Work Text:
It was ridiculous, really, how expensive an emergency vet appointment was, but Melog was rarely ill and he had insurance so whatever. Still, Catra looked around the bright waiting room wondering just how much the place was making from booking appointments alone, treatments and medicines be damned. She supposed the extortionate prices were what paid for the free dog treats that sat in a glass jar on the receptionist's desk; useless to Melog, but most likely appreciated by any canine patients.
Catra looked down at the chair next to her, the cat crate Melog was in occupying the space. Catra sighed. He hated that cage, but let out little resistance when Catra put him in there. It wasn’t a good sign, and if Catra wasn’t already worried, that would have definitely pushed her over. Truth be told, she was anxious as soon as Melog skipped his meal the night before, but his lethargic nature throughout the day was what really inclined Catra to pick up her phone and make an appointment.
She reached over and put a finger through one of the holes of the box, Melog mewling softly in response and moving to nudge Catra’s finger softly with the side of his head. He was young and, except for the past 24 hours, perfectly healthy. Catra kept telling herself that this appointment was precautionary and probably a huge overreaction considering he’d only missed a meal and lacked a bit of energy, but Catra had always had an alarmingly good sense when it came to monumental life moments, and her alarm bells were ringing loud.
“Melog?” the receptionist called, voice filled with excessive amounts of excitement and happiness Catra doubted was genuine, although the same vibrancy was mirrored in her half-pink, half-purple hair so perhaps it was and she was just painfully bad at reading when a room was filled with people having pet-related crises.
“Uh, yeah, here,” Catra responded, picking up the cat crate before walking over to the desk.
The receptionist – or Glimmer if the name tag she wore had any integrity – looked back down to her computer screen, tapping a few buttons on her keyboard. “I see here you usually see Dr Starla, but seeming this is an emergency appointment-”
“Yep, that’s fine thank you,” Catra interrupted, becoming increasingly aware that Glimmer wasn’t entirely educated in the meaning of emergency, “is he ready to be seen?”
The receptionist seemed to dim a little, her smile wavering as she tried to compose herself. But Catra didn’t care much about impressions, and she didn’t really care about who was seeing him as long as someone was.
“Sure is! Room number two, which is the first on the right,” she informed, her smile returning full force.
Catra nodded politely before moving towards the corridor of examination rooms, softly placing the crate on top of the examination table when she’d entered the room. This was fine, Melog would be fine, and she’d be able to laugh about her protective nature over a glass of wine soon enough. However, for now, some light pacing back and forth in the room would have to be enough to manage her anxiety, especially considering the doctor was taking their time in actually doing their job.
Animals can sense anxiety , Catra remembers Perfuma saying. It was the first time she’d met Perfuma and she’d thought maybe she was just being nice because she was in a good mood after her date with Catra’s roommate, Scorpia. It had turned out that she was just that good a person. At the time it may have only been a poor attempt to pull Catra out of an unexpected panic attack, but even now, a year later, she uses it as a way to calm her nerves. Catra became much more aware of her negative emotions – anxiety, fear, insecurity – with the knowledge that it could be affecting Melog, too. It wasn’t a magical, instant fix, but it did make Catra care more about being a better person to be around; which Catra originally thought was small and stupid, but her therapist had assured her it was a huge step in the right direction.
Catra sighed, stopping her pacing to duck down to the same level as Melog on the table. “You’re okay, right?” Catra asked in a whisper, although it was more of a plea. She poked her finger back into the cage, scratching at Melog’s ear as well as she could at that angle. The response was a small, sad meow. It wasn’t particularly convincing. Logically, there was no point stressing out now before anything serious had been confirmed, but logic often becomes clouded in times like this.
A soft knock rang through the room, successfully pulling Catra’s attention from Melog and towards the door the sound came from. The door opened tentatively, revealing an apologetic woman dressed in red scrubs which were partially covered by the white coat that draped over her soldiers - the doctor, supposedly. She walked in sheepish yet confident – a mix Catra wasn’t even sure was possible before seeing it in front of her – before standing behind the table at the opposite side Catra was standing at.
“Sorry about the wait, we’re really busy today,” she stated, voice sure.
Honestly, if it was any other day Catra probably would have flustered at the woman’s golden smile, or blushed at the funny feeling that rose in her stomach after meeting the bright blue eyes that were staring back at her, but it wasn’t any other day. Instead, Catra buried any fleeting attraction, responding with an indifferent shrug. Okay, doctor was hot, but Melog was still sick and now was not the time to break down from lesbian induced idiocy.
“It’s fine, I get it,” Catra responds, moving her eye line back towards the crate.
The doctor hums softly for a second as Catra’s a bit confused until she looks up to see that she's reading through a clipboard of notes. “Melog, right? He’s an adopted stray?” the doctor asked, raising her eyes towards Catra again as Catra tried really, really hard not to shrivel under her gaze. Catra nodded, confirming the information before adverting her gaze back to the cat. “What got you to bring him in today?”
Catra watched as the woman held the clipboard under one of her arms, using her free hands to roll up both sleeves of her white coat. “Uh,” Catra stopped to clear her throat, her voice catching slightly for some unknown reason, “he’s not eating. And he’s spending a lot of time sleeping – more than usual.”
She nodded slowly in response. “Okay, doesn’t sound too concerning yet,” she said, sounding suspiciously like an attempt to soothe the anxiety radiating off of Catra. “How long has he been avoiding food?” she said before leaning forward slightly to open the door of the cat box.
“Urm, only the past day,” Catra answered sheepishly, “but I know him and I know something’s not right.”
“That’s fine. The earlier you catch changes in behaviour, the better,” she says in a confident tone which helped alleviate some stress. At least she wasn’t shaming her for being overcautious, which Catra could admit she probably was being but she had no embarrassment for caring for one of the best things in her life right now. Yes, it was a cat, and if someone had told Catra a few years back that she’d be so attached to a pet she’d call them crazy, but Melog often seemed to be the only person who actually understood her.
“He doesn’t like vets much,” Catra warns as she watches the doctor try to coax Melog outside of the crate, “he won’t scratch, but he won't come out willingly.”
