Reciprocal Altruism || Snowbarry College AU

Practice Makes Bestest VIII

"Fine, fine, fine," Felicity relented. "We need another topic. Less depressing and boy-free. How about... Oo, how have your self-defense classes been?"

Caitlin's face lit up. "It's been good! I've really learned a lot over the past few months. You should join me next time!"

"No, thank you," Felicity replied. "I'd rather stay holed up in my home and stay behind the screens."

"Come on!" Caitlin encouraged. "It's good to get out and know how to protect yourself! I'll show you a couple of moves. Get up." She waved her arm encouraging Felicity to come join her in the living room.

"After we just had ice cream?" Felicity whined, but she joined Caitlin in the living room nonetheless.

"Okay, so I want you to come behind me and wrap your hand around my throat."

When Felicity did so, Caitlin demonstrated how to get out of the chokehold quickly and effectively without hurting her in the process.

"If this was real, your foot and pelvic region would be in a lot more pain."

"Understood," Felicity responded. "Show me another move."

Back and forth, Caitlin taught Felicity things she learned in the classes she attended every other week. She didn't go consistently, as her studying, research, and altruistic deal took up a great deal of her time, but whenever she had free time, Caitlin always made sure to book an appointment at the studio called Arrowverse.

The classes had taught her so much and it was a decision she had never regretted making. She learned tips on how to walk home safe at night, numbers to call when in danger, and offensive and defensive moves to do if she was ever in a situation that she needed to escape.

She didn't need to be afraid. She would be prepared next time.

It was actually Oliver who had suggested she join. He mentioned to both her and Felicity the studio he had started where he worked on his martial arts and suggested that they join him. Arrowverse was a place that accepted men and women of all abilities and taught them to be their strongest self.

While Felicity had immediately scoffed at the offer, Caitlin had considered it, researched it further, and signed up for it online.

Sara Lance, the coach for the class, had welcomed her with open arms and she felt very comfortable in an environment filled with women that had the same agenda as her.

Caitlin was a quick learner, picking up the defensive techniques with relative ease. Sara suggested she move on to a higher level class of martial arts to get even better. Caitlin had resisted, saying that she was only doing this for basic defense, but Sara had insisted. Listing all the reasons why women with martial art knowledge were untouchable badasses, Sara made her argument unbeatable and before she knew it, Caitlin was in a class taught by part-time coach, part-time journalist, and full-time badass, Kara Danvers.

She had met so many powerful women through her time at the studio, even introducing Felicity to a couple of them, and through them and what they were able to teach her, Caitlin had begun to feel more empowered and sure of herself.

Before she joined Arrowverse, she was heartbroken and in a vulnerable place, right after her messy breakup with Ronnie, but she was able to pull herself up and fight for herself. Sure, she had her bad days, but who didn't? The good thing was that she got up every morning and kept moving forward.

Caitlin was surprised to find Felicity so willing to learn from her. The two of them kept moving, one defense stance after the other, and it looked like Felicity was really enjoying herself.

Sweaty and tired, both Caitlin and Felicity stopped to catch their breath after a particularly difficult technique.

Caitlin reached her arms to the ceiling and stretched. "Does this mean you'll join me in Arrowverse?"

"I swear, you and Oliver ask me—"

"BEEP!" Caitlin exclaimed loudly. "You just failed the Bechdel test!"

"Hey! That doesn't count!" Felicity got into a tackling position and Caitlin formed her defensive stance. They practiced their moves one more time, their movements getting less and less by the book and more and more playful. By the end, Caitlin had Felicity in a loose headlock and Felicity had one arm wrapped around her upper thigh. She craned her head to look up at Caitlin before the two of them burst out laughing. "Okay," she admitted. "This is kind of fun."

Once Caitlin released Felicity, the blonde wiped some sweat of her forehead and grinned. "Now go take a shower and we'll get you ready for your date with Barry."

Caitlin tsk-tsked while walking to her bedroom. "Failed the Bechdel test once again. And you call yourself a feminist."

"Oh, shut up, Caity," Felicity snarked at Caitlin's back, humor in her eyes.

"Now you're putting down other women?" Caitlin turned around for a second and gasped. "Not in this feminist household!"

The only sounds filling the home was laughter and the thud of a towel hitting the back of Caitlin's head.