Winter
Finding true love is like the first snowfall of winter, it feels soft and quiet and yet it transforms everything it touches. The world may seem cold and tedious, but when love falls, it reveals a beauty you never knew existed.
The chilly air bit at Rio’s cheeks as she skated gracefully around the rink, guiding the children with patience and quiet confidence. Her movements were fluid, an effortless mix of power and skill, and her laughter rang out as she helped a young boy regain his balance. The cold didn't seem to bother her; she thrived in it, her athleticism evident in the way she moved, almost like the ice was made for her.
A few steps away from the rink, Agatha, bundled in a thick coat and scarf, stood on the sidelines with her arms crossed, watching her son Nicholas struggling to stay upright on his new skates. Hockey lessons were definitely not her idea but she made the mistake of leaving Nicky with her friend Alice for a few hours once, and when she got her son back the little boy was hooked after her friend introduced Nicholas to the—in her opinion, too dangerous— sport. Long story short, a few weeks later, Agatha found herself enduring the cold weather of a New Jersey winter, not able to say no when her son looked at her with the face he used to beg his mother, big brown eyes staring at Agatha knowing damn well that the woman was completely enamored and would do anything for him.
Nicholas fell, and she suppressed a sigh, feeling a protective instinct rise as she instinctively moved closer to the rink. Her eyes caught Rio’s, and time seemed to slow down for a moment. Rio skated over to Nicholas, kneeling beside him on the ice with a smile that radiated warmth and comfort, and Agatha couldn't help but notice the strength in her frame—her broad shoulders, her toned arms and the way her muscles flexed that, she swore, she could almost see under the layers of winter clothing Rio was wearing. There was something magnetic about her. Agatha had never seen someone so effortlessly at home in the cold and so passionate about teaching something to young kids.
As Rio helped Nicholas up, their eyes met, and Agatha felt a sudden flutter in her chest. She quickly looked away, feeling the warmth spread across her face. She had never been one to get shy or distracted, especially not by someone like Rio—wildly beautiful and unapologetically uninhibited and so loud and childish. But there was something about her that drew Agatha in.
Rio, on her part, had noticed Agatha from across the rink, the moment she arrived, standing in the cold of that winter afternoon, tied up in a, clearly expensive, dark coat, her hair free, loose in the freezing air, a few wild strands framing her face. She had an elegance to her, even in the middle of the chaos all the kids on skates running around were making, her posture straight, a clear confidence that made her so hot she could have easily been the end for Rio. She wasn't one of the agitated parents, running to help their kids or hovering on the sidelines. No, Agatha was calm, and composed, almost like she was watching the world burn and not rushing to be a part of it. Rio couldn't help but notice her.
And then there were her eyes. Rio caught them briefly, just a flash of icy blue, but it was enough. There was something so intense and magnetic about her gaze. She was looking at Nicholas with a softness Rio couldn’t quite place, like she was seeing something precious that she’d protect with everything in her. What took Rio by surprise the most though, was how soft Agatha could look despite the strong aura she carried.
What drew Rio in even more was Agatha’s voice, smooth and confident on one side but on the other there was a softness to her too when she looked at Nicholas, the way her eyes softened and the love and warmth Rio could feel dripping out every word Agatha directed towards her son. She was intelligent, and sharp, her words measured, like she had control over every situation she found herself in. It made Rio want to know her more, to see what was behind that calm exterior. Was she as fierce as she seemed, or was there a vulnerability under the surface? There was something about the way she moved—her posture, the way she stood—like she was used to taking care of everything, but never demanding recognition for it. It was the kind of strength Rio admired, but also the kind that made her want to get closer, to find out what made Agatha tick. And, to be honest, the kind that turned her unbelievably on.
After the lesson Rio had skated over to them with her signature smirk on her face, but when she approached Agatha her heart skipped a beat. Agatha’s beauty was even more striking up close, her features sharp but somehow warm, her lips curling into a small, knowing smile as they exchanged a few words. Rio felt an instant pull, not just because of Agatha’s beauty—even though that was undeniable—but because of the quiet strength she radiated. Agatha wasn’t loud and didn’t demand attention, she just knew she could have it without a word or a movement but just showing up somewhere. And Rio couldn’t look away. There was something about her that made Rio want to be near her, to figure her out.