The woman nods, using a soft voice to try to ease him out. It’s unsuccessful, predictably, but the doctor seems to be persistent as Catra keeps her eyes on the crate. It’s in her peripheral that she sees the doctor look up at her again, keeping her fingers at the edge of the box as she gives it small, light taps in an attempt to encourage Melog out.
“I’m Adora,” she says, following up with such intense stuttering that Catra is sure Melog had retreated further into the crate at the unexpected sound. “Uh, well I’m Dr. Grayskull, but that sounds too formal so, yeah. I’m Adora,” she reiterates.
“Okay,” Catra responds, because, whilst she’d be grateful for the introduction under any other circumstance, it didn’t seem entirely relevant for the task at hand, “he really won’t come out. Just tip the box over or something, that’s what everyone else does.”
The doctor – Adora – frowns at that, looking almost offended. “That’s not nice, no wonder he doesn’t like the vets.”
Catra sighs as she watches Adora shuffle around the room, returning to the table with a handful of treats and a proud smirk as if she’d come up with a unique idea. Catra reiterates that it won’t work, getting slightly frustrated at her lack of urgency, but because Melog is an absolute terror and is apparently determined to make Catra look like a liar, he walks out eagerly at the smell of the treats and rubs his head across the hand Adora left extended for him. Catra huffs at the sight.
“There we go, much better, right Melog?” Adora says, voice remaining level rather than becoming the pitchy coo he had never really appreciated. Melog was a bit like Catra in that way – he didn’t like being spoken to like a baby.
Catra folds her arms in what she hopes doesn’t come across as a sulk, even though it entirely is, and watches as Melog behaves perfectly during the examination. He’s quite literally never behaved so well at an appointment, but he also has never been treated with such attentive care during one so maybe Catra shouldn’t be so shocked. It takes a while, Adora poking and prodding Melog in ways that would make him hiss on a usual day, Catra only hopes his composure isn’t just another symptom of whatever's wrong with him.
“I’ve had a good feel and nothing feels swollen so I’m really not worried but I am going to prescribe some worming granules and I’ll get you some digestive wet foods for you to try, just in case what he’s eating at the moment is giving him an upset tummy,” Adora says confidently, co-ordinating her words with a gentle rub on Melog’s stomach – he only lets Catra do that.
“Right, okay,” Catra replies, fighting down the jealousy the feels in her stomach.
“If he’s still having issues after the meds are up, bring him back in,” Adora scratches under Melog’s chin as she continues, “there are a bunch of other tests we can do but they’re a bit pricey – I don’t want to have to charge you for something unnecessary.”
“He’s insured. If it gets to that, he’s covered.”
“Well don’t you have a responsible cat-mummy, Melog,” Adora says, casually, as if it doesn’t completely reck Catra’s trail of thought. Catra had never identified as a cat-mum, mainly because it had undertones of bitter loneliness she definitely didn’t relate to, but doctor-strong arms, doctor-bright smile, doctor-attentive care had just unlocked something Catra will almost certainly deny. Ignore it, she tells herself. It wasn’t accurate, anyways. Melog was more of a friend than a child and there was absolutely nothing responsible about living off of cheap ready meals and takeout to afford said insurance.
Catra quickly realises that she may be staring, and then realises that Adora is definitely staring, before she clears her throat. Adora beats her to speaking which is fine only because Catra’s not even sure what she would have said given the chance.
“What’s your name?” she asks, which would seem like an innocent question if not for the fact that Catra is pretty sure it’s already somewhere on the file Adora had been reading earlier in the appointment. “For the prescription,” Adora adds to fill the undeniable awkward pause in the conversation.
“Catra,” she says monotone and steady, mostly.
Adora looks at her for a moment as if contemplating whether to say anything else. Apparently she decides not to, instead moving to get Melog back into the crate. He hisses quietly, even though he usually runs back into it after an appointment knowing it means he’d be home soon, but otherwise doesn’t put up much fuss.
“Glimmer at the reception will finish all this off for you,” Adora says as she watches Catra pick up the crate, “I’ll see you soon? Or I won’t, hopefully. Because that would mean Melog… well, you know what I mean.”
“Yeah. Thanks for… you know,” Catra says with a curt nod.
Adora smiles as if Catra hadn’t been blunt and borderline rude throughout their interaction. “Anytime!”
Catra feels herself blush profusely as she leaves but refuses to feel embarrassed considering she wasn’t planning on seeing Adora again any time soon.
***
Adora has to see Catra again.
Adora considered herself a realist and therefore never really believed in those ‘love at first sight’ claims, but she’s pretty sure she just experienced it. She hates herself for even thinking it, and she knows she isn’t really in love but gosh she’d definitely felt something beyond just simple attraction. Maybe it was her voice, or her undeniable adoration for her cat. Her eyes were definitely part of it, one a bright blue and the other a warm amber, but there was something more that Adora could really put her finger on. Adora kinda hates herself for not getting some type of way to communicate with her – asking for her number might have been a bit much, but even a social media handle would have been enough to guarantee another meeting – but she wasn’t really sure what the rules were regarding patients and confidentiality.
Although, on second thought, technically Melog was her patient. Surely her professionalism wouldn’t be in question if she had just asked for –
Adora’s thoughts are cut short as her legs move to chase towards where Catra would have gone towards the reception. She’s not entirely sure what the plan is, but letting Catra go without doing something feels all sorts of wrong. Sometimes Adora does things without thinking, much like now, and it’s gotten her into a fair amount of trouble in the past. Maybe it’s a sign that when Adora finally reaches the reception, it’s Catra-free.
“That patient of yours is such a dick,” Adora hears Glimmer stage-whisper from her place behind the reception desk.
Adora’s a bit lightheaded from her sudden movement, and it takes her a second to acclimatise as she forms a response. “Uh, what? Who?”
“The one you just sent a prescription through for – Catra, or something,” Glimmer sighs, holding her head in her arms, “I think I just spent whatever energy I had left trying to maintain that stupid smile.”
