“I’ll go with you.” Billy declared.
Rio—Death, rose up from where she was thrown by Agatha. The other witch did the same, wiping the blood stain on the corner of her mouth.
“Take him,” she said, Agatha’s voice echoed in the air, eyes locking with Rio’s. She walked to where the boy was standing.
“What?” Billy questioned, puzzled. He had thought that maybe Agatha would oppose his decision. He had been so wrong for even thinking about it. Because why would she? She’s Agatha.
“You heard him. The boy.” Agatha had said, gesturing towards the boy beside her. “As promised”
She did not need to look at him to know what he was feeling. Agatha knew. She knew he was confused, puzzled. She also knew how betrayed the boy must be feeling at that moment, but she could not care less.
Rio chuckled, shaking her head. Of course, Agatha would give up Billy’s life. She would rather kill somebody, even one close to her, than be with Rio, than go to her in the afterlife. She started fidgeting, as if waiting for Agatha to change her mind, despite knowing damn well it was near impossible for the younger witch to do so.
Rio had been ecstatic. She thought, after all these centuries of waiting for her, Agatha would finally be ready. She thought Agatha would finally be with her again, she thought she was ready to face their child and be a family.
She felt her emotions shift. Compared to moments prior, Rio is nothing but elated. It’s hard to believe Death even experienced emotions, let alone feel them all. Agatha was the only one who was able to do that. She was the only one who was ever able to teach Death herself to feel.
She was the only one who can break Rio’s barely beating heart. The only one who could hurt her so badly, that Rio would rather be numb again.
She thought, maybe, just once, she can kill someone. Kill Agatha. So that she would have no choice but to be tied to Death forever. Everything in her is screaming to just lunge at Agatha and choke her to death. Agatha would love the choking part, Rio thought. But maybe not the outcome. It would only make Agatha resent her even more. If it weren’t for that, Rio would have no hesitation in doing so. She didn’t care if it snapped the universe into two, if it meant having Agatha again.
Rio sighed, remembering their deal.
She had no choice but to accept it. She let her gaze linger on Agatha a little bit longer, tracing her features, memorizing it as if she doesn’t already. She let her eyes wander. From Agatha’s eyebrows, her piercing blue eyes that once looked at Rio with so much love and adoration. A look Agatha will never give her again. She looked at Agatha’s lips, recalling how soft it felt, how much it fit between hers. She took her in one last time. She knew this will be the last time she gets to see the other woman again.
Rio remembered when she entered the hex as Agent Vidal, the way Agatha looked at her. Despite not remembering who she was, Agatha gave her the same look she used to give Rio centuries ago. She remembered the night she came over to Agatha’s house. She had asked Agatha a question.
Do you remember why you hate me?
It was at that moment Rio had wished Agatha would answer why. She would rather have Agatha resented her than not know who she really was. But she didn’t.
“It’s over.” Agatha declared, walking away. “Now, put my yard back,” she ordered Rio.
“Why don’t you plant a few azaleas on your way out?” Agatha added.
Rio was no genius, but she was also not a fool. She knew what Agatha had meant. She knew why Agatha requested those specific flowers planted in her yard. It was her favorite, sure. She used to give Agatha the same flowers a few centuries ago. But the flowers conveyed a different meaning. What Agatha had said was not just a simple order, it carried depth. A message she cannot bring herself to say directly to Rio.
Take care of yourself for me.
Rio had always said those words to Agatha every time she went out to collect bodies, more often when she was carrying Nicholas. Even though the witch continuously tried to push her away. More times than one could count, Rio showed up, no matter where Agatha was, bearing a singular azalea she grew herself. More times than one could count, Rio visited Agatha during her sleep, growing azaleas beside where she laid. More times than one could count, Rio nearly broke the universe apart, destroying another somewhere, only to extend Nicholas’ time.
But Agatha did not know that. Maybe she did. Maybe she just chose to see what Rio did to her and Nicky, rather than what Rio had done for them.
Rio’s heart clenched once again. She hated this.
“B- but,” Billy stammered, clearly appalled. Agatha looked back, almost delighted in seeing the confused look on his face. “I thought you were-“
She theatrically raised her arms to her side, as she faced him once again. She tried to ignore the way Rio watched her. The way her eyes followed her every move.
“I watch you, Agatha. Just as closely as you watch everyone else.”
The words echoed in her mind. She shoved the thought away. Later, she would let herself think about it, once she is out of this situation.
“What can I say? I’m a covenless witch.” Agatha cut him off, laughing, making it clear that she did not feel an ounce of guilt from what she had done.
She put on a smile, taking up every inch of her face, widening it as much as she can.
Rio looked at her as she once again turned her back on them. If Agatha was looking at her, she would have seen the longing in Rio’s eyes. If Agatha was looking at her, she would have seen how Death herself died, how she yearned for her. If Agatha was looking, or if she even cared to look, she would have seen how Rio reluctantly accepted that they can never be, letting her go despite the fact that every fiber of her existence was yearning for them.
