Arcane: Ekko and Powder

The days that followed felt like a new beginning for Ekko and Powder. The quiet moments they spent together, side by side, were the threads that wove a new fabric between them—one built not on the reckless rush of adventure, but on the shared understanding of who they had become to each other.

Zaun, with its broken streets and twisted alleys, had always been their playground. But now, it was also the place where they were learning to balance the chaos of their world with the quiet stability they were building together. Every corner they turned, every broken machine they fixed, felt like a small victory—proof that, despite the odds, they were carving out a place for themselves in the world.

One evening, Ekko found himself at the workshop, surrounded by gadgets and tools, trying to perfect a new invention. Powder was there too, but instead of causing her usual chaos, she was sitting on the counter, quietly watching him work. It was a different kind of peace between them—a silence that wasn't uncomfortable, but comfortable in its own way. The air between them wasn't heavy with words or expectations, just an unspoken agreement that they were exactly where they needed to be.

Ekko wiped his hands on a rag, taking a brief break from the contraption he had been working on. "You know, this thing might actually work," he said, not expecting an immediate response. "If I can just get the last part right… it could help us get around faster. Could make things a bit easier."

Powder's gaze shifted from the workshop clutter to him, her eyes soft, the usual mischievous spark replaced by something deeper. "I know you can do it," she said, her voice low but sincere.

Ekko looked up, meeting her gaze for a moment, surprised by the warmth in her words. For the longest time, he had been the one to encourage her, to help her with the things she was working on. But now, the tables had turned. Powder had always been there, pushing him when he doubted himself. Now, she was offering him her trust, her belief in him. It was more than just a compliment—it was a reminder that they were truly partners in this.

"I don't know what I'd do without you," Ekko said quietly, the words slipping out before he could stop them. He was still adjusting to the idea that they were more than just friends, that they were something deeper, something more meaningful.

Powder blinked at him, her lips curving into a small smile, though she didn't say anything. There was something comforting about how the silence between them had become something that didn't need words. They didn't have to speak to understand each other anymore.

The soft hum of the city outside filtered through the walls of the workshop, a constant reminder of the world they were living in. But for the moment, that world felt distant, as though the chaos of Zaun had slowed down, if only for a little while. It was a fleeting feeling, one that Ekko cherished as he worked, the steady rhythm of his hands on the project grounding him.

"I think I'm almost done," Ekko said after a few more minutes, putting the final piece in place. He hit a switch and watched as the small machine buzzed to life, a faint light glowing from its center. It was a success—another small invention that, while not revolutionary, would make their lives just a little bit easier.

Powder hopped off the counter, her eyes wide with excitement. "You did it!" she exclaimed, her grin as wide as ever. "This is amazing, Ekko!"

Ekko felt a wave of pride wash over him. Her joy, her genuine excitement for his success, was something that filled him with a warmth he hadn't expected. "It's just a start," he replied, though he was clearly pleased with her reaction. "But it works."

Powder leaned in, giving the contraption a closer look. "I can't wait to see what else you come up with," she said, her voice soft but filled with admiration. "You always manage to make things that feel impossible seem… possible."

Ekko chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't know about impossible," he said modestly. "But I'm glad it helps. It's all about making life a little bit less crazy."

Powder's eyes met his again, and there was a moment—a brief, quiet moment—when the weight of her words settled between them. "You know," she said slowly, "sometimes it feels like we're the only ones who get it. The only ones who see the big picture, the bigger world outside of all this… mess."

Ekko looked at her, the realization hitting him with a sudden clarity. "Yeah," he murmured. "But we're not alone, Powder. We've got each other, and we've got this place. We'll figure it out together."

There was something in the way she looked at him then—a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability—that made his heart skip a beat. It wasn't just the words they were saying. It was the understanding between them, the bond that had grown over time, even through the struggles and the setbacks.

After a few moments, Powder grinned and nudged him playfully. "Well, I guess you can't fix everything," she said with a wink, gesturing to the cluttered workshop. "There's still a lot to clean up."

Ekko rolled his eyes, though he couldn't help but laugh. "I'll get to it later," he said, though they both knew that "later" meant "never." Powder had always been good at keeping things light, even when things got heavy.

As the evening wore on, Ekko and Powder spent the rest of their time in the workshop, working on small projects and talking about the things they hoped for in the future. They didn't have to talk about everything all at once. They didn't need to define their future in concrete terms. What mattered was that they were in it together, and that was enough for now.

The next day, they found themselves outside, walking the streets of Zaun as the sun dipped below the skyline, casting long shadows across the familiar broken buildings. They had a rhythm now, a pace that felt right. There was no rush to anything, no urgency to figure out what came next. For the first time in a long while, it felt like they were just living in the moment, enjoying each other's company.

"I think we're ready," Ekko said as they stopped in front of an old, broken-down building they had often passed on their walks. He looked at Powder, his voice quiet but resolute. "Ready for whatever comes next."

Powder raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything at first. Instead, she took his hand, squeezing it gently. "You think so?" she asked, her voice soft. "What if it's not perfect? What if it gets messy again?"

Ekko smiled, the answer clear in his mind. "Then we'll figure it out. Together."

For a moment, they just stood there, hands entwined, letting the world spin around them. Zaun was still the same chaotic place it had always been, but now, it didn't seem so overwhelming. There was peace in knowing that, no matter what happened, they had each other.

And that was enough for Ekko and Powder. That was everything.

As the night fell and they made their way back to the workshop, it was clear that they had reached a new chapter. They weren't just surviving anymore. They were living—and more importantly, they were living for each other. The future was uncertain, but with each step, they were building a world where they both belonged.

The road ahead might be difficult, but it was one they would walk together. And that, for the first time in a long while, felt like a promise they could keep.