Adora laughs softly at that. Glimmer’s mum – and the owner of the clinic – had given her a fair few warnings on her questionable customer service. Her instruction to always keep a smile wasn’t taken well, but Glimmer was determined to prove that she was responsible enough to inherit the clinic one day.
“She wasn’t rude. She was just worried,” Adora defends with what she hopes is a casual tone.
Glimmer huffs, sitting back in her chair. “You prescribed her worming tablets. I’m sure the cat will be fine.”
“Well, she was clearly anxious. ‘The cat’ means a lot to her, it’s not nice to make fun of people for their attachments.”
“Yeah, whatever,” Glimmer grumbled, clearly not willing to change her stance on this, “her number is on file if you want to lick her arse in person. She was a bitch; I don’t know why you’re defending her so much.”
Oh no. The very intrusive thought of scavenging for Catra’s number in Melog’s file is now very vividly forming in Adora’s head. It would be easy to do, but maybe not so easy to explain when Catra inevitably asked how she’d even gotten it in the first place… Nope, that would definitely not be allowed, no loopholes with that one, but still, it was so tempting…
“If you aren’t going to feel sorry for me or congratulate me for maintaining excellent customer service, you can leave,” Glimmer sulked. The sound of light tapping filled the room and Adora knew Glimmer had found a way to at least appear busy on the computer in front of her.
Adora sighed, looking at the front door of the veterinary clinic. It was tempting to run after Catra again to see if Adora could catch up to her before she was actually gone, but doing so in front of Glimmer and the few patients that were still waiting to see her would feel more than slightly humiliating. Besides, it was a busy day and Angella definitely wouldn’t appreciate
“Adora…” Glimmer groaned, a look of disappointment taking over her features when Adora snapped her head from where she was staring at the door to look at her, “this is why every relationship you’ve ever had has failed. You need to stop letting hot women walk all over you.”
Glimmer was a dick – that was completely unrelated, unnecessary and unappreciated, although maybe not entirely inaccurate. She was a bit of a people pleaser, she could agree with that, but…
“I’m not a pushover,” Adora settles on.
“Maybe not,” Glimmer laughed, “but you are very gay.”
Well, there was no denying that.
“I have a patient,” Adora muttered, turning around quickly to make her way back to her consultation room. She chooses to ignore the smug laugh she hears Glimmer let out as she walks away.
***
“How’s my baby!” Scorpia coos as she barges through the front door of Catra’s apartment, “where’s my Melog, is he okay?”
Catra groans at the interruption, but she’s not entirely shocked. To say Scorpia had a soft spot for Melog would be inaccurate seeming she had a soft spot for everyone, but her love for the cat is usually shown through loud cooing and aggressive kisses – none of which Melog ever appreciated. Scorpia never really found a way to show her love through non-excessive means, and Melog never got comfortable around the aggressive shows of love so Catra often played mitigator for most of the pair's interactions. Melog’s place on Catra’s lap is immediately abandoned at the noise, a loud hiss being the only evidence of his presence as he scrambles to hide under the sofa. Scorpia visually slumps at the sight, sighing as she moved over to sit next to Catra on the sofa.
“He’s okay, Scorpia. Still sleepy though, so the noise probably scared him a bit,” Catra responds, standing to stretch from her seated position. Melog had been practically attached to Catra’s hip for the past few days, and whilst she wasn’t complaining, she was definitely a bit stiff from all the sofa cuddles. “How’s Perfuma?”
Scorpia’s beaming smile returns with a vengeance, genuine excitement and passion fuelling her voice as she speaks, “Oh she’s great! We’re really good, actually! Moving in together has made everything even better!”
“Well, I’m happy for you,” Catra says honestly. Scorpia’s happiness was undeniable and Perfuma was one of the most genuine people Catra knew. Their relationship was amazing to see, if not a bit depressing. “I don’t miss you nearly as much as I thought I would. I’m enjoying the peace and quiet,” Catra says… not as honestly. Catra missed Scorpia, and not only because she had to pay for her half of the rent now that Scorpia wasn’t her roommate anymore. It was stupid because Catra didn’t really have to miss her considering she hadn’t moved too far away and Scorpia was intent on visiting every weekend anyways, but not seeing Scorpia every day for the past couple of months was taking its toll.
Scorpia just smiles knowingly. “I’m sure, Wildcat,” she says, delicately. Catra glares at her from over her shoulder because that tone was much too knowing. “Are you looking for a new roommate?”
Catra shakes her head. “No, it’s too much effort trying to find someone I like enough to live with, and it’s impossible trying to find someone Melog likes enough to live with.”
Scorpia frowns at that. “You like people – you seemed to like that vet the other day!”
Catra groans. She may have given the veterinarian a glowing review to Scorpia, but she wasn’t meant to repeat it. Instead of responding, she drops to her knees, looking under the sofa with the intention of scooping Melog out from under it - not avoiding any Adora-specific questioning, thank you very much.
“I liked her as a vet,” Catra concedes, pulling Melog out from under the sofa and putting him safely back on top of it, “not a person.”
“But you said even Melog liked her?” Scorpia argues, as if Melog’s approval is some sort of test as to whether you’re a good person or not.
Catra huffs as she prepares another excuse. “He liked her treats.”
Scorpia stands quickly at that, Melog running back under the sofa at the sudden movement. “Ooo, maybe I should try that!” she exclaims. Catra meets her with a face of confusion, prompting her to elaborate, “Do you have any treats?”
Catra can hear Scorpia returning to cooing at Melog as she makes her way to the kitchen to get some treats. Catra laughs softly at Scorpia’s consistent attempts at gaining Melog’s affection, but she was pretty sure Melog wasn’t so simple as to abandon his rules for personal boundaries over a few snacks. Whatever, if it got Scorpia to redirect her attention away from Adora-centric conversation, so be it.
She stands on a dining chair to reach into the top cupboard Catra knew the treats sat in. The top shelves being slightly out of reach was never a problem when the taller Scorpia was part of the household, however, Catra now relied on chairs and stools to reach everything. It was fine. Slightly inconvenient, but definitely not worth the effort of finding a new roommate or the cost of finding a different apartment.
