The Nyanny - Ch 6

Rating: T

Relationships: Catra/Adora

Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Modern Etheria (She-Ra), mutual pining, fluff, hurt/comfort, Adora and Adam are siblings, Pov Catra, Pov Adora, Adora is bad at feelings, lesbian disaster Adora, lesbian disaster Catra, Adora has issues, Adora has a big family, Catra goes to therapy, Catra has a great mum, Adora has a prosthetic arm, Past minor character death, Amputee Adora

Finn was the centre of Adora's world. She worked so hard to juggle her father's company and being a single mother but she couldn't accept help from just anyone. But she would do anything to make sure Finn got what they needed. She just never thought that this new addition would be just what she needed as well.

--
Adora had a habit of waking before the curtains whirled to life in her room each day, and today was no different. She was stiff in her body like she hadn’t moved at all during the night but she felt incredibly rested and she was sure she hadn’t slept so well in years. She blinked her eyes open to look into the darkness and her entire body froze.

This had to be a nightmare, and her paralysis demon laid across from her. Why else would there be the shadow of a woman laying on the other side of the bed. The shape was familiar and yet so foreign that for a moment she thought it was Melody. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness as her panic rose but she started to see the differences in the dim light.

Melody wouldn’t be caught dead wearing distressed jeans or even something so simple as a t-shirt. Adora’s ex wouldn’t wear her hair wild, and she would never purr the way Catra was right now. Every breath came out as a contented rumble as she slept with her face partly hidden in a pillow and her hands tucked against her chest. She wasn’t under the blankets and her position suggested she was cold.

Adora had no memory of the night before. Which was a concern. She might consider that something inappropriate happened but they were both fully clothed and at opposite sides of the bed. Unable to remember slowly filled her with dread as she tried to piece the previous day together. The last thing she recalled with any confidence was her appointment with Entrapta to calibrate She-ra.

Did something go wrong with the medication? Maybe Adora finally had that stress related heart attack her doctor had warned her about.

Catra’s purring stopped as she nuzzled into the pillow and the motors for the curtains whirled to life. Adora quickly closed her eyes as she realised Catra was waking up. She tried to keep her face relaxed and her breathing even as she heard Catra moving around.

Once Adora heard the soft click of the door closing she let out a sigh of relief. She opened her eyes and put her hands to her forehead.

What the hell happened last night?

[...]

Adora groaned and rubbed her head. Attempting to force the memories from the night before was giving her a headache.

“Why don’t I remember anything?” Adora asked Entrapta as she pulled back the cover of Adora’s arm to plug in her machine.

“Need I remind you of the importance of being truthful to people administering medication,” Entrapta said, clicking on the screen of her device until it started running diagnostics.

“I didn’t lie,” Adora denied and Entrapta shook her head.

“You told me you’ve been sleeping,” Entrapta said and Adora shifted on the cold steel bench she was sitting on. She did not want to spend her morning being lectured about her health.

“That's not a lie, I have slept,” Adora said.

“Not the normal amount for anyone and you shouldn’t lie about it,” Entrapta said seriously.

“I am ok,” Adora said, glaring at Entrapta, who was completely unfazed by her hard stare.

“You should speak to your doctor about sleeping pills,”

“I don’t want to take sleeping pills, if Finn needs me in the night then I won’t hear them,”

“You have a Nanny now, ask her to check on them,”

“No, I’m not going to leave comforting my child to someone else. I’ll find another way of sleeping,”

“You need a holiday, at the very least to take time away from work and get some actual rest. The technology is supportive, but if you don’t maintain the body, the technology learns bad habits,” Entrapta said carefully as she unplugged her device and covered the port again. Adora huffed as she pulled her shirt back on.

“Fine. I’ll think about it,”

What is your favourite holiday destination? 

Catra’s voice came to mind, laying beside Adora outside on the deck. Adora scrunched up her nose as she tried to force more of the memory to return but it slipped away. Adora sighed in reservation that she wouldn’t remember much at all of the night before.

[...]

