#findinghope

There were times Cisco wondered if the world could send anymore surprises. Time and time again, he kept getting an answer for that question. Because this one had to be crazy. He had the perfect plan for a relaxing Monday morning.

Everyone was working at their actual jobs for once. The city really felt like it was normal for approximately four hours. That's until a freaking pink orb opened right in front of his face inside of star labs.

Of course.

"I don't know what you are but you better beat it!!"

Cisco lifted his hands to vibe whatever it was into oblivion. But a woman stumbled out. He could have imagined it, but her eyes seem to give off a pink glow. She blinked a few times, then shook her head.

"Hello!"

The peppy tone of your voice threw him off guard. Cisco raised a brow, lowering his hands cautiously. He'd clicked the notification on his phone the instant this weird occurrence happened. That's why when Barry zipped in, Cisco wasn't even surprised. Nor did he flinch when he saw Harry break the corner, or Killer Frost walk in with her hands lifted, ready for battle. Caitlin is not far behind with her own weapon of choice.

"Cisco?"

Barry isn't fully sure what's going on.

"I have no idea, she just popped up like a freaking fairy."

"Cupid!" you chirped.

"Pardon?" Harry asked, gun still raised.

"I'm a cupid, and I'm here looking for my soulmate. "

Cisco groaned, lowering his hand with a frustrated groan.

"I JUST WANT PEACE!!" He cried out.

"Oh I love peace. Well and love of course." You giggled. Harry still looked skeptical.

"How do we know she's telling the truth?" He never lowered his guard for an instant. Barry was about to advise Harry against shooting you without probable cause, but an alarm went off.

"Speedster detected."

It blared, and Barry gritted his teeth. This was a foreign signature. That could only mean one thing. It was either some new speedster, or..

"Hello Allen."

All they felt was the wind, and everyone went right back into fight mode.

"Thawne." Barry seethed.

Your eyes turned at the new face, and everything seemed to run in slow motion. He was walking at normal speed, but it appeared so much more clear, alluring. The way he titled his head to stretch his neck, then lick his lips, it made you swallow.

"My soulmate.."

Time returned to normal, and just as Eobard planned to go on a rant on his latest quest, you sidestepped, blocking his view. He looked a bit startled, and so did the rest of Team Flash.

"What are you doing, get away from him!" Barry warned.

You barely flinched, and Eobard grinned.

"What a great turn of events. I could use this to my advantage."

There was nothing more satisfying than watching Barry squirm because of his failure. Eobard has every intention to kidnap you, an unsuspecting citizen and use you as bait to carry out another sinister plan, but the second you took his hand his body went stiff.

"You're my soulmate! What's your name? Do you like ice-cream? Is your favorite color yellow? Personally mine is pink for obvious reasons but I don't mind yellow. Bright colors are fun? Have you ever been to Paris, I can take you! We can go together. It's so romantic!!"

"Forget kidnapping."

He was about to speed out of there and maybe grab a less annoying victim, but shock hit him when his speed refused to go. Barry seemed to catch on, and Eobard's instinct was to force himself out of your clutches, because it's clear whatever your meta abilities were, it was subduing his speed.

"Barry!"

"On it!" He zipped over at Cisco's call, and Eobard was cuffed in a second. He growled, and just like that Eobard was sped into the pipeline. You blinked.

You turned back to them in confusion. When Cisco saw the tears begin to build up, he wasn't ready for the waterworks.

"W-What did you do to my future husband!" You began to wail like a child, and Cisco scrambled.

"What are you talking about? That guy is a freaking psycho!"

"He's my soulmate." You said with puppy dog eyes.

"ARGH!! WHY ME!!" Cisco had reached his breaking point.

~~

After a much needed glass of wine, they had all sat down to hear you out. Because the biggest issue right now was convincing you that Eobard Thawne was not someone you wanted to be with.

"So you're trying to say you're a cupid, and Eobard Thawne is your soulmate?" Iris was playing catch up. Since she'd missed the very chaotic introduction.

"Exactly."

You were sitting in the chair swaying from side to side with the biggest smile. When you learned that he wasn't in some far away desert, calming you down had gone over much smoother.

"I'm confused, aren't cupids meant to match people up" Cisco questions. Harry sends him a look.

"I-I mean if I believe in that stuff."

"We do, I've matched millions of people. But the biggest challenge for a cupid is finding their soulmate. When we're old enough, we go out and search for our soul mate. Of course not everyone is interested in love. But the ones who are like me are usually pretty spot on. We can tell who our soul mates are with just one look. The same way I can tell that the both of you are." You pointed at Iris and Barry.

"That's not very impressive, they're married." Harry scoffed.

"Married?" Your brows knitted, but then you caught on.

"Oh! No, that's not what I meant. I always forget that humans don't see it the way we do. "

You turned your wrist, and a pink glow enveloped the room. When you reached out and tapped Barry's shoulder you smiled. They all stared in interest at red string that stretched from Barry's pinky finger, straight to Iris's. They exchanged a look of awe, and you snapped your fingers. In a matter of seconds, the room had returned to normal as if nothing happened.

"Despite popular belief, true love is very rare. Humanity is so focused on all the wrong things. Personal possessions, war, hate. More often than not I've seen others torn from their loved ones because of such trivial matters. What you both have is special, extraordinary. I'd like to have that too. I can, with Eobard."

Witnessing what you just showed them, it was hard to deny there was more to this than they fully understood. Barry also couldn't risk letting someone as dangerous as Eobard run free. Cupid or not.

"How about we make a deal? If you can help us keep Eobard from hurting people, then we'll help you win his heart."

"Really!"

You were now glowing a bright pink, and Barry took a step back. Cisco elbowed said speedster in his side.

"How the hell are we gonna do that!" He whispered.

"We'll figure it out." He replied, turning back to you.

"Do we have a deal?"

"Of course!!" You hugged Barry, and he was stunned at what felt like fumes of pink mist overcoming his body. When you pulled back, Barry was wearing a dazed smile.

"Uhh, you okay there Barry?" Cisco asked. He nodded.

"Yeah, I just love Iris."

He moved over, hugging her, and they all looked at you for an explanation. Iris merely smiled, patting his back.

"Sorry! Cupid pheromones. Tends to have that effect. Makes people really honest. No worries, it'll wear off in a while."

You went skipping down the hall before they could ask anymore questions. No doubt to visit a certain speedster genius.

~~

"Damn it."

He couldn't believe he'd been subdued so easily.

"I'm getting complacent. "

He let his guard down, surely that would not happen again.

"Hi!"

Eobard jumped back at the woman that appeared as if out of thin air.

"Oof! Sorry did I scare you. I just couldn't stay away." You leaned on the glass with a dreamy sigh, and Eobard took another much needed step back.

"You're so handsome. Who would have thought I had a thing for blonds. Please tell me you don't have a girlfriend already. I didn't see any soul ties when I looked at you."

Eobard was starting to think that he was safer in this prison.

"Who are you, what did you do to me?" He was already pissed. Hopefully you would give him information he could use to get the upper hand.

"I'm a cupid."

For a moment he thought you were pulling his leg, but you were still smiling at him like you'd won the lottery.

"Cupid?"

"That's right!!"

"I'm screwed."

Whoever you were, it's obvious you're crazy. You had to be. Not only had you been blatantly coming onto him since the moment your eyes met, but you must have been powerful, because he didn't imagine his speed leaving his body. You did something to him. The more he listened, the more pissed he was getting.

"How did you take my speed?"

"I didn't. You did that."

"That's ridiculous!!"

You must be messing with him.

Shaking your head, you clicked the button, and the doors began to open. Eobard's eyes hardened, and the second he was free, he zipped forward, or tried to. His speed started to glitch the second he was within three feet of you, and it caused him to tumble, taking you with him. Both your bodies hit the ground. He grunted, and you lifted your head with a soft groan. But the smile never left your face. His eyes opened, and he was taken by the pink glow that reflected off your iris. He wasn't sure if it was the proximity, but for some strange reason he couldn't look away.

"Your eyes are more beautiful up close.."

You whispered mesmerized. Eobard caught himself, about to jump upright. But you took his hand and he knew he was in trouble.

"Sorry, but I made a promise, so it looks like you're stuck with me."

“How did you find me?”

Alexander jumped into the car with you. When they exited the building, there were a number of bodies around. All possibly wesen. What was left of those still trying to bring up the failed revolution that was Black Claw.

“Nick told me what you were doing. He said you were trying to rebuild the council. Make it better, different than before.”

“Although the methods of the past were often barbaric, some of those traditions kept us safe for centuries. I didn’t always agree with De Groot’s choices. Going after Nick was foolish, that’s why I’ve decided to form an alliance with Burkhardt.”

“That’s why I came.”

Your eyes were focused on the road as you drove.

“Nick couldn’t make the trip here, so I jumped on the first plane I could get. I really didn’t think I’d make it in time.” Your hands gripped the steering wheel, something Alexander took notice of.

“You killed them all.”

He knew first hand that Grimms were a force to be reckoned with, but the way you moved, it was like muscle memory. Nick was a cop, so naturally he was skilled. But you were a doctor. Yet your combat skills in that moment were far greater than half the assassins De Groot often recruited in the past.

“I needed to send a message. This wasn’t the first stop I made. I have a friend dealing with the same issue in Germany. We’ve cleared most of the other places. In a matter of weeks, they’ll give up the fight. Black Claw is dead, and it’s going to stay that way.”

There was no doubt in the words you spoke. Alexander’s gaze shifted back to the road.

“Are you returning to Portland now?”

You shook your head.

“I haven’t slept much in the last two days. I’ve booked a place a few miles from here for us. I’m going to stick around for the next few days just to make sure no one gets any stupid ideas, then I’m heading back.”

“I don’t need a babysitter.”

“I don’t remember asking your opinion. It wasn’t a request.”

“You’re still as tenacious as I recall.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

You made a turn, and Alexander couldn’t stop the smile.

~~~

“Het spijt me, we hebben maar een kamer beschikbaar. O-Only one room.”

The frown on your face makes the woman at the desk very anxious.

“I booked two rooms, Twee Kamers!”

She looked frantic.

“We’ll take the room.” Alexander said. She typed on the computer, handing him the key.

“Thank you.”

She nods repeatedly, and you glare until she’s out of sight. Alexander laughs.

“If you torment the locals, the least of our problems will be hits from wesen fanatics.” You just heave the bag higher on your shoulder.

“Whatever.”

You’re both heading for the room number, and when you get there, Alexander swipes the keycard. It unlocks, and he steps aside.

“After you.”

You enter, flicking on the lights. You had to admit. It was a very nice room. The most glaring problem you now face is the bed at the center. There is only one. Albeit a king size, but still.

“It seems I’ll be taking the floor. “

You shake your head.

“I’m not heartless, you almost died. I don’t think I’d sleep well knowing you’re on the floor. We can share the bed.” You drop your bag, and Alexander does the same.

“Get cleaned up, I’m going to do a sweep of the place.”

You grab the key card from the desk heading out. He's grateful. If the world did end up burning, he knew who he’d go with.

~~

A few hours later, and you’re both already getting ready for bed. You’re sitting on the chair cleaning your blade, and Alexander just watches you from across the room. His hair is still a little damp, a towel on his shoulder.

“Are you waiting for something?” You don’t look up as you ask the question.

“Do you intend to stay up all night?”

“Nope, I'm just feeling a bit antsy. Figured I’d get some cleaning done.”

“Afraid I’ll take advantage of you.” He’s wearing a stupid little smile on his face. You just roll your eyes.

“Don’t flatter yourself.”

With a little chuckle, he takes a seat on the bed. There’s a silence that follows. Your eyes lift for a moment, and Alexander is already looking your way.

“Something else is bothering you.” The statement you make isn’t as confident as he’s used to.

“I think I understand why you’re so efficient as a fighter.”

“Don’t go there Alexander.”

You lower your blade.

“From what I’ve seen, you followed in the footsteps of your parents. You helped kill a vast number of wesen. But the killing must have taken a toll on you, so you shifted to something less suspecting. No one would even think to look for a Grimm in a hospital. Am I wrong?”

He looks so proud of himself, and you drop the blade on the floor. When you reach down, you lift your shirt right over your head. Alexander is a bit speechless at the many tattoos that cover various parts of your torso and shoulder.

“Think you have me all figured out huh. You must be really proud.” This is the first time that your words are actually venomous.

“I wasn’t following in the footsteps of my parents, I barely remember them. When I was a child, some men with pretty significant palm tattoos raided my home and killed both of my parents. “

Alexander can only listen. But with that description, only one organization comes to mind.

“The verrat..” He mutters.

“Bingo. See the royals wanted a pure breed Grimm working for them. When my dad refused to join their corrupted system, they used force. They slaughtered my family and took me from my home. I was only three years old.” Your voice cracks, and now he wishes he’d never brought up the topic.

“I was trained, programmed to do whatever they said. I killed people, so many people…” You look down at your palm.

“They made me into an assassin, their very own weapon. I never thought that I’d ever be anything more than that, but then Kelly found me. She protected me, saved me. She gave me a life. A real one.” Your finger brushes the initials KB on your wrist.

“When I turned nineteen, she helped me change my identity. She moved me across the country to a nice small town in Portland. She showed me that I could be so much more than the killer they trained. Because of her I found my passion. That’s why I save people. No amount of lives that I save will ever make up for the ones I’ve taken. But at least this way..this way I can repay some of the pain that I brought for countless people.” You inhale, shrugging your shoulders.

“Anyway, now you know. So you can stop trying to read me.”

Alexander stands, and you can’t get yourself to look up at him. He kneels right at your side, taking your hands.

“You’re not a weapon. Nor do you owe anything to anyone. You were trying to survive. You were just a child. "

It’s taking everything in your body not to burst into tears right there. Nick was the only one other than Kelly that really knew about your past. That day he told you she was dead, it felt like you'd lost your parents all over again. When you look up at him, your lips quiver.

“I’m a monster...” You lament.

Alexander shakes his head defiantly.

“You are far from it.”

His eyes move to the tattoos on your body. It’s an array of flowers, all kinds. Somehow he knows what they represent. They're all connected by vines. As far as he can see, they stretch all the way to your back.

“Everyone I’ve ever hurt. Each petal represents a life. I got it because I needed the reminder. I didn’t want them to be forgotten.”

“I wish I could erase your pain.”

He wasn’t sure how he could be so wrong about everything. There isn’t much more that he can say that will bring you comfort. He rises, about to release your hand, but you tighten your hold just a little and he stops.

“Can you..hold me? Just for a little while.”

In this very moment, you show so much vulnerability that he isn’t even certain that it’s the same person he’s looking at.

“Of course.”

He doesn’t even need to think about it. You stand from the chair, and you look a little lost. It’s clear that you haven’t made a request like this before from anyone. Your eyes meet, and he opens his hands, urging you closer slowly. You lean into him hesitantly. When his hands wrap around your body, you don’t reciprocate right away. Your response is a bit delayed. But when you do, you bury your face into his chest, hold on tight. Alexander runs a hand over your back with a chuckle.

“Quite the grip you have there.”

You loosened immediately, about to pull away.

“I-I’m sorry I-”

Alexander keeps you close.

“I never said I didn’t like it.”

You relax a little, you chance another look up at him. His hand comes down, brushing your cheek gently.

“A monster..”

It was a stupid thought.

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