Once again, half angst, with fluff somewhere Enjoy :)

TW: Mention of abuse, talking about how SW is a terrible person to Catra bcuz of course she is!

Adora couldn't help herself. She couldn't help but stare. Who wouldn't stare when she was standing only a few yards away, looking that beautiful? She was Catra Weaver, the school's bad girl and the most beautiful girl Adora had ever seen in her life.

Catra was the type of person who had a small group of friends, occasionally got into fights and wasn't afraid to argue with teachers and the principal. It was a mystery how she hadn't gotten expelled. Not that Adora was complaining. She very much enjoyed watching Catra, amazed by her boldness and ability to speak her mind. Adora could never.

Catra was also very attractive. Anyone would tell you the same thing. She had heads turning when she walked by. Her smile made Adora weak at the knees. Her real smile. Not the smirk she sent people's way when she was scheming something or the feral grin she showed when she was downright being a demon. Her smile was beautiful, a fang sticking out when she did a closed lip smile. Her laugh was something Adora could listen to all day.

She probably looked creepy, watching Catra and her friend, Scorpia, standing by their respective lockers, talking about something. Catra was leaning against the lockers, bag slung over her shoulder, listening to whatever Scorpia was telling her.

Adora absentmindedly, fiddled with one of her own backpack straps. A hand waving in front of her face made her jump back to what was going on around her. Turning her head, she saw her own friends, but specifically two of them, Bow and Glimmer, looking at her. They appeared unimpressed.

"Did you hear anything we just said?" Glimmer asked, closing her closer and folding her arms.

Adora blushed.

"Sorry. Got distracted." She said.

"By her ass or her eyes?" Mermista snorted.

Adora blushed. Glimmer and Bow grinned knowingly at each other. They all turned their heads, looking over at Catra and Scorpia.

"Why don't you just ask her out? She's single and not afraid to date." Bow questioned. "You've liked her for how long?"

Adora sighed.

"Years."

She and Catra actually grew up together in the same foster home. They did everything together, close as to could get without being considered siblings. Then, Adora got adopted and they'd lost contact. In the beginning of high school, they reconnected when they attended the same school. They weren't exactly close friends, but they shared pleasantries in the halls. Since they shared friends, they were around each other often. They'd swap stories of their lives during their time apart. Turns out Catra got adopted as well, though by the sound of it, the woman seemed not great. Adora tried to ask more about Catra's home life, but Catra was very tight lip about it, almost afraid to spill something.

So, Adora stopped asking. Their interactions were more joking, Catra teasing her about something stupid, Adora calling her her childhood nickname 'Kitten' in front of their friends. Catra had tried to bite her after that, proving Adora's point. When in school, Catra was much more reserved in her approach to Adora, simply verbally greeting her with a smile and a wink in passing. Adora was usually the one to start a conversation, Catra going with the flow.

So, it was no surprise that she wouldn't approach Adora now, in front of their friends.

"So, what? Are you just going to spend your life pining from afar?" Glimmer asked. "Because that's really sad. You would be cute together. A true power couple."

The others nodded in agreement.

"The school's baseball star and golden student and the school rebel." Sea Hawk declared. "Oh what a magnificent tale of opposites attract! Our dear Adora and her love, the mysterious Catra!"

Adora immediately shushed him, looking around to see if Catra heard him. Luckily, Catra was continuing on with her conversation with Scorpia, now joined with their own squad of friends. Adora looked at her group, sighing.

"I don't even know if she likes me like that." She argued. "I don't want to ruin what we have, after not having her in my life for so long. I don't want to lose her again."

Adora would rather stay friends with Catra, keeping her feelings a secret, than for Catra to stop being around her all together. It would shatter her.

"Don't be ridiculous." Glimmer said. "You never know until you try."

Adora shrugged. She looked over her shoulder. She noticed Catra and her group coming their way. She panicked.

"She's coming. Act cool!" She hissed at her friends.

A few seconds later a tap on her shoulder made her freeze.

"Hey, Adora." A raspy whisper was spoken next to her opposite ear.

That did something to her stomach. It was flipping around, a fluttery feeling in her chest as well. Turning she came face to face with the source of her inner conflict. Catra was smirking at her, looking effortlessly cool and beautiful.
Once the initial surprise wore off, Adora smiled.

"Oh, hey, Cat. How's it hanging?"

Catra shrugged carelessly.

"Eh, same old. Nothing new. You?"

Adora launched into an excited spiel about an upcoming game she had. Catra smiled, nodding along. Adora loved baseball. It was a stress reliever for her and yet made her feel so alive. The adrenaline she got was something she couldn't get enough of. When Adora realized she was rambling, she stopped, embarrassed.