Or at least that’s what she thinks as the chair slips from beneath Catra’s feet. Her arm suddenly reaches out to cushion her fall to the floor, subsequently taking the brunt of the unexpected crash. Catra can hear Scorpia calling out asking if she’s okay, and she can see the small box of treats as they fall to the floor next to her, but all she can think as she slumps into the floor, excepting her fate, is ouch.
***
Adora loved being a vet – she’d dedicated most of her life and all her studies to the cause – but she was pretty sure she’d never felt as much adoration for her job as she did at this moment. Adora was staring at her patient board in an attempt to prepare herself for a busy day, but her eyes had stopped at a specific name that sat in the middle of the list.
12.45 pm – Melog
Adora whipped her head to her watch.
10.15 am
Adora had assumed that she would never see the pair again, considering Melog wasn’t her usual patient, but perhaps Catra had requested her specifically? Or maybe fate simply couldn’t keep them apart? Of course, it was a possibility that there was just another cat called Melog that Adora was scheduled to tend to in exactly two and a half hours, but Adora couldn’t help but get hopeful at the prospect of seeing Catra again.
When it does finally turn 12.45 pm, Adora’s already bouncing on her feet in the consultation room in anticipation. Adora has to physically hold herself back from the excited hey! that hangs on her tongue as the door opens, revealing Catra with Melog in tow.
“Oh, hi,” Catra says when she meets Adora’s beaming eyes, “I didn’t realise we’d have you again.”
Adora’s pretty sure her tone is nonchalant instead of disappointed, but it's hard to dull the nagging feeling of being unwanted. “Uh, yep! Hope that’s okay,” Adora smiles, continuing to speak as to avoid Catra actually answering, “So, Melog. What’s up this time?”
“He’s got a limp,” Catra says, opening the cat crate.
Her brows raise suddenly as Melog enthusiastically runs out of the box, nodding in Adora’s direction as he moves to scent mark across Adora’s hand. His purring intensifies as Adora reaches her other arm out to scratch at the base of one of his ears. He mewls happily, bumping up towards her chest.
Adora laughs softly, crouching down to have her face level with Melog. He responds by marking the side of her face. “He seems to be moving fine right now.”
“Yep, he does,” Catra says sharply, causing Adora to flinch as she redirects her attention to the woman across from her. She looks mad, and slightly put off, but her attention is focused on Melog instead of Adora, much to her relief.
Adora clears her throat softly, successfully regaining Catra’s attention. “This happens a lot. Sometimes they just sleep funny and then they walk a bit weird for a little while,” Adora comforts, “but with cats, usually they’re just a menace. They like the attention, but they don’t really realise how much trouble they’re causing.”
“So he’s fine?” Catra asks, suspiciously.
“Seems it,” Adora responds, “If his limp was consistent, I’d do an X-Ray, but I don’t think that’s necessary if he’s not in any pain now.”
“Right, thanks” Catra sighs, redirecting her attention to Melog as she mutters “such a pain.”
Adora watches as Catra reaches out towards the cat crate again, but as she goes to open the hatch, she stops with a wince.
“Are you okay?” Adora asks before she gets a chance to draw her heightened anxiety back a bit.
Catra grunts quietly, stretching her fingers out in front of her for a second before speaking. “Yeah, I’m fine,” Catra promises, but Adora’s doubtful. Her apprehension must be visible though, because soon enough Catra’s speaking again. “I fell on my arm a few days ago. It’s stupid”
Adora nods her head softly, rubbing her thumbs together as she thinks of something to say. “I hope you’re okay,” Adora says sincerely, “here, I’ll get Melog set up for you.” Adora reaches to pick the cat up, placing him safely in the crate and closing the door again. Catra responds with flustered thanks as she watches the scene. Adora half expects Catra to warn her of one of Melog’s retaliations, but when Adora looks up at Catra, she’s only met with a subtle blush.
Adora has a thought, and it’s probably stupid and inappropriate and way too obvious but Adora’s regret had grown immensely since the first time she let Catra get away. Fate or chance or whatever had granted her a second shot she was not willing to let go.
“I can take a look at it if you want?” Adora asks hesitantly, nodding slightly in the direction of Catra’s arm. “I’m not a doctor, but I’m probably the second closest there is! I’m sure a broken human arm isn’t much different from a broken cat leg.”
Catra hangs her head slightly, a bold smirk tearing through her face. “Are you comparing me to a cat?”
“What? No! Definitely not.”
“I’m kidding, Adora,” Catra laughs, offering her arm out towards Adora, “have a look, doc.”
Adora reaches out slowly, taking Catra’s arm between her hands as she feels across the bone. It all feels fine. Well, better than fine really. Her arm is soft and slightly chiselled, even under Adora’s larger grip. She didn’t really take Catra as a gym girl, but maybe she was if she sported arms like these. Adora clears her throat slightly as she moves down towards Catra’s wrist, feeling across her joint as her eyes shamelessly wandering over Catra’s fingers, long and slender as they rest against Adora’s own.
Against her better judgement, Adora snaps her gaze up to Catra’s, her eyes meeting one blue, one golden staring back at her with increased intensity. Adora knew it was a bad idea before she even does it, but she’s never put her better interest at the forefront, and she definitely wasn’t planning to do so now when the temptation was so high. Adora’s suddenly very thankful for the consultation table that divides them because she’s not entirely sure that she’d be able to keep the distance between them professional if it wasn’t.
Suddenly, a large, screeching meow breaks the tension as Catra tugs her arm back to her side.
Adora cleared her throat with a small cough, wiping the palms of her hands down her white coat when she realises that they’re clammy. “It feels fine to me. But like I said – not a doctor.”
“Yep, thanks,” Catra rushed out as she takes the cat crate off of the table.
Adora’s heart starts to flutter when she realises it’s happening again, Catra’s leaving and Adora has nothing to show for it. The familiar feeling of unnecessary panic is what fuels Adora to open her mouth again. “Do you want my number?” Adora spurts, just as Catra had reached for the door. Idiot.
