The Nyanny - Ch 9

Sunday was a busy morning for Catra. She had the day off work so she spent the morning with Scorpia and Perfuma at the markets downtown. They walked around the stalls and ate street food in the brisk spring morning. Catra bought magicat soap for her mum and a small wooden hand carved toy that was a common gift from the tooth ferret for a magicat tooth. Catra didn’t want to risk not having something if Finn’s tooth came out sooner than expected, so she bought the gift with full intention to get more treasures if she had more time.

The sun was high in the sky when Catra returned to the Greyskull residents. She called out that she was home but got no reply from the quiet penthouse. She assumed that Ms Grey had taken Finn out somewhere and went about putting her things away in her room before she made herself a cup of tea to enjoy on the deck.

Catra wanted to drink her tea, maybe read a little and nap in the warm spring sun. When she went outside Swifty was sleeping in the sun by the vertical garden and Catra carefully stepped around him so she could get to the table in the sun.

Catra realised with a soft pattering of her heart that she wasn’t home alone after all. Adora sat low on one of the wooden chairs with her feet up on a second chair and Finn snuggled into her arms as they napped in the sun together. They looked completely dead to the world enjoying the warm afternoon and Catra wished she had brought her camera to capture the sweet moment. She still wanted to take a photo as a memory so when sat down at the table she took out her phone. She took the rare photo on her phone camera and settled in to read her book and drink her tea.

Catra was engrossed in her book and didn't keep track of time as she sat listening to the rush of the wind as it whipped around the building and the distant sound of the street below. Swifty's loud snoring was only overshadowed but the confident purr of the blonde magicat as they slept.

Adora softly groaned as she attempted to move positions to get more comfortable and was stuck. Adora blinked open her eyes blearily as she frowned in confusion. Catra bit her lip to stop from making a sound at how cute Adora’s sleepy, confused face was. Adora noticed Catra and looked at her with wide eyes.

“Hi,” Adora whispered, trying to push herself into a sitting position with Finn laying on her. Catra giggled a little at her attempt to move with the bundle in her arms.

“Its great weather for napping,” Catra said putting her book down and stretching herself into a more comfortable position before she relaxed. “I was just thinking about doing the same,” Catra commented and looked back at Adora who looked away quickly.

“Finn likes to nap in the sun,” Adora said as she finally managed to sit up and Finn adjusted without waking up.

“Finn and I often come out here in the afternoon when the suns out,” Catra agreed and Adora nodded. Adora came home after dark commonly and Catra wondered if she missed the sun on those days.

“Its very nice in the sun,” Adora said and looked down at Catra’s book. “What are you reading?” She asked.

Catra picked up the book to show Ms Grey the cover. She looked surprised to see the name of the book like it wasn’t one in her library. Catra had been reading this book that the Grey’s owned but the big red writing was ruining her enjoyment. So, Catra went and bought her own copy and let what ever demons lived in that book be forgotten. Adora didn’t respond as the time stretched between them while she stared at Catra quietly.

“Are you enjoying it?” Adora asked in a small voice. Catra didn’t understand why she seemed so timid about the book but she smiled.

“I am, its a sweet story. I think its a little silly and ‘dramatic’ in places, but it makes it really fun to read,” Catra said looking at the cover as she considered bringing up why she bought her own copy. It seemed strange to Catra to keep a book with so much negativity written into its pages. Catra wondered why Adora held onto those words so tightly.

Catra remembered Adora reading the book when she got home from the bar and she hadn’t really expected her to look at it after it was so harshly criticised. But Adora was there, reading that book around the big red words that Catra couldn’t stomach. Catra added her own opinion in pencil only because the harsh words angered her. They were unjustified and came across as someone just trying to be hurtful. They didn’t read the book properly at all.

Catra hadn’t considered that the writing might have been Adora’s. It seemed out of character for her to be so unkind to a book when she had proved to show them so much respect. Catra didn’t know Ms Grey that well and people could be unpredictable when they were angry, but still, she didn’t think Adora had it in her.

“It’s my favourite book,” Adora said softly as she moved Finn on her lap and lifted her feet from the other chair so she could sit up straight. Catra smiled but it dimmed a little as she realised that someone else really did tarnish her favourite book. That was malicious and intentional, who would do something like that?

“Then who-” Catra started, unable to keep her curiosity to herself but she forced herself to stop. It felt too personal to ask who did that to her book. It would have to be someone who knew Adora well enough to know how to hurt her, and that suggested intimacy and vulnerability. Ms Grey had such a steady, protective hold on her heart, and Catra wondered, not for the first time, who made her this way.

