Chapter Text
“Adora?” Catra asks the room as she opens the door to the dark room, the one she shares with Lonnie and Adora. The room is furnished with one dresser for the three to share, one small shelf for each of them and with two bunk beds inside. It’s a small room but the three of them make it work.
“Merry christmas Catra!” Adora suddenly yells at the top of her lungs, popping up from behind her bed, scaring her best friend.
“Jesus!” Catra yells. “What was that for!?”
“Oh um I wanted to surprise you.”
“Oh, well congrats, you scared me instead.”
“Oh what’s that!?”Adora asks when she spots a piece of paper in the other girls hands.
“Um.. it's your gift.” Catra tells her shyly
“Really!?” Adora beams “But it’s christmas eve?”
“Yeah well I wanted to give you it in private.” Catra reasons. “So um here.” Catra says, shoving the piece of paper towards Adora. Adora unfolds the paper to see a detailed drawing of the two sitting on the roof of their foster home.
“Awwww Catra! It’s beautiful!” She says as she begins to tear up.
“Ew, don’t do that. It’s not a big deal.” Catra says, trying to get Adora to stop crying.
“Sorry, It’s just, you’re so talented and my gift isn’t nearly as good.”
“You got me something?” Catra asks stunned, she never gets anything for christmas except the usual homemade christmas card from Adora.
“Yeah um I tried to make it nice but I only had so much to work with.” Adoras says, pulling out a string with a handmade heart shaped charm on the end of it. Catra gently takes the necklace in her hands, examining it. Tears also begin to well in her eyes but she's much more reluctant to let them fall.
“Hey now, if I can’t cry, you can’t either.” Adora says playfully. Catra dosn’t say a word and instead throws her arms around the blonde, whispering a “thank you” into her neck.
“Merry christmas.” Adora whispers back
“Catra! Adora!” The girls hear Lonnie yell from the hall. “Get down here, we're hungry!”
“Coming!” Adora yells back.
“Can you help me put it on?” Catra asks, handing the necklace back to Adora who goes to stand behind her. Catra lifts her hair out of the way allowing adora to raise the necklace over her head and clip it behind her neck.
“So you like it?” Adora asks. Catra simply nods in response, grasping the charm in her hands.
“Alright we better get down stairs.”
“Yeah.” Catra agrees. They leave their room and walk down the stairs to see the table set with more food than usual, everyone waiting for the two.
“Finally.” Lonnie says when she sees them making their way down the stairs.
“Ooooo look at all this.” Adora gasps
“Yes, now hurry.” Ms. Weaver says “Catra, stop distracting Adora, we’ve been waiting for you.”
“Sorry Weaver.” Catra scoffs out as the two take their seats.
“Alright, eat.” Ms. Weaver says to the kids as they all dig in. They eat their meal, a feast with ham, potatoes, corn, rolls, green beans, and stuffing. Much better than their typical meal of quesadillas, pizza, or ramen. After dinner, Kyle, Rogellio, Lonnie, Catra and Adora all pile into the livingroom to watch a movie before they head off to bed anxiously awaiting the next morning. The boys go off to their room and the girls seperate to theirs.
“Catra where’d you get that necklace from?” Lonnie asks Catra while they’re getting ready for bed as she notices the new piece of jewelry.
“I made it for her!” Adora announces excitedly.
“Oh of course you did.” Lonnie replies, not surprised at all.
“And look what she drew for me!” Adora pulls out the drawing catra gave her, shoving it in lonnie's face. Lonnies face scrunches up at the paper extremely close to her face
“Nice catra. You didn’t draw me anything?” She says, even though she doesn’t really care.
“Well I just didn’t have the time.” Catra reasons, crossing her arms.
“Yeah, definitely not because you like me best.” Adora smirks.
“It is not because I like you.” Catra jumps at Adora, play wrestling her to the ground.
“Why are you not in bed!?” They suddenly hear from above them and look up to see Ms. Weaver towering above them.
“Catra, quit keeping Adora up! It is a big day for her tomorrow and I do not want your bad behavior to ruin it!” She yells at the girl “Go to bed, NOW!” The three girls all scramble to their beds as Weaver flips off the light and slams the door behind her.
