Sophistication Is The New Sexy

The thought of it made you both nervous and excited...until you realized you hadn’t seen the man in several hours.

It sort of worried you.

He almost always came by at six o’clock with a new pot of French Roast and a plateful of doughnuts for an evening snack. And a few times before then, he would come in and just watch you work.

It was a hobby of his.

But, as for today…

Nothing.

Maybe I was a little too hard on him… you thought. After all, HR just wanted to make sweet love to you. Nothing else.

Making your way towards the wrench, you picked it up and replaced it in a nearby toolbox. Heaving a heavy sigh, you ran your fingers through your hair. I should probably apologize...

It was a thought that was most certainly appealing.

At least, to your mind.

Your stomach, on the other hand, growled. Vibrations of hunger hummed all across your abdomen.

You cursed. “Dammit...”

You really should be more mindful of when to eat; but, whatever. Nothing you could really do, since you were so busy. At this point, your best dinner option would probably be to grab a sandwich from Jitters while they were still open.

Maybe even get a cup of coffee if their espresso machines were still running. You took a gander at your watch. I can still make it…

It was only a ten minute walk and Jitters closed in about an hour.

Plenty of time for dinner.

Hell, HR could probably -- you stopped, mid-thought as a sudden guilt dawned on you.

Should you invite HR to come?

It would probably make things easier for you, make it so that you could finally sit down and talk to him. Maybe even discuss where this relationship should be heading off.

It was the smart, common-sense answer.

A complete no-brainer.

Yet, why didn't you want to bring him along?

...Ah, whatever, you shook your head. Grabbing your jacket from a nearby machine, you slipped it on and zipped yourself up. Soon, you started making way towards the door. We can talk more about it tomorrow…

If you weren't in the mood, chances were you’re going to say something stupid and it’ll just end up being absolutely awkward.

You're making the right decision, you told yourself. No need to feel ashamed. Lots of couples don't talk about stuff immediately…

You reached the hallway and made a turn around a corner, when you suddenly came to a halt.

There, standing a few feet away, was HR. He had been pacing, twirling his drumsticks between his fingers as he contemplated serious thoughts. It was a look that appeared completely foreign to him.

So much so that you almost mistook the man for his Earth-2 counterpart.

It wasn't until a broad grin broke across the man’s face that you realized he saw you. Your insides twisted with nervousness.

“________!” HR cheered. “I'm so happy to see you!”

Shit…! You cursed. What do I do?!

He took a few steps forward, arms thrown wide open to embrace you. A charming gesture, had you not ducked under him and dodged it.

He stumbled a half-step.

Turning to you with a hurt look, HR started for you again. “________ --”

“Sorry,” you apologized promptly. “I gotta go. Jitters closes soon.”

Before you could make way down the hall and disappear from his sight, he leaned over and grabbed your wrist. An action that caused you to tense immediately.

Out of reflex, you attempted to pull away.

But the man wouldn't budge.

A deep seated scowl scrawled across your face. “The hell, HR?! Let me go…!”

He pouted. “But if I do, you'll just run away, right?”

“No --”

“________,” he cast you a significant look. “I just want to talk. I swear, I won't do anything that’ll make you mad.”

You gritted your teeth. “You're making me mad right now.”

“How?” He blinked in surprise. “All I've done is hold on to you.”

“Exactly,” you pointed out. “And I - don't like - being - manhandled.”

With every break in your sentence, you attempted to yank your limb out of his grasp; though, it wasn't until the last frustrated cry that he finally let you go.

For a moment, there was silence.

Nothing but the sounds of grunts and heavy breathing - courtesy of yours, truly - occupying the hall. From the corner of your eye, HR watched you intently.

A sudden realization dawned on him. “Is that what you're angry about?”

Your brows furrowed. “What?”

“That,” he gestured vaguely to your existence. “That whole me-dominating-you type of deal. Is that what you're making such a big fuss out of?”

“Big fuss out of--?” You flushed bright red when you recognized that he was on to something. “Shut up…!”

“That is it, isn't it?” He let out a bright chuckle as he pocketed his drumsticks away and wrapped his arm around your waist, pulling you close. “I'm sorry to say, but...I’ve never really thought about it like that.”

You looked away, completely abashed. “What d’you mean?”