"So, uh.."

She cleared her throat, thinking something else to talk about.

"How're things at home?"

She winced when she question left her mouth. Was that the only thing she could think of? Catra looked off to the side.

"It's good. We argue like always, she screams in my face when I say shit I shouldn't. Nothing out of the ordinary."

"Uh... that doesn't sound ordinary." Bow spoke up.

Adora could see Catra freezing up inside, realizing what she'd just said to the whole group. Catra adjusted her jacket, attempting to seem unbothered, but Adora could see her nervousness in her eyes. Something was up.

"It's fine. She's just a bitch." Catra snorted.

"Well, anyway." Glimmer said. "We all still hanging out at my place?"

They all nodded in agreement. Glimmer's home was big. A mansion. Adora still wasn't used to it. It was fancy and bright and expensive stuff everywhere. Though, it was the group's favorite place to chill out, there being enough rooms for them all to have space for sleepovers.

"Yeah. I can go." Catra spoke up. "I'm still challenging you to that game."

Adora scoffed, smiling.

"Good luck." She taunted. "I'm great at Wii sports. I am an athlete, after all."

They all left the school, splitting up to varying cars. They all met up at Glimmer's house. Her parents were home, though in their offices, which gave the teens the rest of the house to use. They settled in the game room, turning on the tv, and chowing on some snacks.

Adora, Bow, and Sea Hawk competed against each other in the video game they had on the console. Catra kept messing with Adora, distracting her from the game by poking her and tugging on her ponytail. Adora's shoulders sagged when she lost.

"Catra!"

Adora glared at Catra, who was lying on the couch, looking innocently at her, yet unapologetic.

"Yes?"

Adora rolled her eyes, a smile on her face. She couldn't stay mad at Catra.

"Hey, Wildcat. Can I show you something?" Scorpia asked, getting Catra's attention.

Catra raised an eyebrow.

"Sure, I guess." She said, shrugging.

Catra stood up and followed her best friend out of the room. Now that Catra was gone, Adora could concentrate on the game. They played another round, before Glimmer spoke up.

"Hey, what's taking them so long?"

Adora looked away from the tv and over at Glimmer. Glimmer was glancing at the doorway where Scorpia and Catra had gone out of. The two had been gone a while.

"Not sure. Wanna check on them?" Bow suggested.

Glimmer nodded. She smirked at Adora.

"C'mon. Let's go see if your future girlfriend is still alive."

Adora stood up, sputtering.

"Shut up!"

She followed Bow and Glimmer out of the room and down the hall. They walked into a living room. Scorpia was standing by a closet, Catra standing inside of it, looking around.

"What're you doing?" She questioned.

Catra looked at them. She pointed at the cieling.

"Scorpia said there's something written on the ceiling, so I'm trying to see what it says."

Adora curiously stepped into the closet. She looked up at the writing Catra was talking about. It was too dark to read it. Adora flicked on the light. The lightbulb above their heads shone almost too brightly. They had to squint to read see the writing.

'Tell her how you feel'.

What the...?

The sound of the door slamming shut made the pair look at the closet door. It was closed, the lock audibly clicking.

"Hey!"

Catra moved around Adora, to get to the door. She tried the door handle. No luck, but worth a try. She banged on the door with a closed fist.

"Hey! Let us out, you idiots. I'm gonna set you on fire for this. I swear I will!" She threatened, knowing full well she won't.

"Do as it says and tell her, Wildcat!" Scorpia's voice came from the other side of the door.

"Yeah, Adora. Talk to her. You know what we mean by that." Bow said. "Don't worry! We'll be back in a bit."

Adora's stomach dropped. The sound of footsteps fading sealed their fate. Catra sighed. She turned around, looking around the small space. She eventually looked at Adora.

"What was Arrow Boy talking about? Tell me what?" She asked, her gaze falling to the floor.

Adora fiddled with her sleeve. This was not how she planned on telling Catra.

"So um, promise me you won't hate me for this?"

Catra stared at her for a moment, confused.

"Sure."

Adora sighed. She leaned back against one of the closet walls. She rested the back of her head on the wall. Her heart was pounding.

"So, um... you don't have to feel the same way, and I totally get if you don't. I just might have a crush on you and... yeah."

Adora braced for the response. Silence. Adora peeked at Catra. Catra had a shocked expression on her face. She then grinned.

"Really? You're being serious?" She asked, her voice soft and not teasing like Adora thought it would be.

Adora nodded. Catra snorted.

