[In his brief stint here in Aldrip, Ekko has seen Vi and Caitlyn become rather close, even going so far as to ask them if they had come to terms with their feelings. It wasn't the most joyful conversation all things considered but he was still glad they had been able to find a semblance of happiness here together. They both deserved it after the hardships they endured back home and if truth be told was a little bit jealous himself. For he'd yet to have any form of intimate relationship with another besides friends he's made throughout his years. It would be nice to share his thoughts with someone he held dear to him and more than that, a shoulder to lean on for support instead of walking alone in his perilous journeys as long as he can remember. Though he was used to the heavy burdens he carried with him the boy savior would be hard pressed to say someone to hold in his arms when times got tough wasn't something he thought about on occasion.
He doesn't think much of it when he hears Jinx jump off the couch to begin creeping towards him unknowingly, continuing his handiwork as he remedies the broken wiring with a twist of his pliers. Center of attention fixated on the task until he feels the bump of his confidant's face brush against his back, hands molding over the flesh of his side's roaming up until they reach his shoulders. Ekko instantaneously blinks wide in shock, dropping the pliers on cue as a choked out gasp ushers out from his parted lips.]
J-Jinx..?
[Voice stammered as he freezes in place unsure what to do in this moment as he tenses up a bit instinctively. After a minute or two of silence between them the initial uneasiness seemingly begins to fade giving way to a sense of calmness he'd never known before. A soft sigh escapes his lips as he relaxes, savoring the close contact that made him feel…safe. Which was extremely perplexing given who exactly was embracing him at this moment.]
Y-Yeah...Not much longer now.
[Gazing over his shoulder to give her a pensive look, a hand hesitantly moves to rest on top of one of her own, gently wrapping about it in a protective fashion as he easily gets lost in her eyes. He didn't exactly know what was going on here but that didn't mean he wasn't opposed to it either, after all this had been the girl whom he held dear to his heart ever since a tender age]
You know I’ve…Never been held like this.
[Sure he’s been bestowed a tight hug from Vi in the past but this felt far more...affectionate in nature. A hushed out whisper as he ushered out the final sentiment in an airy tone.]
[ at first, she slightly tenses too when he does, immediately thinking what she's doing right now is extremely foolish, and she should sprint out of sight. but when he doesn't show disgust, her body softens and heat glows over her cheeks when he grants her a reflective expression.
the touch of his hand over hers make her partially jerk, but it's subtle and not aggressive enough to have it pull away completely. the girl wets her lips and to match his hushed whisper, she says: ]
I'm not... holding you, idiot. Just. Watching you work...
[ at least that's what she is trying to convince herself and what she will inform silco (not like he will burst into the treehouse or something) if this would to ever get out. ]
[When Jinx doesn't automatically recoil away after his hand gently grasps her own or punch him square in the jaw as retaliation to the unwarranted touch, Ekko stays motionless in place intimately holding her gaze. That is until she chimes in with her response causing a subtle smirk to grace the tip of his lips, a hushed bit of laughter quickly followed along with a shake of his head. She wasn't fooling anyone but herself with that kind of talk, leaning back into her embrace with a roll of his shoulders nonchalantly getting a bit of his usual confidence back.]
Is that right? Sure feels like it...
[Teasing her a bit as the genuine smile grows boldly over his features, hand clasped over her own tightening a bit naturally as his thumb ran across her porcelain soft flesh idly. This was all new to him and despite the uneasy tension that was between the pair something caused the boy savior not to let go but rather enjoy this affectionate contact he'd been starved of for so long.]
Although...I'm not complaining.
[Quite the opposite in fact as he continues to hold her gaze unwaveringly, looking deep into her eyes with that same expression they had shared upon the bridge when he hesitated to deliver the finishing blow. A flurry of emotions were spiraling within him, some telling him to push away from the girl who'd wronged him and their family, while the other wished to simply bask in the bond that had been formed now.]
[ the more he gapes at her this way, the more vibrant her pink pupils shine in embarrassment. and eventually, she ducks her head down to break the contact and keeps her eyes glued to a forgotten screw resting on the floor tiles. and yet still, all the while, not pulling apart from this strange embrace she has him in. ]
Cram it.
[ even her threat is coming off gentle and fizzling out, but she still pushes on to keep the terrorist persona going. ]
— It's... It's the heat. I'm not thinking straight. You know, I don't... sometimes. My brain going... bleh again.
[ jinx hates mentioning her mental illnesses; she likes to pretend she isn't suffering from them, or prefers to gaslight others that they are the ones imagining things. but ekko has seen his fair share of her outbursts and episodes, that denying they don't exist now would be down right idiotic. but she will use it as an excuse for her behavior. and after all, she isn't necessarily lying when the voices did prod her a few minutes prior to this. ]
Listen, Bug. This? ... This doesn't leave here, got it? If you tell anyone, I will jam a bullet down your throat.
[Jinx's insistent dismissal with her blundering words fail her actions as she continued to cling to him for emotional support, Ekko still holding her gaze until she finally averts her eyes to look upon the floor instead. A sincere smile is splayed out upon the boy's lips followed in short by a curt nod in understanding as the hand atop her own gives a reassuring squeeze. She wasn't the only one perplexed by mixed emotions in this moment of kindness shared between them but wasn't about to turn and run either, trying best to keep himself calm as humanly possible as his sporadic heartbeat betrays him, practically leaping out of his chest.]
Y-Yeah...The 'heat' seems to be getting to me as well.
[He'll just go with that despite knowing it wasn't the temperature outside right now that was the issue here, mouth agape as he silently stays in place for the better part of a minute until she pipes up again. A bewildered look gracing his face at first upon the threat bestowed unto him, closing his eyes as he thinks on it for a moment. He understands not wanting people to see her vulnerability and wasn't exactly sure who he'd tell about this anyways himself, certainly not Vi or Caitlyn given how confusing this was to navigate what exactly was going on between them right now. A simplistic nod is ushered forth as he slowly slips the hand away from atop her own to turn his attention back to the task of fixing her hoverboard but made no indication she had to remove herself.]
Got it. Not like I have anyone I'd be willing to talk to about this anyways, Jinx.
