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Adora walked down the hall of the school, looking down at her feet. She didn't want to see or talk to anyone.
High school was a complete mess, especially when the people around you made things worse. And no, it's not about school bullies ruining people's lives. She's talking about everyone else. No privacy, everyone knows everything. Every student in this damned school can't live a day without gossiping about someone. Do you have a new hairstyle? Congratulations, now this topic will be discussed by everyone for several days, and maybe longer. Also, be prepared for bullying by children and adults.
What can you do? You are just a grain of sand in this terrible world, an orphan, among orphans like you, who have nowhere to go, nowhere to live, except in the shoddy rooms of the orphanage.
Adora was also lucky. Rooms for two were given only for success in school or sports, and the rest had to huddle in rooms of seven or even ten people.
In Horde High School, there's only one rule – either you beat them or they beat you. Every second of your life you need to be alert, you need to think about every step, every action, every word.
The bell rang, and everyone in the hallway immediately brightened up. Someone is in a hurry for a lesson, and someone did not even move an ear, not considering it necessary to come on time.
Adora ran like a bullet to the right office, praying that she would make it. Panting, she paused at the door to catch her breath.
— Sorry I'm late, can I come in? — She asked, after a soft knock.
— It's not good to be late, Adora. — Catra purred from her seat, wagging her tail playfully. Adora just rolled her eyes, used to being taunted by the cat.
— I think I would have come earlier if someone hadn't-
— Silence in the classroom! — The teacher snapped, interrupting their exchange. — I'll ask you to be disciplined, Miss Greyscall. — He said sternly, looking at the blonde. — You're already late, so you still dare to talk?
— I'm sorry, sir-
— I don't need your apologies! — Adora nodded, lowering her gaze. — Sit down, Miss Greyscall, and I hope that two hours of after school work will teach you to be punctual. — Just not working out after school... Adora just hated her. Not only was she wasting two whole hours of her free time, but she would also have to clean up half the school.
Surely you will think that Adora is the golden girl of the school! How could she be punished just for being a minute and a half late? Yes, it's easy! This is the Horde High School, dear reader. There are no excuses for such punctures. You must always perform your task 100%, you must always be on time, regardless of what position you hold.
— Yes, sir/ — She said meekly, moving to her seat. And of course it was right next to Catra.
— What a nightmare, our princess is late for the ball. — The cat chuckled, as if enjoying the sour expression on the girl's face in front of her. — You need to be more focused, Princess. You don't want to be late for your prince because your wicked stepmother made you clean the toilets, do you?
— That goes for you, too, Miss D'riult. — Mr. Mason addressed the cat, drawing the attention of the entire class. — Your result for the last test leaves much to be desired. — Catra hissed softly, catching Adora's smug smile. — At least Miss Greyscall is doing very well. Don't forget that your privileges can be taken away as easily as you got them.
— But, sir, our team- — Catra's indignation was interrupted.
— Running around the field with a sword isn't much of a credit, Miss D'riult. I don't understand why our management privileges athletes at all. — His brow furrowed. He was still muttering to the rest of the class, but Catra was no longer listening, her arms crossed over her chest and her shoulders hunched in displeasure.
It's always like this. Whatever she did, there would always be some Mr. Mason who would completely devalue her work.
Catra turned her head to the side, catching Adora's radiant smile. The cat looked around and noticed that a guy was looking at them. She returned her attention to the blonde, hissing softly at her and baring her teeth. Adora rolled her eyes and returned her attention to her teacher.
Catra glanced back at the other boy, noticing how he suppressed a smirk on his face and turned to the teacher as well.
Passed
***
Five agonizing lessons later, Adora walked into their school cafeteria, heading straight for the tray and taking her place in the queue, not even paying attention to the other people around her.
This was a mistake
Because she wasn't looking at the road, Adora didn't notice when she bumped into someone's back, knocking over her food tray and falling to the floor. The plate clattered down, spilling soup on her and the one she'd hit.
Adora opened her eyes, feeling her heart skip a beat as she realized exactly who she'd bumped into. In front of her stood Katra, and beside her was her gang, their arms crossed menacingly over their chests.
Oh, shit...
