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The flowers were ridiculous.
Rio knew it the moment she bought them. They were too colorful, too small, wrapped in shiny paper that made an unbearable noise with every step she took.
She had no idea why she did it. She just knew that somehow, she had stopped in front of the flower shop on her way to university, and before thinking about it too much, she was already handing the vendor some bills.
The morning wind shook the petals as she waited outside the law building. She ran a hand through her hair, trying to tame it, but only made it messier.
What was she doing?
It wasn’t a special date. It wasn’t an anniversary. It wasn’t an apology. She simply… wanted to give flowers to Agatha.
And that terrified her more than she’d like to admit.
Because she knew Agatha would hate them.
Rio distracted herself by looking at the ground, kicking a stone with the tip of her shoe, until a familiar voice pulled her out of her misery.
“Am I going to need a restraining order, or is this just a poorly executed romantic gesture?”
Rio jerked her head up.
Agatha was on the steps of the entrance, her bag hanging from one shoulder and an arched eyebrow. Her lips barely hid a smile.
Rio felt her stomach tighten.
“Shut up and take the damn flowers.”
Without looking at her, she held the bouquet out with both hands, as if she wanted to get rid of it as quickly as possible.
Agatha took them slowly, and instead of making a sarcastic comment, she simply leaned in and hugged her. Not a casual hug, not a forced "thanks," but one of those where she clung to her shoulders like a koala, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Rio stood still, acutely aware of Agatha’s weight against her, the smell of coffee and books on her clothes, how her heart was about to break through her chest.
“I don’t like flowers,” Agatha murmured against her neck.
Rio felt the heat rise in her cheeks.
“What am I supposed to do? Take them away from you?”
Agatha shook her head, not letting go of them.
“No. I like watching you die of nerves.”
Rio scoffed, but couldn’t hide the smile.
“Do you want to walk… somewhere?”
Agatha looked at her for a moment, with that expression that always made Rio feel like the only star in the sky. Then, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, she offered her hand.
“You’re incredibly bad at asking me out, did you know?”
Rio rolled her eyes, but intertwined her fingers with hers anyway.
“Just walk.”
Agatha laughed softly, but didn’t say anything else.
***
They walked aimlessly for a while, their steps marking a relaxed rhythm on the wet sidewalk. The wind kept blowing hard, tousling Rio's hair and making Agatha hug herself, as if regretting not having brought a thicker coat.
When they passed by a small café with warm lights and the smell of freshly baked bread, Agatha didn’t hesitate to grab Rio even harder by the wrist and drag her inside, not giving her a chance to complain.
“Come on, you look frozen,” she said, though it was her who was visibly shivering.
Agatha never followed her own advice.
The interior was cozy, with dark wood furniture and a quiet murmur of conversations in the background. They automatically headed to a booth at the back, almost hidden among all the tables. It was a discreet, secluded corner, the kind of place that felt too intimate without even trying.
Agatha dropped into the seat with a sigh, rubbing her hands to warm them up, while Rio settled across from her, distractedly removing her scarf.
“You could’ve asked me to bring you coffee at work, you know?” Rio commented with a half-smile while handing the scarf to Agatha.
Agatha looked at her over the menu and accepted the piece of clothing.
“Yeah, but then I wouldn’t have forced you to come with me.”
Rio hook her head, smiling before leaning on the table, her arm brushing against Agatha’s.
“What are we ordering?” Rio asked, distractedly playing with a napkin between her fingers.
“Coffee and some donuts.” Agatha placed the menu on the table and waited for a waitress to approach. She ordered without thinking too much, and within ten minutes, a tray with donuts and two steaming cups was in front of them.
Rio grabbed a donut and bit into it with satisfaction. “You know, I think chocolate is the best flavor in the world.”
Agatha barely raised an eyebrow. She already knew what was coming next. It was one of those conversations Rio practically had by herself, where she rambled for twenty minutes, contradicting herself a thousand times along the way.
And, indeed, that’s exactly what happened.
“It’s like… why even create other flavors? Chocolate goes with everything. When I was a kid, I used to make sandwiches with chocolate spread, just like that, and I’d also eat banana with cream cheese and butter. I know, I know, it sounds weird, but I swear it was delicious. My mom said it was disgusting… though, well, she said that about almost everything. Oh, did I tell you she once went to London? She said she ate really weird stuff, like…”
Agatha rested her elbow on the table and leaned her head on her arm, continuing to watch her. While Rio talked, without pausing even to breathe, she started playing with a lock of her hair, gently twisting it around her fingers.
