Chapter Text
“You think I’m pretty?” Adora asked, arms snaking around Catra.
“Oh, c’mon,” Catra laid her own around Adora’s neck and stared up at her. Adora wore a white tux with gold trimmings which really brought out her shoulders, her blonde hair flowing loosely around them. “Don’t be like that.”
“Like what?”
“Pretending like oh jeez duh--does Catra LIKE me? Like this is still a game.”
“I thought you loved that. Playing cat and mouse?”
Catra could see Adora fighting back a grin at her own joke and refused to acknowledge it.
“I did. But - since then... I wasted a lot of time not saying how I felt. If something had happened before I could - ”
Adora hurried to give Catra a kiss and the music started. A slow dance - exactly what they wanted. Catra’s eyes lost their focus and went low. She gave an involuntary sigh as Adora’s pull tightened. Adora held Catra’s cheek in one hand as the other moved down to her waist.
“It’s not like that anymore,” Adora said, her hand beginning to sweep over Catra’s backside. “Unless you’re packing more heat bombs down there?”
“I didn’t dress to conceal tonight. What you see is what you get.”
“...If I play my cards right?” Adora wondered, and took one of her hands.
“No games, babe. I want you,” Catra leaned against her, touching her nose to Adora’s chin. “You want me?”
“Always have,” Adora kissed the bridge of Catra’s nose and watched the joy sparkle in her eyes. “But we should probably start dancing.”
Catra caught a glimpse of the other guests watching the two embrace and little else. She laughed and made a show of rolling her eyes at them before being led in gentle circles by Adora.
♫ Standing in the light of your halo,
I got my angel now ♫
Slow though they were, their movements were perfectly coordinated. It was a relief beyond all others to trade in those sharp blows and last-second dodges for a simple one-two step together, forward and back. The music wasn’t needed: at this point they could predict each other's movements with a look, or with the slightest pressure on each other. What felt like a past lifetime of fighting one another had transformed into wordless harmony. It seemed like the natural conclusion for their relationship, and yet they knew there was so much life ahead together.
As they spun around, slower each time, Catra buried her head into Adora’s neck. She released a heavy sigh in an attempt to jettison all the emotional exhaustion that she had been hoarding. It caused Adora to shiver and hold her tighter. She clutched the back of Catra’s head and stroked her fluffy hair, admiring how her big ears stood out since her trim. She loved breathing in the fragrance of her wild, bushy mane but found it much easier to cradle her head when it was cut like this. Catra’s lips touched Adora’s neck, and she gave Catra a squeeze in return.
They found such serenity in the repeating circles that they trod. The soft breaths taking refuge on Adora’s skin were so comforting after their long absence that it shook through She-Ra’s fortitude, and she grew weary. Even this dance felt like a victory lap, rather than a reprieve, after the war. How she wanted to just fall apart on a bed with Catra: to find her warm body in the dark by hers; to feel her weight shuffle and press against her; to watch her groggily rise in the morning, still there, smiling back.
However, Catra was purring and, Adora thought, deserved a dance. They had plenty of time to rest and find each other, whereas princess prom was a rare treat. And, admittedly, she wanted to show Catra off to her friends. The spoils of war, she thought, guiltily, praying that Catra wasn’t reading her mind.
With her head placed on top of Catra’s, Adora saw Frosta sitting up the staircase, high on her throne. She met Adora’s gaze and nodded before going back to overseeing the prom. She had a queenly aura about her: she was always the most mature and intimidating of her friends.
Adora began spotting everyone else, living the lives that the war had tried to keep from them. She was so grateful for them - angels each and every one. They were all awash in cool blue and vivid purple lights that were being reflected into magnificent beams by the ice walls surrounding them. The snowflakes, too, glinted with sweet colors as they hovered around Etheria’s heroes.
Mermista was laughing - actually laughing - at whatever story Seahawk was telling her with his usual dynamic movements. He ducked and pointed to Scorpia, who pretended to look around and then shot her arms out, waving them erratically. They were in such hysterics that, even when Scorpia gave the other two a crushing bear hug, their laughter could still be heard from across the hall.