“What does she mean by big day? It’s Christmas for everyone.” Catra says, confused
“I don’t know Catra, just go to bed before the crazy hag comes back.” Lonnie tells her, turning over to sleep.
“Fine.” Catra groans.
“Good night Catra, Good night Lonnie.” Adora says
“Night.” The other two grumble back
—
“Wake up you miscreattes.” The girls suddenly hear from their doorway as they open their eyes to see their foster mother standing in their doorway.
“Wha? Why?” Lonnie asks, groggily.
“Because I say so. You are all going to clean.”
“But- it’s Christmas.” Adora chimes in.
“I don’t care. You have five minutes to all be downstairs and cleaning!” She yells suddenly, slamming the door behind her, going to wake up the boys.
“Why are we cleaning?” Catra asks
“Maybe an inspector is coming today?” Adora replies, continuing to scrub the floor.
“On christmas?” Catra asks back. Adora simply shrugs as her response. The pair continues to finish the kitchen before going to help their friends with the rest of the house.
“Weaver, can we please be done? Its almost 2 o’clock and its christmas.” Kyle begs
“When Catra finishes the bathroom we can be done.” the mean lady respondes
“But- I already did the bathroom.” Catra says, slightly annoyed.
“Then why did I find toothpaste stains in the sink?”
“I don’t know, I guess I just missed them.”
“Go finish!” She suddenly yells. Catra scrambles off to the bathroom, vigorously scrubbing at the sink. As Catra finishes cleaning, the rest of the kids go into the livingroom to wait.
“Why do you think we're cleaning?” Adora asks the other three.
“Inspector?” Kyle suggests.
“I don’t think so, it’s christmas.” Adora says, remembering Catras reasoning
“What about that lady that came in a couple weeks ago? Maybe she's coming back?” Lonnie proposes.
“That might be it.” Adora says. “You think she picked someone?”
“Here's hoping at least one of us is gonna get outta here.” Lonnie says as they all nod in agreeance.
“Alright, i'm done.” Catra says, running, plopping herself onto the couch next to Adora. Weaver joins them in the living room.
“There's one for each of you.” Weaver says as the five kids all scramble to the tree, each of them finding their gift. Lonnie rips open her box to see a cool new white and blue champion hoodie and a beanie, Kyle gets a CD of both of Harry Styles albums “Fine Line” and “HS1” along with a poster of the man, Rogelio gets a jersey of his favourite football player and a hat with the teams logo, and Catra receives a new sketchbook and coloring pencils.
“These are awesome!” Kyle exclaims, holding up his new CD.
“How did you get these?” Catra asks, still stunned by the first real gift she’s ever received.
“Someone offered to buy you gifts this year.” Weaver explains.
“What’d you get Adora?” Catra asks, looking over to the blonde who is staring at a piece of paper, completely dumbfounded.
“Paper?” Kyle says confused
“Not just any paper.” Weaver says. “They’re a-“
“Adoption papers.” Adora whispers, cutting her off, still examining the papers, not believing her eyes.
“What!” Catra yelps, snatching the papers from the blondes hands, scanning over the words.
“Yay Adora!” Lonnie yells, and Rogelio claps his congratulations.
“Congrats!” Kyle smiles.
“So what does this mean?” Adora asks.
“Your new mom is the one who bought all of your gifts and she is stopping by today so you can meet her daughter and her husband.”
“That's why we cleaned.” Kyles leans over, whispering to Rogelio.
“Wait, she's leaving today!?” Catra says, panicking slightly.
“No!” Weavers says back rudely “She's leaving on new years day.”
“At least I have a week.” Adora says, grinning at Catra who forces a half a smile back.
“Go get cleaned up, all of you, they will be here soon.” Weaver commands them. They all gather their gifts and scramble back to their rooms.
“So, you’re getting out of here. Good for you Adora.” Lonnie says, giving the girl a playful side bump. Lonnie goes to get ready in the bathroom, leaving Catra and Adora alone.
“Congrats Adora.” Catra says, trying her best to smile at the girl.
“Thanks, I- I didn't know.” Adora says, Catra just continues to look at the girl, not saying a word.
“You okay Catra?” Adora asks after a few moments.
