Despara being 'Romantic' CW: Blood

The door slid open to Catra’s room, and she turned to face the Horde Lord. Catra had been expecting her but wasn’t prepared for this. The blonde was covered in blood and ash with a harsh red burn creeping up her cheek like lightning. Her blue eyes contrasted the brutal sight, looking so soft and almost hopeful.

Catra managed to hold in her gasp at the sight but couldn’t stop her eyes widening as she looked at blood-soaked armour.

Adora, no, this wasn’t Adora. Despara approached and Catra stood her ground stubbornly as her ears flicked back. Despara held out the cracked and bloodied mask of Shadow Weaver as Catra tracked the movement with her eyes. Her body thrumming with adrenaline as her mind fought to understand the situation.

“A gift for you, my love,” Despara said and Catra frowned, she was certain that pet name was a lie. But in this moment, whispered so gently that they almost sounded like a promise. Those words offered Catra the hand of the most powerful woman in all Etheria. Catra would be a fool to not take it. She was no fool, so she did. It's better to be with Despara as she flattens Etheria under her boot, than against her.

Catra accepted the gift, looking at the face of her tormentor while emotions mixed within her, and blood stuck to her fingertips. This gift was brutal, sweet, and so very personal. It was an attempt to show that she knew Catra and that she understood her struggles. Despara wanted to show that she cared what Catra wanted and that she listened to her words. Catra lifted her eyes to look at Despara again. The small smile on the blonde's ash covered face was so Adora it made Catra’s heart ache with guilt and longing. She pushed away the memories of that smile that echoed in her mind, she had to accept that Adora was long gone.

Catra dropped the mask to the floor with a loud crack against the cold steel. Despara frowned and a small thrill ran through Catra before confusion swept over the blonde’s face. She thought her gift was being rejected. Despara’s eyes widened as Catra stepped closer, entering her personal space. Boldly, Catra cupped the back of Despara’s head and pulled her closer, which the blonde allowed without resistance. Her sky-blue eyes moving back and forth between Catra's two toned ones, hope blooming.

“Thank you,” Catra whispered before their lips gently touched. Catra didn't expect to lead this kiss, she expected to be controlled, she expected to be overpowered with passion and possessive hands. Taken like Despara takes everything she wants. She didn’t expect the gentle caress of her jaw, tilting her head to a better angle or the surprised but pleased little sound the blonde made. The kiss deepened but it never changed from those soft, devoted lips.

Catra wanted to feel in control, she made the first move so she should feel powerful. This was the result of her actions. She chose this. But her knees became weak, and she leaned further into the blonde, allowing her to support her body before she became a puddle on the floor.

This may not be her best friend anymore, but she's sure that this could be something. This was the last precious piece of the gentle woman Despara was once destined to be. The last scrap of Adora. It was small and fragile, barely a flickering light. It needed to be protected with gentle care. Catra would do anything to protect this softness from the cruel world that made Despara this stone-cold Emperor she’s become.