The Nyanny - Ch 5

Rating: T

Relationships: Catra/Adora

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

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

--

Adora stood in her walk in closet as she stared at her suit collection longingly. In her hands was the only skirt she owned. The skirt was fashionable, tight and pinstriped with a matching blazer. Adora possessed very few blouses, but each matched this skirt specifically for days like today.

Adora had a meeting with an investor that knew her father, and this man had very traditional beliefs when it came to clothing and gender roles. Adora always prioritised comfort when it came to her clothing, which was why she rarely wore skirts. She was far more comfortable in a suit with her arm mostly covered than she was in a skirt and blouse which made her feel exposed. She knew she could push the investors' beliefs and wear what she wanted but it was hardly worth the fight and sometimes it was easier to fit the mould than to break it. Especially on such a small issue.

She undressed from her pyjamas and dressed in the knee length skirt and matching blouse. She considered herself in the mirror before she glared at her reflection. Societal expectations were stupid. She put on her blazer and adjusted it so it would lay flat. Her left hand spasmed and her fingers slipped off the button as she attempted to close the jacket.

“Do you mind?” Adora asked She-ra but was greeted with silence in return.

She had a long day today. She had a meeting with the head journalist of that stupid magazine to ensure they wouldn't take any more photos of her child. She had another meeting with investors that would take most of her afternoon to finalise the details of their new launch. Finally she would spend her evening with Entrapta to complete her nerve calibration and resolve the issues she had been having with her arm.

Adora left her room and headed for the kitchen to get a coffee. The day was new and it felt like hours before the world would rise to greet it. Finn wouldn't be up for hours yet so Adora had some time to work. They had been sad to discover that they weren’t going to work with her today. Her meetings meant her day was too busy and boring to bring Finn along. Angie agreed to come get them in the morning instead so Catra still got a full day off despite Adora's change in plans. 

Adora walked past the bathroom in the hall when the door swung open. Steamy warm air fell from the door and an earthy scent filled the hallway. Adora thought she had been alone this early in the morning but when she turned to face Catra, the brunette looked equally surprised to see Adora.

“Good morning,” Catra said, clutching her pyjamas to her chest, she was wearing jeans and a t-shirt that were equal parts holes and cloth. Adora glanced over her outfit, aware that Catra was doing the same to her. Adora felt exposed in this stupid skirt and turned to continue her way down the hallway.

“Good Morning, Miss Catra,” Adora said, departing into the kitchen and setting to work making coffee.

It was a few minutes before Adora heard Catra walk into the kitchen to join her. Adora turned to Catra to ask if she wanted coffee and paused. Without Catra holding her pyjamas to her chest Adora could see the extent of her top which had a ripped hole right over her cleavage. Adora wasn’t sure how long she paused on that view but Catra looked uncomfortable so Adora clearly looked for too long. She turned away quickly.

“Coffee?” Adora asked.

“Yes please,” Catra said and Adora set to make two cups. Over the weeks they shared a space Adora knew little things about Catra she hadn’t expected to learn. Like how Catra liked her drinks (black), the books she liked to read (romance), the kind of music she listened to (rock), what she liked to wear on her days off (things that made Adora’s mind wander) and it felt strangely intimate to have this knowledge about her.

“Here you go,” Adora said, offering Catra her cup of coffee with her right hand. Catra accepted it and smiled.

“Thank you,” Catra said and Adora nodded as she lifted her own coffee to sip. Adora had gotten up early to work before Angie came to get Finn but now it felt rude to retire to her study. “Oh, Finn was talking about Ballet classes yesterday, they said they would like to try them again,” Catra said suddenly and Adora nodded.

Finn had been enrolled in a mother and child class when Finn was three and they had lost interest reasonably quickly. Adora had been a dancer all through school and into her early twenties when she had Finn but she never wanted to force her love of Ballet on her child. She was happy to hear they wanted to give it another chance though.

“I will get Mermista to restart the classes. They are on Wednesday night so you will get another night to yourself,”

“Oh, I don’t mind that. Ballet seems so complicated. I've never tried it,”

“Would you like to join us?” Adora offered before she could really consider the offer.

“Oh, I couldn’t afford that, I’m sure,” Catra said, waving her hand.

“If you are interested, I will cover the expenses,” Adora said and felt a bloom of excitement to share something she loved with others.

“Are you sure I wouldn’t be imposing?” Catra asked, watching Adora’s face carefully.

“I would like to check with Finn, but I’m sure they would like to have you there,” Adora said and Catra smiled brightly before she nodded.

“I would like that,” Catra said and looked down at her coffee. Adora could have sworn there was colour on Catra’s tanned cheeks. Adora took a breath to settle herself again, aware that she had gotten excited by the topic.

“Speaking of Finn, please keep them around home for the time being. I am working on updating their wardrobe to deal with the Paparazzi taking their photo but it will take time,” Adora said and Catra nodded.