[A hand reaching out to grab the pliers he'd dropped none to recently, returning to his repairs upon the propulsion system letting out a solemn sigh. Despite the uneasy tension between them whatever this was it still felt...nice. Comforting almost as she draped her arms across his bare torso seemingly unphased by the intimate contact now as he worked away diligently.]
[ she mutters as she quietly shifts in her seat behind him. if she continues to sit on her knees any longer, her legs will numb and give out for sure. so the blueberry haired girl settles to sit on her bottom with her legs bend on each side of him, keeping her squeeze on him. just a few more minutes, she tells herself. there's nothing wrong with staying this way for a couple of seconds. ]
If we were home, you'd run off and tell every single person you'd lay your eyes on...
[ regardless of her words, jinx rests her head against his back as he returns to work — her mind going a million miles per hour, but doing her damnest to ignore them. she should just try and lose herself in this brief little intimacy before it disappears from her again. because she knows this might be the only time she will... have this with anyone. ]
[A brief smirk graces Ekko's lips leaning forward a bit to examine over his handiwork, nodding to himself happily with the results of his efforts. Next the boy savior flips the hoverboard over to look for any other imperfections to the surface, thankfully there didn't seem to be any exterior damage of worth besides a few scrapes along the bottom which were merely cosmetic. At her insistent goading he cannot help but look over his shoulder back towards her with a curious cock of his brow.]
I think you underestimate how much I enjoy my privacy, Jinx.
[Ekko wasn't exactly the type of person to gallivant off telling people about his relationships, keeping things pretty close to the chest. Not to mention if anyone found out he spent time together intimately like this with Jinx of all people they might have been more concerned than anything back home. Here and now though was a different situation entirely, finding himself genuinely enthralled by the contact as she leaned on him for support both emotionally and physically.]
Besides...You know I can keep a secret.
[Back when they were younger they had their fair share after all, keeping things exclusively between the pair of them. May it be their little excursions throughout the Lanes, taunting Enforcer's as they sped away on his monocycle or their practice sessions shadowboxing in one of the various back alleys trying to live up to Vi's legacy.]
[ when he leans forward to examine the board, jinx automatically leans with him -- similar like a baby monkey clinging onto their mother's back whenever they move or travel through their habitat together.
she can't see him glancing her way with her head still tuck down, but she can feel it by the way his muscles roll against her cheek and chest. and jinx is quiet while he speaks and after he's done too, maybe pondering his words carefully.
her tongue graze over her front teeth behind her lips again, then cracks her fingers for a brief second before clashing them back together to resume her hold on him over his stomach. ]
You're the first thing in a long while that feels so easy for me to understand.
[ she murmurs her confession, eyes still down at her floorboards but then move to the dust bunny underneath the bed. ]
You're a Firelight and my enemy. It's that simple. Nothing between us is complicated or... or screwed up because you did this or I said that.
[Despite everything they had been through in memories past back in Runeterra, especially as of late between them it was no wonder she was having mixed emotions of her own. However; That being said her actions were quite contradictory by comparison as he sets down the hoverboard, thinking about the latter part of her sentiment long and hard in turn. It was true they had been mortal enemies fighting against each other but that did not mean it had to be that way here in Aldrip, right? After all, Ekko still harbored feelings for his counterpart who clung to him now with reckless abandon even if he tried to suppress them for some time. He blinks wide in disbelief, shifting his position to shimmy within her grasp to face her directly now as he puts both legs parallel to her own bumping their knees together.]
Do you...Really mean that?
[Hands hesitantly moving to brace each side of Jinx's face, holding her gaze steadfast as they share that familiar stare, brows knitted together as a somber expression graced his features. A slow shake of his head is given in rebuttal to her words, finally accepting in his heart what he knew to be true but had pushed it away for so long. He couldn't run away from it anymore, Ekko giving into the temptation that loomed in the catacombs of his mind as he took the first necessary steps for both their sakes.]
People change...But that doesn't mean we can't make amends for our past.
[A beat as he closes the distance between their faces a bit instinctively leaning closer as his voice becomes little louder than a whisper.]
[ she figured the two of them couldn't stay in this position forever, especially when he made it clear minutes before he was almost done with completion with her new hoverboard. it was nice while it lasted, she thinks, and she was fully prepared to scoot away and let him retrieve the scrap materials she promised him.
but what happens instead of him pulling apart from her was a turnabout, and a bewilderment expression shines over her now that they are facing each other in full. jinx parts her lips to speak, but her words die immediately when his hands cup each side of her cheeks -- the heat on them raising with her pinks aglow to match. suddenly, her pulse is humming so loud in her eardrums, and her entire body is glued to the floorboards.
she has to be imagining this, a hallucination, but there are no monsters in sight, nor the room is becoming disoriented. her breath catches when he inches closer, and her bottom lip trembles with confusion and... fear. ]
... What are you doing?
[ she whispers back, wanting to tug away or at least look away, but there's something preventing her from doing both of those things.]
[It took Ekko a lot of courage to get this far and he wasn't about to turn back now, never one to do something half ass nowadays giving it all or nothing. It had taken him years to realize that he held more than just a close friendship with his counterpart and up until this moment of physical contact shared betwixt them it skirted along until reaching its breaking point. Jinx always held a place in his heart even when they were sworn enemies back in Runeterra, unable to take her down when they held that all too familiar stare just the same as they shared in this instance.
Unlike his companion Ekko was in full control of his emotions, unwavering resolve pushing forth as hands pressed to each side of her face, right hand slowly tracing intricate little circles over her porcelain soft flesh before twirling the tips of a few stray strands of blue locks between thumb and index finger. A glimpse of a warm smile graces his lips, face mere inches away from her own as his hot breathe cascades over her supple own.]
Finally being honest with myself...
[A brief pause as he sighs softly, closing eyes to break the contact between them for a second as he speaks the blatant truth that stemmed from the recesses of his heart.]
I've always had a thing for you, Jinx. I just never knew what it actually was until now.
[ this was a mistake. it was a mistake to bring him over to the treehouse for this deal. she should have brought him to a public place or an area so loud that they would need to scream at the top of their lungs just to understand each other. she shouldn't let her emotions be on the driver seat, and let her mind be in control.
she should have kept her distance, kept up with the snarky remarks, and hounded him until he got fed up with her and stormed off. anything would have been better than... than this. anything would have been better than having to ask herself what is this weird attraction that would loom in the air whenever they are in the same space. her lower lip and her breath quivers in fear, memories of her heartache with quentin crashing back to her like a raging tsunami. ]
Don't... Don't do this.