“My ex. She is a vindictive woman,” Adora said with a shrug as she glanced down at Finn’s face to make sure they were still sleeping before she pressed a kiss to their head. Catra looked at Finn too, their little ears twitching as they dreamed, a steady purr coming from their chest as their chubby cheek was smooshed against their mothers chest.

“I’m sorry for what she did to your book,” Catra said gently and Adora gave her a little smile.

“Thank you,” she said genuinely and Catra felt warmth fill her chest at the sight.

Catra and Adora relaxed into easy silence between them until Finn woke from their nap hungry and full of energy. Adora lead them inside so she could make them all a late lunch to enjoy in the sun.

#

Adora wanted to keep a professional distance from Catra, but it felt too easy to be drawn in. It was like Adora was a planet and Catra was a bright shining star offering her warmth and to breath new life into her bones. Adora wanted to be closer, and the very act of wanting made it dangerous. She didn’t want to be burned, and she didn’t want to overstep the confines of their working relationship.

In reality Adora needed to keep her distance and leave Catra in peace. Catra hadn’t offered any details of her date on Friday, and Adora didn’t dare ask. She knew it was overstepping and it was private but it consumed her mind as she wondered if Catra had enjoyed her time with Mermista and if they would go out again. It was none of her business to know, it might effect which days Catra could work, she might swap Friday night and Sunday morning so she could go on more dates but that wasn’t a big change to make if Catra needed it. Adora could adapt.

It was late in the evening on Thursday when the first strikes of lightning spread like branches across the city skyline. The day had been moody and grey as the weather changed quickly from the sunny weekend and rain settled on the city. As the drizzling rain in the afternoon soon made way for strong winds, causing a howl as it whipped around the buildings. The penthouse was only on the 12th floor so the building didn’t rock the way her office did on very windy days, which was a relief.

Adora was getting dressed in her pyjamas when she saw the light flash from outside her windows and worry filled her chest. Tonight would be a long night for Finn, they hated storms. The storm that was forecast was meant to miss the city completely, but apparently the weather man had gotten that wrong again.

Adora counted the seconds from the lightning strike as she left her room heading to Finn’s. The deep rumbling of the thunder surrounded the penthouse as the rain loudly arrived to filled the penthouse with white noise. The rain was almost enough to cover Swifty’s “boof” in response to the noise as he skitter out of his bed to join Adora in the hall.

Adora opened Finn’s door a crack, if she was lucky they would still be asleep and could stay undisturbed through the storm. Adora could see the lump under the blankets that was trembling and realised that they had woke to the sound.

“Finny,” Adora said softly as she approached the bed and pulled back the blankets to reveal her scared little kitten. Adora quickly scooped them up into her arms and held them against her chest. They had a system for nights like these so Finn could stay in her room and they rode out the storm together. Finn clung to Adora as they trembled and Adora rubbed their back to sooth them as she moved back towards her room.

Adora had intended to get Finn some sound cancelling headphones for storms like these, but with summer coming, she foolishly believed that she had time to consider all her options. She would get them soon, because as long as they worked that was better than nothing.

“Wait, we have to get Miss Catra,” Finn said as Swifty whined as he butted his big head against Adora’s thigh and she pet his head. Swifty didn’t love storms either, loud sounds were never going to be fun for anyone with better hearing than a human.

“I’m sure Miss Catra can handle herself,” Adora said gently and Finn shook their head adamantly.

“No, we have to get her, what if she's scared too?” Finn asked, clearly pained by the idea that Catra was scared and alone. Finn was trying to be brave and Adora didn’t want to deny their courageous act. There was no harm in asking after all.

“Okay, we can ask,” Adora agreed and Finn hid in her shoulder again as Adora crossed the hall to Catra’s door. She knocked gently. It was late so it was possible that Catra was asleep and Adora didn’t want to wake her.

The door creaked open after a short pause and Catra was standing there in her pyjamas looking curious. She seemed fine, and Adora felt a little silly for giving in to Finn’s request and interrupting Catra’s sleep.

Adora opened her mouth to offer her invitation when another rumble of thunder filled the house. Adora held Finn tightly as they hid and offered what comfort she could. The thunder ended and as it quieted Adora heard a frightened whimper. She thought it had come from Finn or Swifty but she realised she was incorrect, it had from Catra. Catra had closed her eyes at the sound and her face was pinched with discomfort as she held her hands in trembling fists.

Was Catra afraid?

When Catra opened her eyes, her pupils the size of pinpricks, Adora was grateful to Finn for their suggestion. Adora would have felt horrible if she had left Catra alone with her fear.

“We are going to hold up in my room till the storm passes, would you like to join us?” Adora asked in a gentle tone she reserved for Finn. Catra looked unsure and embarrassed but she seemed to be considering the offer.

“Um, yes, thank you,” Catra agreed and Adora gave her what she hoped was a reassuring smile. Adora led her little party of terrified companions back to her room and let them inside.

Catra walked into the room and stood by the door, looking unsure of herself in this space.

Adora was reminded that this was the second time that Catra had been in her room, but at least this time Adora would remember it.

Adora pulled back her bedding and laid Finn in the middle of the large bed so they could get comfortable. Finn snuggled down into the pillows and blankets until another rumble of thunder sent them under the covers to hide.

Adora looked at Swifty and he was eyeing the bed hopefully. Adora rolled her eyes, usually he wasn’t allowed on the furniture but in these circumstances, Adora would allow it.

“Fine, just this once,” Adora said and Swifty perked up before jumping onto the bed to settle at the end. Adora turned to her final guest and Catra was still standing awkwardly by the door. She still looked scared but nervous now too.

“Are you ok?” Adora asked.

“Yeah.” Catra nodded her head as she stepped further into the room. Adora picked up the remote that controlled her curtains when Catra stopped her. “Can you leave the curtains open? Its easier to tell when the thunder is coming if we can see the lightning,” Catra said softly as a flash of lighting lit up the sky. Adora nodded as she put the remote down and settled into bed before Finn crawled to hide in her arms.

Catra came closer and sat on the bed without getting under the blankets as her fur slowly fluffed up in the cold. Adora could see from years of experience reading Finn’s body language that Catra was trying to not show she was uncomfortable, but her body had all the signs of discomfort if someone knew what to look for.

“You can get under the blankets,” Adora offered gently as she stroked Finn’s hair to sooth them. Finn watched Catra curiously as they waited for the thunder that would follow the lightning.

“I know,” Catra rebutted before moving the blankets back stiffly and getting under the covers. Finn moved so they were between Adora and Catra on the bed before they took Catra’s hand gently. Catra looked at them with surprise. Finn was trying to show they weren’t scared so Catra wasn’t scared. They wanted to comfort Catra and Adora was so proud of them.

“It’s okay Miss Catra, if it gets really scary Mama will sing to us,” Finn said and Adora felt her cheeks burn. She only ever sang for Finn and never anyone else. She sang to Melody once and it was not well received. It was hard to shake that memory every time she sang to her kitten over the years but she pushed through it for them. She wasn’t ready to hear those words again.

Catra smiled at Finn as another rumble of thunder rattled the windows and both magicat’s closed their eyes. The storm was getting closer and louder. Adora pet Finn’s ears as they tried not to hide under the blankets at the sound.

“That sounds really nice actually,” Catra said softly as she opened her eyes and looked at Adora with a slightly pleading expression. Adora felt her heart pick up under her two toned gaze and had to stamp down the feelings that bubbled in her chest. Adora looked between the two sets of eyes requesting her to sing and decided that her embarrassment was a small price to pay for their comfort.

Adora tried to think of a song but she mostly knew nursery rhymes and Finn’s music that they played in the car. She tried to think of any other song she knew and they were all from the 80’s or from the ballet performances she was in. Adora realised she really needed to listen to more music for occasions like this.

“You are my sunshine,” Adora started and Catra giggled at her song choice. “My only sunshine,” Adora continued as Catra and Finn watched her with rapped attention.

While Adora sang, the thunder came and went as the Magicats focused on her voice. By the time the thunder was moving away, Catra and Finn were snuggled together and breathing deeply as they slept. Adora could hear Swifty’s monstrous snores and was content to enjoy the sound of the rain while everyone rested around her.

Despite the addition of another frightened wayward soul, this storm seemed to pass with much less stress and fear than the last. Adora hoped that meant Finn wasn’t as scared as they used to be of the storms, but a part of Adora considered if maybe the addition of another adult that Finn trusted made them feel just a little bit safer.

Adora rubbed Finn’s tiny fingers as she held their hand. Catra’s ears were twitching like Finn’s did when they dreamed and Adora was only further charmed with every piece of information she learnt about Catra.

Adora clicked the remote control for the curtains and allowed them to slip closed as she settled in to sleep. Catra shifted beside her at the sound, holding Finn closer and reaching out another hand across the bed.

Adora thought for just a second that Catra was reaching for her, but Catra was asleep and returned to her deep purrs as she settled again. Adora tried to calm her swiftly beating heart and tired to banish the thought of what it would be like to fall asleep holding Catra’s hand.

[…]

Adora groaned as something wet touched her face and she flinched away. She pushed the big head away as Swifty whined and begged for breakfast. Adora tried to wipe her face without disturbing Finn who was still sleeping cradled in her arms.

Adora tried to roll onto her back to avoid another attack when she realised something was pressed against her and preventing her from rolling over. Adora looked over her shoulder to see dark ears and a mass of curls and the night before rushed back to the front of Adora’s mind.

Catra was snuggled up against Adora’s back with her hands tucked against her chest as she purred in her sleep.

As much as Adora didn’t want to get out of this bed, she knew she had to. Catra had avoided their last morning together and it felt only right to allow this one to pass without awkward embarrassment as well. Adora didn’t want Catra to be embarrassed by her need for help in the storm, which meant the best way forward was to treat it as if nothing had happened.

It took some manoeuvring for Adora to get up without disturbing either of her bed mates but she thankfully managed. Once Adora was free she moved Finn closer to Catra who cuddled into Finn as she continued to sleep.

It was adorable to witness but Adora couldn’t stay any longer. She could see by the time that she had already overslept. She needed to get moving to arrive on time for her first meeting so she went into her closet to change.

[...]

Saturday was a sleep in day, and Catra’s birthday, which meant she couldn’t expect to sleep in at all. Catra awoke the sound of knocking at the front door of the penthouse and grumbled as she attempted to hide in the covers. It was unusual for there to be guests on the weekend and that set Catra’s mind buzzing with who might now be in the house. Catra laid with her ears perked to listen to the movement in the other part of the house. Ms Grey was already awake and making breakfast for Finn from what Catra could tell but no one else was making noise.

Finn’s had become obsessed with the song that Ms Grey had sang during the storm and their little voice was singing it even now. Catra had enjoyed Adora’s singing, she wasn’t a professional by any means, but she was as devoted to singing as she was to anything she did and it showed. Adora, with her hair down, her cheeks pink and in bed singing to Catra had been on her mind a lot since then.

Catra was awake and flustered so it was as good a time as any to go join the Grey’s for breakfast.

Catra’s pyjama’s were a pair of long pants and a t-shirt to stay warm after the rain practically froze the city. Catra crept out of her room to investigate the delicious smell coming from the kitchen. If she had to guess, it smelt like apple pancakes.

Ms Grey was wearing a grey pair of jeans with a soft coral coloured t-shirt that brought warmth to her cheeks and made her eyes look even more blue. She was wearing an apron over the top that was simple and black but it made Catra feel warm at how cute she looked. A vase full of flowers sat on the kitchen island with bright colours standing out against the usual backdrop of the kitchen.

“Oo, secret admirer?” Catra asked playfully. She was sure Adora had plenty of women vying for her attention but Adora just smiled as she turned to look at Catra over her shoulder.

“You tell me, they’re for you,” Adora explained and Catra felt colour come to her cheeks. Not many people knew where she lived, so she was pretty sure she knew who they were from. Catra checked the note and smiled as she saw the birthday wishes from Scorpia and Perfuma written in Perfuma’s perfectly loopy handwriting. For one panicked moment she thought her mother might have sent them, but that made no sense, she had no idea where Ms Grey lived.

“They’re from Scorpia and Perfuma,” Catra felt the need to explain and Adora nodded.

“Whats the occasions?” Adora asked curiously and Catra felt her cheeks warming further.

“My Birthday,” Catra said softly and a gentle smile came to Adora’s face as she turned to face Catra fully, ignoring the pan full of pancake.

“You didn’t tell me it was your birthday, I would have gotten you something,” Ms Grey said and the pinch of her brow told Catra that she was serious, and maybe a little disappointed that she missed the opportunity.

“Oh, that’s not necessary. I don’t do much for my birthday,” Catra said smelling the flowers for an excuse to hide her face from Ms Grey’s curious gaze.

“Why is that?” Ms Grey asked,

“Well, we never really did birthday parties. We would always have dinner and invite the neighbours over and share food. So that tradition just continued into my adulthood,“ Catra said with a shrug.

“That sounds like a party to me,” Adora said, her eyes gentle.

“Yeah, but I didn’t have a kids party,” Catra said and Adora nodded.

“Well, happy birthday. I hope you enjoy your day with your mum,” Adora said and Finn’s little ears perked up as they heard what their mother said. They ran over from where they had been playing in the living room and looked up at Catra.

“Birthday?!” Finn asked and Catra smiled at them.

