Work Text:
“Yeah, I still don’t get the bird thing.”
Ekko set down his newly repaired mask, turning to his girlfriend who was sprawled across his bed with her feet dangling over the edge.
“It’s an owl,” Ekko replied, holding up the mask for emphasis. She rolled her eyes.
“I’m aware. ”
“So you do get it.”
Jinx huffed, pulling herself up and fixing him with narrowed eyes, “You’re named after a bug! ”
Ekko tried to fight back his smirk as he replied. Riling her up was just too easy to resist, “Gee, I hadn’t noticed.”
“So why do you all run around dressed like a bird ?” She continued, pointedly ignoring his snark.
“I take offense to that,” He wagged a finger at her, “The masks are to hide our faces. Pure necessity.”
“Like anyone cares who you are,” Jinx scoffed, but he could see the playful glint in her pink eyes, “If you wanna go prancing around in an owl costume, whatever , but why does everyone have a bird mask? There are other animals!”
“Sounds like someone’s jealous she doesn’t have a bird mask.”
Jinx continued on, waving her hands for emphasis and once again ignoring him,“I mean- what, do ya just go around assigning birds based on vibes? ”
Ekko hummed, “You’d make a good crow.”
Jinx spluttered, momentarily stunned, “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?!”
“Oh, I can’t tell you that,” Ekko said seriously, turning towards her fully in his chair, “I could lose my bird assigning job.”
“You’re annoying,” She replied flatly.
He put a hand to his chest, grunting, “You wound me, Jinx,” Dramatically, Ekko sank in his seat with a hand draped over his forehead, “I may never recover.”
“Poor baby,” Jinx deadpanned, entirely unsympathetic.
“My heart is shriveling up as we speak.”
“Can it go faster?”
Ekko paused to glare at her, “That’s cold. I’m dying over here.”
“What do you expect me to do about it?”
“A little weeping would be nice,” Ekko grinned, peeking out from under the hand against his head, “Or you could kiss it better.”
Jinx’s uncaring facade faded as red flooded her cheeks, her eyes darting away as she chucked a pillow his way, an unsuccessful attempt at distracting him from her flustered state.
Ekko caught the pillow easily, his eyes narrowing at her as he held it tight in his grasp. Jinx caught on quickly, eyes shimmering as she attempted to duck out of the way, unknowingly falling right into his trap.
He tossed the pillow aside, using the distraction to rush forward and grab onto her waist. Jinx let out an adorable sound somewhere between a yelp and a laugh as they collided, collapsing back onto the mattress as she tried to squirm away.
“I’m telling Vi!” Jinx squeaked out desperately, voice broken up by giggles as he wrapped his arms around her in a loose hug.
“Go for it,” Ekko remarked breezily, tilting her head up and pressing his lips to hers, unceremoniously ending her laughing fit.
Jinx surrendered easily, leaning into him and chasing his mouth as he slowly pulled back. He gave her a smug look and she blushed again, burying her head in his neck in response.
“See? All better,” He said, bringing a hand up to bury itself in her long blue hair. It seemed like just a few months ago it was barely past her shoulders, but it had grown, somewhat remarkably, to around her midriff and Ekko found he enjoyed running his fingers through the long strands almost as much as she seemed to enjoy it when he did.
“You cheated ,” Jinx huffed.
“Did not.”
“Did too !” She peeked out from his neck, eyes gleaming up at him even as she tried to keep up the act, “You’re a stupid , cheating bird boy!”
“Ah, back to the bird thing, are we?”
“You distracted me,” She accused lightly.
“You didn’t seem to mind.”
“Did I mention I hate owls?” Jinx said with narrowed eyes, almost challenging him, “Very annoying. Definitely my least favorite bird.”
He laughed, “You’re awfully judgy for a girl who wears shark themed clothing,” Ekko flicked the hood of her jacket for emphasis, “How would you feel if I denounced sharks to your face?”
“Uh, you wouldn’t,” Jinx said easily, squirming free and flopping onto her back, “Because sharks are cool .”
“And owls aren’t?”
“Nope. They’re always asking stupid questions.”
“Who?” He replied, just to be annoying.
“Exactly.”
“Have you ever even seen an owl?,” Ekko inquired with genuine curiosity, lazily sliding onto his back to mirror her position.
“Nope.”
“So, what makes you so sure they’re not cool?”
Jinx snorted, “Never seen a shark either. Don’t need to see one to know they’re awesome. ”
Ekko doesn’t know why that surprises him as much as it does. Sharks aren’t exactly common , especially in the undercity, but Ekko figured if anyone could find one, it would be Jinx. Especially knowing how much she loved them, which was evident in her beloved weapon Fishbones and the frankly gigantic shark plushie that Vi had gifted her sister after winning it at some Piltie festival a few months back.
“You’ve never seen a shark?” Ekko found himself voicing the thought, silly as it was.
“You see many sharks around Zaun?” She snorted, then shrugged, “I’ve seen pictures . I have some books if you’re interested in learning why they are clearly superior to owls.”
“Books?” He echoed curiously. He rarely saw her participate in hobbies outside of her gadgetry and he found himself oddly charmed by the thought of her recreationally reading about an animal she liked. It was… cute.
Jinx gave him a strange look, like she wasn’t sure if he was teasing her or not. Eventually, she replied with another casual shrug,“I like sharks.”
“Do you have a favorite?” Ekko inquired softly, his hand finding her hair once again.
Jinx hummed, leaning into the touch, “All of them?” She offered somewhat sheepishly, as though she thought he’d find it a lackluster response.
Quite the opposite , he thought to himself. Ekko was growing more intrigued by the second, as he usually was when it came to her.
He nodded absently, smiling over at her, “What do you like about them, then?”
Jinx hesitated ever so slightly, turning her head ever so slightly to properly face him, “What do you like about owls?”
He brushed a blue strand of hair from her face, letting his hand settle there, thumb grazing her cheek, “I asked first.”
Her eyes flickered away, murmuring, “I have the books in my lab,” Her eyes flickered back to him, cautiously, “Do you wanna see?”
“I’d love to,” He grinned, sitting up and offering a hand out to her, feeling almost giddy at the idea of learning more about something she liked.
She matched his smile, taking his hand in her own and rushing out of the treehouse where they’d been holed up and down to her lair.
Technically speaking, there were two entrances to Jinx's makeshift lab/room/lair. One accessible from inside the Firelights base and one accessible from the sewers themselves that hid the base's location amongst its many corridors and twists.
The section of sewers that made up Jinx’s lair was unfinished, construction abandoned at some point and leaving somewhat of a chasm in its wake that had immediately gained Jinx’s intrigue, reminding her of the chasm her old lair was built upon.
Ekko hadn’t been thrilled at the concept, if he was being honest, having seen firsthand how easily she may end up going over the edge, but Jinx insisted on rebuilding her lab atop it and after pushing for extra security measures - such as the guardrails running along the edge of every propeller - Ekko saw no reason to deny her.
As Jinx dragged him inside, her excitement building as she rummaged around for her books, Ekko had to admit he found the space quite comforting. These days, he spent more time there than he did in his own lab. Everything from her chaotic decor, the gadgets and projects strewn about, to the mess of blankets, pillows, and plushies that covered the bed she never bothered to make brought a feeling of warmth to him. It was her safe haven and his second home.
Ekko broke out of his musings as Jinx plopped a stack of books onto her disorganized desk, bouncing on the heels of her feet as she ushered him over.
He wrapped an arm around her waist absentmindedly as he peered down at the collection of books over her shoulder, watching with interest as she flicked through pages and chapters. Each page was decorated with doodles and annotations in every color imaginable along with colorful scraps of paper tucked in between the pages to mark her favorite sections to come back to.
Jinx hummed approvingly once she found the page she was looking for, triumphant as she held up the book to show him the photograph printed on the page and pulled free the folded paper that had been tucked inside. It was a diagram of sorts - the rough draft of a design for a shark themed weapon.
“I used this to make Fishbones! See?” Jinx grinned, hopping up on to the edge of the desk to sit as she brandished the blueprints, comparing it to the photograph that had inspired her favorite weapon.
Ekko barely had a chance to respond as Jinx tugged him closer, launching into an excited, rambled explanation of Fishbones’ creation. Ekko soon found himself in a whirlwind of flipping pages and shark facts occasionally broken up by a delighted noise when she found a section she particularly enjoyed.
