Chapter Text
There was nothing like the roar of a fast car. Agatha grinned as she flew down the highway, roof down, her hair whipping in the wind behind her. Ohio was firmly in the rearview mirror. Ahead, California.
A lucky break that wouldn’t last. That’s what her mother had bitterly called it. Agatha hadn’t expected any less from the woman, she was probably just pissed she’d been cheated out of her alimony. Her dad had walked out before she took her first steps, good riddance. But there was no need to dwell on him. The old bastard was dead but had done two good things with his life. When he passed with no other relatives around, he’d left her his old convertible and ten thousand bucks in life insurance.
Agatha glanced at the coffee can rolling in the floorboard.
Sorry bout everything kiddo. Don’t have much, but the old purple girl and whatever is left of the money is yours. I hope this does you more good than I ever did. If it’s not too much trouble, just dump me in the ocean somewhere. Never managed to make my way out there to see it. Take care of yourself A.
She’d been in shock when the lawyers had delivered the note and read the last will of Mr. Jack Harkness to her. But the shock had quickly turned into a plan. A plan that now had her cruising through bumfuck nowhere一why was there so much damn corn in this country一but well on her way to the start of her new life.
Until she hit the pothole. Which would’ve been manageable if it hadn’t sent her careening into ten yards of wooden fence.
Agatha groaned as she climbed out of the car, already dreading what she’d see. The once-sleek body now looked like it had survived a demolition derby. The hood was crumpled, the right headlight dangled by a wire, and the once-pristine rich purple paint was marred by a gash running along the entire passenger side. Bits of fence clung to the grill, and her front bumper was hanging on by a thread.
“Fuck!” She shouted, kicking the tire.
She gave the crumpled car a long, disbelieving look, then glanced around the desolate stretch of farmland that surrounded her. Not a soul in sight, just endless rows of corn swaying innocently in the breeze, like they hadn’t just watched her mow down half a fence. With a deep sigh, Agatha pulled her hair back, squaring her shoulders, and prepared to wave down the next person who happened to pass by.
The next person happened to be an ancient man who could only generously be described as a bumpkin. His ancient farm truck rolled to a stop beside her, its rusty body creaking as he climbed out. He looked like he belonged to this landscape: stocky, unhurried, with sun-weathered skin and a straw hat perched on his head.
“Little bit of a scrape there, huh?” he observed, eyeing her car.
Agatha raised a brow. “You think?” She replied haughtily, deeply annoyed by the inconvenience and this man’s already far too leisurely attitude. She brushed some dust off her clothes, trying to keep her voice steady and polite, though his dopey half smile already grating on her nerves. “Do you have a way to help me get this... thing into town?”
The man scratched his chin, his gaze still lazily drifting over the car’s damage. “Oh, sure,” he drawled. “Got my tow hitch in the back there. We’ll get her hauled in. Just gotta pop it on nice and easy.”
Agatha folded her arms, tapping one foot. “Fantastic,” she muttered. She watched as he ambled back to his truck, clearly in no hurry.
“Appreciate the help,” she said, trying to keep the edge out of her voice.
He tipped his hat, unfazed by her uptight tone. “Not a problem, miss. Though I reckon this ole gal’s gonna need more than a patch job. Don’t you worry young lady, Doc’ll get you to Vidal’s. They’ll get you all patched up.”
Agatha sighed. California felt a lot further away than it had an hour ago.
He opened the door for her and an old chew can fell out of the messy interior of the truck. Agatha wrinkled her nose in disgust. Delightful.
But with her car totaled, and no better option, she hopped in the passenger seat and rode with Doc into town.
To call it a town would be charitable. Sayre, Oklahoma more closely resembled a ghost town. The “town” was just a single strip of shops, a handful of businesses, a church, and an honest-to-good saloon. Agatha groaned audibly.
“Now don’t get in a fuss honey, it’s gonna be alright. The boys at Vidal’s will getcha sorted out.”
Agatha pressed her head against the glass of the window and rolled her eyes. “Don’t call me honey,” she said under her breath, his folksy charm crawling all over her skin.
They pulled up to the single auto shop, the metal sign out front was rusted too. No one came out to greet them and she had a sinking feeling that no one in this town was going to be in any particular hurry to get her on her way.
“You a city type?” He asked as she hopped out of the truck.
“I’m trying to be.”
“I can tell. Hurry, hurry, hurry. Always in a rush,” he drawled, smiling not unkindly at her. “You go on in. We’ll get you unhitched here.”
Rio pulled her face into what she was not a mocking smile. “Thanks, Doc, you’ve been a dear.” She doubted he’d picked up on the patronizing edge to her tone. Hick.
She made her way into the two-seat waiting room and huffily took a seat in a peeling vinyl chair. A tv mounted in the corner blared as some other hayseed in an ill-fitting suit yammered along about the unseasonable hot weather they were having.
She waited there long enough that she caught herself mocking the newscasters under her breath. “Now back to you Jen with the weekend update,” she muttered, affecting the annoying accent that seemed to be contagious here. Agatha rolled her eyes, and as she did letting them pass over the window facing into the garage, she noticed that by some miracle there did appear to be someone working here.
A slim figure was bent over the open hood of a truck older than the one she had rolled in on. Dark blue coveralls and a baseball cap pulled low, probably the owner’s punk kid or something.
Agatha narrowed her eyes, tapping on the glass to get their attention. The figure didn’t so much as twitch, deeply engrossed in whatever was under the hood. She knocked a little harder, her patience thinning, but still—nothing. Finally, with a frustrated growl, she balled her fist and rapped on the window with a forceful thud.
That did it. The figure straightened up and turned around, and Agatha’s irritation faltered. The mechanic was a young woman, lean and striking, with sharp, angular features and dark hair tucked under a faded cap. Grease smudged her cheek, and her expression was completely unreadable as she looked Agatha over with cool, assessing eyes. An unlit cigarette dangled between her lips.
The woman raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed, and crossed her arms. Agatha met her gaze, refusing to look away or soften her own expression. This girl might look like she’d stepped out of some niche fantasy magazine spread, but Agatha was not here to be starstruck.