“I mean...” He pressed his lips to yours lightly, lovingly, taking you by surprise. “I love you so much, I just want to be with you in any way I can. And my gosh, do I need to remind you how beautiful you are?”

He peppered your face and neck with kisses, so warm and sweet, it tickled you completely. In the end, you couldn't help but feel part of the anger ebb away.

“Dork,” you muttered under your breath.

Of course, HR heard the loving nickname and smiled against your skin. “Does that mean you’re not mad at me?”

“Maybe,” you shrugged, still embarrassed. “I don't know. Probably.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Probably?”

You avoided his gaze.

Intimacy had always been a big issue with you. You’ve never been with a man and we're always terrified of giving yourself to anyone who just wasn't “The One.”

Old fashioned as it may seem, it was still a very real concern for you.

As if reading your thoughts, HR ran his hands through your hair and comforted you.

“Well, my love,” he grinned. “Sounds to me like you need more convincing.”

More convincing?

Before you could ask him more about what he meant, HR suddenly pulled away and knelt down on his knees. Your heart raced as he gently parted your legs and moved to occupy the space inbetween.

You stared at him, wide eyed. “What are you doing?”

“Asking for forgiveness,” He beamed at you with his brightest smile. “If I kneel down and kiss your legs, would you still be mad?”

He reached forward and started unbuttoning your pants. Panic shot up your spine.

“W-wait, hold on a sec --” You fumbled with your words as your lover unzipped your pants and - quite gently - rolled it down to your calves.

He hooked his hand behind your left knee and brought your leg forward so that you could rest your foot on his thigh. Bowing his head, he closed his eyes, as if he were a knight in the presence of a queen.

“________,” he started, voice husky and sweet. “I love you. I am your devoted admirer, your one and only lover and I will never betray you, never take you for granted.”

Shifting his head, he placed a light kiss against your knee.

“You are my light, my joy, my goddess who fills my dreams each night with blessing.”

He planted another kiss.

“You are my truly beloved.”

And with that, he trailed up a little higher so that his lips grazed against your thigh. His grip was gentle; yet, even then, you could tell how much he wanted to feel for all you had to offer.

A bright red blush clouded your cheeks. “HR, you really don't --”

“Oh, but I do,” he kissed once more. “And I will continue to until you know how much I love you.”

You stared at him in uncomfortable silence as he trailed further up you leg. Nervous, you tried your best to steady yourself against the wall.

“But --”

He cast you a significant look.

“All I want,” he continued on, “is to swear my devotion to you.”

With big, bright eyes, he gave you his most sincere look and smiled. And it was at that moment, your heart twisted with so much embarrassment that you couldn't help but lower your head.

HR’s smile broadened. “Besides…”

You raised your head to meet his gaze, just in time to see him hook your leg over his shoulder and use his free hand to press you steadily against the wall.

Your nerves were shocked with anxiety.

“If you’re enjoying yourself this much,” he grinned. “You can’t possibly be that mad.”

He leaned towards your inner thigh.

Your cheeks flashed a bright red.

“Idiot…!” You attempted to wriggle away, but the man somehow managed to keep you still. “Don't do that here! What if --”

His tongue slipped from between his lips, trailing from the back of your thigh to the front, which he puckered his lips against and gave the plump of your thighs a gentle suck.

You tried your best to hold in a moan; but, it quickly slipped out when his teeth gave a slight pinch.

Flustered, your hands flew to his head and attempted to push him away.

He barely moved as he continued to nibble.

“S-Stop!” You squealed, as HR pulled in closer, tugging the top of your panties so that he could lick the area where your pelvis met your thigh. “We really shouldn't be doing this here…!”

From down below, HR cast you a mischievous look.

At the mention of you, Harry’s mouth dropped slightly and he found himself speechless for a moment. “What’re you talking about?”

“Oh, come on, now,” HR grinned widely. “Don't try and act like you don't know.”

He shook his head, still in denial. “Sorry, I don't do crushes.”

“Of course you don't,” HR agreed. “But you do fall in love.”

Harry scoffed. “That’s absurd.”

“Deny it all you want,” HR raised his cup of coffee, prior to taking a sip. “But I know you, compadre. We may be two different people with two different backgrounds, but we still share much of of the same thoughts.”

“I doubt it.”

