Work Text:
“I still can’t believe you got us into this restaurant, darling.” DT looks genuinely impressed as they glance about, which Catra counts as a win. “I hear you need to make reservations months in advance.”
Catra smirks, swirling her wine glass. She knows DT’s type and they are the type who cares less about the food and more about the pomp of it. They’ve been commenting on the restaurant all night. She knows that DT will be blasting on all their socials that they came to eat at Candila. It isn’t Catra’s favorite place to eat, but that wasn’t the point of this endeavor.
“Well, it does a lot when you know the owner.” She comments as she flags the waiter for the check. He comes back quickly and accepts Catra’s card, sending her a grateful smile.
“Well, whatever will we do with the rest of our night?” DT asks easily, voice sultry as they swing their blonde hair to the side.
Catra offers her arm as they make their way out of the restaurant. A paparazzi actually takes a few pictures of them before he realizes that he doesn’t recognize them.
DT practically squeals. “Do you think that might end up on page six somewhere?”
Catra laughs shaking her head. “I’m a food critic, not a celebrity. But maybe we can—” She stops when she sees Glimmer Moon walking toward them, losing her train of thought. “Glimmer, as I live and breathe.” She wraps a loose arm around DT’s waist, shifting them slightly so she can greet her industry colleague. “I enjoyed the article on the fresh fish markets off the pier. They really do need more love.”
Glimmer laughs easily. “Thanks, Catra. I appreciate it, especially from you.” She turns to her companion and Catra realizes she’d completely overlooked her. “This is Adora, my best friend. Adora, this is Catra. She does restaurant reviews for the Bright Moon Chronicles.”
“Adora.” The name slips easily out from her lips. The woman looks absolutely gorgeous, tall and muscular in a red dress that clings to her. Her eyes are sky blue, and her blonde hair is pinned back into a braid. A hair shifts out of the hairstyle when she reaches her hand out to Catra.
“Nice to meet you.” Her voice is less deep than Catra expects, but no less captivating. Her hands are big and stupidly strong feeling under Catra’s palm. She kind of forgets to let go until Adora pulls back. The blonde then turns to look at DT. “You as well.”
She reaches her hand out to shake hands with DT, but they wave her off. “DT, darling. I don’t shake hands.” Catra fights the urge to roll her eyes at her date.
They all stand there awkwardly for a moment. “Well, we have reservations to keep.” Glimmer gestures to the restaurant next to Candila, a place Catra personally prefers. It’s understated but the food is amazing.
“Have a nice meal. Lovely to see you.” She looks up at the tall blonde. “And to meet you.”
She feels like she’s swallowed by Adora’s gaze, her eyes roving over Catra. “Same.”
They part ways and Catra puts the chance encounter out of her mind as she gets the car. She thinks about looking back to see if the red looks just as good from behind as it did from the front, but she’s never been good at only looking at things she shouldn’t have.
Catra's not one for dive bars, but sometimes it’s nice to go somewhere she probably won’t be recognized, especially after the day she’s had. She can feel the knots in her shoulders from how they tense up. Even the silk of her shirt feels irritating on her skin from how wound up she is.
She sits down at a barstool, propping her elbows up as she looks at the liquors on the back shelf. “Do you offer mixed drinks?” She probably shouldn’t do straight liquor if she wants to make it back to the other side of town.
The bartender eyes her wearily. “What do you want?” The woman doesn’t look like she tolerates fools. She's probably a foot and a half taller and wider than Catra.
“An old fashioned.”
The bartender rolls her eyes as she crosses her arms. “Yeah, I got oranges and bitters. Sit tight.”
She comes back and starts preparing Catra’s drink, quickly propping it up on the bartop. Catra takes a careful sip, surprised by how smooth it goes down. “This is really good.”
“Yeah, I used the top shelf shit. Aren’t used to classy broads coming through here, thought I should swing it.” She shrugs wiping down a spot on the bar top.
Catra frowns as she looks down at what might have given her away. She sighs when she realizes she’s wearing a button-down, slacks, and oxfords. Of course, she looks like a total yuppie.
“Thanks. Keep them coming.” She’ll probably get overcharged for looking the way she does but she honestly doesn’t mind given how good the drinks are. She’s tempted to ask if they have bar food but she also doesn't want to turn the bartender against her by being too much of a hassle.
She looks down at her drink, swirling it this way and that, same as her thoughts. She doesn’t mean to be churlish but nothing irks her more than losing control of something that’s meant to be well in hand.
“Hey.” She’s about to snap at whoever the fuck thought it was a good idea to talk to someone who isn’t making eye contact at a bar—a cardinal sin in Catra's eyes—when she realizes she recognizes the woman.
"Adora." She blurts out before biting her lip. Catra probably shouldn't admit that she remembers the blonde's name.
The blonde relaxes, her smile brightening as she leans on the bar top. "Yeah. I was worried you wouldn't remember." She takes a seat next to Catra which the brunette absolutely didn't okay. "What are you doing on my side of town?"
"Drowning my sorrows where no one I know can see." She says before she thinks it through. "Which obviously I failed at." Catra takes another swig of her drink and it's gone. She sets the glass down with a dull thunk. "What are you doing here?"
Before Adora can answer her eyes snap toward the bar at a sharp call. "Gray!" The bartender is back, this time looking a little more friendly. "This a friend of yours?"
Adora gives the bartender a winning smile. Catra takes the momentary distraction to look the blonde over—she's wearing flannel with a tanktop under it, sturdy blue jeans and dusty construction boots. She looks like a home depot ad if home depot was trying to sell lesbians on home improvement.
"Yeah, Catra. She's good people." Adora says as she shoots her a smile.
That does something to Catra but she pushes it down. The bartender eyes her for another moment before turning to Adora. "If you say so." She allows. "What can I get you?"
"I'll have a draft beer and an order of loaded fries, along with some wings." She orders so fast, it makes Catra think it's her regular order.
The bartender quickly serves her a beer and slaps the bartop. "You got it, Gray. I'll put the order in the kitchen." She silently slips Catra another old fashioned and Catra nods gratefully.
"So you come here often then?" She can feel her cheeks darken at the tired line but it's a genuine question.
Adora's lips twitch but she doesn't comment. "Not all the time honestly—I know Huntara from work actually. She moonlights as a bartender but she's also great at demolition."
"And what do you do?" Catra can't help but ask as she eyes her.
Adora laughs. "Oh! Sorry—I'm a carpenter."
"Like Jesus." Catra shoots out.
Adora doesn't miss a beat. "Yeah, lesbian Jesus they call me." She cracks with a smile before clearing her throat. "Glimmer gushed about your work after we happened to see you the other night."
"That's very kind of her. Glimmer is really good at what she does." It feels a little bit like a balm to get a work-related compliment from a colleague, even if it's second-hand.
For a moment, it's quiet and Catra thinks whatever chemistry is between them must have fizzled out. "So what sorrows are you trying to drown?" Adora asks curiously.
"What's it to you?" She can't help but snap.
The blonde is serene. "Just trying to figure out if it's the type that sink or float is all."
"They better sink or they won't drown." Catra points out as she takes another sip of her drink.
"Precisely. Maybe an ear will help?" Something flickers across Adora's face. "You can tell me to fuck off if I'm being annoying."
Catra shakes her head. From the moment Adora started talking to her it's like the cloud that hung over her has slowly lifted. She doesn't want to be alone right now.
