Chapter Text
It had been three years since Agatha ran on a cross-country team.
She didn’t ever think there would come a time that she would be on one again, having left that part of her life in the past.
Yet, here she was, walking into her first practice with a brand-new team for a brand-new season at a brand-new school.
There were a lot of things happening for the first time again today that Agatha hadn’t expected.
It wasn’t that she hated running. In fact, she loved it. It was her favorite way to exercise. No one would bother you if you were running. Especially if you ran fast enough. And Agatha did.
She started running cross country in middle school and then throughout most of high school. She didn’t love the teammate aspect of it, but cross country is such an individualistic team sport that the other runners were background noise. They didn’t bother her, and she certainly wasn’t going to bother them. She never tried to get close with them either.
Well, most of them.
No.
She wasn’t going to think about it. She moved on. There was a new team of girls that might try to be friends with Agatha. That was definitely not going to happen; she would make sure of it.
Lilia told her that practice would start promptly at 3:00pm today, so she walked into the indoor track just past, at 3:05. Just in time to hear Lilia start to mention a new transfer. “Perfect timing. Girls, this is our new transfer student. Agatha Harkness. Agatha, go ahead and take a seat.”
Lilia Calderu was the head coach for the girl's cross-country team. Agatha wasn’t sure she was really capableof leading a group of college students down a straight path, let alone a collegiate running season. She was one of the oddest women she had ever met, but she is the reason that she is at this school so maybe she should give her some grace.
Agatha looks around at the other girls on the team. There is an Asian girl with orange streaks in her hair who tilted her head up as a greeting before looking back down at her shoes. Next to her is an African American girl with a shaved head who looks vaguely familiar. Jennifer Kale. They had run in a few of the same meets in high school and while they hadn’t personally met each other, the look that Jen was giving her made her feel like she already had an opinion on her. Fair enough. Most people did.
Agatha kept going down the line of girls before her eyes caught the last one.
Rio Vidal.
You have got to be kidding.
Agatha locks in on her, and notices Rio’s eyes go wide before quickly looking away. She covers up her surprise with a scoff. “It’s a good thing that I came because you guys clearly need me.”
“You haven’t even seen us run yet.” The girl with the hair streaks piped up. “Just seeing us doesn’t tell you anything about how good we are.”
“What was your name again?”
“Alice.”
“Well Alice, I’m just so good that I am sure that I’m going to be the best thing that ever happened to this little team.”
“Ladies. Ladies! We are all on the same team here and we need to act like it. We are not rivals here. We are teammates. A coven, if you will.” Lilia could feel her blood pressure actively rising. This year was going to test her patience and her health without a doubt. “Now, let’s get into the important things first. Camp will be next week. No, it isn’t optional. Yes, everyone is going.”
Agatha had been so caught up in the thought of running with a team again; that camp hadn’t crossed her mind. She knew that her high school had a camp over the summer, but her mother would always forbid her to go. This would be the first time that she could actually experience this. She would never tell, but she was thrilled. She makes sure that her face doesn’t reveal her true feelings, instead making it so she looks almost annoyed at the prospect.
“What, do you think you are too good to go to camp with us? Worried it will slow you down?”
“Jen Kale. I wish I could say it was good to see you again, but it’s not.”
“If you’re going to be so unsportsmanlike already, then maybe you should’ve just stayed at your old school. Or did you get kicked off that team too, like you did in high school? No more teammates to hurt?”
Agatha froze for just a beat before she covered her emotions, and she gave Jen a smirk. “What, are you volunteering?”
Rio’s head shot up in surprise at Jen’s comment. The two locked eyes and Agatha barely glanced her way before looking down. She took a deep breath and focused on retying her shoes over and over again.
“As I was saying, camp is next week. Everyone will meet here at 8am sharp next Monday with your bags and everything you’ll need. We will be staying in the usual cabins in the same place as always. Girls, let Agatha know what items will be necessary or wanted there.” Agatha didn’t believe for one second that any of the girls would actually help her out there. She knew what people thought of her and she would be surprised if even just a single girl didn’t want to see her fail. “Moving on, the season is looking good this year. We have some of our classic meets and then conference and then it’ll be crunch time. I won’t focus on the back half yet because the beginning is just as important as the end, okay? Next up: training. Every weekday at 3:15. We will start exactly then so don’t be late. Weight training will be on Wednesdays because those are our light days. Any questions?”
No one answered, so Lilia continued on. “Great! So, lets head outside and start with an easy 800 meter warm up and then do some stretches.” She led the group outside and onto the outdoor track. The girls start off all together, with Agatha and Rio leading the pack.
The warmup and stretching goes on without any problems or snarky comments. They regroup by Lilia so she can give them instructions on the main run of the day. “Since it’s the first day of practice, we are just going to do a quick and easy three-mile run. It’s important to me that you hear me say quick and easy. This isn’t a time that you need to be showing off for anyone or making anyone think you are better than them.” She pauses for dramatic effect while staring daggers at Agatha.