“You do?”

“Yeah.”

Unconvinced, HR pursed his lips. “So, you don't mind if I go and talk to her then?”

Harry could feel the temperature inside him rising. He really didn't want to talk to anyone - much less, his lookalike - about his “affection.”

He knew HR was merely blabbering to get on his nerve; but, with the mischievous tone in that last sentence, he couldn’t help but take the bait. “What do you mean, talk to her?”

“You know, talk,” HR suggested innocently. “Preferably over a cup of coffee, but dinner and a movie works too.”

Just then, a slight movement caught both of their eyes.

Turning their attention to the door, they saw you walk down the hall, smiling and chatting profusely about the latest sci-fi movie with Barry. For a moment or so, Harry’s eyes trailed after you, listening intently to see if you had any plans to pursue a movie date with Barry.

Not that he felt threatened or anything.

He just didn’t like any thoughts or suggestions pertaining to.

At last, when you disappeared past the doorway, Harry’s eyes swung back to his doppelganger, who greeted him with a smug smile. He scowled.

HR brought his cup up to his mouth and continued his teasing reaction. For a moment, there weren’t any words exchanged between the two.

Feeling victorious and that his presence was no longer needed, HR began making his way towards the entrance of the Cortex. No doubt to ask you for that dinner date.

Harry exhaled irritably.

“...Okay,” he started, causing his doppelganger to stop a half-step and turn in his direction. “Let’s say I do have a little crush on ________. Hypothetically.”

A smug upward jerk turned the corner of HR’s lips.

He ignored it. “What do you suggest that I do?”

“I am very glad you asked, my dear friend,” the E-19 conman set his coffee down on the table prior to approaching Harry and slapping his hands on the other’s arms. “I suggest you take a little lesson in romance. From me.”

“Right,” Harry rolled his eyes. “From you.”

HR cast his partner a significant look.

The incredulous smile on Harry’s face faltered. “Wait, you’re being serious…?”

“Absolutely!” HR chirped, rolling up his sleeves prior to rubbing his hands together. “Believe it or not, my friend, I am an expert of the female population.”

At this point, a part of Harry regretted ever giving in to his look-alike’s suggestions; but, he figured it was too late now. Plus, he was sure HR would keep persisting in giving him advice even he decided to retract his answer.

Slipping his arm around Harry’s shoulders, HR leaned in and held a finger up.

“Now,” he started. “Here’s what you do…”

HR pushed you down the bed.

The scent of coffee and cinnamon invaded your senses as the Harrison Wells doppelganger climbed on top and flashed you a very charming look. Leaning down, he pressed his lips tenderly against your neck and sucked gently.

“Ah…!” You squeezed your eyes shut.

Though you couldn’t see him, you could feel his lips curve into a warm, gentle smile.

“Now, now,” HR warned, his hot breath brushing over your skin. “Keep your voice down. We don’t want the kids hearing us now, do we?”

A flash of crimson warmed your cheeks at the very thought of being caught. After all, having sex in the S.T.A.R. Labs guest rooms while the whole team was present wasn’t necessarily a good idea. Just the thought of it made your heart beat fast.

Wiggling away, you place your hand on his arm and gave it a firm squeeze. “Let’s...let’s stop for a bit, okay?”

“Oh,” the E19 Earthling stuck out his bottom lip. “But I’ve been waiting for this all day.”

Without warning, HR reached up and gave your chest a gentle squeeze. A small moan escaped your lips. Using it to his advantage, he pulled one of your breasts out from the top of your shirt and puckered his lips to the already perky tip.

The overall sensation tickled, forcing goosebumps to rise up your skin and reveal your excitement. The reaction, of course, didn’t go unnoticed.

HR nibbled on the bud, a sweet tingle of pain and pleasure, prior to tugging gently. A soft ‘pop’ sounded as he released the tip and watched your wonderful blessing cease its movement. Your nipple peaked a bit more.

A satisfactory look spread across HR’s face.

“See?” He pressed cheerfully. “You’re excited too.”

Embarrassed and at a loss for words, you started for your shirt so you could cover yourself once more; but, your darling, sweet lover wouldn’t have any of it. Instead, he grabbed your wrist and held it above your head.

You stared at him with wide, nervous eyes. “What’re you - ?”