“Yeah, I’m turning twenty-six this year,”

“Wow, you’re so old,” Finn said with a cheeky smile and Catra blew a raspberry at them. “Not as old as Mama though, shes almost thirty!” Finn said and Adora scoffed.

“Excuse me, I’m not ever twenty-nine yet,” Adora said, looking scandalised and Catra giggled.

“Well as long as I’m not THAT old,” Catra said and crouched to Finn’s height while Ms Grey returned to the pancakes. “Thank you Finny,” Catra said and Finn rubbed their cheek against Catra’s affectionately.

Catra hadn’t wanted to announce her birthday to Ms Grey and Finn but she should have expected Scorpia to send her something since she did it every year. It wasn’t that Catra didn’t want anyone to know but she just didn’t want them to make a big deal out of it. It wasn’t a milestone birthday and she didn’t expect gifts so there was no need to fuss.

Catra went to her mothers house for the day and her mother surprised her with a spa day to a cute little hybrid spar that was having an buy one get one free offer for their grand opening. C’yra loved a sale, she wasn’t struggling with money by any means and she was comfortable, but she didn’t believe in paying full price for something you can only use once. They waited in line for about half an hour for their turn but even that turned out to be plenty of entertainment as her mother talked to anyone in line about anything and everything.

Catra spent the day purring and being pampered until they returned to C’yra’s apartment. They invited the neighbours over and everyone brought a dish to share, including one neighbour bringing a cake to celebrate. C’yra and Catra had lived in this building for most of Catra’s life and their neighbours were more like family. C’yra didn’t have any family left, being an only child and loosing her parents years ago so their neighbours became Catra’s aunts, uncles and grandparents. Catra knew it wasn’t the most ‘normal’ family in the world, but she never felt like she was missing out, especially when her ‘cousins’ were her best friends and she had the freedom of exploring her independence under the safety of many protective eyes. It wasn’t always fun and games, like when Catra tried to sneak out to spend time with her first girlfriend and got caught by Granny Stella within minutes. So embarrassing.

The night was filled with good food, music and people. Everyone talked and drank, getting rowdy enough to embarrass Catra by singing happy birthday before C’yra presented Catra with her gift, which was a new laptop for her ‘masters’. Catra had avoided talking too much about her masters all night and was confronted with a confusing mix of guilty and grateful. So she cried. Catra’s mother and several others hugged her as they told her she deserved the gift and much more.

Catra told her mother how much she appreciated her and everything that she does for her, which prompted C’yra to get teary. Catra promised her mum that she was going to repay her for all the money she’s spent on her and C’yra just laughed.

“You don’t have to repay me, I just want you to live a good life, that’s all,” C’yra said, wipping Catra’s tears away. Her mums words were sweet but she desperately wanted to repay all the stress and energy that she put into raising Catra against the odds. She wanted her mother to be comfortable and happy just like she had made Catra.

Catra returned to the Grey house and it was quiet except for Swifty’s snores as Catra quietly crept into the house. There was a single light on in the kitchen and Catra walked over to turn it off before she went to bed. When she reached the light switch she realised something was left on the counter. It was a beautifully wrapped gift with Catra’s name on it.

Catra blushed a little as she ran her nail over the tape to carefully open the the gift. Once it was open she stared at it with confusion. They were sound cancelling earbuds designed for a magicat.

These were so expensive!

Catra was torn because she always wanted a pair of these for studying and surviving thunderstorms, but this gift was definitely too much. Catra opened the card sitting under the gift and read the message as her mind raced with indecision. How was she going to convince Ms Grey to return these and get her money back without seeming ungrateful.

Miss Catra,

Before you attempt to give these back, please note I bought some for Finn too and they are very excited to match with you.

For all the times the world gets too loud, I hope these help you feel more at ease.

Happy birthday,

Finn and Adora Grey

Drawing of Catra riding a lion 

Catra laughed at herself, she couldn’t give them back now and disappoint Finn. Ms Grey had identified her weakness to get the outcome that she wanted. Usually Catra didn’t like those tactics because she hated feeling controlled and often resented anyone trying but felt kind of nice to be seen so easily. Ms Grey knew Catra would resist the gift because of the price and Adora might not have known the guilt that Catra felt, but she knew enough to try to alleviate it.

Catra held the gift to her chest gently like it would stop the butterflies congregating there. She took the present into her room and placed them under the flowers that Scorpia and Perfuma sent her. She pulled out the laptop her mother gave her to pose the gifts together before she grabbed her camera to snap a photo.

This was a good birthday. Catra felt spoiled to be surrounded by good people who cared about her. She might not be close to many people, but she felt wealthy for having them in her life.