[ jinx squeaks her plead as she shakes her head slowly, finally able to regain some movement after being stiff for so long. ]
It's the heat again, you're not thinking straight, y-you're thinking about Powder. Not me. I just said you're the only one thing right now who makes sense to me.
[ finding a little more strength, jinx scoots away just a smidge so she can get some damn air. and when she manages this, his counterpart ducks her head down and mutters to herself with her eyes squeezing shut. ]
Tricky, tricky, tricky. You're just playing a game. You're playing me... I won't fall for it, I won't fall for it.
[He cannot help but blink wide eyed in confusion at her initial rebuttal, Ekko tilting his head a bit at first before finally shaking his head in return. When Jinx recoils away to duck her face in a bid to hide herself as the worms inside her mind try and take over he frowns solemnly with a exasperated sigh. This clearly wasn't something she was expecting to hear from him right now but after finally navigating his own muddled emotions to think clearly on the situation between them wasn't afraid to voice them any further.]
That's not true...Even after everything that has happened between us I've still harbored feelings for you that I could not comprehend...Until now.
[Hesitantly the boy shifts a bit closer to reach out with one hand, resting it over one of her own as she curls up inside herself to give it a reassuring squeeze as he continues. If she wanted the blatant truth to put her mind at ease then it shall be exactly what he will do. Usually the one to guard himself and put a mental shield about his person now he was wearing his heart on his sleeve laying it all on the line.]
No games here...I have just finally realized what you truly meant to me, Jinx. I know it seems sudden but I've felt something for a long time and when we last met on the bridge back home and I almost killed you before stopping I...was mortified with myself because I would have lost you.
[ her hand twitch at the feel of his, but she doesn't yank it away despite the contact, and she looks at him with fear still, but now sadness merging in her eyes. because even if this allure she had for him all these years had been a hidden crush (and silently thinking and comparing her feelings between him and what she had with quentin is now becoming frighteningly similar...), being his partner is highly out of the question. damn near impossible with a zero point zero, zero, zero, zero one percent chance. ]
I-I don't... — what do you want me to do with this, Ekko?
[ he is vomiting his words and practically ripped his beating heart to shove it in her hands to hold. and what is she supposed to do with it besides letting it rest there and frantically pulse? is she meant to take care of it now? sure, she's been in a relationship before, but quentin's personality was polar opposite of ekko's. he wasn't this... passionate, nor he was littered with elegiac language. and while they are beautiful, jinx doesn't know how to truly react to them. ]
[There was no way to know what would become of them if they didn't at least try to be honest with each other about their emotions, Ekko taking the leap of faith here and now. Although they had been enemies for so long back home it did not have to be the same here in Aldrip for they could be true to themselves and their would be desires. He always had harbored feelings of attachment towards Jinx but it was here the leader of the Firelights truly felt comfortable with voicing them aloud and letting go of any inhibitions. For this to work though his counterpart had to be sincere with her own affections which might pose a serious problem given her past trauma.
When she finally moves to look at him again, speaking forthright with a saddened expression which mirrored his solemn own crossing his face, a gentle sigh escapes his parted lips as the hand atop her own squeezed a bit tighter instinctively.]
All you can do is be honest with yourself...
[A brief pause as he tries to remain calm before the next words leave his mouth, voice a bit shaky as he speaks them aloud without anymore hesitation.]
[ her lower lip quivers, and she wants to look anywhere else besides him, but... in some weird fashion, she doesn't want to, either. for months, she's been hoping for someone would just turn her way and notice her.
while quentin hurt her severely, having a someone special wasn't all that bad. they had sweet moments, a lot of laughs together, late night talks about everything and nothing at the same time. she was happy with him, and she felt loved. but having those moments with ekko is... — her lips line when he asks her this question, unable to say "no" because that's dishonest, but knowing she can't say "yes" because of their circumstances. so instead of giving him a straight answer, she dances around the bush of it. ]
... We can't be together. You know that as much as I do...
[Ekko had never shared intimate companionship with another soul in his young lifetime but there had always been a kinship between the pair of them, a feeling of devotion towards the other that was unknown to him until now. He cared for her more than just a mere sibling but as someone whom he longed to share himself with, his deepest desires and heartfelt thoughts as they held each other in a wanton embrace. He never would have known if it hadn't been for her gentle touch here, spurring forth the unbridled emotions within him and spiraling out of control until he came to realize what had been lurking in the depths of his mind for a long time.
The hurt expression stricken with grief over Jinx's face as she spoke aloud made him ache at the core thinking on her words plainly before he quickly realized something. It wasn't like her to lie and she didn't straight out dismiss her feelings either which led him to believe she did in fact harbor emotions for the boy savior in turn. Ekko knew how difficult it was to navigate this and she had prior experience with heartbreak even if he did not outright know that personally. Holding her gaze as a soft expression fell over his features he shuffled a bit closer to move his free hand to graze the tip of his digits across her cheek before holding it gingerly in his grasp once more.]
I don't believe that. We cannot let our troubled past together decide our fates here where the trials and tribulations of our home will not follow us.
[Moving to close the gap between them as the hand on atop her own moves to rub her trembling arm in comfort, slipping to the back of her neck to embrace her in a protective fashion. Just because they had been adversaries in Runeterra did not mean they had to let such actions stop them from following what their hearts both clearly yearned for.]
I care about you, Jinx. Always have...But its taken me until now to finally realize what you truly meant to me all this time.
[ his touch was becoming to feel more electrifying by each passing syllable that passes through his lips. but jinx wasn't hate it, at least, and she finds herself leaning in along without realizing to his embrace, now curled up in his arms with her cheek press against his skin.
she can't tell if the room just increased in temperature, or it's her shimmer blood elevating into a crazy fluster. regardless, the blueberry haired girl settles in this squeeze, reminiscing back when quentin held her like this once. how could she forget how this felt? how warm, secured, and... lovely it is to have someone to keep her so close to their heart. ]
You don't get it, Ekko. Even here, we... we can't be together or... start over. Even if I wanted to.
