[ Eddie's complaint takes Cisco completely by surprise. Unlike his messiness, it had never entered into his thoughts as a potential source of tension or hurt. He'd been expecting something different, more in line with the things he thinks are unlikeable about himself - some resentment over him talking too much, or his paranoia, or something related to their sex lives. But this? He had had no clue. It leaves him dumbstruck for a moment. ]

I- I didn't know.

[ Cisco scoots over, so he can wrap his arms around Eddie, settle close against his chest and mumble against his shoulder. ]

You're not unimportant. Not even a little. It's- [ He chews his bottom lip for a moment as he tries to find the right words. ] No one's ever... wanted to spend time with me enough for that to like... even occur to me. Back in Central City, it didn't really matter if I stayed at S.T.A.R. Labs for a couple days in a row 'cause... 'cause that's what they kept me around for. It was- what was expected.

[ There's no self-pity, in the words. Just an apologetic need to explain why. But Cisco presses his cheek against Eddie's collarbone and is quick to add: ]

I'll be better, okay. Now that I know... it's important to you. Anytime I get all up in my head, just tell me I'm pulling a Beautiful Mind and need to pump the brakes, and I'll do it.

[ When Eddie says he'd be a really bad boyfriend if he broke up with Cisco for mentioning things that irritate him, Cisco huffs a tiny laugh that sounds like it has the traces of a sob in it. He's still feeling a bit shaky, but the tension has broken, enough to let him joke, gently: ]

In that case, I got another beef. You give Shadow way too many table scraps. He's getting so spoiled!