Rio didn’t even seem to notice, too focused on her monologue about chocolate, strange foods, and trips that weren’t hers.
Agatha smiled faintly and, without thinking too much, began to braid a small section of her hair.
***
"Then what do you say? You, me, a bunch of other people, and alcohol."
Wanda gave her a little tap on the arm, following her closely as she had all day. Agatha let out a sigh. Her patience was reaching its limit.
"Wanda, stop. I don't want to go to some dive bar just to watch you sleep with some guy your father's age."
She walked over to a nearby table to pick up an order, even though there were hardly any customers in the restaurant. She had no excuse to escape the conversation.
"Come on, we can have fun. Besides, you can bring Rio."
Agatha paused for a moment.
Rio hated going out... with one exception: bars. She didn’t do it often, but when she did, she really enjoyed it. They’d been in *something* for over three months, although neither of them had labeled it yet. Maybe this outing was the perfect opportunity to talk about that.
"Okay, I'll go."
Wanda's eyes lit up, and before Agatha could change her mind, Jen hugged her from behind.
"Yesss. Wear something sexy. And make sure Rio does too. I'll send you the address."
And with that, Wanda ran off to the other side of the restaurant.
Agatha watched her disappear and let out a sigh. She was already regretting it.
Although... maybe, with a bit of luck, that night could turn into something more than just a night out.
Now she just had to convince Rio.
***
"No."
Rio's response was immediate. She didn't even think about it. Agatha had barely finished speaking when she received the firm rejection.
"You didn't even listen to what I was going to say."
Rio lifted her eyes from her notebook. They were in a somewhat hidden part of the restaurant, a secluded corner where they had taken refuge after lunch. They still had a few minutes of break, but it seemed Agatha had decided to use them to hassle her.
"I did listen. Wanda wants to go to a bar, you didn't want to, but somehow she convinced you, and now you're here trying to do the same with me. Am I wrong?"
Agatha narrowed her eyes.
"Damn it."
Rio smiled, satisfied. It didn't last long.
Agatha lightly hit her on the shoulder, eliciting a low grunt in response, before leaning over her and trapping her between her body and the table she was leaning on.
"Come on, it'll be fun." Her voice lowered a bit, more persuasive. "You and me, a few drinks, good music. Dancing…"
"I don't dance."
Rio tried to look away, but her eyes remained fixed on Agatha's lips.
"Neither do I, but after a few beers, I'll probably try. And I'll drag you along with me."
Rio let out an exaggerated sigh and dropped her head forward, burying her face against Agatha's neck and hair.
"I don't know, Ags…"
And there it was. The small crack in her resistance.
Agatha smiled confidently and leaned in a little closer, making sure to shorten the distance. Her hands found Rio's waist, holding her calmly but with a hint of firmness.
"What if I told you I want to see you in a tight dress?"
Rio half-opened her eyes and lifted her head.
"That's cheating."
"Does it work?"
A silence. Then, Rio snorted and buried her face in her neck again.
"If the bar sucks, you owe me chocolate ice cream."
Agatha smiled, knowing she had won.
"Deal.”
***
The bar was more crowded than Rio had expected. Dim lights, the clinking of glasses, and music loud enough to make conversations feel more intimate.
There were too many people staring at her—she hated people.
And although it wasn’t her favorite environment, at least there was alcohol.
She ran a hand along her thigh, absently smoothing the fabric of her dress. Jen had insisted she wear something bolder, and even though she had initially refused outright, now she was there in a dark green dress that clung to her body more than she’d like to admit.
Moreover, Agatha had asked her indirectly but clearly. She regretted giving in so much.
She shouldn’t have listened to Jen.
Not if it meant being so painfully aware of every lingering glance.
But then she saw her.
Agatha appeared amid the crowd with her characteristic nonchalant stride, her hair falling in soft, chaotic waves over her bare back. The purple dress brushed against her skin in an almost provocative manner, revealing the line of her back and disappearing into the curve of her waist.
Rio blinked, feeling her throat suddenly dry up.
She was screwed.
“Well, damn.”
Agatha saw her at that very moment and smiled smugly. She approached without ever taking her eyes off her, as if she knew exactly what she was doing.
“Wow,” was all Rio could manage when Agatha stopped by her side.
“too much?” Agatha turned slightly on her heels, as if giving her the chance to observe her better. And Rio did, shamelessly.
“Definitely.”
Agatha chuckled softly and took her hand, guiding her to the bar without letting go.
Of course, Rio didn’t ignore the way Agatha was looking at her—the way she was gazing at her as if she were the one looking back.