Ekko was enthralled by every word, his spirits soaring at the happiness radiating off her. And beneath his attentive enthusiasm and encouragement, a plan begins to form. A wild idea, perhaps. One that Ekko had no idea how to accomplish. Yet.
Ekko was taking her to see a real life shark. Even if it’s the last damn thing he’ll ever do.
***
As it so happened, Piltover did have an aquarium with a supposedly impressive shark exhibit. There was just one problem. Well, two problems.
First, it was in Piltover . And second, his girlfriend was supposed to be dead. A casual stroll into the heart of the city that still shivered at the sight of her old wanted posters wouldn’t do. Not unless he wanted Jinx thrown into Stillwater, or worse .
Ekko could have just given up there. It wasn’t possible. Too risky. But he’d never been the type to let go of an idea that easily and he wouldn’t start now. If he couldn’t take Jinx to the aquarium during operating hours, he’d just take her after .
A bit of sneaking around, breaking and entering in the dead of night, and evading any security who’d have both their heads if caught. Honestly, it sounded like exactly the type of thing his girl would enjoy. Add a tank full of sharks and it was practically her paradise.
And, if Ekko was being entirely honest with himself, he quite enjoyed the idea of causing a little commotion topside.
Ekko made his way down the treehouse with a spring in his step as the plan came together in his mind. Absent-mindedly, he followed the now familiar path to Jinx’s lair only to be stopped by a voice calling out to him, a flash of red appearing in his periphery.
“Little Man!” Vi punched his shoulder as she came up beside him, Jinx sliding over to his other side, “Where’ve you been hiding?”
Ekko shrugged, an easy smile on his lips. “Sorry, new project. I guess I got a little distracted.”
“Something I should know about?” Jinx cut in, eyeing him suspiciously.
“Hey, get your own inventions.”
“Why? I can just take yours,” Jinx replied brightly, bumping her shoulder against his. Vi snickered beside him.
“Are you sure about that?” He challenged, glad to be steering the conversation away from what he’d been working on. He didn’t want to spoil the surprise.
Vi scoffed, intervening, “Like you’d say no to her.”
“He says no to me all the time,” Jinx pouted.
“Only when you’re trying to destroy something,” Ekko protested, then smirked. “So, yeah. All the time.”
Jinx groaned dramatically, turning to her sister for support, “He never lets me have any fun.”
“A bold faced lie ,” Ekko scolded lightly, putting an arm around her shoulders and pulling her into his side.
“I’m gonna put explosives under your bed,” she grumbled.
“Well, now you’ve ruined the surprise,” Ekko hummed, amused and unperturbed by her threats, “I'll see it coming now.”
Jinx’s retort was cut off by Vi’s groan, “I love you both, but please stop whatever this is.”
“What?” Jinx said innocently, “We’re arguing.”
“Flirting,” Ekko corrected, lifting his hand to poke her cheek and relishing in the blush that flooded her cheeks in response.
“Gross,” Jinx complained as Vi gagged in the background, “I don’t like you.”
“Right,” Ekko agreed, nodding seriously, “You love me.”
Jinx made a choked sound, hiding her face in his shoulder as she often did when he flustered her.
Vi made a noise of disgust. “Stop it! You’re like twelve!”
Ekko raised an eyebrow, “ Twenty one. ”
Jinx peered out from her hiding spot, huffing, “Twenty.”
“A very short twenty year old,” Ekko teased.
“ Excuse me?! ”
“I miss when you guys didn’t know you liked each other,” Vi deadpanned, but there was an unmistakable softness to her eyes as she watched them, Jinx still tucked into his side.
“And I miss when you didn’t date Pilties,” Jinx muttered.
“ What ?”
“Nothing!”
Vi eyed her sister suspiciously. Jinx stuck her tongue out.
Ekko coughed, “So what brings you two outside the lab?”
Vi’s visits were a common occurrence. Despite living in Piltover, she still swung by most days of the week to spend time with her sister - time that was largely spent holed up in Jinx’s lair where the pair could chat and goof around without interruption.
Jinx separated from him, flopping against her sister instead like a cat searching for pets and nearly knocking Vi over, “Vi wants to go back to her ugly mansion.”
Vi rolled her eyes, arm wrapping around her sister in a gentle side hug regardless, “I don’t want Caitlyn to worry.”
“She’ll get over it.”
“I’ll come by tomorrow,” Vi laughed, looking fondly at her sister before turning her attention to Ekko, “I just wanted to say goodbye before I headed back.”
Ekko smiled, a warm feeling in his chest as she pulled him into a hug, her tone playful as she added, “And I better see you tomorrow. No more hiding in your lab, Little Man.”
“I look forward to it,” Ekko said lightly, leaning into the embrace a moment longer. There’d been a long time where he thought he’d never hug her again - he didn’t intend to take it for granted now that he could.
The trio said their final goodbyes and Vi slipped into the sewers to return home. Ekko turned, gently catching Jinx’s wrist as she began to wander away.
“Hey.”
Jinx raised an eyebrow, turning fully towards him, “Hey yourself.”
Ekko suddenly felt very nervous, fumbling over his words a bit, “Are you- uh, are you working on anything? Tomorrow?”
“Dunno,” Jinx watched him curiously, shrugging off the question, “That’s tomorrow. I’m still on today.”
He chuckled, “I’m choosing to interpret that as a no.”
Jinx tilted her head. “Hmm, it could be,” she smirked teasingly, “Why are you asking?”
“I want to show you something.”
“Show me what ?”
“I guess you’ll find out tomorrow,” Ekko’s thumb grazed her wrist softly, almost reflexively, “It’s a surprise.”
Jinx’s eyes sparkled with interest, “Why not show me now?”
He rolled his eyes affectionately. “Just be ready tomorrow night. Around midnight.” Her hand twitched in his grasp and he slid his hand down, intertwining their fingers. “I’m gonna take you somewhere.”
“Midnight?” She echoed, “ And leaving the hideout? You cooking something scandalous, mister?”
“Define scandalous.”
“Murder?,” Jinx offered, “Terrorism? Or like…extreme nudity.”
“No, no, and what? ”
“Wouldn’t you like to know, pretty boy?”
Ekko swallowed, heat crawling up his neck and red flooding his cheeks at the nickname. Jinx didn’t let up, her free hand gliding up his arm and toying with the edges of his scarf.
“So tomorrow?” She asked softly, her face a mask of faux innocence.
He nodded, distracted by the fingers at his neck and realizing far too late that this was undoubtedly revenge for his teasing throughout the day. Jinx was never one to be outdone.
“Midnight?” She continued, her hand slipping out of his to join her other as they looped around the back of his neck, bringing her closer.
He hummed confirmation, his hands finding her waist and making her twitch ever so slightly, biting her lip to keep from smiling.
“Doing what again?” She ventured. He bit back a laugh at the sheer audacity of the attempted trick. Two could play that game.
Ekko brought their foreheads together, her breath hitching almost imperceptibly. One of his hands curled up against her waist, finding the ends of her long blue hair and twirling a strand around his finger.
He pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose, surprising her. He spoke then, his voice soft with affection.
“None of your damn business, that’s what.”
She laughed, her face falling into his shoulder as she relaxed into him, “Worth a shot.”
He ran his fingers through her hair for a moment, admiring the cascading waves as they slipped through his fingers like water.
“So you'll come?” He asked eventually, unsure why he felt the need for reassurance but asking for it regardless.
Jinx nodded, nestling further into him like a hug, “Duh.”
He held her tighter, relief and excitement lighting him up from the inside, “You’re gonna love it.”
Jinx hummed thoughtfully, turning her head to meet his eyes, hesitant as she spoke, “Is this…like, a date?”
Ekko let out a long breath, a light laugh escaping him as he realized yeah, it kinda was. “I guess so…yeah. Yeah, it is.”
Technically speaking, they’d never really been on one of those. When Ekko wasn’t busy with the Firelights and Jinx wasn’t hanging out with her sister, they were together. Almost inseparable, really.
They worked on their projects together most days, trading lighthearted insults and laughs. He drew her and filled his sketchbooks with her likeness. She pulled him to his feet for impromptu dance breaks.
But they rarely left the hideout, unwilling to risk Jinx being seen by the wrong person. Thus, they hadn’t done much one would consider a ‘date’, at least not like the ones Ekko had heard of from his friends.
Those, he surmised, were a big deal. Getting dressed up and going places and other romantic activities Ekko had no idea about. He’d never cared to participate in one that didn’t involve her.
If it was up to Ekko, he’d consider every moment spent together just as special as a ‘proper’ date, but if breaking into an aquarium to show his girlfriend the shark exhibit was considered the peak of romance, then that’s what he’d do.