[When Jinx didn't shove him aside but instead allowed herself to be held in the secured fashion, a sense of warmth filled his limbs as they shared this intimate moment together. The hand at the back of her neck begins to thread through the vibrant blue locks at the back of her head, combing through them gently to ease her suffering as she fought toe and nail against the raging thoughts which plagued her mind. She was most assuredly confused but at the same time seemingly enjoyed the comfort of his embrace. So why the conflicted words which left her supple lips? Brows furrow as a disheartened look strikes over his features, sighing solemnly with a shake of his head as he whispers out gently into the shell of her ear.]
But...Why? What is stopping you from having someone in your life who wants to be there for you?
[The hand that rests atop her own moves to tip her chin up to force her gaze upon his own, their lips mere inches away from one another now as he continues to speak out softly in a reassuring manner. The last thing he wanted to do was make her recoil into herself even more and reject him entirely after they had come so far in such a short span of time now. With that being said however the boy wished to know why exactly she was so afraid of giving into her hearts avidity and rectify their problematic past together in a world where they were unaffected by the issues which plagued them back home in Zaun.]
We could be happy here together instead of fighting against one another.
[ hearing his voice tickling at the edge of her ear sends her goosebumps, and for a brief moment, she buries her face further in his chest to shield away the reaction that is giving her. but when he tilts her head so they can meet their gaze, her eyes grow large and the roundness of her face softens that innocent glow.
she can't help but to exchange glances between his browns and his lips, curiosity littering her mind with questions. like if his lips are soft, is he a good kisser, is he experienced, and if so, how many had the pleasure? his counterpart wets her lips subconsciously until realizing she is sinking into dangerous waters again. ]
I can't hurt Silco. I've done that way too many times that I've ever wanted. ... I can't do that to him.
[ breaking her gaze from her counterpart, she grants him a shrug with a bitter chuckle to folllow suit. ]
Besides, you'll just leave me in the end. I gave the whole dating thing a shot once, and it didn't turn out so great. And I told myself if I ever see signs of anyone feeling anything or I feel something, I'll murder them.
[ her tone losses its strength and it wavers when she breathes out her next words. ]
I'm not going to get hurt again. I won't let that happen to me...
I know he's your dad and all but shouldn't your happiness bring him joy not discomfort?
[On top of that would Silco of all people always have her best interests in mind? The man was selfish and likely only wanted her for himself, making it easier to manipulate her to his will which is but one of the many reasons he despised the self appointed figurehead of Zaun. Jinx should be able to be with whoever she wanted without backlash from her alleged father that was plain and simple.
Ekko blinks wide in disbelief when she mentions him leaving; Despite his initial desire to go back home to the people who needed him this place wasn't nearly as chaotic, nor was he in any rush after confirming time was at a stand still. Not to mention their current situation at large was another counterpoint, the boy savior having secretly wished for this ever since his childhood friendship when the initial crush had been developed. Silently shaking his head in rebuttal after the long pause to think he gently moved the hand at her chin back over the pale flesh of her cheek with a solemn sigh escaping his parted lips.]
I'm not going anywhere if I have my way and I won't ever hurt you I can promise that much, Jinx.
[A pause as his eyes dart back to her own before trailing down to her glistened lips, a thumb trailing across her lower as he sensually speaks his next sentiment, face moving ever closer to her own instinctively.]
I just want to hold you...To laugh with you...To kiss you.
[ she knows silco wants her to be happy, it's why he works so tirelessly into building aldrip to becoming hers whenever she feels ready to overtake it. in the beginning, she was unsure of this realm becoming hers, with people coming and going pretty frequently.
but so far, it seems the council wants her to be rooted to this world, and if she is meant to stay here, then... she will stay here. after all, she left zaun and piltover in a complete battlefield, and the topsiders are most definitely searching for her — probably still as they speak.
her father wants her happy, but he is a wise man, too, and he can spot out trouble way better than she ever could. quentin seemed wonderful at first until he abandoned her, came back, then disappeared again. and if she had just heed silco's concerns about him, none of that would have happened, and her heart wouldn't have been broken. with ekko, it's even more complex because of their history, and he is their rival. and if her counterpart discovered that shimmer is being stored away in this realm too, this whole interaction would be going in an entirely different direction. ]
[ jinx wants to call him a liar, because hurt and pain are things that follow her like a shadow. no matter who it is, how important they are to her in her heart, they will harm her in some shape or form — there's no preventing that. but his words... it's so sickening, but sweet and warm.
and when his thumb traces the lining of her lower lip, her heart sparks and her breath catches again. the words, "to kiss you" resonates in her ears, and she finds herself frozen in place once more. 'he... he wants to kiss me. ekko... wants to kiss me.' again, she thinks this has to be some hallucination, but they've never been pleasant and with ekko being so damn close that their lips can graze, there's no way this is a fiction reality. ]
... Ekko.
[ his name slips away from her tongue before she could stop it, and she cringes at herself with how longing it sounded. but the teenager gently presses her index and middle to press gingerly against his lips, to halt him from leaning him any closer. when she speaks, it's down to a whisper: ]
If you kiss me, that... that makes this and everything that you're saying real. And that... this means something.
[ she is still skeptical of his words and his feelings, still believing that maybe there's something in the air that's causing him to behave this way or a trick. a ruse to get her to expose herself and then strike later. after what she had done to him and his fallen firelights, she wouldn't put it pass him to do something that hurtful. it would be something she would do. ]
[He was tired of fighting against each other and was honest about never wanting to do so in the first place, in an ideal world they would have been united together working against Silco to bring him down so they could instill a much better vision of Zaun. One where they lived harmoniously bringing justice to the defilers of both Piltover and their beloved home in the Lanes. What a pair they could have made if Ekko had been able to find her before her newfound father figure who turned her against everything she once loved. That was all in the past now though, nothing they could do about that but they still could change their futures together here and now in this world without the issues of their homeland creeping up to haunt them. This was their second chance at being happy together and give into their hearts desire without feeling guilty.
They way she speaks out his name in that craving tone causes the boy to bite his bottom lip, visibly fighting to contain himself now as her digits brush over them causing him to blink wide as his heart flutters in unison. The hand embracing at the back of her neck moved to grasp the hand upon him, placing a chaste kiss to the inside of her palm before he speaks up in turn.]