“Sorry?” Catra asks and Adora just wants to sink deep into the ground and never appear again.
Instead, she laughs awkwardly as she runs a hand through her ponytail. “Just that Melog seems to be causing you issues. I could always give you some professional advice before you make another appointment, even if it just saves you another unnecessary journey.”
Catra stares at her for a while and Adora’s already forming a hasty apology – not only for Catra, but for her manager when Catra inevitably files a complaint for harassment.
“Okay, only if you’re sure?” Catra asks, her head tilting slightly in thought, “It would be a big help, actually.”
Adora doesn’t hesitate for a second when Catra reaches her phone out expectantly.
***
Catra knew that the reason for housing Adora’s number was not going to be for professional advice for long. Catra wasn’t necessarily expecting a friendship between the two, but she also highly doubted that Adora had offered her number up to many patients before. It only takes a few days until Catra decides to use the number for the first time, asking for some advice regarding a new cat food she saw when visiting the store. It was a stupid excuse, and Catra knew that Adora was probably reading straight through it, but if she did end up responding to such a silly ask, perhaps any hope Catra had been feeling wasn’t solely wishful thinking. When Adora does respond, it’s prompt and enthusiastic as she slams the mentioned brand but then recommends some different ones. It’s useful advice, but that’s all the conversation ends up being.
Catra’s stood in a line at a coffee shop one random Thursday afternoon when the urge to ask Adora something non-veterinary increases ten-fold. It’s a basic fact that Catra doesn’t like talking to people, but apparently Adora is an exception and apparently small chat about cats and pet food hadn’t been enough to satiate this newfound urge. Catra’s too smart – or proud – to text Adora and ask her how her day has been, though, so she settles on throwing Scorpia a text to see if she was free to go to dinner instead. Catra doesn’t expect an instant response, although she probably would have a few months ago before she moved out with Perfuma.
Catra’s thoughts are interrupted by the barista asking for her order but Catra’s grateful for it – she doesn’t want to continue falling down that specific hole. Her loneliness might be entirely her own fault for keeping any and everyone’s ever met at multiple meters distance, but that doesn’t make it hurt any less. She only regularly used around 5 contacts in her phone – one of those being her cat's vet and another being her therapist - so she knows it’s bad, she just doesn’t want to think about it. She’d rather wait for her order in silence, eyes glued to her phone as she meaninglessly scrolls through the apps clogging her storage. Her aforementioned therapist probably wouldn’t agree with Catra’s miracle cure called avoidance, but facing things head-on always hurt more.
Catra hears a confused calling of her name, which she first assumes is the barista handing over her drink but rather quickly realises the voice sounds too stunned and questioning to be a simple call for coffee. That with the fact that she hadn’t even given her name with her order crosses the barista off of the list of people reaching out, even with that being the most likely explanation. Catra raises her head away from her phone, turning over her shoulder to face the direction of the noise, to which she’s greeted with a rather sheepish smile and familiar blue eyes.
“Hey!” Adora greets, face still a little stunned. Her cheeks are slightly rosy although, if her criminally short gym shorts were anything to go by, that was probably because she’d just finished a run more than anything. Catra hates the universe for setting her up like this. Catra’s sleep deprived and over-worked and really would have stayed home if she knew she was going to bump into anyone – especially Adora.
“What’re doing here?” Catra rushes out, instantly mentally kicking herself for her almost offended tone. “I mean… you’re not at work?”
Adora’s face softens a bit and Catra’s sure she’s about to apologise whilst making an excuse as to why she can’t talk for long. Catra wouldn’t blame her, but it would still be disappointing. However, Adora just leans on the counter beside her instead, taking in a small breath before speaking again. “Nope, not today. How about you? Not many people are lucky enough to have a weekday afternoon off.”
Catra sighs. She technically doesn’t have the afternoon off. “I am working,” Catra explains, revelling in the confused expression that takes over Adora’s face, “I’m an artist. I’ve been working on a commission but I’m kinda out of inspo. I thought some coffee would get the brain juices pumping.” Catra visibly cringes at her use of brain juices, but she can’t be held accountable for anything she says in front of someone who’s not only objectively hot but someone who’s hanging off of every word she says. Adora looks genuinely interested and Catra’s not too sure what to do with all of the attention.
“Sounds cool,” Adora says, which would probably sound patronising if said by anyone else but her mystified tone shows that she’s genuinely impressed, “I can’t draw – can barely write actually. I’ve had multiple complaints about my medical notes. Oh,” Adora gasps as if only just remembering something, “How’s Melog? He hasn’t been in for a while.”
“Oh, um yeah. He’s fine,” Catra responds, a bit thrown off by the sudden change in conversation. She watches as Adora drops her gaze down towards her shirt. She’s pretty sure Adora’s probably staring at one of the many paint stains littered over her, and Catra wishes she could say she doesn’t care but she kind of does. Adora may have a sheen of sweat across her forehead, and her cheeks may be rosy and flushed, but she’s still a pleasant sight. Catra doesn’t think she’s the same.
“And your arm?” Adora asks after a second. It takes Catra a moment to piece together what she means but she soon realises her eyes are actually set on Catra’s arm wrapped around her stomach rather than her mess of a shirt. Huh.
Catra clears her throat, the genuine concern flustering her a little. “It’s fine. Not broken, just very bruised. It barely hurts anymore.”
“Good, good,” Adora says, nodding exaggeratedly as she spoke. She finishes with a small bite of her lip and Catra has to physically hold herself back from checking her out. Adora seems hesitant enough, there was no point making her actively uncomfortable by raking her eyes down to her distractingly revealed thighs. It takes great restraint, though, and when Adora’s eye line shifts to look over Catra’s shoulder – or maybe just at her hair seeming it's more than likely a mess right now – Catra starts contemplating whether she could risk a quick look now that Adora’s restricted. She decides against it, however, which ends up being the right decision seeming Adora’s eyes are back on Catra a few seconds later.
“Do you want to get something to eat?” Adora asks, sheepishly but not hesitantly. Her eyes sparkle with hope as she taps one of her fingers on the counter she’s leaning on.