"Hey there," she said, her voice low and warm, "He’s doing great for his first lesson," she said, nodding toward Nicholas, who was wobbling but skating on his own.
Agatha hesitated, her heart racing a little faster than usual, before nodding. "He’s stubborn," she said, her voice steady, though she felt anything but. "But I think he’ll catch on."
"I think he just needs a little more encouragement," Rio told her, her gaze lingering on Agatha a moment longer than she intended. She cleared her throat and added, "If you want, I can work with him a bit more. He’s a quick learner."
Agatha felt the sudden urge to look at her son, her heart swelling with pride. "I appreciate that," Agatha said, forcing herself to keep her voice steady. "He’s lucky to have you as his coach." Both women smiled but before Rio could reply, a child called her name from across the rink. With a laugh, she winked at Agatha and skated away.
As the evening continued, Rio couldn't help but glance over at Agatha. She watched her with quiet admiration as she stood a little apart from the other parents, her mind seemingly always at work. Rio found herself smiling every time she noticed the gentle way Agatha watched Nicholas, offering him the occasional nod of encouragement. Agatha was nothing like anyone Rio had ever met. Her beauty wasn't just in her features but in the strength she radiated, and Rio found herself constantly drawn to that.
As the lesson wound down, the last few kids were still skating on the rink trying to show off their newly learned moves. Rio, always such a playful spirit, skated alongside them, offering high-fives and cheering them on. Pausing to catch her breath, she noticed Agatha— she was standing just beyond the rink, watching Nicholas glide over the ice showing her all the moves he had learned that day. The streetlights bathed her in a soft glow, making her even more mesmerizing.
Rio found herself unable to look away, admiring Agatha. Her gaze lingered longer than usual, and she couldn’t help but smirk when she saw Agatha catching her eye from across the ice. Their connection felt electric, unspoken but deeply felt.
“Looks like he’s a pro now,” Rio said, gliding over to where Agatha was standing, her voice low and teasing.
Agatha raised an eyebrow, a small, playful smile tugging at her lips. “He’s stubborn, like me. I’m surprised he’s actually enjoying this.”
“I think he just needed someone to show him how fun it can be,” Rio replied, her voice softening. There was an ease to their conversation, something more personal.
Agatha’s gaze shifted to Rio, her eyes lingering on the way the ice glistened in Rio’s hair under her beanie, the snowflakes collecting on her jacket. For a moment she was struck by how effortlessly beautiful Rio was—her athletic build, the confidence in her smile, the way she commanded the rink with a natural authority.
"I think you’ve got a gift for this," Agatha said, her voice a little more hushed, a hint of admiration in her tone. "You make it look extremely easy."
Rio chuckled, skating a slow circle around Agatha. "It’s easy when you love it." Her eyes gleamed mischievously as she stopped in front of Agatha. “But you…You make standing still look effortless.”
Agatha laughed softly, shaking her head, feeling warmth spread across her cheeks. “I’m just trying not to freeze out here,” she returned, looking down at her boots. Rio’s smile widened, her playful energy melting away into something more genuine, something a little more intimate. “Well, maybe I can help you warm up.” Her voice drops, becoming teasing. “You know, I think you’d look amazing on the ice.”
Agatha felt a rush of heat at Rio’s words. It was a simple invitation, but the way Rio delivered it made it feel charged, and loaded with meaning. Agatha’s heart started to beat a little faster. She took a breath, trying to calm the fluttering in her chest.
“I think I’d probably fall flat on my face,” with a little laugh Agatha replied, trying to deflect the intensity of the moment.
Rio stepped a little closer, her presence magnetic. “I’d be happy to catch you.”
The air between them was heavier, thick with an undeniable chemistry growing between them. For a long moment, they simply stood there, gazing at each other, the world around them fading into the background.
“I’d like that,” Agatha found herself replying quietly, her voice almost a whisper.
Rio grinned, taking a step back, her excitement bubbling up. “So… how about we exchange numbers? Maybe I can show you a few moves sometimes—on and off the ice.”
Agatha’s lips curled into a smile. She reached into her coat pocket to pull out her phone and unlocked it. “I think I could use a few lessons, you know Nicholas is going to want some company at some point.” Her fingers trembled slightly as she handed the phone to Rio.
Rio took it, her fingers brushing against Agatha’s as she entered her number and called her own number to make sure she could save Agatha’s number as well. The touch was brief but sent a spark of electricity through both of them. “I’ll text you,” Rio said, giving Agatha a playful wink.
