The door banging open woke Rip, and he managed to check the clock just before his son climbed in beside him.
"It's early, little man," Rip murmured as Jonas squirmed under the covers getting comfortable, "What's wrong?"
Jonas tucked himself against Rip, "Why does Lisa have to leave?"
Hugging his son close, Rip gently rocked him, "Because she was only staying with us for a little while."
Jonas pouted, "But I'm going to miss her."
Rip tightened his hug, "I know but it's not like we won't see her ever again. She's only moving into Cisco's apartment."
The pout became more pronounced as Jonas cuddled closer.
Rip rocked his little boy. He knew how upset Jonas Lisa was moving out. Rip was just as saddened that she was leaving, but not surprised when she told him of her decision. She had stayed a lot longer than originally intended to being with but Cisco and Lisa's relationship had grown quite quickly in the past few months, and they'd decided to move in together. Rip was happy for them because they both deserved to be happy.
But to Jonas he was losing someone.
x
Lisa looked around what had been her bedroom with a sigh at how it was now just another spare room.
She could never express how much Rip taking her in after she'd been attacked meant to her. He'd given her a place to feel safe, someone she could turn to when she needed to talk and a little brother who she completely adored.
But it was time to leave.
"Gideon," she called.
"Yes, Miss Snart," the pleasant voice of the AI came.
Lisa took a deep breath, "Thank you for looking after me since I came here. And for all your help while I was studying. I appreciated you quizzing and encouraging me to take breaks."
"You are welcome, Miss Snart," Gideon replied before adding, "And know I am always available if you require further assistance with your studies."
A fond smile touched Lisa's lips, "Thanks, Gideon. I will definitely take you up on that."
With a shaky breath, Lisa picked up her bag and headed downstairs. As she reached the bottom she jumped as several voices yelled out.
"Surprise!"
Looking at the entire group who where standing around with Rip, Jonas and Cisco, she asked, "What's going on?"
Jonas ran over and wrapped his arms around her waist, "We're giving you a goodbye party."
"I'm not going that far," Lisa said still bemused.
"But we're going to miss you," Jonas whispered.
Crouching so she hug him properly, Lisa felt tears prick her eyes. She'd never had people care so much if she left a place.
"Jonas," Rip said softly, "Why don't you let Lisa talk to everyone while we get her a drink?"
The little boy nodded, he grinned at Lisa, "Daddy made special punch for today."
With that he disappeared over to the other side of the room.
"You didn't have to do this," Lisa said to Rip.
He shrugged, "Jonas needed a way to express how much he is going to miss having you here with us. Besides, Team Flash will come to a party at the drop of a hat."
Rip gave her a quick smile before he went to make sure Jonas didn't spill punch all over him. Lisa still stunned was surprised when Joe moved and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
"Now, remember if Cisco annoys you too much let me know," Joe told her, "I'll sort him out."
x
Jonas was still clinging to Lisa when everyone drifted away from her goodbye party. He had been almost constantly at her side the entire afternoon and Lisa knew this was going to be so hard when she had to go.
"Jonas," Rip said gently, "Lisa and Cisco have to go now, and you have to get ready for bed. You have school in the morning. It's time to say goodnight."
Jonas held onto Lisa even tighter, "No."
Rip sighed as Cisco and Lisa gave him a sympathetic smile, "Jonas, I won't tell you again. Now give Lisa a hug and kiss, say goodnight and you'll see her soon. I promise."
The little boy sniffed and Lisa kissed the top of his head, "You can come and visit anytime you want, Jonas. Because I'm going to miss you just as much."
Two big wet eyes looked up at her, "Promise?"
Lisa smiled and held out her hand, "Pinkie-swear?"
Jonas grinned back and caught her pinkie with his for a few seconds before he threw his arms around her in a hug. Kissing the top of Jonas head, Lisa managed to detangle herself from him. Rip caught his son in his arms and lifted him so he couldn't latch onto Lisa again.
"Okay," Cisco grabbed a hold of Lisa's final bag, "Are we ready?"
Lisa nodded, moving to Rip she hugged him and Jonas together before quickly moving away feeling tears filling her eyes.
"I'll see you soon," she promised, before taking Cisco's hand and walking out.
Rip hugged Jonas when he started to cry the moment the door closed.
x
Jonas was finally asleep.
Rip knew his son would be upset about Lisa leaving, but hadn't expected him to be this bad. He understood why but it didn't make it easier for him to see Jonas so upset.
"Captain," Gideon spoke up as Rip made his way down to the living room, "Miss Snart is calling."
Confused Rip said, "Lisa? Is something wrong?"
"No," she laughed, "I just wanted to check on Jonas."
Dropping onto the couch Rip sighed, "He's finally sleeping."
"Oh," Lisa winced, "I was hoping he'd be okay once we left. Perhaps we should have done this a different way."
"It's not your fault, Lisa," Rip assured her, "This is the first time he's had someone leave in any way since Miranda's death. You're basically his big sister and he's used to you being here."
There was a moment of silence before she whispered, "I am going to miss being there with you both. You gave me a place when I needed it, Rip. I can't thank you enough."
Rip smiled softly as he rubbed where his wedding ring should have sat, "Just be happy, Lisa. That's all the thanks I need," he shook himself and added, "And babysit every so often."
"I promise," Lisa laughed, "Night, Rip."
"Night."
Sitting alone in the house that now only consisted of him and his son, Rip thought back to the day he met Lisa Snart and how so much had changed in such a short time.
With a smile, he headed upstairs to go to bed.