Well that’s ambiguous. Was Catra hungry? Yes, but she was busy and snacks could get her through however long it takes to finish this commission. But if Adora was asking if she wanted to get food with her… then, yes. Catra would still be busy but she could catch up. Besides, maybe a light conversation with some good company would be inspiring enough to make up for any time they spent together. Catra goes to answer, her stomach swirling with nerves, as a loud ting interrupts her. Catra feels her phone, still held firmly in her hand, vibrate slightly. Catra looks down at her phone, a new notification from Scorpia staring brightly on her screen.
An awkward laugh breaks through the silence, Catra looking back up at Adora to see her nervously running her hands through her hair.
“Yeah okay, you’re busy – no worries!” she rushes as she gathers her weight off of the counter. Before Catra has a chance to dispute that, her cup of coffee is being held out in front of her by the barista. She mutters a thanks before attempting to catch Adora’s attention again, but she’s already starting to slowly back away.
“It’s okay! I’m not even that hungry, maybe another time?” Adora rushes, cheeks turning even more red as she retreats. She was just being nice, Catra thinks. The invite was out of obligation and she clearly regrets it now so there was no point actually holding her to it, so Catra only gives a small nod in response. Adora smiles again, supposedly pleased with that.
“Okay, you’ll text me?” she asks, and Catra’s shocked to hear it sound genuine. So maybe Adora did want to talk to Catra, but that doesn’t mean she wants anything more than friends. Catra can do friends, even with her lack of them, and it's certainly less confusing than anything more.
Catra nods again, watching as Adora waves and leaves the coffee shop. She seems to be in a rush. Catra can only hope it's because she has somewhere to go rather than an attempt to flee an awkward conversation, but Catra doesn’t like to kid herself. Still, Catra takes the opening, throwing Adora a message when she gets home and another when she finally finishes the commission that had been haunting her for the past week. Adora seems grateful enough and Catra thinks it's probably healthy to message someone who isn’t her ex-roommate so whatever, she could keep up a casual conversation.
Scorpia only seems slightly suspicious when Catra’s phone flashes throughout their meal that evening, but she doesn’t say anything. Probably because she can sense Catra’s tense shoulders and see the way she hides her phone under the table when she responds. Good. It wasn’t any of her business.
Soon enough, the occasional message becomes a daily check-in and after a few weeks, Catra feels comfortable calling them friends, even though she’s never comfortable calling anyone that. That kind of ends up being a revelation; her openness to someone who was a stranger not long ago. But Catra knows her therapy sessions haven’t suddenly reversed any attachment issues she may or may not have. This was more a reflection on Adora than it was on herself. She’s pretty sure that’s the moment she realises she’s completely fucked.
***
Whenever Adora’s nervous, she tends to over plan, which explains why she’s stood outside a pottery store 20 minutes before the appointment she’d booked for herself and Catra is scheduled to begin. She shouldn’t be nervous - she’s been on multiple first dates before and she’d been able to hold a conversation long enough to fill an evening with people she’s known a lot less about - but she just really, really wants this to go well. It had taken her a while to come up with a date idea that didn’t seem too generic – she’d settled on pottery painting, mainly because it feeds in well with Catra’s creative streak – but it had taken her even longer to find the courage to actually ask her. Catra had responded enthusiastically when she finally did. So enthusiastically, in fact, that Adora was actually convinced that Catra had misunderstood her and thought Adora meant as friends.
“I mean like a date,” Adora had rushed out, already preparing herself for a gentle letdown.
Instead, Catra just smiled and tilted her head in thought. “I know,” she’d said, “it’s still a yes, Adora.”
Adora’s still in shock if she was being honest. She’d spent so much time hoping that Catra would say yes that she hadn’t actually prepared for what happened after. However, soon enough Catra was going to be sat opposite her in some indie pottery shop and there’d really be no denying it then. It didn’t have to be much different from every other time they’d hung out. They get on well – Adora already knows that – but rational thinking is a rather weak force against the potency of her concerns.
Adora’s in the middle of debating whether to continue waiting outside or to ask whether she could wait inside as she spots Catra walking down the street towards her. Adora catches her eye for a second and she feels a large smile break through her face in response, one that’s soon mirrored on Catra’s own face. She throws Catra a small, tentative wave which apparently prompts her to turn her casual walk into a small jog.
“Hey,” Catra pants lightly when she finally reaches Adora.
Adora's smile grows even wider, the welcome burning in her cheeks intensifying. “You’re early,” Adora says, voice airy and laced with surprise. She had been 20 minutes early, and she hadn’t waited longer than 5 before Catra showed up. Perhaps Catra had been anticipating this just as much as Adora has been…
“So are you,” Catra quips, supposedly as a rebuttal but Adora wasn’t even thinking about denying that anyways so it falls a bit flat.
“Well, yeah,” Adora responds, “because I was excited.”
Catra’s smile drops a bit and Adora worries that maybe she’d said too much too soon, but she can see a glow in Catra’s eyes that wasn’t there before. Perhaps it was hope or awe or just plain shock but Adora pretty sure it’s not disgust or annoyance.
Then she clears her throat as she pulls her eyes away from Adora’s as she steps away from her slightly. “You ready?” Catra asks, retreating slowly towards the entrance door.
“You bet.”
***
Catra was not nearly as nervous as she thought she would be considering she was visiting her girlfriend's apartment for the first time. They’d been official for a few weeks - even if it took them 4 dates for one of them to finally ask - but their homes had still remained unvisited. Everything with Adora was moving a bit slower than what Catra was used to, but that’s definitely not a complaint. Everything she feels for Adora is rather intense and sometimes taking things slow is a good enough buffer to prevent any inevitable spiralling.
Adora’s practically bouncing with excitement as she moves to unlock her front door, the glowing smile that had homed her face since picking Catra up still standing strong. Catra was excited. Maybe not as visually as Adora clearly was but still. There was something that felt incredibly intimate about visiting your girlfriend's apartment with the sole purpose of cooking dinner together. Catra’s never done something like this before – perhaps more importantly, she never thought she’s wanted to do something like this before – but now that she’s here, she couldn’t think of a better way to christen her girlfriend's apartment.
