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This is the definition of destiny.

Cate Blanchett in The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) | Carol (2015)

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Catra’s Sleeves

Just thinking about Catra’s sleeves as symbolism for her connection to Adora

Season 1 and 2:  Catra has no sleeves.  She has an authentic relationship with Adora, although platonic at the time.  Even when Adora defects, Catra believes Adora will come back.

Season 3:  Catra accepts that Adora is now her arch rival and enemy.  Both of Catra’s arms are covered with the black jacket.  The black jacket symbolizing Catra’s growth as a person, and becoming more independent from her relationship with Adora, although still very connected on an internal level (aka the portal)

Season 4:  Post portal, and now only one sleeve, although she retains the black color in the one sleeved arm.  This shows that she has internalized her growth, but that she is beginning to open her heart to Adora again.  She feels great guilt over the portal, and although she is very successful in the horde, she knows does not find satisfaction in it.  She knows subconsciously that her true satisfaction comes from a relationship with Adora.

Season 5 (mid to the end):  No sleeves again.  The relationship with Adora is on the mend, and Catra is returning to an authentic relationship with Adora, this time romantic.  What she always wanted in the first place.

Wow, what a journey all captured via wardrobe changes.....and then there is Adora, who just can’t let her horde uniform go.....lol

#catra #spop #shera #she ra and the princesses of power

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Themes in She-Ra

One theme I noticed in SPOP was the power of healthy community and escaping isolation and embracing individuality.  Also I think there are two communities in juxtaposition in SPOP, the religious and the naturalistic.  The religious group (Horde) focuses on uniformity, striving to connect with Big Brother/Horde Prime (God), and conquering the world (converting people).  The naturalistic community (Bright Moon) are focused on connection to the planet’s powers (naturalism), connection to each other, individuality, and mindfulness.  

As someone who decided recently to take on a more naturalistic and non-theistic worldview, this has been an interesting thought thread for me.

What do you all think?

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It looks like this place can still project memories. (insp.)

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Although life in a pandemic sucks.

At least I have my favorite Quarantine Buddies.

#spop adora #spop catra #spop #she ra spop #adoraxcatra #adora x catra #adora/catra #adora #catra #catradora

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Don’t you get it?! I love you. I always have, so please just this once, stay.

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a thing I've been noticing upon rewatch is that through the seasons is that the "isn't what you've always wanted" "is that what you want" "that can't be what you wanted" "this was never what you wanted" "what do you want adora" etc has been a running motif(?) since season 1.... Also the "you were chosen" "don't I get to choose?" "you don't get to choose" "when do YOU get to choose"

Yeah!! Ur absolutely right, since the very first episode we see that 'want' and 'choice' are definitely running motifs throughout the show. In the first episode i think shadow weaver tells adora "isnt this what you've always wanted ever since you knew how to want" with respect to her promotion and more importantly her rise in ranks in the horde. Its also the first instance where adora is forced to leave behind what she really wants (which is to be safe with catra), for what someone else tells her she should want.

This is a choice that people keep forcing adora to make continuously throughout the show: light hope telling adora she needs to let go of her friends to fulfill her destiny and balance etheria, shadow weaver telling her she needs to let go of catra because she was a distraction from her taking on the failsafe.

These people keep manipulating adora, and in some way it's kind of because adora herself doesnt know what she wants. Or rather-- she has never allowed herself to value what she wants and so she has never felt like she any other choice apart from going the path that was set for her by someone else.

Thats why she's so obssessed about her destiny as she-ra --even razz comments on this at some point in s1 about how adora asked the first old lady she met on what to do-- It gives her security and purpose because theres a set path on what to do, and she never has to explore for herself what she wants because someone is already dictating the procedure to her.

But thats the thing isnt it?? You cant have someone else tell you how to go about your life. Both shadow weaver and light hope had their own agendas about to using adora, and in the end adora has to figure out for herself what to do, and to do that she had to first figure out what she wanted.