“You’re the mechanic?” she shouted, hoping her voice carried through the glass, doing her best to inject a tone of cool authority. She hadn’t expected the town’s one option to be... well, her.
The woman didn’t answer right away, letting a moment stretch just long enough to feel deliberate. She lazily took the cigarette from her lips and tucked it behind her ear. She walked over to the side door, pushing it open with one gloved hand “Last I checked,” she finally replied, hovering in the doorway. Her eyes passed over Agatha slowly, studying her.
Agatha wasn’t used to being sized up, especially not by a girl in greasy coveralls who couldn’t have been any older than she was.
“Well, my car needs a little... TLC,” she said, motioning toward the lot. “Think you can handle that?”
The mechanic tilted her head, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at her mouth. “I’ll take a look,” she said, sounding anything but hurried.
Agatha’s stomach tightened, though she couldn’t quite tell if it was from annoyance or something else. Something about this girl’s quiet confidence and unreadable gaze was unnerving. Agatha cleared her throat, folding her arms as she forced her lips into a thin smile.
“I’d appreciate it,” Agatha managed, her tone clipped.
“I’ll take a look in a bit,” the woman replied, smirking as she pulled the cigarette back to her mouth and produced a lighter from her pocket. She held it up at Agatha, flipping it between her fingers as she smirked, “I was so focused I didn’t realize it’s time for my break. Appreciate it, sweetheart.”
Agatha bristled, but bit her tongue and tried to force herself to stay calm. “Alright, do you have an estimate of when that might一”
“Nope,” she interrupted, still carrying that annoying smug grin “there’s a diner a block down. Don’t get the pancakes they suck. But you should probably make yourself comfortable. Could be awhile.” She winked at Agatha before turning, her boots squeaking on the floor.
Agatha wasn’t a patient woman. “Hey asshole,” she called after her.
The woman turned and looked at her with an amused expression over her shoulder. “Yeah, hon?” She teased back.
“What’s your name?”
“Rio. Pleasure is all yours I’m sure.” And with another cheeky wink, she stepped back through the door to the garage, pointedly pulling it shut behind her.
Agatha stalked down the block, fuming and muttering under her breath as she entered the diner. Everything from the too-bright yellow plastic booths to the cheery jingle of the bell over the door was pissing her off. She ordered the pancakes out of sheer stubbornness, remembering Rio’s parting advice. But as she sat poking them with her fork, she had to admit that the girl had been right. They were dry, rubbery things that tasted vaguely like burnt batter. And the coffee—she took a sip and grimaced—was barely drinkable.
She glanced up, considering whether to give up on the pancakes and just leave when she caught a figure sliding into the booth across from her. It was Rio, now half out of her coveralls, which were tied by the arms around her waist. She wore a white T-shirt that clung snugly to her, and Agatha couldn’t help noticing the subtle flex of muscle beneath the cotton, especially as her gaze drifted to a delicate linework flower tattoo peeking out from under her sleeve.
Rio leaned back, one arm draped over the top of the booth. “So, you didn’t take my advice,” she said with a lazy grin, eyeing the forlorn pancakes. “Bet they taste as bad as they look.”
Agatha felt a flush of irritation—and something else—rise in her chest. “They’re fine,” she replied, pushing them around her plate defiantly. “Just thought I’d support the local establishment.”
Rio chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the edges. “Don’t get all high and mighty about it. You city types never take advice, even when it’s good.” She reached across the table, sliding Agatha’s mug closer to herself for an exaggerated sniff. “And the coffee—whoo, that’s worse than usual.”
Agatha narrowed her eyes, annoyed at how nonchalantly Rio had invited herself over. How she was taking up space, sprawling out opposite her. “You’ve got a lot of opinions for someone who’s supposed to be working on my car.”
Rio shrugged, unfazed, and shot her a wry smile. “I’ll get it done. I’m just enjoying my break.” She tilted her head, watching Agatha with an unreadable expression that made Agatha’s heart skip a beat. It wasn’t just the quiet confidence or the teasing smirk; it was the way Rio looked at her, as if she found Agatha’s irritation endlessly amusing.
“You might want to take that break somewhere else,” Agatha said, crossing her arms and doing her best to hold her ground.
But Rio only leaned in closer, her smirk widening. “Oh, sweetheart, you’re making this way more interesting than I expected.”
Agatha rolled her eyes and sneered, “I’m not interested.”
Rio pouted for a moment then shrugged, spreading both arms back across the back of the booth. “I looked at your car already. She’s fucked,” she said bluntly before letting out a low whistle, “you fucked her up real bad.”
Agatha felt anger course through her but before she could spit something back, she was interrupted by her grandmotherly waitress butting her nose into her business. Typical.
“Well if it isn’t Miss Vidal! Can I get you something, sweetie?” The waitress cooed, smiling adoringly at the deeply irritating woman across from her.
“Just the check!” Rio replied sweetly. “The shop’s comping this very patient lady's meal as an apology for our delay today.” She flashed Agatha another infuriating grin.
“This is why you’re the best in town. Isn’t she sweet!” The waitress knocked Agatha’s shoulder and it took everything in her not to recoil.
“Yep. A real gem,” she forced out.
The waitress handed over the check and Rio didn’t glance at it before pulling out a barely held-together leather wallet and sliding a twenty on the table.
“Come along Agatha,” she drawled, opening the door for her with a flourish. “Let’s talk about your damage.”
Agatha frowned as she followed her. “How do you know my name?”
“Well, when you stormed off like a bat out of hell, you left your wallet in your car,” she replied breezily.
Agatha felt her back pocket before glancing up to find it, of course, raised in front of her in Rio’s hand. “Give me that,” she growled snatching it back from her.
Rio smiled and led her into the vehicle bay and circled her car. “So,” her voice became suddenly businesslike, “Agatha…” she drew out her name as she put her hands on her hips and rocked slightly, pretending to survey the vehicle again. “Full hood replacement, front bumper, right side mirror, and a partial engine rebuild.”
Agatha groaned, pinching her forehead between her fingers. “That sounds expensive.”
