Chapter 6

It was a new dawn, not just for Brightmoon... but for Catra as well. As she looked out of her bedroom window, seeing the snow-covered streets like those that she'd seen in the Ghost of Present's vision, she knew what she needed to do. Today was the day she finally changed, finally broke away from being the cold, ruthless woman the world had known her as.

But for now... she was allowing herself to enjoy the season. For the first time since she was very young, she was enjoying the sight of Christmas. And it was a beautiful sight indeed. From the snow, to the decorations, to the people being jolly, she was loving it.

Heading downstairs and making breakfast, Catra was soon dressed for the day. She didn't know where she was going to start with all this... but she knew that today she would change. She wouldn't be the Bitch of Brightmoon. Instead, she'd be its benefactor, using her wealth to make life better for everyone.

Firstly, she walked out into the street, looking around. Of course, her business was shut that day, since it was the holidays, so she wasn't exactly going to head there. But she was still puzzled as to what to do first. There were so many options for her to start her new life of goodness and Catra was quite indecisive

Just as she was looking around for a moment, a young girl with pink skin and hair bumped into her. The girl fell flat on her rear, Catra also noticing she had a lovely pair of wings growing from her back.

"Ooof, sorry!" The girl apologised. "I didn't mean to do that."

The old Catra would have probably shouted and cursed at the girl before telling her to beat it. But not the new Catra. And right now, the new Catra was about to perform her first act of kindness. Catra smiled and reached down, helping the young girl back to her feet... "It's alright, Miss..."

"Flutterina!" the girl chirped.

"Well, Fluterrina, you should watch where you're going," Catra said. "I'd hate to see a wonderful kid like you hurt herself, especially on such a lovely day as this."

And then... Catra had another idea.

"Actually... Flutterina, could you do me a favour?" Catra asked. She quickly took out her notebook and a pencil, writing down an address on a piece of paper. She tore out the page from her book and with quite a good portion of money, handed them both to the little girl. "Would you go to the butcher's shop and buy me a turkey with this money?"

"Oh certainly!" the girl said. "Wait... is this for you?"

"No, it's for a friend of mine. When you get to the shop, tell them to send the turkey to this address, will you?" Catra said, quickly presenting a piece of paper with a hastily written address on it.

Flutterina nodded, saluting with pride. "Yes, Ma'am!" She chirped, taking the money and running off down the street.

Smiling, Catra sauntered down the street, a spring in her step, and a smile on her lips. But, as she walked on, a thought crossed her mind. That was a lot of money she gave to the little girl, more than what was needed to buy the turkey. What was she going to do with the change?

"Wait! Flutterina!" she called out, stopping the girl in her tracks. She turned, looking back at the older woman with confusion. With a smile, Catra told her "whatever money is left from buying the turkey, you can keep it! Use it however you want to!"

She gaped. Looking at the large bag of gold coins, she opened it up and counted exactly how many were inside. When finished, she quickly closed it, turning back to Catra with amazement. "All of it!?" she asked, unsure if she heard right.

"Every last piece!" Catra affirmed. With a bright smile, she called out a cheerful "Merry Christmas!" before departing.

At that moment, Catra found warmth in her heart. But still... she felt like she could have done more. As she walked down the street, she pondered what next to do with her change of heart. Still, there were so many options before her and Catra was still struggling to choose.

Just then, Catra saw two familiar faces, a man with a moustache and a dark-skinned woman with blue hair. She recognised them from the night before, the couple who were raising funds for the orphanage. She remembered how harsh she'd been to them... and as such, she decided to make amends.

Here goes nothing, she thought.

Walking over to the couple, Catra called over to them. "Hey! Excuse me!" She cried out.

The woman turned around. "Miss Weaver? What are you doing here?"

"I... I came to ask if you're still accepting donations," Catra stated. "I apologise for my behaviour last night. It would mean a lot to me to know if those orphans got a better home this terrible winter, especially with the weather being as it is. I'm prepared to write out a big check for you.

The man blinked. "Wait, are you serious?"

"But Miss Weaver... aren't you supposed to be-" the dark-skinned woman started.

"I'm not that woman," Catra insisted. "Not anymore. Now... how much would you like me to donate?"

The woman was quite speechless. "I... I... I suppose a good two thousand gold would be alright."

"Consider it done! I'll write a cheque for you by the end of the week," Catra stated, grinning. Suddenly, she paused. "Actually, I won't," she said, "I won't give you that two thousand gold you want.

The collector gaped. "Wh-what?" the man asked, his moustache actually drooping with disappointment. The woman just growled, fist clenching in fury.