"Well, isn't that something. I was over here worried because Scorpia wanted me to say the same thing to you."

Wait what?

Adora's eyes widened.

"You mean..."

Catra hummed.

"Mhm. I kinda like you too. Though, I never planned on telling you. So thanks for that!"

She yelled that last part, towards the locked door. No one was behind it to hear her. Adora frowned.

"Never? How come? Did you think I'd turn you down?"

Catra looked away, almost shrinking in on herself. This wasn't like her. Where was the confident and self-assured teen Adora knew?

"I mean, why wouldn't you?" She replied.

Adora's brows pinched together.

"What are you talking about? You're amazing, Cat. Anyone would have to be stupid to turn you down. Since when are you insecure?"

Catra softly smiled. She then bit at her bottom lip. She crossed her arms, leaning against the wall opposite of Adora.

"Well, I'm not that great." She shook her head.

Adora gawked at her.

"Not that great. Catra you're beautiful. You're so brave and outspoken and fun to be around. You're great. Wh... Where is this all coming from?"

Catra seriously doubted she was telling the truth. How could she not see Adora meant it?

"I'm serious, Catra. You're so cool and badass. Anyone who disagrees is blind or just dumb."

Catra smiled finally.

"So my mom is dumb?" She said, clearly trying to joke around. "She doesn't exactly think highly of me, not surprised."

Adora deeply frowned.

"Your mom? What kind of stuff does she tell you? I know you said she's not the nicest person, but nothing else?"

Catra sighed, avoiding eye contact.

"My mom isn't the nicest woman. She all but loves me. Says I make it hard for people to like me. I have to agree."

Catra bitterly laughed. Adora pushed off the wall, stepping closer to Catra.

"That's not true, Cat." She gently argued.

Catra made eye contact for a split second before looking away. She went from crossing her arms, to hugging herself, self soothing.

"Try telling her that." She bitterly growled.

Adora blinked. It was clear Catra's home life was worse than she thought.

"Are you safe there?" She asked.

Catra shrugged. Adora gave her a look.

"Catra. I'm worried about you. Please tell me the truth." She pleaded.

Catra gave a long sigh.

"I mean, she has. She drinks a lot, so..."

That was a lot to unpack. Adora then remembered the reason they were stuck in there.

"We'll talk more about that later. Okay? Right now, can we talk about us?"

Catra perked up the slightest.

"Us?"

Adora nodded, smiling shyly.

"I mean, yeah. Us. We both like each other more than friends, right?"

Catra nodded awkwardly. Adora smiled at the confirmation.

"So, uh, how would you feel about being more than friends? Like dating?"

Catra was quiet.

"You're serious? About wanting to date me? I'm not the easiest to like. I don't scare you? I'm a bit of an asshole."

Adora shrugged.

"Yeah, so? I think you're cool. I don't mind it at all. If you're that worried about scaring me off, you could always start working on your anger."

Catra snorted.

"Sure. I can do that, I guess. I could use a bit of calmness in my life."

Catra sighed, rubbing her brow. Adora watched her, observing her body language. She suddenly caught a glimpse of a dark bruise peeking out from one of Catra's jacket sleeves.

"What happened to your arm?" She asked.

Catra followed her gaze, looking down at her arm.

"My mom just threw something at me while drunk." She shrugged, pulling the sleeve down.

Adora's mouth fell open.

"Catra! Have you told anyone about this? The police?"

Catra scoffed.

"No way. I have nowhere else to go. My mom has no more family. I can't go back into system, either."

Adora wracked her brain for a solution. She couldn't let this go.

"What about Glimmer's parents? They're caseworkers and lawyers. They can help."

Catra shifted uncomfortably.

"I don't know. I mean, I'm used to it and I can handle it."

Adora gave Catra a look.

"It's not about if you can handle it or not. She's abusing you, so you have the right to leave and get help. You don't deserve to be hurt. Please, Catra."

Adora approached Catra, taking her hand without thinking.

"I'm starting to get worried about you. I'm sure our friends will want you to be safe as well. At least talk to Angela and Micah so that way they know about your mom in case something really bad ever happens."

Catra lifted her head to look at Adora. She sighed.

"Fine. I'll talk to them. Would you be with me when I tell them? I don't know them very well and I'm not exactly trusting of adults."

Adora nodded immediately.

"Of course. Anything you need."

It was quiet for a moment. Catra grinned, though it was strained.

"So, this was not how I expected my day to go." She joked.

Adora hummed, nodding in agreement.

"Tell me about it, but I'm not mad about it."

Adora rubbed the back of her neck, a question on her mind.