“Of course, Boss,” Catra said and Adora’s heart picked up again.

“Adora, please,” Adora corrected and Catra just smiled at her with a nod. “I should get to work,” Adora said, feeling nervous suddenly.

“Sure, I won't keep you,” Catra said, taking her coffee to the couch to return to her book. Adora watched her for a moment, noticing the playful twitch of her tail as she walked. Adora shook her head and headed for the study. Her long day had only just begun.

[...]

The look of true excitement on Ms Grey’s face was going to haunt Catra’s dreams. It was an endorphins rush to her bloodstream at the sight of her excited blue eyes. Catra hadn’t really considered that Finn and their mother shared the same eyes until that very moment. Ms Grey was alive for just a moment before she was able to regain her control and Catra wondered what Ms Grey thought would happen if she let go for just a moment.

Was this Catra’s first authentic glimpse of ‘Adora’? Adora was the woman her family knew and Ms Grey was the business woman who ran a billion dollar company, the one who was powerful, in control and more than a little intimidating.

Later in the day Catra received a call from Angella asking if she could bring Finn to her house because she was running late for the pickup. Adora had left the house a few hours ago so Catra wasn’t really doing anything but sitting with Finn while they played with Swifty.

Angella asked Catra to pick something up from Adora’s secretary before she came by the house so now Catra was on a mission with her tiny sidekick in tow.

Finn was thankfully very receptive to hand-holding, so it made Catra’s life a lot easier when taking them out into public. She remembered Adora’s warning that morning about keeping Finn out of view. So she used a scarf and a pair of glasses to hide them as they travelled until they entered the Greyskull building.

Entering the lobby was an experience every time because of the sheer exuberance of it. The external walls were floor to ceiling windows and there was a glass staircase that hung at least two stories above the security desk. The woman who was behind the security desk looked up with a smile.

“Welcome to Greyskull enterprises, how can I help you today?” The woman asked and her eyes slid down to Finn who was still dressed incognito. Finn was smiling like the little charmer they were, and the woman seemed to recognise them as she beamed in delight.

“Finny? Is that you? How are you today?” She asked. The woman was all bright smiles and warm colours, red curly hair that made a beautiful mess on top of her head. She was plump and dark and very cute. Catra could appreciate a good-looking woman.

“Hi Miss Starla, I’m doing very well today,” Finn said in a professional, polite tone which only made the woman coo. Finn’s tiny suit they insisted on wearing to visit their mother made them look like a perfect little businessperson.

Catra with her hand in Finn’s approached the desk and smiled.

“My name is Catra D’riluth, I’m here to pick up something for Angella Moon,” She said.

“Oh yes, you’re the new Nanny,” The woman paused to look at Catra’s outfit, definitely not business or tidy on her day off. “Ms Grey asked for a key card for you,” She said, grabbing an orange key card on a loop. “You have to wear it while in the building. It will let you up to her office but it wont open any doors you shouldn’t have access to. If you have any trouble, let me know,” Starla said with a friendly smile that looked only a little forced suddenly.

“Thanks,” Catra said as she took the key card and slipped it over her head.  The loop crushed her curls and she had to release Finn's little hand to get her hair out.

“Just scan it on the card reader to the left and don’t let anyone come in behind you. Everyone has to scan in,” Starla reiterated and Catra nodded.

“Got it, ready to go buddy?” Catra asked and Finn offered their hand which Catra took and they headed to the security door. Catra swiped her card and the door opened. Once she and Finn went through, they were both scanned head to toe by a red laser before the door slid close behind them.

Catra walked to the lobby elevator and pushed the button to go up. While they waited, she looked around, her eyes drawn to a painting of the CEO on the back wall. Ms Grey was a hard woman to ignore and she was stunning. It was a fact.

A fact that made Catra want to be sarcastic and maybe a little mean to hide the way her stomach filled with butterflies at the sight of her. Catra hated crushes so much because every time she had one she became such a cliche mean lesbian who was afraid of showing affection. Which was hard to navigate when the focus of her attraction was her boss who she needed to be professional with.

Finn was humming a song they had heard in the car and now only knew two words for as they bopped to the tune. Catra crouched to take the scarf and glasses off Finn and as their handsome face came back into view Catra smiled.

“You get your looks from your mama, huh?” Catra said and they grinned widely at her.

“Mama says I got it from my father,” Finn said as the elevator dinged and opened. The people inside all greeted Finn with warm smiles and waves, looking at Catra with curiosity as the bright orange key card practically glowed against her t-shirt. Catra smiled at them and stepped inside. She knew from her last visit that the elevator had a key card swipe and she slid the card between the sensor and pushed the top floor.

“Hold the lift!” someone asked and Catra put her hand out to stop the doors as a man with a crop top walked into the lift. He had short curls, chocolate skin and the brightest smile Catra had ever seen. His eyes at once went to Finn. The most important person in this building. “Finny!” They said Finn made excited, tappy feet as they and released Catra’s hand to hold their hands up to be picked up.