"Hang on, hang on," Catra responded, defusing the situation, "I intend to do better. Put me down for..." she whispers her donation amount into both of their ears. Their eyes bulge, their jaws drop, and they drop the donation vouchers they had in their hands.

"That much!?" the man asks, beyond surprised by the generosity of the woman before them.

"And not a copper less," Catra affirmed with a nod.

The woman was gobsmacked. Just the other day, Catra, the woman standing before her, pretty much signed so many children's death warrants by her act of greed. Now, it was almost as if a complete stranger was before them. Sure, it had Catra's face and form, and spoke just like her, but that couldn't possibly be Catra Weaver.

"I intend to personally hand-deliver the cheque by the end of the week" Catra then promised, her grin still present.

Finally, the woman collects herself enough to speak. But what could she say? This woman before her pretty much single-handedly ensured the orphanage wouldn't just stay open, but would actually remain open for years to come. There was even more than enough in her donation to provide for much-needed repairs, and a few new toys for the children if stretched far enough. Finally, she found her voice. "Um, thank you" was all she said.

"Indeed!" the man exclaimed, taking Catra's hands and shaking them for all their worth. "Thank you! Thank you so very much! My wife and I could not believe such a kind and generous soul did live within you, especially around Christmas! Now, the children of the Harold Primus Youth Academy and Orphanage will have the best Christmas ever! Won't they, Mermista, my dear!?"

"Indeed, thank you so much!" Mermista added.

"Harold Primus?" Catra wondered. "Huh... as a matter of fact, I actually grew up there. And you're welcome. I just intend to do my job as a good samaritan."

"Well, they'll appreciate it," Mermista replied. "Especially Madame Razz."

"She's still working there?!" Catra exclaimed. "My goodness, tell her I said hello, will you? I'm sure she'll remember me."

"Oh we'll be sure to!" the man replied. "But if you want to make any more generous donations... I'm sure the royal family would gladly be accepting some. Queen Glimmer is in the town square right now, leading the celebrations for the season. If you make quite a donation to her... It'll go quite a way to making your reputation better."

Catra smirked. "You don't say... thank you for telling me."

"Not a problem, dear lady!" the man said. Suddenly, the man gave a thought. Picking himself up, he undid the bright red scarf he had wrapped around his neck, and give it to Catra.

"Sea Hawk, what are you doing?" Mermista hissed.

"Well my dear, since it is the season of giving, I felt it only fair that I give a little kindness in return to the great kindness shown to us," he said as he gently placed the scarf in Catra's hands.

Catra, however, quickly shoved it back into Sea Hawk's. "I can't accept this," she told him. "It wouldn't be right of me to take something from you after I gave so much."

"Oh, hogwash!" Sea Hawk said, wrapping the scarf around Catra's neck. "As I said before; Christmas is the season of giving. It doesn't matter if we do or don't give something back in return, all that matters is that we think of others as we do so. Besides, it looks so much better on you than it does on me."

"Hmmm... He's certainly got you there," Mermista agreed.

Gingerly, Catra stroked the scarf, letting the comfort and warmth such a simple wool garment could give her. "Thank you" she murmurs, on the verge of crying. It had been quite some time since anyone had given her a present... and it felt just as good to receive as it was to give.

Suddenly, Catra feels more warmth around her, as Mermista wraps her in a hug, trying to squeeze away any negativity she may be feeling. "Merry Christmas," she simply said to the pair before breaking the hug.

Sea Hawk and Mermista then took their leave and Catra knew exactly what to do next. It was time to go see Adora again... and this time, she'd really try and make sure they re-united properly this time. After all, she knew where she was going to be and knew how she felt about her.

Plus, she really had to apologise to the king and queen for bumping into them the night before. The last thing she wanted was to be hung for such a heinous act.

xXx

Meanwhile, in the centre of town, Adora was keeping an eye on the celebrations, watching Glimmer dance with a group of children while Bow was sharing a grand holiday feast with some of the citizens. It all looked very jolly... and yet, she was still missing Catra.

As she watched couples dancing and sharing the holiday together, she deeply wished that was her and Catra together. She was trying her best to be happy, but no matter who she looked at, she just imagined her and Catra in their place and that only made her even more depressed.

Why this year of all years was she feeling the worst about it all?

Finishing her dance with the children and watching them head back to their parents, Glimmer walked over to Adora, eyeing her curiously. Her guard's rather down mood was so apparent and noticeable, Glimmer would swear it could be seen from space. She knew she had to cheer Adora up.

"Adora, are you okay?" she asked. "You're spacing out again." She held her hand, giving her a concerning look.

"Sorry," Adora apologised. "There's just... something on my mind right now."

