Their first week had gone off without a hitch. Apparently, tourists would go anywhere that offered coffee and a place to sit. Glimmer dazzled everyone with her coffee knowledge and kindness towards customers. And by Friday, Bow had returned with a mountain of books from his dad's and Adora watched him and Glimmer disappear down one of the aisles to "unpack". It turned out Bow was just as interested in Glimmer as she was into him and the two found any chance they could to canoodle together.
The end of the week had come so quickly, Adora couldn't believe it when she checked her phone and it read 4:30pm. Sure, she was exhausted and had large dark circles under her eyes, but it was worth it. She grinned to herself as she finished going through their new book donations that she had stacked just a little too high on the counter. She felt like celebrating and wondered if Bow or Glimmer would be interested in joining her. Not that she loved the idea of sitting with the two of them for hours. She looked over to where they had disappeared a half hour ago and wondered if she dared to walk down that aisle right now. She decided no.
The door chimed. "Hi there. Welcome." Adora glanced to the door, changing instantly to her customer service voice. Her eyes bugged. Catra was standing in the doorway giving Adora an incredulous look. Her hair had been pulled back into a high ponytail and she wore a loose red collared shirt that was unbuttoned past her chest, exposing black lace beneath. She was leaning on one hip, taking in the store. "Catra," Adora said distractedly. She placed the book down thinking it was on top of the pile and saw out of the corner of her eye, the entire bookstack falling forward off the counter. She gasped and made a grab at them.
"I got it," Catra said as she stuck her arms out, catching the bottom so only the top 2 fell to the floor. "Jeez, trying to take out your customers?" She replaced the books on the counter and picked up the remaining. Adora flushed.
"Always been a talent of mine," Adora said, accepting the books back and moving them off the counter. Catra shook her head and glanced up at her, catching her eye before taking a sweep of the place.
"Wow. It's so, quaint," Catra said. Adora wasn't sure how to take that.
"Yeah it's cozy," Adora added.
"Hm."
"What?"
"Oh nothing," Catra smirked at her, slipping her hands into the pockets of her black jeans and taking a step further into the shop. She stopped to pick something up. Something breakable.
Adora clenched her jaw, watching her. "Please be careful with that. It's glass."
Catra took a second, looking like she might just drop it out of spite, before placing it back on the table. She focused her attention to a section of books, picking up one after another and carrying them around in her arms. Adora huffed and walked over to her, her arms crossed, waiting.
"Personal space please, I am a paying customer."
"Are you? or have you just come to touch all my things and drive me crazy?" Adora asked. Catra chuckled and continued on, putting her pile of books down wherever. Adora grabbed them, putting them back in their respective places. Catra watched her, clearly satisfied.
"I forgot how easy you were to annoy," Catra laughed. Adora chewed on her bottom lip. Catra looked back at her as she strolled away, still smirking. Adora felt herself ease up, knowing this was just a game for Catra and she shouldn't feed into it.
"What are you doing here?" Adora asked.
"Needed a book," Catra said simply. She wandered down the aisle and turned to the next. "Woah." Adora followed her gaze and her mouth fell open. Glimmer and Bow were full on making out against the bookshelf, Glimmer's back against the books and Bow's hands against her cheeks pulling her to his mouth. Glimmer's eyes flung open when she heard them. She grunted and pushed Bow off.
"And that one goes in the A's," Glimmer stammered, trying to fix her hair. Bow just chuckled, looking guilty.
"Bow, come on!" Adora could strangle him. Catra was cackling.
"Wow. You were right. I'm glad I came," Catra smiled to Bow. Adora, fed up, shooed them all to the front.
"Alright everyone, 5pm. You two, out of here," Adora pointed to Bow and Glimmer. They blushed. "We're sorryyyy."
Adora rolled her eyes, "Yeah yeah." She pushed them out the door, hearing Glimmer yell another apology and something about buying her lunch this week. She allowed Glimmer re-entry to grab her things and they gave each other a look of understanding. Adora was happy she was happy. Even if it was a makeout session during the workday. Not that anyone was left once Glimmer took her leave. Besides Catra who was sitting sideways on one of the big plushy chairs, picking at her nails.
"And what are you doing?"
Catra extended her arms. "What does it look like? I'm relaxing. it's been a long week," Catra said, stretching out and getting comfy on the chair. Adora pointed to the books. Catra blinked at her innocently.
"Go get your "book" and then I can kick you out too," Adora said with what she hoped was a stern voice, putting her hands on her hips for added affect. Catra continued picking at her nails.
"You know," Catra said, "I always pictured you being a big artist in New York. With her own studio or gallery or whatever it was you were after." Catra sunk deeper into the chair, looking up to examine some of the artwork against the walls.
"Yeah." Adora responded, surprised. She rubbed at the back of her neck and leaned back against the counter, keeping her distance from Catra. "Well, I'm not sure I was that good in reality. New York kind of chewed me up and spit me out," Adora laughed, although it was not a very good joke. Her time in New York had been amazing, life changing, but incredibly stressful with a lot of long hours and hard work and not enough reward. "Besides. Dreams change," Adora added, smiling at the store. Catra watched her and Adora suddenly felt like she was under a microscope.