“You’re the same,” he whispered, pulling your other breast out so that he could gaze at all your glory. “You want it too, ________. I know you do.”

That’s true, but…

Just doing this, out in the open, when there was no door to separate your room from the rest of the lab…

It was terrifying.

What if someone walked in?

Oblivious to your thoughts, HR lowered his face and nuzzled against your chest. His free hand worked itself down your stomach, grabbing all that you had to offer as he made his way towards the top of your jeans. Though the man swore he’d never slept with anyone before, he expertly unbuttoned your pants and slipped his hand inside.

A shot of excitement - mixed with anxiety - tore through your body and warmed your limbs.

You could feel his fingers gently pressing against your folds, soft and considerate; though, it still had that needy touch that kept hinting at his desire.

Just then, the distant sound of footsteps came from the doorway.

Judging from the way it clacked against the cement floor, it was Caitlin. Probably looking for HR to talk about Wally’s training progress.

You started to get up. “HR --”

He slipped a finger inside.

Immediately, alarms went off in your head.

Wrestling as hard as you could, you yanked his hand out of your jeans and pushed him away. Though he knew your position in the matter, he somehow still managed to look surprised.

He stared at you, mouth hanging slightly ajar. “What --?”

“I said no…!” you huffed indignantly. “She’s coming!”

He raised an eyebrow. “Who’s coming?”

“Caitlin…!” you whispered harshly. “Can’t you hear her?!”

He didn’t respond.

Instead, HR cocked his head to the side.

A moment of silence passed between you two as you listened for the person down the hall. At this point, you could hear Caitlin talking to Cisco - about what, you weren’t sure - before they made a U-turn and faded away.

No one was coming.

A broad, goofy grin broke out across your lover’s face, and you found yourself pressed against the bed once more. He hovered over you, fingers pinching your trembling chin as he pushed you to meet his gaze.

“See?” he pressed on. “They went away.”

Yeah, but…

That did nothing to ease your anxiety.

“Now,” HR breathed, his sweet coffee scent intoxicating you as he covered your body with his. “Why don’t you just relax, and let me take care of you?”

He reached for your shirt once more.

“You want it too, right?”

SLAP.

HR reeled in pain.

The force of your hand knocked him off balance and caused him to topple off the bed. His cheek red and sore, he grabbed the side of his face and wailed.

“Ow…!” he whimpered. “Honey! What was that for?”

“You know damn well what,” you hissed.

“But--!”

You cut him off with a stern look. “I don't want to.”

Without so much as another word, you quickly fixed yourself and stalked out of the room, leaving your lover behind in stunned silence.

Frowning, you folded your arms and nudged him slightly.

The mechanical engineer glanced at you once more. A look of...well, you weren't exactly sure what...had crossed his face, causing you to worry even more.

He had been like this since Barry and Iris announced their engagement. And for the first time in awhile, Cisco was sincerely happy for the speedster; but, as an unexplained side effect, he started avoiding you.

There were several times when you caught him dazing off, excusing himself from the room, and - though he wouldn't admit it - spending more time with Caitlin than you.

While you understood that the two have been best friends since long before you two met, a part of you couldn't help but feel jealous.

A dark, intrusive thought suddenly entered your mind. Is he…

He couldn't possibly be leaving you for Caitlin, could he?

That wouldn't make sense.

Would it?

You didn't know anymore.

From the moment you met, Cisco told you “I love you” everyday. He always had. Reminded you constantly, and made sure you never forget. At first, it was a little overwhelming; but, after easing yourself into it, you found that it was one of the best things about him.

He had never given you a reason to question his affections for you.

Until today…

God, just thinking about it tore at your insides, an intangible hand reaching deep in your chest and a twisting its contents around. It was a pain you've never felt before.

You bit your lip. “Cisco?”

The slight waver in your tone was enough to raise him out of distraction. He turned to you, his mouth in a slight frown; only to deepen when he saw an unfamiliar glaze wet your eyes. His breath hitched and, almost instantaneously, he pushed off the railings and pulled you close.

Arm wrapped around your waist, Cisco reached up and cupped your cheek. It was the most he'd been physical with you today.

Your breath hitched.

Cisco furrowed his brows. “Hey, babe. What's wrong?”

Your eyes watered even more.