Glimmer sighed, knowing exactly what that something was. "Thinking about her again?"

The blonde shyly nodded.

Facepalming, Glimmer groaned. "Adora, you're my best friend, and I really care about you and want you to be happy, but, maybe it's about time you finally let Catra go. She obviously doesn't want anything to do with the rest of humanity, so I doubt she'll want anything with you."

Adora was taken aback. "What!?" she cried out, quickly clapping a hand over her mouth as to not disturb the rest of the festivities. "How could you say something like that...?!"

"Because I believe it to be the truth!" Glimmer stated. "That woman is as cold and heartless as she comes. She is NOT the Catra you remember her to be from your childhood together. Any opportunity she might have to put a knife in your belly, I'm sure she'd do it, even more so if she was getting paid for it! Hell, for the right amount of gold, she would have no qualms with putting your head on a pike! She's vicious! She's ruthless! She's heartless! She's..."

"Right here," a voice said simply, catching the two women by surprise. Both of them turned to see Catra herself standing before the pair, her usual scowl plastered on her face. "And just for the record, I heard every single word you said to Adora, your majesty" she stated, ending with a mocking tone and faux bow. "You really think I'm heartless? That I would try to kill my old friend, the woman I once loved, just out of spite or money? Do I really matter that little to you?" With each question, Catra stepped closer to Glimmer, her expression unchanged.

Acting on her training, Adora drew her sword and jumped before the queen. "Catra! Please! Don't make me do this!" she pleaded, her sword wavering in front of her.

Catra just cast a look at Adora. "Adora, this doesn't concern you. So please, get out of my way," she said calmly.

"You know I won't," she replied, trying desperately to steel herself. "As captain of the royal guard, it's my duty to protect the king and queen at all cost. So Catra, for once, just listen to me and leave."

Catra just approached again, stopping within arm's reach. Adora's sword was on her chest, the blade gently pressing into her coat. Part of Catra knew Adora could kill her if she wanted to... but Catra knew how much Adora still loved and as such, knew exactly how to play this.

Gently pushing the sword to one side, Catra walked right up to Adora and placed her hands on her former friend's shoulders, holding her firmly. "I just want to talk," she said, her voice firm, but soft. "That's all."

Adora stared at her. The last time Catra spoke to her in such a tone, they were children, swearing to be together forever. Looking into her eyes, Adora could see true conviction in them, along with hints of sadness, and something else. She was too afraid to name what that something else was, on the off chance that it truly was what she thought it was. If it were, she wouldn't know whether to kill Catra... or kiss her.

She sheathed her sword, moving out of the way.

"Adora!" Glimmer hissed, looking back and forth between the two women. "What the hell are you doing?!"

"Letting her talk," she said simply.

With Adora finally out of the way, Catra stood before the queen. "Alright," Glimmer grouses, "you wanted to talk, so, talk. Let's just get this over with quickly, you're ruining a lot of people's Christmas with this big show of yours." To prove her point, the queen swept her arm out across her, showing her how many people turned their attention towards the drama unfolding. Even the king was watching them, hands subtly reaching for his bow and arrows just in case things went South.

"I didn't come here to start trouble," Catra said softly. "I came... to make an apology."

Adora's eyes widened and her heart started to warm. Had Catra finally seen the light? "You... You have?"

"I've... I've done some thinking about myself, how I was seen by the people in this kingdom... and by you, Adora," Catra expressed. "I admit it. I've been a horrible terrible person and the only one to blame for that is me. So... I've come to change my ways and I plan to do that by donating a large sum of my money to the royal family, so they may use it to better the lives of those in this kingdom."

Glimmer stared. "Wait... seriously?"

"Is this really the same person who bumped into us last night?" Bow whispered.

"Hush, Bow," Glimmer whispered back before clearing her throat. She stepped forward. "Uhhhh... wow, that is quite an apology there, Miss Weaver... but how do we know you're genuine about this?"

"Because I also want to say sorry for bumping into you and your husband last night, your majesty," Catra replied. "I didn't realise it was you. If I'd had better judgement and realised who you were, I would have apologised right away instead of telling you to... well, I can't really say it in front of the children, but you get the idea."

Glimmer was sceptical. She had heard many apologies like this throughout her life, most of them a ruse for a quick and dirty assassination attempt. She could feel the sincerity in Catra's words, but still, the experience she had last night with her, and what she heard about her from Adora conflicted in her. She honestly had no idea what to do.

