"It's not getting any better."

Catra could always hear her a mile away. She said it was because Adora stomped everywhere, but Adora knew Catra's senses had always been sharper than her own. She looked around the room, noting the immensity of the chamber.

They had just finished another meeting - this time with Glimmer and Bow, alongside General Juliet and Bright Moon's numerous advisors. Catra had been reserved and closed off, just as she was now. Her slender form appeared dwarfed by the chairs that were often occupied by princesses and, until recently, immortal queens.

"They all hate me," Catra grumbled. "I'm not sleeping better, no one wants me here, and I'm not useful for anything but destroying shit."

Adora knelt by her partner's side. "You know none of that is true, right? Well, aside from the sleeping thing. That's just a fact… but we'll work on that! No one hates you."

Catra scoffed.

"I'm serious. And if anyone has a problem with you, they'll have to answer to your magical eight-foot-tall girlfriend." Adora let the magic flow through her eyes, allowing them to flash bright blue. "I know you don't need me to protect you, but -"

"I like it. Girlfriend. It sounds nice." Catra lifted her head from her lap and smiled weakly.

Adora smiled back. "This has been hard for me, too. I've spent the last few years fighting against you and cutting through Horde weapons. The world barely needs She-Ra right now. They definitely don't need Adora."

The truth of those words stung her. She'd been trying to ignore her growing unease over the past week. They'd had the occasional day off during wartime, but a full week of no missions aside from the reconstruction efforts put her on edge. Once the all rubble was cleared and trees replanted, how much use would she be to Bright Moon? To Glimmer?

"This sucks." Catra stayed in the chair, knees pulled to her chest. Her tail flicked slightly in Adora's direction, betraying her improving mood. "Learning something new sounds exhausting. Wish we could just fight things for the honor of Bright Moon or whatever."

"We'll... figure out something new," Adora promised. "Plus, we still have plenty of missions once things clear up here."

"Oh joy, more magic stuff."

Adora rolled her eyes. "You said you wanted to go."

"I do," Catra agreed. "Mostly to be with you, though. It's not like I have magic princess powers like you and Sparkles." She dropped her head back into her knees.

"I know things are different now, and you feel out of place, and you don't have any powers..."

"Adora!"

"But I promise we'll find a use for your..." Adora looked over her former enemy intently. "Skills."

Catra scoffed. "Well, if you need something scratched or whipped or blown up, I'm your gal."

Something clicked in Adora's mind. A way to brighten Catra's day and give them both a needed breather from the palace. "Meet me outside in an hour."

Adora could hardly contain her excitement as Catra sauntered up to her side. "Why is your face like that?"

"Because I have a surprise for you." Adora turned Catra's head towards the Whispering Woods. Nestled at the edge of trees sat a derelict Horde tank. "I owe you."

Catra shook her head. "I don't get it."

Adora fished for a small device from her person. She handed it gingerly to Catra. "I had Bow rig something up. This is the detonator. You get to blow something up."

Catra's face lit up, and she let out an audible purr. She turned her head, and Adora could see her eyes were misty. "I love this day," Catra whispered.

Adora felt her mouth turn into a smirk. "And me?"

Catra pushed her shoulder playfully. "Don't push your luck, dummy."

Adora watched as Catra's thumb brushed the button atop the trigger. She hesitated, then moved her finger away. She held out the detonator so Adora could reach it. "Let's do it together."

Adora grinned. She waited for Catra to replace her finger on the button then covered it with her own. As one, they pushed down and watched as the Horde tank erupted into a shower of red and orange blaze.

Catra slipped her arm into Adora's as they watched the inferno. Adora looked at her partner and realized how beautiful she looked against the warm light, a sense of calm washing over her features. A calm that wasn't caused by the promise of pyrotechnics, Adora realized, but by her actions. As long as they were together, it didn't matter if they were fighting enemies or listening to meetings about new drapes for the palace. They were a team, they were in love, and that had been enough to save the universe. How could that not be enough for the rest of their lives?