Jinx considered his words awhile, her mouth quirking ever so slightly as she replied, “Weird.”
“A good weird?” He asked lightheartedly.
She responded by closing the small distance between them, their lips meeting in a soft, lingering kiss. He smiled against her mouth and she responded by pressing further into him, an offer for more he eagerly accepted.
They broke apart slowly, lips ghosting each other and exchanging featherlight kisses as they separated.
“You know…” Ekko began, a devious smile breaking over his features as a thought occurred to him - an opportunity to tease that he couldn’t stop himself from accepting, “You never denied it earlier.”
Jinx tilted her head, immediately suspicious,“Denied what ?”
Ekko smiled smugly and cupped her face in his hands, thumb grazing her cheek.
“That you loved me.”
She snorted, “You’re ridiculous .”
“You love that too.”
“Maybe~” Jinx hummed evasively, wagging a finger at him as she pulled back, “You’ll find out tomorrow.”
“ Really ?” He laughed incredulously, “So it’s like that, is it?
She locked eyes with him as she reached the entrance to her lab, a grin splitting her features as she stubbornly called out, “ Tomorrow !”
Ekko chuckled to himself as she disappeared into the lair. Part of him worried he’d set the expectations too high for his surprise tomorrow, but he reminded himself that anything involving crime and animals with razor sharp teeth were pretty much guaranteed to win her over.
He retreated back to his room, toying with the jamming device he was working on and flipping through some of the books she’d lent him. Just to be prepared for any and all shark related questions that may be launched at him.
He flipped a page, smiling at the doodles scrawled across the page and the sprawling, almost unreadable letters that made up her annotations. Every note and scribble felt like a look inside her beautifully chaotic mind - he’d never tire of trying to decipher every bit of it.
Absent-mindedly, he ripped a piece of scrap paper from one of the many blueprints and diagrams littering his desk and stuck one in between the folds of the book.
A reminder to ask her about it tomorrow.
***
“We’re going to Piltover ?!”
Jinx’s incredulous voice rang in his ear as they glided through the night sky, whizzing past the city of Zaun and into their sister city.
He landed soon after and they dismounted the hoverboard in a hidden alley. Ekko would much rather brave the streets at night than call attention to the pair with the admittedly unsubtle design of his board.
“Not planning to turn me in, are ya?” Jinx joked as he led them down a side street.
“I’m hoping to keep this evening enforcer free,” Ekko scanned the streets, his nerves on high alert despite the late hour. “Think you can manage that?”
“Pity. I was hoping to shoot at least one.”
“Trust me,” Ekko turned back to look at her with a grin, “This'll be much more fun.”
They fell into step together, his hands laced with hers as he led them to their destination. Ekko took the opportunity to admire her once more. He was pleased to note that she’d worn her usual jacket - a slightly oversized, doodle filled purple jacket he’d gifted her to match his own, its hood decorated to appear like the jaws of a shark.
The hood was down at the moment, revealing the frankly adorable hairstyle she’d donned for the night. Two buns pinned to the top of her head while the rest of her hair fell loose over the black leather halter top she was wearing - laced up in the front because apparently she was seeking to give him a heart attack. And he hadn’t even started on the offending pair of matching pants—
“Well?” Jinx's voice snapped him out of his thoughts and he narrowly avoided bashing into a streetlight. “Where to?”
He stumbled over his words for a moment, scratching his neck and pointing down the street with his free hand. “Uh, this way!”
Ekko pulled her down another alley, purposefully avoiding the Main Street so Jinx wouldn’t see any signs that gave away where he was taking her. He found the back door and slid a hand in his pocket to activate the jammer he’d built in preparation.
Jinx was watching him with a raised eyebrow that shot even further up when he knelt down to pick the lock - if his jammer worked, the security systems inside should be disabled. He hoped so, anyway.
“Oh, we’re breaking in?” Jinx knelt down next to him, looking pleased, “You should lead with that next time.”
“Noted.”
The lock clicked and he pushed the door open. He paused, waiting for the telltale sounds of alarms or guards before tugging Jinx inside behind him.
Ekko’s knowledge of the building's layout was shoddy at best, but he did have the sense to figure out where to go before pulling a stunt like this. If memory serves, the storage room they had entered wasn’t far from the exhibit he was looking for.
“Ah, a storage room,” Jinx motioned around them, fixing him with a deadpan look. “Boy, you’ve really outdone yourself.”
Ekko snorted. “Shut up and follow me.”
She snickered behind him but followed as he slid out of the room and guided her down a set of hallways. He worried briefly she might catch on before he had the chance to surprise her, but she didn’t question their surroundings - though Ekko was sure she probably had no issue seeing despite the dim lighting.
They reached their destination soon enough and without issue. Ekko turned abruptly to block her view of the sign announcing their entrance into the shark exhibit. “Cover your eyes.”
Jinx narrowed her eyes. “Where are we?”
“Cover your eyes and you’ll find out.”
“I can't see with my eyes covered.”
“Yeah. That’s kinda the point, genius.”
Jinx stuck out her tongue, slapping a hand over her eyes, “If I trip, you’re going down with me.”
“I’d expect nothing less.”
He led them down the tunnel, excitement and anxiety bubbling in his chest as the walls changed to floor to ceiling tanks casting a blue glow over the tunnel. This was the moment he’d planned for. He just hoped she liked it.
Ekko let go of her and her free hand immediately came up to make an exasperated motion before slapping back against her side.
He laughed, “Okay, okay. You can look.”
Ekko watched closely as the hand fell, confusion etched in her expression as she found her bearings. Pink eyes widened in surprise at the tanks surrounding them and her jaw fell open as a Great White swam leisurely past.
Jinx pointed, blinking repeatedly like she thought she might be dreaming. “That’s a shark.”
Ekko nodded, “Many sharks, actually.” He tilted her head to the side, watching in satisfaction as she spun slowly and took it all in.
She gasped suddenly, hand gently slapping at his arm to get his attention as she pointed upwards. Ekko followed her gaze and even his eyes widened at what he saw.
The ceiling above them wasn’t a ceiling at all, but rather a part of the tank that made up the walls - creating a tunnel enveloping them from all sides. It was beautiful. And maybe a little terrifying, if Ekko was being honest. It didn’t matter, though, not when Jinx was rushing to move closer, eyes following the sharks as they glided through the water.
“That’s pretty cool,” Ekko admitted softly, moving up beside her, “I mean, maybe not owl cool-”
She grabbed his face without warning, cutting him off with a firm kiss that nearly sent him stumbling into the glass. He huffed out a laugh against her lips and pressed closer, hands cradling her face reverently as Jinx leaned even further into him.
A disbelieving laugh bubbled out of her throat as they separated. Jinx shook her head almost incredulously, “You broke into an aquarium. An aquarium !”
“ We broke into an aquarium, actually.”
“For sharks !”
“Well, I thought you might wanna see one,” Ekko remarked casually, wrapping an arm around her. “Kinda got the impression you’re a fan.”
Her gaze was fixed on the creatures, tracking them as they drifted by and swam overhead almost like she was mesmerized.
Her voice was surprisingly quiet when she spoke again, tone filled with a vulnerability Ekko wasn’t expecting.
“I think this is the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me.”
He kissed her forehead, “Get used to it. I like making you smile.”
And she did, a wide grin spreading across her face at his words. Jinx kissed him once more and then tugged him along as she marched down the tunnel, transfixed on the floating creatures around them.
Ekko pointed out a hammerhead and delighted in the fact-filled ramble that followed. He made a few observations of his own, both out of genuine interest and so she’d know he was paying attention.
“Whaddya think came first?” Jinx asked after a while, her face a mask of faux innocence. “The hammer or the shark?”
“Do I even want to know where you’re going with this?”
“Does the shark look like a hammer or does the hammer look like a shark?” Jinx inquired, her lips twitching as she tried to remain serious.
Ekko mulled it over. “Maybe the shark invented the hammer.”
“ Genius! ”
“They really should add that to the description,” Ekko continued with a gesture to the plaques of information about the different species lined along the tunnel.
Jinx shook her head, choking on a laugh. “Nah, it’d interfere with their pro-dolphin propaganda.”
“I didn’t realize we were anti dolphin.”
“They’re up to something!”
“Dolphins are overrated anyways,” Ekko agreed sagely.
“Finally, someone gets it!”
She bounced on her heels, clearly delighted by his response and swinging their intertwined hands between them as they walked further down the tunnel.