"Catra why are you.." Adora started but Catra cut her off.
"Did you know the Fright Zone only really took off because I was so obsessed with doing better than you," Catra laughed, a big smile taking over her face. Adora wondered if she could just leave her here for the night and lock up. It would probably do Catra some good. "And we did. I mean we've got a long way to go but we're not just some cover band here anymore. We have a following," Catra continued, "Who am I going to use to push me now? Since you're a quitter."
"I'm not a quitter," Adora scoffed, "People dream of this." She could feel the heat in her face and that common itch she had to fight Catra.
"Yeah and this has been Angella 's dream for like, the entire time I've known you," Catra continued. She finally sat up, brows furrowed, and Adora wondered if this was why she had come here. "Look at this place. Cozy, sweet, filled with plants and soft music. Where are you? Where's the spirit?"
"You don't know me anymore, Catra."
"Yeah, well you made damn sure of that, didn't you?" Catra called back. She was trying to remain calm but Adora could see her jaw tightening. Seeing her angry somehow made Adora feel a sense of calm. Catra wasn't as cool and collected as she seemed. Adora gave her a sad look.
"You don't know how sorry I am for that," Adora managed, although she had so much more to say. Catra gave her a side eye and placed her boots back on the floor so she was sitting like a normal human. Adora tried not to think about the fact that Catra looked stunning, even now, sitting in front of her with a tight set jaw and a stare that could kill.
"We're not going to talk about that," Catra said.
"We're not?"
"Not everything has to be about discussing your feelings."
Adora nodded, knowing the line had defined a large chunk of her and Catra's relationship. "Sure. Well, for what it's worth. I'm glad you decided to stop by." She saw a flicker of a smile appear on Catra's face before it disappeared. Anyone else would have missed it, but not Adora and Catra knew it. She stood suddenly, as if she was just now realizing what was happening.
"It's fine. I, um," Catra said distractedly. She made her way to one of the tables of books and picked one up. She stared at it for a moment and then trotted back to Adora, handing it to her. Adora gave her a questioning look.
"I said I came here for a book. Now I have one."
Adora looked at the book in her hands and tried to stifle a laugh. It was Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. "What?" Catra asked, her brows furrowed at Adora's face.
"Oh nothing nothing," Adora smirked. She rung her up and offered her a bag. Catra waited silently, tapping her foot on the wooden floors. "I think you'll like that book," Adora added.
"I know the book, Adora. I don't live under a rock," Catra rolled her eyes.
"So you know the story?"
"Well, I know it's about some prissy girl and some prissy boy who fall in love," Catra said.
Adora couldn't hold it in this time and burst out laughing. "Great. Pleaseee text me when you finish," Adora asked. She was aware the request would probably be a no, but Catra just rasied her eyebrows.
"Maybe," She shrugged. Adora could accept that. Neither said much of anything while Adora packaged up her book and watched Catra stuff it into her oversized cotton sling bag. She looked out the door, seemingly just realizing that the sun as already setting. "Well, I'm off then," Catra nodded to the other and turned to the door.
"Are you playing tonight?" Adora felt the words leave her mouth before she could stop them. Catra spun, surprise again crossing her face.
"No, only Thursday and Saturdays. Why?"
"Oh, no reason."
Silence again.
"No no, go on," Catra stopped, stepping towards Adora, waiting innocently. Adora groaned. "It's okay. I'm sure you're very lonely. I mean you have no friends. First full week open at your "dream job"," Catra put air quotes around it but Adora ignored it. "I know you want to celebrate. So just. Ask," Catra raised her eyebrows to Adora, questioning her rightness. Adora grinned. As annoying as Catra was, she could read her like a book.
"You'd want to spend more time with me?"
"I didn't say I'd say yes," Catra dared.
"Black Garnet?" Adora asked. Catra gave her a wicked grin.
"Oh yeah."
Adora closed up while Catra examined some of the artwork, not bothering to help, and the pair ubered over to their old favorite bar.
There was nothing particularly good about the Black Garnet. It was an old, dusty, classic dive bar. They had found it years ago when they were still underage and had wandered around the streets trying to find a place that would accept their awful fake IDs. Adora used to say it was fate they found this place, and it became their little secret spot. Catra used to call it The Fright Zone since no one was ever in there besides frightening people, and now that name lived on at merch tables, stickers, and DJ playlists all over the city.
"I can't believe this place hasn't gone out of business," Adora gaped, as they walked through the alley door that led inside. It was even dustier than she remembered and the guy behind the bar was either asleep or dead.
"Hey there," Catra said kindly, placing her elbows on the bar. The man didn't answer. She coughed. "HEY THERE," She yelled. The man jumped. Adora giggled.
