Notes:

Over on tumblr, fezwearingjellybananas asked:

"Drawing a card to decide the fics sounds fun, could I send in a request for Hartmon and whichever card you draw please?"

I have one of the Ao3 card decks where each card is decorated with art based off a popular tag here on Ao3, which is what drawing a card refers to in the ask. I ended up drawing two of the cards since the first was a little generic - 5 of diamonds with the Fantasy tag and the 9 of hearts with the Arranged Marriage tag.

Cisco is trans in this story. Hartley does refer to Cisco as 'her' and 'girl' a few times here, before he knows Cisco's a guy (and when he doesn't realize Cisco and the person he'd been engaged to are the same) but he never intentionally misgenders Cisco.

Hand in Hand

Cisco had, officially, worn his last dress.

He'd been trying, for ages, to get his parents to respect that he was a boy, not a girl. But while Armando and Dante fully supported him as their brother... his parents insisted that there was something wrong with him for not being their daughter. Their insistence that he uphold the marriage they had recently negotiated for him with a well to do merchant family - that he be a blushing bride in a white wedding dress - was the final straw.

It was a business arrangement, pure and simple. As the youngest child of the Ramons, his parents wanted to marry him off well so that the family he married into would view the Ramon family more favorably in business transactions. Cisco's happiness didn't factor in at all; so perhaps Cisco ought to have been less surprised his gender didn't matter to them either.

But tonight his family was hosting a party. All the whose who would be there. The Rathaways - the family Cisco was supposed to marry into - would be there too. With Hartley in tow, the eldest of the two Rathaway children and heir to the family business. It was intended for Cisco and Hartley to be introduced later that evening, as the Rathaways had already sent an apology for needing to be late to the party due to finalizing some business deal.

Which, surprisingly, made this party ideal for Cisco's plans.

He'd been plotting this moment for weeks. But tonight the whole household would be distracted by the party. So about thirty minutes after guests started arriving, Cisco slipped back up the grand staircase and into his room, changed from his stuffy and awful dress into plain travel clothes, and grabbed the pack of travel supplies from beneath his bed. Light enough he could carry it, but with enough supplies to last him a few days and enough money to, hopefully, get him to the next country where he could find a job and live his life on his own terms. He was fairly talented with magic and his knowledge of the craft was impressive for one his age. So Cisco was certain he'd land on his feet.

There was just one thing left to take care of. His hair.

Cisco had always liked his long hair. The one feminine feature he had that didn't make him feel perceived as a girl. Though he knew others certainly saw it that way and its current length was too long even for his liking.

Taking the knife from his pack, Cisco hacked his waist-long hair to shoulder length. He instantly felt lighter. And his whole appearance seemed changed somehow. But the hair that remained would still keep the back of his neck shaded and warm in the coming cold months. Though he wished he could trim it up nicely - his one vanity and he'd wrecked it to make himself less recognizable - it would have to wait. For now...

Cisco used tied off sheets to carefully climb out his window to the ground outside and he sneaked into the family barn. There, he took one of the horses, saddled her up, and headed away from the house. Not down the road where incoming guests or watching servants might see, but across the into the forest behind the family home. There was a road not far into the tree line, where no prying eyes would see Cisco vanish into the night nor tell tales of the direction he took to leave.

His brothers would miss him, but Cisco suspected they would be glad for him as well.

And as Cisco reached the tree line, he did not look back.

There's absolute chaos when, not long after Hartley and his parents finally arrive at the party, it's determined the Ramon girl has vanished from the family home.

The two older brothers look smug about something and there's an outcry about 'her beautiful, long hair ruined' that Hartley eventually realizes means the girl must have cut her hair. And as more gossip flies and party goers are politely sent away, Hartley started to realize that she must have run away.

Osgood was furious, but Hartley could only feel relieved. If there's no girl then there's no wedding. As simple as that.

Not that it would stop his family from marrying him off for long. If the Ramon girl couldn't be found, then Hartley's parents would simply chose another girl for him to wed. Ever since learning Hartley favored men, not women, they'd been emphatic that no son of theirs would be caught cavorting in bed with another man. He'd be wed to a young woman his age as soon as could be managed.

All tonight offered Hartley was a short reprieve at best.

Unless... unless Hartley took his sister and followed in the Ramon girl's footsteps. He could run away too.

Hartley packs for two and takes a few days to determine the safest place for a young man with guardianship of his little sister could go and not be questioned too closely. Across the lake is the city state of Central City and it's one of the few places the Rathaway family does not do business. Hartley could go there and...

His mind blanks. He's been trained his whole life to be part of the family business. If he isn't a merchant, he doesn't know what he could be. A clerk perhaps? Or he could run the counter at a shop?

No matter, Hartley decided. Better poor in Central City with Jerrie safely away from their father's heavy handed discipline and Hartley away from the threat of being married to someone he could never love.

Jerrie agreed. When the time came for them to sneak off into the night and barter passage to Central City in the morning, Jerrie clung to Hartley's arm but made no fuss. And there was as much relief in her eyes as there was in Hartley's chest as their hometown of Keystone shrank down to nothing in the distance.

Cisco hadn't intended to make Central City his new home - he'd thought to stick to small towns - but a traveling sorcerer had seen Cisco's talent and insisted on apprenticing him. Tess Morgan had been very persuasive on the subject and in the end Cisco couldn't resist the siren's song of learning new applications for his magical gifts. So now he was living in the apprentice quarters of Tess Morgan's residence. It wasn't as big as the family manor that Cisco had left behind, but it was warmer and more inviting. Likely because Cisco didn't have to pretend to be someone he wasn't within these walls.

Part of Cisco's job as apprentice was to make the weekly apothecary runs. Which Cisco was, perhaps, wishing he could make a bit more often.

The first time Cisco went, an older woman ran the counter. She'd mentioned looking for someone younger she could start training to take over the business as she was getting too old and her own children had found their destinies elsewhere. Cisco suspected she'd been hoping he might know someone but, as he was new to Central City, there was no one he could recommend. But a young man, perhaps a year or so older than Cisco, was at the counter the next time Cisco went. And every time after that. Though Mildred was often there too, Hart Ratling was the handsome face Cisco saw the most of going forward.

Hart had a sharp tongue and wit, but kindness too. He was impressed that Cisco was apprenticed to Tess Morgan - who was apparently more well known than Cisco had realized, having been 'sheltered' by his parents so much of his childhood. And, well... Hart was handsome.

Cisco found himself longing to know what it might be like to kiss Hart Ratling. And, well... Central City was far more open to non-traditional relationships than Keystone. Why, Cisco had seen men kissing men and women kissing women for the first time in this city. So if Hart was interested in Cisco - which Cisco fervently hoped he was - then they could court openly here. None would oppose them.

So today, Cisco rallied his courage and walked into the Moonlight Apothecary. When he completed his purchase, he would then ask for one more thing. And if he was most fortunate, Hart would agree.

Hartley had arrived in Central City with Jerrie and new identities decided upon with her. He would be Hart Ratling and she Jerrie Ratling. Close enough to their original names that they'd easily answer to them, but just different enough that it would be unlikely anyone would immediately put their new identities together with now missing Hartley and Geraldine Rathaway. Hartley'd already been calling his sister Jerrie for years, when his parents weren't around. And when Jerrie did speak, she would call him Hart. Not that she'd ever speak around their parents. The anxiety they instilled in her always silenced her, whether she liked it or not.

He'd found them lodging for the night and then begun scouring the city for someone who'd hire a young man with no references to speak of. He got a 'come back tomorrow' in a few places that didn't pan out. And his funds were running low quicker than he'd anticipated.

It was as Hartley'd been starting to despair that he'd found Mildred Moon, owner of Moonlight Apothecary. She'd never married - never saw the point of the romance thing, but was glad for those who did - but had several children regardless. Hartley didn't enquire if they were biological children or adopted, as it wasn't his business and he had no interest in judging either way. She was a kind woman and ready to transition to retirement, but none of her adult children were interested in taking over her business. She wanted someone who'd run the counter for her and was interested in learning the finer points of her job.

Hartley was not interested in being an apothecary. Jerrie, however, was fascinated.

"Well then. You can learn to run the store and your sister can be my apprentice," Mildred decided. "If that works for the two of you?"

They'd exchanged glances and then nodded firmly. Jerrie was glad for a job that kept her away from customers and Hartley was relieved that both of them had found work. Though only ten, Jerrie's age wasn't uncommonly young for an apprenticeship. And Hartley was able to put his skills at bargaining to use, impressing Mildred at the increased quality of supplies he was able to barter out of her contacts.

And, just like that, they had not only a job... but a home too. Mildred insisting they stay in the rooms that were once her children's, before they grew up and moved on with their lives.

It didn't take long to settle into a routine. And then... Cisco came into Hartley's life. The most handsome young man Hartley's ever seen. Smart, funny... not the best dresser, but his smile and laugh made Hartley's knees weak. Good thing he was able to sit while doing his job.

Hartley'd been trying to ask Cisco out since the second time they'd met. But nerves had gotten in the way every time. And yet, every time Cisco left the store with his purchases, Hartley would resolve to try again.

He imagines being suave and Cisco being charmed. Unfortunately, Hartley's not good with suave and he trips over his tongue while tallying up the cost of Cisco's weekly purchases. He feels his cheeks heat with embarrassment.

"Ah, there's something... I'd like to ask," Cisco said, handing over enough coin to cover the sale. "There's... there's a new tavern that opened nearby. Would you be interested in having dinner there with me tonight?"

Later, Hartley will be privately annoyed that Cisco beat him to asking the question. But at the moment? He's too elated to care. A smile lit up Hartley's fave. "I would love to. It's... it's a date?"

Cisco beamed and nodded. "It's a date. Shall I meet you here and we can head there together?"

Hartley nodded and named the hour the shop would close for the evening.

Dinner is a little awkward at first. Neither boy had ever been on a date before.

But, slowly, they each opened up. The ale loosened their tongues a bit. And though each was concealing their pasts, they opened up in a way neither had since running away from their homeland and families.

And while the warm glow their conversation inspired was nice, they each agreed the kiss goodnight - when Cisco walked Hartley back home - was better.

It only takes two dates before Hart insists upon introducing Cisco to his sister, which is sweet. But also makes Cisco ridiculously nervous.

He changes his hairstyle at least four times before settling on leaving it down with the natural wave. His disastrous shoulder-length chop off had been further shortened to neck length when he'd finally allowed Tess to fix it, but enough time had passed that his hair had reached his shoulders once more. It looked nice and soft and enticing. But also pretty, in a handsome way.

Cisco rather found he liked when Hartley touched his hair. He wanted Hart touching his hair at every opportunity.

After fixing his hair and his clothes, Cisco runs over what he knows about Jerrie. She's eight years younger than Hart and studying to take over as the apothecary. She tended to stay in the back room of the store because strangers made her nervous. When she was nervous, she often couldn't speak with her voice and would use her hands instead. She spoke a form of sign language common in Keystone but was also learning the variant used here in Central City.

Cisco actually knew the Keystone variant. And he supposed that likely meant Hart and Jerrie also hailed from Keystone, like Cisco did. Considering how his parents kept him inside as much as possible, it's not surprising he never met them there. But he wonders what they'd think of him if they knew him then. If they'd have accepted him when he started telling people he was a boy, like his brothers did.

The thought that they might not made Cisco nervous about what the future held for himself and Hart. But he'd never know if he didn't tell. And for their relationship to continue to grow healthily, he'd need to tell Hart eventually. Before they proceeded beyond kissing and hair petting, anyway.

He resolved to tell Hart after meeting Jerrie, though.

"Cisco, your beau is here to take you to dinner," Tess announced loudly, knocking on the door. "He's cute. And polite. I approve."

Cisco grinned and ducked his head. Tess' approval meant more than his parents ever would have. Then he opened the door. "I'm glad," he said, beaming. Then he caught sight of Hart, wearing green and black and looking rather stunning and Cisco's mouth went a little dry.

He needed something to drink. Or Hart's mouth on his.

Hartley wasn't worried about Cisco and Jerrie getting along. Somehow he was just... certain that they'd adore each other.

What worried him was how Cisco might react to knowing Hartley had, technically, kidnapped his little sister. A story for another time, though. When Hartley worked up the courage to admit the truth of his parents treatment of himself and his sister. He thought Cisco would understand, yet at the same time doubted himself. He was lying about his name and a lie, no matter how well meant, was a dangerous thing when courting.

Still, tonight was about introducing Cisco to the only family Hartley had that mattered to him. His sister, and now Mildred too.