“Oh! And you’re low on brake fluid. But we’ll throw that in for free.” Rio watched her with that infuriating half-smile, clearly enjoying Agatha’s discomfort. “Let’s see… all that’ll run you around… twenty-five hundred. And that’s on the low end, assuming the parts come in quick,” she said, letting the number hang between them as Agatha’s eyes widened.
“Two thousand five hundred dollars?” Agatha almost choked on the words. “That’s ridiculous.” That was a quarter of everything she had.
“Cars don’t crash through fences for free,” Rio replied smoothly, shrugging. “But,” she continued, eyes glinting, “I’ll make you an offer. You cover just the cost of parts—let’s call it a grand—and I’ll throw in the labor for free.”
Agatha frowned, knowing there had to be a catch. “And what exactly do you want in return?”
Rio leaned back against the workbench, arms folded and expression deceptively casual. “Dinner with me,” she said, her tone light but with a spark of something unmistakably mischievous. “Just one night. I’m decent company, and we’ll call it even.”
Agatha narrowed her eyes. “Are you serious?”
“As a busted carburetor,” Rio replied, deadpan, though her eyes danced. “Dinner, and I’ll get you back on the road faster than you’d believe.”
Agatha crossed her arms, feeling her cheeks warm despite herself. “And if I say no?”
Rio shrugged. “Then I charge you full price and take my time with it.” She grinned, lifting her chin in challenge. “But I have a feeling you’re not in a rush to throw away an extra couple grand.”
Agatha bit her lip, glaring at the gleam of amusement in Rio’s eyes, the confident way she lounged against the crumpled hood of her car like she already knew Agatha would agree. It was galling. But as Agatha ran the numbers in her head, she realized that however much she hated the idea of owing this woman anything, she hated the idea of the full price tag even more.
“Fine,” she said finally, voice tight. “One dinner. But no funny business.”
Rio’s grin grew, slow and satisfied. “Wouldn’t dream of it, sweetheart. I’ll pick you up in front of the hotel tomorrow around seven.”
“Fine. Which hotel,” Agatha asked with an inconvenienced sigh.
Rio laughed at her before gesturing with her thumb. “The only hotel.”
Agatha checked her watch, hand on her hip as she waited impatiently. 7:15.
She scowled as she ran her hands down to smooth her shirt. She hadn’t gotten dressed up for her. She just liked to look good that’s all. For herself, not anyone else. Especially not for someone who had cajoled her into a date—not a date she corrected herself, just dinner—and then had the audacity to show up late.
Agatha checked her watch again, tapping her foot as the faint rumble of an engine grew closer. She glanced up, eyes narrowing as a sleek motorcycle pulled up to the curb, kicking up a faint cloud of dust. She barely managed to hide a roll of her eyes as Rio pulled off her helmet, shaking out her dark hair with a grin that was far too pleased.
“Hope I didn’t keep you waiting, sweetheart,” Rio drawled, swinging a leg over and hopping off the bike with ease. She pulled out a second helmet, holding it out with a smirk. “Ready to go?”
Agatha stared at the helmet, her skepticism obvious. “You want me to get on that ? Motorcycles are death traps.”
Rio shrugged, unbothered, as she flicked an invisible speck of dust off the leather jacket she wore. “Could be, but I imagine smoking’s gonna get me first.” She gave a lazy smile, watching Agatha closely. “Or some other risk I shouldn’t be taking.”
Agatha folded her arms, her gaze narrowing. “Then why do it?”
Rio held her eyes, unbothered and almost amused by the question. “Nothing better to do, I guess. Besides,” she added, her voice lowering with a hint of challenge, “I like a little danger.”
Agatha’s lips tightened into a thin line, but a part of her—just the smallest part—was intrigued by the reckless ease in Rio’s eyes. Against her better judgment, she grabbed the helmet from Rio’s outstretched hand. Rio’s grin only widened, a gleam of satisfaction dancing in her gaze.
“Atta girl,” Rio said, adjusting her own helmet before straddling the bike and patting the seat behind her. “Hang on tight, now. Wouldn’t want you slipping off.”
Agatha rolled her eyes as she climbed on, doing her best to ignore the fact that her hands now rested at Rio’s waist. The bike roared to life, and she felt her grip tighten instinctively as they took off down the winding, deserted road, the hum of the engine and the rush of the wind filling the silence.
After a few turns, Agatha caught herself holding on a little closer than she needed to, her heart pounding from more than just the speed. The town blurred past in a haze of lights and shadows, and she couldn’t help but feel a strange thrill, a reckless kind of freedom that was unfamiliar. It was exhilarating.
They finally pulled up to a quiet overlook just outside of town, the wide stretch of fields bathed in the deep purples of the summer sunset. Rio killed the engine, and the sudden silence felt startling, almost intimate.
Agatha slid off the bike, tugging at her helmet with a scowl, trying to ignore the mess she’d made of her carefully arranged hair. “Some date,” she muttered, pretending to fix a stray strand, even as she tried to catch her breath.
Rio leaned against the bike, looking out over the fields with that same easy, unreadable expression. “It’s all about the journey, right?” she teased, glancing sideways at Agatha. “I got the impression you’re not exactly a ‘going slow’ kind of girl.”
Agatha felt a retort bubbling up, but something about the quiet honesty in Rio’s gaze stopped her.
But Rio, noticing, only chuckled softly, and pulled out a small soft cooler she had tucked into the top box. She swung it over her shoulder and left Agatha as she strode over to an empty spot in the grass and took a seat.
Agatha remained frozen as she watched the woman pull two bottles of beer out of the cooler, popping the caps with the edge of her lighter. She didn’t realize she was staring until Rio glanced back at her and smiled before gesturing with her elbow at the spot next to her.
In a huff, Agatha joined her and took one of the sweaty bottles from her. “I see you took me to the nicest spot in town.”
“Only the best,” Rio replied, taking a long and lazy sip. “The hustle and bustle of the big city is just so exhausting,” she drawled sarcastically.
“How’d you end up here anyways? You’re… not like the other people I’ve met. You don’t have that annoying ass accent for one.”