"I can vouch for her," Adora stated, stepping beside Catra and taking her hand. Catra stiffened up, the electricity of the woman she loved's hand in her own causing all the hairs on her body to stand on end. "Catra Weaver may have done some horrible things in her life," Adora stated, "but the fact that she's up here, actually asking for forgiveness, should be more than enough evidence that she truly does wish to change. And though some may think that only a miracle could change a sinner into a saint, isn't that what Christmas is all about? Miracles?"

"I agree," Bow added, taking Catra's unoccupied side. "Glimmer, darling, you always claimed yourself to be a fair and just ruler, always willing to forgive those to act against us in spite. Well now, here is such a woman, asking, if not begging, for forgiveness. Now, I only think it fair that you hold yourself to your word, as queen."

The crowd around them cheered in agreement, proclaiming and demanding the queen to forgive. Catra was taken aback: all these people, these complete strangers, many of whom she had taken pretty much everything they had, were demanding her forgiveness. It was so much for her to bear. She turned to the king, who gave her a confident wink, assured that a positive outcome will occur. Then she looked over to Adora, pausing. Looking into those big, beautiful blue eyes of hers, reminded her of just what she was missing, and what she almost lost. She could see only love in them, and hoped that the love she had as well was just as visible in her own.

"Alright!" Glimmer shouted, silencing the rabble.

"...Alright what?" Adora asked.

Glimmer sighed. "I have decided to take Miss Catra Weaver's words to heart, and offer her my forgiveness."

The square erupted in cheers, strangers and lovers embracing each other. Even Adora held Catra close. Close enough, for their breaths' to intermingle. They didn't know it, but their faces subtly drew closer and closer, their eyelids falling. At that moment, the two of them nearly kissed.

"HOWEVER," Glimmer said, freezing the entire square dead in its tracks. As well as causing both Adora and Catra to accidentally bite their tongues. "The depth of my forgiveness needs to be decided. Miss Weaver, if you want to gain my full forgiveness, you must prove you are sincere in your words! Show me and this entire square that you are indeed a changed woman, and I shall pardon all of your transgressions up until now!"

"Glim, don't you think that might be a bit, much?" Bow subtly asked his wife.

"Not if Miss Weaver is truly sincere in her words," Glimmer states, sticking to her laurels and folding her arms.

With a huff of indignation, she grabs Adora's shoulders, and looks her dead in the eye. "Adora," she announces, "the last time I told you these words, I was the worst woman in the world. But, know now, that woman isn't me anymore. I have changed, and I want you to be the first one to know how deep those changes are."

"Catra..." Adora gasps.

Taking a deep breath, steeling her nerves, Catra stared Adora dead in the eyes, and declared, "Adora Grayskull, captain of the royal family of Brightmoon, I..." she suddenly paused, catching subtle movement in her peripheral vision. Turning her gaze, she looked over the crowd, trying to find what had caused the moment. In a short time, she found it, and a wicked idea came to her.

"'I...'?" Adora repeated, hoping this was what she thought it was.

"I... I love you. I always have." Catra finally got the words out. "I love you more than anything else." However, she just smirked. "But give me a moment will you?" Catra gave a wicked smile. "I'll be right back." she then detached herself from the woman she loved. Freed from her lover's arms, she made her way quickly through the crowd.

Adora blushed, wondering just what Catra was up to. But... she wasn't complaining. If anything, she knew that she and Catra were going to be together now and in her eyes, that was all that mattered.

Meanwhile, Catra made a beeline towards a certain very muscular arachnid woman, who was looking in through the window at the nearby hat shop. If the Queen wanted a demonstration of her kindness, Catra was going to give her one and she knew just how to do it.

Scorpia hummed to herself, a skip in her step. She had stowed away a small portion of her paychecks throughout the year, and was going to finally get something nice with it. But the question lingered: what was she going to get, and who could she get it for? She wasn't going to use any of her hidden savings for herself, for goodness sake, she wanted it to be a surprise for somebody close to her. She thought long and hard about who she was going to surprise. She could always get something for her wife, but that felt like she wanted something out of her in return, so she couldn't do that. Maybe she could get a new toy for one of her children...no, that wouldn't work. It wouldn't be fair to the rest of her children if only one of them got a new toy. Even if it was for little Petunia. It would be the same if she bought a new dress or new shoes for one of them. She was the only employee at the loan office, so she couldn't get something for co-workers. And there was NO WAY she would even think about using it for herself.

And then, it came to her: Catra. It was perfect. She could buy her boss something nice, to show how much she appreciated having her job. True, she was a bit of a spoilsport on Christmas, but that didn't matter. She knew that deep down, Catra appreciated the company, and would appreciate the gift she could give her. Now, the only question was, what to give her.

