[It's a huge relief when Dante doesn't push him away, but it's so much it almost makes it worse, it makes Cisco's chest tighter so it's hard to breathe. He had been so certain that he wouldn't let him do this, that he'd be rejected and instead, it seems like Dante's instinct as a protective big brother pushes his own aversions to the side and gives into Cisco's needs instead. It all means more than he knows how to put into words.
Luckily, he's here with someone who isn't big on them, and probably doesn't really need them anyway.
Cisco isn't sure how long he stands there, clinging to his brother--he's his brother, he doesn't care, it doesn't matter that it's a different Earth's version, he's his brother--and trying to remember how to breathe, but eventually he calms down enough to pull away, swiping both hands under his eyes, looking away awkwardly now that things slowly sink in and back to normal. Or as normal as they can be.]
Sorry. [He mumbles, his voice a little scratchy from the crying. He clears his throat and tries again.] I just... [His eyes dart back up to catch Dante's, his voice quiet, and still a little more vulnerable than he'd like, but it's all genuine.] Thank you.
[It's weird, uncomfortable and he's definitely going to make Paco pay for getting him into this mess in the first place but it really is fine. Clearly Cisco needed this and he could do the right thing and play the role of brother for him. After all, it wasn't like the one that died was much of one in the first place and Dante felt a strange, new desire to protect build in him. This so wasn't fair, throwing people at him who looked just like his brother.]
You okay now? [He looks at Cisco carefully before reluctantly forcing himself to reach out again. Yep, more contact but apparently that was what tonight was about and he was just learning to live with it. He rubs his upper arm lightly and then, because he was an older brother and he reserved that right, he punches Cisco on the arm. Not hard, just enough to distract him from his misery.] Come on, you can't cry all day, someone will think it was me that did this to you. I'll end up with my ass kicked by a speedster. Or that hot chick you were talking to.
[There's a beat as something dawns on him. Shit.] Wait-- was that chick Killer Frost?
[It's not fine, it's weird and awkward, but...Cisco's still grateful for it, and glad that he'd indulged him for a little while.
He nods a little at the question, and even manages a half-hearted chuckle at the punch in the arm.] Yeah, don't worry, I'll set 'em straight.
[That name, however, has him instantly on edge. His voice goes from the softer, vulnerable place it'd been moments ago to something firm and a little snippy.] No. Her name is Caitlin Snow.
[So. Yeah. Killer Frost. He knew her name, he sort of knew her, he personally preferred Ronnie though. Annoying person, no self control but he was really fun to play against at cards. He had so many obvious tells.
He's sensing it's a sensitive spot so he holds up his hands and nods, not pushing the issue any further.] Got it, got it, Caitlin. My bad.
[What's all that baggage about? Whatever.] You feeling okay now? All good? [No more bursting into tears, right?]
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Luckily, he's here with someone who isn't big on them, and probably doesn't really need them anyway.
Cisco isn't sure how long he stands there, clinging to his brother--he's his brother, he doesn't care, it doesn't matter that it's a different Earth's version, he's his brother--and trying to remember how to breathe, but eventually he calms down enough to pull away, swiping both hands under his eyes, looking away awkwardly now that things slowly sink in and back to normal. Or as normal as they can be.]
Sorry. [He mumbles, his voice a little scratchy from the crying. He clears his throat and tries again.] I just... [His eyes dart back up to catch Dante's, his voice quiet, and still a little more vulnerable than he'd like, but it's all genuine.] Thank you.
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[It's weird, uncomfortable and he's definitely going to make Paco pay for getting him into this mess in the first place but it really is fine. Clearly Cisco needed this and he could do the right thing and play the role of brother for him. After all, it wasn't like the one that died was much of one in the first place and Dante felt a strange, new desire to protect build in him. This so wasn't fair, throwing people at him who looked just like his brother.]
You okay now? [He looks at Cisco carefully before reluctantly forcing himself to reach out again. Yep, more contact but apparently that was what tonight was about and he was just learning to live with it. He rubs his upper arm lightly and then, because he was an older brother and he reserved that right, he punches Cisco on the arm. Not hard, just enough to distract him from his misery.] Come on, you can't cry all day, someone will think it was me that did this to you. I'll end up with my ass kicked by a speedster. Or that hot chick you were talking to.
[There's a beat as something dawns on him. Shit.] Wait-- was that chick Killer Frost?
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He nods a little at the question, and even manages a half-hearted chuckle at the punch in the arm.] Yeah, don't worry, I'll set 'em straight.
[That name, however, has him instantly on edge. His voice goes from the softer, vulnerable place it'd been moments ago to something firm and a little snippy.] No. Her name is Caitlin Snow.
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He's sensing it's a sensitive spot so he holds up his hands and nods, not pushing the issue any further.] Got it, got it, Caitlin. My bad.
[What's all that baggage about? Whatever.] You feeling okay now? All good? [No more bursting into tears, right?]
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He huffs softly, a little amused, and nods.] Yeah, all good.