“Unkebow!” Finn said and squealed in delight as they were scooped up. Catra flattened her ears against the loud sound in the small room as the two laughed together.

“Which floor?” Catra asked and the man looked away from the humming blonde to smile at Catra.

“Oh,” He swiped his card and pushed 13 before he grinned at her. He adjusted the bundle in his arms to offer his hand.

“I’m Bow, you must be Catra,” Bow said as she took his hand and shook it firmly.

“That’s me, the nanny,” Catra said and the elevator dinged so Bow returned Finn to the ground. Bow stepped out onto a level that looked incredibly technical and a little smoky. He put his hand on the door as he turned back to speak to Catra. “It’s great to meet you, we are all really excited you’re here,” Catra frowned.

“We?”

“The family,” Bow clarified and Catra laughed, they sounded like a mob family every time someone called them that.

“Ohh, Uncle Bow,” Catra said as clarity settled on her. He grinned.

“That’s me,” he said and looked at the security door of the level as maniacal laughter could be heard through the glass. “Have a fun day! Bye Finny!” He said before releasing the door. He swiped into the security door and the laugher got louder and the smell of smoke burnt her nose. Finn was waving at Bow so Catra carefully pulled Finn behind her to ensure they weren’t irritated by the smoke. They just looked up at her and hummed adorably.

Catra got out of the lift with Finn and led them through the security doors of the top floor.  Mermisa was at her desk outside Ms. Grey’s office and she looked up with a smirked as they approached.

“Morning,” Mermista said, looking at Catra’s outfit.

“Morning, Angella said you have something for her,” Catra said and Mermisa picked up a thick envelope and offered it to Catra. Catra grabbed the envelope but Mermisa didn’t let it go. Catra looked at her with confusion.

“You look hot” she mouthed silently and Catra blushed. “Did you need to see Ms. Grey before you go?” Mermista asked, her eyes twinkling with delight at Catra’s reaction.

“Nope, no reason to see her, thanks for this,” Catra said, taking the envelope and leading Finn back towards the elevator.

Traffic was terrible but Finn seemed content to sing to the music in the car despite not knowing any of the words. Catra was listening to them while she considered her day off. She could see how the lines of her job and her personal time could get blurred. Angella wasn’t even her employer and she was asking Catra to do things for her. Maybe she should have pushed back when she asked Catra to do this for her. Surely Angella had her own assistant who could have done all this.

Catra took the scarf and glasses off Finn one final time and put them in her bag to use again later. It was an easy enough disguise she could use until Ms Grey had Finn's wardrobe sorted.

[...]

Catra had been alone in the house for hours now, laying on the couch with Swifty (who wasn’t allowed on the couch usually, but was a great cuddler) while she read. Scorpia was working today so Catra decided to laze around the penthouse and enjoy one of Ms. Grey's books.

She glanced outside to realise that the sun was already setting. Time was flying by and her day off was almost over. She went about making some dinner and feeding Swifty before she considered trying out the spa bath. It would be fun to enjoy the heated water but she would also be embarrassed if Ms. Grey came home and saw her in her bikini.

That idea was thrown out as soon as that visual came to mind. Catra did not need to follow that storyline any further than that. Her mind was not allowed to wander when it came to her boss.

In the silence of the room, Catra heard the phone Ms. Grey had provided start to ring. It was strange for that phone to get a call but it might be about Finn. If Ms. Grey was unabailable it made sense to call Catra. Catra crossed the room and saw Ms Grey’s contact flashing on the screen.

“Hello,” Catra said, answering the call.

“Are you the nanny?” A woman's voice asked. She certainly didn’t sound at all like her boss.

“Yes?” Catra asked unsurely.

“Catraaa” Ms Grey’s voice said in the background.

“Are you Catra?” the voice asked.

“Yes, who is this?” Catra asked, a little annoyed and confused why Ms Grey wasn’t speaking to her, herself.

“My name is Entrapta. Could you please take one of the cars from the basement car park and come to Greyskull Enterprises. I will upgrade your access so you can come into my lab to pick up Adora,”

“Wait, what's going o-” the call cut out and Catra stared at the phone for a moment. She was still wearing casual clothes so she just grabbed her bag and a jacket before she took the elevator down to the lobby.

“Good evening Miss D’riluth, How are you today?”  One of the security guards greeted her.

“Good, how are you?” She asked with a smile.

“Right as rain, what can I help you with?” he asked.

“Can you bring Ms Grey’s car up for me?” She asked and he nodded his head as he got to his feet.

“Certainly, did you want the Volvo or the Jaguar?” he asked casually and Catra’s eyes widened.

“I’m sorry, did you say Jaguar?” Catra asked, blinking rapidly as she tried to process the information she was given. The man nodded.

