[ open ] where I end, we'll begin

[franciscoramon]

who: cisco + anyone!
what: a catch-all post
when: january
where: various places
warnings: will add as needed

[ PROMPTS TBA or come plot with me @ platoapproved. ]

Comments

🌅 eddie { backdated to mid-December }

[franciscoramon]

[ Cisco gets home forty minutes later than he had planned; he can tell that Eddie's back from work already because the lights are on. He lets himself inside, out of the cold, and sighs loudly in relief. There is exaggerated exhaustion in the way Cisco strips off his coat and throws it over the back of the sofa before he does the same with himself - he doesn't bother walking around the thing, but instead just kind of melts his way over the back of it, collapsing face-down and groaning into the cushions. It's all very dramatic. ]

I didn't get your dry cleaning. I'll go in first thing tomorrow, soon as they open, I promise.

[ He calls the words out loudly enough that Eddie will be able to hear them from wherever he is in the apartment, but the words are still somewhat muffled by the couch. ]

[causational]

[Eddie's just getting out of his post-afternoon-run shower when he hears Cisco come into the apartment. He's later than Eddie had expected, and it's kind of a relief that he's back, even though Eddie knows his boyfriend is perfectly capable of taking care of himself and isn't in any danger at all. Still, there's a little weight that comes off his shoulders when Cisco is safe at home with him.

He's still toweling his hair off, shirtless and in a pair of sweats, as he comes out of the bathroom and sees Cisco lying face-down on the couch, groaning a little. Eddie raises his brows a bit, and hops over the back of the couch to sit down next to his boyfriend.]

It's fine. I can grab it tomorrow, no problem. What happened?

[franciscoramon]

No no no, I'ma get it, it's a matter of principle now.

[ Cisco rolls over, letting out another dramatic sigh once he's laying on his back. It really is much more tiring than it ought to be, just standing in place for an hour without room to even walk, with barely any room at all. It's not the sort of thing that sounds like it would put strain on the body, but it does, and it had come after a pretty long morning and afternoon, for Cisco.

That, too, is one of the reasons he's talking so freely about this. Until now, he hadn't brought up any of the mistletoe garbage with Eddie, because he figured the both of them had a kind of silent agreement to just not talk about it. Nothing to be done, after all. Just one of those obnoxious things they had to put up with, like ghosts, and traffic lights that were only green for about 2 seconds, and such things.

But right now he's too tired to obey that unspoken rule. Cisco drapes an arm over his eyes, and says: ]

I got caught under some of that stupid mistletoe, you know, fucking... again! And by the time I got out, the place was closed. Who closes a dry cleaners at 5?! It's totally illogical.

🌅 bill

[franciscoramon]

[ Cisco had been serious, when he offered to design some tech that would help Bill with her new, significantly more watery body. And he had followed through on that offer. They'd been through all the preliminary stages - taking samples, measuring measurements, asking questions that on occasion got a little uncomfortable for them both.

But soon Cisco had a prototype designed, lab tested, and then built. He wouldn't know if there were still adjustments to be made, however, until he actually tested it on her and saw what happens. Which was, of course, terrifying. Even though it was tech, it felt like he ought to have Caitlin helping with, as a doctor. What if it all went wrong? What if Bill wouldn't re-form herself after trying it? What if Bill died?!

So Cisco puts it off, and puts it off, until even he has to admit he's got no excuse anymore. If he keeps waiting like this, she is bound to lose her patience, or think he failed or forgot. So he sends Bill a text one morning, saying: ]

got a prototype for your stabilizer
wanna drop (haha get it? 💦) by the workshop later and give it a whirl?

[tutee]

[ Bill's been working on her control. For the most part, if she keeps her emotions in check, she stays solid. It's only when she gets overwhelmed that things start, well, leaking. It's been a while since she heard from Cisco about their little project, so she had started to convince herself not to rely on outside help. She had a history of people leaving her, after all. She could be self sufficient when she needed to.

But when she gets Cisco's text, she smiles, relieved. Turns out she doesn't need to be so self sufficient. ]

brilliant! I'll stop by after work.

[ Later that afternoon, she arrives at Cisco's workshop, knocking on the door. She'd been so excited all day that it had been a little hard for her to stay together-- perfect conditions for a test, really. ]

[franciscoramon]

[ Cisco is doing his best to seem breezy and entirely confident; he opens the door with a beaming grin, beckoning Bill in and letting her get settled down before he rubs his hands together, asks: ]

Okay, so, here's how it's gonna be. I've got the prototype all ready to go, and I'ma give you three choices. If you pick door number 1, you try on the prototype, and try wearing it a couple days, see how it works for you, without any interference. Door number 2, you put on the prototype and we hang for a bit and see if we can stress test it a bit, since you said it's getting kind of distracted or upset that makes cohesion challenging. I have, for your viewing pleasure, copies of The Shining, The Blair Witch Project, and the Exorcist, ready to go. Or, if you want, door number 3 means we cut corners a bit, and I, uh, put this on you...