“Yeah, just happy for you.” She answers. “I mean we're fourteen,nobody wants a teenager, you’re lucky.” She says
“I hope they’re nice.” Adora says hopefully.
“Anything is better than Weaver.” Catra jokes, making Adora laugh. “Hurry up, we gotta get you ready.” Catra says, going to change. They all finish getting ready, wearing their best clothes, which is pretty much just jeans and their cleanest shirt. The five of them scramble downstairs when they hear the doorbell ring. The five of them all go to stand near the door, allowing enough room for the family to enter. Catra nudges Adoras shoulder when they enter, Adora smiling back at her.
“This is the Grey family. Greys, this is Adora.” Weaver introduces them. Adora goes to shake each of their hands, smiling at the three.
“It is such a pleasure to officially meet you Adora. I’m Angella.” Angella says
“Its nice to meet you.” Adora replies
“This is my husband Micha and my daughter Glimmer, she's your age.” Angela tells her, nudging a small pink haired girl from behind her.
“Hey.” Adora greets the girl
“Hey.” Glimmer says back
“And who are these fine young ladies and gentlemen?” Micha asks.
“Oh um these are my friends, Lonnie, Kyle, Rogelio and Catra.” Adora says, pointing to each of her friends.
“Very nice to meet all of you as well.” Angella says. “Um Adora, we would love it if you would come to dinner with us tonight so we could get to know you a little better. But only if you would like to.” Angella proposes. Adora turns to Catra, making sure she’ll be okay for the night. Catra nods and waves her off.
“That sounds great!” Adora says excitedly
“Splendid, shall we get going?” Angella asks. The four of them all head out the door, Adora waving excitedly as she goes.
---- One week later, new years eve
“All packed!” Adora announces as she finishes taping the last box.
“What a fun new year's eve.” Catra says sarcastically as she forces Adoras small bag shut.
“It's not that much. One box and a bag, what are you complaining about?” Adora teases.
“Nothing.” Catra scoffs
“C’mon guys maybe we still have time to make it to the park before the fireworks start.” Lonnie says as she pops her head into the room, followed by the boys. Catra and Adora come out to the hall and the five of them all scramble down the stairs, shoving their shoes on.
“Where do you think you're going?” They suddenly hear from behind them as they all turn to see their foster mom standing above them.
“We’re gonna go watch the fireworks at the park.” Adora explains innocently.
“No you’re not, you are all going to bed. Tomorrow is a big day and I will not have a bunch of cranky sleep deprived teenagers ruining it.”
“But-”
“No buts.” Weaver says, pointing to the stairs as they all slump back to their rooms. They all reluctantly get ready for bed, throwing themselves onto their mattresses in the most angsty way possible.
“She can’t do that.” Catra says, as they lie in their beds.
“She kinda can, you know how she gets when we don’t listen.” Lonnie says
“Well yeah, but it’s Adoras last night and we can’t have a little fun? She’s the worst.”
“Yeah, she is.” Adora says. “It’s a bummer, I was really excited to watch the show with you guys one last time.” Adora says, audibly frowning with her words. Catra angrily clenches the sheets beneath her as she hears the sadness in Adoras voice. She would do anything to make her happy. Suddenly, a thought comes to the brunette's head as she pops up to tell her two roommates.
“What if we still can?”
“What? No, you heard her, we have to go to bed.” Adora says
“Bull shit, it's new years eve, she sent us to bed forty minuets ago. She's definitely drunk in her room right now, passed out and she won’t wake up till tomorrow.”
“And?” Adora questions
“Aaaand, we should sneak out.” Catra says, jumping down from her bunk.
“I don’t know Catra, what if we get in trouble?”
“You're outta this shithole tomorrow what's she gonna do?”
“But what about you?”
“Eh, we can blame it on Kyle.” Lonnie says as she climbs down too. Catra gestures to her, agreeing to stick the blame on the boy.
“Alright.” Adora gives in
“Great! Grab a lid.” Catra says, taking the lid off of her container with her clothes all shoved in it. Lonnie also takes hers without question, leaving the room to get the boys.