“Yep, it's a classic, is that the one Ms Grey wanted? She hasn’t taken it out for a while,” the man continued and Catra briefly considered when she would ever get a chance to drive a car like that ever again.

“Yes, that's the one,” Catra said quickly as she tried to keep her excitement in check. She didn't want to seem overeager. When she stepped out onto the street with a red vintage Jaguar parked waiting for her she could barely contain her squeal.

Catra wasn’t really into cars, but she knew what this one was. It was money. It was something young Catra thought she wanted for her life, all the money she needed to spend on anything her heart desired. She knew better now, but she also wasn’t one to pass up an opportunity to indulge a little.

Catra was a little disappointed that the drive over to Greyskull was in the later part of rush hour and the car wasn’t really given the room to move. But she enjoyed her drive nonetheless.

Catra arrived and asked security where she was meant to be going before getting into the elevator. She swiped her pass and pushed the button for the 13th floor but the elevator didn’t move. She looked at her pass and swiped it once more before she pushed the button again.

The elevator doors closed this time and Catra listened to the dramatic violine music playing as the elevator accended.

The elevator doors opened to a glass panel doorway which Bow had come to earlier in the day. This level seemed to be sealed airtight. Catra looked for the swipe pad for a moment before she swiped her keycard. It glowed green and the door locks clicked into life as they opened the floor to her. She pushed open the door but this level seemed to be completely empty of life. It was after hours so it made sense that no one was here, but surely Ms Grey was here for Catra to pick her up.

Catra wondered, not for the first time, why Ms Grey didn’t just call her car service to pick her up, it would have saved a lot of time and energy, mostly Catra’s.

A soft glow of a light towards the back of the floor was barely visible but Catra’s night vision saw it like a bright light in the inky blackness. Catra weaved around desks and machinery as she approached the lights. 

Catra could hear the soft whispers of voices as she came closer. She was reassured she was in the right place when she heard Ms Grey speaking to the voice she heard on the phone.

“PFF. I’m fine, you’re overreacting,” Ms Grey’s casual tone surprised Catra and she paused. Suddenly eavesdropping.

“I disagree, you are overreacting. The nerve blocker I gave you should not have had this substantial effect, unless you were lying about your sleep habits,” Entrapta responded.

“Who needs sleep? I’m busy,” Ms Grey rebutted.

“You are difficult to converse with when you are like this,” Entrapta continued and Ms Grey snorted.

“Then take me home! I want to get out of this stupid skirt,” Ms Grey complained and Catra tried not to smile.

“You know I can’t drive,” Entrapta said.

“I can drive,” Ms Grey perked up.

“You absolutely cannot drive in your condition,” Entrapta rebutted and Ms Grey just made a whining noise in response. Catra tried not to laugh but it was cute, ok?

Catra finally approached the door, knocking on the metal carefully.

“Come in,” Catra pushed the door open and saw a woman with purple pigtails and large goggles on which made her look a little like a bug. “Oh, the Nanny,” Ms Grey was sitting on an observation table, swinging her legs casually, she looked a little flushed. Catra had to shake herself, one thing at a time.

“Hi, I’m C-”

“Catraaa” Ms Grey cut her off and waved at her with a dopey look on her face that was, well…startling to be honest.

“Umm, what's going on? Is she ok?” Catra asked, looking back at Entrapta who nodded.

“Yes, she will be fine. If it hasn’t worn off in a few hours please let me know. But otherwise, she is all set to go home,” Entrapta said and Catra just blinked at her. Catra deserved more than that for an explanation and it caused her temper to spark. Her tail lashed with her frustration which caused an annoyingly cute giggle from the blonde.

“Ok, I need more than that, what did you give her? Should I look out for any other side effects? How many is a few?” Catra asked, wondering if this woman might have given her tranquillisers or something else designed to help with stress. Ms. Grey certainly didn’t seem stressed now.

“Oh, we were doing a calibration on her arm, which is standard procedure for She-ra once per month. I give her a nerve blocker, because the stimulation of the nerves can be overwhelming. She has reacted unpredictably to the blockers. I theorise that it's because her sleep patterns have been inconsistent and her body is experiencing higher than usual exhaustion, therefore, she is now 'floppy',” Entrapta said and Catra nodded her head. She was pretty sure she understood all that.

“So, she’s drunk?” Catra asked.

“High,” Entrapta corrected and Catra nodded her head.

“Great, I have some follow up questions,” Catra said, putting her hands together and motioning to Entrapta.

“Sure,”

“Great, what’s a ‘she-ra’?” Catra asked the most glaring question.

“Her arm,” Entrapta said, talking a little slower, which only annoyed Catra more.

“Ok, why does her arm have a name?” Catra asked.

“Because it's a prosthetic, we name all of them,” Entrapta said like it was obvious.

