The Nyanny - Ch3

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.

--

Finn laid in their bed looking comfortable in all their pillows and blankets while Catra read a few stories to them to help them relax. Catra was just finishing the third storybook when Finn opened their eyes suddenly to look at Catra.

“Miss Catra?” they asked in a soft sleepy tone.

“Yes Finn?” Catra responded as she closed the book and rested it on her lap.

“Are we friends?” Finn asked in a small shy voice and Catra nodded her head as a smile spread over her face.

“We can be, do you want to be friends?” Catra asked gently and they nodded their head as their ears flicked back uncertainly. Catra waited for them to continue.

“We should have a secret handshake,” Finn said and Catra grinned.

“I love that idea. We could incorporate a Magicat greeting in it,” Catra offered and Finn looked confused as they nodded.

“What's that?” They asked as they struggled to push the blankets back and sat up in their bed.

“Let me show you” Catra said, smiling as she moved closer down the bed. “So, this is a greeting reserved for friends and family, so since we are friends now, we can use it,” Catra explained and Finn listened carefully.

“Okay,” they said with their ears twitching with excitement.

“All we have to do is rub our cheeks together like this,” Catra said, leaning closer and rubbing her cheek to Finn’s and they giggled.

“That feels funny,” they said and smooshed their chubby cheeks in their hands to dispel the feeling.

“It does a bit, but it's how we show we are connected. By gently rubbing our scent on people we can show they are important to us,” Catra explained and Finn's eyes got big as they considered this.

“I like it, you should teach mama too,” Finn said as they laid back on the bed and snuggled into the pillow.

“Maybe you should teach her, you're practically an expert now,” Catra said, her face warming at the idea of rubbing her face against her boss. That seemed wildly inappropriate.

It was a little odd that Finn didn’t know a traditional greeting. She assumed Ms Grey must not have come from a traditional magicat family. Everyone was different with how they liked to show their heritage and some things resonated with different families differently. She wondered if she might have overstepped and hoped it wasn’t too much to teach Finn this.

“Yeah, I’ll teach her,” Finn said dreamily as they closed their eyes all too quickly they were snoring.

Catra tucked them into the bed and put the books away before she gently closed the door and went back to the kitchen. She had seen the cleaners earlier in the day but Catra didn’t want to leave the pots from dinner out for them to clean in the morning.

After cleaning the kitchen and trying to bond with Swifty with a tug of war toy. He was a very strong boy and almost knocked Catra over at one point. It wasn’t a very quiet game to play so she decided she should stop for the night.

She was getting tired and decided to go to her room to try and sleep. It wasn’t early but she was still responding to a message from Scorpia when she heard a sound in the front of the house.

Catra was on high alert as she checked the time and it was past one in the morning. Her insomnia had struck again. She got to her feet. She should check what the noise was and if it was her boss she could introduce herself. At least she had her claws if it happened to be a home invasion that somehow got past security.

She walked down the hall quietly and stopped in the door of the kitchen to see a very tall woman in a disheveled suit. They had long blonde hair that shone in the light of the fridge before they closed the door and turned.

Catra wasn’t trying to scare them but she didn’t know what to say when they turned to face her. Catra’s eyes adjusted quickly to the darkness and she could see what goddess had magically appeared in the kitchen. Catra stared at the blonde in disbelief, wondering if she was actually dreaming.

The woman's eyes slid lower on Catra’s frame and Catra was reminded that she did not wear the pyjamas that were provided to her. Instead she had decided to wear her own sleepwear to try to trick herself into sleeping in a new place.

Catra’s protective instinct came back with vengeance as she felt her embarrassment blooming. She hid all that under a defensive stance as she squinted suspiciously at this Victoria's Secret model. Her new boss might have invited the woman into the home but Catra needed to do her security checks to make sure they were safe to be around Finn.

“Who are you?” Catra asked, her own state of undress making her feel even more aggravated and when the woman didn’t respond straight away she felt the prickles of her temper flare. “Well?” she demanded.

“I live here,” the woman said and Catra was shocked as she felt herself flush with embarrassment. She couldn’t stop her eyes from looking over the woman with the new information.

This is my boss…

Ms Grey was on her way to undressing. Her clothing was neatly tailored to fit her like a glove but she had unbuttoned it in places in preparation for sleep. Ms. Grey wasn’t a magicat and she wasn’t married. Catra knew from the list of approved people who can visit Finn being restricted to Ms. Grey’s family. Clearly Finn’s dad wasn’t in the picture anymore.

“Adora Grey,” Adora said, offering her hand and Catra’s eyes snapped back to her face. She wasn’t sure how long she was looking but it was definitely too long. Ms Grey looked tired and Catra could see a slight colour on her cheeks as Catra looked at her crystal blue eyes. Stars save me…

“Nice to finally meet you, Boss, I’m Catra D'riluth” Catra quickly introduced herself. This was already the worst first impression she could possibly make. She wasn’t wearing the clothing she was provided and she accosted her boss right after she got home. This was so embarrassing.

“Adora is fine,” Adora said and Catra nodded. Was she being too formal? Everyone else on her payroll seemed to call her boss but maybe Catra had to be invited to the club.

“So, you’re my new Nanny,” Adora said, and Catra felt her nerves rising to the surface again. Catra felt judged and she hated that feeling, especially when it put her job on the line.

“Yes, that’s me, is that…that ok?” Catra asked, her voice sounded too high pitched and she felt her ears flick down.

“Yes, yes, that’s fine, welcome!” Adora said, her abrupt increase in tone did not reassure Catra that this was actually fine but she continued to stumble forward with the interaction.

“Thank you. I’m very happy to be here,” Catra said, looking for anything to continue this exchange.

Catra noticed Adora was holding a chocolate pudding cup she had seen in the fridge that she assumed was for Finn. “Are you eating a pudding cup for dinner?” Catra asked, unable to hold back a smirk. It was once a regular dinner for Catra, not by choice really, but by necessity when it got to the end of her paycheck. Not the chocolate ones though, she liked strawberry flavoured puddings.

“No, uh, well yes, it’ll tide me over till breakfast,” Adora said as she released Catra’s hand and Catra realised she had absolutely been holding that for an awkwardly long time.

Catra reached over to the light switch on the wall and the room flooded with light before Catra blinked to adjust her eyes. Catra felt the need to make up for the misunderstanding and awkward interaction. But more than that, Adora looked exhausted and like she needed a break. She could probably do with some good food and some sleep and Catra was more than happy to help.

“Don’t be silly, I'll make you something,” Catra said, walking to the fridge and looking inside. She had made a stir fry for Finn for dinner that they enjoyed so she grabbed the ingredients to make Adora the same.

“You really don’t have to do that,” Adora assured. Catra tried to keep in her laughter and only made an embarrassing snort as she turned to the island and unloaded an armful of ingredients. Catra was acting like a mess tonight.

“Really, it’s no trouble,” Catra reassured. Adora stayed quiet as Catra worked, only getting herself a spoon but otherwise just watching. She had been worried that Finn would be fussy considering their upbringing but she hoped that Adora would want the food she made her. The silence was getting to her and she threw Adora a grin to try to cut the tension she could feel building.

“Thank you,” Adora finally spoke softly, and Catra’s ears swivelled towards the noise. Her voice was like a bell and it made Catra feel fluffy and flustered all at once as her short furr reacted to the sound.

“It’s my pleasure,” Catra said, pausing to look at those blue eyes. Catra smiled but as Adora stared back at her she felt her cheeks colouring. She was not prepared for this level of intense eye contact. Adora hadn’t smiled once but she was still far too pretty to have eyes like that.

Catra quickly tossed the vegetables into a wok before making up the food for Adora. Adora thanked her again but Catra chose to wash the dishes so she would have something to do while Adora ate.

“This is really good,” Adora commented casually and Catra smiled to herself before she glanced over her shoulder.

“Thanks, I like to cook,” Catra said and Adora had a solemn look on her face for a moment as she finished her food.

“I used to enjoy it too, when I had more time,” Adora said, getting to her feet with her empty bowl.

“I can wash this, you look ready for bed,” Catra said, taking the bowl from Adora but noticing her little frown at the action. Adora nodded after a moment.

“Thank you, Miss Catra, welcome, again” Adora said looking down at her for a moment and Catra nodded her head as she whispered a small ‘thanks’ and smiled at her. Adora turned away abruptly before leaving the room.

Catra let out a long sigh once she heard the bedroom door close. She wanted to slam her head against the counter but it looked like real marble and she did not need the brain damage on her first day.

She finished the dishes for the second time that night before she rushed back to her room and grabbed up her phone to text Scorpia.

Catra: Scorpia!! WHAT THE HELL! YOU COULD HAVE WARNED ME.

Scorpia: Hey Wildcat, can’t sleep? Warned you about what?

Catra: ABOUT ADORA!?

Scorpia: Oh no, what happened?

Catra: What do you mean what happened! She’s so hot I almost had a heart attack. Then I almost threatened her in her own home!

Catra crawled into her big fluffy bed that felt like a cloud and wrapped the blankets around herself to wait for her response. She would call Scorpia but her room was right beside the master bedroom and she was not going to talk about her boss where she could be heard.

Scorpia: Uh, what? Can you catch me up? Did you not know what she looked like when you took the job?

Catra scoffed at the suggestion that anyone's looks would ever matter when taking a job. Catra just would have liked to know beforehand so she wasn’t so surprised.

Catra: NO, I didn’t think to CHECK, who would be that shallow?!

Scorpia: Well, most of the people who rejected your application…

Catra: YEAH, and I’m better than THAT.

Scorpia: Yes, you are. So, you think she’s attractive, what’s the problem?

Catra: She’s not attractive, I could deal with attractive; she looks like a goddamn Greek goddess. She’s going to melt all my brain cells and then I’LL NEVER BE A LAWYER.

Scorpia: I’m sure it's not as bad as you think. Maybe you’ll get used to it?

Catra: UNLIKELY

Scorpia: Sorry Wildcat. Did you find out what days you have off this week so we can try that sushi place?

Catra: Yes >:( Wednesdays and Saturdays. Sometimes Sundays but I will know week to week.

Scorpia: Perfect, I’ll book for Wednesday.

Catra: Fiiine. Just so you know, you were no help.

Scorpia: I know, but I’m not sure how to help you think Adora is less attractive. I’ve only met her once, and she seems lovely. I can’t sully her character for you.

Catra: Pity.

Catra flopped back in the bed and kicked her legs as hard as she could, dislodging the blankets and pillows as she tried to dispel the energy inside her body. She felt slightly better talking to Scorpia. She just needed to get all her thoughts out and now she could be professional. It would be fine.

[...]

Adora groaned as she stretched her tired body from her desk chair. It wasn’t very late but she had failed to sleep the night before and it was getting harder to focus.

She noticed the note on her desk written in Mermista’s immaculate handwriting reminding her to call Angella. She decided a small break would do her good. She checked the time and it was just after six. She should think about heading home. She had been guilty of utalising Catra’s help to get some more work done but she missed her kitten and she should try harder to sleep at a normal time.

“Adora~ It's so good to hear from you,” Angella said and Adora wasn’t sure when she clicked the call button on her phone.

“Hey Angie, how are you going?” Adora asked and Angella laughed.

“I’m fine, you know I’m retired, so I can’t complain. How are you?” Angella asked, putting emphasis on her question that felt loaded.

“I’m fine, things are going well at work and Finn is adjusting well to the new Nanny,” Adora rattled off while she closed out of her programs on her computer in preparation for leaving. Angella hummed curiously and Adora didn’t elaborate further.

“Yes, I actually wanted to talk to you about her,” Angella said and Adora frowned.

“Did something happen when you met her?” Adora asked, concerned that something had passed through her security checks.

“No, no, nothing like that, she seems like a lovely young lady,” Angella said and Adora sat back in her chair.

“What are you not saying?” Adora asked and Angella laughed softly.

“You’re so much like your father,” Angella said fondly and Adora felt a swell of pride in her chest at the comparison. She held great respect for her father and the accomplishments of his short life. Adora would be lucky to hold a candle to that man. Maybe one day. “I was just surprised because she is very young,” Angella said slowly and Adora nodded.

“Yes, well, she is doing her masters, and everyone has to start somewhere.” Adora defended and Angella laughed.

“Yes, I know. I’m not judging,” Angella said and Adora raised an eyebrow even though she couldn’t see it.

“Then what are you doing?” Adora asked and Angella sighed.

“Nothing, I am simply stating a fact, I was surprised that she was so young,” Angella said and Adora rolled her eyes.

“Yes, Adam advised me of your thoughts about my new Nanny already,” Adora said before she smirked. “Should I warn Opal of your interest in younger women?” Adora asked and Angella scoffed at her.

“Adora, don’t be silly. She is far too young for me. She must be around your age…” Angella said, her voice trailing off. Adora frowned.

“A few years younger I believe,” Adora corrected mildly and Angella tittered.

“Well, she's delightful. Speaking of Adam,” Angella transitioned, her voice coming through more stern and Adora braced herself to be chided.

“Wonderful news about the baby,” Adora interjected in an attempt to distract Angella from whatever crusade she was on.

“Wonderful news, I couldn’t be happier for them. Why did you buy Adam a car?” Angella was not to be deterred it would seem.

“Their car is too out of date, they needed something safer,” Adora defended, keeping a level tone.

“Their car is only four years old,”

“Safety technology changes daily, that's practically ancient,” Adora continued.

“You really shouldn’t spoil him like that,” Angella scolded, getting to the crux of the issue.

“I disagree, dad would have done the same if he was still here,” Adora defended as she clicked a little too hard on her mouse to close the final windows.

“He would have, but that doesn’t mean you have to do that. Adam can take care of himself,” Angella reminded and Adora rolled her eyes as she picked up her bag.

“I know that. But Adam is my brother, and I want to show my excitement for the news the way I choose to,” Adora said as she flicked off the lights as she walked to the elevator.

“I understand wanting to show him you care but you don’t need to buy such an expensive gift for that,” Angella said gently and Adora felt her shoulders slump. She knew that, but she wanted her brother and his family to be safe. The car she got him was top of the line for safety and security and she wanted that for him.

“I know, but I have the ability to, so I can provide,” Adora said firmly, and Angella clearly took that as the end of the conversation.

“Alright. Well, I’m having everyone over for brunch on Sunday, so clear your schedule,” Angella said and Adora smiled softly.

“Of course,” Adora agreed.

“Maybe you can bring the Nanny, then she can meet everyone at once,” Angella offered and Adora rolled her eyes.

“She doesn’t work Sundays, she will meet everyone eventually, during work hours,” Adora said and Angella puffed out a little sigh.

“Alright, well, I’m going to have some dinner, don’t be a stranger ok?” Angella said and Adora felt a little pang of guilt she always felt when she forgot to call Angella back promptly.

“Have a good night Angie,” Adora said.

“Same to you, love you,” Angella said, a smile in her warm tone that reminded Adora of home.

“Love you too,” Adora responded and hung up the phone. She shook her head to clear the guilt from the front of her mind and called her driver to take her home.

[...]

“What does Mama do for a job?” Finn asked curiously as they looked up from their drawing to watch Catra. Catra sat across from them on the coffee table trying to draw a flower. It didn’t look good but she had to admit she was kind of enjoying making something. It was a simple pleasure.

Catra flushed as she realised she should have expected this question and should have researched appropriately. Catra stalled by making a very intelligent ‘um’ sound stretching almost thirty seconds long and Finn just watched her as their ears and tail twitched with amusement.

“She makes prosthetics, for people who are injured,” Catra knows that much and Finn nods their head.

“So…she's a good guy?” Finn asked, they looked to be drawing someone wearing all white with yellow marks on their clothing.

“Yeah, she's a good guy,” Catra said confidently, and Finn nodded. Catra really didn’t know what else to say so when silence lapsed between them Catra went back to her drawing too.

“Like she-ra?” Finn asked suddenly and Catra looked up again curiously.

“Who’s she-ra, Finny?” Catra asked and Finn poked out their tongue as they tried to do a tricky part of their artwork.

“The reason mama is so strong,” Finn explained and Catra blinked slowly as she tried to process what that would mean. Adora looked like she was strong all on her own but maybe this was a reference Catra didn’t know.

“Yeah, your mama is really strong,” Catra agreed and Finn nodded happily before going quiet again. In the silence between them Catra could hear the loud snoring of Swifty who was laid behind Catra like a backrest. She reached out to scratch his fuzzy head and felt his tail thump against the floor happily.

Catra fell into a routine far too quickly in this job and it made her worry that leaving would be hard. She liked Finn and Swifty, but she had to remind herself how temporary all this was.

[...]

Catra had strict instructions for Tuesday nights. Finn had a weekly sleepover at their grandmother's house. Catra carefully packed an overnight bag for Finn and let them pick one toy to take with them before she dressed them in warm clothing for the trip.

The car was heated but once they arrived at the positively gigantic house Catra was glad she rugged Finn up a little for the trek to the front door. Finn was excitedly telling Catra about their favourite places to play and trying to point to them in the darkness. Catra could see them well enough and asked plenty of questions to keep them entertained.

Catra rang the doorbell and it sounded like the bells of Notre Dame with how loudly they chimed behind the solid wood door. Catra flicked her ears back as she reflexively put her hands over Finn's little ears. Finn looked up at Catra and giggled.

“Loud,” Finn said and Catra smiled at them.

“Very loud,” Catra agreed and the door pulled open slowly. There was a man standing there in a sharp black suit. He looked at Catra with some confusion before he looked down at Finn and smiled.

“Lord Finn, Welcome,” the butler opened the door and Finn ran inside. Catra smiled at the man.

“You must be miss Catra,” the man said and Catra nodded “Yeah, nice to meet you,”

“Rupert,” he offered.

“Rupert, thank you,” she said, following the excited child further into the big house. Catra rushed to catch up to them and grab their hand. Finn clearly knew where they were going and Catra let them lead the way.

They entered a beautiful room with a glass roof and completely covered in plants. Catra wondered what a room like this would be called as they walked further inside.

“Gramma!” Finn yelled, pulling out of Catra’s hold to run ahead again. Catra rushed after them and when she rounded a large fern she saw a tall elegant woman scoop them up.

“My love!” Angella said and Catra stepped closer but didn’t want to interrupt as Finn started talking quickly to their grandmother.

“Today I fought a dragon!” Finn exclaimed with excitement and started explaining how they rode Swifty into battle and fought valiantly to save the city.

Catra had played the dragon in this game and Finn had squealed and ran around the deck to hide from her as she stomped around. Swifty thought they were playing a different game and kept bringing Catra balls to play with. Catra managed to throw balls around and find Finn for an epic showdown. She ended up laying on the deck pretending to be dead while Finn monologued about how hard it was to be a hero and how it was exhausting work. Catra had listened and wondered where they had gotten that idea from.

“It's good to see you miss Catra,” Angella said and Catra smiled.

“It's good to see you too Mrs Moon,” Catra said and Angella laughed.

“Please call me Angella, or better yet, Angie,” Angella said and Catra smiled.

“Sure, I’ve got Finn’s overnight things, where should I put them?” Catra asked, sidestepping the name issue. It seemed to be a family trait.

“Rupert can handle that,” Angella said motioning with her hand and Rupert appeared beside Catra to take the bag. Catra hadn’t even noticed him follow them into the room. She laughed a little at her own surprised jump and handed over the luggage. “Do you like to garden?” Angella asked once the bag was whisked away.

“I’ve never tried, I wasn’t home often enough to care for an indoor plant,” Catra said and Angella smiled a little.

“You and Adora have that in common,” Angella said and Catra held her tongue. She was not going to comment on that.

“I’m sure she could pay someone to care for them if she wanted to,” Catra commented idly as she glanced around the room full of plants.

“Caring for them is what makes it so relaxing,” Angella said as she gave Finn a squeeze and put them down. Finn went straight to a little bench that seemed to be made for them and started playing with the plants there.

“I’ll have to take your word for it,” Catra said and Angella smiled

“Would you like me to show you?” Angella asked and Catra’s knee jerk reaction was to say no. She really only had to drop Finn off and she had the night and tomorrow to herself. But the look on Angella’s face was kind and it reminded Catra so much of her mother, gently trying to help her find peace in something. Catra let out a little breath and nodded her head.

“Yeah, that would be nice,” Catra agreed and Angella beamed. She showed Catra how to transplant a few seedlings she had been growing and both Catra and Finn had their hands covered in dirt by the time they were interrupted.

“Angie?” A male voice yelled and Angella called back, quickly washing her hands as the new arrival approached. It took longer than expected but when he appeared Catra could see why. He was walking heavily on a beautifully made walking cane. His face was handsome and so familiar but it was pinched in pain. Angella went to him, closing the last few feet to hug him tightly.

Finn approached with much more care than they usually did, carefully hugging the man’s leg and he gently petted their head.

“Hey Finny, how are you?” The man asked.

“I’m good, I saved the city today,” Finn explained and the man grinned as Finn recounted the battle again and it got more elaborate.

“That's incredible, bud,” the man said and glanced up to see Catra watching curiously. She looked away to finish washing her hands. “Miss Catra, I presume,” the man said and Catra quickly dried her hand to turn back to the new face. He was smiling brightly at her and Catra realised where she recognised him from.

“Mr Grey,” Catra said, walking forward to offer her hand to him. He shook it firmly and nodded his head in agreement.

“Adam, yes, the family resemblance is undeniable,” Adam said easily and Catra was reminded that Ms Grey was a twin.

“Definitely, they share their fathers cheeky smile,” Angella said and Catra smiled but couldn’t imagine the smile Adam had on Adora’s face. It seemed out of place.

“I should get out of your hair, it was great to meet you,” Catra said quickly, worrying she had overstayed her welcome.

“Nonsense, you should join us for dinner. Adora won’t be far away now,” Angella said.

“Angie?” Adora’s voice called from the other side of the room.

“Speak of the devil!” Angella said playfully and Adora’s laugh made Catra’s fur fluff up at the sound. She came around the large fern with an easy smile on her face, and Catra was struck by how much that smile suited her. That was until she saw Catra and her smile dropped.

“Miss Catra,” Ms Grey said and Catra felt herself flush as she realised she really overstayed her welcome.

“I was just telling Miss Catra she should stay for dinner,” Angella said, glancing between Adora and Catra.

“Angie, we talked about this. Miss Catra’s off tonight,” Ms Grey said. Catra was mortified that her employer and their mother had been talking about her. She wished she could know what they had said but her mind jumped to wild conclusions all too readily.

“I appreciate the offer but I’m seeing my mum tonight,” Catra quickly excused herself, she needed to see her mum before she started to worry but she didn’t have plans with her tonight. She just needed to leave this awkward situation.

“Oh sorry, dear, next time. You are most welcome, if you would like,” Angella said and the glare Ms Grey was giving Angella was clear as day that Catra was absolutely not welcome.

“Thank you, I best be off, don’t want to be late,” Catra said quickly as she checked her pockets for her things ruffled Finn’s hair to make them giggle before she headed for the door. “Lovely to see you all,” Catra said, realising she had to pass the blonde to get out of the room.

“Ms Grey,” She said with a nod and Ms Grey wasn’t fast enough to correct her this time before Catra was out the door.

She walked down the hall, unsure of where she was going but doing it with the utmost confidence.

“Oh, Hey, you must be Catra,” A pink haired woman stepped into the hallway with a dark haired child at her side. “Uh, I mean Miss Catra,” The woman said looking down at the child beside her who smiled and nodded.

“Yes, that's me, I’m sorry, lots of faces to remember,” Catra said, offering her hand to shake. The woman shook her hand with a soft grip.

“Glimmer, and this is Angel,” Glimmer said and Catra nodded, she remembered those named from the family list.

“It's great to meet you both,” Catra said and Glimmer stepped aside from the door she had been blocking.

“Sorry, you looked like you were leaving,” Glimmer said and Catra looked towards the door she hadn’t considered going through which apparently was the way out.

“I think I might be a little lost,” Catra excused herself and Glimmer smiled.

“Angel, why don’t you go find Auntie Adora and Finn,” Glimmer said and Angel nodded their head and skipped off down the hall.

“I’ll show you the way out, it's a bit complicated,” Glimmer said motioning for Catra to go through the door she had just come from.

“Thank you, I should have paid more attention when Finn led me here,”

“It happens. How are you finding working with Finn?” Glimmer asked and Catra smiled at the thought of them.

“They have been really lovely,” Catra said and Glimmer hummed.

“They are the cutest. Adora is so protective of them, I’m surprised she finally settled on a nanny,” Glimmer said casually and Catra glanced at her. She wanted to ask questions to try to understand Ms Grey’s character better but this was her sister and there was no way Catra could say anything without Grey knowing. Catra didn’t need any more reasons for Ms Grey to hate her. They arrived at the door in silence and Catra thanked Glimmer before she left.

She took a car to the train station so she could go downtown to visit her mum. She was in need of a loving embrace and some home cooked food all of a sudden.

[...]

“She just stares,” Catra huffed. “I can feel her judging me every time I interact with Finn and I feel like I’m doing something wrong. What is she staring at!” Catra said in a flustered ramble while sitting on the floor of Scorpia’s house.

“I’m sorry wildcat” Scorpia said from the kitchen while she made them both tea. They had tried a new sushi place which had just opened with cheap bottomless sushi. Catra was full of sashimi and octopus balls and was now seriously considering a nap. But she had things to complain about first. Her boss being a hot, straight, mean girl was at the top of that list of complaints.

“I’m sorry to complain to you Scorpia. I know Perfuma is really excited about her mum dating Angella Moon and they are cute and all. I just don’t have anyone else to complain to,” Catra said, crossing her arms as Scorpia brought in the green tea to set on the coffee table.

“That's alright. I am happy to listen. I just don’t have much experience with Adora myself,” Scorpia said. She carefully, and a bit awkwardly, tried to sit on the floor across from Catra at the coffee table.

“I get that, I just need to vent,” Catra said and Scorpia carefully poured the tea for them both.

“I get it, vent away,” Scorpia said and Catra nodded. Suddenly unsure where to start.

“I get that she’s tired, but like, this is her kid, she should spend more time with them, she’s ALWAYS working,”

“She is a hard worker,” Scorpia agreed as she blew on her tea and carefully sipped the hot liquid.

“Yeah, it’s like…impressive or whatever…” Catra said, waving her hand and ignoring Scorpia’s grin. “I taught Finn a magicat greeting and the first time Ms Grey saw them use it on me she just watched us. She didn’t say anything but I feel like I’m walking on eggshells, like she won't tell me if I do something wrong, but I’ll just get a dismissal notice,” Catra said with a huff and Scorpia was shaking her head.

“Oh no, from what I’ve heard, Adora is very straightforward. She would tell you if you did something wrong,” Scorpia said confidently and Catra relaxed a little.

“Ok, well, that's a relief,” Catra picked up her tea to blow on the steam and attempted to sip it.

“She might just be watching you to see how you interact with Finn, like you said, she's busy a lot and it seems like she cares that Finn is happy,” Scorpia said and Catra considered the words as she sipped again.

“Ok, maybe that's true,” Catra said reluctantly and Scorpia smiled. This was why Catra liked to talk to Scorpia, she always wanted to see the best in people where Catra often judged quickly.

“Yeah, if she saw you do a magicat greeting with Finn maybe she was curious, not judging,” Scorpia said and Catra wrinkled her nose as she considered it.

“Maybe, but she barely expresses any emotion! She doesn’t smile or anything, she's so cold,” Catra said and Scorpia put her cup down carefully.

“Wildcat, are you sure you aren’t being a little harsh?” Scorpia asked and Catra put her cup down to cross her arms defensively. “You remember the last time you liked someone?” Scorpia asked and Catra scoffed.

“This is nothing like that!” Catra defended and Scorpia carefully continued.

“You made up all these reasons of why it wouldn’t work, or that she thought the worst of you until you stopped liking her,” Scorpia continued.

“That's not what happened! I saw the light,”

“You never even spoke to her,”

“I could see it on her face!”

“Catra,” Scorpia said softly and Catra raised her shoulders defensively. “Is this because you think Adora is pretty?”

“No, this is completely unrelated to that,”

“Are you sure? Because it seems like you’re doing your mind reading thing where you think the worst of them without speaking to them,” Scorpia gently continued and Catra had started shaking her head.

“No, I’m not doing that. I don’t have a crush on my straight boss, it's not happening,” Catra said firmly and Scorpia tipped her head to consider that.

“How do you know she’s straight?” Scorpia asked and Catra huffed.

“She has a baby, I’ve seen the pictures on the wall, she carried them,” Catra said firmly and Scorpia shrugged.

“That doesn’t mean she is straight, I’m sure I could find out for you,”

“Absolutely not, do not ask anything about her, I’m fine. I don’t have a crush on anyone. I might be mind reading. I will admit that, and try to work on it,” Catra conceded.

“Thank you Wildcat,” Scorpia said and Catra rolled her eyes.

“Now tell me what's new with you, I’m sick of my own voice,” Catra said, picking up her tea.

“Perfuma and I have been talking about going to a gardening club that her mum goes to so I can get to know her mum better,”

“That's awesome Scorpia, she’s going to love you,” Catra said and Scorpia blushed a little.

“I hope she does, things just feel so perfect with Perfuma, we talked about moving in together when my lease runs out next year,” Scorpia said shyly and Catra grinned.

“Wow, so serious, are you excited about that?” Catra asked and Scorpia was nodding long before she finished the question.

“Absolutely, we already spend almost every night together as it is, it would be nice to only have one rent to pay,” Scorpia said as her cheeks turned pink.

“Well I’m happy for you, you and flower girl are such a great couple,” Catra said and Scorpia smiled.

“Thanks wildcat,” Scorpia said positively beaming. One day Catra would like to have something special with someone, but for now, she was content to wait for the right person to come along.