“C’mon princess it’ll be fun.” Catra says to a reluctant Adora. Offering her lid to her. Adora smiles softly at the girl and takes the thick plastic from her, they sneak out into the hall, meeting the other three there. They try to quietly work their way down the stairs that squeak a few times under their weight but not loud enough to wake their foster mother. They shove their shoes on, pull on their warmest hoodies, except for Catra who said her long sleeve shirt would be enough, and all scramble out the door into the cold winter air.
“So you gonna tell us why we need the lids?” Adora asks Catra.
“Nope.” She responds as she begins to take off in the direction of the park. The five of them all run to the park, laughing and giggling the whole way there, stomping through the snow, their hot breaths vaporising as they exhale. They eventually reach the top of a hill, at their favorite park, the place they go when they need to escape.
“Catra! What are the lids for!?” Lonnie yells at the girl, getting impatient.
“This!” Catra yells, running away, jumping onto the lid, sliding down the snowy hill.
“Hell yeah!” Lonnie yells, shooting after the girl.
“Wait up!” Rogelio yells, following them.
“You coming Kyle?” Adora asks the boy who is timidly looking down the hill.
“I don’t know, looks a little dangerous, these aren't even real sleds.”
“Suit yourself.” Adora shrugs. “Watchout!” She screams, launching herself down the hill.
“ugh fine.” Kyle says, sitting on his lid, cautiously pushing himself over the edge so he doesn't gain too much speed like the girl in front of him.
“Woah!” Catra yells as she looks up to see Adora hurtling towards her. The two collide, their bodies smacking against each other, the two tumbling about 5 feet away from the initial stopping point. When they come to a stop, Adora is lying underneath a groaning Catra.
“I said watchout.” The blonde giggles from underneath her.
“Shut up.” Catra says, pushing the girls face into the snow, as she gets to her feet.
“C’mon let's go again!” Lonnie yells, as she begins to make her way back up the hill, Kyle and Rogelio following. Catra and Adora get up, shivering from the snow now inside their clothes but they continue regardless. The group continues to sled for a while, trying several different ways to go down, two on one lid, raceing each other, Adora winning almost every time, and they try making a train of all five of them holding onto each other sitting on their separate lids, which only resulted in them all tripping up and tumbling down the hill, getting covered in the snow.
“Alright it’s getting a little too cold should we head back?” Kyle asks, getting up, brushing the snow off of him.
“What! No! The fireworks haven't even started yet!” Catra complains, popping up from the white powder.
“Well then let's go find somewhere to sit, i’m sure it’s almost midnight.” Adora offers.
“Sounds good.” Lonnie says. They all rise, dusting the snow off and shaking as much as they can out of their clothes. They walk back up the hill, stopping in the parking lot, setting the lids down to serve as chairs.
“So, last night for you Adora. You excited?” Kyle asks as they wait for the show to start.
“Yeah, a little nervous but pretty excited.” Adora replies
“We’re really happy for you.” Lonnie says, smiling at the blonde who smiles back.
“Thanks guys, i’m really gonna miss y’all.” Adora says looking at each of them.
“We’re gonna miss you too.” Rogelio says they sit there for a few more moments till suddenly there's an explosion in the air and they all look to see as the sky begins to light up with sparkling fire.
“Oh I think there’ll be a better few from over there!” Rogelio yells, taking off to the other side of the field next to them. Lonnie and Kyle both get up to follow after. Adora starts to get up but notices Catra still sitting on her lid, not even looking at the show.
“You okay?” Adora asks, turning back around.
“Yeah, i’m fine, you can go.” Catra says with barely any emotion in her voice.
“No, what's wrong?” Adora asks, sitting back down next to the girl.
“Nothing, I told you, i’m fine.” Catra says, turning so her back is to Adora. Adora just looks at her, noticing her shivering from the cold, she never liked the cold but her being the most stubborn person ever thought that just her long sleeve shirt would be enough. The blonde removes her hoodie, pushing it into the other girls hands.
“You cold?” She asks, Catra looks over her shoulder at the girl, nodding slightly as she takes the garment, slipping it over her head. She takes a deep breath, taking in Adoras scent.
“You sure you don’t need it?”
“Nah, I'm tough.” Adora jokes, flexing her muscles making Catra giggle. “So… what's up?” She asks, getting serious again. Catra takes a few moments, mustering up the courage to say it.
