#catcalling tw

Charlie, while imaginative, had a more logical mind when it came to the true science of machinery and travel. Talk to her about rainbows, kittens and the latest opera album from Dracula, and she'll rave for days. But attending a Science Conference on Machine Innovation and you better not interrupt. Unfortunately for the princess, the cat calling in the front row had finally gotten under her skin and, with the mighty grip she had on her pointing stick, the rod broke in her hands and she marched down the steps, giving a fist full of " 𝒔𝒉𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒖𝒑 " to the chap that kept making comments on the shortness of her skirt and long legs.

Walking back up to her presentation, she concluded her thesis. " As I was saying — right now, King Asmodeus and I are currently trying to find a way to redirect the energy of an Asmodean Crystal in hopes of providing a safer and legal entry to the rest of the Nine Circles. " Applause, a few murmurs from scientific minds and press alike and even a look from Katie Killjoy that spelt the tiniest interest to her work.

As everyone filed out towards the after-party in their fancy three-piece suits and dresses, Charlie began taking another route to avoid more press flashing their cameras in her face. She hadn't thought about the idea of being read to filth by someone who should be of a logical mind, but there was bound to be an insufferable bloke everywhere. " What a jerk, I probably looked so stupid up there... "

"Scandalous! The Christian freak is showing some skin!"

Cheeks burning red, Annleigh tugged her cheer skirt down and speed-walked away from the guys whistling at her, telling herself that none of it mattered. Their opinions didn't matter. She didn't care what they thought. She didn't care she didn't care I don't care I don't care I don't care-

"Hey, what the fuck did you just say about my sister?"

Annleigh froze and turned around to see Farrah glaring at the guys.

"Farrah-"

"I said, what the fuck did you just say about my sister?" Farrah stomped forward, not waiting for an answer. "You have no fucking right to say that about her! Apologise!"

"Or what?" the tallest guy sneered. "You'll kick us in the ankle?"

"I was gonna aim a little higher. Apologise, or else I hope you don't want kids someday."

Annleigh grabbed Farrah's shoulder. "Farrah, drop it, let's just go. We're gonna be late for practice."

Farrah crossed her arms and scowled. "This isn't over, jackasses."

"Sure it isn't."

Annleigh dragged Farrah until they were out of earshot. "Farrah! Why would you do that?"

"Didn't you hear what they were saying about you? I wasn't gonna just let them!" Farrah crossed her arms, then realization dawned across her face. "Oh. Do- do you mean calling you my sister? Sorry, I just-"

"Don't apologise." Annleigh wasn't sure she liked the word "sisters" to describe them yet, but if Farrah did, she wouldn't stop her. "Let's just get to practice, yeah?"

he's quiet and thinking all the way to the convenience store. i ask him if he's ok and he says it's fucked up that im the one asking that question. so he asks me if im ok and i said ya, but i wasn't always ok, first time it happened i felt like i was less than a person but now i realize it's the men who are subhuman. he says im right and is uncharacteristically quiet for the rest of the time.

before we part ways he tells me of course he knew about the existence of catcalling, and of course he knew it was awful, but he realized knowing was way different from understanding, and when he saw me react to it he realized how little he understood about it. he felt helpless and hated there was nothing he could do for me, his friend. he said womens rights have come a long way but not long enough. he's getting emotional and im thinking oh shit he's gonna cry but he held it in. he can't quite accept that this cheerful mischievous classmate of his had to endure all that everyday just to go to school. man he's really torn up about this, i thought, it's not a big deal 2 me but since it's new 2 him ill help him through it. i made him buy me an ice cream and he was so happy to do it and he concluded that men should pay a tax to women and everyone they oppress. i said OK what should we put a tax on and he said idk stuff like breathing i guess?