rathawayxhartley:

Hartley’s face was permanently stuck in a shocked expression. From the sudden outburst to being pinned to the wall to suddenly Cisco looking like he was having some sort of stroke or seizure or something. It took him a few seconds for Hartley to actually process before grabbing at his collar and rubbing his neck, still looking much like a deer in the headlights. “Cisco,” he finally croaked out before clearing his throat and trying again. “Cisco, what’s going on?” His voice was low and a bit pleading, the concern and confusion in his face and the slump in his posture making his body language resemble more like a submissive dog than human. He wanted to reach out but stopped himself. “Cisco, I can help you,” he pleaded. “Is this about the darkness? I was looking into the possible cure I told you about before. I think it could work.”

Cisco brought a hand to his head as he tried to fully take in what he’d just vibed. “Nothing. It’s nothing, Hartley.” Cisco said, dropping his hand as he crossed to the kitchen and filled a glass with water before downing it. He cocked his head to the side as he finished. “Help me? Help me with what? There’s nothing to cure. What is this darkness?” Cisco noticed in the vibe he was acting differently. Could that be what Hartley is talking about? He had no idea. He brought his hand back up to his forehead and massaged his temples as the vibe flashed through his mind again.