“I-” She sighs “I don’t want you to go.” She mumbles just loud enough for Adora to understand.
“Oh, yeah, I don’t want to leave you either.”
“Why can’t you just stay?” Catra asks
“I can’t. You know I can’t.”
“I know, it’s just really gonna suck without you.”
“Hey, you still got Lonnie, she's just as chaotic as I am.” Adora says, trying to cheer the girl up.
“But she's not you.” Catra replies, looking up at her sadly. “And what if you like that Glimmer girl better than me? And we stop being friends and we never see eachother again.”
“Catra, that won’t happen, I’m always gonna be your friend.”
“You promise?” Catra asks hopefully.
“I promise.” Adora assures her, pulling her into a hug. The two sit in silence, watching the show above them just savoring their time together, arms wrapped around each other, keeping them warm. The show comes to the end and their friends come back, picking up their lids, they all walk back to the house, sneaking back inside, kicking their shoes off, tip-toeing back upstairs. Kyle and Rogelio say goodnight and go into their room. The girls head into theirs, Lonnie lazily throwing herself into her bed, passing out almost immediately. Adora does the same, getting comfortable but she’s kept awake by Catras tossing and turning above her.
“Catra.” She whispers to the bunk above her. Catra freezes when she hears her name. “You wanna come down here?’ Adora asks. Catra swings her head over the edge of the bed so shes upside down looking at Adora nodding. “C’mer.” The blonde girl says, lifting her blanket to invite her in. Catra happily complies, hopping down, crawling into Adoras warm bed, nuzzling deeply into her for one last time. Adora begins to run her fingers through the brunette's hair, gaining an approving hum from her. The two slowly drift off to sleep, safe in eachothers arms.
The following morning, Adora is woken up to a snoring Catra, still curled up in her bed, sleeping soundly. Adora looks at the clock, reading 9:15. “They’re gonna be here soon.” Adora thinks to herself. She looks down at the sleeping girl below her, slowly running her fingers through her hair again to wake her up. Catra groans as she becomes conscious again, nuzzling deeper into the blonde's neck.
“Catra, c’mon, I have to get up.”
“Mhm.” Catra whines into her neck. Adora smiles at her softly, God is she gonna miss her.
“They're gonna be here soon.” Adora says, slowly rising from the bed, gently pushing Catra away so she's not pulled off with her. Catra whines a little more, slowly opening her eyes to see Adoras glowing face in the morning sun, but shutting them again when the light is too much.
“Morning.” Adora says, pulling her shirt off to change into her outfit for the day.
Lonnie pops her head into the room to see Adora awake and getting ready.
“Oh good, you’re up. Weaver wants you to bring your stuff downstairs” Lonnie tells the girl before disappearing back into the hallway. Adora finishes getting ready, allowing Catra to sleep for a few more minutes before waking her up entirely.
“Ugh.” She groans as she opens her eyes entirely.
“Get up, they’re gonna be here soon.”
“So this is real?” Catra asks, last night dreaming that when she woke up Adora wouldn’t leave.
“Yeah, it is.” Adora says with a half smile. Catra reluctantly rolls out of bed and helps Adora carry her things downstairs. The Greys show up about thirty minutes later, Adora and Micha loading her things into the car before coming back in to say their goodbyes.
“See ya guys.” Adora says, going to hug Lonnie, Kyle, and Rogelio. She finishes her last hug and turns to Catra who is looking down, avoiding all eye contact.
“Catra?” Adora asks, bending down slightly to try and see the girls face. Adora initiates the hug that Catra quickly returns, holding her tight, burying her face in her shoulder.
“I'll miss you.” Catra whispers
“I'll miss you too.” Adora whispers back.
“Don’t forget me.” Catra says as they finally release.
“Never could.” Adora replies smiling, making Catra melt.
“Ready Adora?” Angella asks
“Ready.” Adora says, going to stand with her new family, everyone walks outside, watching as the Greys all pile into the car. They pull out of the neighborhood, Adora waving out the back window for as long as possible, Catra runs to the end of the driveway, stopping where she can see the car pulling out of view. She grasps her necklace, squeezing the heart, letting one tear fall down her face.