This is real...Not just some wild dream that we will wake up from wishing it could have been. I'm right here and will prove that I'm not making this all up to try and hurt you.
[Gently pulling the hand away from his face to link their fingers together in a intimate fashion usually reserved for those who were emotionally invested in one another, Ekko breathes out calmly as his gaze holds Jinx's own unwaveringly with a nervous expression before he leans forward to press his lips against hers for the very first time. A wave of emotions immediately surges through him as the hand upon her chin moves to gingerly comb through her vibrant blue locks at the back of her head, eyes closing shut as he falls into the blissful state of euphoria relishing his very first kiss with the girl who'd ensnared his heart so long ago.]
[ this is really going too far, she thinks, and she knows she needs to put a stop to it before everything gets so tangled that she won't be able to unravel without a squad of hands. but at the same time, her heart is burning for this. to have someone to look at her, to care and love her in a certain way that isn't familial or platonic. the time with quentin was so short-lived, and she's been wanting to explore more of that world, to be somebody's somebody, to be someone's someone. jinx might not be like most girls, but she is still a girl who wanted to feel beautiful and special.
before she could even wrap her head around his words and the kiss to her palm, his lips meet hers and her pinks shine in a vibrant shock. this... this is really happening. she is being kissed, she is worthy enough to have something this magical, something... good. her eyes start to steadily mist with tears, but she shuts them tight to keep them from leaking down her cheeks. and very slowly and hesitantly, she returns the kiss — although there's fear behind it, in spite of wanting to feel this too. because what if he immediately dies when they pull away, what if the council decides now will be the right time to rip him away? what if there's a hidden weapon, and it's trailing behind her back now that she is vulnerable?
well, if she gets hurt or die here, at least she can indulge in this beautiful bliss with him. and maybe for a moment, it's okay to just pretend it's just the two of them with no worries of the repercussions (because oh boy, will there EVER be repercussions). so jinx presses her lips harder, and her arms carefully link around his neck to sigh and relax into this glow. tomorrow, she'll go back to her regular schedule, tomorrow, she'll forget all this ever happened and continue to put her duties of ruling aldrip first. she'll go back on her path later, for sure. what's the harm in taking the scenic route for a change? ]
[Initially upon contact Ekko thought his counterpart might shove him away and yell at him in protest but was fortunately met with little resistance, quite the opposite in fact as Jinx leans into it further, wrapping her arms about his neck in a wanton fashion. It would have honestly been a huge blow to his aching heart that had struggled for so long to comprehend the conflicted emotions plaguing his mind until now, laying everything out on the line submitting to his intimate desires which were completely foreign to him. Ekko would be lying if he said the prospect being pushed away was scary after being completely honest despite her insistence that his feelings weren't genuine. He would just have to prove to his former enemy there were no hard feelings about their troubled past anymore, pushing them aside in favor of looking to a brighter future they could share together here in Aldrip happily united.
Tilting his head ever so just to deepen the kiss shared between them, Ekko's own hands find themselves wandering down the sides of her slender figure until ending up at the curve of her back. Pulling her closer the boy savior pressed his bare chest to her scantily clad own causing a gentle groan to vibrate between their sealed lips. If you would have told him this morning that he would be sharing such an affectionate moment with his long time adversary he'd have called you crazy but here and now? Well; Lets just say he was pleasantly surprised by their current situation and fully surrendering himself.
Growing a bit bolder now Ekko opens his mouth to glide the tip of his tongue over her lower lip, wishing to breach the supple flesh to battle against her own as the grasp to her person became simultaneously vicelike holding her firmly in place. He didn't want this moment to end anytime soon, basking in this newfound euphoric high the leader of the Firelights had never enjoyed before. Maybe it was because she had been the one who ensnared his heart all those years ago that it was so much more intense, being the only girl who'd been able to do so who left him weak in the knees.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2024-07-13 11:09 pm (UTC)He doesn't think much of it when he hears Jinx jump off the couch to begin creeping towards him unknowingly, continuing his handiwork as he remedies the broken wiring with a twist of his pliers. Center of attention fixated on the task until he feels the bump of his confidant's face brush against his back, hands molding over the flesh of his side's roaming up until they reach his shoulders. Ekko instantaneously blinks wide in shock, dropping the pliers on cue as a choked out gasp ushers out from his parted lips.]
J-Jinx..?
[Voice stammered as he freezes in place unsure what to do in this moment as he tenses up a bit instinctively. After a minute or two of silence between them the initial uneasiness seemingly begins to fade giving way to a sense of calmness he'd never known before. A soft sigh escapes his lips as he relaxes, savoring the close contact that made him feel…safe. Which was extremely perplexing given who exactly was embracing him at this moment.]
Y-Yeah...Not much longer now.
[Gazing over his shoulder to give her a pensive look, a hand hesitantly moves to rest on top of one of her own, gently wrapping about it in a protective fashion as he easily gets lost in her eyes. He didn't exactly know what was going on here but that didn't mean he wasn't opposed to it either, after all this had been the girl whom he held dear to his heart ever since a tender age]
You know I’ve…Never been held like this.
[Sure he’s been bestowed a tight hug from Vi in the past but this felt far more...affectionate in nature. A hushed out whisper as he ushered out the final sentiment in an airy tone.]
Feels...nice.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-13 11:41 pm (UTC)the touch of his hand over hers make her partially jerk, but it's subtle and not aggressive enough to have it pull away completely. the girl wets her lips and to match his hushed whisper, she says: ]
I'm not... holding you, idiot. Just. Watching you work...
[ at least that's what she is trying to convince herself and what she will inform silco (not like he will burst into the treehouse or something) if this would to ever get out. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-14 04:48 am (UTC)Is that right? Sure feels like it...
[Teasing her a bit as the genuine smile grows boldly over his features, hand clasped over her own tightening a bit naturally as his thumb ran across her porcelain soft flesh idly. This was all new to him and despite the uneasy tension that was between the pair something caused the boy savior not to let go but rather enjoy this affectionate contact he'd been starved of for so long.]
Although...I'm not complaining.