[ Cisco holds up a small headband, with some pieces of tech along it - a modified version of what was in the old version of his vibe goggles. ]

...this'll send out some signals that will directly stimulate the fear centers of your brain, which I'm gonna warn you right now is not fun, but it'll get it done real fast, guaranteed. So, uh, why don't I put some coffee on, and you can think about which door you're gonna pick?

🌅 lucretia {backdated to when Rey had the flu}

[franciscoramon]

[ Cisco is in a bit of a bind. He'd promised Eddie - and several other people - that he wouldn't go out into the Abandoned City alone, under any circumstances. Normally, it's an easy promise to keep these days. It's dangerous out there, and Cisco knows it, and he's got Rey to come with him these days when he needs to go scavenging.

But that all gets a bit complicated when Rey comes down with a bad enough case of the flu that it lands her in the hospital. No way is Cisco going to let her make a trek out past the wall, even after she's been discharged. He's giving her two more full paid weeks off, no arguing allowed.

Which is all well and good, except that he is running dangerously low on several metals and elements, and he needs to replenish his supply. However, after a few days of stressing and puzzling over the issue, he remembers and old conversation, and thinks up the perfect solution. He sends Lucretia a text one night that reads: ]

you still wanna explore the abandoned city?
i gotta make a supply run soon but rey's still too sick to come with me
i can't promise it's gonna be super interesting & there'll be a certain amount of waiting around and or
helping me dig through crumbly old buildings looking for certain kinds of metal or whatever
so on the glamor scale it's like a 1, maximum
but i figured i might as well check?

[scholiast]

(This is a very welcome message to receive. Lucretia replies after a beat, already thinking about what she'll need to take with her. Sensible clothes, a book or two, a pared down version of her usual art supplies. It's like thinking of preparations for a typical day of exploring a new plane. Feels nice, feels organic.)

Please.
I'm sorry to hear that Rey is sick though. Is she okay?
Don't worry about boring me; I'm able to make my own kind of fun.
Also I've not a very glamourous person, so 1 on that scale suits me just fine 👏🏿

Should I meet you somewhere?

[franciscoramon]

she will be okay
she got the flu pretty bad and had to go to the hospital.

i'll swing by your apartment at 7?
also i'm not anticipating any bullshit but you'll wanna bring your staff or wand or whatever you'd need for potential danger
i've only run into monsters a couple times out there but better safe than sorry

[somnioergosum]

Cisco was not the easiest man to find. Scratch that, he might be the easiest man to find but Ronan didn't know where to look. Actually calling him would have helped but that would involve too many things he just didn't want to do like picking up the damn thing.

Finally, he came across him while driving around downtown in his BMW. Ronan had been advised to take it easy on his leg. This seemed like a better option.

He hit his horn, then the brakes and rolled down his window.

"Hey, man. You busy?"

[franciscoramon]

Cisco had never exactly been fond of being startled, but he hadn't always been as skittish as he had become in recent months. When Ronan blared his horn not six feet away, Cisco jumped, reeling away, thinking he was about to be hit, or that a car crash was about to happen. It didn't, of course, and he clapped a hand over his heart, sighing loudly. When he recognized Ronan in the front seat, his mouth went into a tight line. Of course, Ronan was the sort to just honk to get a guy's attention.

"Busy having a heart attack, yeah."

But despite the grumbling, he approached the car, leaning down to speak through the window. Which was when he noticed, with another little shock of surprise, that Ronan was injured. There was a knee brace on one of his legs that definitely had not been there the last time Cisco saw him. Concern quickly overtook the last remnants of annoyance in his expression and he asked:

"You okay, man?"

[somnioergosum]

Ronan showed not sympathy, remorse, or even discomfort at scaring Cisco. He just flashed him a brief but wicked smile. Before he could comment on how Cisco should really grow a thicker skin, he had to blow it by noticing his brace. Ah well, down to business then.

He shifted his knee to try and obscure it from Cisco's view. Given Cisco's position, Ronan's general size, and the conspicuousness of the brace, this proved futile.

"Actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. Want to go for a ride or should I park?"

He didn't know where he would, but he didn't think he had to worry about parking tickets anyway.

🌅 shigeru

[franciscoramon]

[ When Genji had mentioned Shigeru's powers, at some point he had brought up the fact that they made it virtually impossible for him to get drunk, because of how quickly his powers cleared out his system, or something to that effect. Which is, of course, a problem that is not unfamiliar to Cisco. He'd spent plenty of time with Caitlin, developing a concoction that would manage to get Barry drunk despite his extremely accelerated speedster metabolism and healing powers.