Agatha watched Rio as she handed the phone back. “I’ll be looking forward to it.”
“And, by the way, if Nicky ever wants some company at the rink I’m always happy to spend time with a kid that cool” she winked at the other woman, offering a smirk.
With a final smile, Rio skated away, turning back once to look at Agatha, her eyes filled with mischief and promise. Agatha watched her go, her heart pounding. As the rink began to empty, Rio looked down at the phone in her hand, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She had already started to think about their next meeting, wondering just how quickly she could melt the ice between them.
Later that night, beer in hand and her feet up on her coffee table in front of her couch, Rio was still thinking about the meeting with the other woman that afternoon. Never being one with a lot of patience, she reached for her phone and went through her contacts.
Rio : Hey, it’s Rio, from the hockey rink. I hope I’m not bothering you, I just wanted to check in...you survived the cold, right?
Agatha heard her phone buzzing on the counter, she made sure Nicky was still watching the TV before leaving the couch to grab her phone. She unlocked the screen and smiled as soon as she read the text.
Agatha : Just barely. It was freezing…
Rio : I’d be happy to be your personal heater next time
And any time you’ll need it :)
Agatha : Is that a job you’re qualified for? Or just a nice perk of your hockey lessons?
Rio : Let’s just say I have some special skills…But I think you’d be a fast learner
Agatha let out a small laugh but before she could reply another text came through.
Rio : Or maybe, you know, I’m just too distracting and you can’t even move so impressed by how attractive I am
Agatha : A fast learner, huh? I like the sound of that.
Rio : Okay I see what you’re doing, ignoring the important part of my texts but it’s fine, I’ll take it as a win
But yes, a fast learner and you definitely have a few things to teach me too.
Agatha : Like what?
Rio : Like how to stay calm when I’m around you.
Agatha : You’re quite the charmer, aren’t you? How many other moms are you impressing with that line?
Rio : Only the ones who can keep up with me but honestly, I’m more interested in impressing you.
Agatha : Oh? And how’s that working out for you so far?
Rio : You tell me. But I’m willing to keep trying.
Agatha : Good to know. Maybe I can be your coach for that. Just to make sure YOU don’t get too distracted.
She stopped for a moment, thinking about what to say next.
Agatha : Tell me, what else are you good at? Besides hockey, I mean.
Rio : Well, besides being an amazing coach (which means I’m pretty good with my body btw)... I’d say I’m a pretty good listener and I make a mean hot chocolate.
Agatha : Hot chocolate? That might just be tempting enough to get me to stop pretending I don’t like the cold.
Rio : I’d love to change your mind about that, I promise I can keep you warm... and I can promise a good time.
On the ice obviously
Agatha : A good time, huh? I’m definitely intrigued. So when do I get this hot chocolate?
Rio : How about Saturday afternoon? I’ll even bring some extra marshmallows. You’ll need them after I take you for a spin on the rink.
Agatha : You’re seriously trying to get me on that ice, aren’t you? I warned you, I’m a terrible skater…
I might need more than a little help.
Rio : Well, then it’s a good thing I’m an expert at catching people.
Also, I don't buy it, I don't think you're terrible, you just want to see me do all the work
(which is totally fine with me, just so you know)
Agatha : You think I’ll just let you do all the work? Hmm... I’m not so sure about that. But I’ll meet you halfway.
Rio : Sounds like a challenge and I’m up for it. How about we make a deal? You fall, and I’ll catch you. But if I fall... well, I think you owe me a second hot chocolate.
Agatha : That sounds fair. And I think I could definitely handle a second hot chocolate so don't worry about your ego if you do fall.
Rio : Great. I’ll text you the details then.
And Agatha... when I catch you, just know I won’t let go.
Agatha : I’ll be looking forward to it. You might want to make sure you have a good grip though. I don’t go down easily.
Rio : Good. That’s exactly how I like it.
Agatha : We’ll see about that... I’ll be counting on you to back up all that talk.
Rio : Trust me, I never talk without backing it up.
Get ready.
Saturday afternoon arrived with the promise of something more than just a hockey lesson. Rio was waiting by the rink, a thermos of hot chocolate in hand and a playful smile on her face. The cold air nipped at her cheeks, but she was warm with anticipation, her eyes scanning the crowd of parents and kids for Agatha.