Agatha felt a tingling desire to look back at Rio. To run to her arms one last time. To kiss her goodbye. Because, as much as she tries to hide it. Agatha longed for Rio just as much as the other woman longed for her.
“Now,” Rio uttered. “You are going to come with me.”
Agatha was right behind Rio.
“What?”
“You’re going to die, Minimoff,” Agatha interjected, turning around.
“How could you do this?” He asked Agatha.
“Did you not hear what I said earlier, teenager? I am a covenless witch,” she paused, her eyes drifting back to Rio.
Rio knew her decision was final. Agatha knew Rio knew that. She knew that this was the last time she is ever seeing her again. There is no way she is going to leave Rio without saying a goodbye.
She traced Rio’s features with her eyes, drinking it in. She caught her brown eyes, the eyes that Agatha loved and hated at the same time. Her heart left her chest, her breath hitching. Those brown eyes, filled with a mix of pride, sorrow and longing.
Agatha looked away, not being able to look at Rio, or rather, avoiding the other woman’s gaze.
Rio, on the other hand, had died. Crushed, dead, and buried.
She knew that she will never find happiness, contentment and love again. Not without Agatha. She had been lost for centuries, fighting this battle alone. Although, somewhere in between, she found her way back to Agatha. But she knew this time, that would not happen. She remembered how it felt when Agatha acquired the Darkhold. It felt like a part of her had died. Not being able to feel Agatha anymore.
And when she got her back, Rio thought that would never happen again. And it will not, except now, even if she can feel Agatha’s heart beating somewhere, she would not be able to do anything to even get near her. Not near enough to touch her, to hear her voice.
Agatha felt sick to her stomach. She kept lying to herself. Not wanting to accept Rio’s love and the comfort she offered. But in reality, the walk, in that made up road, with Rio, her wife, by her side, she felt nothing but comfort and relief. Feeling Rio’s presence beside her. Knowing she is there with her. It was enough to put Agatha at ease.
Realization shot through her one after another.
“No one in history has had special treatment like you,”
Slowly, she started accepting the fact that Rio did not intend to take Nicky. That she did not kill her. She cleared her throat, swallowing the remaining bit of pride in her, muttering incoherent words as if she was being forced to say whatever it is she is thinking about.
“Except for this one, of course,” gesturing to Rio.
“You two-“ he said, instead of paying attention to what Agatha had just said.
Agatha huffed. “Unfortunately, I was young and stupid.” She sighed. “I bound myself to Death, basically selling my soul to her.”
She could not take it anymore. She averted her gaze to Rio, meeting her eyes. She wanted to see her reaction. She watched as Rio’s mouth curved into a wide grin. She rolled her eyes, knowing that if Billy wasn’t there, Rio would probably be jumping with joy. Despite being Death herself, Agatha knew how soft Rio is, how vulnerable she could get, maybe not physically, but emotionally.
“She’s your ex-wife?”
“Wife, teenager.” Rio corrected. “We never got divorced.”
“Because no spell could break the binding ritual.” Agatha deadpanned.
“But also, because you still love me,” Rio stated. Agatha did not say anything. She didn’t bother to confirm it, but she didn’t deny it either. She hummed, making Rio smile. She turned back to Billy.
“Stop trying to distract me, Minimoff. Now, come on. I still have more bodies to collect.”
“Rio is death.”
“Yes, and?”
A beat.
"What can I say? I like the bad boys."
“Is that what she was doing when she disappeared from the road?”
“That is most certainly none of your business. But yes. You took your sweet time, I almost thought you’d die not knowing anything about us.”
“Is Nicky your son?”
“I just said she is my wife, why do you have to be so slow? Be like Tommy,” a pause, “oh wait, that’s right, he’s dead.” Agatha deadpanned. She turned around, walking away.
“Agatha,” Billy attempted to get through Agatha’s mind, conveying a message, not wanting Rio to hear it. But as always, Agatha’s mind was not for him to read, it was shut, closed, nobody could enter. It had always been like that, even before the hex. Not having any choice, she called out her name.
“Nice try. You know you have no access to my thoughts.”
“Agatha.”
Agatha did not turn around, instead she slowed her pace, wanting to hear what the boy wanted to say.
“I know you can hear me,” he shouted.
Agatha’s steps faltered, she let out an exasperated sigh.
“Is this how Nicky died?” Billy asked.
Agatha froze. What he asked was echoing in her mind. She turned around. As if sensing it, Rio did too, catching her eyes. Those brown eyes that looked so much like Nicky’s.
Maybe Agatha didn’t hate her after all. She hated the fact that Rio looked so much like Nicky. She hated how much she reminded her of him.
She saw how Rio’s expression changed.
“What did you just say?” Rio snarled at the boy.
Agatha took quick strides to where Rio was, grabbing her face. Rio knew was Agatha was trying to do. Just as Agatha was about to pull her in, she pulled away. “No, Agatha.”
As much as Rio wanted Agatha to go with her, she didn't want it to happen like this. Agatha hurting so badly, she is willing to finally go with Rio.
Seeing the sincerity in Rio’s eyes, Agatha broke down, finally letting the tears fall. Rio cradled Agatha in her arms. She gripped Rio’s arms, letting out an almost inhumane cry. She sat them down. It broke her seeing Agatha this hurt.
