The Brightmoon Institution (Catradora Boarding School AU)

Closet Playdate

"Where does she normally go?"

"To me."

"Oh."

That was about all they spoke in the half an hour spent roaming the school, desperately peering in every crevice and corner for a sign of Catra. Adora gnawed on her lip, trying to think of something interesting or worthy of speaking. Scorpia only gave her a sly look as Adora continually opened and closed her mouth.

"Heh, you look like a fish."

She didn't know whether Scorpia intended the observation to be condescending, affectionate or humorous, but at least she'd said something. And that was a start.

"Thank you?"

"Wasn't a compliment."

Scorpia continued to chuckle to herself, and the sound was unlike what Adora envisioned. For a strong, powerful, intimidating presence, Scorpia sounded a bit...juvenile. Almost like a child.

"Uh, sorry."

She wasn't entirely sure how to respond.

"For what?"

"I...don't really know?"

Small knots twisted in her stomach, Adora wrapping her hair around her fingers to distract herself. A light sigh came from the woman next to her and she looked to her expectantly.

"What?"

"Is my presence boring you or something?"

She fisted her sweaty palms and looked up at her defiantly.

"Yeah, loosen up or something. You're so stiff."

Adora scoffed incredulously, looking at Scorpia with a loss of words. Here she was, forced to collaborate with a not-so-friendly twenty-six year old, while they tried to find her missing, volatile, hot girlfriend. Who was already mad at Adora. Did Scorpia expect her to put on a performance or something of the sort?

"Me? Stiff?"

"Uh huh."

"You're the one that looks like a wooden ruler half the time."

Adora didn't know where she was heading with that statement, but the insult seemed to land, for Scorpia looked increasingly offended.

"Do I seriously look straight?"

Adora blinked, sputtering out incoherent words as Scorpia's eyes widened.

"Because I'm not you know, I'm literally dating Perfuma, she's-"

"No, no-that's not what I meant."

Scorpia seemed deeply relieved, taking a deep breath and steadying herself. Wide eyes, mouth open... She had looked close to a heart attack.

"Good insult," she relinquished once she recovered.

"Thanks."

"I might borrow it sometime."

"Sure."

Adora had no idea what the fuck was going on.

She was so confused that she couldn't help the bubble of laughter that climbed up her throat.

"Uh, Adora?"

Scorpia stared at her blankly as Adora continued to giggle, hysterical with the situation she was currently in.

"Are you high, orrr? Do I need to call someone?"

Adora gasped in breaths, clutching onto Scorpia's arm to steady herself as they stopped. She wiped tears from her eyes, looking up at the soft pink hue of the sunset.