Kayla's CDJ (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
myheadisaprison) wrote2016-12-09 06:51 pm
myheadisaprison) wrote2016-12-09 06:51 pm
Entry tags:
{Don't be gone when I get home, you're all I have
PSL with
viber + mostlyajerks3 timeline shenanigans
PSL with
viber + mostlyajerks3 timeline shenanigans
But he's your friend. That's the whole point of friends, isn't it? They do stuff for you. Just because. No force or blackmail needed. This is important, he has to fix this kind of wrong. [That speedster loved Cisco, they were friends, this was the big heroic idiot, why did he suddenly have a brain and care about what happened to the timeline? Paco huffs and gives Cisco that look. The one that shows how little he cares for Cisco's excuses. Paco would have forced him by now, friend or not.]
... I can make him do it. [See. Friends. They did things for each other just because.]
... I can make him do it. [See. Friends. They did things for each other just because.]
[Cisco opens his mouth to speak, but snaps it shut a moment later. He can't find it in him to fight, to argue against it, to tell him not to. Because he doesn't want this. He doesn't want this pain. This loss. He feels like he's only going through the motions most days and it's more weight than he wants on his shoulders.
The only thing he has to say about it at all is:]
Don't hurt him... he's still my friend. [...right? He is. He's just trying to protect the timeline, do the thing for the greater good or something.]
The only thing he has to say about it at all is:]
Don't hurt him... he's still my friend. [...right? He is. He's just trying to protect the timeline, do the thing for the greater good or something.]
He grins a little wider as Hartley tangles their fingers together. Maybe it's kind of silly, but little things like that always mean a lot to Cisco. Hartley's a sight better at keeping up with finances than Cisco. It's not that he can't, but he just doesn't pay as much attention to it as Hartley tends to.
"No," He shakes his head a little, "don't really feel like going anywhere." That was his answer to such questions more often than not these days. More often than used to be usual for him. This time, though, the answer is just a tad heavier than usual, tone low, voice a little quieter. He'd only mentioned in passing before heading to the store that Paco had come by for awhile earlier. He hadn't gotten into the details of their discussions, and the conversation is still weighing on him.
Explaining what happened was exhausting on his emotions at best, and explaining it to another version of himself was far more taxing. Because he felt it too, even if he'd presented it all as anger, Cisco's not dumb. He knows it was a mask for the pain, for the thought of losing his own brother that it forced into Paco's mind just to hear about it.
"No," He shakes his head a little, "don't really feel like going anywhere." That was his answer to such questions more often than not these days. More often than used to be usual for him. This time, though, the answer is just a tad heavier than usual, tone low, voice a little quieter. He'd only mentioned in passing before heading to the store that Paco had come by for awhile earlier. He hadn't gotten into the details of their discussions, and the conversation is still weighing on him.
Explaining what happened was exhausting on his emotions at best, and explaining it to another version of himself was far more taxing. Because he felt it too, even if he'd presented it all as anger, Cisco's not dumb. He knows it was a mask for the pain, for the thought of losing his own brother that it forced into Paco's mind just to hear about it.
A friend would help you. What would a day have mattered? Or a night? He could have done it in those twenty four hours, nothing much would have changed by Dante being alive.
[And honestly, Paco doesn't get it. He can't see why the speedster wouldn't help. Friends helped friends and for some strange reason, this one wouldn't help. There was a strange amount of burning anger there that someone masking as a friend would do this to him... well, Cisco.
Same deal.] I bet he'd do it if it was someone he loved. Wouldn't he? He'd break the rules for himself, speedsters always do. They're selfish, they don't make great friends. The amount of times Zoom told me something was impossible and then went off and did it?
[And honestly, Paco doesn't get it. He can't see why the speedster wouldn't help. Friends helped friends and for some strange reason, this one wouldn't help. There was a strange amount of burning anger there that someone masking as a friend would do this to him... well, Cisco.
Same deal.] I bet he'd do it if it was someone he loved. Wouldn't he? He'd break the rules for himself, speedsters always do. They're selfish, they don't make great friends. The amount of times Zoom told me something was impossible and then went off and did it?
[Cisco presses his palms to his eyes and leans forward against his knees.] I don't know... [He's barely mumbling at this point, voice quiet and disconnected from the conversation as a whole.] I don't know why he won't, he just gives the same excuses every time.