"So, um, back to us telling each other we like one another?"

Catra coughed, nodding for her to continue. Adora bit her lip nervously.

"What happens now?"

Catra shrugged.

"I'm not sure. Maybe date?"

Adora hadn't seen this side of Catra in a long time. The unsure, nervous part of her. No doubt the intense conversation topic was doing that. Catra's mother was a top priority.

"How about we deal with your mom first, and then we come back to that?" Adora recommended.

Catra nodded. Adora pursed her lips together.

"Can I hug you?"

Catra hadn't expected that. She looked back up at Adora. She nodded.

"Sure."

Adora stepped closer to Catra, gently wrapping her arms around her waist. Catra hugged back, her head resting on Adora's shoulder. She felt tense and uneasy.

"I never thought I'd tell anyone about my mom, but... if I'm glad I told you first." She admitted.

Adora held on tighter.

"I'm gonna be right by your side through this. You're not alone anymore. I promise."

Adora swore she heard Catra let out a shaky breath.

"How long have you know you liked me?" Catra suddenly asked her.

Adora pulled away from the hug, her arms still around Catra's waist. They looked at each other. Adora smiled.

"Years. I figured it out maybe a year or two ago. What about you?"

Catra blushed. She averted her eyes.

"Since we were kids." She said. "Didn't know exactly what I felt, but I always wanted you in my life. It hurt when you left and we didn't speak for years."

Adora frowned.

"Is that why you didn't talk to me much when we met again?"

Catra nodded.

"I thought you'd forgotten about me or didn't care. You have a better life now and didn't have any reason to want to associate with your sucky past. It wasn't exactly a good place."

"Catra." Adora said. "You were the best thing to have happened to me in that place. Of course I missed you. I thought about you all the time."

Adora smiled gently.

"How could I forget you? I don't plan on ever letting you go again. Especially if we decide to date."

Catra snorted.

"You really want to?" She asked.

Adora nodded.

"I do."

Catra smiled, a small fang sticking out.

"Me too. Scorpia has been begging me to tell you for forever. I'm guessing she and your friends cooked up this plan to get us to talk. They're lucky I like them, or else I'd kill them as soon as we get out of here for deciding to play Cupid."

Adora giggled.

"Please don't kill them. They did this for us. We owe them now."

"I don't owe them shit." Catra scoffed. "Maybe if I tell them about my mom, they'll be too busy pitying me to think about how their little plan worked."

Adora gave her an unimpressed look.

"You're not using your abuse as an escape from being teased." She chided.

Catra smirked.

"Worth a try. Everything else about my life other than my grades is a fucking joke."

Adora shook her head. Catra laughed, tossing her head back. Adora couldn't help but smile.

Catra smiled, rested her hands on Adora's biceps. The two locked eyes, the tension thick. Adora looked down at Catra's lips.

"Can I..."

Catra hands found the collar of her letterman jacket, tugging her closer. That gave Adora all the information she needed. Adora leaned in, the two girl's lips pressing together softly. Catra's hands moved so her arms were around her neck. Adora didn't mind.

Kissing Catra was better than she imagined. She was passionate, bold, and a little rebellious. Typical Catra. They didn't know how long they'd made out for, but the sound of the door unlocking and swinging open got their attention. They both pulled apart enough to turn their heads. There stood their friends, looking giddy and or smug.

"Had fun?" Glimmer teased, grinning like maniac.

Adora giggled, Catra rolling her eyes.

"Fuck off. We're not an official item right now."

"Why not?!" Glimmer shouted, looking just as taken aback as the rest of them.

Adora winced.

"There's some thing we need to talk about first, before even thinking about being in a relationship." She said.

She looked at Catra, who was avoiding looking at anyone.

"Hey." She whispered. "It's gonna be alright. You trust me?"

Catra locked eyes with her, searching her face for something. After a moment, she nodded.

Adora motioned her head towards the group.

"Then they can be trusted, too. You wanna tell them or should I?"

Catra shrugged. She fiddled with the collar of Adora's jacket, breaking eye contact once again. Adora took that as a yes. She and Catra stepped out of their temporary holding cell. Catra sighed loudly.

"I'm gay."

That took them for a loop. Everyone stared at her, bewildered by the unnecessary announcement. Catra snorted.

"Oh c'mon! We literally just came out of the closet. It would be a crime to not say something like that!"

A few of them laughed, the others groaning in agony.

"You spend too much time around the idiots of the group." Mermista commented. "Only they would make corny jokes like that and find it funny."

Catra grinned at Adora, who still had an arm around her waist.