"You're fine." She promises. "Maybe a little familiar, but that isn't a bad thing."
Her shoulders dip and she props herself up, her fist under her chin. "Good then. You can tell me what's got you looking like you're a 50s ad guy who found out his wife is cheating on him." Catra tosses her a look and she just grins. "I watched Mad Men." She says conspiratorially.
Catra snorts. "Well, no wife and no cheating. It's a work thing." She takes a deep breath. "I had a few plans fall through. Big plans. I was supposed to go to certain events and someone else got picked to go."
It's the biggest bullshit she's ever heard. The guy they're sending isn't half as good as Catra—it's a wine and food festival, how is the lifestyle guy covering it?
"So you're mad about…less work?" Adora furrows her brow.
"Yeah, sort of. I'd been putting in a lot of time working up connections and vendors to make sure I'd be able to write the best story and give the best review of this event, you know? And now I'm expected to hand over all that work to an editor who doesn't know how to write his name on his byline."
"Ah, dealing with incompetence." Adora nods and takes a swig of her beer. "That, I understand. I've almost lost a finger once or twice when people have been fucking around."
Catra rolls her eyes. "Losing a finger seems a little more serious than not making it to an event."
Adora puts her hands out for Catra to inspect. Her fingers are long and callused, really strong looking. She looks back up at Adora and she's smirking. It makes her realize she probably stared a little too long.
"They're all still here though." She wiggle her digits as if nothing happened. "And you'll get the event next year when this guy runs face-first into the point but doesn't write about it."
"You can't know that." She points out but she also can't help but smile at the blonde's quiet confidence.
"I know it." She declares, her fingers running over her glass, seemingly wiping at the condensation on it. "You're great and he isn't. It'll be a no-brainer."
Before Catra can protest, the bartender is back with food. Her stomach grumbles loudly—she really should order but she doesn't know where the menu is.
Adora shoves the plates between them. "These are the best wings this side of town." She eyes Catra hopefully. "I accidentally ordered too much food. You'd be doing me a favor if you helped me."
She narrows her eyes at the blonde. "Seriously?" She shakes her head but starts rolling up her sleeves—she's not getting sauce all over her nice shirt. She smirks when she sees Adora's eyes following the movement with a slack jaw expression. "Let's see." She picks up a flat wing and pops out one of the bones before biting into it.
She shuts her eyes for a moment. "Fuck." She murmurs under her breath before taking a second bite, finishing the wing. She lets the flavors sit in her mouth for a minute. "That is good." She concedes.
Adora perks up. "Told you. What's the food review?" She asks teasingly.
Catra rolls her eyes. "I'd give them an eight and a half out of ten. Would eat again."
"That's not a real review is it?" Adora cajoles.
"Trying to get me to work off the clock?" Catra shoots back with a raised eyebrow.
Her eyes are so blue it's unreal, they seem to soften as she looks at Catra. "No, I just want to know what you think." She admits shyly.
Catra feels kind of taken aback by that. She's used to people caring about her opinion on food obviously, but this feels different. It feels like Adora would care about her opinion about anything because it's hers, not because she has expertise.
"Well, they hit a lot of good notes. The chicken is juicy, the breading isn't too thick. I think the wings have hot sauce in the breading itself which is why you get that sweet and hot balance. It doesn’t try to do too much which is usually where wings fail." She picks up speed rolling her eyes. "You should see the shit some high-end places will try to pass off as a chicken wing. Some food belongs to the streets and these restaurants just need to stick to their own lane." She blows a gust of air out of her nose as she shakes her head.
Adora is biting her lip, her eyes practically dancing as she eyes Catra. "That makes sense." She says finally. "I can see why Glimmer loves reading your stuff."
"Only Glimmer?" She kind of wants to know if Adora looked her up.
Adora's cheeks redden. "I mean I have little reason to check out that section of the chronicle—I can't really afford those kinds of places." She explains nervously. "I did read your article on the origins of food at baseball games."
"Oh, that was fun!" She loves writing historical food pieces the best. Something about how food changes over time with the humans that make it calls to her. "Do you like baseball?"
"Softball." She corrects gently. "I have to be a full walking stereotype, you know?"
Catra bites her lip. "And what stereotype is that?" She's sure this girl is queer but there's no harm in checking.
"Being a handy softball lesbian." She says with a smile.
"Handy?" Catra picks out the word with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah. Never met a problem I can't figure out." She continues, seemingly missing Catra's innuendo. "Obviously, wood is my specialty, but I can do my own electrical and plumbing. I've been fixing up my place on my own for two years now and it's a lot better than it was before."
Catra uses all her strength to keep back a comment about wood . "That's interesting. I wouldn't know the first place to start if I had to do something like that." She tilts her head. "How'd you get into carpentry?"
"I was always good with my hands. Took up wood shop in high school and never looked back." She shrugs. "What about you?"
"Well, I did journalism in college. And I loved food, so I backpacked through Plumeria and ran a food blog while I wrote some pieces freelance." She leans closer. "Bright Moon was always my home and the Chronicle made me a good offer. It was an easy decision."
"I've never been outside of Bright Moon." She offers quietly. "I can't imagine it."
Catra can't imagine that. "You should go when you get a chance. I think you'd like it." She can easily imagine Adora amongst the flowers there. "If you do, I can tell you the best places to eat."
"Oh, so we'll be seeing more of each other?" Adora asks slyly.
Catra licks her lips, considering. She's not sure she wants to make any promises to the blonde right now. But she'd really like to see where this goes, at least for the night.
"Maybe. Never know what the future holds do we?" By now most of the patrons are gone. Catra's eyes wander to a pool table by the corner. "Want to play a game of pool?"
Adora shakes her head. "How about a game of darts?" Adora leans forward, her eyes catching Catra's. "I'm not sure how respectable I'll be if you bend over a pool table." It feels impossible how breathy Adora's voice sounds as if by demand.
The only way Catra can think to address that is to ask for all the racy details of how Adora would disrespect her if Catra was bent over for her, so she lets it slide. "I'm game."
Adora reaches out for her hand, tugging her along toward the back. They walk past the pool table and Catra finally spots the old dart board and a handful of brightly colored darts.
Adora drops her hand briefly to fidget with the dartboard and grab the darts. She turns to Catra. "Do you want to go first?" She offers gallantly.
Catra shakes her head—she's never thrown darts a day in her life. Adora shrugs, looking at the board. With the tip of her tongue peeking out, she squares herself and closes an eye focusing as if the damn game even mattered. She throws her three darts in quick succession, surprisingly smooth and accurate as they hit the board with a thud. She tosses a cock smile Catra's way.
"It's your turn."
"Teach me?" Catra says as she reaches out and grabs the darts from the blonde's hand. She lets her fingertips linger. Hoping it'll send a message.
Adora seems to pick it up, almost smirking as she goes to wrap her arms around Catra. "Of course." She gently pulls herself flush to Catra's back, one arm winding around her waist and the other resting on the hand with the first dart. "Ready?" She asks quietly.
"Yeah." She breathes out.
"So, you want to be confident in the motion. Make sure your elbow is in the right direction." She gently runs her hands over Catra's forearm, moving her to what Adora seems to think is the correct position. "Now, just follow through." She instructs.
Catra doesn't think that's much help but she's not going to complain with Adora pressed to her back. She takes a breath and lets go of the dart. To her surprise, it lands on the board with a satisfying thud.
"It worked." She turns to look up at Adora and realizes they're closer than she expected.
