia Calderu, is finally behind her, tugging on Rio’s arm.
- You’re making a scene, darling. – She says in a cautionary tone, but it doesn’t seem to take any effect on Rio’s determination.
- You damn right I am. I need this bitch to leave.
Profanity set off whispers all across the room. But these two are too focused on each other to even notice.
- That won’t be happening. – Agatha responds mockingly, a venomous smile spreading across her lips.
Rio almost swings at her with her fist but Lilia is quick to catch it and take her away from the scene like a kitten taken away by the scruff.
Agatha tries her best to stifle her laughter as Rio leaves the restaurant staring daggers in her direction. She’s definitely gone feistier. Agatha likes that. Not that she would admit that out loud to anyone.
If only she knew the matters would get only worse after this incident.
HOT GOSSIP! Incidental hit and stare: Agatha Harkness confronts Rio Vidal for hitting her car with hers
As you can see in the pictures kindly provided by the locals, you can feast your eyes on a heated argument between two high-billing stars! Will their feud ever get truly physical?
OH NO THEY DIDN’T! Agatha Harkness allegedly makes Rio Vidal stumble and fall on the way to accept her Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress.
Petty much? Despite them both earning their respective awards, Harkness isn’t so keen on forgiving all the past misdeeds. And it results in a headline worthy outcome: Vidal spilling wine all over Harkness’ designer dress while reportedly shouting graphic insults. Who will take it further next?
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? Vidal and Harkness spotted standing next to each other way too close for comfort!
Could there be something more to the petty arguments? The passionate grabbing of each other by the hem of their clothes might give us hints but no one but them seems to know all the details about their gory past. Will it ever come to the surface?
CHANNEL 8 THE TODAY SHOW.
“John, doesn’t it feel like these divas are bringing us back to the golden age of celebrity feuds? So many theatrics, I absolutely love it!”
“I am with you on this one, Kelsey. They are making headlines practically every few months! Somebody needs to isolate them from each other!”
“Or make them get even closer. Have you heard about this speculation about them being lovers in the past?”
“Oh I sure did, but for now there isn’t much evidence, much to the public’s chagrin”
“Who knows, maybe one day they get to tell the tale themselves”.
Rio turns off the television with the most bitter expression she could muster. Lilia is looking at her expectantly but not daring to challenge her temper once again.
- Do I have to do this?
- The ratings of your latest projects are dropping. It seems that the only thing people care about these days is this… petty drama you created for yourself. It could be good for you. A nice challenge as an actor.
- And a great device to get even more headlines.
- Now, darling you’d have to be civil--
- Like hell I am gonna be! If I’m doing this, it’s going to be on my terms.
Lilia lets out an exasperated sigh, cursing the day she believed in this kid enough to be too attached to let go.
- Fine. I’ll call up her agent, we’ll set up a table read.
Lilia leaves Rio with her thoughts which are now spinning in her head at hyper speed. What a fucking joke. Her career leading up to this – acting alongside her ex to gain more traction among general public.
She scoffs to her own thoughts, as her fingers keep fiddling with the remote in her hand. Until she smashes it against the wall, leaving a small indent below the window. It doesn’t make her feel better. But it does reignite the flame in her heart she barely knows how to control.
She should think about the positives, really. About all the ways she can make Agatha Harkness tick and wish she never signed up for this. A slightly deranged smile creeps up on Rio’s face as her mind travels somewhere else. The games are only beginning now.
Rio Vidal @riovidal
Thrilled to be announcing a new exciting project alongside @AHarkness! Can’t reveal too much for now but be warned, the chemistry will be explosive ;)
vee @vidalvitals
girl who hacked you what’s going on
rio’s gf @riobeloveds
say sike rn like there’s no way it’s true
Film Updates @FilmUpdates
Agatha Harkness and Rio Vidal to star in a romcom ‘UNTIMELY FRICTION’, Alice Wu-Gulliver is set to direct.
The story revolves around an unlikely pair of rivals falling for each other in multiple timelines.
rio’s gf @riobeloveds
no way this is real im crying jfskldf one second from a freak accident on set
agatha’s bodyguard @agathasteam
damn about time agatha actually hired me now
fei @feisfilms
the plot hits too close to home, how did they even sign up for this jfksldf
Agatha Harkness @AHarkness
You heard it right everyone! Chemistry is about to get real as ever! Look forward to behind-the-scenes content with @RioVidal :)
agatha’s bodyguard @teamagatha
is the content in question you torturing each other girl be serious
hal @bewitched
if threatening each other with sharp objects is what you call chemistry, then sure
Agatha is staring at her phone, looking at all the notifications popping up, and sighs so loudly it brings the attention of her manager Jennifer.
- There. All done.
- Now that wasn’t too hard, was it?
- It’s the closest I got to praising her after 20 years, I’d say it was pretty hard.
- Don’t be such a baby, Harkness, it’s all going to work out. You needed a hit project on your hands, didn’t you?
At this point Agatha lost track of what she was exactly after. All these years chasing after the next big thing, scheming the next big move in the chess match with Rio. Now it seems to come to a checkmate, and no one feels like a winner.
The romcom plot bothers her too. Something about it causes her to travel back to a timeline that happened sometime but also, never. She quickly lets go of her thoughts though as the next thing on the agenda starts bothering her: encountering Rio in a professional setting for the first time in her miserable career.
How long will it take before they both go completely off the rails? Agatha isn’t betting on anything remotely resembling restraint.
Ready, set, go?