He happily allowed her to drag him along and listen to her rambles, checking his pocket watch discreetly. There was one other thing he wanted to do. Another surprise that would require him to separate from her for just a few moments. Ekko wasn’t particularly thrilled about that part, but they’d faced no issues yet and he wouldn’t allow himself to catastrophize about the worst possible scenarios. This was a date after all.
Still, his nerves got the best of him as he turned to her. “I’m uh-, will you be alright for a few minutes?” he asked, cursing himself for the slight stutter. “Just wanna make sure there’s no guards around.”
Jinx eyed him skeptically. “Feeling paranoid, are ya? That’s usually my gig.”
He chuckled, “I’ll just be gone for a second.”
“Okie dokie,” Jinx hummed, sending him a playful wink. “Don’t worry. If anyone comes by, I’ll just shoot ‘em!”
“You didn’t actually bring your gun, did you?”
“Don’t ask questions you don’t want the answer to.”
He stared at her and she grinned, pulling back her jacket and revealing the pistol settled against her hip along with various gadgets lining her belts and inside of her jacket.
“You were secretly hoping to blow something up today, weren't you?”
She gave him a lopsided smirk. “Secretly?”
He huffed out a laugh at that, “Right. Just don’t destroy anything while I’m gone, yeah?”
“Not much to destroy unless I wanna drown,” Jinx replied breezily as he backed away. Her face softened the slightest bit as she watched him go. “Don’t take too long.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
***
Ekko wandered the darkened halls of the aquarium, keeping his eyes peeled for movement or the telltale flicker of a flashlight.
Checking for guards had been a lie, but it didn’t mean it wasn’t a concern. The last thing he wanted was to get arrested for breaking into an aquarium and leave Jinx to deal with enforcers alone.
He turned another corner and grinned at the sign reading gift shop that hung above the open doors, revealing a treasure trove of stacked shelves and goodies inside.
It felt almost comically easy to him. Surely, businesses in Piltover weren't so unconcerned with crime that they just left the doors to their shops open? Or perhaps just a careless employee who wanted to get home quickly? Ekko supposes it doesn’t really matter as he gingerly steps inside. Whatever the reason for it, he couldn’t complain about the easy access.
He kept his eyes peeled for alarms as he browsed the shelves and counters of sea themed toys, books, candies, and other miscellaneous knick knacks. He passed most of them disinterestedly and beelined to the baskets overflowing with stuffed animals of various sea creatures.
There were sharks in varying sizes and colors. None as large as the one currently residing on Jinx’s bed back home, but it was an admittedly impressive array of options. Ekko felt a little silly as he sifted through the baskets, but it was worth it if the gift made her happy.
He scooped up a cute, blue colored shark plush. The material was soft and the stuffing inside made it comfortably squishy. It was decently sized - one of the larger options - but still easily fit into his pocket. Ekko made to leave the shop, but paused at the front counter.
Slowly, he scooped a handful of chocolate candies from a bowl and secured them in another pocket. Jinx liked sweets. So did he, honestly, but it was rare to get high quality sweets in the undercity. Most of the good candies stayed topside to be displayed in their shops. He remembers their days as children, sneaking in with the older kids to admire the sweet smelling treats before inevitably being chased out by grouchy store owners for loitering. Good times .
Ekko checked his watch again as he made his way back to the tunnel. He hadn’t been long, but he didn’t want to worry Jinx. Luckily, he found her right where he’d left her - transfixed by the sharks floating above her and humming to herself.
She smiled when she saw him, “See anything?”
“Nope,” he took her hand, giving it a light squeeze, “We should be good to stay a little longer.”
Jinx liked that answer, leaning into him. It lasted only a moment, to his dismay, as she perked back up and eyed him curiously, “Do you smell chocolate?”
Ekko fought to keep his expression neutral. He should’ve seen it coming, Jinx was like a damn bloodhound when it came to sniffing out sweets. It was kind of impressive how quickly he’d been caught.
He could just give up the candy now, but she might question where he got it and that would ruin the surprise sitting in his other pocket, so he simply smirked, “Oh, sharks smell like chocolate. You didn’t know that?”
That made her laugh, her head falling back onto his shoulder. “ I’m supposed to be the one with the shark facts. Trying to upstage me, buster?”
His arm found her waist, fingers tracing the tattoos along her side, “Maybe I’m trying to impress you.”
“You’re doing alright so far.”
“ Alright ? That’s all I get?” Ekko shook his head in faux disbelief, “I’ve committed crimes to get here.”
“What, breaking and entering?” Jinx deadpanned, “That barely counts, amateur .”
“Remember that for when I get arrested.”
Jinx scoffed, “As if Kiramman would let that happen.”
“I don't think Caitlyn is a get out of jail free card,” Ekko mused, watching the water bubble and shift as sharks eased through it.
“She will be if she wants to keep screwing my sister.”
Ekko wrinkled his nose, “That’s gross, Jinx.”
“I’m not wrong. ”
“That doesn’t make it even slightly better,” Ekko groaned, trying to scrub the words from his mind, “That’s the last thing I want to be thinking about, actually. I mean, Vi’s basically my sister.”
“Nuh uh,” Jinx denied, looking at him challengingly, “Vi is my sister. She can’t be yours too. I had her first.”
“I said basically !”
“Don’t care. Not sharing!” She put a hand between them, turning up her nose at him like she was offended he’d try to steal her sibling. Never mind the fact he had done no such thing.
“Fine,” a smile slid onto his face and he intertwined their hands again, pressing his lips to the tips of her fingers, “Sister in law, then?”
Red creeped up her neck, but she refused to look at him still. Jinx attempted to play it off, her voice wavering ever so slightly as she spoke, “Yeah? And just how do you intend to do that ?”
Ekko realized then that she expected him to back off. To stutter and try to play it off. But he wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of flustering him, not when he had her right where he wanted her.
He pressed his lips just under her jaw, making her shiver, and tilted her head up to meet his eyes.
“By marrying you, silly.”
Predictably, that response earns him an elbow to the ribs. It doesn’t hurt, which makes him laugh. Which makes her glare at him, the rosy red tint to her cheeks only deepening.
“ Cheeky motherfucker ,” Jinx growls under her breath, her fingers curling into his shirt despite her ire and pulling him closer for a proper kiss.
He smiled as they pulled back, an idea coming to him. “Hey, ‘cmere.”
Jinx barely had time to look confused before he lifted her up effortlessly and she let out a shriek, her legs scrambling around his waist to hold herself up. She glared at him and Ekko found himself momentarily distracted from his plan by their proximity. How easy it would be to kiss her in this position.
So he did.
His lips wandered from her lips to her cheek, sliding down to her jaw and peppering kisses everywhere he could reach. She tried to laugh, but it came out more of a gasp. “Yknow, you can do this without grabbing me, right?”
“Not why I did it,” he hummed against her neck, “You distracted me.”
“I didn’t do anything!”
Ekko laughed, shifting her higher in his grasp, “Look up.”
Pink eyes widened in realization as she did so, finding herself closer to the ceiling where sharks swam overhead and giving her a better view. Ekko carefully took one of the hands holding onto his neck and lifted it up until she got the message and reached out, stretching her fingers cautiously towards the ceiling and coming in contact with the glass above.
An awed smile spread across her face, blue light gleaming across her features. Ekko watched with satisfaction as a shark regarded them briefly as it swam by, making his girlfriend's eyes widen even more. He tightened his grip as she shimmied in his grasp to push herself higher, her hair tickling his nose.
“Having fun up there?”
She nodded emphatically and traced her fingers along the glass with a featherlight touch, “We should name them.”
“Name them what?” He questioned, “Fishbones?”
Jinx rolled her eyes, “They can’t all be named Fishbones. That’d be confusing .”
“Since when have you done things logically?”
“I’ll kick you.”
“Yeah? I’ll drop you.”
“I have a gun.”
“I won’t drop you.”
Jinx laughed and ducked her head down for just a moment to kiss him on the cheek, her hair falling over her shoulder like a curtain. He mourned his inability to run his fingers through it while holding her up.
“I’m naming that one Ekko,” she said suddenly, drawing his attention to the shark above that she trailed with a finger on the glass.
“… Why ?”
Jinx grinned, “Cause he looks stupid.”
“I’m circling back to the whole ‘dropping you ’ thing.”
She looked down, eyes narrowing at him, “You wouldn’t. ”
Ekko loosened his grip on her unexpectedly, making her drop ever so slightly before catching her again. She let out a loud yelp, hands clinging to his shoulder for balance as she cursed at him.