Adora was sitting at her desk rubbing her temples. Her headache was getting worse and she felt justified to not take anything to relieve it. This was her punishment, and she would take it.

The door to Adora’s office opened after a swift three knocks that Adora knew was Mermista. She knocked differently if people were around, so Adora knew she was on her own as she entered the room.

Mermista approached the desk and laid a magazine on the surface with an article in bold. Adora looked at it with disinterest, the article was about her meeting with the head journalist and Adora smirked despite the pain she was in.

Greyskull attempts to silence the media’s freedom of speech.

“They are too easy. At least that will distract them from Finn for a while,” Adora said, leaning back in her chair as she looked at the terrible picture they took of her leaving the building. Adora needed a haircut.

“Would you like me to make another donation later this week?” Mermista asked, the small smile on her face was a testament to how much she was enjoying herself.

“Make it anonymous, I want them to work for it. That will keep them busy,” Adora said and Mermista grinned for just a moment before she schooled her expression again. “Don’t use the children’s hospital again, I didn’t like the way the media chewed them out for leaking the details,” Adora frowned, making a mental note to have her yearly donations changed from anonymous so they didn’t face the media whirlwind again.

“How about that halfway house for teens leaving abusive homes?” Mermista offered as she pulled out her phone to check the previous donations.

“Perfect, pick some of your favourites. The money is better off with them, than me,” Adora said as she pinched the bridge of her nose and put the magazine down.

“Need some painkillers, boss?” Mermisa asked and Adora shook her head.

“No, thank you. Could you bring me some water?” Adora asked and Mermisa nodded her head, tapping at her phone.

“Can do. By the way, have I ever told you this is the best part of my job?” Mermista asked and Adora quirked an eyebrow at her curiously.

“What is?” She asked, she thought the pay, easy hours and endless ‘work clothing’ credit card was her favourite part of her position.

“Screwing with the media is the best,” Mermista said and Adora rolled her eyes as she handed the magazine to Mermista.

“Well at least someone is having fun,” Adora grumbled.

“Lighten up boss, try to enjoy yourself,” Mermista said, rolling up the magazine to hit her hand with it.

“Hm,” Adora said, unconvincingly as she glanced at her computer.

“Are you heading home soon?” Mermista asked and Adora realised it was already past five and she should be thinking about finishing up.

“No, I-uh, have some more work to do,” Adora said as she felt her cheeks heat up. Mermista raised an eyebrow slowly.

“Do you need me to stay?” Mermista asked, clearly not wanting to stick around while Adora worked.

“No, it's fine. See you tomorrow,” Adora said quickly and Mermisa nodded.

“Ooookay, see you tomorrow, boss,” Mermista said, leaving the room quickly like Adora might change her mind.

Adora thought about going home and working from her study but the idea of seeing Catra was still too embarrassing. She still didn’t remember enough about the night before to know if she should be mortified but she decided she was regardless. It wasn’t Catra’s responsibility to take care of her.

A memory floated behind her eyes at the thought and she felt her cheeks colour.

“Thank you, for taking care of me,” Adora mumbled.

“You say that now, but just wait till you get the bill,” Catra said.

“I’ll pay as much as you want,”

Adora groaned with embarrassment. She must have been such a pain and Catra deserved to be paid for her wasted time. Adora opened the timesheet she kept for Catra and added another day of pay at double her rates for the overtime. She hoped it would be enough.

[...]

Catra was playing with Finn and Swifty on the deck when her work phone chimed. Catra had to stop chasing Finn around the deck to look at the message which explained that Ms Grey would be staying late at work that night.

Catra wondered if Ms Grey was embarrassed about her actions the previous night but didn’t take her for someone to hide from it.

Catra continued to play with Swifty and Finn until it was time for dinner. She took Finn inside and they asked about their mum almost immediately.

When Catra explained that Ms Grey would be staying late at work Finn’s little face fell. They tried to hide their disappointment but Catra could see how the news had affected them.

Catra made something simple and fresh for dinner to counteract the warmer day of playing outside and refresh them both. Finn didn’t take to the food like they usually would, it was especially suspicious when they ignored the cubes of mango that they loved.

