Yearning, Learning - [Catradora Drabbles] [Returns 09/29/23]

13 - Graveyard Shift

With how much effort had been put into maintaining Bright Moon at peace, it wasn't shocking for Adora to be assigned late night guard duties every once in a while. And while it wasn't inherently necessary with how many people were around and how much had been done to improve the security systems set up, she still tried her best to do a good job, be it by helping its people with simpler chores or making her rounds about the streets, until the sun finally came by. 

The only stuff that bothered her were cold nights like today's. Though it was a trifling matter nonetheless, the cold numbed her skin and made her think back on what, or rather who waited for her at home. Catra would be sleeping right now, no doubt; but the blonde could at least have someone to cuddle and warm herself with. 

She smiles at that, imagining the sound of her purring, until it isn't her imagination anymore.

In an instant, she turns around to verify she's not hearing things and comes across a more logical explanation than that of her girlfriend being up at three in the morning: a dark grey cat making his way to her side. The little one's caught his head in a box, yet he attempts to free himself by hitting at Adora's leg, meowing and purring for help. She lets out a laugh and smiles down at the feline; then, she crouches and reaches out for the box, being careful not to startle him away.

The cat hisses a few times as she tries to get his head unstuck, yet that all results in failure and him running off.

"Wait!" she shouts, to no avail.

It's already too late by the time she calls out for him. She runs to where he zoomed past and comes across nothing else but empty streets and the occasional passerby either taking a walk or sitting by a bench. There's not much else she can do besides either continue looking or giving up, but neither of those options are needed when she hears the same, familiar purring nearby. Based on the sound, the cat's happier now, so she tries her best to search for him and ends up coming across an unusual sight: her girlfriend up at three in the morning, but sitting on a bench and with a cat resting on her lap.

The brunette looks to her side first and the cat soon follows; the latter hisses at Adora while the former smiles, greeting her with her free hand. 

"Busy shift tonight?" she teases, grinning.

Adora returns that expression and places a hand on her hip, replying with, "Did you see me?"

Catra nods and gestures with her gaze for the blonde to join her side, scooting herself and the cat away to leave more space for her. "If it helps, you have to be more careful around animals when they're struck like that," she says, petting the cat's head and watching as he yawns. He stretches his body and nuzzles up to Catra, chest rising and falling at a calm, steady pace. "They're already scared enough with what's going on, so you have to take it real slow if you want to help them out."

She takes the cat with both hands and offers him out to Adora. "Want to pet him now?"

There's a moment of reluctance before the blonde can reply. Eventually, she nods and reaches a hand out for the cat, flinching when he moves so much as an inch. He doesn't do anything when her hand lands on the top of his head, bringing a wave of relief to her body, one she lets out in the shape of a soft breath. 

"He's cute," Adora comments, smiling. 

Catra smiles back and sets the cat back down on her lap. Then, she shifts closer to Adora and holds her cheek, tugging at her face for her gaze to meet with her own. When it does, her smile grows and she prepares herself to say the corniest line ever known.

"Just like you." 

To counter its blow, she gives her a quick kiss and places a hand back on the cat's head, petting him to emphasize her point. 

"...But you're less fluffy and way better to cuddle with."