“I caught you, didn’t I?” Ekko replied smugly, shifting his hold to support her with one arm as he finally reached his hand into her hair, brushing it from her eyes.
“What’s next, gonna throw me over your shoulder?”
Ekko smirked, “There’s an idea.”
Immediately, her hands and legs tightened around him like she was trying to ensure he couldn’t try it, her face morphing into a pout as he laughed.
“Put me down so I can shoot you,” Jinx whined, wriggling in his grasp.
“This would be a lot more intimidating if we both didn’t know you could easily get down if you wanted to,” Ekko chided softly and her writhing slowed, looking as though she was about to protest. He pressed a chaste kiss to her lips, stopping her in her tracks.
“Are you trying to distract me?” Jinx murmured, their noses brushing as she leaned in. “Cus it’s not working.”
“You sure?”
“Uh huh.”
Ekko didn’t buy that - mostly because she kissed him right after saying it - but he certainly wasn’t complaining. Jinx took full advantage of the slight height difference in their position, pressing further and leaving him breathless.
His hand cupped her cheek and she covered it with her own, lips slotting together like puzzle pieces and laughing in between messy, hurried kisses.
Getting lost in her was easy to do. The easiest thing he’s ever done, really. So easy he didn’t hear the footsteps approaching down the tunnel until a voice called out:
“ Who’s down there?”
It was almost comical how fast Jinx separated from him, grabbing his arm and dragging him to the exit at the opposite end of the tunnel. “Time to go!”
They burst through the door, running down the hallway laughing like maniacs. Ekko would probably be a lot more worried if not for the fact she seemed to be having such a good time even now.
He caught a flash of light in his periphery and pulled her with him down a hallway, bracing themselves against the wall. Her shoulders were shaking with silent laughter the entire time, her face buried in his shoulder as they hid in shadow.
The flashlight moved back and forth along the corridor, seemingly searching for movement. Then it slowly disappeared, fading like the footsteps of the guard as they moved to inspect another hallway.
Ekko raced down the hallway, Jinx's hand gripped in his own as she followed behind. They burst out another door, welcomed by the cool night breeze and the empty streets of Piltover.
They ducked through alleys and side streets, trying to get a safe distance from the aquarium. It wasn’t until Ekko could no longer see the building that he slowed his pace, turning to face Jinx as he caught his breath.
She was slowly overcoming a giggle fit, looking at him with bright eyes lit up with joy, “You should’ve seen your face!”
“Hey, a little gratitude here!” He protested with no real heat behind his words, “I just saved us from getting arrested.”
Just then, a distant alarm began to blare, echoing from the direction of the aquarium. Jinx smiled mischievously, toying with the front of his jacket.
“Wonder what that’s about,” Ekko commented mildly.
“Someone’s in trouble~”
“An alarm feels a little dramatic,” Ekko continued, “it’s the middle of the night!”
She tugged him closer by his collar, “If you get arrested, I’m not saving you.”
“Hey, if I’m getting arrested, so are you.”
“Nuh uh.”
“The enforcers will catch you.”
“I don’t need to outrun the enforcers,” she booped him on the nose, “Just you.”
He booped her right back, “Cute, still gonna tell your sister you betrayed me.”
“Ugh, you’re such a tattle tale.”
“ You started it!”
Jinx blew a raspberry at him, “The last thing I need is my sister and her dumb posh girlfriend lecturing me about morality .”
He chortled, “Well, you could always try having morals.”
Jinx ignored him, “I mean, does she seriously expect anyone to take her seriously with that accent?” She adopted a Piltie accent, mimicking Caitlyn, “Oh no, I’m rich and stuffy. Whatever will I do? Also I’m freakishly tall and annoying!”
Ekko blinked, too surprised to even laugh at the impression, “How the fuck did you do that?”
Jinx tilted her head, her voice normal again when she replied, “Do what?”
“The accent!” Ekko replied in disbelief, certain that she must be screwing with him again, “That was freakishly accurate.”
She shrugged, appearing genuinely confused, “What, you can’t do accents?”
“Not as good as you, apparently.”
“I can do a great Silco,” Jinx looked a bit sheepish then, “But uh- you probably don’t want to hear that one.”
“What else can you do?” Ekko asked curiously, waving off her concern. Silco was a hard topic for many reasons and there was no reason to spoil the mood with that conversation. They’d made that mistake before.
Jinx thought about it, swinging her arms at her side. “Oh!” She jumped up and down, gesturing at him excitedly, “I can do Sevika! But only when she's really mad!”
Jinx must have seen his confused expression because she grinned, “Sometimes when she yelled at me, I’d start copying her so she’d get even madder. And she fell for it! Every time!”
Ekko laughed, having seen their dynamic firsthand. He doubted it was an exaggeration by any means, Sevika was grumpy even on a good day. He’d never quite understood the relationship the two had, so filled with biting remarks and a refusal to admit care for the other, but somehow it worked for them so Ekko left it alone. It was probably best for everyone to not question it too much anyway.
Jinx clapped her hands, “Oh! I can do Vi! I just need to hit something first.”
Ekko looked around, finding nothing but buildings and streetlights. Probably not wise to punch those. He shrugged at her.
“Damn! it’s harder to get into character when I can’t hit things.”
He grabbed her hands gently, “How about you just be Jinx?”
She smiled. “Good idea, I’m really good at that one!”
“I’d hope so,” he released one of her hands and carefully tugged free the buns tied into her hair that had become a tad loose and wonky from all the running around. They unraveled slowly, long blue strands falling in soft waves around her head and slightly obscuring her face. He brushed the hair back and cupped her face with both hands. “You’re my favorite of all of them, anyways.”
Her gaze dropped, but her hands slowly came to mirror his, grazing his cheeks and holding them there as her eyes slowly met him again and he knew before she even said the words. Had known from the first time she’d ever looked at him that way.
“I love you.”
He knows it’s not easy for her. The vulnerability of it all. The feeling of judgement he knew she still felt despite knowing he’d never reject her affections. She had told him as much long ago, fearing he would feel hurt by it. But he’d meant what he’d said the first time. He’d know. No matter what she said or didn’t say.
But damn , it still felt good to hear it. And she knew that too.
He smiled, his thumb grazing her cheek, “I love you too.”
She leaned in and he moved to meet her, glad to be able to pick up where they’d left off before nearly being caught in the aquarium. Their lips brushed.
Footsteps. Pounding the pavement. Two voices.
They groaned in unison.
Leave it to enforcers to ruin the moment.
Jinx ducked behind a building, ushering him to follow. He only made it a few steps before the footsteps rounded the corner, “ Hey! ”
Jinx’s eyes widened, hand reaching for her gun, but he discreetly shook his head. He could handle this. As the enforcer team walked down the street, he gestured for her to go ahead by herself, but she shook her head emphatically and pointed at him.
The message was clear. Not without you.
Ekko swallowed, turning his attention back to the enforcers and trying to keep his cool, already rehearsing an explanation as to what he was doing and how he simply had no idea about any aquarium break in.
It turned out to be unnecessary as the pair stepped into the light and Ekko found himself staring into two very familiar faces.
“…Ekko?”
He waved awkwardly, “Hey, Vi.”
“Um,” Caitlyn glanced up and down the street, clearly still in sheriff mode, and gave him an awkward smile, “Uh, what exactly are you doing in Piltover so late?”
“It’s not that late.”
Vi raised an eyebrow, “it’s three in the morning.”
“Yeah, shouldn't you be sleeping?” Ekko deflected, “A bit late for a stroll, isn’t it?”
“Well, what are you doing out here then?”
“…I’m taking a stroll.”
He risked a glance off to the side and caught a glimpse of Jinx’s smile before it was covered by her hand as she attempted to hold in her laughter. She shook her head at him and he could practically hear her teasing voice calling him an idiot.
Caitlyn coughed, “ Right . You haven’t seen anything suspicious, have you?”
Ekko shrugged, “Nope. Why?”
“There was a break in at the aquarium,” Vi explained, still eyeing him skeptically, “They called in Cait to check it out.”
“Huh. Is that what that alarm was about?” Ekko asked, playing dumb to the best of his abilities. “Seems like overkill.”
“I don’t disagree,” Caitlyn laughed softly, sighing, “But it’s procedural to do a sweep. Probably some troublemaking teens trying to steal a starfish again.”
