The Brightmoon Institution (Catradora Boarding School AU)

Gaydar Repair

Adora was drawn to the bathroom by the sound of sobbing, and a tiny part of her heart fractured at the sound. Glimmer seemed to despise her, and she had no idea why, but clearly there was a plausible reason. Maybe Glimmer's childhood wasn't as easygoing as Adora thought it was? Or perhaps Catra didn't grow to be the person Adora knew in the Horde...

"Glimmer? It's me, Adora."

"For fucks sake, go away!"

Adora nearly listened to her, about to walk off and find Bow when she realized Glimmer was hurting. And people say some nasty things when they're hurt. Adora herself didn't, never really had the courage, but she certainly thought them.

"No. Glimmer, I need to talk to you."

"Go back to Bow! You guys do everything together anyway."

Adora sighed, closing her eyes as she rested against the door. Glimmer's sobs began to slow down, but they didn't fully come to a halt.

"Glimmer, please. I'm sorry."

Adora used the gentlest tone possible, not really knowing what she was apologizing for.

The door slowly cracked open, and Adora watched Glimmer pull her hands against puffy cheeks, silent tears tracking down her face.

"You were really nice when I first met you, but what changed?"

Adora leaned against the door, looking at the shorter girl's face.

"You and Bow."

Adora blinked. Glimmer was...jealous?

"I've known Bow for a total of three days, he's just being nice."

"You like him, don't you?"

Adora stared at her, wondering if she heard correct. Her eyes softened at the look in Glimmer's face, the warmed and slightly embarrassed blush on her cheeks. Adora didn't know much about romance, but she'd heard enough of it through books and art. But Glimmer seriously couldn't think Adora thought any of that about Bow, right? The thought was too ridiculous to even consider.

"Sorry, what?"

"Bow? You want to date him, I can tell."

Adora cracked a smile, continuing to stare at her. When Glimmer was utterly expressionless. A snicker escaped her, before she released herself into uncontrollable laughter.

"You- you think-"

"Shut up."

"I can't- You seriously think-"

Adora gave up on words, tears crawling out as she leaned against the door. Finally she calmed down enough to speak, fanning her warm face.

"Glimmer, I'm a raging lesbian. I can assure you, I have no interest in Bow."

Glimmer's face turned beet red in embarrassment and Adora smiled at her. She remembered being so scared to come out to Shadow Weaver, afraid of judgment or different treatment. But Shadow Weaver said she would've preferred if she was ace or aro, less 'distractions' apparently. Adora hadn't really agreed, a teenager could get distracted by nearly anything, it didn't necessarily have to be romantic. Apart from that, Shadow Weaver hadn't really cared, as long as Adora kept her 'priorities in check'.

"Oh god, I'm so stupid. My gaydar was completely off."

Glimmer slid back on the wall, running her hands through her hair.

"Gaydar, are you?..."

Adora let the question hang.

"Bisexual. So is Bow."