“Nothing,” you lied. “Nothing at all…”

He didn't buy it, of course.

The man could always tell when you were lying to him. Running his thumb over your skin, he stroked your cheek lovingly, tenderly, as he gazed deep into your eyes.

A very serious expression on his face.

“________,” he started, tone low and cautious. “You know you can talk to me, right?”

You nodded. “Yeah.”

“Then…” he started. “What’s on your mind?”

Another sick knot formed in your chest. Did you even have the guts to tell him? Wouldn't he just consider you paranoid, clingy?

And then he would have a reason to leave you.

Just the very thought of it broke you.

Before you knew it, fat, blubbering tears spilled onto your cheeks and trailed messy saline streaks across your skin. His face blurred into the dark, star-studded sky; but, even so, you could tell he wasn't all that surprised by your actions.

Rather, he remained calm.

That fact alone bothered you more than it should have.

Gently sliding his hand from your cheek to the back of your head, he laced his fingers into your hair and pulled you close. You buried your face, deep into the crook of his neck and sobbed.

Uncontrollably.

You knew you were upset, worried before coming to meet him; but, the extent of your actions were sincerely surprising to you. You hadn't realized how emotional you really were…

Resting his head atop yours, Cisco continued stroking your hair. “Hey babe,” he whispered sweetly in your ear. “You know I'll never leave you, right?”

His words caught your attention. “You won't?”

He let out a soft chuckle. “‘Course not, Princess. I love you too much to do that.”

An overwhelming sense of confusion clouded your mind and you suddenly found yourself lifting your gaze to meet his. He stared back at you, face completely unwavering.

“If that's true,” you swallowed. “Why have you been avoiding me?”

“Guess that’s my bad, huh?” The mechanical engineer flashed you a lopsided, though apologetic, smile. “Sorry. A lot of stuff’s been going on my mind.”

“Stuff like breaking up with me?”

You felt Cisco freeze. “Break up with you? What do you mean --?”

And then it hit him.

His lack of attention, his sudden absence in your life, when he spent almost all his time with you - it looked like the progression of a breakup.

No wonder you were worried.

His muscles stiffening, his eyes popping wide open, a look of absolute shock crossed his features. “No,” he grabbed your shoulders roughly. “Absolutely not…! It’s like I said, I love you too much, and I could never...I would never - ever - do that to you.”

He tugged you close, his arms with an iron grip. Practically suffocating, but comforting at the same time.

“Don't ever think that,” he muttered, voice shaking. “Please.”

You let out a sniffle. “Then why?”

A momentary silence followed, filling the air between you. So thick, so dense, it almost felt like it was pushing the two of you away.

But Cisco tightened his fingers around your shoulders, an action that brought you back to reality. Through your locks, you peered up at him and stared at his face; but, couldn't quite make out his expression.

It wasn't until he pulled away that you realized he was happy.

Absolutely happy.

And it confused the hell out of you.

He smiled.

“Come here,” he tugged you forward until the two of you reached a nearby bench.

The mechanical engineer took a seat prior to pulling you in his lap. You clumsily fell in it, a lot less grace than you had hoped; but, nevertheless, he didn't seem to care. Instead, Cisco slipped his hand to your back, his thumb rubbing in slow circles.

Your cheeks flared brightly. “What --?”

“I wanna show you something,” your darling boyfriend grinned widely. “For a while now, actually.”

Reaching into his pocket, he fished out his old, weathered-down, Harry Potter-studded wallet. The same one he's always had his entire life.

You tilted your head in confusion.

Before you could ask, Cisco flipped open the wallet, used his free hand to open a zipped compartment and dug out a small object. It was shiny and delicate, gleaming wonderfully under the dim moonlit night. It wasn't until he brought the item closer that you realized what it was.

A ring.

It had a simple silver band with three diamonds on top, the biggest one in the middle. Simple in design yet beautiful in essence.

You started once more. “What--?”

“It's a wedding ring,” he explained, gazing at it rather fondly. “I bought it a year and a month ago, right after I met you.”

Mouth dropping wide open, you frequently switched your attention from the ring to Cisco. “Why would you do that?”

“Because,” he said. “I knew you were the one for me. The only one for me. And that's never gonna change. Hell, I would've fought just about anyone to keep you by my side.”