Thats why she ra is inherently queer narrative!! because of its emphasis on the importance of free will and the deconstruction of the concept of destiny. All queer people have this experience of living in this heteronormative society with set in stone milestones (a destiny) and realising-- this is not what they want, and to conform to that destiny would mean to sacrifice a crucial part of urself and ur own happiness. For a lot of us it's hard to put that personal want above the expectations of others, or even just the security of going the path well travelled.

When catra and adora kiss in the finale, its them finally accepting what they want and making the choice to act on it. And it is that act of finally allowing themselves to choose each other that sets the magic of etheria free, and opens up new possibilities and a new future for everyone.

Tldr: she ra has always been about determining ur own destiny, and the story was always about the characters figuring out what they want and growing enough to allow themselves to act on it

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Adora's Realization

Ever since watching season 5, I've been puzzled by Adora. I couldn't figure out when her arc finally came full circle. Honestly, her character has so much depth, I'm still struggling to understand her essence, but I feel like I realized something today. During the dream simulation, Adora allowed herself to exist with full authenticity in a setting that expressed her inner desires clearly ( and I'm arguing this clarity is even new to Adora herself). She wanted a world that was at peace, a world with her friends, but also a world where she and Catra were together. Honestly, I believe that Adora knew she loved Catra, but I'm wondering if in this simulation (although dying in real life) she realized that she was IN love with Catra. I think that last final look and reach for Catra was more a resignation that I want to be with her more than anything, and the beauty of the scene is that after Adora truly acknowledges her true feelings is the moment that Catra dares to confess her own love to Adora. The message of the whole scene is CLARITY. Because queer and questioning (heck any) romantic love can be CONFUSING without communication.

Catra - "Dont you get it? I love you. I always have."

Adora - "I love you too"

Damn. The writers of this show.....just golden.

#spop #adora #catra #spop adora #spopseason5 #adoraismygirl #adoraxcatra #catradora #love #queer positivity #queer love #shera #she ra s5 #shera2020 #she ra #shera post

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Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Adora/Catra (She-Ra), Adora & Catra (She-Ra) Characters: Adora (She-Ra), Catra (She-Ra)

Summary:

A few days have passed since the defeat of Horde Prime. Adora finds peace in the Whispering Woods and Catra has a secret to tell. So, marks the beginning of a journey about self-discovery, love, and acceptance despite the gritty impact of trauma and devastation.

#catradora #catra #adora #fanfic #she ra spop #shera post #spop #spop post season 5 #adora/catra #catra/adora

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She-Ra:  Forgotten Histories Chapter 1 -  In the Woods

Adora sat back against the tree in the Whispering Woods.  The vast increase of teeming life in the woods was comforting.  Creatures she had never seen before roamed around freely without any fear.  New plants were growing along the forest floor with an endless number of multi-colored flowers carpeting the rocks, bushes, and vines.  Adora had always thought the Whispering Woods were beautiful, but this new scene was truly breath-taking.  A memory flashed briefly in Adora’s mind.  The first time she set foot in these woods.  A rebellious joy ride that became a life-altering jaunt.  Adora was amazed at how far she had come since that day in the woods.  In just three short years, she went from newly minted, militant force captain to the beacon of hope and salvation to the entire universe.  Adora chuckled at the absurdity of her situation.  Leaning forward placing her elbows on her knees, Adora cupped her face in her hands.  Only a few days had passed since the defeat of the Horde, and Adora still felt the elation bubble gently in her chest.  Etheria was saved; the planet’s magic restored, and ultimately her friends and the universe were safe.  She finally felt like she had fixed everything.  Adora felt the muscles in her neck and shoulders relax.  Breathing in the fresh air, Adora closed her eyes and allowed herself to just be in the moment.  She leaned back and nuzzled into the tree she had been resting by.  Adora closed her eyes, and the sounds of the woodland creatures lulled her into a gentle sleep.  