It felt as though she were being undressed by that very gaze.
Rio allowed herself to be led, ignoring the warmth spreading through her chest as their fingers intertwined.
A few minutes later, both were sitting at the bar with two glasses in front of them. The liquor burned Rio’s throat, but she didn’t avert her eyes from Agatha, who sipped with the same elegance she brought to everything.
Everything seemed perfect.
Until a familiar voice interrupted the moment.
“Rio.”
Rio's body tensed before she even turned to look.
She felt like vomiting.
Damn.
***
Agatha had noticed the change in Rio before even turning to look at Peter.
Her back stiffened, her fingers tightened around her glass, and her jaw tensed in a way Agatha disliked.
No. She didn’t like it at all.
It was then that she felt movement by her side.
Peter slumped onto the stool next to them, right at the corner of the bar, with the confidence of someone who assumed he had every right to be there.
As if they had been waiting for him. As if his presence was the last thing anyone wanted in this damn bar.
"Rio," he repeated, with an easy smile on his face. His tone was casual, relaxed—as if this were a coincidence and not something he had planned.
He placed a hand on Rio’s leg for a second, squeezing it.
Rio didn’t respond immediately. Agatha saw her blink several times, as if her brain were trying to process too many things too quickly.
It took Agatha exactly three seconds to realize that Rio was starting to panic.
And that ignited a surge of fury in her instantly.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Agatha snapped, resting her elbow on the bar and turning completely to confront him.
Peter didn’t even look at her.
Oh.
Oh, how interesting.
It was as if she didn’t exist. As if she were a piece of furniture in the room rather than a person.
Agatha felt anger rising in her neck, but she held it back. There was something more important here.
Rio.
Rio, who wasn’t looking directly at him. Rio, who had turned her gaze toward her glass and was twirling it in her hands, as if that simple motion could anchor her to reality.
Agatha knew her well enough to understand that this wasn’t just discomfort. This was something else.
"I just wanted to talk," said Peter, shrugging. His tone remained relaxed, but there was something sharp beneath the surface. "It's been months. I think I deserve—"
"No."
Rio's voice was low but firm.
Peter tilted his head, smiling as if she were joking.
He reached out to touch her cheek, though Rio quickly pulled away.
“come on, don't be like that."
Agatha felt her own breathing grow heavier.
If Rio grew any paler, she’d probably have to punch this guy in the face.
Agatha slid a hand under the bar, searching for Rio’s knee. She found it trembling and squeezed it lightly, trying to convey something. Whatever it was.
I'm here. You're not alone.
Rio inhaled through her nose and lifted her gaze for the first time.
And Agatha saw the mix of fury and panic in her eyes.
"Oh, no, I'm serious," Rio said, her voice noticeably louder.
"No."
Peter frowned. "You don't have to get defensive."
"You don't have to be here," Rio snapped, straightening in her seat. "Why the hell do you think I care about talking to you?"
"I ended things with you—"
He raised his hands in a gesture of false peace.
"Calm down. I'm not the villain here." Agatha let out a sarcastic laugh. "Really?"
Peter shot her a quick look, but then went back to ignoring her a moment later.
Fine. So be it.
Agatha looked at Rio—their eyes met for a second—and she looked at Rio as if saying, "Do you want me to take him out, or are you enjoying this?"
Rio exhaled slowly and turned to Peter with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
"Get lost." Peter looked at her as if he expected her to laugh and say it was a joke. As if, somehow, he still had power over her.
"Come on, baby."
"Get lost," she repeated, her tone so sharp that even Agatha shuddered a little.
Peter clenched his jaw and shot another look toward Agatha, this time with something different in his eyes.
Disgust.
"So this was true," he murmured, as if piecing together a puzzle. "I knew it."
Agatha raised an eyebrow. "You knew it?"
Peter let out a dry laugh and shook his head, almost as if he were disappointed.
"I always knew something was going on between you two."
"You knew you were a dyke, Rio." Something exploded inside Agatha at that moment.
Maybe it was the way Peter said it, as if Rio owed him something. Maybe it was the expression on his face, as if this were his right and not Rio’s choice.
Or perhaps it was just the raw anger of seeing Rio squirm in her seat, upset and deeply hurt.
Whatever it was, Agatha let it out before thinking of the consequences.
"Yes, asshole," she spat. "I'm damn her girlfriend."
The impact was immediate.
Rio froze.
Peter looked at her in disbelief.
And Agatha… well, Agatha simply folded her arms with enough nonchalance, as if it weren't the first time she had said it.
