Lucia

Chapter 9: Don't Run

S.T.A.R. Labs; Command Center

Within the walls of S.T.A.R. Labs' Command Center, Cisco Ramon and Harry Wells from Earth 2 were joyfully adorning the Christmas tree, eagerly anticipating the holiday just a few days away. Engaged in a friendly dispute over the amount of tinsel adorning the tree, their laughter filled the room.

As they bantered back and forth, Nora Snow Allen entered, carrying a steaming cup of coffee. "Some things never change," she mused, observing the playful argument.

Nora was a valued member of the Future Team Flash, a group that had made the decision to remain in the past following the Earth X crisis. Alongside her were Ethan Wayne, Josephine West, and Alex Merlyn, who had all chosen to stay, as well as Francisco Ramon Jr., affectionately known as Frank for many years.

"I could almost believe we're still in the future with all this tinsel commotion," Frank quipped as he joined the group.

Nora nodded in agreement, adding, "That's the truth." The camaraderie among the team members was palpable as they prepared for the upcoming holiday festivities.

Harry inquired with a puzzled expression, "What are you up to, Cisco?"

Cisco, with a mischievous glint in his eye, replied, "Tinsel."

Harry, with a hint of skepticism, retorted, "Your tinsel-to-surface ratio is quite off, don't you think?"

Nora, Josie, and Frank collectively rolled their eyes at the familiar banter unfolding before them.

Cisco, feigning innocence, questioned Harry, "Are you serious about this?"

Harry, maintaining his stance, replied firmly, "Absolutely. I've conducted thorough research to ensure the tinsel is perfectly proportioned for our tree."

Frank, with a touch of exasperation, remarked, "Ah, he's pulling out the 'extensive research' card again. Maybe we should have joined Alex in Central City or Ethan in Gotham."

Harry persisted, "It's just not right."

Cisco, with a playful grin, retorted, "If you want to talk about terrible, let's discuss your Scrooge to Grinch ratio."

Harry, with a chuckle, quoted, "You're a mean one. I wouldn't touch you with a 39 1/2-inch pole."

Josie, feeling a mix of amusement and annoyance, commented, "Now he's quoting 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'."

Josie adored her Grandfather, but the annual tradition of debating tinsel with Cisco never failed to amuse and slightly exasperate her.
Josie, Nora, and Frank caught sight of their aunt Iris as she entered the room. They exchanged worried glances and silently mouthed to Iris, "Help us, they're at it again."

"Hey, Cisco, where's Gypsy?" Iris inquired, her eyes scanning the room.

Frank's interest piqued at the mention of his mother. He pondered for a moment, realizing that he should expect a visit from her soon.

"She had to work the holiday shift, but I believe I found the perfect gift for her," Cisco announced proudly. "A Gulage-class knife, meticulously forged on the unholy blood fires of Earth 22 by none other than..."

"West 2.0," Cisco and Harry chimed in unison.

"Of course, Gypsy should have sent something for me by now," Cisco remarked, glancing at his phone.

"Awkward," Harry muttered under his breath.

"I'm sure it's fine," Cisco reassured him.

Ralph Dibney strolled into the room, positioning himself behind Iris.