The Brightmoon Institution (Catradora Boarding School AU)

Anytime

Mild TW for Anxiety/Panic Attacks- Stay safe <3

Adora groaned as she sat up, not only her head but also her limbs aching.

Did she get drunk last night?

She was pretty sure she did, considering that she was sprawled on the large couch rather than in the soft confines of her bed. Rubbing her neck, she looked around, slowly coming to her senses. At least she wasn't in Catra's bed this time, thought something did happen last night...she just couldn't exactly put her finger on what.

"Catra?"

She was slightly concerned about the positioning of Catra's head, her neck literally dangling off the end of the couch. But was it weird if she adjusted her?

Yes, yes it's very weird.

"Catra?" She hissed, using her forearms to shift closer and tap the girl on her shoulder. She didn't budge, Adora rolling her eyes to herself. Of course Catra was a heavy sleeper, she always was the last to wake up in the Horde. In that aspect, she was pretty similar to Glimmer, and they were both stubborn as fuck. Adora bit her lip, just knowing the damage that position could do to Catra's neck. It would be awfully painful....

Oh for fucks sake.

Moving as slowly as possible, Adora gently raised Catra's head, keeping her neck supported. Flashbacks of the night started to filter in; snow, ice, stars?

Catra's eyes flew open and instantly all of Adora's memories flooded her, beating down on her like bricks.

Holy shit. No, surely that was a dream. Definitely.

"Morning," she whispered, careful not to agitate a cranky hungover Glimmer. Catra probably didn't remember anything, and Adora didn't want to make things awkward when they were just becoming close again.

It's best if I just ignore it. If Catra wants to bring it up, I'll let her.

"Couch?"

Adora bit back her flush at the rasp in her voice, forgetting that her hand was still placed under her head. She slowly removed it, letting Catra get a bit of a bearing as she leaned back.

"Yeah, I think we got drunk."

"Think?"

Catra's gaze floated across to the discarded bottles in the corner, Adora following it to also realize just how much they drank that night. She picked up her watch from the floor, checking the time to make sure it wasn't too late yet. They still had to pack and get ready before leaving back to the school. Thankfully, it was only eight, Angella said to be ready by ten.

"Ugh, my head."

Glimmer performed her morning routine, lifting her head from the pillow just to stuff it back in again out of frustration. Adora was fairly used to it by now, having lived with her for a few months.

"Do you two remember anything from last night?"

Glimmer's question was muffled, but Adora heard it plain and clear.

"Nope!" She avoided Catra's eyes stretching and slowly moving off the couch towards the kitchen.

"Neither."

Adora wasn't sure to be disappointed or relieved at Catra's words, frowning slightly as she bent down to get herself a bowl and a glass. The first thing she had to do was get some pain relief medicine, her head was literally weighing her down.

"What are you guys thinking for breakfast?"

"I'm alright with anything, thanks."

Adora nodded at Catra's response, deciding to just make them all some simple toast. She didn't have time to make pancakes or anything special like that, though she had thought of it.

Did Catra sound stiff, or is that just me?

Adora pushed her thoughts away, checking her social media platforms in case she posted something she shouldn't have. After all, she knew Shadow Weaver would be constantly monitoring her feed, probably had all her statistics too. That was the reasoning behind her endorsing Catra and Adora's friendship, or at least online contact.

"Adora?"

"Huh?"

Someone clapped in front of her face, causing Adora to jump back in both fright and shock. Her eyes flew to Catra's who watched the interaction like a hawk.

"Glimmer!"

Bow scolded his girlfriend as Adora shook off her goosebumps. It was just a clap, albeit a fucking loud one, but nothing more. She was fine, she was safe. Nothing was wrong, she wasn't in trouble, she hadn't gotten a bad grade. It was fine.

"You alright?"

Adora was so concerned with her thoughts she nearly jumped again at Catra's soft touch on her shoulder.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine."

Adora avoided her eyes, but Catra continued to examine her, making Adora cough and turn away under the intense scrutiny.

"The toast!"

Adora moved over to the toaster, realizing that was why Glimmer had clapped loudly. Her hands were shaking slightly, they hadn't done that in a while.

Stay still Adora, stop shaking. STOP BEING WEAK.

"I need to go to the bathroom."

"Do you want me to get the-"

Adora didn't hear the rest of Bow's sentence, her heartbeat echoing in her ears. She just needed to get away, needed to calm down before something bad happened. Closing the door behind her, Adora instantly sunk down into the ground, holding her head in her hands. The hangover was bad enough, but a panic attack? Now? For literally no reason? She clasped her hands together firmly, trying to steady herself with the breathing practices recommended on websites. But it didn't help, nothing fucking helped. A knock sounded at the door, so soft Adora wouldn't have even heard it if it wasn't for the vibrations she felt from leaning against it. She didn't respond, hoping it was Angella or Micah and they'd leave thinking it was occupied.

"Adora, it's me."

She took a breath at the voice, unable to decide if she should open it or not.

She did.

"Oh my god."

Adora wasn't able to register anything apart from the arms pulling her closer and the comforting smell of musk and mint.

She held on tight, focussing on anything but the compulsive shaking and tears threatening to fall.

Why are you like this?

"Let it out."

Adora didn't require the instruction, but it helped her ease into the softness of the hug, the familiarity of it. Time was lost, Adora continuing to cling to Catra until the shaking slowly lessened, and they were just hugging each other. Pulling back, Adora wiped her eyes, dreading the part that came after this.

"She -" Catra paused, taking a breath that caught Adora's attention.

"She does it to you, doesn't she?"

Adora didn't bother trying to speak, knowing the words would only get lodged in her throat. So she nodded instead. Rather than getting angry or annoyed as Adora expected, Catra only exhaled with a shake of her head.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want to annoy you." Adora's own voice cracked, another tear slipping out that she quickly wiped away.

"Adora you never were, never are and never will annoy me."

Adora hadn't realized how much those words would affect her, causing her to latch back onto Catra like a lifeline.

"Thank you."

Catra held on tight, burrowing her face into the crook of Adora's shoulder.

"Anytime."

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