Rio took another sip, her gaze drifting across the quiet landscape. "Would you believe I grew up here? My dad ran the shop forever, so I guess it was bound to end up in my hands one way or another. When he passed…” She trailed off, tapping the neck of the bottle thoughtfully. “Left me his place, plus Billy and Tommy, his two little projects.”
Agatha raised an eyebrow, taking a tentative sip of the beer. It was cold on this hot night. That was something. “Sounds like quite the gift.”
Rio chuckled, her smile tinged with fondness. “Oh, those two? Yeah, they’re a piece of work. More interested in flirting with anyone who comes in the shop, but they’re harmless.” She shook her head, laughing softly. “They were Dad’s favorite little misfits, though. He loved every minute of teaching them, for whatever reason.”
There was warmth in Rio’s voice that made Agatha pause. She could tell Rio genuinely missed her father, and the sentiment surprised her—she wasn’t used to hearing people talk about their parents with so much affection.
“So you actually liked your old man?” Agatha asked, the words slipping out before she could stop herself. She grimaced as Rio turned to look at her, one eyebrow quirked.
“Most people like their parents,” Rio replied, a hint of amusement lacing her tone. “Or try to, anyway.”
Agatha swallowed, looking away as she forced out a scoff. “Couldn’t be me. My dad ditched first chance he got, left me a now busted convertible and a ten-grand life insurance policy. I think that’s the most he ever did for me.” She paused, feeling the weight of her own bitterness settling over the peaceful evening air. “And my mom… well, let’s just say she was around but she wasn’t much better.”
Rio studied her quietly, her expression softening. “Guess I got lucky, then,” she said finally, her voice gentle. “Dad was a good guy. Taught me everything I know, left me something to keep me grounded. It’s been tough without him, but it’s nice having the shop around. Feels like… well, like he’s still around, you know?”
Agatha didn’t know. Not really. She’d never felt that kind of connection to anyone. But the way Rio spoke, with that quiet confidence and unguarded openness, made her feel something she hadn’t expected—an odd ache, somewhere beneath her defenses.
She took a longer drink from her bottle, letting the silence settle between them before she managed, “Sounds nice. Having that kind of thing to hold onto.”
Rio nodded, her gaze fixed on the horizon, lost in thought. “Yeah. I think I’d go crazy otherwise, honestly. Billy and Tommy keep me sane, too, believe it or not. Though they’d argue they’re the ones who have to deal with me.” She grinned, glancing over at Agatha. “How about you? I can’t imagine you’re used to being stuck in one place for long.”
Agatha bit her lip, reluctant to give too much away. “You’d be surprised,” she said finally, lifting her chin. “Thirty something years in Ohio, nothing to show for it. Got lucky, made it halfway to California. Got unlucky, hit a pothole, and now I’m stuck in an even smaller town.”
Rio nodded, her smile faint. “Fair enough,” she murmured and took another sip finishing her beer. She leaned back onto her elbows and whistled up at the sky.
Agatha raised a skeptical eyebrow at her. “What is this? You didn’t ask me here to talk about dead fathers and hear me shit on your hometown.”
Rio smiled at her and gave her a small shrug. Agatha realized was an annoying signature move of hers. “Same reason you’re chasing California I guess. Wanted to see something new.”
Agatha’s gaze lingered on Rio as she reclined against the grass, her easy confidence even more infuriating now that Agatha could feel herself, despite herself, being drawn in by her charm. “You wanted something new?” she echoed, suspicion lacing her tone.
Rio turned her head to meet Agatha’s eyes, her expression softening. “Yep,” she replied simply. “Something new. And that doesn’t happen a lot here.” She smirked, eyes glinting. “But it’s not every day someone from Ohio rolls into town looking like they belong anywhere else.”
Agatha felt a small flush creeping up her neck, and she fought to keep her face neutral. “I belong plenty of places.”
“Oh, I can tell,” Rio replied, studying her thoughtfully. “You don’t have to tell me. It’s in the way you look at things. Like nothing here is ever good enough for you.”
Agatha scowled, irritated by how easily Rio seemed to read her. “You’re awfully confident for someone whose big thrill is a dead-end auto shop.”
Rio laughed, unbothered, and flicked a piece of grass from her hand before opening another beer. “Fair. But you’re talking to someone who’d be perfectly happy spending her life fixing up busted cars and making them work. Just, helping folks out. Maybe it’s a thrill for me to meet someone who isn’t.” She paused, her gaze drifting over Agatha’s face with a surprising softness that took Agatha off-guard. “Good for you though, you don’t seem like the type to be stuck anywhere you don’t want to be.”
There was something in Rio’s voice that made Agatha’s chest tighten, a flicker of understanding she didn’t know how to respond to. She looked away, forcing herself to scoff. Rio was unruffled.
They sat in silence for a moment, the tension dragging out in the lazy summer night.
After a moment, Rio turned her head, studying Agatha with a half-cocked smile. “So… when you finally make it to California, what do you think you’ll find there?”
Agatha hesitated, realizing she didn’t have a real answer. She’d spent so long picturing California as her escape that she’d never thought beyond the thrill of leaving everything behind. She finally let out a soft, bitter laugh. “Something better than where I’ve been, I hope. Beyond that… I don’t know.”
Rio nodded, her gaze gentle. “I get it. I didn’t know what I wanted either when I stuck around here. Still don’t sometimes. Just feels like it’s where I’m supposed to be, I guess. Funny how people like us end up here.” She tilted her head back, eyes on the sky, and then added playfully, “Maybe we’re both running from something.”
Agatha tensed, the words hitting too close. She shot Rio a sharp look, but Rio’s face was turned away, her smile lingering, cool and calm as anything.
“Who says I’m running from anything? I’m just trying to get to something.” Agatha muttered, hating how unconvincing she sounded even to herself.
Rio’s only response was a soft chuckle as she took another lazy sip of her beer, leaving Agatha to stew in the realization that Rio might be the first person in a long time to see past her walls.
“So is this Vidal’s signature move? Saving damsels in distress, taking them out to the lookout, giving them a one-night thrill before slapping the trunk and sending them on their way?”
Rio’s sharp barking laugh cut through the sound of the crickets. “What do you think?”