"Maybe I can get her a new hat..." she mused to herself.

"Scorpia Garnet!" a very familiar voice barked behind her, "what are you doing out of the office?"

Slowly, Scorpia turned, coming face to face with the scowling face of her very, very, VERY unhappy-looking employer. "M-m-miss Weaver!" she was able to stutter out.

"Well?" Catra said sharply, "I'm waiting."

Scorpia gulped, forcing down the lump developing in her throat. "Um, ma'am," she said, "it's Christmas day. You gave me the day off, remember?"

"I gave you the day off?" Catra repeated, her voice bordering on a growl. "Do you really think that I, Catra Weaver, Bright Moon's most successful and financially secure lender would willingly let my sole employee have a day off?

"Umm... yes, because that's the law," Scorpia reminded her. "No one works on Christmas day."

Catra sighed. "Well... I've been wrong. You can have as many days off as you want... and I'm even giving you a raise so you can better look after Petunia."

"Wait... how do you-"

"Oh, and you are a lucky woman as well!" Catra chirped. "I had no idea your wife Perfuma was so gorgeous!"

Scorpia was at a loss for words. Was Catra... actually complimenting her? And giving her a raise? And telling her she could have as much time off as she wanted? She pinched herself at that moment, trying to make sure she wasn't dreaming. But this was real and Catra... had finally changed for the better.

Catra laughed boisterously, wrapping her sole employee in a bone-crushing hug. "Merry Christmas, you wonderful scorpion!"

"Um...merry Christmas?" Scorpia replied, still trying to comprehend what she just heard. "Could you repeat what you just said?"

"You heard me," Catra said, "I'm raising your salary, and I'm giving you the rest of the week off. That should be more than plenty of time to spend with your family, right?"

Scorpia just nodded dumbly, too surprised to really understand what was just happening. She was blushing bright red as well. Just how was she going to explain this to Perfuma? But she watched as everyone then applauded Catra and she joined in, proud of her boss.

With her peace said, Catra returned to the centre of the square, standing before the queen, and beside Adora. Taking her lover's hand, Catra knew she had things in the bag. She glanced over at Glimmer, smiling smugly at the queen. "So... do you need any more proof, your majesty?"

"I... I don't think so," Glimmer said, awestruck.

"Good," Catra replied. "Now, where was- Mmph!"

Before Catra could finish that sentence, a deeply in love Adora grabbed her by the shoulders and dipped her, kissing her passionately in front of everyone. Catra's eyes widened in shock as Adora kissed her deeply and lovingly, her eyes closing as she wrapped her arms around the blonde.

The square erupted in cheers as they watched Adora and Catra kiss, rejoicing in this Christmas miracle. As Adora pulled away from the kiss, she smiled at her.

"I love you too," she whispered.

Catra smiled. "Oh, you have no idea how long I've waited to hear you say that."

xXx

Sometime later, Catra was in Scorpia's home, enjoying Christmas dinner with the arachnid and her wonderful family. Scorpia had been quite surprised when she found out that a Christmas turkey had been delivered to their home, Catra stating that it was her present to her.

As Scorpia ate heartily, she smiled at her boss, glad to see she had finally changed. The woman who was now sitting for Christmas dinner with her... was clearly not the same woman who had been bossing her around all these years. And she couldn't have been happier.

"Say, it was nice of you to send us that turkey," Scorpia said with her mouthful, "even if Perfuma had already gotten us a goose."

"Ehhh, Turkey's are more festive," Catra said. "Besides... I wanted to do something good for your family."

Scorpia smiled at her, swallowing. "So... what exactly made you change your mind overnight? I mean... I'm totally buying you're changed now, I just wanna know what brought all this on."

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Catra remarked.

"Oh yeah? Try me," Scorpia responded.

"I was visited by three ghosts who showed me the true meaning of Christmas," Catra stated. She wasn't sure how well Scorpia would take it.

Scorpia scoffed. "Oh Catra! You know Ghosts aren't real... wait, are they?"

Catra just chuckled. She wasn't going to give her an answer. But she did wonder now... had it all been real? Were the ghosts judging her right now and she still had something to prove even after all she'd done that day? She hoped not... she'd honestly run out of ideas.

Perfuma then walked into the room, carrying some pudding for dessert. "I've brought some dessert if you'd like it, Catra. I hope you don't mind figgy pudding."

"Actually I quite like it, but I'm gonna have to say no thanks, Perfuma," Catra replied. "I'd love to stay but I've got a date tonight."

"Oh right!" Scorpia chirped. "Hey, look at you, all invited to a fancy party."

Catra grinned. "It pays when you know someone who works in the castle."

After her rather public display of affection with Adora, Queen Glimmer had outright invited Catra to the yuletide ball she was holding at the castle that evening. Considering this was going to be hers and Adora's first proper date, Catra had wanted to look her best., hence why she'd visited Scorpia while wearing one of her finest suits.

"So... I'll see you on Monday then?" Scorpia wondered.

Catra nodded. "Don't worry about being late, I won't be bothered."

"Nuh-uh, I like to be on time. If you're gonna treat me with respect now, I'm gonna do the same for you," Scorpia replied proudly. "Miss Weaver."

"Oh please," Catra scoffed, "Miss Weaver sounds so huffy. Just call me 'Catra', you've earned that right. After all, you've been my only friend for years."

Scorpia gasped and nodded. "Okay... Catra." She giggled. "It's gonna be weird to call you that now in person."

"But it is Miss Weaver when you're in the office," Catra corrected. "We still need to be formal for our customers."

"Right, right," Scorpia said.

Just then, Catra saw a little girl walk into the room, frail and holding herself up with a cane. It was Petunia. Catra at that moment smiled. Thanks to the raise she'd given Scorpia, not to mention the other thing she was planning to offer her, she knew that her friend's youngest daughter now had a future.

"What's wrong, sweetie?" Perfuma asked as she picked up the frail child. "Did you hurt yourself again?"

The child shook her head no, surprising both mothers.

"Are you feeling sick?" Scorpia asked in concern. Again, Petunia just shook her head no.

"Are you tired?" Perfuma asked as she checked her daughter's temperature. Surprisingly, she didn't feel feverish. Gently pressing her ear to her chest, Perfuma checked if she was breathing okay. Incredibly, her breathing was fine.

"You two really worry about her, don't you?" Catra asked, amazed by how meticulous the pair were in checking the welfare of such a small creature.

Scorpia nodded as Perfuma handed their youngest to her. "She's always been so frail, ever since she was born," she said. "We took her to every doctor in Brightmoon we could find to see if there was anything they could do for her, but," she sighed, "they all say the same thing: be ready for her to go, it could be any day now." She looks down at her child and holds her close, trying not to cry. "She's only five years old, and doctors are telling us she could die at any moment. She literally has the rest of her life ahead of her, and all they can think to talk about is setting up her funeral. It's not fair!" At that point, tears began to escape Scorpia' as clenched eyes, her pain too hard to hide any longer.

Catra watched, unsure of what to do. Seeing her friend's pain while with the spirits of Christmas were so much different than experiencing them first hand. At that moment, Scorpia's pain was her own.

Gingerly, Catra extended her arms out. "May I?" she asks lightly.

With a sniffle and a shaky nod, Scorpia gingerly passes Petunia into Catra's waiting arms. "Sorry you had to see me like this," she apologized, "sometimes, it's just too much to bear." Perfuma comes up behind her wife, placing a reassuring hand on her broad shoulders.

Catra smiled. "You want to live a long time, don't you, Petunia?"

"Yes, I want to live forever!" the little girl replied.

"Well... I wanna make sure that you do," Catra insisted. "In fact." She then looked at the loving couple before her, "I know you will live forever!" Picking herself up, she gently returns the little girl to her parents. "I'm going to make you live forever!" she states proudly.

"Um, Catra, what are you talking about?" Scorpia asks, as confused as her wife was.

"Scorpia," Catra announces, holding the large woman at arm's length, "I'm going to hire the best doctors not just in Brightmoon, but in all of Etheria, to look after your daughter! And I won't let a single one of them rest until they figure out what is wrong with her, and how they can cure her!"

Both women gasped. "You-you're serious?" Perfuma asked, her voice wavering.

"I swear on my life," Catra assured them. "Your daughter will have a future, Scorpia. I won't let her die, I promise you."

The tears of happiness running down the mothers' faces couldn't be stopped, as they hugged little Petunia tightly. Catra smiled at them both joyfully.

"Of course, you'll have to cover some of the bills," Catra then stated, breaking the moment. "You can't expect me to handle everything on my own, do you?"

"N-no, of course not!" Scorpia stuttered, seeing the old Catra come back. Goodbye extra salary, she thought.

"Good" Catra stated. Seeing Scorpia's down-trotted face, she chuckled, wrapping an assuring arm around her midsection. "Oh relax," she told her, "I'll still cover most of the bills, but it should only be fair that my new business partner handles some of the heavy lifting as well. It'll help you if you ever decide to go into business for yourself." Stretching her hand out, she asked the larger woman, "so, what do you say: partners?"

Scorpia froze. She had just heard Catra Weaver ask her to be her business partner!

"I think, 50/50 would be a good split in the profits, don't you?" Catra asked.

Gasping, Scorpia tackled Catra in a bone-shattering hug. "THANK YOU!" She hollered in joy.

"You're... welcome..." Catra groaned. "Oh god... Scorpia you're crushing me..."

Scorpia pulled away. "Oh sorry."

Gasping for breath, Catra shot out, "warn me the next time you're gonna do that." But, her voice was light and friendly, so she meant no offense by it. Straightening herself out, she turned to her new business partner, and asked them, in a formal tone "Mrs Garnet, would you and your family like to accompany me, to the Brightmoon royal Christmas ball?"

With a flourish and a bow, Scorpia replied, in an equally formal tone "it would be our pleasure, miss Weaver."

A loud eruption of cheers behind Catra caught the adults attention. All eyes turned to see the rest of Scorpia's children cheering, all of them brimming with so much excitement.

"Well then," Perfuma stated as she ushered all their children away, "if we're all going to the ball, we need to look our best! Now come along children: we need to get all cleaned up and dressed in our best."

In a neat line, all of their children followed Perfuma to get washed and dressed. Trailing behind her sisters, hobbling forward on her cane, tiny Petunia followed as close behind as she could. Before reaching the door, she paused and turned towards Catra, her smile beaming and her eyes glowing. "Thank you, Auntie Catty," she said before disappearing behind the door frame.

"You'll always be welcome, little one," Catra replied.

xXx

Meanwhile, at the royal palace, Adora and Glimmer were waiting in the main hall for Catra to arrive, while Bow was leading the other arriving guests to the party. Adora was feeling a little embarrassed in the red and gold ball gown she was wearing, but Glimmer had kept insisting she looked great in it. Adora disagreed.

"I feel like a dork," Adora remarked. "I don't even wear dresses."

"Oh hush, Catra's gonna love you in it and you do wanna look nice for her," Glimmer said. "After all, she made all that effort to change for you."

Adora blushed and looked at her friend. She hadn't really gotten much chance to ask Glimmer how she'd truly felt since Catra had made her rather public display earlier that day. "So... do you still have any doubts about her?"

"You know... I'm not sure," Glimmer stated. "I mean, it was a surprise that she practically changed overnight... but she seems genuine and I doubt there's any ulterior motive to all this. I guess even the worst of humanity really can change for the better."

"Plus, she'll be a great royal treasurer," Adora insisted.

"Hey, let her decide on that," Glimmer replied. "Give her time to adjust."

"But I know she'll be good at it!"

"Good at what?" a voice then spoke.

Adora and Glimmer turned and then, to Adora's amazement, Catra walked into the hall, accompanied by Scorpia and her family. She looked very dashing in a new burgundy suit, her already short hair slicked back smartly. Adora's cheeks glowed bright red, redder than even her dress and gloves.

"Wow..." the blonde whispered, in a daze.

Adora was at a loss for words. She always knew Catra looked stunning in a suit, something about the way she looked now made her seem irresistible. She couldn't put her finger on what it was, but she was loving what she was seeing. Part of her wanted to grab her and kiss her again.

"Down, girl," Glimmer teased, clamping Adora's dangling jaw closed. "Miss Weaver, so good of you to join us."

"Thanks for letting me join, Sparkles" Catra returned.

Glimmer paused. "'Sparkles'?" she repeated in confusion.

Behind her, Adora was fighting the urge to laugh. Dear God, was she trying. Catra always liked to give people nicknames, especially when they were younger. It reminded her that the old Catra she loved was indeed back... and plus, Sparkles was a fitting nickname for Glimmer.

Catra turned to Scorpia. "I'm sure you remember my friend here? Well, this is Scorpia Garnet, my business partner at the new Weaver and Garnet lending firm."

"A pleasure to meet you formally," Bow said, taking Scorpia's claw and shaking it.

"Aw shucks! It's nothing, really," Scorpia, ever so humbly said. Taking her claw back, she turned to Perfuma and their children. "This is my wife, Perfuma, and our children: Bloom, Juniper, Flora, Fauna, Sage, Poppy, and our littlest miracle, Petunia."

"I hope you didn't mind me bringing them along," Catra replied.

"Oh not at all! Everyone is welcome!" Glimmer chirped. "If you'll follow me, ladies."

As Glimmer and Bow left with Scorpia and her family, Adora walked over to Catra, smiling at her. Finally, they were together and all Adora wanted that night was Catra and Catra alone. All those years spent apart... but now they had forever to catch up on what they'd missed.

"You look beautiful," Catra said lovingly.