[He doesn't move from the way he's sitting as Paco continues, talking about how selfish speedsters are and questioning if Barry would break the rules for himself. And Cisco can't help thinking He already has, once. And who's to say he wouldn't again, if he knew he could fix things, save his parents...
Cisco's stomach flips dangerously as the thought sinks in. He already has. He has and Barry's refusing to extend the same to him.
Maybe he's feeding off of Paco's anger, which is nearly palpable in the room, but it's definitely swimming through Cisco's veins now, too, as he finally drops his hands away from his face and looks up, his expression twisted up into something hurt and angry more than sad now.] You're-- you're right. It is. He's being completely selfish. I- I deserve my brother and he can fix it and he should!
[He doesn't move from the way he's sitting as Paco continues, talking about how selfish speedsters are and questioning if Barry would break the rules for himself. And Cisco can't help thinking He already has, once. And who's to say he wouldn't again, if he knew he could fix things, save his parents...
Cisco's stomach flips dangerously as the thought sinks in. He already has. He has and Barry's refusing to extend the same to him.
Maybe he's feeding off of Paco's anger, which is nearly palpable in the room, but it's definitely swimming through Cisco's veins now, too, as he finally drops his hands away from his face and looks up, his expression twisted up into something hurt and angry more than sad now.] You're-- you're right. It is. He's being completely selfish. I- I deserve my brother and he can fix it and he should!
This is the thing, Cisco, why don't you know? If there's a reason, something that stops him from saving your brother then you should know the details. Every. Last. Thing. Why are you left in the dark because he can't communicate?
[Paco takes no shit from speedsters, he will pull this Flash guy apart like he did with Zoom. He felt this strange surge of protectiveness over Cisco, he didn't want him to suffer the same fate he had. Misused and misdirected by an idiot speedster, held back and why? Because he was foolish enough to believe they were friends, that they had something. Respect, love, kinship. Whatever.
It was a lie. It had to be. Why else wouldn't he help someone save their God damn brother?]
He should fix it. You're absolutely right. And if he won't, we'll find a way. [He moves closer for the first time in a very long time, he bridges the gap between them and reaches out, his hand on Cisco's shoulder as he meets his eyes.] We can save Dante. Together. There's nothing we can't do together. If he can't help us, we can make him and if we can't make him, we'll find some other way. We're brilliant.
[Paco takes no shit from speedsters, he will pull this Flash guy apart like he did with Zoom. He felt this strange surge of protectiveness over Cisco, he didn't want him to suffer the same fate he had. Misused and misdirected by an idiot speedster, held back and why? Because he was foolish enough to believe they were friends, that they had something. Respect, love, kinship. Whatever.
It was a lie. It had to be. Why else wouldn't he help someone save their God damn brother?]
He should fix it. You're absolutely right. And if he won't, we'll find a way. [He moves closer for the first time in a very long time, he bridges the gap between them and reaches out, his hand on Cisco's shoulder as he meets his eyes.] We can save Dante. Together. There's nothing we can't do together. If he can't help us, we can make him and if we can't make him, we'll find some other way. We're brilliant.
"Good. I never feel like going anywhere." A slight exaggeration perhaps, but in all honesty, really just a slight one. Hartley watches Cisco right now and of course the pain is plain to see. Cisco has no poker face and he has always been far too easy to read, even before they've become as close as they are now. "We'll stay in. Do nothing. Watch something." Hartley is fairly sure that right now Cisco has sunken so deep into his grief - understandably - that whatever he's saying is just a few steps above white noise. "Or I can practise my lap dance skills on you. Good evening, ma'am."
Those last few words are to address the cashier, who proceeds to stare at them both with wide eyes while Hartley hands her the wares to scan.
Those last few words are to address the cashier, who proceeds to stare at them both with wide eyes while Hartley hands her the wares to scan.
Despite himself, Cisco can't stop the smile that breaks across his lips at those words that fall out of his boyfriend's mouth as they approach the cashier. The smile that takes him no time to make as suggestive as possible, "Well, practise does make perfect and I'm the perfect audience."
