Happy Birthday (A Catradora Short Story)

four

Getting away from the Academy was simple. Easy to the point of making Adora think "Is Catra really good in trespassing, or the Academy's security really sucks?". She didn't think of an answer, though. Now, free from Bright Moon's fields she could go anywhere, and most importantly, take Catra anywhere. They had some birthday routines besides pranks and weird gifts; the Horde would eat fries and drink beer - Hordak, Catra and sometimes Adora - and energetic - Entrapta, and that was never a good idea - right after school. And then, when Entrapta had driven they all to madness, they would go to the most special fast food, order milkshakes and a tiny cake. Since Entrapta couldn't eat any sugar (that would be a death sentence to her and the group) she specifically always requested a tiny cake. She was so stubborn about it that the diner made one of those only for her. If you go to the most famous local diner near the school and ask for the menu you'll see in the dessert section: "Entrapta's cake".

Now, Adora was not going to be able to find tiny cakes, but she would find milkshakes. With Catra by her side, hands always in her flannel shirt pockets, she was almost feeling like the Adora of one year ago. Her phone vibrated a couple of times; she grabs it just imagining who would it be: Glimmer.

"Adora?"

"Where are you?! Frosta said something about you hating the cake??"

"Is everything okay?"

Adora texts fast, the tip of the fingers making tiny noises on the screen. She doesn't realise Catra softly peeking her phone.

"I'm fine! I didn't hate the cake!"

"I just bumped into an old friend and decided to take a walk."

Glimmer's answer came straight away.

"An old friend? Why didn't you bring them to the party?" Adora sighs.

"She's not a party person. I'm sorry Glimmer. I loved the party, seriously. Just save some cake for me, okay?"

"Okay... It's your B-Day girl, you can do whatever! I'll try to save some cake."

"You're the best Glimmer. Thanks."

Adora was sure Glimmer was a bit annoyed by her getaway, but once she told what had happened everything was going to be okay. Glimmer knew about Catra; She and Bow were present in almost every breakdown Adora had and helped her get better. Sure, Glimmer didn't like Catra - she didn't understand how someone could be rude to someone as tender and incredible as Adora - but that would change. Catra apologised.

— So... They're missing you out there, aren't they? — Catra was careful with her words; something that wasn't like her. She used to be always bold with words, never fearing others reaction... It's been a year, Adora. Internally, Adora thinks that maybe people like Catra can change. She just wasn't sure if she liked it.

— Yes, but I explained. They understood. — that wasn't Catra's interpretation after she read the messages, but she remained quiet. Maybe Adora was trying to protect her and Catra didn't want to argue.

Actually, Catra didn't know what she wanted. Being there with Adora after the apologies seemed extremely uncomfortable for some reason; she wasn't feeling like herself. Adora noticed it too, she knew that. Perhaps the distance had created a wall between them, impossible to go through. Perhaps the apologies were needed for closure so this way they could go separate ways. Maybe... Our friendship should end. It might not be as strong as I thought it was. Catra was now slowly going to a dark mental place she didn't know the existence of.