Agatha rolled her eyes, leaning back and folding her arms. “I think you like keeping people guessing,” she replied with a smirk, keeping her tone light even though something in Rio’s gaze made her feel unexpectedly exposed.
Rio didn’t look away, her smile easy and unguarded. “Maybe so. It keeps things interesting. Though,” she added, her eyes dancing with a glimmer of challenge, “you don’t seem like the type who lets people in that easily. Seems like you like a good mysterious stranger yourself.”
Agatha’s smirk faded as Rio’s words hit a little too close. “I don’t go for small towns and one-night hookups,” she replied, shrugging it off. “Doesn’t mean I’m hiding something.”
Rio raised an eyebrow, her expression somewhere between amusement and curiosity. “Alright, fair enough.” She took a drink, eyes still on her. “But maybe not all small towns are the same. Depends on who’s in them.”
Agatha scoffed, but she couldn’t deny the spark of intrigue that crept up on her. Rio had a way of sliding past her defenses so smoothly it was almost unsettling. “Do you always try this hard?”
Rio chuckled, unbothered. “Not usually,” she admitted. She motioned to the cooler, popping the cap off another bottle and offering it to Agatha, who hesitated before accepting. Rio leaned back on her elbows, her eyes softening as she glanced out over the fields, lost in thought.
“So this is your big move then?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “Taking girls out to watch sunsets and pretending to be all sentimental? Telling them they’re the only one you’ve ever done this with?”
Rio’s laugh was low and genuine. “What do you think?”
Agatha shrugged, a hint of a smile playing at her lips. “I think it’s working.”
Rio’s grin widened, and she leaned forward, holding Agatha’s gaze. “Then maybe you’re not as tough to figure out as you think.”
Agatha felt her pulse quicken, but she forced herself to stay composed. “I wouldn’t bet on it.”
Rio just chuckled, lifting her bottle in a playful toast. “Guess I’ll just have to keep trying, then.”
The silence between them deepened, the air thick with tension as Rio held Agatha’s gaze just a beat longer than necessary. Agatha felt the challenge in it, an unspoken invitation that had her heart pounding louder than she cared to admit. For a split second, she thought Rio might make a move. That those annoying lips and clever tongue would lean in and kiss her. But Rio only flashed her a soft smile, leaning back and stretching her arms behind her head in a casual, unbothered way that left Agatha inexplicably frustrated. The sliver of skin that appeared as her shirt lifted away from her dark jeans left her flustered.
“So…” Rio said slowly, still grinning as she glanced up at the now-dark sky, “should I take you home?”
Agatha stiffened, feeling her cheeks flush. She wasn’t ready to call it a night just yet—not after everything Rio had managed to stir up.
But she was careful to keep her voice steady, even teasing. “I thought we had a deal. Dinner. I don’t know where you got your manners but I don’t remember agreeing that a couple of beers counted as a meal.” Her lips curved in a playful challenge, her eyes daring Rio to follow her lead.
Rio’s eyes sparked with amusement as she sat up, letting her arms drop as she shook her head. “You’re right. I guess I’ve been caught out.” She tilted her head, studying Agatha with a new, sharper glint in her gaze. “Wouldn’t want to break a promise.”
Without another word, she shrugged off her leather jacket and handed it over to Agatha. “Here. It’s a bit of a ride, I don’t want you getting cold.”
Agatha accepted the jacket with a faint, skeptical smile, slipping it over her shoulders and catching a whiff of leather and faint smoke. It felt strange but comforting, heavy with the warmth Rio had left behind.
“What a gentleman, full of surprises tonight, aren’t you?” Agatha muttered as she climbed back onto the motorcycle.
“Only because you’re making me work so hard for it,” Rio replied smoothly, turning over the engine. “Hold on tight.”
They sped down the winding back roads, and this time Agatha didn’t hesitate to wrap her arms firmly around Rio’s waist, feeling the hum of the engine and the warmth of Rio’s body beneath her hands. Rio drove fast, whipping around the curves of the road with practiced ease.
The dive bar Rio brought her to was nestled at the edge of town, the kind of place that looked like it hadn’t seen a renovation since the seventies. The neon “OPEN” sign flickered above the door.
Inside, the bar was dim and smoky, crowded with mismatched tables and the low murmur of country music playing on an old jukebox. Rio pulled Agatha toward a corner booth, and Agatha couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “You bring all your dates here, too?”
Rio snorted, gesturing for the waitress. “Not exactly,” she replied, her gaze holding a spark of amusement. “But the food here beats more lousy pancakes.”
Agatha couldn’t help but laugh, finally relaxing in the booth across from her. “Well, points for originality.”
They ordered a round of drinks and a couple of burgers, and soon Agatha found herself leaning into the easy conversation. There was a comfort in the way Rio talked, a sense of belonging she hadn’t felt in a long time.
Rio shared stories of her days as a kid, working in her dad’s shop, teasing Billy and Tommy like they were her own brothers, and learning every trick her father had to offer. Her face softened when she talked about him, her voice warm with affection that made Agatha’s chest ache in a way she wasn’t prepared for.
“You’re lucky,” Agatha found herself saying softly, surprising herself. “It sounds like you really had something… solid.”
Rio’s eyes softened, and she reached for her beer, giving a small nod. “Yeah, I did. But I think we all have our own ways of building something solid.” She glanced over at Agatha, her expression thoughtful. “You don’t strike me as the kind of person who stays down long. Maybe you’re just… still looking for the right thing to hold onto.”
The words struck a chord in Agatha, leaving her momentarily speechless. She covered by taking a sip of her drink, letting the familiar heat of the bourbon ground her. “Maybe,” she murmured, not quite willing to admit how much that thought resonated.
They fell into an easy rhythm, laughter and conversation flowing as naturally as if they’d known each other for years. Agatha found herself leaning closer, her teasing jabs softened, the lingering resentment of the day slipping away into something that felt dangerously like… comfort.
Agatha grew bolder as the drinks sink settled in her stomach. This would all have been a lot easier to brush off if Rio wasn’t exactly her type. She carried an easy swagger and was by far the most lively person in the bar. She laughed loudly and sprawled her arms across the booth just as she had in the diner. She was loud and brash and didn’t seem to mind taking up space.