“ Again? ”
“Oh, yes,” Caitlyn shook her head, “They had an assignment on marine life and thought it’d be genius to bring in an example.”
Vi laughed, “I still think you should've let them keep it.”
“Absolutely not .”
Ekko coughed, “Anyways, I should get back-”
“What are you doing out here again?” Vi interrupted, looking at him uncertainly, “The hideout is pretty far from here.”
“Oh, just…clearing my head.”
Vi frowned, immediately concerned, “Is everything okay? Is it Jinx?”
Ekko’s eyes widened, “Nope. No, she’s great. Probably vandalizing my floors again. Back at the hideout. Where she is, unlike me. Who is here.”
“Why are you being weird?”
Ekko crossed his arms, “I don’t know what you mean.”
Vi didn’t seem convinced, “Ekko, if there’s something going on-”
“Hey, shouldn't you go investigate that break in?” Ekko interrupted, gesturing casually, “Could be serious.”
Caitlyn’s eyes narrowed. Fuck.
He didn’t dare look over to Jinx’s hiding spot, but he could imagine how delighted she must be at watching him struggle. Oddly enough, that didn’t make him feel better in the slightest. Imagine that.
“You’re sure you didn’t see anything?” Caitlyn asked suspiciously.
“I’m not a snitch.”
Vi gave him a thumbs up.
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow at her girlfriend before returning her attention to him, crossing her arms and looking at him seriously, “Ekko, it’s clear you know something.”
“Prove it.”
Caitlyn sighed, gesturing to Vi for help.
Vi shrugged, “I taught him not to talk to cops. What do you want me to do?”
Caitlyn pinched her nose in exasperation, though she appeared somewhat amused, “Ekko, you’re not in any trouble-”
“Yeah, might make things kinda awkward if you tried to arrest me,” Ekko quipped, remembering his conversation with Jinx earlier and fighting back a laugh.
He could feel Vi scrutinizing him. He didn’t like the idea of lying to her, but admitting to a crime in front of the sheriff wasn’t in his best interest. Especially when said crime was committed with his girlfriend - aka Piltover's Most Wanted.
Caitlyn had turned a blind eye more than once when it came to Jinx, mostly for Vi’s sake. And as much as he appreciated his girlfriend not being thrown into prison, he really shouldn’t push his luck.
Vi put on the ‘big sister’ face. Ekko knew he was done for.
“Alright, spill,” Vi said, crossing her arms and looking every bit like she was scolding a misbehaving child, “What were you doing at the aquarium?”
“I don’t recall admitting to being at the aquarium,” Ekko attempted to deflect once more, though neither of them were buying it anymore.
“Fess up and we can all go home,” Vi lifted her chin challengingly, smirking a bit, “Or maybe I should go find Jinx and share some embarrassing stories?”
“You’re bluffing.”
“Am I?” Vi shot back, putting a hand to her chin, “I seem to recall a certain little man coming to me for advice on the best pick up lines.”
Movement in his periphery. Jinx - sliding down the wall as silent laughter shook her entire body. She sent him a mocking thumbs up.
He flushed, “Alright, alright! We don’t need to hear anymore.”
Caitlyn smiled, “Confess or the embarrassment continues.”
Ekko groaned, shrugging, “I was…looking at fish.”
“And you couldn’t do that when the aquarium was open ?” Vi snorted.
Ekko sighed dramatically, “Well, I’m just a poor boy from the undercity-”
“Try again.”
“I was bored?”
Caitlyn shook her head, “Honestly, all this time with Jinx is turning you into quite the troublemaker, Ekko. The shark tunnel will be open in a few hours if you’d like to come back.”
Vi’s eyes shot to Caitlyn, “Shark tunnel?”
Caitlyn seemed puzzled, “Yes? The guard reported the disturbance came from there. It’s where the intruder fled.”
Ekko gulped as Vi turned back towards him, eyes steely.
“Where is she?”
“…Who?”
The movement behind the building ceased. Jinx freezing in place and mouthing a curse.
“Vi, what-?” Caitlyn began.
“My sister, ” Vi interrupted, pointing an accusatory finger at Ekko, “You expect me to believe you broke into the shark exhibit without her?”
Ekko mulled that over before replying with a firm, “I believe I have the right to remain silent.”
Vi rolled her eyes and turned, calling into the street, “ Jinx! ”
Caitlyn looked around suspiciously, “Vi, are you certain your sister is-?”
“Jinx!” Vi shouted again, “Get your ass out here!-”
Caitlyn tried to reel her in, “I don’t think it’s wise to yell her name in the dead of night.”
“-I swear I’ll tell Ekko that thing you told me not to tell him!”
A moment of silence. Then:
“Hiya, sis.”
Jinx peeked out from behind the wall, wiggling her fingers in a wave, “Scream louder, wont ya? I don’t think all the enforcers heard you yet.”
Caitlyn regarded the new arrival, her good eye whizzing between the three of them. “Jinx.”
“Howdy, cupcake.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Jinx,” Vi scolded, “Don’t call her that.”
“ You call her that.”
“That’s different ,” Vi rolled her eyes good naturedly, falling into a natural back and forth with her sister, “How would you like it if I called Ekko…uh, whatever it is you call him?”
“Please don’t involve me in this.”
Jinx ignored him. Typical. “I called him a motherfucker earlier, does that count?”
“Don’t forget when you compared me to a stupid looking shark,” Ekko added idly.
“Ah, right.”
“How romantic,” Caitlyn said flatly.
Vi cringed, “Forget I asked. What the hell were you doing breaking into the aquarium?”
“To see the sharks, duh. ”
“You couldn’t have - I don’t know - warned us or something? I’m sure we could’ve set something up.”
“I didn’t know about it!”
“What do you mean you-?” Vi paused, gaze turning to Ekko and raising an eyebrow. She seemed to realize where this was going and Ekko flushed again under her scrutiny.
“It was a surprise,” he admitted sheepishly.
Vi’s expression softened considerably, “Okay, that’s kinda sweet.”
“Wait,” Caitlyn put a hand up, gesturing between the two, “Is this like-…are you two on a date ?”
Ekko suddenly found his shoes very interesting. Jinx was in a similar boat, swinging her arms at her sides and conveniently looking anywhere but at her sister and Caitlyn.
“I crashed my sister’s date,” Vi mused, “Is this the part where I interrogate Ekko about his intentions?”
“You did that already,” Ekko complained, cheeks burning.
“And you denied it!”
“Because we weren’t dating!”
“You got together not even a month later.”
Ekko pointed accusingly at Jinx. “She started it!”
“One of us had to,” Jinx glowered at him. “You were being a wuss.”
“That is not what-!”
Caitlyn coughed pointedly, regaining all their attention. “Not that this isn’t fascinating, but could we circle back to the issue at hand?”
“What, the aquarium?” Jinx asked flippantly, inspecting her nails. “You gonna arrest us for looking at fishies, officer?”
“I have to tell the department something ,” Caitlyn huffed.
“We could tell them we didn’t find anything,” Vi offered with a shrug, sending her girlfriend a placating look. “It’s not like they did any damage.”
Caitlyn sighed, nodding. “I…I suppose they don’t need to know anything. It’s not like you two stole anything, after all.”
“Right. No stolen goods here,” Ekko said quickly, the stolen shark plushie suddenly feeling like a pile of bricks in his coat pocket.
“I don’t think a shark would fit in my pocket,” Jinx sighed. “Not comfortably , anyway.”
Ekko clapped his hands together, “Great! Now that’s all settled, we should be getting back-”
“Hold it.”
Ekko groaned internally, meeting VI’s suspicious gaze once more.
“I see right through you, Little Man,” Vi warned, eyes narrowed at him. “What’d you do?”
Jinx regarded him curiously, a mischievous smile forming. “Yeah, what’d ya do?”
“I was with you the whole time,” Ekko defended.
Jinx stroked her chin, “You left for a few minutes. Honestly, I’m offended I wasn’t included in the heist.”
“There’s no heist -”
Vi was grinning now, taking full advantage of the opportunity to tease him. “I say we search his pockets.”
“I wouldn’t recommend that,” he pointed to Jinx, “She bites.”
Jinx bared her teeth in a grin, her hand shooting up into the air. “I’ll do it!”
“ Traitor .”
Vi nodded, her expression serious even as her eyes glittered with humor. “I’ll allow it.”
“You’re not even an officer!”
“Nope! I just tagged along with Cait,” Vi agreed with a grin, putting a hand on Caitlyn’s shoulder. “But as her partner, I think I have some authority.”