“Ok,” Catra said, looking over at Adora who was watching them talking while she hummed to herself. Catra focused on Adora’s arms and she honestly couldn’t tell which one was meant to be prosthetic. “Ok, last question, and I mean no offence. Why did you call me?”

“Oh, Adora asked me to,” Entrapta said and Catra looked back at Ms. Grey, who looked flushed again. Was...was she blushing?

“Uhh, ok, why?” Catra said, not really sure who she was asking. But Entrapta was the one who answered.

“Well, usually I would call Angella for these matters, but according to her calendar she has tickets to take Finn to the ballet tonight so Adora told me to call you,”

“Oh…ok, so I just need to take her home?” Catra reiterated.

“Yes, it's probably best to not leave her alone for at least three hours,” Entrapta said and Catra nodded. She could agree with that, if Adora was drunk Catra would not want to leave her alone either.

“Sure, I wasn’t doing anything anyway,” Catra mumbled. She could just park Ms Grey on the couch and finish reading her book while she slept this off.

“Great, use the service elevator at the east end of the building, it will take you to the parking garage without going through the lobby. Adora would prefer to not be seen like this by any of her employees.” Entrapta said and Catra nodded.

Catra turned to Ms Grey who looked shy and Catra realised that this was Catra’s second time meeting Adora today and, more so than the last time, this felt like a privilege. This was a rare glimpse into the vulnerable part of Ms Grey and she wasn’t about to abuse the trust she had put on her.

“Alright, ready to go?” Catra asked and Adora put her arms out like she expected Catra, a 5’2” woman to pick up her 6 foot ass.

“Oh no princess, you can walk,” Or she could be an asshole to a hot girl because of who she was as a person. The name slipped from her inner voice to her outter voice before she could stop it. She was about to apologise to her boss for the stupid nickname when Adora giggled and kicked her feet.

“I can’t! I’ll fall,” Adora laughed and Catra had to hand it to her. That did seem very likely.

“Ok, I’ll help you down, but you have to walk after that,” Catra said, not really sure she should be trusted with the task of keeping her boss upright.

Catra approached Adora and went to grab her left side but Adora moved away, with real fear flashing across her face.

“No, not that one. That's my bad side,” Adora said, and Catra tried not to read too much into that as she moved around the right side of her to help her off the table. As Adora was scooting to the edge of the table, Catra turned to ask Entrapta another question and realised she was gone. Catra was on her own.

Adora slid off the table and landed on the floor like a newborn giraffe and almost dragged Catra down with her. Catra caught herself by grabbing the table and pushing Adora against it.

Adora, in her sexy little skirt, was now pinned against the table by Catra and reacted by tipping her head back and laughing. She was completely unabashed with her laughter even as she snorted.

“You dropped me!” Adora complained and Catra couldn’t help but laugh.

“You have like, 100 pounds on me!” Catra shot back and Adora snorted as she looked down at Catra and it was absolutely unfair how stunning this woman was. Even snorting and high off her face she was just so pretty. A gay woman could only take so much.

“Are you calling me fat?” Adora asked in a scandalised whisper, which caused Catra to grin.

“Of course not, it's all muscle, I’m sure,” Catra said, holding Adora’s arms as she moved away from her to add some much needed space between them.

Maybe Catra was overdue to start dating again, she clearly needed an outlet for these feelings and this crush was a very inappropriate outlet that needed to stop.

“It is, I bet I could lift you,” Adora challenged and Catra tried to fight the blush that came to her cheeks at the way her stomach swooped at the offer.

“Not when you’re high off your face, now come on,” Catra deflected. 

“Girls night!” Adora declared with glee as she flopped against Catra again. Catra put Adora’s right arm around her shoulders and helped the wobbly woman walk through the offices.

Adora was a complete pain as she tried to pick up things off the desks as they walked by. Small contraptions, doodads and almost every stack of sticky notes she saw. Catra somehow having the patience of a saint just gently took the items from her boss and returned them to the desks.

It was Adora’s right, as the owner of this company, to take anything she paid for from someone's desk but she doubted Adora needed so many sticky notes. Maybe she did, Catra really didn’t understand what Adora did in her days being the boss.

Catra did manage to find the service elevator as the sign glowed like a lighthouse for them. Luckily for them, the service elevator only went to the ground floor and the other technical floors so when Adora pushed every button in the elevator it only opened eleven times instead of over sixty times.

Catra was not at all charmed by this ridiculous version of Adora who lit up every time the door opened and then pouted when it wasn’t their floor. Adora was incredibly warm as she leaned into Catra, her weight heavy but not uncomfortable. It tempted Catra to snuggle closer to the warmth, but that was wildly inappropriate.

When they finally reached their floor, Adora seemed to find her feet suddenly as she saw her own Jaguar and ran up to it.

“Oh my god, I have a car just like this one!” Adora said excitedly and Catra laughed.