Opening her eyes slowly, Adora blinked a few times before sitting up and stretching her arms above her head.   She leaned back against the tree expecting to feel the firm bark, but she was surprised to feel something much softer.  Adora turned and found Catra leaning against the tree asleep adjacent to her.  A warm and electric sensation filled her stomach.  Adora was always stunned by Catra’s beauty, but seeing her suddenly up close was startling, especially considering what happened a few days ago.  Adora slowly and delicately turned to face Catra and gaze at her sleeping friend without waking her.  Hugging her knees to her chest, Adora watched the rise and fall of Catra’s chest; she glanced at Catra’s parted lips where she caught and released her breath.  Adora still felt the sensation of Catra’s lips pressing gently against her own.  Warm, soft, and ever so fleeting.  Adora wanted to do more than remember that feeling, she wanted to experience it all over again.  Adora scanned Catra’s limp body.  Catra was leaning back against the tree with her legs crossed at the ankle in front of her, and both her arms resting in her lap.  Her head was slightly tilted toward her left shoulder.  Wearing black legging under cut off jeans, and an oversized jacket, Catra looked always unrecognizable to Adora.  Black tufts of short hair gently caressed Catra’s forehead as a sweet breeze passed through.  Adora smiled.  This newfound peace suited Catra well; Adora loved seeing her like this.  Suddenly Catra’s ear twitched and she began to stir.  Upon opening her eyes, Catra glanced around briefly before rubbing her eyes and then stretching her arms.  She yawned lazily and stretched her neck to one side initiating a series of small pops  joint and tissue realigned.    

“What are you staring at?” Catra stated as she continued stretching her arms across her chest.  Adora’s smile widened and her eyes narrowed.

“Oh, I don’t know, just a stray cat that came up to take a nap with me.” Adora retorted.  “How did you even find me?  I sat back against this tree because I was lost and wanted to take a break.”

Catra chuckled.  “How did you get yourself lost?”  Waving her hand dismissively, Adora stood up and brushed the leaves and dirt from her gray pants.  Even though the war was over, Adora still chose to wear her Horde uniform, although she had Glimmer use magic to remove the Horde’s emblem on the back of her white shirt.  Adora thought about finding a new style, but this was not very high on her list of priorities.  

“Sadly, this happens often.” Adora started.  “I came out here to clear my mind, but I think I got too lost in my thoughts and forgot to mark the trail.  Maybe we should make a walking trail in these woods?” Adora mused.

“That could be helpful, especially for the more aloof citizens of Bright Moon.” Catra sneered.  Catra also stood up and placed her arm across Adora’s shoulders leaning into her slightly.  Adora clicked her tongue and shoved Catra off.  

“Whatever” Adora huffed, but she continued to smile despite Catra’s teasing.  “The light is fading fast, though, we should probably start walking home.  I venture you know how to get us out of here?” Adora asked.

“Sure do!” Catra exclaimed, “but my navigating services do come at a cost.  I wonder if you can afford it.”  Catra walked around Adora playfully, tracing Adora’s arms and back with her tail.  Adora trembled slightly at the touch.  A sudden impulse flooded Adora’s mind; a need to pull Catra into a tight embrace.  The impulse passed quickly.

“Tell me the rate.” Adora said waving Catra’s tail away.  

Catra hummed slightly as if thinking about what she wanted to say.  “If my calculations are correct, and I’m very sure they are, we have about a fifty minute walk back to the Bright Moon castle.”  Catra pointed through the trees to the west.  

“You know you just told me how to get back without naming your price, right?” Adora snickered.  Catra smiled charmingly and took Adora’s hand intertwining their fingers gently.  

“That is correct, but I decided you would be willing to pay regardless.” Catra stated matter of factly.

“So, what do I owe you?” Adora asked playfully while squeezing Catra’s hand endearingly.

“Just an hour of your time will do.  That will cover the fifty minutes that I play tour guide plus ten minutes of accrued interest.”  Catra mockingly counted on the fingers of her free hand.

“Deal!” Adora exclaimed.  “Now let’s go, I’m getting hungry.”

“You would.” Catra replied, and the two began their trek back to Bright Moon.