“Are you feeling ok Finny?” Catra asked gently and Finn looked up from their plate with big blue eyes that were swimming with unshed tears. It broke Catra’s heart.

“I don’t feel well,” Finn admitted and Catra smiled gently.

“Do you want to lay down? You can eat whenever you’re ready,” Catra said and Finn nodded and lifted their arms to be picked up. Catra obliged them immediately and gently petted their wild hair as they settled into her arms.

Catra carefully carried them around as she put their food in the fridge for later. She sat the plate next to their mothers plate of leftovers. Catra knew Ms Grey worked hard, and if she came home hungry Catra wanted to ensure something more substantial than a pudding cup was waiting for her.

Catra took Finn into their bedroom with Swifty following behind. He seemed to have noticed that Finn was feeling unwell and he stuck to them like glue.

Finn didn’t seem to know why they were upset but Catra could see it. Emotions are hard to navigate for anyone but when you're not even five years old it’s even harder to know what you are really feeling.

When Finn was feeling sick they curled into themselves like taking up space would make things less trouble for them. Catra recognised that method all too well. When she was young her mum worked a lot too, single mums often have to do that. Catra remembered back then thinking that if she took up less space that she would be less of a burden to her mum. Little Catra tried to act like an adult and take care of herself but she was lucky with her social worker and her sitter who reminded her that she was just a kid, and it was ok to be a kid. Her mum did her best, but it took a village to raise a child and those outside opinions helped Catra see that what her mum was saying was right. Catra didn’t have to be an adult back then, it was her job to be a kid.

Catra realised that Finn was so much like her younger self, they didn’t just act like a tiny adult but they really thought they had to be one so they weren’t a burden. Ms Grey was working herself to the bone so of course Finn would notice that and try to help the only way they knew how. They were a smart kid, but they were still a kid. They needed fun and safety and to not carry the world on their shoulders. Not yet.

Catra gave Finn a bath so they could relax and Catra played with the bubbles to make them laugh. They smiled but they didn’t laugh. Finn’s eyes had never looked quite so much like their mothers before, like broody grey skies that promised rain.

Catra helped Finn dry off and dress in the pyjamas they had picked for themselves. A white top with small red details and grey pants that didn’t seem to match but did go together.

“Can we cuddle?” Finn asked shyly as they sat on their bed and Catra smiled.

“Sure, Finny, scooch over,” Catra said and climbed into bed. Finn cuddled into her arms and settled against her chest. Catra started to rock them gently and started up a soothing purr to comfort them. Catra felt Finn wiggle against her.

“What’s that?” Finn asked curiously as they moved to look up at Catra with big eyes alight with curiosity. Catra smiled.

“I’m purring,” Catra said softly “My mum used to do it for me when I was feeling sick or sad, but it can be used to show you are happy or feeling loved too,” Catra explained and watched the blonde kitten scrunch their face in consideration.

“Can I do it?” Finn asked and Catra smiled. Finn didn’t seem to know any other Magicats so it was understandable that they were unsure of their own special abilities.

“Yeah, I can show you how to force it, but once you practise then it will come naturally when you need it” Catra offered moving the kitten to give a breath of space between them.

Catra pointed her finger at the part of her chest that her rumbling was loudest.

“It’s like humming, but it's deeper in your chest. Humming is up here in the throat,” Catra said and made a humming noise as she pointed to her throat and moved her finger down as the sound morphed into a base-y vibration in her chest. Finn giggled at the display and put their little hand on her sternum curiously.

Catra purred for them for a little longer until Finn’s ears drooped self-consciously.

“What if I can’t do it?” Finn asked.

“If you can’t do it right away you can always practise, but if you don’t want to do it that’s ok too. It won’t make you any less of a magicat if you don’t want to purr,” Catra reassured as she bundled the kitten back against her chest to resume their cuddles. She purred loudly for them and after some time she was convinced that Finn had fallen asleep.

A soft stuttering purr proved her wrong when Finn gasped with excitement. Their little face pinched with focus before they looked up at Catra with big, excited eyes.