When Adora finally opens the door, Catra walks in. She expects the slight disorganisation she’s fronted with - pillows and blankets scattered over the sofa and floor as if there was some type of fort built there not long ago - but what she doesn’t expect are the colourful toys littered among the chaos. Adora was a dork but never immature, although the sight has Catra wondering what Adora really does in her spare time. She hopes it's not fort building and imagination play with toys, but she doesn’t doubt that even if it is, Catra would find a way to love that quirk too.
Love. It’s probably too soon to call it that, out loud at least, but there was no denying that this is what Catra felt. Not much else could explain why she still found Adora tolerable after discovering the true extent of her appetite and eating habits. She had a way of making it endearing, not that Catra would ever willingly admit that. She also wouldn’t admit the full-body yelp she lets out when she spots a very unexpected golden retriever running towards the living room, tail wagging uncontrollably. Okay. At least that explained the toys, no matter how unexpected the reveal was.
“You have a dog?” Catra screeches, her pitch getting almost gratingly high at the end. Adora doesn’t complain though, she only laughs as she places a soft hand on her waist, using the other to pat the dog softly on its head. Knowing her, she probably thinks the squeal was cute, which would be objectively incorrect but she never seems to care.
“What, are you scared?” Adora asks, tone teasing.
Catra shakes her head profusely. She's almost offended at the sole implication. “No,” Catra snaps, “I’m just shocked! I thought you would have mentioned this at some point.”
Adora laughs softly, moving to rest her chin on Catra’s head. Catra would usually hate the power-play on her lack of height, but Adora had a calming aura that always made it feel comforting instead of intimidating. “Full of surprises, I am,” she says, almost in a whisper.
“I hope not.”
Adora laughs, a small vibration from the sound travelling through Catra’s body from where Adora’s leaning on Catra’s head. “All good ones, I promise.”
Catra hates any and every form of surprise, but Catra doesn’t doubt that Adora will be able to change her opinion on that too. It’s embarrassing how soft she was for her. She almost feels like a lump of clay, entirely mouldable into whatever shape Adora desires, only Adora is too selfless to force Catra into someone she doesn’t want to be. No matter how willing Catra was to be whoever Adora wanted, Adora had done a good job at convincing Catra that all she wanted was just, well, Catra. Her therapist had tried to drill the point for years, and yet Adora had been the one to convince Catra of it in only a few months. Figures.
Catra sighs at yet another revelation. “Better be.”
***
Adora would be sure that she had died and gone to heaven if she couldn’t hear the panted breathing she was letting out. She’s on Catra’s bed, laying on her back as her girlfriend straddles her hips and kisses her deeply. Even with her eyes closed in bliss, she knows her arms are wrapped somewhere around Catra’s waist, bunching at her own top that she’s wearing, although Adora can’t focus on much more than the nails scratching at her scalp. Catra’s moaning as she moves down to Adora’s neck, forcing Adora to crane her head to the right as she lets out a sigh. Adora uses the change of position to relax into the bed, rising her arms up from Catra’s waist and towards her head to hold her firmly against her neck as she hums in appreciation and nips at Adora’s neck. The change of pace has Adora clutching at the mattress with her free hand as she takes in a gasp of air and flutters her eyes open.
Instead of being met with the plain wall Adora expects, Adora’s eyes lock with the aqua blue ones staring at her from a nearby desk.
Adora squints her eyes in confusion. She’s sure that they’d closed the bedroom door after they entered, but maybe they were a bit preoccupied and hadn’t done so properly. Or maybe Melog had finally found a way to pry to door open after years of trying, if the scratches littered at the bottom of it meant anything. Regardless, Adora was a bit uncomfortable. She knew Melog felt liked her, but this was entirely too vulnerable of a position to be starred down in. Adora pulls what she hopes is an intimidating scowl in an attempt to deter Melog from his peeping, but he only stretches into a more comfortable position as he continues to stare.
“Ah, Catra…” Adora tries softly as she slowly taps the side of her head that she’s cradling in an attempt to get her attention. It doesn’t work. Catra only hums as she continues to work at Adora’s neck. Gosh, she really hates Melog right now. In any other context, Adora wouldn’t even think of stopping Catra, but Melog boring his eyes into her soul was rather distracting. “…Catra.”
She, finally, pulls away with a questioning mmph as she looks down at Adora. “This okay?” Catra asks and her voice sounds absolutely wrecked and, as Adora turns back to look up at Catra, she realises that she looks absolutely wrecked. They hadn’t even really done anything apart from kissing and heavy petting, but one look at Catra and someone would probably assume that they had just had at it.
Adora’s a bit of an idiot, and apparently suffers from object permanence issues, because she can’t really think of anything other than getting Catra to kiss her again, not when she’s over her and looking at her with those eyes at least. She lets out an airy yeah and Catra leans back down with a smirk, only this time reconnecting their lips. To her credit, it doesn’t take her long to remember the glaring elephant - or cat – in the room. Adora struggles to mutter a wait against Catra’s lips, forcing her to pull away again, although this time she’s glaring at her with concern instead of confusion.
“I’m okay!” Adora rushes, because she can’t have Catra thinking she’s not, “Better than okay, really. You’re… wow.” Adora’s getting distracted again, she knows, but it's completely Catra’s fault seeming she’s making it so darn hard to concentrate. She decides to give up on words for a moment, tilting her head towards where Melog is looking down at them. “It’s just…”
Catra follows where Adora is tilting and lets out a frustrated groan as she too locks eyes with the cat. She rolls off of Adora and she hopes she’s just getting up to remove him from the room and close the door – properly, this time – so they can just continue, but she just lies in the space next to Adora on the bed instead, bringing her palms up to rub at her eyes.
“Mood effectively killed.” Catra mutters. Adora feels the hope die in her stomach, although realistically she knows they could just continue another day. The disappointment feels just as strong.