He really couldn't be more thankful for that dumb little quip Hartley threw out, always quick on his feet to find a way to deter situations no one wants to be in. The last thing Cisco needs is to end up a sobbing mess in the middle of the grocery store. All he has to do is hold it together until they get home. He can do that much.
He really couldn't be more thankful for that dumb little quip Hartley threw out, always quick on his feet to find a way to deter situations no one wants to be in. The last thing Cisco needs is to end up a sobbing mess in the middle of the grocery store. All he has to do is hold it together until they get home. He can do that much.
"Excellent. You have to score me afterwards. Multiple categories, ten-point-system. It's like figure skating." Hartley packs the groceries into a bag, carefully placing the happy cow milk inside it first. Doesn't keep him from keeping up the admittedly and obviously ridiculous conversation. "Less gay than figure skating."
Because even wiggling on his boyfriend's lap has to be less gay than that. He's watched Yuri on Ice, he knows what he's talking about. The cashier, evidently, does not. But that's part of the fun.
Because even wiggling on his boyfriend's lap has to be less gay than that. He's watched Yuri on Ice, he knows what he's talking about. The cashier, evidently, does not. But that's part of the fun.
The looks they're earning from the girl behind the counter are making it hard to keep a straight face during this, but he manages. "I'll even make score cards." He throws him a grin.
Cisco certainly knows what he's talking about and can't help laughing a little, taking one of the bags as she finishes ringing up the last of their items.
Cisco certainly knows what he's talking about and can't help laughing a little, taking one of the bags as she finishes ringing up the last of their items.
"I'd expect nothing less." Hartley says it in perfect sincerity, then thanks the cashier and wishes her a good evening once more as he carries the bag and walks out onto the street next to Cisco, lowering his voice to confess a secret to him that is in all likelihood entirely untrue. "See, after I got fired and discredited, I had the choice between becoming an Apple Genius or a stripper. You have three guesses and the first two don't count."
Cisco casts one last glance at the flustered cashier as they leave the store. He leans a little into Hartley's side, his own voice lower in response, "You gotta show me what you're workin' with later." He winks as he falls into step next to him.
Despite the facade while they were out after that kick in his gut as he'd reminded himself of all the things he didn't want to think about, it isn't long after they get home that it fades. The amusement dies and as he helps Hartley put things away, the heavy feeling he'd barely managed to escape earlier starts creeping back in. It's in his face, his movements, everything, because Cisco is a terrible liar unless he's really trying or has enough of a distraction to manage it.
As if out of nowhere, he's being gut-punched, Cisco's breath catches in his throat and he leans back against the counter. "It's not fair." He says suddenly, voice soft as he tries to keep it even.
Despite the facade while they were out after that kick in his gut as he'd reminded himself of all the things he didn't want to think about, it isn't long after they get home that it fades. The amusement dies and as he helps Hartley put things away, the heavy feeling he'd barely managed to escape earlier starts creeping back in. It's in his face, his movements, everything, because Cisco is a terrible liar unless he's really trying or has enough of a distraction to manage it.
As if out of nowhere, he's being gut-punched, Cisco's breath catches in his throat and he leans back against the counter. "It's not fair." He says suddenly, voice soft as he tries to keep it even.
"No," Hartley agrees, without hesitation, "It's not." He steps up to Cisco, one arm going around him, thumb hooking through his belt loop as he used his grip to pull him closer against himself. His lips brush the side of Cisco's neck, keeping it soft, not teasing, just a presence. "Life isn't fair. I'm sorry."
He's sorry that he's who Cisco has to comfort him right now, because he knows he falls short in a multitude of ways. It almost feels selfish that he's arranged for himself to be in this position, to be his boyfriend, when he's a cynical asshole more than anything and he doesn't have much to offer besides agreeing that the world sucks. No inspirational speeches are about to come from him.
He's sorry that he's who Cisco has to comfort him right now, because he knows he falls short in a multitude of ways. It almost feels selfish that he's arranged for himself to be in this position, to be his boyfriend, when he's a cynical asshole more than anything and he doesn't have much to offer besides agreeing that the world sucks. No inspirational speeches are about to come from him.
For a moment, Cisco's quiet. Eyes closed, leaning into Hartley and he just takes in the presence of his boyfriend. Solid and whole and real and here.