And they'd done it, too. Cisco had been proud enough of that accomplishment that he remembers all the steps that were necessary - the ingredients, and how to prepare them. Well enough that he's confident that he would be able to replicate the process here, in the Quarantine.

So he sends off a text, knowing it will probably sound a bit odd, but wanting to make the offer nonetheless. ]

hey is this shigeru miyata?
i'm cisco, we met during hygge making candy? the guy with all the lightning bolts?
i'm actually a friend of genji's as well and he mentioned you
and ok this might sound weird but bear with me...

he told me about your situation vis a vis powers and side effects and not being able to get drunk
but the thing is i worked with a metahuman back home who ALSO had powers that made it so he couldn't get drunk
except i'm his bff so natch i scienced my way around that little problem and came up with a super cocktail for his super needs

all of that is just a long ramble leading in to:
wanna go out for a drink sometime?
i'd love to hang out and i can whip up some of that stuff and see if it does the trick for you the way it did for the flash

this is gonna be a wild ride

[mysophobic]

[ This sure isn't a text that Shigeru ever thought he'd get. He did drink with friends and family back home. But of course for him it was more about the social aspect, and exposure therapy, then trying to get legitimately drunk. He has a hard time wanting to because he knows that it won't be detrimental to him, his body heals rapidly after all, but he's more worried about how he'll act more than anything.

It takes him awhile to think it over, finally just giving in and being spontaneous for once. Cisco didn't seem like a bad person either so the thought of him actually trying to help is really...considerate and nice. ]

You're friends with Genji? And I guess I could try it...

[ Look at Shigeru being a sinnamon roll and getting drunk like this. He never thought he'd give it a try but, well, he was willing to do something out of the ordinary. After all it would get him out of the house and away from cleaning it so that's always a plus. ]

Did you want to come to my house or should I meet you somewhere?

🍻

[franciscoramon]

yep!
and can i just say: that's a really great fella you've got yourself there
he told me how you two met and it was basically the cutest thing i've ever heard.

[ Cisco wasn't best friends with Genji by any means - there was still a lot he didn't know about the man, and vice versa, but he liked him quite a bit. Admired his calm and his outlook on life, enjoyed his quiet sense of humor. Part of the reason he wants to get to know Shigeru better is precisely because anyone who made Genji as happy as he'd seemed, the last few times Cisco had seen him, was somebody Cisco wanted to know. ]

a w e s o m e
you're not gonna regret it.
i'll cook up a batch and meet you at the bar at 7?

[ And Cisco texts the address of a bar he knows. It's not one of his usuals - it's a little bit quiet and low-key, for his taste, but that's sort of the point in this case. They can start at a place like that, and then perhaps if Shigeru feels like it, they can bar hop a bit from there. ]

🌅 beverly

[franciscoramon]

[ Continued from here.

Cisco's always loved a good old game of dress-up. Whether it was Halloween, cosplay, you name it. There was something so fun about putting on a costume and pretending to be somebody different. He'd always understood the power and appeal of that: it was one of the reasons he was so good at helping make the costumes for heroes in his own world. He got the fun of it, just understood it on some instinctive level.

So when he shows up to meet Beverly at the holosuite, he's not just a little dressed up - he's done it properly. His hair is slicked back, a period-appropriate hat perched on his head, and a fake pair of glasses perched on his nose, just for effect. He's wearing an old-fashioned suit (one that he had repurposed from Taako's speakeasy-themed party, thanks very much. The only thing that breaks the illusion is the bright, beaming smile on his face as he walks up. ]

Whatcha think?

[dancingmd]

[Being a lover of theater, Beverly thrills at the chance to put on a costume and play a little make-believe every now and then. The fact that Cisco is such an enthusiastic partner for it makes it all the better. It took a little hunting around the stores downtown, but fortunately, with all the people from all the different universes here, almost any type of fashion can be found. So she's outfitted herself in smart teal suit of the era.

When Cisco walks up, she gives him an approving nod and smile.]

Very handsome!

🌅 ragnar

[franciscoramon]

[ Cisco had been expecting that Ragnar would take him up on the offer to help him with tech sooner or later. When time passes without word from him, Cisco isn't all that surprised. After all, it sounds like he has a lot on his plate - getting used to this place and it's strange ways, settling in to a new job, finding a new place to live, and of course looking after his kids (and grandkid). Guy has got to be busy.

It's a few weeks after he met the man that there's a knock at the door of Cisco's workshop, and he opens the door to see Ragnar standing there. Ragnar looks considerably more intimidating, in the daylight and standing up, but Cisco takes it in stride, stepping aside and gesturing for him to enter. ]

Ragnar! Sup? C'mon in!