“You don’t,” Caitlyn replied flatly and Ekko thought he was saved for all of five seconds before Caitlyn smiled mischievously and gestured to him, “But I’ll authorize Jinx searching you.”
“Since when are you two on the same side?” Ekko protested, leaning away from his girlfriend.
Caitlyn shrugged, “You’ve piqued my curiosity.”
Ekko rolled his eyes, digging a hand into his pockets and pulling out the handful of chocolates he’d grabbed earlier. It was a decent enough deflection from the real item he’d taken, which he’d much rather give to Jinx in private and not in front of her sister.
“Ooh, chocolate!” Jinx squealed, grabbing one from his hand and ripping open the wrapper. Ekko tried not to look too relieved.
“Well, that was anticlimactic,” Caitlyn hummed. “I’ve never seen someone so keen on protecting a handful of chocolates.”
Vi opened her mouth, almost like she was going to agree. Ekko risked giving her a pleading look, nudging his head in Jinx’s direction ever so slightly. Vi’s smile softened as she seemed to catch on to his implication. She sent him a wink and turned to her girlfriend.
“Chocolate is precious where we come from,” Vi said casually, plucking a piece out of Jinx’s hand. “I learned a long time ago what happens when you try to steal candy from these two.”
As if proving her point, Jinx pounced on her sister, attempting to reclaim her stolen chocolate.
“Vi!” Jinx whined, arms outstretched as Vi held it just out of reach. “Get your own!”
Vi motioned to her sister with her free hand, “See?”
Caitlyn watched the struggle, a hand covering her mouth as if attempting to hold in laughter, “Yes, I think I’m seeing your point.”
Jinx scrambled onto her sister's back and Vi squawked in offense, relinquishing the candy. Jinx slid off of Vi and glared at her as she popped the treat into her mouth.
“You know I have more right?” Ekko chuckled as Jinx returned triumphantly to his side.
“It’s the principle , Ekko!”
“Don’t eat too much,” Vi scolded gently, “You won’t be able to sleep.”
“I’m not tired.” Jinx huffed defiantly, tapping his shoulder and stretching her hand out for more candy.
“You really should get more sleep,” he agreed, much to her dismay. She pouted for a moment, leaning her head onto his shoulder and looking adorably put out.
“One more?” Jinx pleaded.
“Don’t fall for it,” Caitlyn warned.
Vi nodded her head in agreement, “You have to resist , Ekko. It’s a trap.”
“Pleaseee?”
Ekko gave in embarrassingly easily, pressing the treat into her hand. Though he felt no shame as Jinx cheered and threw her arms around him.
Caitlyn and Vi shook their heads disapprovingly.
“You’re hopeless, Little Man.”
He just grinned, popping a piece of chocolate into his mouth and wrapping an arm around his girlfriend.
Caitlyn cleared her throat awkwardly, “We should probably…” Her voice trailed off, gesturing vaguely to Vi and clearly not wanting to ruin the moment.
Vi nodded, “Right, you two should get back before the Pilties see you running around,” Vi pulled the pair into a hug as she always did when saying goodbye. “I’ll swing by later, yeah?”
“If I’m awake later,” Jinx jokes, nuzzling into her sister's arms.
“Thought you weren’t tired,” Vi shot back. Jinx stuck her tongue out in response.
The three broke apart and Vi gently took hold of Jinx’s arm before she could turn away, her expression fond in a way that only Jinx could bring out of her, “I’m glad you had fun. Tell me all about it later, yeah?”
Jinx nodded excitedly at the offer, hugging her sister one more time and promising to spare no detail during their next visit.
The small group parted ways as the first peak of sunrise leaked orange into the sky. Ekko slipped into an alley just in case anyone was milling about and mounted his hoverboard, extending a hand to his girl once he’d balanced himself and pulling her up behind him.
Her arms circled around him, tight and secure as Ekko kicked off into the sky. The excitement of the night seemed to catch up with her as they soared over the sprawling city of Piltover and down into their own, her head rested against his back and the telltale sounds of humming audible to him even over the roaring wind.
The sound soothed him, muscles relaxing as they descended into the hidden sewer entrance and began down the familiar path to home.
Comfortable silence fell over them, hands intertwined as they trudged along. However, as they neared Jinx’s lair he felt her lean further into him, fingers tightening around his.
“Can I stay with you?” she murmured, her gaze fixed on their hands as she swung their arms between them.
His heart thundered in his chest at the request. They’d never done anything like that before. Sure, they often hung out in each other's spaces, but they’d never stayed over . Never slept in the same room. The same bed.
Okay, that wasn’t entirely true. They’d passed out together in the midst of projects plenty of times before, but never something like this. She’d never stayed the night in his room before. Nor had he ever slept in her bed any of the nights he found himself falling asleep there.
This was…new. Not unwelcome by any means, but new.
He pushed aside his nerves and nodded, “Yeah, of course.”
They emerged from the sewers and into the hideout, devoid of any of his fellow firelights so early in the morning. Ekko led them up the treehouse and eased his door open with a slight creak, the early morning casting a light glow over the room and making flicking on the light unnecessary.
He shrugged off his coat and his hand found the nearly forgotten shark hidden deep in his pocket. Feeling a little foolish and maybe even shy, he turned to her.
“I- uh, I grabbed this earlier,” He pulled the plushie from his coat and into her hands. He laughed a bit, “It’s not as big as Vi’s but I thought you might-”
The kiss nearly knocked him over, stumbling a bit into his desk and catching her as she followed, leaning further into him and throwing her arms around his neck.
“You like it?” He murmured against her lips during a short reprieve between kisses, catching his breath.
“It’s perfect,” Jinx grinned, planting a kiss on his cheek followed by another lingering kiss against his lips.
Ekko’s hands found her waist, realizing quite belatedly that she was still dressed in her leather ensemble, having shrugged off her own jacket when she’d arrived at his room. He couldn’t imagine they’d be comfortable to sleep in, especially after a night of running around Piltover in them.
Ekko pulled back gently, clearing his throat to get himself back on track even as she persisted with trailing kisses along his jaw. “You- uh, you’re gonna need some clothes.”
“Hm?” Jinx shifted to look at him properly, her smile uneven and somewhat unfocused, “I have clothes.”
“You can’t sleep in those,” Ekko replied immediately, already considering solutions. “I can grab some from your lab. Or- uh, you could borrow some of mine if-”
Jinx slipped past him, opening a drawer and pulling out a pair of sleep clothes. A black tank top and striped shorts that he recognized instantly. But they weren't his. They were hers.
Jinx smiled sheepishly at his expression, “I plan ahead.”
“Clearly,” he swallowed, his face feeling hot. “How long have you had those there?
Jinx shrugged, “A while? I have some in your lab too.”
“Wha-? My lab ?”
“Yep!”
“Okay,” he said slowly, a laugh bubbling up from his throat. “ Why? ”
Jinx swept past him casually. “I dunno. Why not?”
Ekko caught her wrist gently, pulling her back to him, “Do you really not have a reason or do you just not wanna admit the real answer?”
She smirked, “Maybe I just like to be prepared.” Jinx slid out of his grasp and towards the bathroom. “Never know when you’ll have to pull off a quick change.”
The bathroom door shut with a click and Ekko took the opportunity to change before she returned, tugging on his own sleep clothes and setting her shark gently on the bed by his pillows.
The door opened again a few minutes later while Ekko closed the curtains to block out most of the light. Jinx didn’t seem to mind the late night, but Ekko made a mental note to plan dates for earlier in the day next time. The mere thought of a ‘next time’ made him smile as he returned to the bed and watched her exit the bathroom.
She was humming again. A soft, clear melody that Ekko knew by heart. The same absentminded tune he’d heard her hum countless times before. He wondered - not for the first time - where she had learned it. It didn’t sound like any of the songs she liked to play in her lab. Those were all energetic, chaotic beats. This was slow, haunting even. Almost like a lullaby.
“What’s that song?” Ekko found himself asking, almost regretting it simply for the fact she’d have to stop doing it to answer.
Jinx paused, setting her discarded clothes on the dresser and not quite looking at him. “What?”
“The one you were just humming,” Ekko elaborated warily, getting the feeling he’d done something wrong. “It’s- I like it.”
Jinx hesitated, leaning against the dresser and shrugging her shoulders just barely. “I don’t remember what it’s called.”
Ekko nodded, noting her discomfort. He thought about saying something, maybe apologizing for bringing up what seemed like a heavy topic, but got the impression she wasn’t done yet.