Catra quieted her purring to listen better and heard the start and stop of a kitten’s purr. Catra squeezed them, trilling with excitement, and Finn echoed it with the same enthusiasm.

“You did it! You’re a natural,” she praised, and Finn glowed under the attention. After some careful attempts they seemed content to snuggle close and nap with Catra. Catra resumed her purring while Finn butted under her chin to find the optimal location to sleep and Catra wiggled until she was comfortable. They both seemed to find the perfect spot at the same moment as they both sighed and went limp.

Catra hadn’t been in a cuddle pile since she was much younger with her mother, but she realised now how much she missed it. It was so relaxing, and she slept so deeply with a little kitten clinging to her.

[...]

Adora arrived home late and exhausted. She went to the kitchen to find a note stuck to the fridge saying there were left overs of dinner inside. Adora silently thanked Catra when she saw the note and she realised she didn’t remember to order dinner.

She opened the fridge and found a plate made up for her with vegetables, rice and chicken. Adora signed in relief and put the plate in the microwave to heat up.

Once she had enjoyed her delicious dinner, she walked down the hallway to her room. As she passed Finn’s bedroom she noticed their door was open. Adora stopped to check on them and peek inside the dark room. She wasn’t prepared for the adorable sight of Catra and Finn cuddling on the bed, both sleeping deeply.

Adora’s chest warmed at the cuteness before she noticed Finn was wearing their force captain pyjamas which meant they weren’t feeling well. Guilt clawed at Adora’s chest at the thought that she wasn’t there to comfort her baby but she was grateful to Catra for taking care of them. Catra moved in the bed and Adora panicked a little at being caught but Catra’s eyes opened too quickly for her to flee.

Catra’s eyes glowed in the dark and she looked straight at Adora before she stretched lazily and moved to climb out of Finn’s bed. She tucked them in and pushed some hair out of their face before she came over to the door.

Adora stepped back to let Catra out into the hall and she closed the door quietly before she turned to Adora.

“Are they ok?” Adora asked and Catra nodded.

“They are…” Catra said softly and seemed to consider something for a moment. She motioned for Adora to follow her away from Finn’s door towards her own. “I think they were sad that you weren’t home for dinner,” Catra said carefully and watched Adora’s face closely.

Adora tried to not react as her gut twisted uncomfortably at the thought that she had disappointed Finn so much. She was being selfish by trying to avoid Catra, even if she was embarrassed, there was no reason to worry. Catra was a professional, and it was unlikely she would bring up anything Adora had said while intoxicated. Adora would make sure she worked from home when she wanted to work late. She needed to be there for Finn and she already didn’t get enough time with them.

“I will be sure to work from home in the evening in the future. I’m sorry I extended your work day,” Adora said and Catra waved her hand dismissively.

“I don’t mind that. Don’t worry about it,” Catra said and Adora almost believed her.

Money was always a motivator and everyone wanted it, Adora understood that well. Catra was being paid for her time and that was why she took care of Finn. She was here to do a job.

Adora didn’t need to get it muddled in her head and mistake Catra’s work ethic for kindness. Catra was her employee, and she may enjoy her work, but that did not mean anything more.

Adora felt the anxiety of her day welling in her chest until she felt too heavy to hold. She had been a hassle allowing Catra to take care of her in her moment of weakness and it was a waste of her time. She was not Catra’s problem and Adora vowed to never allow it to happen again.

Adora turned her face away as the emotions welled within her, why did she feel so raw? It was rare for Adora to feel so jaded about her wealth but people moulded her to believe that there was nothing more to her to offer someone. Melody only cared about Adora’s money, she had said that it didn’t matter to her, but the truth came out when the prenup did. Outside of Adora’s family, money was all she could really offer someone. She was overworked, which made her hard to love and she was a single mother which made her hard to know because Finn always came first. The money was the only thing people could stand to gain with all of the baggage it took to care about Adora. Not that Finn could ever be considered baggage. But Adora certainly was.