The multicolored eyes glowed with rage, the tail flicked irritably from side to side, and a hiss escaped from the cat's throat. Everyone around them suddenly fell silent, paying attention to the two girls. Adora was still lying on the floor, frozen like a deer in the headlights, not knowing what to do next.
Why, in the name of the stars, is it Catra?..
Finally, the silence breaks.
— Greyscall. — The cat hissed viciously, looking down at her soup-spattered clothes. She leaned forward and grabbed Adora's T-shirt, lifting it easily to her eye level. Catra might look frail from the outside, but she was very strong. — Didn't they teach you to look around? — Adora heard angry chuckles from Catra's crew.
They obviously like this show.
— C-catra, s-sorry... I didn't want... — Adora muttered nervously, feeling the girl's grip tighten on her T-shirt.
— You didn't want to, did you? — The cat's face lit up with an evil grin. She raised her right hand, pointedly releasing her claws. She heard everyone inhale sharply and hold their breath, knowing full well what was about to happen.
In Horde High School, there's only one rule – either you beat them or they beat you.
Adora's pupils narrowed in fear. She squeezed her eyes shut as Katra's hand flew straight at her. A sharp pain shot through her left cheekbone. Katra released her abruptly, causing her to plop down on the floor again with a thud. Adora immediately put her hand to her face, and looked at the droplets of blood on her fingers.
— Oh, I'm sorry, Adora. — Catra said with mock regret, putting her hand to her heart. — I really did not want to. — Everyone around her laughed, deafening the blonde with the loud roar of the crowd. She saw the members of Catra's team pat her respectfully on the shoulder, clearly enjoying her actions.
Adora abruptly jumped up from her seat, rushing out of the dining room. Katra stared after her, feeling her heart break into pieces.
***
Adora was in the back bathroom of their school, knowing that it was rarely used by anyone. Running water from the tap broke the deathly silence. The blonde looked at herself in the mirror, turning her head slightly to look at the three vertical stripes on her cheekbone. They were still pinching a little, but it wasn't as painful as it had been from the beginning. Sighing heavily, she raised her hands to the icy water, running her wet palms over her face. It might not have been the best idea, though, since the water in the Horde wasn't the cleanest, and she had an open wound after all. I wouldn't want to get blood poisoning.
A sudden creak made her jump in place. Adora jerked her head toward the door, trying to figure out who had disturbed her.
— Calm down, Princess. — Catra purred, closing the door softly behind her. — It's just me.
Adora's heart beat faster at the sight of the cat.
She stood where she was, watching as Katra glided up to her almost in a tight line. All she could do was reach out to turn off the tap and put her hand back in place.
— So you're just going to stand there and do nothing? — Catra asked with a grin, wagging her tail playfully. Adora smiled gently, immediately placing one hand on the cat's waist and the other on her shoulder blades, pulling her even closer. Catra put her arm around the blonde's shoulders, nuzzling the curve of her neck. Adora snuggled up to the top of the cat's head, closing her eyes and enjoying the soft purring that filled the toilet. Her breath made Catra's sensitive ears twitch from time to time, which couldn't help but make her smile.
They stood there for a few minutes, unwilling to part, but Catra's conscience got the better of her.
— Does it hurt much? — She asked, pulling away a little, but only enough to look into the blue eyes. Catra gently cupped Adora's face, turning her head slightly to get a better look at the wound. — I didn't mean to scratch you so hard... — Adora replied softly, unable to suppress a gentle smile as Catra frowned slightly as she examined her wound. She always loved the way the cat took care of her.
— Don't worry, it's nothing compared to what Weaver did to us.
— I swear, one more situation like this and I definitely won't be able to handle it... — Catra admitted softly, kissing the cut. — It hurts so much to do this every day...
— I know... — Adora whispered just as softly, leaving a wet kiss on the cat's cheek.
— Don't move. Catra ordered, pulling Adora's head down a little to make her feel more comfortable. — You'll probably have a scar, but the wound will stop hurting. — Adora nodded cautiously, trying not to move as much as Catra had told her to. Although it was hard not to giggle when Katra started to lick her cut. When you are a Magikoshka, you have many advantages, such as excellent vision and hearing, as well as healing saliva. This has helped them in similar situations more than once. — Seriously, you couldn't look around? — Catra's indignation didn't seem so serious when she was so carefully licking her cheek. — We could easily have avoided all this if you'd just watched where you were going. — Well, or at least it was possible to do it not with so many people... — She whined, stopping and letting go of Adora's head to look into her blue eyes.