Agatha pretends to be stunned at the call out, while Jen snickers behind her.
“I don’t care where you go, but you should all be back within 30 minutes.”
They turn to leave. Everyone gathers together and Agatha makes a point to obviously go the opposite direction. “We are one day in and I already want to yank her hair out. How are we supposed to go an entire season with her like this?” Jen fiddles with her watch, watching the brunette head off.
Rio quietly follows her with her eyes. “I’ll try and talk to her, okay?”
“Whatever, it’s your funeral.”
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Agatha hadn’t realized just how difficult joining a new team would be, especially after a three-year break. It was a lot.
Seeing Rio in person for the first time in three years was a lot. She couldn’t explain how she was feeling.
Heartbroken. Shocked. Angry. Hurt. Relieved.
Agatha did what Agatha did best when her feelings were too loud. She shut down.
Going on a run was the perfect excuse to not speak or be around anyone. She could be alone and was usually able to outrun her own thoughts until everything was silent.
“Agatha.”
She knew that she had been followed, and she knew who followed her, but she could pretend for a little while longer that it was still just her and her thoughts.
“Agatha. I know you can hear me.”
Maybe she’ll get the hint after a bit and leave her alone.
“Fine. If you won’t answer me to stop me, then I’ll just talk.”
Rio was nothing if not persistent. Maybe if she got everything out now, she would finally leave Agatha alone. “I didn’t know that you were the new transfer. Lilia had talked about a great runner transferring from a large school, but never said who. It’s good to see you though, it’s been a while.”
There was a silence that was only covered by the slightly labored breathing of the girls and the noise of passing traffic. “Since we are both here and are going to be on the same team, I was hoping that we could put high school behind us and be friends again.”
“Oh, and I’m sure you would just love that wouldn’t you.” Agatha hadn’t planned on speaking at all, but the sarcasm just jumped out of her mouth. There was no way that Rio actually believed that Agatha could just pretend that everything that happened in high school didn’t bother her. That it didn’t still affect her today.
Rio, never one to pick up on sarcasm, kept going. “I never meant to hurt you. I did what I thought was best at the time.”
They are both barely running now, just keeping a fast enough pace to keep going. “Well, it wasn’t. For anyone and definitely not for me.”
“Agatha, I miss you. Can’t we at least talk about things? You weren’t perfect either, remember? You can’t make me out to be the only bad guy when you played a part in things too.”
Agatha froze and turned around. “Listen to my words very carefully. I have no interest in being friends. I don’t want to sit around talking about our days or braiding each other’s hair before meets like we used to okay. Because the us that we used to be doesn’t exist anymore. The me from before doesn’t exist, okay? We are teammates and that is it. There is no reason to pretend otherwise.” She didn’t wait for an answer. She just turned around and ran back to the school, leaving Rio frozen behind her.
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Agatha was the first one back. Probably because she basically sprinted away from Rio. If she ran fast enough, maybe then she would be able to outrun all the feelings that seeing her again brought up.
“Well, you’re back fast. I know that you haven’t been on a team in a few years, but a light run isn’t supposed to be a sprint. You should be going at a conversation pace. What’s up?” Lilia wasn’t exactly surprised that Agatha didn’t follow her instructions, but she wished that she wouldn’t do it to her own detriment.
“Oh Lilia, I’m so sorry. I just wanted to get a good lay of the land here and I guess I just got caught up in everything.” Agatha could barely get the apology out without laughing.
“You won’t need to worry about getting the lay of the land if you overexert yourself too quickly.” Agatha rolls her eyes. “Ice bath. After practice. Not optional.”
“Ugh, no! I hate ice bathes! Can’t I just run a couple extra laps instead?”
“Now, why would I do that? Agatha, this is to help you. It is the first day of practice and you need to pace yourself.”
“Lilia, I’m fine, okay? I know what I’m doing.”
“Agatha, I’m not going to let you run yourself into the ground. Let’s get that out of the way right now. I know that your high school experience was tough, but you have to let me help you. That’s what I’m here for.”
“You don’t know anything about me.”
“I know that you are a very good runner. I know that you have been burned in the past. I know that it is going to take a lot more than one day to make you understand that, but I would like to try.”
“Look, if I promise not to do it again, will that get you off my back?”
“Sure, it would. If I believed you. But Agatha, I hope this isn’t indicative of how the season is going to go. I am your coach and I need you to listen to me.”
Just then, Rio and the rest of the girls walked onto the field. Agatha noticed them before Lilia did and needed the conversation over. “Thanks Lilia, but I don’t need a mommy here, okay? I know what I’m doing.”
Lilia just stares at Agatha’s retreating back and decides to let it slide for right now. She knows that it will all work out and that Agatha is just trying to find some sort of control in the new environment. “Okay ladies, gather in a circle to do core. It’ll just be five minutes today and then we can be done.”