[Quite the opposite in fact as he continues to hold her gaze unwaveringly, looking deep into her eyes with that same expression they had shared upon the bridge when he hesitated to deliver the finishing blow. A flurry of emotions were spiraling within him, some telling him to push away from the girl who'd wronged him and their family, while the other wished to simply bask in the bond that had been formed now.]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-14 05:11 am (UTC)Cram it.
[ even her threat is coming off gentle and fizzling out, but she still pushes on to keep the terrorist persona going. ]
— It's... It's the heat. I'm not thinking straight. You know, I don't... sometimes. My brain going... bleh again.
[ jinx hates mentioning her mental illnesses; she likes to pretend she isn't suffering from them, or prefers to gaslight others that they are the ones imagining things. but ekko has seen his fair share of her outbursts and episodes, that denying they don't exist now would be down right idiotic. but she will use it as an excuse for her behavior. and after all, she isn't necessarily lying when the voices did prod her a few minutes prior to this. ]
Listen, Bug. This? ... This doesn't leave here, got it? If you tell anyone, I will jam a bullet down your throat.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-15 01:22 am (UTC)Y-Yeah...The 'heat' seems to be getting to me as well.
[He'll just go with that despite knowing it wasn't the temperature outside right now that was the issue here, mouth agape as he silently stays in place for the better part of a minute until she pipes up again. A bewildered look gracing his face at first upon the threat bestowed unto him, closing his eyes as he thinks on it for a moment. He understands not wanting people to see her vulnerability and wasn't exactly sure who he'd tell about this anyways himself, certainly not Vi or Caitlyn given how confusing this was to navigate what exactly was going on between them right now. A simplistic nod is ushered forth as he slowly slips the hand away from atop her own to turn his attention back to the task of fixing her hoverboard but made no indication she had to remove herself.]
Got it. Not like I have anyone I'd be willing to talk to about this anyways, Jinx.
[A hand reaching out to grab the pliers he'd dropped none to recently, returning to his repairs upon the propulsion system letting out a solemn sigh. Despite the uneasy tension between them whatever this was it still felt...nice. Comforting almost as she draped her arms across his bare torso seemingly unphased by the intimate contact now as he worked away diligently.]
Lets get this thing fixed up.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-15 01:42 am (UTC)[ she mutters as she quietly shifts in her seat behind him. if she continues to sit on her knees any longer, her legs will numb and give out for sure. so the blueberry haired girl settles to sit on her bottom with her legs bend on each side of him, keeping her squeeze on him. just a few more minutes, she tells herself. there's nothing wrong with staying this way for a couple of seconds. ]
If we were home, you'd run off and tell every single person you'd lay your eyes on...
[ regardless of her words, jinx rests her head against his back as he returns to work — her mind going a million miles per hour, but doing her damnest to ignore them. she should just try and lose herself in this brief little intimacy before it disappears from her again. because she knows this might be the only time she will... have this with anyone. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-17 12:21 am (UTC)[A brief smirk graces Ekko's lips leaning forward a bit to examine over his handiwork, nodding to himself happily with the results of his efforts. Next the boy savior flips the hoverboard over to look for any other imperfections to the surface, thankfully there didn't seem to be any exterior damage of worth besides a few scrapes along the bottom which were merely cosmetic. At her insistent goading he cannot help but look over his shoulder back towards her with a curious cock of his brow.]
I think you underestimate how much I enjoy my privacy, Jinx.
[Ekko wasn't exactly the type of person to gallivant off telling people about his relationships, keeping things pretty close to the chest. Not to mention if anyone found out he spent time together intimately like this with Jinx of all people they might have been more concerned than anything back home. Here and now though was a different situation entirely, finding himself genuinely enthralled by the contact as she leaned on him for support both emotionally and physically.]
Besides...You know I can keep a secret.
[Back when they were younger they had their fair share after all, keeping things exclusively between the pair of them. May it be their little excursions throughout the Lanes, taunting Enforcer's as they sped away on his monocycle or their practice sessions shadowboxing in one of the various back alleys trying to live up to Vi's legacy.]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-17 01:04 am (UTC)she can't see him glancing her way with her head still tuck down, but she can feel it by the way his muscles roll against her cheek and chest. and jinx is quiet while he speaks and after he's done too, maybe pondering his words carefully.
her tongue graze over her front teeth behind her lips again, then cracks her fingers for a brief second before clashing them back together to resume her hold on him over his stomach. ]
You're the first thing in a long while that feels so easy for me to understand.
[ she murmurs her confession, eyes still down at her floorboards but then move to the dust bunny underneath the bed. ]
You're a Firelight and my enemy. It's that simple. Nothing between us is complicated or... or screwed up because you did this or I said that.
I know how I'm supposed to act around you.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-17 01:58 am (UTC)Do you...Really mean that?
[Hands hesitantly moving to brace each side of Jinx's face, holding her gaze steadfast as they share that familiar stare, brows knitted together as a somber expression graced his features. A slow shake of his head is given in rebuttal to her words, finally accepting in his heart what he knew to be true but had pushed it away for so long. He couldn't run away from it anymore, Ekko giving into the temptation that loomed in the catacombs of his mind as he took the first necessary steps for both their sakes.]
People change...But that doesn't mean we can't make amends for our past.
[A beat as he closes the distance between their faces a bit instinctively leaning closer as his voice becomes little louder than a whisper.]
I never wanted to be your enemy, Jinx.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-17 02:27 am (UTC)but what happens instead of him pulling apart from her was a turnabout, and a bewilderment expression shines over her now that they are facing each other in full. jinx parts her lips to speak, but her words die immediately when his hands cup each side of her cheeks -- the heat on them raising with her pinks aglow to match. suddenly, her pulse is humming so loud in her eardrums, and her entire body is glued to the floorboards.
she has to be imagining this, a hallucination, but there are no monsters in sight, nor the room is becoming disoriented. her breath catches when he inches closer, and her bottom lip trembles with confusion and... fear. ]
... What are you doing?
[ she whispers back, wanting to tug away or at least look away, but there's something preventing her from doing both of those things.]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-19 12:01 am (UTC)Unlike his companion Ekko was in full control of his emotions, unwavering resolve pushing forth as hands pressed to each side of her face, right hand slowly tracing intricate little circles over her porcelain soft flesh before twirling the tips of a few stray strands of blue locks between thumb and index finger. A glimpse of a warm smile graces his lips, face mere inches away from her own as his hot breathe cascades over her supple own.]