"Dresses aren't usually my thing," Adora admitted.

"Well, from what I'm seeing, maybe they should be" Catra purred, wrapping her arms tenderly around Adora's waist. "You look like a princess."

"Oh shut up!" Adora laughed as she wrapped her gloved hand arms around Catra as well, gazing into her eyes. "Maybe I do look great but not half as great as you look in that suit."

The two of them embraced one another, Catra sighing in relief. Yesterday, she couldn't have imagined this, being with Adora again and actually being a nice person and wanting to celebrate Christmas. But as of today, Catra was now a firm believer in miracles of all sorts.

"I'm sorry," Catra said. "For not realising all you did for me... for being so angry... for not realising this sooner."

"It's okay," Adora replied. "What matters now is that we're together and have the rest of our lives to make amends for what happened."

"Is that going to start with us making a grand entrance on the dance floor?" Catra teased.

"No," Adora said, smirking. "It's starting with this."

She grabbed Catra, kissing her passionately. Her hands cupped her cheeks as Catra caressed her softly. She was so very much in love with her. The catgirl threaded a finger through Adora's hair as they continued to kiss, before they eventually had to part for air.

"Damn... who knew you'd be such a great kisser."

Adora giggled.

Just then, Catra looked through the window, seeing something on the grass outside of the manor. Four spectral figures, the ghosts of past present and future and even Hordak, all were watching her... and smiling in approval. Catra was now free of their judgement and the catgirl felt relieved at that.

As the spirits left, Catra looked back at Adora, grinning.

"So... shall we, my dear?" she asked.

"We shall," Adora replied, as Catra took her arm and they walked into the ballroom together.

As the night went on, the party had gone into full swing. Music echoed throughout the grand ballroom, lights twinkling and shone off the many wonderful decorations that adorned the walls, and a feeling of warmth filled the air as everyone danced and partied.

A grand Christmas tree sat square in the centre of the ballroom, it's branches heavy with ornaments and lights, a mountain of presents sitting under it, and a brilliant shimmering star crowned it's top.

The dancers danced and spun, letting the music carry them away. In the centre of it all, Catra and Adora lost themselves in each other's eyes. So lost in the moment were they, they didn't notice when they leaned closer to each other until they were actually kissing.

A small, polite applause echoed through the ballroom, the guest celebrating and congratulating their love. Breaking the kiss, they smiled shyly, but sweetly, at each other.

They returned to their dance, letting the world fade away. As they danced, Catra caught sight of her friend Scorpia, dancing animatedly with Perfuma. Apparently, they didn't have many opportunities to dance like this. Granted, being a mother of seven little girls took up quite a lot of their time.

Speaking of, Catra could see all of Scorpia and Perfuma's children distract themselves. They played with the shiny new toys they received from under the tree, feasted from the nearby buffet on foods that they'd never tasted, some of them even danced with some of the lords and ladies in attendance. Little Petunia herself had the distinct honour of dancing with king Bow.

"What are you so happy about?" Adora asked, loving the soft, genuine smile on her lover's face.

Catra just shrugged. "I'm not sure" she answered. "Up until now, I've only connected Christmas with the worst. All the bad things that I went through always seemed to happen around Christmas time: not getting adopted, losing my job, losing an old friend, ...losing you."

"Oh, Catra" Adora moaned, gently petting her love's cheek.

"At first, I tried to blame everything on the season. But over time, I started blaming my pain on everybody but who was really the cause: me. But not anymore" Catra stated.

Adora smiled, kissing her again.

Parting from their kiss, Catra leaned in close Adora. "Merry Christmas, Adora" she whispered.

"Merry Christmas Catra," Adora replied before kissing her again.

"Merry Christmas!" both Scorpia and Perfuma said before kissing one another.

"And happy holidays everyone!" cried out little Petunia, earning a few giggles from the guest.

And so from that Christmas onwards, Catra Weaver's life certainly couldn't have gotten much better. After dating Adora for over a year, Catra finally asked the blonde to marry her. The wedding was beautiful and eventually, Catra decided to move in with Adora at the palace, taking the prized position as royal accountant.

Catra left the moneylender business and her old townhouse in Scorpia's care. Surprisingly, Scorpia became quite the businesswoman and quite wealthy in her own right. Her daughter Petunia did indeed manage to live for quite a long time, Catra becoming like a third mother to her.

And when Adora and Catra eventually had a little kitten of their own who they named Finn, Catra knew that her happiness would last for many more Christmases. And to think, all this wouldn't have happened if it weren't for a little divine intervention.

xXx

Author's Note: And so this story ends! Merry Christmas to you all and to you all a good night!