Later that night after dinner Adora reclined, slightly bored, in a large plush chair in her room at Bright Moon.  “I really need to find a hobby.” she said to herself.  During the war, Adora spent almost all of her time drafting battle plans and working on strategies to keep the Horde at bay or recover lost territory.  And if she wasn’t masterminding a war, she could be found training and preparing her body for battle in the Bright Moon gym.  She was driven solely by an unrelenting passion to fix what the Horde had done to Etheria.  Although Adora had never seen active duty during her time with the Horde, she could not help but feel responsible for much of the destruction and loss of life.  Prior to finding the Sword of Protection in the Whispering Woods, Adora firmly believed the Horde was her family; an extension of herself, thus Adora easily blamed herself for the Horde’s misdeeds.  Then making matters worse, Adora learned that her ancestors, although unfamiliar to her, were also destroying Etheria for personal gain.  Adora could not help thinking that something was wrong with her.  The Horde and the First Ones, both demented and damaging, were a part of her story, a part of her history.

“Adora, I’ve been looking all over for you” Catra exclaimed as she entered Adora’s quarters, making sure to close the ornate double doors behind her.  Adora snapped out her thoughts and looked up and Catra who was smiling mischievously.

“Sorry, I was feeling tired, and wanted to be alone for a bit.  I figured I would just head up to my room.  Glimmer and Bow seemed busy, and I wasn’t sure where you went after dinner.” Adora stated flatly.  Catra tisked with her tongue and walked over next to Adora, looking down at her, eyes glinting. 

“Stop apologizing and come with me.” Catra said, batting away Adora’s explanation or solitude.  Catra was one to understand needing solitude, but now was not the time for that, she thought.

“Where are we going?” Adora asked as she stood from the plush recliner.  An indent remained where Adora had been sitting.  Adora didn’t think she would ever really get used to the soft furniture in this palace.

“I can’t tell you.  I can only show you.”  Catra extended her hand to Adora expectantly.  Adora hesitated, glanced up at Catra inquisitively, and then grabbed Catra’s hand.  Immediately, Catra began tugging her through the double doors, down the majestic hallway, past the great room, and out into the garden.  Previously, Shadow Weaver took up space here in the gardens, binding her time, waiting to make a move to reclaim a power source to exploit.  Adora made a pained face as she remembered the sinister sorceress momentarily.  The thought was fleeting, though, as Catra picked up the pace and was practically dragging Adora out of the garden and toward the Whispering Woods.  

“Weren’t we just here a few hours ago?  Why are we going back, especially at night?” Adora asked Catra slightly impatiently.  Catra looked over her shoulder quickly without stopping and smiled.  Adora’s stomach fluttered slightly as Catra turned her head back around and began tugging Adora into a steady jog.  After a few more minutes of navigating the woods, Catra began to slow down and let go of Adora’s hand.  Immediately, Adora recognized the place.  Catra stopped in front of the tree that Adora had napped at earlier in the day.

“I want to tell you something, Adora,” Catra said slowly, wringing her hands and looking down at the ground demonstrating a rare moment of vulnerability.

“I thought you were supposed to show me, not tell me.” Adora said sarcastically through a teasing smile.  Catra looked up suddenly with her jaw jutted out to the right.  Folding her arms in front of her chest, Catra couldn’t resist a sarcastic squabble. 

“Is that anyway to talk to your captors, Princess?”

“Captors?  Oh, now I’ve been kidnapped?  Why didn’t you tell me, I would have struggled more.” Adora spouted exuberantly.  Catra slowly strutted over to Adora and gently cupped her cheek with her hand.  She allowed her claws to tenderly press into the skin behind Adora’s ears as she touched Adora’s forehead with her own.  The sudden intimacy made Adora’s playful facade falter.  Adora awkwardly gasped and rather instinctively stepped back.  Catra’s smile widened at this result.

“I love the effect I have on you.” Catra finally teased after the two stood staring at each other for a few beats; Adora with questioning eyes and rapid heartbeat and Catra with steely confidence and smug smile.

“Ok, Ok, you make my knees go weak, or whatever.” Adora spat quickly turning around and away from Catra.  Adora was still not accustomed to the way her heart beat so loudly, especially when Catra acted so, so seductively.  Adora took a deep breath, calming her nerves.  She absentmindedly lifted a couple fingers to her lips, longing for that feeling again.