Adora was willing to admit that Melog had played his role as wing-man pretty efficiently - even if he had been an absolute menace along the way, it was all in the name of love and he had ended up being the reason Adora currently had the most amazing girlfriend she could ever hope for. But now he was being just as effective of a cock-block, which would not be as easily forgiven.
Adora rolled onto her side to face Catra, wrapping an arm softly around her middle. “It’s okay,” Adora sighs, using her thumb to rub small circles on the skin exposed between the shirt Catra’s wearing and her shorts, “we can just cuddle. I like cuddles.”
Catra hums as she moves further into Adora’s hold. “He’s the worst. I’m sorry.”
“You have literally no reason to be sorry,” Adora laughs, before tightening her grip on her girlfriend and shifting to a soft, sincere tone, “this is the happiest I’ve ever been.”
Catra looks up at her, as if she’s searching for any evidence of a lie. Catra squints at her, clearly in deep thought, before moving to squash her face into the crook of Adora’s neck. “He loves you,” she settles on with a sigh, “he doesn’t love anyone.”
Well that sounds… loaded, but Adora knows better than to hunt for a confession that doesn’t really exist, especially from Catra. She was too good at guarding herself – which was incredibly frustrating at times, but also surprisingly endearing. Besides, it will only make it mean so much more when she – ifshe ever shows Adora some vulnerability. Admitting that Melog loves her feels like a positive step though, which is especially why Adora can’t address it seriously.
“Apart from you, of course,” Adora teases, using a hand to hold Catra to her neck and stop any attempts to get away.
She doesn’t try to move, though. She only huffs in the way Adora knows she accompanies with an eye roll as she responds. “Of course.”
Catra doesn’t say anything else for a while, instead focusing her attention on rubbing small circles into the dip of Adora’s hip over her joggers. It’s soothing enough to lull her into a light sleep if not for the fact she was borderline overheating still being fully dressed and having Catra splayed over her. Adora wouldn’t change that, though – she doesn’t need sleep right now, but she does need this contact. She only feels slightly dramatic for thinking that she may die without it.
“I need a roommate,” Catra says quietly. Adora thinks she may have misheard her, simply because of how random it is, but it doesn’t take much thought to realise it’s another unspoken confession. Catra sounded almost embarrassed, like she knew that Adora would be able to make out what she actually means. The lack of clarification may leave Catra with enough plausible deniability to reject any accusations of vulnerability, but Adora knew better. Anyone else and Adora would offer to help find them a roommate, but she knows what Catra is really asking.
“I love you, Catra, but I think Swifty will actually kill me if I move him into a smaller apartment.”
Adora hears Catra gasp slightly and panics at how quickly she pulls off of her chest to stare down at her instead. “You love me?” Catra asks with a confident smirk, although her voice sounded shocked and hesitant.
Crap, Adora thinks. It was bound to happen sometime soon - with the way the words had been swimming in her head, she’s actually surprised they hadn’t surfaced anytime sooner – but she’d been holding back mostly because Catra had been persistent with going slow. Of course she’d meant it, she just hadn’t meant for it to come out like that, and going slow would be fine, if not for the fact that Adora struggled to hold back her affection with even the most platonic of relationships. “Yeah,” Adora responds quickly, moving up from her laying position as to better gauge Catra’s features, prompting Catra to lean back further to accommodate Adora’s new seated stance. Adora shifts her eye line to look down to where Catra’s hand still sat on her hip. “If that’s okay.”
“If that’s okay?” Catra repeats, voice sounding almost offended. Adora’s panic only grows as she listens to Catra continue. “You are an idiot.”
Adora’s mid apology when she feels Catra’s hands framing her face. The softness startles her a bit considering she thought Catra was mad at her, but apparently she’s not as she leans in for a tender kiss. It only lasts a few seconds, but Catra presses her forehead against Adora’s when they’re done so the contact never really seizes. Adora can hear the relieved breath she lets out.
“Such an idiot,” Catra laughs, her voice soft and still partly disbelieving. “I love you, too.”
Adora mirrors Catra’s stunned tone as she asks a shocked really? which is met with a quick kiss and strong arms wrapped around her neck. This had really gone a million times better than she had expected, especially considering she hadn’t planned it at all. Perhaps this would be the proof Adora needs to not be so obsessive and to loosen up her control issues. Adora doesn’t mind being obsessive over Catra, though, and apparently Catra doesn’t mind either, which gets her thinking…
“You can stay with me for a bit,” Adora rushes, “If you need a roommate, I mean.”
Catra gives her a small smile. “I want to,” Catra admits and Adora can practically hear the incoming but, “it’s just the pets...”
“We can ease them into it,” Adora says. It was a concern whenever Adora had previously wistfully thought of the idea of them moving in together, but she was rather confident in her abilities to get the two pets to at least be amicable. She was able to get Melog to love her, after all. She’s sure most other tasks pale in comparison to that achievement. “You don’t have to move in, it can just be an extended sleepover. No pressure, just… more of ‘us’.”
“Yeah, okay,” Catra laughs, “I’d like that.”
Catra adjusts to plaster herself against the side of Adora, arms firmly wrapped around her frame. Adora can hear Melog shuffling somewhere in the room for a while before he jumped onto the bed and is also snuggling into her side. It pictures a lot like some domestic family from a movie, even if Swift Wind’s missing – although not for much longer considering Catra’s agreement to further their relationship. Swift Wind will love Melog, and Melog would warm up to him eventually, even if only because he loves Catra and wants to keep the peace. He’s smart like that and seems to have a knack for knowing what Catra wants, sometimes before she even knows herself.
“Me too,” Adora whispers, leaning down to place a soft kiss on Catra’s head and using her spare hand to rub down Melog’s spine.
Okay, maybe this doesn’t picture like a small family, perhaps it just was one. Or it was becoming one, at least. Adora couldn’t wait – her future’s filled with fur babies and Catra, how could she? – but she also never wants to leave this moment. She predicts that’ll become a common feeling considering any and every moment with Catra had been nothing short of perfection.
“I love you,” Adora whispers again because she’s probably never going to tired of saying it.
“Love you, too,” Catra responds, and she definitely won’t get tired of hearing it, either.