Hartley may feel like he comes up short in this particular department, and maybe in a lot of ways he does. He isn't exactly built to comfort, he's not wired to hand out meaningless 'it'll be okay''s when he knows the opposite is true. But the reality, the lack of dumb platitudes that people hand out when they have nothing else left to say because they know nothing they say can change anything...that's it's own comfort, in a way. He may not be conventionally comforting, in the way most people tend to think of, but Hartley has his own way of it and it's a way Cisco's used to, leans on a lot more these days because he'll take the honesty over meaningless cliches.
But this also wasn't exactly what he meant. Not the broadstrokes, the generalizations of the situation. And after a moment he pulls back, not to separate from him but to look at Hartley, shaking his head, "No, but-- this, it's different... this-- Dante doesn't have to be dead." The words said so plainly out of his own mouth make his stomach twist. "It could-- Barry could fix it. He could save him and he won't." All the anger and grief twisted together again, burning through his chest.
Hartley may feel like he comes up short in this particular department, and maybe in a lot of ways he does. He isn't exactly built to comfort, he's not wired to hand out meaningless 'it'll be okay''s when he knows the opposite is true. But the reality, the lack of dumb platitudes that people hand out when they have nothing else left to say because they know nothing they say can change anything...that's it's own comfort, in a way. He may not be conventionally comforting, in the way most people tend to think of, but Hartley has his own way of it and it's a way Cisco's used to, leans on a lot more these days because he'll take the honesty over meaningless cliches.
But this also wasn't exactly what he meant. Not the broadstrokes, the generalizations of the situation. And after a moment he pulls back, not to separate from him but to look at Hartley, shaking his head, "No, but-- this, it's different... this-- Dante doesn't have to be dead." The words said so plainly out of his own mouth make his stomach twist. "It could-- Barry could fix it. He could save him and he won't." All the anger and grief twisted together again, burning through his chest.
"Look, Cisquito. Maybe he could. I'm not saying he shouldn't. But I understand it's not something that he can do lightly. At least it shouldn't be. There's always consequences. You know that as well as I do." Hartley lifts his hand so he can run his fingers through Cisco's hair, hoping that he can find the right words. "Barry still can't trust me, because of whatever I did in that other timeline. He was my friend and now he can barely look at me. If things had been different, you might still hate me. We barely managed to take out the time wraith last time."
Cisco has to remember all that, of course he does. If Hartley hadn't figured it out in time, Barry would be gone. The way Zoom was. "I'm not saying Barry can't do it or shouldn't do it, I'm even sure he wants to do it. But he... He has a lot of power and... And..."
It's not really usual for Hartley to search for words like this, but here he is, pressing his lips together in frustration and finally huffing. "I'm trying to think of a different way to say that with great power comes great responsibility so I don't trivialise this with a comic book reference."
Cisco has to remember all that, of course he does. If Hartley hadn't figured it out in time, Barry would be gone. The way Zoom was. "I'm not saying Barry can't do it or shouldn't do it, I'm even sure he wants to do it. But he... He has a lot of power and... And..."
It's not really usual for Hartley to search for words like this, but here he is, pressing his lips together in frustration and finally huffing. "I'm trying to think of a different way to say that with great power comes great responsibility so I don't trivialise this with a comic book reference."
It's involuntarily that he leans into the touch, he can't stop it, it's just a natural reaction to the comfort he gets from it. "But it's not-- some things don't matter as much in keeping the timeline in tact, they couldn't or what's the point of having the opportunity and never being able to do anything with it?" The more he talks, the faster he gets, words rushing together a bit, "What if-- what if this is one of those things? What if he could fix it and it wouldn't change anything else? I don't ask for anything, this is the only thing I have ever asked out of him and it's not fair, it's not fair, Hartley, I--"
But just as quickly as he'd gotten on a roll, he loses steam and crumbles against the other man. His fingers twist in the material of Hartley's shirt as Cisco hides his face against him. "I just want my brother back." he says in a choked mumble.
But just as quickly as he'd gotten on a roll, he loses steam and crumbles against the other man. His fingers twist in the material of Hartley's shirt as Cisco hides his face against him. "I just want my brother back." he says in a choked mumble.
"I know, Cisquito. I know." His fingers slide through Cisco's hair and finally his hand tightens and simply buries in it, holding him as close as he can. There isn't much he can do for Cisco and maybe he doesn't even have much understanding of his situation. He's lost his family through different circumstances and while he misses them, it's different. It's not something worth bringing up. "I'm so sorry."
He doesn't want to give him false hope, but his mind is still what it is and he can't help but consider the possibilities. "If there's anyone who could tell whether a change would affect the timeline and how it would affect it, it'd have to be someone with your powers."
He doesn't want to give him false hope, but his mind is still what it is and he can't help but consider the possibilities. "If there's anyone who could tell whether a change would affect the timeline and how it would affect it, it'd have to be someone with your powers."
For a bit, he doesn't say anything, doesn't move, just stays buried and curled against his boyfriend, a broken, sobbing mess. Eventually, the sobs subside, though, and he lifts his head enough to press his ear against Hartley's chest, just above his heart, focusing on the soft, steady beat of it and letting it calm him down. This was something he did a lot when he got like this, if he could just focus on the rhythm of Hartley's heartbeat, he could usually avoid putting himself into hysterics.
When he makes that point, Cisco looks up at him, carefully considering it before he latched onto the hope and tried to run with it. "You're right..." He taps a finger against Hartley's chest a couple of times. "You're right, I should be able to--" Running. Running with the tiny glimmer of hope because it's better than the despair, he twists a little out of Hartley's grip, though he doesn't go very far which probably speaks more to how careful he's forcing himself to be with this currently very fragile thing in his hands. "why didn't I think of it earlier when he was here? I'll call him. Paco- he can help me figure it out."
He's circled back to the rapid-fire speech again, amped by the sudden burst of optimism burning its way through him, "Fuck, he probably already knows how. He said Zoom dicked around in timelines all the time, I bet-- I bet he made him check for anomalies or whatever before he did anything too huge."
Finally, he spins back toward Hartley, something just a little brighter about him in that moment, even if it will probably be short-lived. "You're amazing," he frames Hartley's face with both hands and presses a soft kiss to his lips. "where would I be without you?" He mumbles softly, hands moving down to smooth across his chest.
When he makes that point, Cisco looks up at him, carefully considering it before he latched onto the hope and tried to run with it. "You're right..." He taps a finger against Hartley's chest a couple of times. "You're right, I should be able to--" Running. Running with the tiny glimmer of hope because it's better than the despair, he twists a little out of Hartley's grip, though he doesn't go very far which probably speaks more to how careful he's forcing himself to be with this currently very fragile thing in his hands. "why didn't I think of it earlier when he was here? I'll call him. Paco- he can help me figure it out."
He's circled back to the rapid-fire speech again, amped by the sudden burst of optimism burning its way through him, "Fuck, he probably already knows how. He said Zoom dicked around in timelines all the time, I bet-- I bet he made him check for anomalies or whatever before he did anything too huge."
Finally, he spins back toward Hartley, something just a little brighter about him in that moment, even if it will probably be short-lived. "You're amazing," he frames Hartley's face with both hands and presses a soft kiss to his lips. "where would I be without you?" He mumbles softly, hands moving down to smooth across his chest.
[Maybe it's not the best time to walk in on Cisco and Paco, but it's not as if Hartley is expecting anything. He hears them as soon as he opens the door, given his meta hearing ability that's not surprising, but he still walks inside as if he has no idea what any of this is about.]
Paco. [He nods in greeting, then turns to raise an eyebrow at Cisco.] Did we know he's coming?
Paco. [He nods in greeting, then turns to raise an eyebrow at Cisco.] Did we know he's coming?
[Cisco turns when he hears the door open and relaxes a little when he sees Hartley.] Uh, yeah, actually, he-- did text me before coming over this time.
[He wonders how much Hartley may have heard of any of what the pair of them were discussing, because he doubts he heard absolutely nothing because he knows Hartley's hearing is hella amazing.]
[He wonders how much Hartley may have heard of any of what the pair of them were discussing, because he doubts he heard absolutely nothing because he knows Hartley's hearing is hella amazing.]
Where the hell have you been, man? I've been waiting for you.
[It's not that he was looking too close and hell, he didn't often play with doubles so he wasn't looking for obvious signs, he just assumed the Paco-shaped person was, you know, Paco. He didn't really want to be on this Earth, he only hopped along through the breech because Paco insisted he'd come and then he'd promptly wandered off and left Dante just sorta hanging around nearby, feeling a bit like a spare part.
His brother, ever the planner and the forward thinker, never really considered the minor details. Like his bored brother, standing around not far from STAR labs just loitering around in his usual intimidating fashion and risking a potential confrontation while he went and chatted with this Earth's Hartley for some reason or another.
So there he was. A Paco shaped guy standing outside STAR labs and him making the logical assumption that this was his brother. Though the closer he got, the more he started to note that something was off. The hair, the lack of goggles, the change of clothes? What the --]
Huh, you're being brave, hermano. [No goggles, eyes all on show, interesting. And all kinds of wrong.]
[It's not that he was looking too close and hell, he didn't often play with doubles so he wasn't looking for obvious signs, he just assumed the Paco-shaped person was, you know, Paco. He didn't really want to be on this Earth, he only hopped along through the breech because Paco insisted he'd come and then he'd promptly wandered off and left Dante just sorta hanging around nearby, feeling a bit like a spare part.
His brother, ever the planner and the forward thinker, never really considered the minor details. Like his bored brother, standing around not far from STAR labs just loitering around in his usual intimidating fashion and risking a potential confrontation while he went and chatted with this Earth's Hartley for some reason or another.
So there he was. A Paco shaped guy standing outside STAR labs and him making the logical assumption that this was his brother. Though the closer he got, the more he started to note that something was off. The hair, the lack of goggles, the change of clothes? What the --]
Huh, you're being brave, hermano. [No goggles, eyes all on show, interesting. And all kinds of wrong.]
[It was a normal day, like any other. Cisco's standing outside the lab, talking to Caitlin about one thing or another, laughing about something she said. He actually misses the first part, asking where he's been, too lost in his conversation to catch the calling across the way.] I know right? It's crazy, he was...
[[But then he's close enough to call Caitlin's attention away for a moment, glancing over Cisco's shoulder and something about the look on her face gets Cisco's attention.
And this time, he hears him. "You're being brave, hermano."
Cisco is frozen to the spot for a too-long moment, certain he must be hearing things, and Caitlin's face was the only thing that confirmed he couldn't be wrong. But it takes him a long time, probably longer than he'd like to admit, to find the ability to breathe again, to finally turn to face him.]
Dante?
[Distantly, he's aware Caitlin's excused herself, but it doesn't matter just now. He's too focused on his brother standing in front of him. Looking at him might have been a bad idea. He barely keeps himself together most days, but this? This threatens to make him crumble on the spot. He hasn't even pieced it together, that this isn't him. Not his brother. Not really. He's just standing rooted to the spot, looking like he's seen a ghost.]
[[But then he's close enough to call Caitlin's attention away for a moment, glancing over Cisco's shoulder and something about the look on her face gets Cisco's attention.
And this time, he hears him. "You're being brave, hermano."
Cisco is frozen to the spot for a too-long moment, certain he must be hearing things, and Caitlin's face was the only thing that confirmed he couldn't be wrong. But it takes him a long time, probably longer than he'd like to admit, to find the ability to breathe again, to finally turn to face him.]
Dante?
[Distantly, he's aware Caitlin's excused herself, but it doesn't matter just now. He's too focused on his brother standing in front of him. Looking at him might have been a bad idea. He barely keeps himself together most days, but this? This threatens to make him crumble on the spot. He hasn't even pieced it together, that this isn't him. Not his brother. Not really. He's just standing rooted to the spot, looking like he's seen a ghost.]
You've been gone like half an hour and you're just like chatting up girls? You dog.
[It's a joke, the tone is kept light because the last time he implied Paco was flirting, he went on a whole pro-Hart rant and how his love was undying, all that boring nonsense that Paco liked to spout when feeling defensive. It was always kind of amusing, given that he tried to play it so cool half the time and then he'd go and say stuff like that.
The closer he gets, the more awareness he really starts to have. Paco doesn't wear geeky shirts in public, not like the kind that Cisco has on right now. Paco keeps his exclusively for indoor times or when he's just chilling out, fixing tech. He'd never to go this earth and hang around in gear like that. And the goggles are gone, the hair is loose, it's all a picture of a relax Paco and when he's on duty, this isn't him. Reverb is never relaxed. Not even slightly, not even when with Hart.