Agatha leaned back, watching Rio with a mix of admiration and exasperation as she laughed, taking up the booth with her easy presence. Rio was effortlessly magnetic, the kind of person who commanded attention without trying, and it both intrigued and irritated Agatha. She wasn’t used to people like Rio—people who didn’t hesitate to show all their cards, who weren’t afraid to take up all the space they deserved.
“Alright, so what's your next big move?" Agatha asked, her voice dripping with mischief. "Are you going to bend me over the pool table and pretend to teach me how to play?”
Rio burst out laughing, clearly not at all fazed by Agatha’s sharp tone. “Now that’s an interesting thought,” she said, grinning. “But, nah. I much prefer darts.” Her eyes gleamed with mischief, a challenge lurking beneath her casual words. “Again, a little danger. You up for it?”
Agatha felt her pulse quicken, the familiar thrill of competition settling in. “You really think you can beat me?” she asked with a raised eyebrow, her tone more playful than she intended. “I’m good with my aim.”
Rio raised her hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. You’re on. But don’t blame me when you end up with a bruise to your ego.”
They moved to the dartboard, and Agatha found herself facing off against Rio, a slight twinge of nervousness in her chest. But that only made the game more interesting. Rio wasn’t a slouch, and the easy confidence she exuded made Agatha hungry to prove herself.
The first round was a blur, Agatha’s darts sailing wide of the mark while Rio’s were dead on, each one finding its target with a satisfying thud. Agatha gritted her teeth, determined not to let Rio see her frustration.
When the game ended with Rio as the clear winner, Agatha threw her last dart with a loud scoff, the tips of her fingers still tingling with the effort. She crossed her arms over her chest, her usual haughtiness shining through, but Rio’s grin only widened.
“Not bad,” Rio said, a trace of teasing in her voice. “But looks like I win this round. Better luck next time.”
Agatha wasn’t about to let it go. “Oh, I don’t think we’re done just yet.” She cocked her head to the side, her eyes narrowing in a playful, daring challenge. “How about we make this interesting?”
Rio raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And what do you have in mind, sweetheart?”
Agatha leaned in, her voice low but firm. “If I win the next round, you have to woman up and kiss me.”
The words were out before she could think better of them, but the flush of heat in her cheeks only made her more determined. She could see Rio’s surprise flicker for just a moment before her easy grin returned, eyes glittering with amusement.
“You sure you wanna make that kind of bet?” Rio asked, her tone even, though a playful challenge danced in her gaze.
“Oh, I’m sure.” Agatha shrugged casually, though her heart was pounding in her chest. “Unless you’re scared you’re going to lose.”
Rio laughed, leaning back against the wall, eyes glinting with amusement. “Alright then. If that’s what you want. If I win, you pay our tab. Heard you got a sweet discount earlier and have the extra cash.” She smiled mischievously. “But just so you know, I’m not going easy on you.”
Agatha grinned. “Wouldn’t want you to.”
The second round began, but this time, Agatha’s focus was sharper, her aim more precise. With each dart she threw, she could feel Rio’s eyes on her, steady and calculating, making her even more determined. The tension between them felt different now, charged in a way that made Agatha’s pulse race.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of focus and effort, Agatha landed the final winning shot with a satisfying thud . Her heart was in her throat as she turned to face Rio, a cocky grin spreading across her face.
“Well?” Agatha said, voice hushed but full of expectation. “Looks like you owe me a kiss.”
Rio’s eyes gleamed with a mix of admiration and something else—a quiet intensity that made Agatha’s breath catch in her chest. She pushed off from the wall, stepping closer to Agatha with a confidence that made her pulse spike.
“Guess I do,” Rio said, her voice low, a hint of a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth. “You hustled me.”
Agatha held her breath, knowing this was the moment she had pushed for, unsure if she was ready for what was about to happen, but too far gone to back out now.
Then, with one smooth motion, Rio closed the space between them. The kiss was quick, a soft brush of lips that left Agatha dizzy, her heart hammering in her chest. It was gentle but lingering, and Agatha couldn’t ignore the sparks that ignited within her.
When Rio pulled back, there was that same faint, teasing smile on her lips. “Good game.”
Agatha didn’t know whether to laugh or lean in for another kiss. She settled for testing her bravery again. “So are you gonna take me home now or what?”
Agatha’s heart was still pounding as Rio stepped back, her lips curved into a teasing grin. “You’re not in a rush, are you?” Rio asked, a playful glint in her eyes. “I don’t usually go for fast women.”
Agatha raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk. “Oh, I don’t know. From what I’ve seen, you drive pretty fast,” she shot back, her voice dripping with the kind of challenge that only Rio seemed to inspire in her.
Rio let out a quiet laugh, stepping closer with a look of mock exasperation. “I’m talking about other things,” she said, her voice lower now, the playful tease still there, but with something else—something daring. “But you’re right. I drive like a maniac.”
Agatha could feel her pulse quicken at the tension between them, but her smile didn’t falter. “Well, don’t take long making up your mind,” she quipped. “I don’t like waiting.”
Rio cocked her head, the smile never leaving her lips. “Really, I had no idea,” she teased, giving Agatha a wink. “Come on, let’s get out of here before you change your mind.”
Without another word, Rio slipped out of the booth, placing her hand on the small of Agatha’s back as she guided her through the crowded bar. Agatha let her, her heart racing, eager for whatever came next.
As Rio revved the engine and the night air wrapped around them, Agatha couldn’t stop herself from glancing at her, noticing the way the light hit Rio’s face, the curve of her neck, and how her hands gripped the handlebars with confidence. She wondered what else those hands could do.
The ride to Rio’s apartment felt like it passed in a blur, the wind rushing past them and the quiet hum of the bike underneath filling the space between. Agatha was too focused on Rio’s body, the sway of her movements, to pay any attention to the streets or landmarks they passed. All that mattered in that moment was the fact that soon, she would be alone with Rio. The thought thrilled her.
When they arrived, Rio killed the engine and slid off the bike. She turned to Agatha with a raised eyebrow, as if waiting for her to say something.