“Oh no princess, you can walk,” 

Catra’s words from the night before echoed on Adora’s head and she felt ashamed. She put her hand to her head as the memory floated away. Adora was as useless as a princess, trying to run her fathers company like a cheap replacement.

“Is there anything else?” Adora asked, sounding cold as she tried to keep emotion out of her voice.

“No…are you ok?” Catra asked with concern in her voice that only made Adora more defensive. She needed to leave this conversation before she broke the bottle that held her tears. Adora turned towards her room, she needed to be alone before they spilled over.

“Fine, thank you. Goodnight miss Catra,” Adora said and heard Catra’s soft ‘goodnight’ as she went into her room and closed the door. Adora leaned back on her door and sighed deeply as tears spilled down her face.

The few tears Adora allowed herself to cry she didn’t cry for Melody because she didn’t miss her, and she didn’t love her anymore. Adora cried because of the scars Melody left behind, how they left her so mutilated and unlovable that her fathers legacy was all she was good for. Finn deserved another parent to love them and Adora was standing in the way of that. She needed to give Finn whatever they needed.

If the only thing Adora could offer someone was money then maybe it would be easier to find a good mother for Finn, especially when she didn’t need to be a good wife for Adora.

Adora’s happiness didn’t didn’t matter at all.

[...]

When Adora woke the next morning she wasn’t sure who was more excited for her morning ritual, Finn or herself. Her kitten sleepily climbed into her arms and Adora hugged them close for a moment. She could hear them humming and Adora hummed a gentle tune in return. Finn clung to her and despite her guilt she still resolved to be better and give Finn everything they could want. It’s what they deserve.

Adora took them into the kitchen with her and went about her one handed coffee making. She was humming gently as she pushed the coffee machine to make her drink and felt a vibration against her chest. Adora waited for it to stop when the coffee machine did but it continued.

It took longer than she would like to admit that the purring sound wasn’t coming from her appliances, but rather from the bundle in her arms. She had heard this sound before, Catra had purred when she was in Adora’s bed. Melody had purred occasionally, but she was far from a happy woman.

Adora’s kitten was purring. Adora wrapped both her arms around her baby and tried to not squeeze too tight. She didn’t want to cry but she felt the happiness welling inside her. She was so proud but so relieved. Finn was learning to express themselves in a way that was unique to them and it was amazing. Adora hummed to the rhythm that Finn had set and they purred louder.

Adora heard movement behind her and tried to blink the emotion from her eyes before she turned to face Catra. Catra’s ears perked up at the sound coming from Finn and she smiled proudly at the bundle in Adora’s arms.

Catra didn’t say anything as she entered the kitchen and Adora realised an apology was sitting at the tip of her tongue.

“I’m sorry I was such a burden then I was intoxicated,” Adora said, the act of speaking it into existence was a small relief. Catra looked surprised before she smiled again.

“That’s alright, it was kind of fun,” Catra said with a shrug, going to the coffee machine to make her own drink. She set to finishing Adora’s coffee and Adora was too distracted to stop her.

“It won’t happen again,” Adora promised and Catra laughed a little.

“It's cool if it does, it was an emergency. I assume you aren’t going to get trashed every weekend,” Catra said, glancing over her shoulder and Adora felt her face heat up.

“Of course not, that would be irresponsible,” Adora said and Catra set the coffee machine to go as she turned to Adora.

“Well, not if you plan it, this time seemed unplanned,” Catra said and Adora adjusted Finn in her arms. They snuggled into her neck sleepily as they continued to purr.

“It was. That aspect will be corrected for next time,” Adora said and Catra nodded.

“Well you can always ask me to work later if you need me or want to go out or something,” Catra said carefully and Adora tried to school her face. Was Catra telling Adora to go on a date? Was she so transparent? Catra looked a little flushed and tried to move on quickly. “On that note, I had something to ask you,” Catra said shyly and Adora nodded for her to continue.

“Are you gay? Or did you just say that because you were trashed?” Catra asked and Adora’s eyes widened as her face burned.