"It'll only get worse when we date."

"What is it you wanted to talk about?" Bow asked. "Is everything okay?"

Adora and Catra frowned. Adora looked to Catra.

"You could just show them?" She suggested.

Catra nodded. Adora unwrapped her arms, giving Catra space. Catra slid off her jacket, exposing her bare arms. Catra tossed the jacket onto a nearby chair. Adora's eyes widened.

There were bruises all over Catra's arms and chest. She stood there, staring at the floor, arms crossed.

"Oh my gods."

Adora looked at the faces of their friends. They all had varying degrees of shock. They stared at Catra's arms, unable to look away. Long moments of silence passed, everyone taking in the sight.

"Can you go get your parents?" Adora asked Glimmer. "Please? She wants to ask for help and I was hoping they'd know what to do."

Glimmer looked at Adora. She silently nodded. Turning her attention back to Catra, she had a determination in her eyes. Reaching out, she rested a hand on Catra's shoulder.

"Thank you for trusting us." She said. "My parents won't let her get away with this."

Catra swallowed.

"But, what if they can't do anything?" She asked.

"We'll figure something out." Glimmer promised.

Catra nodded.

Glimmer went to fetch her parents. Adora looked at Catra, worried.

"Maybe you should sit down." She said. "You look ready to pass out from nerves any second.

Catra was guided to a sofa. Adora sat down next to her, rubbing her back. Catra's knee bounced with anxiety.

"What if she finds out I told? She'll actually kill me."

Everyone knew who she was referring to. They all knew Catra's mom was a bad person.

"We'll figure it out, Cat." Scorpia spoke up. "I'm really proud of you for telling us. It must be so hard to say it out loud after all this time with her."

When they heard footsteps walking into the room, they all looked up. Glimmer walked in, Micah and Angela behind her, both appearing concerned. Glimmer sat down on the other side of Catra. Micah and Angela saw Catra. Their faces were a mix of shock and confusion.

"What? Catra, what happened to you?" Angela asked.

The couple walked over to her. Catra stood up, arms crossed over her chest, her shoulders hunched. She nervously looked at anywhere but the adults' eyes.

"Well....uh..."

Catra awkwardly laughed.

"Funny story, actually. Though not really. I'm just freaking out, because once I say it, it's too late to take it back."

Adora stood up, looking at Catra. She took her by the hand, getting her attention. Adora gave her a reassuring look.

"It's gonna be okay. I'm here for you."

Catra nodded, grateful.

She took a calming breath before looking at Glimmer's parents.

"My mother."

Catra let out an sigh, as if a weight had been lifted from her. She collapsed back on the sofa, burying her face in her hands.

"She's gonna kill me when she finds out I told." She muttered. "I'm so dead. I shouldn't have said anything."

Adora looked at Micah and Angela. They were looking at each other then at Catra. Angela was the first to speak. She walked over to where they were sitting. Glimmer stood up, letting her mom sit in her place. Angela looked at Catra, a sadness in her eyes.

"Catra?"

Catra lifted her head, looking at the woman. Angela wrapped her arms around the teen. Catra froze, not knowing how to act.

"Since your mother doesn't have a heart and will probably rather die than say this to you, but..."

Angela sighed, shaking her head.

"I'm sorry for what she's done to you and I'm sorry that you weren't taken care of and loved the way you deserved. On your mother's behalf, I'm sorry."

Catra stared at her, an unreadable emotion on her face. Slowly but surely, her brave facade fell apart, exposing the hurting girl she kept hidden away. Catra quietly ducked her head and cried, a hand against her mouth to silence herself. Her shoulders shook. Angela took Catra's other hand, looking at her husband then the teens around them.

"I'm glad you kids told us." She said. "We'll start on an investigation as soon as we report this."

Catra wiped her face, sniffling. Micah and Angela started to explain to process. It was long and tedious.

"What if nothing gets done?" Catra asked. "If they brush it under the rug, she'll-"

Catra paused, fear in her eyes at the implication. Angela shook her head.

"Don't worry about that, honey. You just keep quiet and don't say anything to her. Don't let her scare you into keeping this a secret anymore. You deserve so much better than abuse."

Catra nodded, taking in the words. Adora rested a hand on Catra's leg, comforting her. Catra looked at her, relaxing a bit.

It was too late to go back, now. Catra was terrified of what would happen, but she felt less afraid, knowing Adora was by her side. She never thought she'd say this, but she was sort of glad their friends meddled in their love lives. Nothing was going to be same for her again after today, and she ready to face it as long as Adora was with her.

So yeah. Lemme know your thought :)