Rio was the first to react.
She grabbed Agatha's wrist and, without saying another word, stood up from the bar, dragging her along.
They left the bar in silence, with gazes fixed on them as they passed by.
Only when they were far enough away, walking along the cold sidewalk with the sound of their heels echoing in the night, did Rio speak for the first time.
"You said you were my girlfriend."
Rio's voice was almost unstable.
Agatha kept her gaze fixed ahead.
"Mmm."
"Agatha."
She sighed, giving her a quick look.
"What?"
Rio pressed her lips together, as if deciding whether to hit her or kiss her.
Agatha waited.
The night was still long.
***
The sound of the door closing behind them seemed louder than usual.
Rio dropped the keys on the entry table with a sharp noise and stood still, staring at an undefined spot on the floor.
Twenty minutes of an awkward walk, with words stuck in their throats and electricity still coursing through their bodies. Twenty minutes in which neither dared to mention what had happened at the bar.
But Agatha was fed up with that silence.
Before Rio could move, before she could find something to say to avoid the inevitable, Agatha grabbed her by the waist and pushed her against the door with more force than necessary.
Rio let out a heavy sigh, but did not pull away.
"Ags—"
She didn’t get a chance to finish.
Agatha kissed her.
There was no warning, no questions, no doubts. Just their lips colliding in a burst of heat and urgency.
Rio ran a hand along Agatha’s waist, pulling her closer until there wasn’t a space left between their bodies. The kiss intensified, and they only separated when the air became insufficient.
Agatha rested her forehead against Rio’s, her breathing still ragged.
"Look, I'm sorry. I know you're not my girlfriend, I don't know why I said that—I just… I hate that guy." Her hands slid down Rio’s waist, reaching the edge of her dress. In one swift movement, the fabric fell to the floor, leaving her in only a bra and underwear.
Rio swallowed, feeling her skin burn under Agatha’s touch.
"I mean…" her voice trembled slightly. "I’d really like to be your… girlfriend."
She wasn’t sure if Agatha had heard her, because in the next second, they both fell onto the sofa, with Agatha ending up beneath her as the dress was half-fallen.
"Let's talk about this later, okay?" Agatha whispered, with a tilted smile before capturing Rio's lips once again.
Her mouth slid down to Rio’s neck, leaving small kisses along her clavicle and shoulders. Agatha's hands explored her body slowly, while Rio interwove her fingers in Agatha's hair, tugging it just enough to draw a sigh from her.
And oh my god, the night was truly very long.
***
She woke with a heavy body and her mind wrapped in a warm haze.
The room was still dark, but a faint blue glow illuminated the sheets.
It took her a few seconds to orient herself—to feel the warmth beneath her, the soft skin against her cheek.
Agatha.
Rio barely moved, blinking slowly. Her head rested on Agatha’s bare chest, her arm lazily entangled around her waist.
Her legs were equally tangled.
Agatha had one hand in her hair, sliding through it with a gentleness that kept her on the edge of sleep.
The glow came from Agatha’s phone. Rio could feel the occasional vibration of an incoming message, but Agatha remained unfazed, continuing to stroke her, distracted.
Rio closed her eyes again, savoring the sensation.
Until Agatha spoke.
"Hey."
Rio mumbled something unintelligible in response—a sound more akin to a grunt than an actual word—without any intention of moving.
"Do you want to be my girlfriend?"
Rio blinked, confused.
The sleep dissipated in an instant, leaving behind a strange feeling in her chest.
"What?"—
She shifted slightly, propping her chin on Agatha’s torso to look at her clearly.
Agatha’s eyes remained fixed on the screen, as if she had asked just any ordinary question.
Rio felt her stomach tighten.
"Was that serious?" she asked, her voice husky from sleep.
Agatha barely smiled and set the phone on the nightstand. Her fingers drifted down to Rio’s nape, tracing slow circles on her skin.
"Yeah, I was going to ask you that yesterday at the bar, but there was a little hiccup."
Rio looked at her for another second, trying to make sure that this wasn’t just her imagination.
Then she buried her face in Agatha’s neck, smiling against her skin.
"Idiot, I gave you those damn flowers," she mumbled, and then, even quieter,
"Yes."
Agatha chuckled softly and ran a hand through her hair once more.
"I knew you’d say that."
Rio snorted but made no effort to deny it.
She simply allowed herself to be carried away by the warmth of the night and the gentle sound of Agatha’s breathing, with her hand entangled in her hair.
"You owe me chocolate ice cream.”