The idea continued to baffle you. “Why?”

He chuckled, prior to pinching your nose gently. “I just said. I love you, silly boots.”

Okay.

You knew that.

Knew that he loved you so much to tell you everyday and you felt like a complete asshole for ever assuming anything else; but…

This was a ring.

A fucking wedding ring.

If he was ever so serious enough to take that next big step...

You shook your head. “Then why did you ignore me today? Why were you spending all your time with Caitlin?”

God, the jealousy and accusation in your voice was just completely pathetic.

Even so, Cisco didn't seem to mind and smiled. “That’s because, when Barry and Iris announced their engagement, it made me realize something.”

You swallowed. “Realize what?”

“That I want to be like them,” he answered. Lifting a loving hand beside your face, he continued to stroke your hair back as you struggled to keep your tears at bay. “I want to be the one at the altar, waiting for you to walk down that aisle and come to me, so that I can give you my last name.”

You sobbed, but Cisco muffled it with the gentlest kiss you've ever received.

“I felt really strongly about it,” he continued on. “Hell, I wanted to propose on the spot.”

You bit your lip. “Why didn't you?”

“It wasn't the right time,” he shrugged. “It felt like a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing. Plus, I didn't want to take away anything from Barry and Iris.”

He pressed his lips against yours once more.

“They deserve to have their moment,” he said. “Just like we deserve to have ours.”

Though large, blobby tears kept streaking down your face, you managed to calm the emotional, blubbering side of you. Leaning forward, you nestled against the crook of his neck.

Brushing his hand up and down your back, he finally answered the last question you had on your mind.

“And as for spending time with Cait,” he smiled. “She’s been married before. She gave me a couple good ideas on how to propose.”

Your curiosity piqued. “Like what?”

A loving, adoring smile crossed Cisco’s lips as he shook his head.

“That,” he said, “is a secret you’ll find out one day.” 

God, how he missed him.

It had been nearly two months since Dante passed and Cisco found it difficult to move on. Although, how could he? Just as the two of them were finally reconnecting after years of being distant and indifferent towards each other, Dante was suddenly ripped out of his life.

The two of them would never be able to bond again. Never share the small, private moments they had - when they got along, covered for each other and kept their secrets.

It was all too painful.

But, after much effort, you convinced Cisco to celebrate Dante’s upcoming birthday at his apartment. Bought the cupcake and candles to sing and commemorate the birth of someone so special in your boyfriend’s life.

It should've been happy.

Instead…

The sharp sting in the back of Cisco’s eyes grew stronger, his head already pounding from an oncoming headache. It frustrated the young mechanical engineer so much.

He wanted his celebration of Dante’s birthday to be happy.

Not pathetic.

It was a crucial step to moving on and coping with a lost loved one. Quite furiously, Cisco swiped at his tears. Long locks stuck messily to the side of his face during the futile attempt.

“Dammit,” he cursed inter his breath.

You frowned.

Reaching out, you gently grabbed his wrists. Cisco immediately ceased all movements, but kept his head down. He couldn't look you in the eye. Ashamed and broken in front of the girl he loves.

God, he must've looked real stupid.

“Hey,” you whispered, lowering his hands. “It's okay. You're doing great.”

Still, Cisco kept quiet.

More tears ran down his cheeks.

Smiling softly, you leaned in and wrapped your arms around your boyfriend’s waist. Your chin resting comfortably at the crook of his neck. You started rocking back and forth slightly, though not enough to make him nauseous.

Eventually, Cisco found himself relaxing in your hold and resting against your head. More tears streamed down his face and wet yours; though, you hardly cared.

If anything, it felt as if he found comfort in it.

The two of you remained quiet for a long moment. Nothing but the sound of distant car horns potentially interrupting your thoughts.

In the end, Cisco moved his head ever so slightly and pressed his lips against your temples.

You smiled.

“Thanks,” he said, barely above a whisper. “I don't know if I could've done this without you.”

“Of course you could,” you returned the kiss on his cheek. “You're a very strong person.”

Cisco smiled bashfully.

You could tell he didn’t believe you; but, nonetheless, appreciated your comfort and support. Rubbing his back, you tipped your head towards the desert on the table.

“C’mon,” you suggested. “What d’you say we split the cupcake and watch a movie?”