The four of them have dinner at Mildred's residence, Hartley helping Mildred in the kitchen despite her assurances he could handle it. But he would look out over to where Cisco and Jerrie sat, their hands moving quickly as they talked. It was hard to tell what they were discussing from this angle, but Jerrie was clearly delighted and it was wonderful that Cisco knew how to sign.

Cisco hadn't mentioned being from Keystone, just that he was estranged from his family. But he must have hailed from Keystone, to know that particular variant of sign language so well. Hartley imagined what it might have been like, if his parents had given him more time for himself instead of devoting his whole childhood to his studies. Perhaps he might've met Cisco and become friends with him in childhood. Perhaps they might have become childhood sweethearts.

Or, more likely, Hartley's own stubborn and contrary nature would have made them childhood rivals instead.

Still... Cisco seems more and more like a perfect fit for Hartley's new life here in Central City. And, more importantly, Hartley finds himself falling more and more in love with the handsome young sorcerer.

Jerrie is awesome. And she tells the best stories about Hart when he was younger. But there's something oddly familiar about her tales that catch at... something in Cisco's memory.

Maybe he did know of Hart when he was much younger? Maybe one of Cisco's brothers knew of him?

Cisco has to admit it bothers him a bit, but not in a bad way. Even if he never remembers, he's glad to know Hart and Jerrie now. And he's glad they have Mildred in their lives as what little Jerrie and Hart have had to say of their parents has set off little alarm bells in Cisco's mind. He knows what kind of people their parents must have been. His own were much the same. However they left their family behind, whatever the circumstances may have been... he is glad for them to be here in Central with him now.

But, now that Cisco knew Jerrie and was attached to both the Ratling siblings... he needed to tell them of his own past. If they could not accept him then best to end things now before he fell too much deeper into love with Hart.

Still, it wasn't easy to say. Everyone looked at him and accepted he was a man here. Cisco feared losing that. Feared people looking at him and denying him the truth that lived in his heart. Just because Tess accepted him without question and Central City itself was more forward thinking didn't mean he'd be so lucky that everyone else would be the same.

And so as their next date began to wind down, Hart and Cisco wandering hand in hand along the riverside, Cisco said, "Hart, there is something I must tell you. About myself."

Hart found them a place to sit that was relatively private. And listened quietly, squeezing Cisco's hand gently as Cisco told him of the circumstances leading up to him leaving his family behind.

"They just... my parents wouldn't listen. I'm not a girl. And I could not allow myself to be married off to a stranger with them thinking such a thing might turn me into one some day."

"You're the most handsome man I've ever met," Hart agreed quietly. He brought their clasped hands up to his mouth, placing a sweet kiss upon the back of Cisco's hand. "Your parents were foolish to treat you so. But Keystone was so very backwards compared to Central City. And I'm grateful that this is where we finally met, without everyone else's preconceptions holding us back." He hesitated. "Now there's something I must tell you," and an amused smile tugged at his lips. "I hope you'll find this coincidence as amusing as I do.

"You see, you left your family in part to avoid an unwanted engagement to a young man your parents were trying to use to make you someone you aren't. I did essentially the same thing. My parents learned that I was gay and so they engaged me to the youngest daughter of the Ramon family, thinking that the marriage would fix me. Or at least force me to hide the parts of myself they found undesirable. But if I'm right, then my parents unknowingly engaged me to a wonderful young man instead."

Cisco's eyes widened. "You... you and your sister are Hartley and Geraldine Rathaway?"

Hart... no, Hartley, nodded. "While I'd like to think perhaps in time we'd have each discovered the truth of each other and fallen in love, I'm glad I met you here free of our parents interference and their prejudices. But it is funny that, unknowingly, our parents chose for us the very partner that we have now willingly chosen for ourselves. Just not for the reasons they wanted."

Unable to help himself, Cisco giggled. "So this entire time we've already been engaged."

Hartley nodded, looking ever so pleased that Cisco found their situation funny too. And so Cisco kissed that pleased smile, enjoying the way Hartley kissed him as though the whole world were just them.

"I think, perhaps, we should hold off on announcing any engagement until we're ready to ask for it ourselves," Cisco murmured afterwards. "But I have no doubts that, eventually, we will arrive there on our own."

"I feel the same way," Hartley agreed, having released Cisco's hand so that his fingers might stroke through Cisco's soft hair.