“It is your car,” Catra explained and Adora gasped excitedly.

“OH! I’ll drive. We can get snacks,” Adora said, bouncing slightly in excitement.

“Oh no, you get in the passenger seat, I’m driving,” Catra said and Adora whined loudly, sounding just like Finn when they didn’t get their way.

“But… snacks” Adora said and Catra rolled her eyes. She really wasn’t sure how Adora was going to react to being denied and she really didn’t want to find out if she was a crier while she was intoxicated.

“Fine, we can stop for snacks, but you have to follow my instructions, can you do that for me?” Catra said firmly.

“Yes, sir!” Adora said even saluting like a dork.

“Good, now, get in the passenger side and buckle up,” Catra said and Adora nodded before following the instructions.

Intoxicated adults and kids weren’t so different it would seem.

[...]

Catra tried to get Adora to stay in the car but when she refused Catra had to use Finn’s disguise on Adora. Catra knew enough about the Grey Skull Moon family to know that appearing intoxicated in public would be a big problem for their image.

Catra did what she could with the scarf and sunglasses but they would have to be quick to avoid detection. Which they would have been fine with if Adora wasn’t trying to touch everything.

“Catra look, they have soup,” Adora said. It was the third time Adora had picked up a random item in wonder. Catra had to remind herself that Adora didn’t do her own shopping so this was probably a whole new world for her.

“They sure do,” Catra said, taking the can of soup out of her hand and putting it back on the shelf. Adora frowned at the can.

“I don’t like soup,” Adora admitted seriously and Catra laughed.

“What? How can you not like soup?” Catra asked, looping her arm through Adora’s to get her to finally go to the snack aisle. Catra forced down her reaction to the solid muscle of Adora’s arm that she felt through her blazer and keeping a straight face like a poker master.

“It's just flavoured water and it's not very filling,” Adora said and Catra smiled.

“Well, what is your favourite food?” Catra asked curiously and Adora seemed to be thinking very carefully as they strolled through the shop. Catra wasn’t really sure where the fancy grocery stores were uptown, so she ended up at one closer to her old house that she knew had good snacks. Hopefully that meant they wouldn't run into anyone who knew Adora here.

“There are too many foods to have a favourite,” Adora finally admitted, and as soon as they entered the snack aisle and Adora could see all the sugary snacks she looked absolutely delighted.

“I really like chocolate,” Adora amended, like it was a secret. “Finn can’t have it, so I don’t buy it,”

“You can buy it for yourself,” Catra offered and Adora shook her head.

“It feels like a waste if I can’t share it with them,” Adora said and Catra rolled her eyes.

“Which chocolate is your favourite?” Catra asked as they stopped in front of all the options.

“The plain one is fine,” Adora said, picking up a plain block of chocolate.

“That's not what I asked, which one is your favourite?” Catra asked and Adora looked a little flushed. Catra enjoyed making Adora blush so much that it felt illegal. Having the power to fluster a woman like Adora was something Catra didn’t know she wanted.

“I like the one with nuts,” Adora said softly and Catra plucked the plain bar from Adora’s hands and replaced it with one with nuts. Adora gave a small smile and Catra grinned at her.

“See, that wasn’t so hard,” Catra said and Adora nodded. She didn’t seem convinced but that was ok, learning was a process.

“What are you going to get?” Adora asked,

“Normal gummy bears and sour gummy bears so I can mix the bags together,” Catra said immediately as she walked over to her snack of choice. Adora followed as she giggled.

“Why?” Adora asked and Catra turned to her.

“So I don’t know what to expect. I like to live dangerously,” Catra said, wiggling her eyebrows ridiculously. It made Adora laugh in the exact same way it made Finn laugh. It was a relief that they were so similar. Maybe Catra knew more about her boss than she had originally thought.

“I can’t share my snack with you, I should get something else,” Adora said suddenly and Catra stopped her from walking back to the chocolate section by grabbing her arm.

“You don’t have to share it with me, I’m not sharing my bears” Catra said and Adora pouted.

“Fine, you can have some of mine, but you don’t have to give me yours. It doesn’t have to be an equal exchange,” Catra said and Adora was looking at Catra’s hand on her arm. Catra moved her hand away, feeling awkward and took Adora’s chocolate.

“Come on, I’ll pay for these and we’ll get you home,” Catra said and Adora nodded her head a little.

[...]

Adora had gotten a little quiet after the shop and she didn’t put up a fight when getting into the house.

Once she was inside she kicked off her shoes by the door, which she never did, and walked down the hall in her stockings. Catra was impressed she didn’t slip on the floorboards and followed her into the living room.

“Swiftwind!” Adora shouted with excitement as she got down on her knees. “When did you get so small?!” Adora asked in shock as Swifty excitedly accepted the pets. Catra just watched in confusion as Adora laid on the floor to play with her dog. Catra didn’t understand Adora’s comment because Swifty was in fact a very large dog.