Finally being honest with myself...
[A brief pause as he sighs softly, closing eyes to break the contact between them for a second as he speaks the blatant truth that stemmed from the recesses of his heart.]
I've always had a thing for you, Jinx. I just never knew what it actually was until now.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-19 01:30 am (UTC)she should have kept her distance, kept up with the snarky remarks, and hounded him until he got fed up with her and stormed off. anything would have been better than... than this. anything would have been better than having to ask herself what is this weird attraction that would loom in the air whenever they are in the same space. her lower lip and her breath quivers in fear, memories of her heartache with quentin crashing back to her like a raging tsunami. ]
Don't... Don't do this.
[ jinx squeaks her plead as she shakes her head slowly, finally able to regain some movement after being stiff for so long. ]
It's the heat again, you're not thinking straight, y-you're thinking about Powder. Not me. I just said you're the only one thing right now who makes sense to me.
[ finding a little more strength, jinx scoots away just a smidge so she can get some damn air. and when she manages this, his counterpart ducks her head down and mutters to herself with her eyes squeezing shut. ]
Tricky, tricky, tricky. You're just playing a game. You're playing me... I won't fall for it, I won't fall for it.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-21 03:54 am (UTC)That's not true...Even after everything that has happened between us I've still harbored feelings for you that I could not comprehend...Until now.
[Hesitantly the boy shifts a bit closer to reach out with one hand, resting it over one of her own as she curls up inside herself to give it a reassuring squeeze as he continues. If she wanted the blatant truth to put her mind at ease then it shall be exactly what he will do. Usually the one to guard himself and put a mental shield about his person now he was wearing his heart on his sleeve laying it all on the line.]
No games here...I have just finally realized what you truly meant to me, Jinx. I know it seems sudden but I've felt something for a long time and when we last met on the bridge back home and I almost killed you before stopping I...was mortified with myself because I would have lost you.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-21 04:42 pm (UTC)I-I don't... — what do you want me to do with this, Ekko?
[ he is vomiting his words and practically ripped his beating heart to shove it in her hands to hold. and what is she supposed to do with it besides letting it rest there and frantically pulse? is she meant to take care of it now? sure, she's been in a relationship before, but quentin's personality was polar opposite of ekko's. he wasn't this... passionate, nor he was littered with elegiac language. and while they are beautiful, jinx doesn't know how to truly react to them. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-21 11:10 pm (UTC)When she finally moves to look at him again, speaking forthright with a saddened expression which mirrored his solemn own crossing his face, a gentle sigh escapes his parted lips as the hand atop her own squeezed a bit tighter instinctively.]
All you can do is be honest with yourself...
[A brief pause as he tries to remain calm before the next words leave his mouth, voice a bit shaky as he speaks them aloud without anymore hesitation.]
Do you have feelings for me as well, Jinx?
no subject
Date: 2024-07-21 11:25 pm (UTC)while quentin hurt her severely, having a someone special wasn't all that bad. they had sweet moments, a lot of laughs together, late night talks about everything and nothing at the same time. she was happy with him, and she felt loved. but having those moments with ekko is... — her lips line when he asks her this question, unable to say "no" because that's dishonest, but knowing she can't say "yes" because of their circumstances. so instead of giving him a straight answer, she dances around the bush of it. ]
... We can't be together. You know that as much as I do...
no subject
Date: 2024-07-22 01:30 am (UTC)The hurt expression stricken with grief over Jinx's face as she spoke aloud made him ache at the core thinking on her words plainly before he quickly realized something. It wasn't like her to lie and she didn't straight out dismiss her feelings either which led him to believe she did in fact harbor emotions for the boy savior in turn. Ekko knew how difficult it was to navigate this and she had prior experience with heartbreak even if he did not outright know that personally. Holding her gaze as a soft expression fell over his features he shuffled a bit closer to move his free hand to graze the tip of his digits across her cheek before holding it gingerly in his grasp once more.]
I don't believe that. We cannot let our troubled past together decide our fates here where the trials and tribulations of our home will not follow us.
[Moving to close the gap between them as the hand on atop her own moves to rub her trembling arm in comfort, slipping to the back of her neck to embrace her in a protective fashion. Just because they had been adversaries in Runeterra did not mean they had to let such actions stop them from following what their hearts both clearly yearned for.]
I care about you, Jinx. Always have...But its taken me until now to finally realize what you truly meant to me all this time.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-22 11:12 pm (UTC)she can't tell if the room just increased in temperature, or it's her shimmer blood elevating into a crazy fluster. regardless, the blueberry haired girl settles in this squeeze, reminiscing back when quentin held her like this once. how could she forget how this felt? how warm, secured, and... lovely it is to have someone to keep her so close to their heart. ]
You don't get it, Ekko. Even here, we... we can't be together or... start over. Even if I wanted to.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-23 02:01 am (UTC)But...Why? What is stopping you from having someone in your life who wants to be there for you?
[The hand that rests atop her own moves to tip her chin up to force her gaze upon his own, their lips mere inches away from one another now as he continues to speak out softly in a reassuring manner. The last thing he wanted to do was make her recoil into herself even more and reject him entirely after they had come so far in such a short span of time now. With that being said however the boy wished to know why exactly she was so afraid of giving into her hearts avidity and rectify their problematic past together in a world where they were unaffected by the issues which plagued them back home in Zaun.]
We could be happy here together instead of fighting against one another.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-23 02:54 am (UTC)she can't help but to exchange glances between his browns and his lips, curiosity littering her mind with questions. like if his lips are soft, is he a good kisser, is he experienced, and if so, how many had the pleasure? his counterpart wets her lips subconsciously until realizing she is sinking into dangerous waters again. ]
I can't hurt Silco. I've done that way too many times that I've ever wanted. ... I can't do that to him.
[ breaking her gaze from her counterpart, she grants him a shrug with a bitter chuckle to folllow suit. ]
Besides, you'll just leave me in the end. I gave the whole dating thing a shot once, and it didn't turn out so great. And I told myself if I ever see signs of anyone feeling anything or I feel something, I'll murder them.