“You can turn around anytime now. “ Catra called out.  Adora shook her head and remembered they were out here for a reason, she guessed.  Turning around, Adora’s eyes widened and she gasped loudly.

“What is this?” Adora exclaimed.  Grinning wildly, Catra grabbed Adora’s hand and slowly led her over to a massive tent, campfire, and set of chairs.  Catra opened the flaps of the tent ushering Adora inside for a tour.  The inside of the tent contained various camping supplies, two sleeping bags, food, and Melog laying contently curled up in the corner.  Still holding Adora’s hand, Catra pulled her out of the tent and toward the campfire.

“I had Melog help me spring a trap for you, I mean set up a surprise.” Catra teased.

“Well, I’m impressed that Melog even contained the smoke coming off the campfire.” Adora retorted playfully.  Catra grinned and after a moment timidly stepped closer to Adora.  Dropping Adora’s hand, Catra merely looked into Adora’s eyes with an expression Adora could not easily read.  Adora’s face began to feel hot, and her heartbeat began beating loudly again.  She was certain Catra could hear it thudding rapidly in her chest.  Catra always seemed so collected, Adora thought.  

“I wish I knew what you were thinking.” Adora whispered.  Adora lifted a hand slowly and brushed a stray hair behind Catra’s ear tenderly.  Lowering her hand, Adora grabbed Catra’s hand and stepped into Catra’s space, closing the distance between them, touching foreheads, eyes closed.  Catra also closed her eyes and pushed back against Adora’s weighty slightly, accepting her touch, and gripping Adora’s hand gently.

“I want to talk to you about something.” Catra said again.

“What is it?” Adora asked.  Catra took a deep breath, took a step back, and grabbed Adora’s other hand.  She lifted Adora’s hands to her mouth and kissed them softly on the knuckles.  Adora’s stomach churned involuntarily.  Adora could feel herself falling deeper in love with Catra with every passing day they spent together, she thought.  Yet, Adora was not prepared for what Catra was about to say.

“I think I need to leave Bright Moon, Adora.” Catra stated, then she exhaled as if she had been holding her breath for a few minutes.

“What?” Adora said breathily.  “What do you mean, leave Bright Moon?  What’s wrong?  Did something happen?” Adora dropped Catra’s hands and began pacing feverishly in front of Catra, back and forth.

“Adora, wait.  Please listen.  Stop pacing, Adora!” Catra shouted the last phrase louder than she meant.  Adora froze mid pace, and looked at Catra in shock at the sudden outburst.  Adora softened when she noticed that Catra’s eyes were beginning to water as Catra closed her hands into fists at her side.  Catra looked pained as if barely keeping her temper and emotions in check.

“This isn’t easy for me, Adora.  I’ve been needing to talk to you about this for two days now, but every time I try, I start to lose control of my emotions.  I hate this.”  Catra swiped at her eyes.  Then, she turned around and sat in one of the chairs by the smoldering fire.  Without some more kindling, the fire was sure to burn itself out.  Catra grabbed some leaves and twigs laying on the ground and threw them on the fire, along with a few larger sticks for fuel.

“I’m sorry.” Adora whispered and moved to sit down next to Catra.  “Please talk to me, Catra.”  Taking a deep breath, Catra began to speak as she stared into the flames engulfing the twigs and leaves.

“The day after Horde Prime was defeated, something happened.”  Catra paused.  “A mark appeared on my upper arm.”

“Is that why you developed a new love for sweatshirts?” Adora interrupted.  Catra looked up from the fire and glanced sideways at Adora.

“You noticed that?” she asked.

“Well, yeah.  I’m always paying attention to you.” Adora said matter of factly.  A quiet settled between the two, and Adora’s face began to feel warm again.  Catra ended the silence with a small laugh. 

“Yeah, I understand, I notice you all the time, too.”  Catra’s eyes softened slightly before she turned back toward the fire and continued her story.

“The mark appears to have some magical qualities, Adora.  Don’t be mad at me, but I talked to Glimmer about this first, yesterday.”  Adora merely nodded, encouraging Catra to continue.  “Without getting into a bunch of details I barely understand, the gist is that the magical rune that is branded on my upper arm is apparently a family crest.”