So that means one thing.]
Wait... You're not Paco, are you?
[He huffs out a sharp inhale and shakes his head, holding up his hand apologetically. Great. This was the Earth one version, right? The one that helped save Hart from Zoom. He's never really had a chance to meet him but he never really wanted to. The idea of seeing someone who looked like his brother? Weird. Too weird.]
Cisco, right? [He tries his best not to look too confrontational. He's making nice, it's a lot of effort for the famously anti-social Rupture but he's trying. This guy is kinda-sorta his brother.] My bad. You look exactly like him. Which I guess you know by now.
[It's a joke, the tone is kept light because the last time he implied Paco was flirting, he went on a whole pro-Hart rant and how his love was undying, all that boring nonsense that Paco liked to spout when feeling defensive. It was always kind of amusing, given that he tried to play it so cool half the time and then he'd go and say stuff like that.
The closer he gets, the more awareness he really starts to have. Paco doesn't wear geeky shirts in public, not like the kind that Cisco has on right now. Paco keeps his exclusively for indoor times or when he's just chilling out, fixing tech. He'd never to go this earth and hang around in gear like that. And the goggles are gone, the hair is loose, it's all a picture of a relax Paco and when he's on duty, this isn't him. Reverb is never relaxed. Not even slightly, not even when with Hart.
So that means one thing.]
Wait... You're not Paco, are you?
[He huffs out a sharp inhale and shakes his head, holding up his hand apologetically. Great. This was the Earth one version, right? The one that helped save Hart from Zoom. He's never really had a chance to meet him but he never really wanted to. The idea of seeing someone who looked like his brother? Weird. Too weird.]
Cisco, right? [He tries his best not to look too confrontational. He's making nice, it's a lot of effort for the famously anti-social Rupture but he's trying. This guy is kinda-sorta his brother.] My bad. You look exactly like him. Which I guess you know by now.
[He's talking, but Cisco isn't really hearing the words. Not until Dante pulls the pieces together, not until he hears the name Paco. That's enough to pull Cisco out of his head, just a little.]
What? [He frowns, and looks a bit like someone waking up from a blackout, eight kinds of disoriented and trying to figure out what was happening. It's brief, but it's obvious. And so is the second it all clicks.] Oh. You're-- no. Yes. I mean-- [He waves his hand a little.] No, I'm not Paco, yes, Cisco, that's-- I'm Cisco.
[If it's possible, he feels worse for being broken out of his thoughts now. Reality is crashing in on him from all sides now and it's like he's gotten that phone call all over again. He doesn't notice it, but he's leaning his shoulder heavily into the side of the building right now. Probably wouldn't be standing without the wall's support right now.]
What? [He frowns, and looks a bit like someone waking up from a blackout, eight kinds of disoriented and trying to figure out what was happening. It's brief, but it's obvious. And so is the second it all clicks.] Oh. You're-- no. Yes. I mean-- [He waves his hand a little.] No, I'm not Paco, yes, Cisco, that's-- I'm Cisco.
[If it's possible, he feels worse for being broken out of his thoughts now. Reality is crashing in on him from all sides now and it's like he's gotten that phone call all over again. He doesn't notice it, but he's leaning his shoulder heavily into the side of the building right now. Probably wouldn't be standing without the wall's support right now.]
[Something is really wrong here.
Dante isn't sure what but this kid looks like he's about to keel over and every protective big brother instinct he has for Paco apparently extends to this double. He reaches out to try and steady him, frowning lightly as he watches him, concern plain on his face.]
Woah, easy there. [What did he do? What was the right move here? Where they hell did that hot chick he was talking to go? Couldn't she handle this? He was so bad at this. He always had been.] You okay? I can go grab someone...
Dante isn't sure what but this kid looks like he's about to keel over and every protective big brother instinct he has for Paco apparently extends to this double. He reaches out to try and steady him, frowning lightly as he watches him, concern plain on his face.]
Woah, easy there. [What did he do? What was the right move here? Where they hell did that hot chick he was talking to go? Couldn't she handle this? He was so bad at this. He always had been.] You okay? I can go grab someone...
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