[ her tone losses its strength and it wavers when she breathes out her next words. ]
I'm not going to get hurt again. I won't let that happen to me...
no subject
Date: 2024-07-24 11:34 pm (UTC)[On top of that would Silco of all people always have her best interests in mind? The man was selfish and likely only wanted her for himself, making it easier to manipulate her to his will which is but one of the many reasons he despised the self appointed figurehead of Zaun. Jinx should be able to be with whoever she wanted without backlash from her alleged father that was plain and simple.
Ekko blinks wide in disbelief when she mentions him leaving; Despite his initial desire to go back home to the people who needed him this place wasn't nearly as chaotic, nor was he in any rush after confirming time was at a stand still. Not to mention their current situation at large was another counterpoint, the boy savior having secretly wished for this ever since his childhood friendship when the initial crush had been developed. Silently shaking his head in rebuttal after the long pause to think he gently moved the hand at her chin back over the pale flesh of her cheek with a solemn sigh escaping his parted lips.]
I'm not going anywhere if I have my way and I won't ever hurt you I can promise that much, Jinx.
[A pause as his eyes dart back to her own before trailing down to her glistened lips, a thumb trailing across her lower as he sensually speaks his next sentiment, face moving ever closer to her own instinctively.]
I just want to hold you...To laugh with you...To kiss you.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-25 12:22 am (UTC)but so far, it seems the council wants her to be rooted to this world, and if she is meant to stay here, then... she will stay here. after all, she left zaun and piltover in a complete battlefield, and the topsiders are most definitely searching for her — probably still as they speak.
her father wants her happy, but he is a wise man, too, and he can spot out trouble way better than she ever could. quentin seemed wonderful at first until he abandoned her, came back, then disappeared again. and if she had just heed silco's concerns about him, none of that would have happened, and her heart wouldn't have been broken. with ekko, it's even more complex because of their history, and he is their rival. and if her counterpart discovered that shimmer is being stored away in this realm too, this whole interaction would be going in an entirely different direction. ]
[ jinx wants to call him a liar, because hurt and pain are things that follow her like a shadow. no matter who it is, how important they are to her in her heart, they will harm her in some shape or form — there's no preventing that. but his words... it's so sickening, but sweet and warm.
and when his thumb traces the lining of her lower lip, her heart sparks and her breath catches again. the words, "to kiss you" resonates in her ears, and she finds herself frozen in place once more. 'he... he wants to kiss me. ekko... wants to kiss me.' again, she thinks this has to be some hallucination, but they've never been pleasant and with ekko being so damn close that their lips can graze, there's no way this is a fiction reality. ]
... Ekko.
[ his name slips away from her tongue before she could stop it, and she cringes at herself with how longing it sounded. but the teenager gently presses her index and middle to press gingerly against his lips, to halt him from leaning him any closer. when she speaks, it's down to a whisper: ]
If you kiss me, that... that makes this and everything that you're saying real. And that... this means something.
[ she is still skeptical of his words and his feelings, still believing that maybe there's something in the air that's causing him to behave this way or a trick. a ruse to get her to expose herself and then strike later. after what she had done to him and his fallen firelights, she wouldn't put it pass him to do something that hurtful. it would be something she would do. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-25 09:19 pm (UTC)They way she speaks out his name in that craving tone causes the boy to bite his bottom lip, visibly fighting to contain himself now as her digits brush over them causing him to blink wide as his heart flutters in unison. The hand embracing at the back of her neck moved to grasp the hand upon him, placing a chaste kiss to the inside of her palm before he speaks up in turn.]
This is real...Not just some wild dream that we will wake up from wishing it could have been. I'm right here and will prove that I'm not making this all up to try and hurt you.
[Gently pulling the hand away from his face to link their fingers together in a intimate fashion usually reserved for those who were emotionally invested in one another, Ekko breathes out calmly as his gaze holds Jinx's own unwaveringly with a nervous expression before he leans forward to press his lips against hers for the very first time. A wave of emotions immediately surges through him as the hand upon her chin moves to gingerly comb through her vibrant blue locks at the back of her head, eyes closing shut as he falls into the blissful state of euphoria relishing his very first kiss with the girl who'd ensnared his heart so long ago.]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-25 11:38 pm (UTC)before she could even wrap her head around his words and the kiss to her palm, his lips meet hers and her pinks shine in a vibrant shock. this... this is really happening. she is being kissed, she is worthy enough to have something this magical, something... good. her eyes start to steadily mist with tears, but she shuts them tight to keep them from leaking down her cheeks. and very slowly and hesitantly, she returns the kiss — although there's fear behind it, in spite of wanting to feel this too. because what if he immediately dies when they pull away, what if the council decides now will be the right time to rip him away? what if there's a hidden weapon, and it's trailing behind her back now that she is vulnerable?
well, if she gets hurt or die here, at least she can indulge in this beautiful bliss with him. and maybe for a moment, it's okay to just pretend it's just the two of them with no worries of the repercussions (because oh boy, will there EVER be repercussions). so jinx presses her lips harder, and her arms carefully link around his neck to sigh and relax into this glow. tomorrow, she'll go back to her regular schedule, tomorrow, she'll forget all this ever happened and continue to put her duties of ruling aldrip first. she'll go back on her path later, for sure. what's the harm in taking the scenic route for a change? ]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-27 10:21 pm (UTC)Tilting his head ever so just to deepen the kiss shared between them, Ekko's own hands find themselves wandering down the sides of her slender figure until ending up at the curve of her back. Pulling her closer the boy savior pressed his bare chest to her scantily clad own causing a gentle groan to vibrate between their sealed lips. If you would have told him this morning that he would be sharing such an affectionate moment with his long time adversary he'd have called you crazy but here and now? Well; Lets just say he was pleasantly surprised by their current situation and fully surrendering himself.
Growing a bit bolder now Ekko opens his mouth to glide the tip of his tongue over her lower lip, wishing to breach the supple flesh to battle against her own as the grasp to her person became simultaneously vicelike holding her firmly in place. He didn't want this moment to end anytime soon, basking in this newfound euphoric high the leader of the Firelights had never enjoyed before. Maybe it was because she had been the one who ensnared his heart all those years ago that it was so much more intense, being the only girl who'd been able to do so who left him weak in the knees.]
(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:cw: mention of sex
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From: