Archive of Our Own ^beta

Caitlin knew many things about Cisco Ramon. He started growing out his hair after he left his home, Swedish Fish were his favorite candy, and he always secretly loved playing Candy Crush. One of the more obvious things about him, though, was the fact that when he was staring at his phone with a small smile on his face, he was most likely looking at a girl, or a good piece of machinery.

Caitlin decided one day, when she saw him grin at his screen, to see who, or what, he was gawking at this time.

“What are you looking at?” She asked, hovering over her shoulder, and Cisco hid his phone screen quickly.

“Huh?”

“You were smiling at your phone again.”

“I was?” He asked innocently, and Caitlin held her hand out, gesturing for him to hand her his phone. Cisco didn’t budge.

“It’s nothing, okay?” He said, putting his phone away.

“Oh, nothing, is it? Is it...Lisa Snart?”

“Um, no.”

“Is it...an old computer system?”

“Are you serious? It’s nothing.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Nothing?”

He looked her dead in the eyes. “It’s nothing I want to share until I know for certain myself.”

She gave a small smile. “Alright, then. Keep your secrets.”

Cisco laughed. “Sure, Frodo, whatever you say.”

The Star Labs alarms began beeping, and Cisco looked at the computer, clicking on the coms.

“Barry! There’s a hostage situation at the Newton Bank. Three hostages, one baddie.”

“On my way!”

---------------

Barry put the suit back on the pedestal, turning to his team with an eager smile on his face.

“So, does anyone want to go out tonight? Drinks, movies, karaoke?”

Cisco grabbed his coat. “Sorry, I actually have to go. Personal stuff.”

Barry’s face fell. “Are you sure it can’t wait? Come on, it’ll be fun!”

Caitlin looked at him suspiciously. “Is it about the thing on your phone?”

“Yes.”

“Cisco, if you’re going out with a girl一”

He raised his hands in defense. “Whoa. Okay. No, I’m not going out, I’m meeting my cousin for supper and then we're gonna talk...business.”

Barry tilted his head, confused. “Business?”

“Yes. Business. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go.”

Barry and Caitlin traded glances.

“He’s going out with a girl, isn’t he?”

Caitlin sighed. “Obviously. Lets just hope it’s not Lisa Snart.”

---------------------

The next day, both Barry and Caitlin received an urgent text from Cisco, saying that they had to come to his apartment as soon as possible. Barry grabbed Caitlin and rushed over there, stopping in front of the door. Barry knocked, and Cisco opened the door wide, his smile bright.

“Guys. I’m so happy you’re here! Come on in!”

“Umm...Cisco?” Caitlin asked tentatively. “Isn’t there something wrong?”

“Nope. Just have to show you something.”

“Was it why you left early last night?” Barry questioned, and Cisco nodded.

“Yup! Listen, it’ll all make sense if you just see it.”

Barry shrugged and entered the apartment, Caitlin following him. Inside, Cisco rushed into the living room, picking up a small black object that squirmed in his arms.

Caitlin gasped. “Is that a puppy?”

Cisco beamed. “Yup!”

Cisco carried the dog over to his friends, and Barry could see that it was a small black german shepherd, it’s ears pointed to the sky. It’s tail wagged eagerly as it smelled their hands, it’s brown eyes watching them curiously. Cisco sat down with him, allowing the dog to lean on his chest easily.

“Aww...Cisco, he’s adorable.” Caitlin said, as sat on the ground and patted his head.

“Thanks. I named him Neo.”

“Cisco, this is great, but why get a dog now?” Barry asked, joining them on the floor, and Cisco adjusted Neo in his grip.

“My cousin runs a dog shelter, and this little guy was born there about three months ago. No one adopted him, so she thought that I would want to take him in. She apparently believes that I could use some company, you know, given how I don’t have a girlfriend or anything.”

“He’s so cute. Can I hold him? I’ll be careful.” Caitlin exclaimed, gushing over the puppy. Cisco smiled and passed him onto Cailtin.

“Why wasn’t he adopted? I feel like people would love him.”

Cisco turned his attention to Barry. “Well...he’s...different.”

“Different how?

Cisco waited a moment before answering. “He was born unable to use his hind legs. He can’t walk normally, let alone play like any other dog.” Cisco explained, and they all looked at the puppy, who, now that they looked, didn’t even twitch his back legs, while the front legs were bursting with energy.

Caitlin held Neo closer to her chest. “That’s horrible.”

Cisco frowned. “Yeah. I just, I never considered getting a dog, but the thought of this little furball of joy never getting a home just because of who he is really hurt me. I felt….I felt like I owed it to him.”

“Or maybe you just connected to him.” Barry said, and Cisco nodded.

“I guess I do connect to him a little bit.”

They sat in silence, petting Neo and adoring how he looked at each of them with curiosity. Caitlin eventually passed him onto Barry, and the speedster delicately stroked his dark fur.

“He’s got nice black hair like you.” He stated, and Cisco laughed.

“Yup. He knows what looks good.”

“Are you going to try and help him? I can do a medical scan.” Caitlin offered, but Cisco shook his head.

“He’s already gone through enough tests; the paralysis is permanent, But, I’m going to make him one of those doggie wheelchairs, just so he can run around and stuff. Isn’t that right, Neo? You’re going to be running around in no time.”

Cisco took Neo back from Barry, holding him up and letting him like his face, the smile once again returning. Caitlin and Barry smiled too, overjoyed at the effect the small dog had on Cisco’s mood.

“You know, you might as well take him to Star Labs when you’re there, too.” Barry offered, and Cisco perked up. “You’re there enough already, and I’m sure he’d like it there, around you.”

“I don’t think he likes me that much.” Cisco said, but as soon as he spoke Neo’s tail wagged some more, and Cisco looked at him curiously.

“I think he loves you. And, I mean, I know Iris loves dogs too. She could hang out with him at the labs when you’re busy.”

Caitlin stepped in. “Also, with his condition, you don’t really want him to be alone.”

“All of those things are true...I might have too. And, that way he could help me build his wheelchair.”

Barry reached over and rubbed Neo’s ear.

“You’re gonna have to, man. I, The Flash, proclaim Neo as a full member of Team Flash. He has to come to Star Labs now.”

Neo let out a little yip, shuffling his body towards Barry, and Cisco let him go. With some struggle, the puppy padded the floor with his front paws, trying to reach Barry, his back legs dragging uselessly behind him. Cisco gave a sad smile as Barry picked him up.

“Welcome to Team Flash, Neo.” Cisco whispered. “I promise you’ll fit in with us.”

Barry nodded. “He’s a part of the family, for now, and always.”