"Hold up. Run that by me again. Did you say that we are required to engage in an extracurricular activity?" Catra asked in confusion.
Principal Hope nodded. "That is correct. Madame Razz and I have talked and we think it best for you and also for your classmates, Adora and Lonnie, if you have some kind of an activity that will allow you to expand yourselves in a positive way."
Catra sighed deeply "That makes literally no sense at all. In fact I will be more 'positively expanded' if I don't have to join a club."
Principal Hope frowned. "Well you lost your right to choose that when you assaulted your fellow classmate."
Catra rolled her eyes. "Man you really don't let things go do you?"
Principal Hope stared firmly at Catra from behind her desk. The two sat alone in her office. Catra had heard Lonnie and Adora called to the office earlier as she had sat in her class and had known that she'd be up next. She had been right and now she was here talking to the principal.
"Alright fine," Catra seceded. "What do I gotta join? Chess club or something?"
"Something like that," she responded and handed a sheet over to Catra.
Catra scanned the list and saw that it was a collection of several clubs and student organizations that were offered. Catra scoffed at the thought of joining the 'Student Government' or the 'Etheria High Robotics Club'.
"If I'm gonna be honest, none of these look like they'll keep me from beating people up in the future," Catra said snarkily.
Principal Hope sighed and creased her brow. "We have already contacted your parents to see if this arrangement is alright and they all agreed. Your father said it sounded like a great idea to get you involved at school."
Catra scowled. "Traitor," she muttered under her breath. She looked at the list again and then paused.
"Wait so you said Adora and Lonnie have to do this too?" Catra asked curiously.
Principal Hope nodded affirmatively in response.
"Hmmm. Well. Do you happen to know which one Adora picked?" Catra asked innocently.
"I do," Principal Hope responded plainly. "But I think it would be best for you to choose independently of what the other girls chose."
"Uh, yeah sure," Catra said sarcastically. "I mean you don't have to tell me, but if you don't I'll just text her and find out so it's really a win either way."
Principal Hope stared at Catra for a moment before shaking her head slowly. "You are really making this difficult. If you must know, Adora chose Theatre."
"Theatre? Are we talking about the same Adora? The pretty blonde one?" Catra clarified.
"Yes. Your options are all a little narrowed due to time constraints. Usually clubs meet during free period, however you three will continue to meet with Madame Razz during this time. That only leaves the after-school activities which are listed on that sheet."
"We don't have, like, a sporty thing or, like, weightlifting club or something? Adora would love that…" Catra said as she looked at the sheet more closely.
"Not any that fit your time restraints, no. And registration for almost all Fall sports has already passed. The options we're looking at now are the Acapella Group, Jazz Band, Theatre, Public Speaking and Debate, Math League, Tennis, and Dance."
Catra confirmed this on the list she held." She didn't wanna do Tennis or something?"
"She did, actually. However, she requested not to be in the same group as Lonnie and Lonnie was the first to meet with me and she selected Tennis," the principal explained.
"Yep that'll do it," Catra said, annoyed. "Well this sucks. She hates all these other options. Theater must have just been lesser of many evils."
"I am genuinely sorry for that. Our goal was to supply you all with an enrichment activity that suited you. Due to other interferences that goal may have been complicated somewhat." She did look actually apologetic and Catra decided to let her off the hook.
"Well fine. Whatever. I choose Theater then. Do I have to act or something?"
"Not necessarily," she explained. "You could always work stage crew. Or maybe pit band? There are many options and you'd have to talk to the theatre director. But I am glad you two chose this to be honest. Our theater program has taken a few hits and there are very few students who have decided to join this year. I'm sure your help will be much appreciated."
"Oh I'm sure I'll be an invaluable asset," Catra droned sarcastically.
"We can hope," Mrs. Hope responded, unamused, as she handed Catra another sheet of paper. "This is the info for the Theater Program. It meets this afternoon and you should make sure to attend and introduce yourself. I'll let your father know about the scheduling."
"It's fine, I'll let him know," Catra replied. "Is that all?"
"That's all," Principal Hope and looked disappointed as Catra quickly got up and left the office.
Catra wasn't quite sure how she felt about the situation. Primarily, she thought the whole thing was ridiculous. No extracurricular anything could keep anyone from fighting. She wondered how the school didn't understand that. And she didn't like being forced to do anything.
On the other hand, she now had an extra allotted time of the day that her and Adora could spend together. So that was a silver lining even if they had to do weird theater stuff as well. Catra wondered what exactly they'd be doing as she walked back to her class.
Adora was walking down the hall in between classes when Catra sidled up to her. "Gooooood morning, Adora. You look good today," Catra complimented her as she strolled up.
Adora smiled bashfully. She was wearing one of the outfits Bow had picked out for her at the mall. She had never really thought it was a good fit for her, but the second Catra voiced her appreciation it became Adora's favorite outfit.
"Thanks. It's good to see you. Did you get called in for…"
"For that 'student enrichment' garbage?" Catra interrupted and Adora nodded. "Yeah I did."
Adora shook her head. "They made me join theater. Theater, Catra. What am I gonna do in theater!?" Adora exclaimed.
Catra snorted. "Yeah well it's not like we had many options. It does suck though. If only you had an incredible friend who joined theater with you…" Catra said slyly and Adora turned to face her, a look of relief on her face.
"Did you really?" she asked hopefully.
Catra grinned widely, exposing her sharp canines, and nodded. "Looks like we're both theater nerds now."
Adora breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh thank goodness. I was hoping you would. Not that I'd want you to do something you wouldn't want to just to hang out with me."
Catra huffed. "Trust me. All the options were garbage. And I'd rather have the worst of them all and be with you than anything else."
Adora smiled at Catra tenderly. "Thanks Catra. I'm glad that I won't b…"
Adora was cut off by a figure who walked up quickly and grabbed Adora's hand, standing in front of her.
Adora recognized Glimmer instantly and froze up. She hadn't even thought to keep an eye out for Glimmer. Usually her and Catra didn't talk in the halls and if they did Adora was more alert. She had just been so distracted by Catra today she hadn't even noticed.
Now Glimmer was standing between her and Catra and Adora wondered if Glimmer had heard anything. Did she know they were talking? What had she seen? Adora bit her lip nervously as Glimmer stared down Catra.
Catra was surprised as well, but after a few moments she adjusted and rolled her eyes. "What's up, shortstuff?" she asked tauntingly.
Glimmer narrowed her eyes. "Look I thought maybe you learned your lesson, but you need to leave Adora alone. I'm not even kidding."
Catra laughed. "I wasn't even…" She started to defend herself, but looked behind Glimmer at Adora, who was shaking her head vigorously at her.
Catra frowned a little and felt a sadness flare up inside her. This felt like Adora directly choosing Glimmer over her. At the end of the day she was still just a dirty secret.
"Whatever," Catra said quietly. "I'll leave her alone."
Adora could tell immediately that her actions had hurt Catra and she instantly regretted it. Seeing Catra hurt was something she hadn't seen much at all and it was something she never wanted to see again.
Catra shot one more hopeful look at Adora and then a glare at Glimmer before shoving her hands into her jacket pockets and walking away.
Glimmer watched her go for a while before turning to Adora. "Hey," she said caringly. "Are you okay?"
Adora was still a little stunned by everything and she felt incredibly guilty. She just nodded blankly.
"Good," Glimmer said, looking over her shoulder to make sure Catra was still walking away. "What was she saying?"
"I don't remember," Adora said plainly, wincing at her own lie the second it left her mouth.
"Well I'm sorry she's still bugging you. I knew that whole fight thing was just a weird freak accident. I swear she's planning something," Glimmer said distrustfully.
Adora just nodded again. Glimmer worried for her friend and grabbed her arm gently. "Here I'll walk you to your next class."
"Thanks," Adora said distantly as she started to walk with Glimmer and shot a glance back behind them. Catra was long gone and Adora felt a pang of guilt in her chest. This was only heightened as she looked to her side and saw Glimmer, who she still hadn't been able to tell the truth to.
"Hey, Bow. Question," Glimmer said out of the blue. The two friends were sitting next to one another in their shared math class. There were still a few minutes before class started and Glimmer continued with what she was asking. "Do you think Adora's been acting…I dunno…weird lately?"
Bow immediately perked up at the question, his mind jumping immediately to everything Adora had told him recently about possibly being interested in someone. He also knew that Adora and Catra were getting along pretty well. Bow could already feel a little sweat accumulating on his brow. "Uh…what?" He asked quickly.
Bow knew he was a terrible liar. That's why normally he just didn't lie. However, now it seemed like everybody was confiding in him with their secrets. First Catra of all people. And then Adora.
He was afraid Glimmer would call him out on his shifty behavior, but she seemed distracted and continued.
"Like, I don't know maybe I'm crazy. She just feels a little different or something. Maybe. It's not even my business. Am I too clingy, Bow?" Glimmer asked offhandedly.
"I don't think you're too clingy," Bow said quickly. "But maybe you can be a little…overprotective?"
Glimmer frowned in response and Bow held his arms up in defense. "Look I'm just saying. You remember when you tried to get me to wear a helmet when I drove my car?"
Glimmer thought about it for a moment and nodded. "Okay I see your point. Do you think I'm too overprotective with Adora though? I just worry about her I guess. I mean she's been through a lot. And like the fight and everything. And Catra and Lonnie. Catra has really been giving me bad vibes too. What do you think she's up to?"
Bow looked overwhelmed. "That's a lot of questions," he replied helplessly, trying to avoid the topic of Catra.
"Well then just tell me what you think Catra's planning. I've been racking my mind about it."
"Uh…" Bow stalled. "...Catra. Hmmm. Can't say I...know what she'd be thinking...uh…" Bow looked around awkwardly. He floundered for a moment and was starting to panic when the bell rang, sparing him from trying to lie any more. "Oh shoot. The bell!" He laughed a little. "Oh well. We'll talk about this another time, maybe, alright?"
Glimmer stared at Bow strangely for a moment before nodding in resignation.
"Theater? That sounds like a…unique choice for you," Glimmer said cautiously to Adora, who sat next to her in their Chemistry class.
Adora groaned and buried her face in her arms on her desk. "I know. It's a disaster," Adora's muffled voice came out weakly.
Glimmer frowned and reached over, slowly rubbing Adora's back. "Hey, look it can't be that bad. You just get on a stage and say some things and people watch."
Adora held her head up out of her arms and looked at Glimmer in exasperation. "That's what I'm afraid of!"
"Yeaaahhh…" Glimmer said slowly as she looked at the ground. "What a sucky thing. I'm sick of Mrs. Hope punishing you for all that junk that Lonnie and Catra started."
Adora winced a little at the accusation of Catra, but didn't say anything. "I get why they're doing it. I just wish I could've done tennis."
"Yeah that's the worst. Of course Lonnie took the one you wanted."
"Yeah I wish I had gotten first dibs," Adora said with a sigh.
"Well hey, maybe you'll find out you have a love for the performing arts," Glimmer said encouragingly as she tried to cheer Adora up.
"Well I guess we'll find out," Adora responded.
The rest of the day went by as it usually did. Lunch was a little more lonely for Catra as she was already feeling a little upset about the whole thing with Glimmer earlier and Scorpia wasn't at school that day.
Apparently she had gotten the same flu that Rogelio had just last week. Catra sat in the farthest seat from Rogelio and hoped that she wouldn't get sick as well.
Adora sat on the other side of the room during lunch. She was with Bow and Glimmer as usual, but her mind was elsewhere. She kept glancing over at Catra, whose back was to her.
Neither of the girls had a particularly great rest of their day and by the time the last bell rang they both begrudgingly made their way towards the school's auditorium for their new 'elective.'
Bow and Glimmer wished Adora good luck before she left. They had already complained with her about it all at lunch. Adora still wasn't happy about having to participate in theater. Glimmer had sworn to march into Principal Hope's office and demand that Adora's name be cleared. Bow had just hugged her a lot.
When Adora got to the auditorium doors, she saw Catra sitting on a bench and walked up to the girl quickly.
"Catra. About earlier…I didn't…I mean it wasn't…" Adora struggled to articulate how she felt, despite having planned out her apology in advance.
Catra stood up and put a hand on Adora's shoulder. "Hey. It's alright. Like, it felt kinda crummy, but if there's one thing I understand it's not knowing how to tell people things."
Adora looked at Catra, confused. "Well…okay I guess. But I'm still really sorry. And I am gonna tell her. Because you're…I'm gonna tell her."
Catra smiled supportively. "I know you will. And I still don't mean to rush you. No big deal. And I'm telling you she'll only be mad for, like, a week to ten years tops."
Adora gulped and Catra chuckled. "It won't be too bad probably. But you gotta do it at some point. And the sooner you get it over with the better."
"You're right," Adora admitted. "You're totally right. I need to just commit and do it. Rip the band-aid off."
"Right off. And then we can hang out whenever we want! I could even tolerate Glimmer's presence and we could be in the same general area."
Adora shook her head at the absurdity of the two girl's feud. "You two, I swear. Well okay. You're good then?"
"I'm good," Catra affirmed. "And in no part due to your nearly incoherent apology."
"Hey I tried," Adora said with a smile.
"You did. It was cute," Catra said and shot her a brief glance that sent Adora's mind reeling. "Now let's get in there and break a leg or whatever."
"Sounds good," Adora said, a little distracted, but following the girl nonetheless as Catra led them through the doors of the auditorium.
"Uhm…are we in the right place?" Adora asked Catra as they entered the auditorium and found that it was pitch black and seemed to be completely empty. Adora's voice echoed off the walls of the wide open space.
"Huh," Catra said, using the light from her phone to look around for a light switch, but not finding one. "I mean the sheet said it was right after school in the auditorium. Maybe they called it off today?"
"Maybe," Adora replied. "Let's go ask Princip…"
Both girls yelped suddenly in surprise as a loud clunking sound came from somewhere in the darkness above them and a spotlight powered on, shining a beam of bright white light onto the large stage ahead of the girls and illuminating two chairs sitting on centerstage.
Catra and Adora stared at the bizarre scene and then at one another and then back to the stage.
"Do we…uh...do we go to the stage?!" Catra called out into the still dark auditorium. She got no reply.
"Is this like some hazing thing?" Adora whispered to Catra concernedly. "Do theater kids haze?"
Catra shrugged. "I have no idea. But they don't seem like the type. I think we're supposed to go take a seat."
Adora sighed and whispered back. "Fine, but if they start making us chug gallons of milk or something I'm gonna bail."
Catra laughed a little and led the way to the stage. Adora tripped on something in the darkness and stumbled forward into Catra.
"Sorry," she whispered and lightly gripped Catra's arm.
Catra appreciated the feeling and the pair continued walking forward. They proceeded up the darkened ramp and made it to the stage.
Catra scanned the auditorium again, specifically up by the spotlight, but the light was blinding as she faced it and she could barely make out anything. "This is really dumb by the way," Catra called out into the auditorium and was met with no response. She sighed and quickly walked to the chairs in the middle of the stage, Adora following closely behind her.
They took their seats in the chairs and sat for a moment. Adora looked around nervously, unsure of what was supposed to happen. Catra just frowned and tapped her foot on the hardwood stage, the sound echoing around the room.
After a few moments of sitting there, Catra groaned. "Maybe it was just a…"
The loud screeching whine of microphone feedback cut off Catra and blasted throughout the auditorium.
Catra flinched a little at the sudden, piercing noise and Adora tensed up, hoping that nobody would jump out from somewhere, as she wasn't sure she could keep from reflexively punching them.
The screeching came to a halt. There was a moment of silence and then…
"Ladies and Gentlemen and all the lovely people in between or otherwise," came the lilted and dramatic voice from all around the two girls on the stage. "I'd like to extend a fabulous welcome to the two newest members of Theater… give it up for...CARTER AND ADORA!"
The second the voice announced them, the unexpected sound of an avalanche of applause erupted from around the auditorium and dozens of multicolored lights flashed on above the girls, bathing the stage in flashing rainbow madness.
Catra and Adora winced at the sudden explosion of light and sound and looked at each other in confusion. An upbeat game show tune began to play over the speakers and the clapping sound subsided slowly.
"And without further ado, your host, the one and only, the absolutely stunning….Double Trouble!" The same voice announced this charismatically and another spotlight flipped on and illuminated a spot on the right side of the stage. Catra and Adora turned in their seats to see someone erupt from the backstage curtains in a flurry of motion.
They had a long stretch of pale blonde hair that fell down past their shoulders and slightly covered a short undercut that hugged the sides of their scalp. A wide, shining smile stretched across their face, their teeth flashing a brilliant white in the glare of the spotlight.
They waved out at the non-existent crowd and the sound of cheering blew out from the speakers once again. They blew a few kisses and did a quick twirl. Their hair whipping around and causing their flashy pink feather boa to ruffle. The boa rested over a brilliant black dress on which the collar, sleeves, and trim had been bejeweled. A big, red carnation rested on their chest and a black choker wrapped around their neck.
They bowed to the 'crowd' graciously and then locked eyes with Catra and Adora, smiling and walking over to them slowly, microphone in hand. The sound of their heels clicking against the stage as they walked.
The cheering died down and Double Trouble smiled widely as they came to a stop behind the two guests, who were entirely too overwhelmed to say anything.
"Thank you, thank you!" Double Trouble proclaimed graciously. "I'd say I don't deserve this praise, but let's be honest. I do." They laughed charmingly and the sound of a laugh track played.
"But really I'm not the star of the show tonight. Tonight we're here for Carter and Adora! It's nice to meet you both!" They said this energetically, smiling down at the two with excitement in their eyes. "How are you doing tonight?" They held their microphone down to Adora's mouth.
Adora froze up despite there not being an actual crowd watching and she stammered, eyes wide. "Uh…I'm…uh...wow…"
The laugh track played again and Double Trouble took the microphone back. "Maybe we came on a little too strong with our greeting! But it's lovely to meet you, darling." Double Trouble enthused. "And what about you?" They held the mic to Catra's face.
"I...my name is Catra," she said, a little dazed.
Double Trouble tilted their head to the side a bit. "Is it really?" They whispered, not through the microphone. Catra nodded and Double Trouble shrugged before bringing the microphone back up to their lips.
"Well I liked Carter better, but Catra it is!" They exclaimed and the laugh track played once again. "So I was just wondering if you both could answer the question we're all dying to know...What made you join theater!? Was it an aching urge to let your acting prowess be known far and wide? A lusting desire to add to the incredible ongoing tale that is drama? To write your names in the pages of history forever?"
They slowly lowered the microphone down between the two. There was a moment of hesitation and then Catra spoke. "Yeah we, uh, we aren't really aspiring actors or anything. Principal Hope made us take theater."
Double Trouble's face dropped immediately. "You…you mean you didn't choose to join? You don't have loads of talent and an overwhelming urge to create dramatic art?"
Adora shook her head. "No we got in a fight and this is our punishment."
Double Trouble stared between the two with an extremely dissatisfied look. "Okay, cut! Stop the show!" They yelled up into the booth at the top of the back wall of the auditorium and the rainbow lights flashed off followed by the game show music.
The house lights turned on and flooded the auditorium in a warm yellow light. Catra and Adora blinked their eyes as they adjusted and saw the shape of a single person run from the glass booth at the far end of the auditorium near the ceiling over to a spotlight and shut it off. They then ran all the way over to the spotlight on the opposite side and shut that off. Finally they ran back to the booth and sat back down behind the sound and light board.
Behind Catra and Adora, Double Trouble ripped off the feather boa and threw it on the ground. "Theater as a punishment!?" They exclaimed angrily. "What kind of sick, twisted game is this? I'm gonna have words with Principal Hope. So many words!"
Catra snorted at their distress and Adora just frowned as they watched Double Trouble stomp around and try to calm down.
Double Trouble turned away from the pair and took a few deep breaths, muttering to themself, before nodding and twirling back around to face the girls. A forced smile was plastered on their face.
"I'm sorry you had to see me break character like that, girls. But I suppose the show must go on!" They said dramatically.
A voice from the booth called down to the stage. "Hey do I have to stay up here or…"
Double Trouble sighed. "You can come on down, honey!" They shouted through cupped hands and the figure up in the booth began to make their way down all the steps and to the stage.
"What a day," they said with a dismal shake of their head before turning to face the pair before them. "So. Adora. Carter...I mean, Catra. Let me get this straight. You have no interest at all in theater?"
"Nope," Catra stated bluntly and Adora just shrugged apologetically.
Double Trouble put a hand to their face and sighed. "What a mockery to a great art form."
The person who was operating all the lights and sound finally made it up to the stage, slightly out of breath, and ran up beside Double Trouble.
"That was a lot of running. Oh and switch eighteen finally gave out during that display." The girl said windedly.
"Classic switch eighteen," Double Trouble said with a sigh. "You can fix it right?"
The girl laughed loudly and twirled a length of her hair around her finger. "Can I fix it? Give me five minutes and it'll be good as new."
The girl turned and seemed to notice Catra and Adora for the first time. "Oh hello!" She said in a somewhat nasally voice as she stretched out a hand towards Adora. "I'm Entrapta! I do all the tech stuff around here. Nice to meet you! And Catra I already know you."
Adora greeted her in turn. Entrapta was a small and rather lanky girl with extremely long hair. The entirety of it was dyed a light shade of lavender and it stretched down to below her waist when it was let down. She was wearing big spectacles that dwarfed the rest of her face and she had worn out purple crocs on her feet.
Catra waved to the girl. She had grown up in the same class with Entrapta and had seen her around a lot. She hadn't known the girl was in theater, but it honestly made a lot of sense. Entrapta had been tinkering with gadgets and tech since elementary school. In fourth grade, she had rigged up her calculator to play video games. Catra recalled that they had played Tetris on that calculator one time during recess.
"And if you missed it during the presentation, I'm Double Trouble, the head of the theater club," Double Trouble explained and lowered into a small bow.
Catra and Adora greeted them as well and Double Trouble turned their attention to Entrapta. "So I don't know how much you heard from up there Traps, but apparently we're a punishment now," Double Trouble lamented as they brushed a strand of hair out of their face.
Entrapta chuckled. "That sounds pretty accurate to me. But anyway, welcome to theater!" She exclaimed to the two girls. Behind her, Double Trouble did half-hearted jazz hands.
"So…" Adora said slowly, looking around at the empty auditorium. "Are you two…all of…theater?"
"You bet your luscious golden locks we are," Double Trouble explained. "Well…Spinnerella and Netossa do costumes, but they aren't even here most of the time."
Catra raised her eyebrows and laughed amusedly. "So this is it? It's literally just a handful of people?" Entrapta and Double Trouble nodded.
"We used to have more people a long time ago. But theater has kinda…crashed in the last couple of years."
Catra smiled widely. "Well it sounds like this is gonna be the easiest elective in the world," she said happily, turning to Adora.
"Ha!" Double Trouble interrupted with a quick laugh. "No no no no no no, honey. You don't understand. Principal Hope has been casting her scornful eyes on our little theater club for a while now. With how little members we have she is hellbent on abolishing this club and destroying theater forever! Of course, I've been fighting her tooth and nail to keep the heart of theater alive!" They raised a clenched fist. "But things were looking grim. At least until now…" They held out their arms towards Adora and Catra expectantly.
Adora fidgeted and Catra shook her head. "What? You don't really expect us to save your little theater troupe, do you? We're not theater people."
Double Trouble massaged their chin meditatively. "Maybe not, maybe not. But...!" Double Trouble extended their arms dramatically and Entrapta gasped at the display. "I believe that we can make you theater people! With your help, Adora, and with your help, Carter, we can…"
"Catra," Adora and Catra interrupted at the same time.
Double Trouble waved them off. "Fine, Catra. With the help of you two I believe we can put on a genuine production and possibly the best show that Etheria High has ever seen!"
Double Trouble did a twirl and stretched out their arms magnificently as Entrapta clapped and looked to Catra and Adora expectantly.
Adora looked to Catra, who shrugged in response.
"I mean I don't wanna act or whatever but I guess I could help a little. Doubt it'll save this lost cause though," Catra said begrudgingly.
"I think what she means to say is that we'd love to help out," Adora explained. "At least as much as we're capable."
Entrapta and Double Trouble looked at each other excitedly and then Double Trouble rushed the pair. "Welcome to theater my sweet babies!" They exclaimed loudly as they wrapped their slender arms around the two girls. Bringing Catra and Adora close together in their grasp. Entrapta watched the group hug with a proud smile. Adora laughed nervously and Catra just grimaced at the extreme amount of physical contact.
Eventually they were released and Double Trouble looked deep in thought. "With more actors this year we'll be able to have more than just my one-person show. Which is quite a shame, I was really shining this year. But regardless, we can now put on a big production! I'm talking action! Drama! Romance. The full package!" Double Trouble enthused, gesticulating wildly.
Entrapta nodded rapidly. "And I can do so much more with the lights! I just have to discover a way to use two spotlights at the same time. Maybe some kind of mechanism or…hmmm…" She trailed off into her thoughts.
"Uh. Maybe I misunderstood, but did you say actors?" Catra asked bluntly.
Double Trouble cocked their head to one side, their flowing blonde hair twisting behind them. "But of course. I see it all over you two," they said slowly as they slunk over behind the pair and wrapped their arms around the shoulders of the girls. "Catra, you're brash. Bold. Devilishly handsome. Made for the stage! You don't take anything and you're not gonna start anytime soon. You have your soft spots though."
Catra began to object but Double Trouble continued, turning to Adora. "And you, Adora. Stunning as well." Adora blushed a little and Double Trouble nodded. "That's right, I see you. Don't be embarrassed! Be proud! Your outward strength and power is contrasted by your sweet, shy personality. But there are even more layers at play here. You've seen a lot. There's a fire burning bright in you. Truly meant to be an actor."
"I…I can't act though," Adora said dazedly, still confused by everything that was happening.
"And I definitely can't," Catra chimed in.
Double Trouble shook their head. "Maybe not yet, my precious theater babies. But when I'm done with you…oh you will be incredible! Not anywhere my level of course, but definitely decent at the very least."
"What if we don't wanna? I could just sit here and do nothing and I'd still be attending the club," Catra pointed out.
Double Trouble's eyes flared a little bit beneath their otherwise charming expression and they leaned down to Catra. "Well," they said in a quiet tone, "in that case I would just have to tell Principal Hope that you two got into a little tussle backstage. She'd be furious that you two were fighting again, I imagine. Probably punish you both again. Definitely split you up and put you in different electives. Who knows what would happen?" They said this in their usual joyous tone, but it was made all the more insidious with the underlying message.
Adora's eyes widened at the not-so-subtle threat and Catra looked confused. "Wha…you can't do that!"
"Can't I?" Double Trouble asked slyly. "I think you'll find I can be very…persuasive."
"She wouldn't believe just you. It'd be me and Adora's word against yours," Catra said defiantly and Adora shot her a look that conveyed she did not want to be roped into this.
"Entrapta will back me up. Won't you Entrapta?" They called over to the girl.
She was still deep in thought and seemed to be scribbling calculations into the air with her fingers. "Yep. Definitely," she said distractedly, not actually paying attention to the question.
Double Trouble smiled proudly and turned back to Catra, who was now much less confident. The two stared at each other for a moment, their egos battling, until Catra finally broke the stare and looked down.
"Fine whatever," she muttered and Double Trouble clapped their hands together.
"Splendid! And I know you'll help me out won't you Adora?" They asked.
"Uh yeah sure," Adora said nervously, unsure if she had another option.
"Of course you will. I love your enthusiasm," they said excitedly and lightly bumped Adora with their hip. "Well then it's decided. Together we will restore this theater club to its former glory! I've got a lot of planning to do now. You two can go home early today. Me and Traps will stay and plan our next steps."
"Yep. Definitely," Entrapta repeated vacantly, upon hearing her nickname. She was staring up at the light booth intently.
"Uh...okay," Adora replied. "It was nice meeting you both."
Double Trouble smiled widely. "It was the most pleasurable of pleasures. You're both incredible. I'll see you tomorrow!" They exclaimed as Catra turned and walked away, Adora following suit.
Double Trouble watched them walk off the stage and out towards the auditorium entrance, speaking quietly to one another as they left.
Double Trouble shook their head. "What a cute little pair of lovebirds. Am I right, Entrapta?"
"Uh…..yep. Definitely," Entrapta recited mindlessly and Double Trouble smiled at their friend's distractedness.
"Alas," they continued with a sigh, "they're both so timid that they aren't getting anywhere. You can read it all over them." Double Trouble sat and leaned back in one of the chairs on stage, toying with the ruffles of their feather boa. "I wonder what would happen if someone were to give them a little…push."
Oooooh boy. After way too long, Double Trouble and Entrapta have finally joined the battle. Super fun to write new characters. Especially Double Trouble. The names in this fic are funny cuz it's a realistic setting and they have names like Double Trouble. Plus Catra is a thing and there are literal cats in this world. So. There's that. You really just gotta not think about it too hard. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed! I got another comment this week that really hit me in the feels and made literally my whole day. So thank you all. I hope you are all doing the best you can.