"2 PBRs please," Catra ordered, ignoring Adora pretending to vomit next to her.
"Must we keep that part of the tradition?"
"Come onn don't wimp out on me now," Catra said, passing her one of the cold glasses placed in front of them. Adora took a sip. It reminded her of many troubled years running around this place with Catra at her side. She smiled despite the awful taste.
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, listening to Johnny Cash play quietly through the speakers. Catra's phone buzzed but she ignored it, flipping her phone screen down on the bar.
"You can get that if you want," Adora remarked, her attention on spinning around on her bar stool and chugging more beer. She waved to the bartender to grab 2 more. Catra watched and then chugged her own beer, reaching gratefully for the second.
"Nah," Catra answered.
"I'm sure Scorpia would appreciate it," Adora said, taking a guess at who's name would be popping up on the other's phone. Catra's jaw tightened.
"She knows where I am. Don't worry about us." Catra said, picking at a spot of chipped paint in front of her.
"Right. Okay so no work talk. No relationship talk. No… us talk," Adora air checked off the list, "Perfect. Mr. Hordak would be so proud of us."
Catra cackled, practically spitting out her drink. "He'd be like "Girls. Please. Please. Girls. GIRLS," Catra continued her impression, holding herself upright but also hunched over, wagging her finger in front of her. They laughed together.
"That poor man was wayy out of his depths. Two 12 year old girls? Come on." Adora combed her fingers through her hair, leaning back on the chair, thinking of the memory.
"Not just any 12 year olds. Us," Catra corrected, shaking her head. Adora nodded in agreement.
Adora remembered those days like they were yesterday. After her dad had died, Angella had forced her to go to a grief support group. She remembered feeling so young and overwhelmed. By the time she was 12 she had mastered exactly what to say to get everyone to leave her alone without actually having to deal with her emotions. Then Catra had shown up, just a small girl, still aching with the fresh loss of her single mother and having to move in with a parent she barely knew. The two were trouble from the start.
"I wonder if that guy still goes. I bet he does."
"The guy that made everyone call him "Sea Hawk" and was grieving the loss of his boat? Yeah, I don't even know how that guy got in but he definitely still goes," Catra said. She was flushed from laughing and peered over to Adora. They looked at each other, easy smiles on their faces. Adora watched the moment Catra realized she was still mad at her, her smile switching to a tight line in the blink of an eye. Her phone buzzed again. This time she answered it, her brows furrowed and then speed texting back.
"Oh nooo," Adora said, realizing that she may be a little drunker then intended, "This looks serious. Bartender BARTENDER, more beer please," Adora gave him the thumbs up and he poured them two more, mumbling something under his breath.
"I probably shouldn't. Scorpia wants me to come over," Catra answered distractedly.
"Nooo. We're re-bonding! It's important," Adora pushed the next drink to her friend. Catra hesitated, but took the drink, tossing back a few sips before finishing sending her text. She turned to respond when her phone buzzed again. Catra groaned.
"Nope. I gotta go," Catra said, giving Adora a shrug.
"Right," Adora said. She hadn't meant it to come off sad, but she wasn't fully surprised to hear it when it did. Catra looked at her, inspecting Adora's eyes and Adora let her. Catra looked like she wanted to say something, her mouth opening for just a moment and then closing. Then her attention moved to getting her jacket on and throwing their tab money on the bar. Adora chugged the last of her drink, and followed suit, walking her out to the street.
"This is going to be dumb but I've missed you so I'm going to hug you now and you're going to let me," Adora said, letting the liquid courage in her act up. Catra rolled her eyes but lifted her arms just a little bit. Adora squealed and wrapped her arms around Catra's neck squeezing her in tight. Catra huffed, but allowed it, putting her arms around the other's waist. "Thanks for coming," Adora mumbled into Catra's bush of hair, talking less about the drink and more for her showing up at all. She felt Catra nod. They stayed there for a moment and then Adora felt Catra move her arms up to the top of her back and rest her head lightly on Adora's shoulder.
Adora could feel the body heat between them, neither letting go. She breathed in, smelling the familiar scent of bar smoke, beer, and sweet perfume. She had missed that smell. Before she was ready, she felt Catra start to pull away and peered down to meet Catra's eyes. They were inches from each other, each still holding on to the other. Adora felt her heart pound in her chest, and Catra's fingers still resting on her back.
"I… have to go," Catra whispered, jerking her hands back to herself and taking a large step away from Adora. Adora pushed her hands into her jacket pocket, nodding in understanding. Catra paused for another second, seemingly deciding she was just going to say it.
"Please, Adora. I'm willing to work with you here," Catra said, she swallowed and continued, "But I have Scorpia now and she's the most important person in my life." Adora looked at her, mouth open.
"I wouldn't.. I didn't… I mean."
"It's fine. Just, have a good rest of your night." Catra gave her a meak smile and turned on her heels, walking away as her phone buzzed. Adora listened as Catra answered and laughed to Scorpia on the other end, telling her she'd be over soon.