— Sorry, Kitten. I don't know what came over me today. — Adora breathed, pressing her forehead against Catra's and closing her eyes. — How did you get away from your gang?
— Oh, I told them I wanted to take it out on you a little more.
— And no one wanted to see it? —The blonde asked with a soft chuckle.
— There was a whole queue. — Catra chuckled, tightening her grip on the girl's shoulders. — But I said I wanted to enjoy it alone. You know, sometimes there are advantages to being a team captain. These assholes are willing to believe anything I tell them. — Adora giggled across from her, tightening her grip on the cat's waist. — Hey... — Catra called softly, pulling back a little again. — I'm sorry about that... — She put her hand on the blonde's injured cheek, feeling her lean into the gentle touch.
— It's all right. — Adora assured her, taking her hand in hers and placing a soft kiss on it. — I know you didn't do it out of spite.
— I know, but still... — Catra sighed heavily. — I'm so tired of these performances, I'm so tired of these idiots who can't accept everything as it is. I love you so much and it hurts me so much to have to hurt you...
— I love you, too. — Adora replies, leaning in and kissing Catra gently on the lips. — We'll be out of here soon, and we'll finally be able to hide. We just have to be patient, I promise... — They kiss again, enjoying every moment of this moment, knowing that when they come out of this toilet, they will have to pretend to be enemies again.
You couldn't have a private life in the Horde. It distracted you, clouded your mind. Any romantic relationship was nipped in the bud, and if you were spotted kissing your partner, or even if you were just holding hands, be prepared for punishment. And it will not just be "working out".
That's why Catra and Adora had to put on these performances. Catra's position as captain of the basketball team both made the task more difficult and easier. What made it easier was that, as Katra herself had said: "These assholes are willing to believe anything I tell them." Some authority was helping them. Also, thanks to Catra's success in sports, they can live in the same room.
But there is a downside to any coin. Katra has a reputation that she must maintain, or she will be pecked and trampled like anyone else in this damned place. Katra was supposed to play the role of a tough and confident bully, offending the weak and reveling in their pleas for mercy.
But it was only a mask. A mask she didn't want to wear with all her heart, but for her own sake, for Adora's, she did it. If she hadn't targeted Adora for bullying, someone else would have. No one knows that they are just playing predator and prey, no one would hold back. Just the thought of someone beating Adora half to death like they did to everyone else made Catra's stomach twist.
Yes, she had protected Adora from other abusers, but not in the normal way. She was simply winning back her goal, so that everyone would know that she was hers and that no one but herself dared touch her. She had been involved in similar fights for the blonde more than once, and each time she felt incredibly disgusting, and then for a long time apologizing to Adora for such a disgusting attitude towards her. Adora always shrugged it off, because they both knew what was behind Catra's actions. But the cat couldn't help it. She was in terrible pain. It hurt like hell and hurt like hell that she had to hurt Adora.
She'd spent her whole life cursing this place for what it had done to them. Weaver, who raised them and many other broken children, left them with many scars. Not only physical, but also mental. They still wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat, when they have a nightmare about another torture of this sick woman.
But they were lucky. They had something that others like them, morally disfigured children, did not have. They had each other. Each nightmare or breakdown was accompanied by long and strong hugs, tender words and consolations. Catra is sure she would have gone mad if Adora hadn't been there for her. Catra couldn't count the number of nights they'd spent awake, unable to shut out the memories of their childhood.
They only have a year left in this terrible place. Just a year and they will finally be able to be together, without hiding and without playing in public.
— Adora? — Catra whispered, not moving from where her head rested on the blonde's shoulder.
— Yes, Kitten? — The girl asked gently, also without moving.
— You promise that we'll get out of here and you'll be with me no matter what?
— I promise. — Adora replied, kissing the cat's temple. — I'll never leave you. Remember? You keep an eye on me, and I keep an eye on you. — This memory was one of the brightest and happiest memories from their childhood in their entire lives. Catra smiled, lifting her head to meet the blue eyes.
— I love you, Adora Greyscall.
— I love you, too, Catra D'riult." They leaned in and their lips met in a kiss, as if to prove their words.
This time, Adora kept her promise.