Not knowing what to do, Billy stood behind them, dumbfounded.
Rio stroked Agatha’s head. Whispering something to the other woman, who was still gripping her arms like a lifeline. Rio’s eyes caught Billy’s; he could see the cold expression in her eyes. He saw the resentment, the hatred. He also saw how her expression changed when Agatha let out another sob. How it went from hatred to worry, caring.
For some reasons unknown, he could not bring himself to move. He watched as Rio took care of Agatha. How she was so gentle with her, the way Rio tenderly caressed Agatha’s face, like if she touched her harder, she might break. He saw how vulnerable Agatha was, how vulnerable she had let herself become around Rio. The vulnerability he knew nobody would be able to squeeze out of her even if it was a matter of life and death.
“Agatha, he would not want this.”
“Stop involving my son into this. You know nothing.” Rio snarked. She lunged at Billy, blasting him with just enough power to send him flying inside the house.
He got up, flying towards Rio, attempting to fight back.
“Do it for him, Agatha. Do it for Nicky.”
“Do not utter his name,” Rio screamed, blasting him once again, this time, it didn’t hit him.
Suddenly, Rio was determined to take matters into her own hands. She wanted to end the boy herself.
“Why don’t she just face him?” Billy asked, hoping for a change of mind to happen. Just as she was about to blast him again, Agatha spoke.
“Rio.” Agatha called out. She rose back to her feet.
“Let the boy be.”
“What do you mean Agatha? This is a part of our deal.”
“And there was another part, wasn’t there?”
“What?” Rio asked, dumbfounded.
“I am coming with you.”
“You are?” Rio asked. She felt her eyes heating up.
Is this really happening? Or is Rio just dreaming? Can Death even dream?
“Yes.” Agatha nodded reassuringly. She walked towards Rio, the boy completely forgotten. She grabbed Rio’s face. “Take me to him.” Agatha whispered before pulling Rio in for a kiss. It was filled with nothing but love and longing. Rio felt a tear fall down her face, and Agatha was quick to wipe it dry without pulling away.
Agatha was the first to pull away. Grabbing Rio’s hand, as if saying she was ready. She kissed her again. This time, absorbing Rio’s powers. The siphon spreading in her body.
What a way to go, Agatha had thought. She felt herself feeling lighter.
Agatha opened her eyes. It was like waking up from a deep slumber. She looked around. This void of nothingness. She knew where she was.
Just like she expected. Rio appeared a few moments later.
“You’re late.” Agatha remarked.
“I know, plenty of bodies out there.” Rio replied, her tone apologetic.
“Not my doing,” Agatha shrugged.
Rio chuckled. “Yeah, for once.”
“Come on. He’s waiting for you.” Rio said softly, taking Agatha’ hand in hers. Agatha nodded, tightening her grip to Rio’s arms. She floated beside Rio, feeling light as a feather. Rio halted.
“What?”
“Nothing. You look free. You look so beautiful this way.” Rio answered.
“Don’t I always?”
“Yes, my love. You always do.”
The banters went on, and without even realizing it, they reached the cabin Nicky was staying in. Agatha could not help but notice it was the same cabin as the one they used to live in all those centuries ago.
Rio entered first.
“Mami!” Nicky screamed, running to Rio. Agatha’s heart melted. She knew Rio often visited Nicky during their sleep. She also told him about her, but not the fact that she is Death.
“I have Mama here with me.” She whispered softly to Nicky. His eyes lit up. “Where?”
Rio looked over at the door, calling out Agatha’s name.
“Come out, my love. He’s been wanting to see you.”
Agatha did. The moment Nicky saw her, she ran straight into Agatha, leaving no room for hesitation. Agatha engulfed him in a tight hug.
“I missed you, Mama. Mami and I have been waiting for you,” he whispered in her ears.
“I’m here now. I’m sorry for taking so long.”
“It’s okay, Mama. We watched you,” Nicky said innocently. Agatha narrowed her eyes at Rio. Of course she made him watch her too. The green witch just shrugged at her.
“I’m going to introduce you to Señor Scratchy,” their son said before running to his tiny room.
Once Nicky was gone, Agatha raised an eyebrow at Rio.
“Watching me, huh? You even got him Señor Scratchy too,” Agatha teased, getting back to her feet.
"Your coven, huh?" Rio teased back.
"You and Nicky."
Rio stepped closer to her. Hands automatically falling to Agatha’s waist. The other woman instinctively wrapped her hands to Rio’s neck, pulling her close. Rio buried her face into the crook of Agatha’s neck.
“I missed having you like this,” Rio mumbled against Agatha’s neck, her breathing ghosting the other woman’s skin.
“I missed this too,” Agatha replied.
Rio pulled back just enough to see Agatha’s expression.
“You did?” She asked, her eyes glistening.
There it is. The vulnerability only Agatha got to see.
“I did.” Agatha said softly before pulling Rio into a slow kiss.
Nicky peeked from the doorway. He smiled. Finally, after all these years.