“Branded!” Adora gasped.  “Does it hurt?  Did it hurt?  Are you ok?”  Adora began to dissent into another worrisome frenzy.

“Calm down, Adora.  I’m fine.  I didn't feel any pain when it appeared.  I think the brand must have happened when I was a baby, and I think that Horde Prime is somehow connected to why the brand was not visible until now.”

Adora’s eyes widened as she watched Catra roll her sleeve up revealing the mark.  An upside down equilateral triangle with a diagonal tangent and two dots was now embedded into Catra’s fur.  Adora slowly reached up and caressed the rune.  At first touch of Catra’s arm, Adora felt a quick jolt in her chest.  Flinching, Adora withdrew her arm and grasped at her chest.

“Adora, what happened?” Catra exclaimed standing up and motioning toward Adora.

“You’re right.  You have been imbued with magic, Catra.”  Adora said slowly.

 To be continued...                 

#fanfic #spop #spop catra #spop adora #post canon #she ra fanfic

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1980's puns with their powers combined!

She-Ra (woman god)

Cat-Ra (cat god)

Lesbian gods to the rescue!

#spopseason5 #spop 5 #spop adora #spop #spop catra #spop spoilers #captain planet #puns #punny puns #punsihment #horrible puns

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"I'm Ready" - Adora

Something has been bothering me.

What did Adora mean when she caressed Catra's face and told her "I'm ready"?

Only moments before when with Glimmer and Bow, Adora appeared distraught and even stated she was confused, scared, and distracted. What changed?

My initial thought is that Adora wanted closure with Catra. The chance to see her one last time and end things on her own terms, especially since she begged Catra to leave her side (for the first time and for her safety).

Or maybe it is because all Adora wanted was for Catra to love her. A gift she didn't think she could ever have, either because Catra didn't love her and/or her duty would not accommodate such freedom to love.

Adora was distracted, confused, and scared because she didn't want Catra to hate or dislike her. She needed closure to be at peace with dying for her friend (love), because she believed she would not get what she truly wanted, so the next best thing was a final goodbye to the one she loved most.

#spop #adoraxcatra #adoraismygirl #adora #she ra catra #catra #catradora #spopseason5 #spop 5 #spop spoilers #spop adora #poweroffriendship #pride #positivity #spop finale

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Love while social distancing

#spop #catra #adora #social distancing #pride #love #shera2020 #no hands #elbows

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1×11 // 5×13

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I keep rewatching Save the Cat and The Heart Part II and like all of season 5 is *chef's kiss* but these two hit hard obviously, but sometimes I don't know which I love more.

and I realize it's because they are both love letters from one character to the other.

Like, we all talk about (and even noelle has mentioned) how Catra's heroic act in Heart Part II is telling Adora how she feels and asking her to stay with her, to stay alive. And I have seen so much meta breaking down Catra's arc in that, in coming back for Adora to protect her and staying with her in the heart. It's epic, no doubt about it.

But Save the Cat is just also so potent to me because for once Adora does something very selfish (at glimmer's supportive encouragement of course cause she still can't quite do what she wants without permission).

She goes back to save Catra. And I can't help thinking it mirrors their whole arc together in that she has to fight Catra- just as she does throughout the series - but she never gives up, never stops trying to break through to her. She promises to take her home, that she isn't leaving without her - and this is a beautiful bookend to when Adora tells Catra to come with her to the rebellion. This is what Catra has always wanted to hear, this was always sort of the missing piece to that request. Because this time it's said with such determination, such desperation... I think it's the way Adora has always felt about having Catra by her side, but she was never good at saying it and Catra was never good at hearing it. But obviously this situation is very different, everything they have been through and done has changed them, and the very real threat of Prime raises the stakes. Idk, it makes it all so poignant.

But I just have a lot of feels about Adora going back for Catra, about Catra finally hearing the words "you matter to me." There's so many great Catradora moments in season 5, but having watched them struggle with their misunderstanding each other's needs and feelings for so long, it just felt so good to see them finally reach an understanding in those moments. To see them realize they never stopped loving each other, even if they didn't yet have the words for it.