Everyone got into their spots and Lilia called out the positions they were going to do.
“So, junior year guys! Who’s excited?” Alice was on her back and trying to breathe while holding her legs up in the air.
“It will be nice to basically only do things for my major, you know? No more entry level or gen ed classes. Getting into the real nitty gritty of things now.” Rio wasn’t even out of breath, almost like she did this in her sleep.
They moved to the next position and Jen piped up. “My goal for this year is to not slack off. I plan to sit my butt at the library and really study. And actually take my professors up on extra lab time.”
“I’m excited, but I don’t want to think about it too much. If I tell myself that I’m going to use the practice rooms at least once a week and then I don’t, I’ll just start beating myself up. I’m going to take things one day at a time.” Alice sat up after the last one and just sat there for a minute.
“This xc season though? I think it’ll be great. I think we really have a shot at beating Eastview this year.” Jen and Rio laugh. “What? I’m so serious! With Agatha joining the team, there is really possibility!”
“First off Alice, weren’t you just saying you were going to take things one day at a time? Does that not apply here? Plus, I wouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket with Harkness. She can be…untrustworthy.” Jen sent daggers Agatha’s way, but they didn’t seem to be landing.
Agatha wasn’t even paying attention. She was so lost in her own thoughts that her brain wasn’t processing anything the girls were saying.
Lilia finally dismisses them after telling them that she better see them all promptly at 3:15 the next day. Agatha follows all of the other girls towards the locker room, in hopes that she wouldn’t be seen leaving with everyone.
“Agatha! Ice bath! Now. Don’t think I forgot. I will carry you and put you in there myself if I have to.” Damn. No such luck. Agatha tilts her head to the sky and loudly groans, but heads towards the trainers anyway. She figured she probably shouldn’t push her luck anymore today with the woman.
Rio pauses for a moment, considering following her. She briefly meets Agatha’s eyes but looks away and decides to follow Alice and Jen instead.
___________________________________________
Unfortunately. the ice bath does feel nice.
She knew it would. Especially since she can sort of cheat and keep her socks on during it. There are no rules saying that you have to take your socks off, but it was just something everyone did, and Agatha did not need to stand out more than she already does. She only keeps her feet covered during ice baths if there is not a chance anyone will see her, and since she has done a stellar job of keeping everyone away, she’s safe.
It's for the best.
If she is going to be on a cross-country team again, then she has to make sure to not make the same mistakes she did before. She won’t get close enough to anyone to even open the possibility. It’s better that way.
The ten minutes finish and she slowly heads to her dorm. Lilia was right; she did overdo it today. She’ll probably end up crashing in bed for the evening and not coming out until mid-morning tomorrow.
She makes a pit stop at the cafeteria to at least attempt to eat a full meal.
Alice and Jen are seated across from one another in a booth, giggling. They definitely want to be together, if they aren’t already. Agatha moves to look away before Jen can make a comment about her staring when a third person joins their table.
Rio.
They haven’t seemed to notice her staring yet and Agatha can’t bring herself to move away yet.
“Dude, I thought you were going to talk to Agatha on the run? What happened? She seemed even angrier than before we started. I thought running was supposed to make you feel better.” Alice asked Rio, while munching on a french fry.
“I tried. She is...angrier than I thought. But she’ll come around. Don’t worry. Everything will be fine by the firstmeet. The more important thing to worry about is how fast Lilia will lose that new clipboard of hers.”
Agatha shouldn’t care. She pushed Rio away. She told her that they weren’t friends and that they never wouldbe again. Rio had been going to school for three years with these girls, plus being teammates with them. Of course she would have moved on and found new people to hang out with and care for.
Agatha is a lone wolf. She doesn’t need friends. She doesn’t need her teammates to like her. That’s not the reason she transferred schools. She needs to be the best. She needs to reclaim her spot as a damn good cross-country runner.
She let three years go by with people telling her how she was supposed to act and what she was supposed to do. She wasn’t going to waste it.
With one final look at her trio of teammates, she turned back around and headed to her dorm.
Agatha had managed to be put into one of the apartment style dorms on campus and she couldn’t be happier. There was no way she had any energy to be remotely pleasant to another person for the rest of the day. She made it into her bedroom and practically threw herself on her bed. Her mountain of stuffed animals crowded into her like an inanimate hug. She found the rabbit one and pulled it close to her chest.
Her mother never allowed her to have any sort of stuffed animal past the age of five, saying that they were for babies. Up until she left Boston University, she had never been far enough away from Evanora to be able to have one again. Now that she was here and her mom had no way of finding her, she bought any stuffed animal that she liked. Could it destroy her mean and bitchy reputation? Probably, but she never planned on inviting anyone over and they helped her remember that she was still young. It was her money and if she wanted to spend it here and there on stuffed animals, then she would.
Agata let out a deep sigh. Coming back to running on a cross-country team was harder than she thought. But, she would survive. Just like she always did.