"Good job." She whispers with a slight smile.
One minute Catra is staring into those deep blue eyes, then she’s tasting her. There isn’t anything in the world but Adora and the way she holds Catra close, the way she absolutely devours her. She grips Adora's shoulders tightly, standing on the tips of her toes to get enough leverage to kiss her how she wants. Catra isn't sure if she'd made the decision to kiss Adora, but she's so glad she did. Catra doesn't remember a kiss ever feeling so good.
Adora seems to kiss with her whole body, her hands pulling Catra close, caressing her cheek, and trailing down her arm. She gives back just as much, running her hands through Adora's hair. She feels Adora groan then smile into the kiss and Catra is warm and happy.
When they part, Catra leaves her arms around the blonde's neck, playing with the hair there. Adora is taking deep breaths, her eyes lit up and her lips swollen.
"I'm not far from here." She leans forward, her breath on the shell of Catra's ear making Catra shiver.
Catra’s about to let an invitation spill out from her lips. Namely, inviting herself to Adora's home the way the blonde seems to be hoping for. She needs this gorgeous blonde to ravage her, to take Catra home and fuck her until she doesn't have a single thought running through her mind.
What stops her is the bright look in Adora's eyes. The blonde is too real, too soft. She makes Catra want to grip her tightly, not let go. Catra's never felt that way.
"I have an early morning tomorrow." She says apologetically.
The blonde takes a step back and it's like a thread snapping between them. "Of course." She clears her throat awkwardly. "Maybe I'll see you some time then?"
Catra nods, taking her own step back as a stone settles in her gut. "Yeah for sure." She lies, shoving her hands in the pockets of her slacks.
Adora nods to herself. "Alright then." She eyes Catra, biting her lip. "Don't be a stranger."
Catra wants to scoff and tell her that's exactly what they are but she can't say it past the knot in her throat. Instead, she nods. "Bye, Adora. Get home safe."
The air when she steps out of the bar is brisk but it doesn't help Catra feel any less dizzy. She knows she and the blonde wouldn’t work. She isn’t what Catra knows, isn't from her world. Catra would tear her apart. Or worse—she'd have to think about why that kiss felt like a bigger connection than any other she's ever had.
She calls a rideshare service and the whole ride back to the other side of home she stews about it—thinks about every second of their night together. When she closes the door of her apartment, she resolves not to think about Adora or that kiss again.
"I hate that I need to go back to this restaurant," Catra complains idly. "It's not like my review is going to change in a month. And I don't care if Peekablue's niece owns it—I'm not going to let that influence me." If anything it makes Catra want to be more scathing, but unfortunately that would go against her journalistic integrity too.
"I know, but you have it mostly drafted and you get comped another pretty good meal, right?" Scorpia offers.
Catra pauses, considering. Slowly, she nods. "That's true. It's not a bad meal and I just have to make sure I didn't miss anything." Catra knows she hadn't, so any additions should be easy. She knows that's not the real source of her turmoil. "I'm really just annoyed because of last night." Catra finally admits to her friend.
The taller woman is all sympathy. "Did you have a bad date?"
Catra sighs. "Yes. No." She starts to pace, tugging on her shirt sleeve. "I don't know—well, I know. It was bad. I just don't understand why." She groans running a hand through her hair.
She hadn't been on a date in weeks and she knew it was high time she needed to see someone. Catra loved dating—she loved putting herself out there and having a good time with someone she was attracted to. She loved meeting someone interesting and talking with them, while still keeping her independence and not needing to commit any further than the night. So she'd asked a woman out. The exact type she always went for—beautiful, well connected, elegant, tasteful—and everything went exactly as it should have. Well, to a point.
"What happened?" Scorpia's brow is furrowed as she sits across from Catra.
“I just—I asked her to tell me of some dream of hers. Not a career goal but something she wants to achieve personally.”
Catra doesn't know what possessed her to ask. It's the kind of thing she's never even thought to ask a date before, especially on a first date. She remembers it as if she were sitting in the restaurant, the dumbfounded look that crossed her date's face. She knew there wouldn't be a second date before she grabbed the check.
Her friend eyes her carefully. “Catra, maybe you’re yearning for something a little more—real?”
“What do you mean by that?” Catra gives Scorpia a slightly offended look. “I connect with plenty of people. In real ways.”
The word draws her on edge, reminds her of last month, of being across town throwing darts. It's so stupid—they didn't even talk about anything particularly personal that night and yet her brain jumps straight to those blue eyes and construction boots.
“Connect, not like network—connect like soul connect, do you know what I mean?” She moves her hands as if hand gestures would make it sound clearer to Catra.
“That sounds like a fairytale.” She dismisses.
“It feels like one too sometimes. With the right person.” Her brown eyes turn dreamy, no doubt thinking about her girlfriend.
Catra tries not to gag. "Yeah. I'm happy for you but I don't think that's what I'm looking for." That's silly. She's in her prime, enjoying the height of her career she doesn't need to tie herself down to anything or anyone.
"You'd be surprised at how freeing it is, wildcat. Having someone who's there for you."
"I have people." She reminds Scorpia. "I have you and Perfuma. My moms. The Chronicle." She swallows down her unease. "I've never been better."
"If you say so." She gives Catra what could only be considered a mothering look. "I just worry sometimes that you're denying yourself what you really need."
"Nope. No denial. I was just annoyed that my date soured." She bites her lip. "I have to go now if I'm going to make my reservation for work. Are you coming with me, or not? I'll pay for your plate."
She nods, the worry not yet cleared from her eyes. "Yeah, let me grab my jacket."
Catra shoves away Scorpia's earlier words. She doesn't need more from anyone, not her date last night and certainly not anyone else who pops into her head from time to time.
It's ridiculous and Catra doesn't think she'll ever admit to another soul why she's come here. The bar looks exactly the same as last time—same dark wood stools, same grooves on the bar top, same dim lighting to cover up how they probably only clean the floors once a week.
She's caved. It's been over a month since she saw the blonde and Catra can't stop thinking about her. It doesn't make sense to her why that might be but it's the reality she's dealing with. Catra left things kind of stilted when she left so she doesn't even know if Adora would want to see her, but she needs to try.
She knows it’s foolish to think that if she just sits where they last saw each other that Adora would materialize as if there’s some type of homing beacon at the bar, but she’s still disappointed. She waits and multiple patrons come through the door, none the one she wishes to see.
She sighs, leaning her hand against her palm. She realizes she probably looks just as desolate as the first time she was here. God, this was such a bad idea. What was she even going to do if she saw Adora? Pretend she hadn't come here hoping for exactly that?
It's a different bartender today and he seems scared to approach Catra. “Hey, do you know Adora?” She can't help but ask.
He looks surprised to be addressed, even though talking to people is part of his job. “Who?” This bartender is very meek, a young scrawny-looking fellow.
“Tall, blonde woman. She’s a carpenter.” Has hands like a god with lips to match. “Maybe a regular?” She’d gotten the impression that Adora had been to the bar before despite her characterizations.
He shakes his head. "No. I just started like, a month ago." He admits sheepishly.
Catra groans. She wishes the big butch bartender was here instead. “Look, if she does end up coming back, can you give her this?” Catra hands him her card, hoping she won’t regret it.
"Sure! Blonde, a tall woman named Adora. Carpenter." He mumbles it under his breath like he's memorizing. He gives Catra another quick nod before pulling the card into his pocket. "Can I get you anything to drink?"
