[ Cisco knows that Eddie is right; it's what he'd hoped, what he'd told himself with every missed coffee date and unanswered text. He shouldn't expect Barry and Caitlin to be anyone but who they were, and a logical part of his brain knows that isn't a reflection on him. But... it still hurts. Some of that hurt is in the little lopsided smile on his face as he sighs: ]

I guess so.

[ It surprises him, when Eddie stops, turns to take his other hand and face him, Cisco looks up at him, the determination and gentleness in his face. It makes his heart skip a little, hearing Eddie say he wants him to stay more than anything. And he can tell there is some anxiety beneath this - that if Cisco makes this decision for the wrong reasons he will later change his mind, leave Eddie behind. And for all the reasons he'd just said, Cisco knows how awful it feels, being abandoned.

So leans up on his tiptoes and plants a kiss on Eddie's cheek, soft and quick, before he reassures: ]

I already told you, I'm not going back. That's not something that's changing. I was never angry or bitter, I just... I realistically re-evaluated how much I was needed there. And what I needed. Okay? I'm not... staying because this is the next best thing and I'm annoyed with them. I'm staying 'cause I want to, and I don't feel guilty about it because I know now that Barry and Caitlin can do just fine without me.

[ He kisses Eddie's other cheek and then pulls his hands free, so he can cling to Eddie's arm as he starts them walking towards the river once more. ]