Agatha, momentarily caught off guard, shook herself out of her thoughts. “So... this it?” she asked, her voice playful but laced with anticipation.
Rio grinned, grabbing Agatha’s hand and pulling her along. “Yup. Welcome to my humble abode,” she said.
They walked up the steps to Rio’s apartment, and Agatha was aware of how close they were, the heat between them still lingering. Rio opened the door flicking on the light and stepping aside to let Agatha in. The moment Agatha crossed the threshold, she couldn’t help but feel like she had crossed some invisible line. The space felt familiar yet foreign, intimate in a way Agatha wasn’t ready for, but couldn’t resist.
She took in the space quickly—barely enough to recognize the sparse furniture, the way the walls were lined with tools and half-finished projects. Rio didn’t waste any time though, pulling Agatha closer with a mischievous grin.
“Want the full tour?” Rio asked, teasing her as she closed the door behind them.
Agatha smirked, leaning in just a bit closer. “I’m not here for the scenery, Rio,” she said, her voice low, a challenge. “I’m here for you.”
Rio’s eyes flashed with something daring. She stepped closer, putting her hands on Agatha’s waist, and pulling her in until their faces were inches apart. “Then let’s not waste any more time, huh?”
Agatha’s heart was racing, the room suddenly feeling a little too small, and she didn’t care. All that mattered was the electric tension between them, the playful teasing, and the undeniable chemistry that was about to ignite.
And just like that, Agatha was lost to the moment, her lips crashing into Rio’s as she finally let go of all the teasing and playful banter, allowing herself to be swept up in everything Rio was offering.
Rio grabbed her by the lapels of her jacket and kissed her hungrily as she pushed her against the door. Agatha moaned against her lips and let both hands tangle in her hair pulling her closer. They kissed until they were breathless and Agatha could feel her lips were swollen as they pulled away.
“About that tour? Bedroom?” Agatha asked breathlessly her eyes darting around the apartment.
“Upstairs,” Rio mumbled into Agatha’s neck. She kissed her collarbone before nipping at the spot leaving a bright red mark.
“A hickey? Really?” Agatha grumbled but it soon gave way to a gasp as Rio bit down more firmly and moved to palm her ass.
“You’re so hot when you’re irritated at me.” Rio grinned before kissing her again and beginning to steer them towards the stairs. She kissed Agatha possessively, desperately as they stumbled through the living room. Her hands pushed her jacket from Agatha’s shoulders somewhere near the couch, and by the time they reached the stairs, her hands were pulling at the bottom of her shirt.
It was too much effort to try and focus on stairs and deal with the infuriating number of buttons. Rio pulled at it roughly, and several buttons clattered to the floor as she tore it open.
“You’re taking that off my bill too,” Agatha growled, not ready for Rio to see how much the show of strength had turned her on. She grabbed at Rio’s shirt and pulled it over her head before dropping her hands to her thick belt.
Rio pushed her against the wall when they reached the landing. She grabbed Agatha’s thighs and lifted her up against the banister, forcing her to wrap her legs around her. She kissed her with the same powerful command, the same speed and intensity that she’d displayed while driving.
Agatha moaned as she reached down and let her hand curl around her bicep. The heated intensity of their kiss had Agatha dizzy, her head spinning as Rio held her tight, pressing her against the wall. She could feel Rio’s strength in every movement, how effortlessly she had lifted her, how her hands tightened against her thighs with growing urgency.
Agatha couldn’t help but lean into it, her body responding to the heat of Rio’s touch, the way Rio’s lips pressed against her skin.
Rio’s mouth trailed down her neck, before gently lowering her feet to the ground again. She kissed her the whole way up the final flight of stairs, pulling away the belt Agatha had undone and letting it drop behind them. It clattered loudly as the heavy buckle sent it tumbling down the stairs.
They met each other’s eyes for a moment as if brought back out of this lust-struck haze for just a second. Agatha let out a breathless laugh, trying to break the tension. “You’re making a mess of my clothes,” she muttered, but it was half-hearted, the teasing tone failing to mask the desire that slipped through.
Rio’s laugh was soft, but the heat in her gaze was unmistakable. “Good,” she said, her voice low and raspy. “It’s just the beginning.”
Agatha’s mind was swirling, her thoughts scattered and hazy, but the clarity of the moment—the certainty that this was what she wanted—flooded her all at once. She was caught in a whirlwind of attraction, her heart hammering in her chest.
They kissed in the hall until both of them were gasping for air, Rio’s hands rested on Agatha’s ass, her fingers digging in just slightly. “Right, bedroom,” Rio murmured, her voice rough but sure.
Agatha nodded, unable to form a coherent sentence, her pulse too wild for anything but the next step. With a confident grin, Rio lifted her once more, carrying her toward the bedroom, her steps confident and unyielding, like this was where they both had always been heading from the second they met.
Agatha didn’t think about what came next, her body already too eager to focus on anything but Rio, and the intoxicating fire between them that felt both consuming and impossible to resist.
Rio backed her up until the back of her knees hit the bed and Agatha fell into it. Rio quickly followed, straddling her thighs and leaning down to kiss her again.
Agatha’s hands flew to the woman’s pants and quickly unbuttoned them. Rio groaned as Agatha slipped her hand underneath them. “Fuck” she panted, letting her hips grind against Agatha’s hand, showing clearly how badly she wanted her. Not to be outdone, she leaned her head down to kiss down Agatha’s chest.
She hadn’t noticed before in the rush of them tearing clothes off of each other. But here, Agatha wore lace. Rio groaned again and reached to roughly pull her bra out of her way.
Agatha grasped her hand firmly, stopping her. “Do. Not. Tear. It.” She hissed, but her eyes were too blown out and her cheeks were too flushed for it to carry any threat. “I like this one,” she added.
Rio laughed before slipping her hand underneath Agatha to undo the clasp. “I do too,” she murmured, smug as she felt it unhook. “Looks expensive.”
“It was,” Agatha replied, her words cut off by a moan as Rio pulled her bra away and wrapped her lips around her nipple.
“Did you wear it for me?” Rio husked against her breast, her fingers moving to tease the other side. She pinched her other nipple slightly, rolling it between her fingers.