[storradr]

This is it? [He looked excited, blue eyes practically gleaming with curiosity. He barely waited for the invitation before stepping inside, already poking around.

If he was at all aware of how intimidating Cisco found him, he didn't show it. It seemed more than likely that he was completely oblivious. It likely didn't help that he'd swung by after a day with the perimeter guard, which meant he was in his leather armor with his skeggox at his side.

He put a hand firmly on Cisco's shoulder, giving it a friendly squeeze.] Come. Show me everything.

🌅 genji

[franciscoramon]

[ Cisco starts by sending a text, because he is a millennial through and through, and risky conversations are just so much easier to have via text. It seems more informal, and more easy to dismiss if the answer turns out to be no. The message he sends to Genji's inbox is a fairly simple one, uncharacteristically free of slang and emojis and enthusiasm. ]

hey genji, it's cisco
i was wondering if i could ask a favor.
or a request or something like that.
it's totally cool if you're not into it and i super hope it's not rude just asking but
i was wondering if you'd maybe be into teaching me some stuff about meditating?
i've got... stuff that makes it hard for me to chill out sometimes but it'd be really good if i could get better at that
kinda made a new year's resolution and all that
and i know you're really good at meditating so i thought
might as well ask.

[flowlikewater]

[ Don't worry, if Cisco's a millennial then Genji's an uber-millennial as he was born in the 2040s. His Snapchat in high school was infamous.

He's tending to his plants, as per usual, when he recevies Cisco's texts. Genji's smiling when he replies. ]

I'd be happy to give you some tips, my friend. It's no trouble.
>And it's not rude at all, don't worry. You wouldn't be the first to ask either.
>There's no point in having knowledge you don't share with others, right?

🌅 taako

[franciscoramon]

[ Cisco's learned to expect the unexpected with Taako, but that's easier said than done at times. So when the snow is just barely melting and he receives an invitation (one that sounds half like a summons) to show up to a particular address with a swimsuit, some sick shades, sandals, and sunscreen, Cisco doesn't even know what to do with that. But Taako's never lead him astray before (well, not fatally, anyway), so Cisco shows up. He's got on normal clothes over said swimsuit, of course, because it's still frosty outside, but he does turn up.

And a little of his skepticism disappears when he realizes that he recognizes this place. He hadn't learned the address, but it's the holosuite, the one that Beverly Crusher had set up. He doesn't see Taako outside, so he presses the button for the door and sticks his head in, calling out: ]

Yoooo, Taako, you in here, dude?

[spellslots]

[It had taken a little while to get this right, along with a fair bit of help from Beverly and Lup, since Taako has about zero skill or interest in programming. But eventually they managed it, and after a couple days of testing, he'd decided to invite Cisco in for an adventure.

He's chilling in the waiting room when Cisco shows up, absolutely just dressed in brightly patterned board shorts (though he has clothes stashed away magically for going home). Taako grins when he sees Cisco, gesturing for him to come in.]

What's up, my man, are you ready for this?

[whatever 'this' might be]

[buildsomething]

[By the time Cisco is supposed to come by, Tony has actually managed to get some sleep. Which means that he's still looking more than a little manic, just a more well-rested version of it. But he's aware enough to grin over at the door when JARVIS swings it open, standing in front of that circular hologram that had been hovering behind him in the video.]

Hey. You bring the stuff?

[From the too-innocent look on his face, it's pretty clear that he's well aware it sounds like he's conducting a drug deal. Tony amuses himself sometimes. He gives the hologram one last look, then steps away to head over towards one of the worktables, with the intent of clearing off some space.]

[franciscoramon]

[ Despite what Tony had told him yesterday about Sam insisting on lunch, Cisco still brings provisions, because he knows that chances are good the both of them are going to get distracted enough talking shop that they would want to bother with the inconvenience of acquiring food later. It's nothing fancy, just a paper bag with some sandwiches and candy: the perfect, well-balanced engineer's meal.

And that's not the only thing he's brought. ]

Hey, Tony. Sup, JARVIS. Yeah, I got the good shit.

[ And Cisco swings the large, rather dirty bag that he uses for scavenging off his shoulder. It clangs loudly when it hits the worktable, and he unzips it to reveal the catalytic converters he'd promised to Tony. He pulls them out, laying them on the table, and then a small plastic case, which he holds out directly for Tony to take. It's not bigger than a stack of playing cards. ]

I double-checked my inventory, and turns out I could spare a little bit of the pure palladium. It's not much, but... should save you a bit of time.

[ Besides wanting to help Tony, Cisco knows what good it will do everyone, if they can get the rest of the power stations up and running. He is invested in making this place better, as much as he can, and he knows that Tony probably isn't planning on staying, the same way he is. It didn't make sense, not to get this done as quickly (though safely) as they could. ]

Now. Tell me everything about this genius plan of yours.