Jinx seemed lost in thought for a moment until she made a slight gesture with her hand, like she was waving a thought away. “Something my mom used to sing, I think. That’s what Vi used to say.”
Shit.
As far as heavy topics went, that was pretty much an anvil. Jinx never really talked about her biological parents, though she’d once told him she didn’t remember much about either of them. They’d died during the massacre on the bridge of Progress, Ekko knew that much. Jinx would’ve been only five then.
“Sorry, I shouldn’t have-”
“It’s fine,” Jinx waved him off, but her mind still seemed elsewhere, hugging herself in a way that seemed almost like an attempt at self soothing. “It’s not like I even remember her teaching me.”
Ekko opened his mouth and immediately closed it again, unsure if there was anything he could even say to that. He’d lost his own parents young, but he had the luxury of a few precious memories. He didn’t know what comfort he could offer to someone who didn’t even have that.
Silence fell over them. Jinx didn’t seem to mind, her gaze still unfocused and looking like she was trying to recapture memories she wasn’t sure she even had.
“Do you…” Ekko hesitated, fingers toying with the comforter as he worked up the courage to ask. “Do you think about them a lot?”
“Who?”
Her voice was quiet, gaze flickering to him with some difficulty. Almost like she’d forgotten he was there.
His response was equally quiet, near audible. “Your parents.”
“Sometimes,” Jinx seemed to move in a trance, sliding on the bed beside him and staring at the floor. “Mostly just…”
She trailed off, shaking her head like she was confused. “I don’t know. I don’t remember it.”
“It?” he echoed softly.
“Vi has it worse, y’know?” Jinx continued on like he hadn’t spoken, lost in thought again. “She remembers what happened. All I remember is that damn song.”
Ekko suddenly felt sick, puzzle pieces falling into place even as he desperately hoped he was wrong. “You don’t mean…?”
“The bridge.”
Ekko inhaled sharply, tilting her head to look at him. She seemed surprised by the gesture, pink eyes scanning his face uncertainly.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Jinx, were you-?” Ekko sighed, taking her hands in his and regretting every word he’d spoken that had led to that look on her face, “Were you there that night?”
Jinx’s eyes widened. “I never told you that?”
Ekko shook his head, tightening his hold on her hands as his thumb caressed the back of her hand.
The Day of Ash wasn’t something one just casually asked about. Almost everyone in Zaun lost someone or at the very least knew someone who had. Ekko had always known the event that took Jinx and Vi’s parents from them, but never had it occurred to him that they’d witnessed it. Ekko felt a cold dread sweep over him at the thought of what she’d seen that night, even if she had no recollection of it.
“We went to find them, I think.” Jinx murmured, shrugging listlessly. “Obviously, we were too late. Then Vander found us and…”
Jinx trailed off, breaking her gaze away from him and shrinking in on herself like she’d said too much. She stood abruptly and moved away from him, burying her face in her hands and shaking her head.
Ekko followed, concern and panic swirling inside his chest as he tried to coax her hands away. “Hey, look at me.”
Pink eyes peeked through her fingers and he gently tugged her hands down. She sighed, closing her eyes.
“I’m sorry.”
“Sorry for what?” He asked softly, puzzled at what she could possibly think she’d done wrong.
“I shouldn’t have…” She huffed, suddenly frustrated with herself and trying to step away again. “I fucked it up.”
Jinx must have seen his confusion because she continued, eyes shifting guiltily. “We were having fun. I messed it up.”
“You didn’t mess up anything ,” Ekko said firmly, taking her face in his hands. “I’m the one who asked, okay? You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“It’s not your fault,” Jinx attempted to protest. Ekko shook his head.
“It’s not yours either,” Ekko pressed his lips to the top of her head. “It’s okay to talk about this stuff, y’know?”
“My timing could be better,” she tried to joke, but Ekko could tell her heart wasn’t in it. “I don’t think dates are supposed to be this depressing.”
He shrugged it off. “Eh, we never do things normally anyway.”
That earned him a genuine smile. Her mouth quirking up adorably and making him smile in turn.
“ There’s my girl.”
Jinx flushed, ducking her head and giving Ekko the perfect opportunity to strike. She let out a sound between a yelp and a laugh as he scooped her up, burying his nose in her hair as he carried her back to the bed.
“What are you doing ?” Jinx laughed into his shoulder, kicking her legs uselessly.
“It’s bedtime.”
“It’s five in the morning,” Jinx peeked up at him from his shoulder, eyes alert and amused. “Might as well just stay up.”
“Then just lay with me.”
He set her down and her smile softened as he slid in beside her, “I can do that.”
Ekko pulled her close, his nerves from earlier melting away like they’d never existed. It felt right, having her there. He couldn’t imagine how he’d ever slept without her curled against his chest like she was now, laughing into her hair as she tucked her new shark plushie under her arm.
The room fell quiet, any ambient sounds dulling until all he could hear was the steady thrum of her heartbeat. It was his favorite sound in the world. Proof she was there with him. That she was safe. That they were together . That it was all real .
Ekko almost thought she’d fallen asleep with how still she was, but her voice broke through the silence in a near whisper. “Can we do this again?”
His fingers trailed up and down her arm, tracing her tattoos. “Which part?”
“All of it?” She offered, lips ghosting his neck as she spoke. “Except I plan the date next time.”
He chuckled, “Got something scandalous planned?”
“Maybe,” Jinx said teasingly, voice softening. “Seems only fair after everything you did for me.”
“You don’t have to-”
“I want to,” She said firmly, “You do so much for me. I want you to be happy too.”
Ekko swallowed thickly, pressing closer to her and burying his face in her hair. He wasn’t one for prayer or belief, but he wanted to thank whatever divine being brought her back to him all those months ago. He’d spent most of his life ensuring his friends could have a future to look forward to. Something better than what he’d grown up with. Something worth living for.
It never mattered much to him if he got to see it. As long as they were okay. Vague ideas of a better future had seemed so far away when the people he loved most were gone. All that had mattered was making sure no one else saw that same fate.
Ekko was realizing now that his impossible future had caught up to him entirely unnoticed. He hadn’t anticipated ever feeling like this. Content and happy and so so peaceful.
It was jarring, realizing the future he’d built for everyone else belonged to him too. That he could have everything he’d ever dreamed but never believed would come true. That he could have a thriving community. A family. And her. His best friend in the entire world. In every universe.
“I am,” he promised thickly, words whispered like they were something precious and only for them. “I’m always happy when I’m with you.”
Jinx lifted her head, looking at him with eyes so soft he felt he might melt. Her hands slid up his face, curling around his cheeks.
“You’re so…” her mouth quirked up into a smile even as she trailed off, tilting her head like she couldn’t think of the word.
“Handsome?” Ekko offered lightheartedly. “Charming? Incredibly kissable?”
“Gentle.”
Her lips pressed featherlight against his, “And sweet ,” she laughed softly, her lips finding his again immediately after. “I’m starting to believe I deserve it.”
Another kiss. He tangled his fingers in her hair to bring her ever closer, “ Good. ”
Hands curled into his locs as she shifted upward, slotting their lips together. He sank eagerly into her embrace, falling into an easy rhythm as time ceased to exist around them.
Jinx broke apart from him reluctantly, panting as she caught her breath. “We’re really bad at this whole ‘sleeping’ thing.”
“You were right all along,” he chased her lips persistently, bringing her impossibly closer. “Sleep is overrated. Let’s not do it.”
“ Tempting ,” Jinx hummed lowly, “I’m starting to think you’re a bad influence.”
He smirked, “No one will ever believe you.”
Jinx rolled her eyes, leaning in for a final, lingering kiss. “Go to sleep.”
“Such a tease. ”
She toyed with the hem of his shirt." We could stay up…”
“I like this plan,” Ekko murmured, immediately leaning in to capture her lips again. She pressed a finger against his lips at the last moment.
“But you have to explain to Vi why I’m asleep in your bed well past noon.”
“Why must you torture me?”
She snorts, plopping back against his chest and adjusting the covers that’d gotten twisted in all their movement. “Why not?”
Jinx gives him no time to reply, curling into his arms and settling her head against his shoulder, shark plushie squished firmly in her arms. Ekko follows suit, throwing an arm around her waist and letting his eyes fall closed, soothed by the steady rise and fall of her breathing.
And as the excitement of the past few hours finally catches up and leads him into unconsciousness, Ekko would swear he hears her humming, soft notes lulling him to sleep and promising many more days like this when he wakes.