Catra sighs. "No, I'm just going to go. Thanks." She leaves him a five-dollar tip because she feels embarrassed for taking up his time.
It's probably for the best that she didn't find the blonde. Catra isn't sure what she'd do if she did find her.
After two weeks, Catra knows that the business card was a total bust. Which is fine, great even. It was a lapse in judgment to try and find Adora anyway. She throws herself back into working and hanging out with her friends. She decides to take a break from dating because it makes her think about Adora. Everything feels almost normal. She's working on one of her articles in her apartment, and her cat trying to climb onto her laptop. It's a series of food trucks that have taken her around town.
Glimmer Moon’s name flashes across her phone. Her heart beats fast as she contemplates the call. She’s done a few collaborations with Glimmer at work before, but it wasn’t at all normal for her to call, especially out of the blue.
“Glimmer?” She breathes out. "What a surprise. It's good to hear from you."
“Hi, Catra. How are you doing?” Glimmer’s voice is hesitant yet professional.
She clenches one of her hands. "I'm fine." She fights the urge to ask about Adora, but she also isn't sure she wants to. Catra hadn't thought of Glimmer as an avenue to potentially reconnect with the blonde. "What about you?"
"I'm great, I have a few trips outside of Bright Moon so I'm busy packing." She lets out an uncomfortable laugh. "I'm actually not calling on my behalf though."
Her heartbeat is the only thing she can hear in her ears. "What do you mean?"
"Do you remember my friend, Adora?"
No fucking way. "Of course." She clears her throat. "I mean—the last time we ran into each other outside of work right?"
"Yeah. Well, she insisted—" Glimmer groans. "You know what? Nevermind this isn't—"
"No, no!" She interrupts, panicked. "What did Adora say?"
"Huh." Glimmer mutters into the phone. "You're being just as weird about this."
She feels herself redden. Catra will probably regret this later but she can't find it in her now. "Can you please tell me?" She isn't one to bed normally but Catr can't let this go.
"Yeah. So, Adora wanted me to give you her number. I'm really sorry. This isn't the most professional thing but she was really insistent."
The relief she feels shakes her to her core. "It's fine. I want her number."
Glimmer lets out a big sigh. "I'm so glad whatever this is, it's mutual because Adora has been wearing me down for ages to do this. If I thought you'd be receptive I'd do this sooner." She rattles off a series of numbers and Catra quickly writes them down.
"Okay." She looks down at the numbers, butterflies pounding in her gut. "She wants me to call?" She almost mutters to herself, staring at the string of numbers.
Glimmer lets out a full belly laugh. "She's climbing up the walls hoping you'll call." She assures.
"Alright. Thanks, Glimmer."
"You're welcome. One thing though." Her voice takes on a playful edge. "Be good to her, yeah? Adora is special."
"I'm going to do my best."
After that, she's in her apartment staring at the number on the notepad in front of her. Melog seems to feel her nerves, climbing out of her lap to find another perch. She pays them no mind, instead taking a deep breath. She had Adora’s number, and the blonde wants her to call. She doesn’t think twice before dialing it.
“Hello?”
Catra can’t help but smile at the sound of Adora’s voice. “Hey Adora.” She's standing in her apartment now, slowly walking around and picking things up absent-mindedly for something to do.
“Catra.” She sounds surprised to hear from her.
“That’s me. Glimmer said you wanted to talk.” She prompts, in case the blonde forgot.
“Yeah, I do.” She hears sounds in the background and then they muffle out.
“Did I catch you at a bad time?” She frowns at the thought of having to put this conversation off until later.
“No! No, this is great. Perfect time. Really!” She hears more shuffling. “I—” she pauses momentarily before charging forward “I’d like to take you out sometime.” Catra feels her gut fill with butterflies. “I know it might seem a bit odd, but it felt like we connected that night at the bar before you had to leave. And I really don’t want to let that go.”
“I mean parts of us definitely connected.” Catra deflects for a moment to think past the loud sound of her heart. Adora isn’t wrong. She’s already been out with someone else, and it just felt like so much less.
Adora sputters. “Catra!” She sounds appalled and Catra can almost imagine how wide her eyes are right now. It makes Catra laugh. “If you don’t want to, it’s alright. I just knew I’d regret it if I didn’t try.”
The sentiment makes her heart clench as she thinks about how she's felt the last few weeks. “I want to go out with you, Adora. I actually left my card at the bar—in case you went back.” She feels compelled to explain that she's not alone in this. “Are you free Saturday?”
“Yeah, that’s perfect. I’ll plan the date.”
“Really?” Catra’s used to being the one to plan things out whenever she goes on a date.
“Yes, really. I’ll reach out to coordinate the details.”
Catra bites her lip. “You can also just reach out. If you want.” She offers.
“Alright. I’ll reach out.” It’s quiet for a moment. “Bye, Catra. I’ll see you on Saturday.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
She breathes out as the phone goes dead. She hadn’t thought long enough to think through why Adora wanted to reach out, but this is perfect. They could go out on a few dates and once it fizzled out, Catra could let it go and move on with her life.
She looks at Adora as she sticks out her tongue in concentration and gently pulls out a board from inside the massive picnic basket she's brought on their date. She smiles triumphantly as she manages to put the board down without any major disturbances.
Catra decides to humor her. “So what’s this?”
“Well, we have cheese, meat, fruits, jam, crackers. You know, the basics.” Adora points each of the categories out with a shy smile.
Catra eyes the food board. What she first notices is the amount of attention that went into the presentation. It looks like one of those boards that would end up on some white girl’s inspiration board for hosting dinner parties.
“That’s really sweet.” Adora has thought of everything until now. She picked an amazing location for the date—one of the cliffs on the edge of town—packed a gorgeous picnic, blanket, pillows, and even a few flowers in a tiny plastic vase.
“Wait, we have one more thing.” She pulls out a bottle of champagne, the condensation corrugating the label.
Catra smiles, gesturing for Adora to hand it over. “Can I open it?”
She nods. “Yeah, go ahead. It’s for us to drink, right?”
Catra picks up an unused knife and angles it carefully as she pops the champagne cork off with ease. She holds it out as some of it spills so it doesn't get on the blanket.
Adora looks at her with wide eyes. “I’d only seen that done on TV. I honestly thought it might be a bit of movie magic.”
Catra laughs shaking her head. “It’s just a party trick. It’s easier to pop the cork other ways but this is fun.”
“Where did you pick it up?” Adora takes back the bottle from Catra, pouring out some of the champagne into plastic cups.
“Hang around opening nights at restaurants long enough, someone will force you to learn.”
“Sounds fun.”
“Honestly, it’s become more fun after I realized I didn’t have to wear heels. Opening nights can be really long, especially if you’re trying to stay until close.” Nights she's reviewing food are very different from when she's invited to events like that.
Adora groans before taking a few pieces of cheese onto her plate. “God, I can’t remember the last time I wore a really high pair of heels.”
“Well, you’ve got all that height to work with." Catra's eyes get caught on Adora's long legs. Today she's wearing shorts. "Some of us don’t have that luxury.”
Adora raises an eyebrow. "There’s nothing wrong with being short. It’s cute.” She offers with a grin.
“I am not cute.” Catra protests, even as Adora leans closer.
“I have to say I disagree.”
Catra rolls her eyes and pours herself a refill before handing Adora back her plastic cup. “Drink before I regret opening this.”