“How did that come up?! Did I say something inappropriate?” Adora asked. She tried to keep her voice down with Finn so close and it came out as a panicked whisper.

“No, nothing inappropriate,” Catra said suspiciously, emphasising the word as she glanced away. She still looked flushed and Adora couldn’t blame her. This was embarrassing.

“I am gay. I wasn’t just saying that because you’re…” Adora cut herself off, oversharing as she tried to explain. She tried to keep her voice even as Catra nodded and bit her lip. Adora looked away.

“Ok, cool, I just wanted to check,” Catra said, ignoring Adora’s blunder. Adora nodded her head mutely. Catra handed Adora her coffee and offered to take Finn.

Finn resisted letting go of Adora, the close and prolonged proximity to Catra did not help Adora’s racing heart or flustered nerves. She rushed out of the house, desperate to get to the normalness of her workday after that conversation.

[...]

“Hey Boss,” Mermista said walking into Adora’s office. Adora glanced at her, she didn’t ask Mermista for anything so she wasn’t expecting her. She made a note of where she was in her reading and turned her attention to her secretary.

“Yes?” Adora asked and Mermista clicked the pen she was holding in her hand. She had a file clutched against her chest and if Adora didn’t know any better she seemed nervous as she fidgeted.

“I was reviewing the policy for dating co-workers and I noticed there wasn’t anything to outline the policy between Greyskull enterprises and your personal staff dating. Could you tell me your thoughts so I can get the policy updated?” Mermista asked and Adora raised her eyebrows in surprise. Mermista clicked the pen again and fussed with the papers in her hand as colour came to her cheeks.

“Dating between Greyskull Enterprises and my personal staff? Why would that come up?” Adora asked, one eyebrow lowering into a quizzical expression. Mermista wasn’t making eye contact, which was unusual and it spoke volumes for how uncomfortable she was.

“People might want to mingle,” Mermista said carefully.

“Uh huh, and this has nothing to do with my driver, Seahawk?” Adora asked and Mermista scoffed.

“No, he’s an idiot,” Mermista said and Adora nodded her head slowly.

“Then who is asking about this?” Adora asked curiously and Mermista rolled her eyes.

“Fine, I wanted to ask Catra out for a drink. Is that, like, against the policy?” Mermista said and Adora’s eyes widened. A strange burning sensation filled her chest at the idea of Mermista dating her nanny. Which was ridiculous.

“You want to date my Nanny?”

“Yes, if she’s interested,”

“Why?” Adora asked, she had no reason to ask this question but it came out of her mouth before she had time to consider it.

“The list of why not is a lot shorter,” Mermista said and Adora cleared her throat uncomfortably. Adora was not jealous, that was not what this feeling was. There was no logical reason for Adora to intervene in these matters. They were both adults and could make their own choices. It wasn’t like Adora couldn’t see the appeal. There was nothing in writing preventing this match, so why did Adora feel so vehemently opposed to it?

“There is nothing in the policy to stop fraternisation between my personal staff and company staff,” Adora said logically.

Was she considering adding a new section to the policy? Yes.

Would it help her at this moment? No.

“So, I have your blessing?” Mermista asked, a small smile coming to her lips which caused Adora’s stomach to sink. She wanted this conversation to be over and to never think about it again.

“I am neither her guardian nor protector, you do not need my blessing,” Adora said, a reminder to herself as much as it was a response to Mermista.

“I’m going to take that as a yes,” Mermista said, and Adora frowned.

“Is there anything else?” Adora asked and Mermista handed Adora the file she was holding.

“Entrapta went over the report for the biotechnical applications and had some notes to share,” Mermista said as Adora took the file.

“She couldn’t just email it to me?” Adora asked, opening the folder to what appeared to be the mad scribblings of her lead robotics expert.

“She insisted on doing it this way,” Mermista said and Adora locked her computer before she got to her feet with the file in hand.

“I’m going to go talk to her, can you move my meetings around,”

“Sure thing, boss,” Mermista said, walking out of Adora’s office with her and back to her desk while Adora headed to the 13th floor.

[...]