Perfuma was showing Entrapta how to dance, and having a difficult time of it. They were hand in hand, and Entrapta’s purple hair acted like training wheels by way of propping her up from behind. Perfuma was trying to get her to use her legs, but the hair was proving more dexterous. Entrapta’s mouth was moving a mile a minute, and Perfuma was listening to every word happily or at least trying to.
Spinnerella and Netossa passed by them and managed to get only Perfuma’s attention. Spinnerella made a kissing motion at her and nodded towards Entrapta, and then gave her a visual aid with the help of Netossa. Perfuma’s eyes went wide, making Entrapta believe she had really caught the flower princess’ attention. As soon as Entrapta brought out her recorder Perfuma leaned in for a kiss which short-circuited the scientist who, after a second, fell over backward into a bed of hair.
The last of Adora’s friends that came into view were some of her first, and the ones who had saved her from a life in the Horde. Bow was holding an inexplicably tiny bow, on which sat a cocktail sausage took from a platter of hors-d'oeuvres. He drew back the string between two fingers and with incredible focus, one eye shut, and his tongue out, he shot it at Glimmer’s mouth. She was distracted by Adora, however, turning to give her a wink and a thumbs up, and the snack hit her in the eye.
Adora snorted as Glimmer’s yell shot above the murmur of music and conversation. Adora felt a light pressure on her feet, and suddenly Catra was eye-level. She didn’t say anything, but her face was serious and her ears flat.
“Sorry,” Adora said.
She knew Catra would be feeling vulnerable, if not still jealous of her friends. The dress was all for Adora, and while it did make Catra feel nice, it also made her feel watched. Surrounded by those who had used to be her enemies, the only way to resolve that anxiety would be through Adora’s undivided attention.
“I forgot how dumb we all are. I really don’t know how we got this far sometimes,” Adora paused. “But I don’t think either of us would be here without them. Not like this.”
“What, you want me to go up and thank ‘em?”
“No, I want you to stay here and dance with me.”
Catra’s eyes grew softer.
“Just don’t write them off, okay?”
“I’m not writing off anyone who’s laid flat Shadow Weaver before. They can stay.”
“So generous, Catra.”
Adora stroked Catra’s face with both hands, her ears perking back up.
“Who’s my pretty kitty?”
“Mrrr… I hate you…”
But Catra purred again as Adora twisted her fingers through the fur and hair that protected her ears. She caressed and folded them, watching with glee as they sprung back into shape. She couldn’t help herself when it came to Catra’s ears. Adora munched on one and felt Catra try to wiggle away beneath her, but by rubbing the right spot behind her ears the feline was at her mercy. Catra balanced herself on both of Adora’s feet, meaning that she could melt into her arms and give the illusion that she was still dancing.
“Prrr... me.”
“Me, what? Who are you?” Adora knew she was pushing it but couldn’t resist. Catra was rubbing her head against Adora’s cheek as she picked up the petting pace.
“...I’m your pretty kitty.”
Her reward was Adora’s lips again, but her poor attempt at stifling a laugh made Catra bite down. Adora accepted it with a whimper and withdrew carefully, Catra’s fangs lingering possessively until the very last second.
♪ I didn't know I had a dream,
I didn't know until I saw you ♪
Their bodies kept up with the change in music, though they didn’t really notice it. A few extra beats and an underarm turn and they intertwined again, with Catra’s hands placed above Adora’s chest, tracing her collarbone.
“Hey, Adora?”
“Yes?” Those warm honey words never failed to make Adora nuzzle closer.
“Where’d you get the tux? It’s... nice,” Catra was playing with the little golden tassels that dangled from the breast of either side of the jacket.
“They made it for me,” Adora said proudly, straightening her back.
“Of course they did,” Catra rolled her eyes. “Get them to make me one.”
“What happened to your old one?”
“Grew out of it… what can I say? A Horde grease-lab’s got nothing on a Bright Moon chef.”
“Oh my god, is that why you went with the dress?” Adora giggled and jiggled Catra’s sides. “Was your fuzzy tumtum popping off all the buttons? That is so cute!”
She spoke with a babying voice and Catra resisted her ticklish nature out of sheer hatred for the words she was hearing. She moved the hands that were poking at her sides to her shoulders instead, and grabbed Adora’s waist, making sure her nails were digging in just a little bit in her as they moved from side to side.
“Are you gonna tease me all night or what?”
“To be fair, Catra, I have a lot of catching up to do. I think you can survive a night.”
“You underestimate how annoying you are, Adora. There’s an art to it… y’know?”
“Sure, I saw. You were really in your element that first princess prom. I’ll never forget it.”
“The suit, wasn’t it?”
“It was the suit.”
“I fuckin’ knew it,” Catra whispered. “That was fun - I mean… it was... bad but - uh, forget it.”
“No, it was fun,” Adora maintained. “I always love dancing with you. Remember when we tried dancing to The Horde Goes Marching In during that military parade?”
“Oh, gross, don’t remind me. That song was weak.”
“I don’t think you can call it a song, but yeah. And then Shadow Weaver saw us! She - “
“ - HATED it!” Catra finished. “Going off on one about a demeaning display of idiocy and weakness but then - !”
In unison, “Hordak backed us up!” Adora was crying with laughter as Catra put on her evil voice.
“These cadets are merely showing their devotion to the Horde. Such a patriotic display should be encouraged , not punished, Shadow Weaver. When was the last time you bust a move to Hark! The Spider-Bomber Approaches?”
Adora scrunched up her face, “I don’t remember him saying that part...”
“Oh, he did. Trust me, dude’s a dancer. Saw him doing the robot once.”
“Now you’re teasing me ,” Adora huffed and Catra shrugged nonchalantly.
“Not my problem if you don’t believe me, Adora. I know what I saw.”
Adora shook her head dismissively but couldn’t hide the curl of her lips.
“You’re so stupid,” Adora murmured.
“And you’re the genius that fell for me anyway.”
Adora nodded, closed her eyes, and pressed her forehead to Catra’s. Blonde hair surrounded her vision, but Catra kept her eyes open to admire the closeness of Adora’s face in the humble darkness. She looked tired and relieved and rosy-cheeked. Lighter and more beautiful than Catra had ever seen, but with that same delectable jawline.
The music went silent once more, and Catra used the time to plant a flurry of uninterrupted kisses all over Adora’s face. Adora couldn’t escape, instead opting to roll her head around to make sure Catra got as much coverage as possible. They came at her fast, and Catra left her with warm, wet touches over her cheeks, eyes, nose, neck, and chin.
The next song that played was more demanding. Adora groaned as the tempo rose.
“What, you done?” Catra asked, her tail clinging to Adora’s leg. It was pulling them closer, encouraging. “Y’know, I’m happy to take the lead on this one.”
“No chance,” Adora said. “I haven’t got to dip you, yet.”
“Ah, that’s what this is about. It was that good, huh?”
“Oh yeah.”
♫ Shut up, kiss me, hold me tight ♫
Adora’s movements were forceful and precise because she knew Catra could keep up. This dance was like one of their battles, with the adrenaline carrying them through the blows; the push and pull of twirls and the impact of Catra returning to Adora’s body, coiled in her arms. Catra was biting her lip and looking up at Adora, eager to see what she would do next.
Adora spun Catra free with impressive strength, leaving her hung on to her hand and balanced on one foot. Catra gave the arm a tug, and the beefy bicep yanked her back towards Adora’s embrace. Before Catra could meet those welcoming arms, Adora side-stepped and cushioned her fall into a slow, smooth dip.
The instant Catra raised her head to orient herself, Adora’s lips were on hers. She gently sucked Catra’s mouth, who gave her spirit by opening her lips, so secure in the cradle of Adora’s arms and drained of resistance by the safety she found within her. Adora’s tongue slipped through and Catra let go of a delighted mewl.
Adora caught Catra trying to sneak her tongue between her teeth. She delicately clamped down on it, ensnaring her and keeping her locked in a dominant, passionate kiss. When Adora let go Catra was breathless and in need of more, but all she got was Adora wiggling her eyebrows clumsily.
“If you had kissed me like that last time, I would’ve ended up coming back to the Horde.”
“Noted,” Catra licked her lips with a smirk. “Gotta say, you’re coming on a lil’ strong, Adora. Even for me!” Catra neatened her dress and added, “Not that I mind, though.”
“Well, I missed you. Leaving you was the worst decision I ever made.”
“No - no, it wasn’t. I’m glad you did,” Catra spoke, tenderly, quietly. “Didn’t realize how much I… I loved you until then.”
Catra fidgeted, unsure of where to look when Adora’s blue eyes were so gorgeous and piercing. The words had tumbled out of her, and the cold grip of fear on her heart in the short silence that followed threatened her sanity. She would always be petrified of being sensitive, but she had an unwavering faith in Adora that made her confident enough to be honest, and she felt truly alive in those rare moments.
“I love you, too, Catra… just in case you needed reminding.”
Catra gave her a final kiss, supple and sure, feeling Adora’s smile meet hers.
“It’s always nice to hear. I, uh, used to picture what telling you would look like a lot. Sometimes my stupid brain would tell me you’d just laugh, and leave. But... most of the time you’d kiss me and sweep me off my feet.”
Adora lifted her effortlessly, even giving her some air as she positioned her arms underneath her legs. Catra yelped with surprise but soon relaxed into her grip as she was taken back to their friends. Etched on Adora’s face, Catra saw a unique sense of pride that she knew belonged to She-Ra. Catra was beginning to enjoy the gaze of others on them and imagined their jealousy, given the goddess that was seemingly hers to command.
“This is embarrassing,” Catra lied.
“Feel free to try and squirm away any time, kitten,” Adora’s cockiness was complimented by the immense power that was bubbling below her surface - hardly needing the sword anymore to channel She-Ra’s energy. Catra would never admit how much she enjoyed being passed between the personalities of two muscle-bound babes.
Glimmer and Bow’s eyes were wide with amazement as Adora lifted Catra far above her head.
“Guys, I captured a Force Captain!”
Catra crossed her arms as their laughter tore through the hall. It wasn’t even funny, she was just being hot. Catra forced Adora to drop her by extending her nails into her arms, and she deftly landed on her feet.
“Hey! Did you guys like the songs?” Bow asked. “I had to bring the DJ so many snacks to keep those slow dances going.”
“Those two weren’t exactly up there to appreciate the music, Bow,” Glimmer nudged him and they looked at the couple expectantly.
Catra linked arms with Adora, meanwhile, her tail snuck around her waist. Catra wasn’t sure why it felt so good having others know about them. After barricading herself from the world and hiding everything that made her happy for so long, suddenly she was free to rediscover her identity in the context of a relationship she never thought possible. She felt lucky for the first time in her life and rushed to speak.
“Yeah, thanks, Bow. I got everything I needed.”
There was a hand gliding along her back, heading south, that said not everything. Catra batted it away with her tail and held out a hand to Glimmer.
“You wanna dance, Glimmer? We’ve got stuff to talk about.”
Glimmer accepted and looked back at Adora, who gave her a nervous thumbs up as she was led to the dancefloor.
“Think she’ll be alright?” Bow asked, watching the two awkwardly get into the flow of movement together.
“For sure, Glimmer can handle herself.”
“Yeah, no, I meant Catra. The whole kidnapping thing?”
“Oh. Well, she’s good at getting into and out of dangerous situations so… maybe? I mean, what better way to say sorry than by bonding over the old scene of the crime, right? Uh… if she does actually apologize, that is...”
Adora’s eyes darted between the subject of her conversation and Bow, who wasn’t convinced.
“Wanna keep at eye on her?” Bow smiled, extending an arm.
“Okay, but we’re dancing, not spying. She said no more games, Bow, and I trust her.”
And yet, Adora loved her games, her charm, her. Watching over her shoulder for Catra to make a move was almost as exciting as the move itself.
As the couples shuffled past each other on the dancefloor, Adora and Catra’s eyes would keep meeting, and shying away; savoring the temporary distance between them and reveling in the thrill of anticipation for their next dance together.