“Hey, you can’t regret opening my champagne bottle!” Adora raises her cup up in a toast, her brow pinched with nerves for the first time since they set up the picnic. “To a successful first date?”
Catra has to bite her lip to keep from smiling.”Yeah. A successful first date.” It’s not the best champagne Catra’s had but she can’t find it in herself to mind. “So, what’s the thing you build the most at work?”
Adora groans loudly. “Cabinets. You wouldn’t believe how many people want authentic wood cabinets and don’t realize that’s not something you can just pick up at your local home repair store.” She rolls her eyes. “It’s also not the most inspiring work. There are only so many ways you can build out a cabinet, especially since I don’t get to design them.”
“What’s your favorite thing to build then? It sounds like the answer is not cabinets.”
“Definitely not.” She says with a shake of her head. She stops, considering the question. “I think that it might be actually building a house. There’s something about working with a team and knowing that you’re putting together someone’s home.” She shrugs. “I guess cabinets are a part of that, but usually people asking for custom cabinet jobs are kind of prissy about it.”
“I can imagine that.” It’s likely the same people Catra sees at high-end restaurants turning back food and asking for alterations the menu states they can’t accommodate.
Her eyes are bright and her hands move as she keeps talking, the champagne sloshing dangerously close to the lip of the cup. “I also love making desks. There's something about making a nice traditional desk and varnishing it that feels really cool.”
“I didn’t know you did furniture.” She imagined Adora on construction jobs she’s not sure why she didn’t think of other types of carpentry.
“Well, there’s a lot you don’t know about me yet.” Adora teases. “Like that I have a twin brother.”
Catra rolls her eyes. “Now, you’re just teasing me.”
“No, no, I do! He has a wife and they're about to have twins of their own.” She pauses thoughtfully. "Well, they just found out they're expecting so maybe not about to, but next year!"
Catra cannot imagine that—not only having one child, but two children at the same exact time? No thanks. “Not to be an awful person, but that sounds terrifying.”
Adora laughs, nodding her head in agreement. “Oh, it definitely is. Adam is about to lose his mind. He calls me like every other day about it, he’s so stressed.”
“That’s cute that you’re close to your brother.” Catra is close to her mothers but she's always been an only child.
“Well, if you can’t be close to someone who you wore matching clothes with you for the better part of a decade, who can you be close with?”
Catra laughs. “I can’t imagine it.” She doesn’t know what a male version of Adora would look like. “And the matching clothes sound adorable.”
“You can see a picture of Adam if you want but the baby pictures are strictly off-limits.”
“We’ll see about that. Show me the brother.” Adora dutifully hands over the phone and she looks at a familiar-looking face, but different. Adora’s brother is absolutely hulking, taller than her by a few inches and more muscle-bound, which is no small feat. “He does kind of look like you. You have different noses though.” She hands back the phone.
Adora grins. “He’s broken his a few times more than me.” Her voice is overly fond as she glances at the picture before closing it up. She turns back to the basket, her hand feeling around for a moment before she puts on a faux surprised face. "Did I say one more thing before? I meant two more surprise things." She pulls out two cups with some kind of chocolate fudge. "It's a mousse. I thought it would be less corny than chocolate-covered strawberries." She shrugs as if this isn’t one of the best dates Catra’s been on in a long time.
"I wouldn't worry about that. You pull off corny well." It's a joke but Catra kind of means it. With other dates, it might feel like going through the motion, but here with Adora it feels genuine.
"Best compliment I've ever gotten on a date."
Catra gets a spoonful of the dessert, groaning as she tastes it. “This is pretty good.” She glances over at Adora who is eating her own dessert. She’s biting her lip, a question in her eyes. “What’s up?”
Adora leans closer to Catra as she gently bites her lip. “I know it’s not really cool to ask, or whatever, but I was wondering if you’d want to go out again sometime?”
Catra laughs. “What you aren’t going to wait three days to call back?”
She pushes her shoulders back, giving Catra a small smile. “Nope. I’m a pretty straightforward person.” She puts her hands on her thighs, they make a soft slap as they land there. “So, what do you say?” Adora stares at her expectantly.
It feels like an easy choice. “I’d really like that.” She’d had a great time and there’s no harm in a second date. Why shouldn’t Catra indulge a little?
Adora lights up, her head bobbing before she clears her expression. “Great! Cool.” She busies herself with her spoon again.
Catra bumps her shoulder to Adora, slowly moving to grab her free hand. She watches as the blonde smiles, not commenting as they both finish off their desserts in relative silence.
After their third date, Catra starts to panic a little. She doesn’t remember the last time she’d even had a third date with someone, let alone agreed to see them afterward. Adora keeps inviting her out, not only on dates but to see each other casually too. The carpenter switches work sites often, which sometimes puts her closer to Catra’s neck of the woods and available for coffee or lunch.
This was one such Friday where Adora was working but she’d asked Catra if she’d come to meet her at a nearby food truck. It isn’t out of her way and there’s no reason to say no to a new food truck. But the real reason she’s leaving the warmth of her office to brave the afternoon chill is that she’s missed Adora.
It’s horrifying .
She hadn’t seen Adora this week but they’ve texted every day. How can she miss someone she’s talked to every day? It makes no sense.
The moment her eyes catch Adora, she feels her gut tighten, that silly fluttering feeling she can’t seem to get rid of cropping up yet again. The carpenter walks right up to her and Catra can’t help but notice that she’s wearing thick boots and a tight long sleeve shirt that leaves little to the imagination.
“Hi!” Adora barely slows as she approaches Catra, leaning down and placing a chaste kiss on her lips before moving back.
Catra’s eyes widen, the butterflies in her stomach multiplying at the casual press. Were they really at the point that they’d just casually kiss each other in greeting? It isn’t the first time it’s happened and Catra can’t say she hasn’t enjoyed every kiss she’s shared with Adora, but she worries she likes it all too much.
The thoughts fly straight out of her head as Adora leans forward, bouncing on her toes a little as she smiles at Catra.
“Hey Adora.”
She brushes at her arm, some dust coming off of her. “Sorry about the sawdust.” She says as she takes a step back and grimaces. “And the smell too. I probably should have thought this through better but I’ve been dying to bring you here.” Adora interlaces her fingers with Catra, pulling her along. “They have some really great tacos and you mentioned you had a craving.”
She’d mentioned that in passing two days ago. Catra has no idea Adora remembered that. “Okay, let’s see it.” The line moves quickly and Catra picks one thing Adora recommended and another she thought would be good.
When she moves to pay, Adora puts her hand out, her long arm and charming smile getting the woman manning the cash register to pick her card over Catra’s. “It’s my treat. You can bring me back and pay another day next week if you like it.” She offers with a laugh. “How has your day been so far?”
“It’s good. You know the end of the week is always the worst because we’re gearing up for the Sunday release.”
As much as their jobs have quickly adapted to how digital the world is, Sunday was still the most important day of the week for their business. Most of her longer pieces have to be fully edited by Thursday and by Friday she has to have her slate for the next week finalized.
Adora nods. “Yeah, Glimmer’s always a mess closer to the end of the week. Bow always knows to bring home good takeout on Fridays.”
They pick up their orders and sit across from each other on a table that’s set up in front of the food truck. Adora quickly takes a bit out of her first taco, clearly hungry from all of the physical labor her job entailed.
“Bow is Glimmer’s partner right?” Catra has met him once or twice at work events, but never outside of that.
“Yeah! He’s one of my closest friends. You know, we should go out together, the four of us sometime.” She looks at Catra curiously. “Are you liking your tacos?”
Catra’s frozen, the panic that’s been slowly building comes to a boiling point, putting a knot in her throat. This type of intertwining is how things become…more. Catra doesn’t know if she’s built for that.
“The tacos are fine. Good.”
Adora notices something is off, her brow knitting together as she reaches forward, touching Catra’s hand. “Hey. What’s going on?” Her eyes are full of concern and that makes Catra feel shitty. Adora hasn’t done anything but be great to her. It’s not her fault Catra is like this.
“Nothing, really. I’d like to see where this goes.” Catra trails off for a moment, not sure how to word it in a way that’s truthful but doesn’t hurt Adora needlessly. “But I don’t want to jump into anything serious right away. I don’t know about doing a double date.”
Adora looks stunned, her taco lifted halfway to her face before she puts it back into the “Okay.” She tilts her head to the side. “You want to take things slow?”
Catra squeezes her hand. “Yeah. I mean, what’s the rush right?” She asks a little frantically. “We’re having fun.” At least, she hopes Adora is enjoying their time together.
‘Fun.” Adora’s voice echoes. She bites her lip and nods slowly. “Sure. You can have all the time you need, Catra. I’m in no rush.”
Catra thinks about interrogating that a little more, but she’s not trying to push Adora either. “Great.” She nods to herself before picking up her food again. “How’d you find this place anyway?”
Adora looks at her quietly for another moment before launching into the explanation of the first time she’d discovered the food truck in a nearby park.
Catra’s stopped counting dates or even differentiating between dates or hangouts or something in between. To her relief, Adora doesn’t push for anything different than what they’ve been doing, it’s just more of the same. Catra’s happy with what she has—she can go out with Adora or hang out in her apartment and then find her way back to her home and convince herself nothing has really changed.
And it hasn’t. Sure, she isn’t dating anyone else, and maybe she’s seeing Adora two to three times a week but that’s how it’s been for a good two and a half months now. Adora isn’t her girlfriend and they don’t have any commitments to each other. It’s simple.
Catra can’t help but admit that it feels like more than that when they touch each other. "You're so gorgeous," Adora whispers as she kisses her. They're laying in Adora's apartment, panting on her couch. "I want to kiss every inch of you."
It's the type of casual declaration that makes Catra pull back and catch her breath. Adora doesn’t seem to mind, kissing her jaw and her neck. Catra lets out a groan as she leans into her touch. She feels like a virginal teenager—every touch makes her body react too loudly, makes her want so badly it’s all she can think about. She feels out of control.
“Fuck.” She curses, her arms clutching Adora’s back, pressing her closer. “Adora.”
She hears Adora moan in return, her lips practically vibrating on her skin. “Oh, baby.” She wraps one of her hands under Catra, pressing her fingers to the small of her back. Catra grabs her chin, pulling her in for another kiss. She lets her teeth graze Adora’s bottom lip as she runs her hands through her blonde hair. “We should go to my bed.” She mutters under her breath the moment they break apart.
“Bed.” Catra huffs out, distracted by the feeling of Adora’s body pressed to hers. She can’t remember why she shouldn’t stay right here, kissing Adora for as long as she’s able, and then longer than that. Can’t remember why she shouldn’t stay the night, hold Adora close as they fall asleep. “I have work tomorrow.” She manages to stutter out.
“We’ll be fast.” She promises, one of her hands skirting the edge of Catra’s bra. Fuck her hands are so big and calloused, and Catra knows very well all kinds of things she can do with them.
“We suck at that.” It’s a miracle that Catra has managed to make it back home every night that they’ve fucked. It seems to be only sheer force of will that has kept her from passing out in the face of Adora’s fantastic topping ability and unparalleled aftercare. “I can make it up to you on Saturday. We’re going to the farmer's market right?”
Adora pulls back a little with a soft laugh. She places a little kiss on Catra’s temple before catching her gaze. “We are, but I don’t think I can do the things I want to do with you there.” Adora raises her eyebrow, her eyes dark and roving.
“After. We can come to your place after.” Against her own best judgment, she pulls Adora in close again, kissing her. She can’t help that she misses the warmth of her skin the moment Adora breaks away. “You can use your strap again?”
Adora puts all her weight on Catra now, groaning. She almost looks grumpy as she looks up at Catra. “Woman, that’s not fair.” Her pout is petulant as she ducks herself under Catra’s chin.
She laughs, letting her nails run gently between Adora’s broad shoulders. “So unfair to make sure we have time for everything we’ll want to do.” She points out.
“You might have a point.” Adora sighs. “I don’t really want you to go.”
Catra works on schooling her face although Adora can’t see it from the way they’re cuddling. “I don’t really want to move either, but I do have to get going soon.”
She feels Adora’s head nod, her hair brushing against Catra’s chest. “I know. Five more minutes.”
She drops a soft kiss on the top of Adora’s hair. “Of course.”
“They all look the same,” Adora whispers conspiratorially in her ear.
Catra looks away from the two truffles she’s contemplating purchasing. “They do not.” She rebuffs, holding them up for Adora to look at. “They’re different types of truffles even.”
“Hmm, I don’t know.” Adora is grinning, her hands shoves into her pockets. “Tell me about it.”
Catra makes a snap decision, picking one and taking it to the vendor. “You’ll be into these too when I cook you dinner tonight.” The words sound like a threat.
“Oh, you’re cooking dinner tonight?” The question is teasing, Adora’s breath on the shell of her ear as she asks it. She wraps her hand around her waist and they slowly walk to the next vendor.
“I am.” The words left Catra’s mouth without any real regard for what she was committing to but she’d been shoving aside the desire to cook for Adora for some time now. It isn’t really that different from everything they’ve been doing anyway. She’s taken naps in Adora’s place and eaten take out, what difference would it make if she cooked in her kitchen?
“I’m looking forward to it then.”
Adora’s arm is impossibly warm around her and she knows they must look smitten. It feels like it’s allowed though, because this is a date. She can allow herself to sink into Adora, her humor and her kind eyes, without repercussion here.
“I’m thinking pasta. Did we pass someone selling fresh pasta earlier or did I make that up?”
“No, I think I saw that too. There’s also the place with the pizza oven.”
Catra pulls back, looking at Adora's expression. “You’re already hungry for lunch, aren’t you?”
She looks almost guilty. “The pizza there is so good and I didn’t get to have breakfast.”
Catra holds her hand, pulling her close enough so she can give her a light kiss. “I can’t let you starve now, can I?”
It’s not hard to find the place that Adora wants to eat at and they order a few slices before sitting down. “Maybe if we are having pizza now I should do something besides pasta for dinner.” She mutters absentmindedly between bites.
“You don’t have to change what you want to do. I’ll happily eat it.”
She tries to think of if she wants to stand firm with her first idea when she’s distracted. “Adora!” Catra turns and notices Glimmer making her way to them. “It’s so good to see you both.”
Adora smiles, waving down her friend. "Glimmer! I didn't know you were coming to the farmers market today." There's something in her voice that Catra can't quite discern.
"I wasn't planning on it but I kind of wanted some fresh produce and it's a good walk from our place." She shrugs, shifting her wait so that she's leaning against the table. "What about you?"
Adora glances at her from the corner of her eye. It feels like she's asking Catra to take point so she does. "Adora and I thought it would be fun to walk around and see what's on sale today."
"Yeah, it's a cute date idea for sure." Glimmer nods, her eyes vacillating between the two seated women. She then turns more fully to Catra. “Will I be seeing you two at the gala?” Glimmer asks curiously, her eyes cutting to Adora and staying there.
She feels frozen in place. The gala was the largest food event of the year, everyone who either prepared food or was involved in that part of the hospitality industry would end up going. That obviously included Catra and Glimmer. Catra can hear her unspoken question—Glimmer wants to know if Catra is bringing Adora as her date. She supposes it’s fair. As far as Glimmer knows—well, Catra isn’t sure what Adora has told her best friend. At the very least, she knows they’d been going out on dates for close to four months now.
Catra hasn't even mentioned the gala to Adora. She'd been planning on going stab this year. The idea of taking Adora crossed her mind but it was exactly the kind of thing that screamed girlfriend and that Catra had firmly avoided until now.
"I-I'll definitely be there." That is what she manages to say.
What's unspoken is louder though, along with the awkward silence that follows. Catra half expects Adora to ask about the gala then and there. When she looks at Adora, gazing steadfastly at the table in front of her, she suspects that Adora had known about the gala all along. Likely from Glimmer.
"Well, I have some shopping to do." Glimmer says hesitantly. "Adora, call me if you need anything." With that, Glimmer's gone and the whole outing feels ruined.
Catra swallows thickly, thinking of whether she should address the elephant in the room now. Adora looks upset, barely making eye contact as she eats her pizza. She reaches out tentatively, her hand coming to rest on Adora's. She doesn't turn her hand to properly return the gesture, but she doesn't pull away either.
"Do you want to keep going or do you want to go home?"
"I think I'm ready to go if it's alright with you."
She feels her stomach drop to her toes. Catra bites her lip, a thousand responses circling the drain. She could make a joke about needing more things for dinner tonight, or ask Adora if she wants to speak more openly, or anything really. But her mouth clamps shut and she nods curtly, letting her hand fall away from Adora's.
The drive to Adora’s place is tense. She keeps her eyes on the road and barely even looks at Catra. When they get to Adora’s driveway, she thinks that maybe she should go straight to her car and go home.
Before she can make the decision, Adora's blue eyes latch onto her, some anger there. "We need to talk."
"Okay. Let's go inside?"
Adora nods curtly and they get out of the car. Catra's palms are sweating as she pulls the few things they purchased out of the car with her, putting them down on Adora's counter. She waits for Adora to speak, unsure how everything turned so quickly.
"I—I, I'm sorry that we left early." Adora's hands shake and she looks almost embarrassed as she speaks.
Catra's eyebrows draw together. "No, it's fine. I could tell things are…tense?"
She sighs. "Yeah. It's not about the gala thing, but it kind of is?" Her voice rises in pitch as she runs her hands down her jeans. "The thing is in two weeks and you hadn't even mentioned it. And you tell me lots of things about work."
"It isn't important, that's all." It tastes like a lie and she hates that.
Adora's eyes narrow. “I need you to stop waiting for the other shoe to drop,” She says testily, crossing her arms. “Just because I’m not as cultured or well off as you, doesn’t mean I don’t have things to bring to the table.”
She stares at her, thrown for a loop by the direction of the conversation. Catra has no idea what money or culture would have to do with anything. “Adora, where is this coming from?”
“It feels like you have one foot out the door. Like you have this whole time, from the first night.” She sighs. "I understand wanting to go slow but that's not the same thing as not moving at all."
“No, I don’t mean that.” Adora gives her a trying look and Catra raises her hands in surrender. “We can talk about that in a minute.” She waves her hands toward Adora. “I mean the whole thing about you and money.”
Adora freezes for a moment. “I mean…that’s what it’s about, isn’t it? You don’t think I’ll fit in.” She bites her lip, her blue eyes shining with tears. “You don’t think I’m good enough for you.”
Catra gapes, horrified. In trying to deal with how scary her feelings for Adora are, she’s made the blonde doubt herself. “Absolutely not.” She takes a step forward, her hand reaching for Adora’s. The blonde looks defeated, looking down at the entryway tile. Catra tilts her chin so she meets Catra’s eyes. “I’m not going to pretend that what you noticed isn’t a real thing,” She admits hesitantly. “But it’s not at all because of anything you lack. You’re perfect the way you are. Anyone who doesn’t see that is a fool.”
Adora eyes her dubiously. “So you aren’t worried about how I’d fit into your world?”
She lets out a short laugh. “No. I’m worried you’d fit in too well.”
“That makes no sense, Catra.” She points down at herself. “How would that even happen? Look at me.”
She looks like she always does, gorgeous. Inside and out. “I am looking at you.” It feels like all Catra ever does anymore. “You don’t feel it? How well this is all going? Even with my reservations?”
“Yeah. Which is why I don’t get why you won’t just let me in.” She has a pleading look on her face, her hand squeezing Catra’s now. “We could be good together. Real.”
“I know. It’s terrifying.” Catra sighs, looking down at her own hands to collect herself. “I’m not worried about what anyone else thinks about us together—that’s not why I didn’t invite you to the gala. I’m worried about how heartbroken I’m going to be if this doesn’t pan out.”
“Catra.” It’s almost an admonishment if Adora didn’t sound awed at the declaration.
“Look, before we met—I was having a great time. I had the career I dreamed of, good friends, dates when I wanted to go out. I didn’t have any real complaints.” Adora looks at her with patient eyes. “But then you…I don’t know.” She runs a frustrated hand through her hair. ”I’ve never wanted to stay with someone so badly. It makes me want to run.”
Adora’s lips twitch into a smile. “That’s very like you. A woman of contradictions.”
She rolls her eyes at the attempted joke. “I have one foot out the door because it’s easier than diving feet first and hoping I’ll make it to the other side unscathed.” She admits. “I don’t know how you do it.”
“I trust you, Catra.” Adora takes a deep breath. “I think you can do anything you set your mind to. And if you decided you wanted me?” She swallows thickly, grabbing onto Catra's hand more tightly. “If we chose each other? I don’t think anything could stand in our way.”
Catra stares at her unsure how she's gotten quite this lucky. “That’s a lot of faith in me.”
“It’s panned out for me so far. You didn’t run for the hills when I asked Glimmer to give you my number.” She reminds Catra.
"I didn't." She agreed softly. Catra leans forward, her forehead resting on Adora's shoulder. She feels Adora's arms wrap around her. "I don't think I want to run anymore." Catra knows it's pointless now. She'd let herself think that if things remained undefined, she wouldn't get hurt. The thing is, if Adora left it would hurt regardless of what label they'd put on this thing between them.
Adora squeezes her tightly. “You sure about that?” She whispers into Catra’s hair. “I’m not trying to push you into something you don’t want, but I can’t just sit on pins and needles wondering where the line is.”
She pulls her head up, letting her hand cup Adora’s cheek. “I didn’t know you felt that way.” It’s kind of silly of her. She should’ve realized that as easy and safe as it’s felt to not talk about the direction of their relationship for her, that wasn’t necessarily the case for Adora.
She bites her lip. “To be fair, I didn’t really say anything.”
“I didn’t ask either.”
Adora rolls her eyes. “So, we have a communication issue.”
“I’m sorry.” Catra blurts out. “I was wrapped up in how I felt, I didn’t think about how you might not be happy with how things are.”
“I’m not unhappy with it.” She leans her forehead against Catra’s. “I just really like you. Like, an absurd amount, honestly. And I want us to have a future together.”
“I like you too,” Catra assures, leaning forward and placing a chaste kiss on Adora’s lips. “An absurd amount.”
For a few brief seconds, they don’t say anything. Their faces are pressed close, Adora’s breath fanning on her neck, pebbling the skin there. She looks at Catra through hooded eyes and it’s the same as it’s always been—she feels safe, seen, held through Adora’s gaze alone. She slowly leans closer, making her intentions crystal clear as she winds her arms around Adora’s neck.
Adora leans in the rest of the way. It’s different than the casual affection they’d displayed at the farmer’s market, or even the barely there kiss they’d shared moments before. Adora’s lips on hers were grounding, the kiss slow and gentle but full of emotions. It feels like everything they’ve held back meeting all at once. Catra’s clutching at Adora or maybe Adora is the one clutching at her, but it doesn’t matter as the kiss deepens.
“Catra.” Adora pants, pulling back. “Should we stop?”
“Do you want to?”
“Not really.”
“Then, we don’t.” Catra lets her fingers play with the hairs at the nape of Adora’s neck. “I’m tired of holding back.”
Adora slams back into her with a groan, lifting Catra into her arms as she walks Catra to her bedroom. She feels the familiar soft sheets as Adora tips her back onto the bed, but when she reaches down to feel for Adora’s zipper, she finds something she isn’t expecting. Her eyes dart up to Adora’s to find the blonde blushing.
She groans, hiding her face in the crook of Catra’s neck for a moment before looking back at her. “I thought I’d surprise you. You know.” She gestures down to her pants. “Have the strap ready.”
Catra laughs. “I can’t believe a missed that.”
“These are loose pants. I felt like a dumbass when we were fighting and I had it on.”
Catra reaches inside Adora’s pants, finding the base of the toy and pressing it gently toward Adora. The blonde hisses, her hips jogging against it. “No need to let the surprise go to waste, yeah?”
Their clothes fly off quickly before everything turns slow. It’s definitely not the first time they’ve laid together naked like this, but it feels decidedly different. Catra holds Adora close, snuggling with her beneath the covers as they kiss, their hands languidly wandering soft planes. It feels like they have all the time in the world and their earlier fight feels so far away. Now it’s just warmth and affection pouring out of them and seeping into the other’s skin.
Catra turned her to the side, Adora's warm hands wrapped around her. She rubs the shaft up and down Catra’s slit, careful not to push it in yet.
"Catra, tell me you want this." Adora’s voice is all but a whine as she asks.
Catra can't bear to deny it to her. "I do, I want you to fuck me." She pants out. It’s more than that though. She wants Adora in ways she can hardly explain. “I always want you.”
"You sure?"
She nods, kissing her and pulling her closer still. "So sure. Please."
Adora gently presses in, the thick head of the dildo making its way in slowly but surely. Even with the sex toy, it feels less dirty and more intimate. Adora's forearm is propping her upper body up, but she's still pressed to every line of Catra as she sinks into her. When Adora bottoms out, Catra lets out a soft moan wrapping her arms around the blonde's shoulders. She lets her nails lightly scrape her back, noting how Adora's eyes seem to go impossibly darker.
Adora presses her forehead to Catra's for a moment before kissing her. She starts pulling out gently and the movement startles Catra, the slick drag of the toy inside of her making her legs shake. "Move with me." She begs gruffly, her gaze clouded with desire.
Catra heads her command, tilting her hips in time with Adora's sure strokes. Adora’s fingers are tangled with hers, and her head is pressed close together with Catra’s. The only time that they break eye contact is the occasional moment Adora drops a kiss on her shoulder, or when the pleasure gets to be near overwhelming, forcing Catra’s eyes shut.
It doesn’t take long for them to find a rhythm that serves them both, but it’s more than that. Catra can feel Adora’s breath as her own, her groans and whimpers resonate through her like a heartbeat. There’s nothing more important than how Adora feels, that she’s happy and safe and feels loved. Fuck if Catra doesn’t love her.
She locks that declaration away for now, focusing on the way Adora looks above her. Her muscles are all bunching and smoothing out, her strokes sure as she brings Catra closer to the edge. The tension on her brow makes Catra suspect that Adora’s close too, that she’s fighting her own orgasm to get Catra there first. It makes the corresponding fame in her core light up, knowing that Adora is enjoying this.
“Baby, let go. I have you.” Catra assures, her nails digging slightly into Adora’s back. She lets out a tortured whine, her hips snapping faster as they rock together. “I’ve got you. I promise.” Catra's never letting go.
That seems to break something in Adora as she comes with a sob. Her hips are disjointed now, a shallow quick pace. The new rhythm coupled with the knowledge that Adora’s come for her sends her tumbling over the edge, tightening around the strap and biting into Adora’s shoulder. She feels Adora's weight go slack above her, even as her legs twitch, one of her heels digging into Adora's ass.
It takes a minute for her to come down, but when she does, it barely feels like coming down at all. Adora’s still pressed on top of her, dropping soft kisses on her cheek and snuggling into her neck. "You smell so good," Adora murmurs as she noses Catra's hair and presses kisses there.
"That might be the orgasm talking." She teases. Catra lets out a groan as Adora slowly slides the toy out, shuffling the harness off of her hips before cuddling her in earnest again.
"No, you always smell amazing. And you're so soft." She holds Catra close, her eyes shut as she sighs. “I’m so happy.” She murmurs. “I’d been losing my mind earlier, you know?”
“When?” It feels like a non-sequitur and in her blissed-out state, Catra is having trouble following along.
“When I thought that you were embarrassed by me.” She says bluntly. “I was trying to figure out ways that I could show you that I could do fancy things if you needed me. The online articles make it seem really daunting though.”
Adora laughs but Catra doesn’t. “Look at me.” She commands. Adora complies, and Catra kisses her. “There’s no expectation for you to do anything or be anything other than yourself. I was so blindsided by that. I feel like shit that you ever even thought I’d feel that way.”
“It was my stupid brain that made it up.”
“Because I made you feel insecure.” She points out.
Adora props herself up on her elbow. “You have a right to want the relationship to move at your pace too though.”
“But I could have talked to you about it.”
Adora laughs. “Are we just arguing each other’s points again?”
“Maybe a little.” She nuzzles closer. “If you want to come to the gala, I’d love to have you.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel pressured to do it.”
“I want to. I don't want you to think that I’m embarrassed by you. I’m proud of you, Adora. Of being by your side. I want to make it so you never doubt it again.”
“That’s really romantic.” She says almost dazedly. “You know, I think I have to take it back. I don’t think I can handle you with two feet in. I’m going to lose all brain function if you talk to me like that.”
"Oh no, it's too late for you now." Catra grins. "You're just going to have to bear it."
She’s sure that she hasn’t seen the last of the panic, of the thought that something this momentous could be as life-ruining as it has been life-changing. But somewhere along the way, Catra’s given Adora everything and she finds she doesn’t want any of it back.
Adora pulls Catra into her chest, placing a soft kiss on the back of her neck. “So, you’re my girlfriend now or something?” Behind the teasing, Catra can tell it’s a genuine question.
She turns around so she can look Adora in the eyes. “Yup. You’re stuck with me.” She puts her head on the carpenter’s shoulder. “If you want to be.”
“That’s silly. Of course, I want.”
With that truth slotted between them now, it takes no effort for Catra to fall asleep, staying the night at Adora's for the first time.