Agatha finally appeared, looking effortlessly chic in her winter coat, her dark hair pulled into a loose ponytail. She walked with her head up, approaching the rink with her eyes scanning the area until they met Rio’s. The moment their gazes locked, a rush of electricity shot through Rio, and she couldn't help but grin.
"Well, well," Rio said, skating toward the woman, her voice low "Look who decided to show up."
Agatha smiled back, a small, almost shy smile, her eyes soft. "I told you I’d make it. Though I still have no idea why you’re so determined to get me on the ice."
Rio laughed, but there was something deeper in her eyes, a hint of sincerity behind the teasing. "Because I know you’ll surprise me. Besides, I like a challenge."
They spent the next few minutes getting Agatha settled on the ice, with Rio’s hands guiding her gently at first, making sure she didn't fall. Agatha’s heart was racing, not from fear of falling, but from the closeness between them. Rio’s hands felt warm, and her strength was comforting, yet there was a nervous energy in the air.
"I’ll make sure you don’t fall," Rio tried to comfort her, her voice playful but steady as she skated beside Agatha, her arm casually brushing against hers. "But no promises if you try to fall on purpose."
Agatha gave her a teasing look. "I think you’re enjoying this a little too much."
Rio smirked, but her gaze softened. "Maybe I am." She skated ahead of Agatha, turning back to face her. "Come on, try to keep up."
Agatha pushed herself a little harder, gaining confidence as she skated across the rink, moving faster. The wind stung her cheeks, and her heart beat faster—not just from the effort of skating, but from the rush of being able to watch Rio skate closely, the magnetic pull between them growing stronger with each second.
As they glided around the rink, the world faded away. There was only the sound of their skates carving through the ice, and the way the soft winter light reflected off the snow. Rio slowed down, coming to a stop just in front of Agatha, her breath coming in soft bursts. They’re both smiling, their gazes locked.
Agatha’s chest tightened as she stood there, inches away from Rio, and for a moment, everything was still. Rio reached out, her hand brushing against Agatha’s, the touch light but electric. Agatha’s breath hitched, and she felt the weight of the moment between them—the chemistry that drew them closer.
"I told you I’d catch you," Rio murmured, her voice so low it was almost a whisper.
Agatha swallowed, her mind spinning. "You’re sure you’re ready to catch me?"
Rio’s smile widened, and without another word, she stepped closer, her hand coming up to gently cup Agatha’s face before the older woman could notice the smile growing on Rio’s face while her hand shot back to her waist. In a smooth movement, Rio took Agatha in her arms pulling her up from the ice. She started to skate around and Agatha started to scream. The world felt suspended as if time itself was holding its breath. Agatha’s pulse quickened, her body leaning into Rio’s touch, grabbing the hems of her hoodie to make sure she was steady enough.
Rio glided a few seconds more around the rink and then stopped near the side, finally gently letting Agatha touch the ice again. She looked down at the shorter woman, smiling and suppressing a laugh while Agatha was yelling at her, punching her broad shoulders.
And then, as if by instinct, they both stopped and moved in at the same time, their lips meeting in a soft, tentative kiss. At first, it was gentle, as if testing the waters, Rio trying to calm Agatha down, but the chemistry between them was too strong, and the kiss deepened, the warmth between them spreading through their entire bodies. The cold air seemed to disappear, and all Agatha could feel was the heat of Rio’s lips, the soft press of her body against her. The freezing cold air was now just a forgotten memory at the back of her mind.
When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathing heavily, their eyes locked. Agatha was smiling, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Well," Rio said, her voice thick with something new, "that was… definitely worth being punched so much…you’re pretty strong for being this little, you know"
Agatha laughed loudly, a little breathless. "It was worth it, you’re right, however, if you call me little once again there won’t be anything worth it the next time"
Rio stepped back slightly, chuckling and shaking her head, never letting goof Agatha’s hand. "You ready for round two?"
Agatha looked at her, her eyes sparkling with something more than just playfulness. "I think I might be ready for whatever you throw at me next" she leaned in and kissed Rio again “but don't you dare pull some stunt as you did back there again, I thought I was dying and if you do something like that a second time or you’ll be the dying one”
Rio smiled before leaning in to steal yet another kiss, one of many they shared on the rink that day.