Adora kept her promise, leaving work at five to arrive home by six and have dinner with Finn and Catra. Catra made another delicious meal that the three could share without trouble. After playing with Finn and putting them to bed with three story books, Adora went back to her office to work. She spent a few hours checking the data Entrapta had sent her and working out a proposal, or counteroffer for the board.

When she finally decided to go to bed she was surprised to see the lights still on in the living room as she stepped into the hallway.

She indulged her curiosity and peaked into the living room to turn off the light, assuming it was left on by accident. Adora didn't expect anyone to be awake at this hour but there was Catra wrapped up with blankets on the couch reading one of Adora's many books.

"Miss Catra," Adora said, before she could stop herself, her voice colouring with surprise.

"Ms Grey," Catra returned with a smile as she looked up from the book she was reading. Adora couldn’t see the name, but it was old and leatherbound, so it was likely one of her classic collections.

"Adora," Adora corrected. She didn't know why she insisted on Catra calling her Adora. She liked it far too much for it to be allowed. She enjoyed the way Catra's lips quirked with a mischievous smile every time Adora corrected her.

"Then you can probably call me Catra," she said, her eyes dancing in the dim light. Adora wanted to keep a professional distance from Catra, it felt too easy to be drawn in by her warmth, like Adora was a planet and Catra was a star. She wanted to be closer, and the very act of wanting made it dangerous. She didn’t want to be burned, and she didn’t want to overstep.

"Very well, is your bed insufficient?" Adora asked, wondering why Catra appeared to be ready to sleep on the couch instead of the bed in her room. Was it not to her liking?

"No, it's like a cloud. I just get insomnia," Catra said and Adora nodded her head slightly. Adora was well versed in the struggle of insomnia. She battled it often herself.

"I understand," Adora said, unsure what else to say as her tired brain begged for sleep.

"Do you struggle to sleep too or just have no time?" Catra asked curiously.

"I don't sleep well, so I prefer to work" Adora said without thinking and immediately felt she had shared too much. She glanced at her watch for something to do, if she got to sleep now she might get 4 hours of sleep.

"Don't let me keep you," Catra said, looking back at her book. Adora should go to her room and try to rest but she wasn't quite ready for this conversation to end. Despite all the embarrassment of the past days, Adora couldn’t deny that she felt closer to Catra. She felt like she understood Catra just a little better now.

"What are you reading?" Adora asked and Catra smiled as she looked up again. She moved the book to show the gold lettering on the spine.

"Pride and Prejudice" Catra said and Adora smiled. Adora didn’t have time to read all her books but she had read that one several times.

"Have you read it before?" Adora asked.

"Never" Catra said with a playful smile coming to her face.

"Are you enjoying it?" Adora asked, trying to keep her excitement in check as she shifted her feet.

"I like the romance. Darcy is an interesting guy," Catra said and Adora nodded her head slowly.

"How so?" Adora asked curiously, she wanted to know Catra’s thoughts.

"He's obviously smart, even if he's not very good with social interactions and there's something really admirable about someone who acts with intention," Catra said, her eyes watching Adora with such focus that Adora was held captive by her gaze.

"I can understand the appeal, but I think I prefer Elizabeth's character more," Adora said carefully and Catra nodded.

"Oh, and why is that?" Catra asked as she angled her body more towards the conversation as she got more engaged in it.

"She is headstrong and unapologetically herself, but she isn't afraid to admit when she's wrong,"

"Spoilers," Catra gasped playfully.

"I’m sorry, I should have been more careful with the plot of a book which is over 200 years old" Adora found herself teasing back and it gifted her with a soft squeaky giggle that warmed her chest.

"You're forgiven," she said, her eyes dancing. Adora needed to go to bed before she said something ridiculous like asking Catra to read to her until she fell asleep. She wasn’t a child but she couldn’t help but feel like any story could benefit from Catra’s voice reading it.

"You are very kind, I will leave you to your reading. Goodnight" she said instead, ready to go to bed and struggle with her own sleep.

"Goodnight Adora," Catra whispered back and Adora went to her room before she could change her mind.