The Brightmoon Institution (Catradora Boarding School AU)

[Eight Years Later]

Adora rocked back and forth anxiously, eyes crawling around the exits, watching people roll their suitcases and luggage behind them. Her hearth thrummed in her chest, grip tightening around the small bouquet of flowers she'd stopped to buy. Quickly, her eyes travelled to the large screen, eyeing the "ARRIVED" sign suspiciously. The bold red words had been flashing for the past thirty minutes and there was still no sign of her. Her pocket was being weighed down, the black velvet box neatly placed inside of it suddenly feeling like it weighed ten pounds.

And then she saw her. Waves of dark brown, tired eyes and wearing a mess of clothes, Adora still couldn't help but gasp at the beautiful, disheveled sight of her. Without thinking, she waved her arms in the hair, standing on the low rail that divided the arrivals from visitors. The stares she received were harsh, but she couldn't care less when she hadn't seen her girlfriend in four weeks. Catra reddened as her eyes landed on Adora's, but her embarrassment couldn't smother the beaming smile on her face.

God, Adora loved that smile. The way her once weary eyes instantly brightened, the flush of her cheeks. She could feel her own grin broaden as Catra rounded the corner and finally reached her, abandoning her luggage to throw herself in Adora's arms.

Adora's hands tightened around Catra's waist, squeezing her back and she engulfed herself in that wonderful, knowing scent. No matter how many times Catra left for work trips, Adora would never be accustomed to her absence.

"I missed you so fucking much," Catra whispered in her hair before leaning back. She hastily swiped her eyes, though no tears had appeared. Adora smoothed out her dark hair, tucking behind loose strands so she could truly look at her girlfriend. Her hands moved to cup Catra's face, finally kissing her.

"I missed you more than you can imagine," she whispered against her lips, feeling Catra's smile. They broke apart, Adora mindlessly slipping her fingers into Catra's as they led their way to the carpark.

Catra spoke as they walked, telling her how Ingrid, her new marketing coordinator, had completely butchered the vision she had for her upcoming line. Adora listened attentively, sprinkling in suggestions when Catra seemed to be asking for them. Their hands only disconnected when they reached the gleaming cherry red car. The pair loaded Catra's luggage into the boot before sliding into the warmth of the vehicle.

"But I don't want to fire her, she has good experience and even though she's a pain in my ass, her ideas can be helpful."

Catra continued, buckling up her seatbelt. Adora did the same, bringing the engine to life.

"Do a few more one on one sessions with her, maybe? You could try sending her a few of those vision boards you spend hours working on?" Adora reversed out of the parking spot before swiftly exiting the carpark. Catra hummed in response, seemingly appeased by the idea.

"How's the gym going?"

She turned to Adora, who couldn't help but grin at the mention of her gym.

"I didn't think it'd get this much business in only a year, honestly." She admitted.

Most people were lucky if they even got to start a business straight out of college, Adora didn't expect her's to become so popular.

"Lonnie reckons we should expand with the profit we've got."

Catra's eyebrows shot up in pleasant surprise.

"Not a bad idea. Might as well take advantage of the good rep."

Adora nodded. Lonnie suggested Mystacor, and Adora was inclined to the idea. Considering Catra travelled there every few months or so, it meant they'd spend less time apart.