In retaliation, Agatha pressed her fingers more firmly against her. Even with one layer left, she could feel how wet she was.
“No,” she gasped breathlessly. She removed her hand, ignoring Rio’s whine of protest, and reached down to shove her pants off. “I wore it for my other date. She should be showing up soon.”
Rio growled and sucked at the soft spot between her breasts, leaving another mark. Agatha imagined that she’d be covered in them before long. She’d had a hunch that the woman was the jealous type. She was so happy to be proven right.
“Well I guess you’re gonna have to stand her up,” Rio murmured, moving her lips back to kiss Agatha again. “Because you have a very full evening ahead.”
Agatha grinned, helping them both kick off their pants. Rio wasted more time before lowering herself on top of her again. “Prove it,” she challenged, biting at her ear. “You got a toolbox up here big boy?”
Rio grinned at her, “Be right back. Don’t get started without me.” She kissed Agatha one more time before rolling off the bed.
Agatha took the moment to catch her breath. She could feel her pulse throbbing everywhere. She could hear herself swallow. There was no reason to even pretend to be coy now. As Rio adjusted the harness on her hips, Agatha removed her underwear.
Rio turned and stalked back towards her. “Roll over.”
The sight of Agatha ass up on her bed wasn’t something she’d soon forget. She ran her hands over the back of her thighs and pulled her to the edge of the bed. She positioned herself at her entrance and waited.
Agatha whimpered. Rio didn’t move.
She stood with the head pressed just against her. Agatha fisted the comforter and willed herself not to give Rio the satisfaction of pushing back on her.
This seemed to please Rio. “Good girl,” she whispered, reaching one hand to twist in Agatha’s hair before she pushed inside.
Agatha made an obscene sound as she let her head drop against the pillows. She whimpered as Rio’s hand in her hair pulled her back up, pulling just hard enough, just how she liked it.
“Don’t hide from me baby,” Rio said, slowly pressing the entire length inside her. “Does that feel good?”
Agatha moaned and nodded desperately, reaching behind her to try and catch Rio’s hip and pull her closer. Instead, her hands were caught in Rio’s grasp and pulled behind her back.
“Here’s how this is gonna go.” Rio leaned over her and kissed tenderly, too tenderly for the heated moment, between her shoulders. “I’m gonna give everything you ask for. But you gotta ask.”
Agatha whimpered and nodded quickly. “Fuck me then,” she pleaded. “I want you.”
“Okay. You can move,” she said, releasing her wrists and moving her hands to Agatha’s hips. “But you gotta fuck me back.”
Agatha nearly cried in relief, rolling her hips back against Rio. They weren’t going slowly now. She couldn’t believe how close she was already. Rio set a brutal pace and Agatha did her best to match it. She was about to come without her clit even being touched.
The thought excited her. She wondered if she actually could. But then Rio hit a deep spot inside her and she lost the ability to think. Words tumbled out of her mouth, completely out of her control, coming out between gasps. “I want to… God!” She cried out as Rio pressed against that spot again.
“Call me Rio, honey,” the woman teased not letting up on her pace at all.
“Fuck you. I want to ride you.”
Rio pulled out of her suddenly and completely, and Agatha whined as she felt herself clench around the empty space. She let herself go completely malleable under Rio’s strong hands as the other woman practically threw herself onto the bed, hauling Agatha on top of her.
Bending Agatha over had been fun but this was so much better. From this angle, Rio got to see how her mouth formed into a perfect circle as the woman sank down on her. The base of the dildo pressed against her clit and it had Rio straining against her.
“You look so good. You’re so fucking hot like this.” Rio kissed under her jaw.
Agatha moaned in agreement, “You too,” grinding her hips down roughly against her.
Rio whimpered against her neck, raising her hips to meet Agatha’s as much as she could. She moved a hand between them, fingers hovering over her clit.
“ Please, ” Agatha begged in a voice she did not fully recognize as her own.
Rio’s eyes flashed and she pressed down firmly. Agatha came apart with a loud cry, still rolling her hips through it as if she couldn’t get enough of her. Rio was going to have scratches from where the woman’s nails dug into her shoulders.
As Agatha’s movements slowed and she caught her breath, Rio moved so she was half sitting up and captured her lips in an eager kiss. Agatha moaned into her mouth again and Rio deepened their kiss. Her body was thrumming with pent-up energy and she couldn’t stop the small jerk of her hips up towards Agatha.
She tried to clear her head, she tried to give Agatha time to catch her breath before she asked for more. This had always been the problem. With other girls. Rio wanted too much. She was greedy.
Her mind wandered for just a moment but was quickly snapped back to the present as she felt Agatha’s weight lift off of her. Her eyes snapped open and locked with Agatha’s just as the woman leaned down, and with a wicked wink took the toy into her mouth.
Rio choked as she watched the cock slip between her lips. And when Agatha reached under the harness to sink two fingers inside her, she moaned her name loud enough that she was certain she’d be getting dirty looks the next time she ran into her neighbors.
It didn’t take her long to reach her breaking point. She whimpered quietly as she came, all of her bravado gone as she gave herself over to Agatha.
“C’mere,” she rasped, pulling at Agatha’s hair and drawing her up into a lazy kiss.
Agatha purred with contentment, running her hands up and down Rio’s stomach as she lay half on top of her. Feeling cheeky she leaned down and sucked a mark under her jaw.
“So,” Agatha spoke first, having had more time to recover. “Two things. Do you have better coffee here than that shit at the diner?”
Rio laughed, reaching up to brush the hair out of Agatha’s face. Privately she felt her heart swell. If Agatha was asking about coffee, that meant she’d be staying. Rio preferred to sleep alone. But she was willing to make an exception. “Mhm,” she mumbled, her voice still not working right. “Best in town.”
“Well that’s not a high bar,” Agatha teased before pressing another kiss against her neck. She settled in, letting her body lay flush against Rio’s. Strong arms wrapped around her, and she couldn’t stop her fingers from idly tracing the woman’s tattoo. “Second thing, I’ve decided I’m not in such a rush to get my car out of here. Good work takes time and all that.”
Rio laughed, and pulled her closer, “Good to know.”