Catra sat on the couch to watch Adora and Swifty interacting. It seemed to be a battle between Adora trying to pet him and Swifty trying to check if she was ok. After a little while of that back and forth Swifty seemed content to lay in his bed and watch how things unfolded.

Adora was laying on the floor on her back just watching the roof. Catra would have been concerned if Adora wasn’t casually wiggling her fingers and toes as she laid there.

“I can’t see the stars,” Adora said suddenly.

“That's because we are inside,” Catra said, successfully not laughing but unable to stop the smile that came to her face.

“oh… can we go outside?” Adora asked curiously.

“Sure, but it's pretty cold tonight, are you up for that?” Catra asked, Adora wasn’t really dressed for the chill in the air tonight.

“We can take blankets,” Adora said.

“True, do you need help getting up?” Catra said, getting to her feet.

“Yes please,” Catra came over to stand beside Adora as she sat up. Catra offered her hand to help her up and Adora looked at it for a moment before she muttered something under her breath so quietly that even Catra didn’t hear. She accepted Catra’s hand and struggled to get up in her tight skirt that hugged her thighs.

“What was that?” Catra asked and Adora looked her dead in the eye before she repeated herself.

“I said I’m so gay,” Adora said and Catra’s eyes widened before she choked on nothing.

“Excuse me?”

“I said-”

“No, I heard you.” Adora nodded and started to walk outside. Catra followed her, grabbing the blanket off the couch as she passed.

Adora found a spot to sit on the deck and got comfortable.

“What do you mean you’re gay? Are you coming out right now?” Catra asked, “I mean, Isupportyouandthankyoufortellingme,” Catra rushed through, panicking that she wasn’t doing this right.

“Coming out? Did you think I was straight?” Adora asked and Catra got her head together enough to put the blanket over Adora as she laid down.

“Well…yeah! What about Finn?” Catra asked settling a respectable distance away from Adora which still allowed them to share the blanket. Adora looked up at the stars which were absent due to all the light pollution in the city and pouted.

“What about Finn? …I love them so much” Adora said, her voice cracking with emotion. Catra was a little worried Adora might start crying but she blinked her eyes and the emotions were gone. “They are the best thing I’ve ever done,” she said seriously and it was heartwarming to hear.

“They’re a great kid, you’ve done so well on your own,” Catra said gently in hopes that she wouldn’t cry.

“It’s my fault I was alone,” Adora said with a frown. Catra waited for Adora to explain further but she didn’t expect what she chose to say next. “She doesn’t hold a candle to you though,” Adora said, Catra blinked at her, confusion clear on her face.

“Who?” Catra asked, completely lost at the direction of the conversation. Adora was going from one thought to the next and Catra wondered if she was keeping any to herself right now.

“You are the prettiest flower I have ever seen. The memory of your radiance will brighten my days until the end of time.” Adora said in a serious whisper, her eyes sliding from the heavens to focus on Catra’s face. Catra’s cheeks burned as she blushed violently. “Where’s Finn?” Adora continued like she didn’t say anything at all. Catra was wholly unprepared for her boss to be an intoxicated flirt.

“With their Grandmother,” Catra said, trying to move the focus away from herself.

“I’m glad. I don’t want them to see me like this,” Adora said, making it sound like this was the worst thing she could show her child. It would have been irrisponsible if Adora didn't have another adult around to make sure everyone was safe, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. 

“It's not so bad,” Catra said gently and Adora started glaring at the sky.

“I should have known better. When Melody didn’t want to carry Finn. She knew I would be forfeiting my career, and she didn't care,” Adora said and Catra was trying to piece together the information she had. Was Melody Finn’s other parent? “I wanted to believe she had my best interests at heart and what she wanted was what she said, but I was wrong. I was stupid and in love and she was a liar,” Adora said coldly as she stared, glassy eyed into the dark night sky. Catra let out a slow breath, watching the cold expression on Adora’s face.

“I think that's the meanest thing I’ve ever heard you say,” Catra said gently, and it was true. In Catra's experience Ms. Grey was firm but she wasn’t unkind, Catra knew that much.

“Emotions are a distraction. Like you,” Adora said seriously and Catra laughed in surprise. She wasn’t expecting her night to include getting rizzed by her boss but she couldn’t deny it was flattering. Adora knew her way around a compliment and it was nice to know that on some level she wasn’t suffering her crush alone.

“Like me?” Catra prompted.

“Yes,” Adora said softly, not looking at Catra.

“I’m a distraction?” Catra prompted again, wondering how brave Adora was feeling.

“Yes, especially those clothes you wear that Dee didn’t buy you,” Adora said and Catra deserved a medal for not smirking at her comment.

“You don’t like my clothes?” Catra asked, looking down at her ripped t-shirt and jeans. It wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but Catra liked it.

“I do, they suit you very well,” Adora said and Catra looked back at her to see her watching Catra.

“Well thank you. I like your suits,” Catra offered in return, feeling the full weight of Adora’s gaze on her.

“Ha, thank you. I hate this skirt,” Adora admitted dismissively.

“I gathered, why did you wear it?” Catra asked, laying down on her side to watch Adora.

“To a certain extent it's expected of me. I am a woman, so I should wear skirts,” Adora said, frowning deeply.

“No offence, but that's a stupid reason,” Catra said and Adora scoffed before she rolled to face Catra, closing the distance slightly. The distant warmth of Adora’s body made goosebumps break out over Catra’s skin.

“I know, but it's hard to break. I wear suits for comfort and I suppose I also use them to hide,” Adora sighed and Catra nodded. She lowered her voice now that they were only a foot apart.

“What are you trying to hide?” Catra asked curiously, she wondered if she should stop asking questions. Let Ms Grey have her secrets and not expose her when she is feeling vulnerable. But Adora kept talking and Catra wanted to hear it all.

“All the cracks, the imperfections, but mostly it's harder to tell this isn't real when all you can see is the hand,” Adora said as she raised her hand above her face to look at it before she let it fall again. Even this close Catra could barely tell it was different. The technology was amazing.

“You don’t have to hide those things you know,” Catra said softly and Adora frowned.

“That's ridiculous. I run a company so I can’t show weakness,” Adora said, rolling onto her back again to look at the sky.

“That might be true at work, but it's hard to keep that up all the time. Do you ever get time to switch off? Maybe take a holiday?” Catra asked, watching Adora’s profile.

“Of course, I’m going to the snow for my birthday,” Adora said quickly like an excuse. 

“Yeah, but I’m coming with you and Finn because it’s a work trip. You can’t count that as a holiday,” Catra mentioned and Adora frowned. Catra knew that trip was also at least four months away. At this rate Adora was going to burn out before she ever reached the snow.

“Well…where would you like to go?” Adora asked and looked at Catra again.

“Oh no, this is about you. What is your favourite holiday destination?” Catra asked and Adora sighed.

“I admit I haven’t been on one for a while. Melody picked our last holiday and before that father picked family holidays,” Adora said, her eyes getting sad at the reminder of her father.

“Sounds like you haven’t had much of a chance to explore what holidays you like on your own,” Catra prompted and Adora nodded.

“I guess not,” Adora said before yawning.

“Ready for bed now?” Catra asked and Adora nodded sleepily.

“Great, let's get you into your jammies,” Catra said, getting up and helping Adora to her feet. 

To Catra’s relief, Adora had recovered enough to change without needing any assistance. Catra helped her turn down the bed and tucked her in before she turned off the lights. She was ready to leave when Adora had a quiet request.

“Can you lay with me for a while?” Adora asked and Catra smiled.

“Sure, just a few minutes though,” Catra said and Adora nodded. Catra went to the other side of the bed, laying on the empty pillow. There was at least four feet between them given the size of the bed but Catra still felt like this was overstepping. She would do the same for Finn if they asked, so this was no different. Adora just needed company.

“Thank you, I don’t sleep very well on my own,” Adora admitted before she yawned again. She was laid on her back with her blankets perfectly flat over the top of her.

“That's understandable. I’m a bad sleeper as well,” Catra offered and Adora nodded.

Catra rolled onto her side to watch Adora’s relaxed profile as she settled into the giant bed.

“Thank you, for taking care of me,” Adora mumbled sleepily and Catra smiled.

“You say that now, but just wait till you get the bill,” Catra joked and Adora snorted.

“I’ll pay as much as you want,” Adora mumbled and Catra felt awkward, she didn’t mind taking care of Adora and it wasn't about the money. But if they wanted to keep this professional, then paying Catra for her time was part of the deal.

Catra didn’t respond to Adora’s comment and Adora’s breathing settled out into an even rhythm.

Catra was feeling exhausted now that she was lying down but she was also worried that Adora might have trouble while she was asleep. Catra settled in, blinking her eyes aggressively like it would help her stay awake. She watched Adora for a little while to convince herself that she would be ok.

Catra didn’t remember falling asleep but she woke up with a start as motors for the blinds buzzed to life. Catra had never heard them in her own room before since her curtain was manual. She groaned softly and as she moved she realised she wasn’t under her blankets and she was freezing.

Catra blinked open her eyes and suddenly remembered where she was. She must have fallen asleep when she was watching Adora. Adora looked like she was still sleeping, thank the stars. Adora’s breaths were even and her face was relaxed. Neither of them had moved a single inch during the night. Staying at their own allocated edges of the bed.

Catra quickly and carefully lifted herself off the bed as quietly as she could and snuck out of the room. She took the time to close the door behind her as quietly as she could and silently thanked the stars she didn’t wake Adora in the process. That would have been mortifying.