Ouuugh. If You Hate Him You Will Die And Go To Hell

Early Risers vs. Night Owls

(A/N): Special thank yous to @foreveralbon and @disneyprincemuke for helping me choose which drivers are morning people and which are more of night owls.

Summary: Some people are night owls, others are morning people. But there is another sort that some drivers learn to fear: Morning Monsters (it's the reader)

Pairings: (All platonic) daniel ricciardo x driver!reader, charles leclerc x driver!reader, carlos sainz x driver!reader, oscar piastry x driver!reader (max and lando get a guest starring)

Word count: 1.2k

🏎Masterlist🏎

________________________

It’s difficult, being a night person in a day people’s world. It really is. Especially when you are around morning loving human beings.

“Oh, don’t you look happy?” Carlos comments, when (Y/N) steps into the breakfast room. Coincidentally, several teams are accommodated in the same hotel during this race weekend.

As she lets herself fall in a seat at his table, the young female whispers an annoyed “Don’t”. “I wasn’t saying anything mean?” He genuinely questions. Is his English failing him again?

“Please, just stop talking. It’s only the ass crack of dawn, how can someone be so chatty?” (Y/N) puts her head onto the table, effectively stopping any further conversation with the Spaniard. He looks a little bit lost into his fruit bowl, not sure how to handle this situation adequately. 

“Top of the morning, my sunshines,” a smiling Daniel Ricciardo strolls into the room. The happiness radiating from him reaches (Y/N) even through her closed eyes.

Just as Daniel arrives at their table, she gets up with the most sluggish motions a sober person can muster. “Coffee” is the only thing mumbled, answering to the confused looks around her.

Shortly after, she sits down again with a cup in her hands, not even bothering to try to follow the chatting between Daniel and Carlos. (Y/N) just stares into space, wondering where she went wrong in her life to have to sit in between two morning people. Surely, this is a punishment of some kind.

“Ok, what is up with you? You look like you are about to murder everyone in this room if someone just dares to breathe in the wrong direction,” Daniel observes. (Y/N) takes another sip from her coffee. “Because it’s true.”

Carlos can’t wrap his head around it. “But what happened to the sunshine-in-person-(Y/N)?” “How am I supposed to be a sunshine, when I’m barely a person at this moment?” Well, that is not a lie. She does look pretty rough. Not everyone can wake up and look perfect like Florence Pugh. Some people have to look more like Merida herself in the mornings.

“Why are you talking to this woman during the early hours?” Charles, who just entered the breakfast hall, fears for their lives. “Because this is what people do? They talk when they sit together?” Daniel is confused. What is so bad about making conversations?

Charles steps closer to their table and (Y/N) immediately latches onto him, burying her face into his stomach.

“Don’t you value your life? A tired (Y/N) in the morning needs quiet and some hugs.” The young woman mumbles something, making the Monegasque laugh. “Yes, and coffee. This is the recipe to get the sunshine person you know and love.”

Confused, the other two drivers blink. Did they miss the manual that came with the rookie?

“And you know all of this, because?” Carlos asks the question that popped up in both their heads. “Because (Y/N) and Arthur were together in F2 and he had been ‘chewed out by her like a pack of gum by a class of elementary schoolers’, his words, not mine. She is not all bark and no bite, isn’t that right?” (Y/N) nods, her head still buried into his front.

“Do you want to catch a ride to the paddock with me? I plan on leaving in five minutes.” (Y/N) nods again and quickly gathers her things before waving the other drivers goodbye.

The ride is filled with silence, Charles even leaves the radio turned off. This lets the female drive in and out of a state of half-asleep until they arrive at their destination. At the same time a certain papaya wearing aussie his own car not far away from Charles’ Ferrari.

“Oh, is it still too early?” He asks her with a small smile. Just like Arthur, Oscar is aware how much of a night owl (Y/N) is, having witnessed her outbursts first hand several times during his own career in F2.

The driver nods as she throws herself into his embrace. A tired (Y/N) turns into the most cuddly person. “Let’s get you a cup of coffee, can’t have you go around screaming at people. You will scare everyone off.”

Oscar is pretty much the only smiling person she tolerates in the morning. Whenever another human being dares just grinning in her direction during her own waking up phase, she is ready to jump their throats. But Oscar is different. He doesn't do it out of mocking or pitiness. He is genuinely happy and wants to show and share it. Also, he radiates a nice calm aura, which is the complete opposite to what she experiences during the days of a race weekend.

When Carlos passes (Y/N) by later, he walks up to her with caution, keeping his teammates' warning in mind, “Hey Carlos, have you heard the rumors about the newest Taylor Swift album? Do you think it will feature a song about Nando?”

The woman in front of him has nothing in common with the one he interacted with just an hour ago. She somehow even looks completely different from her. It’s the kind of freshness that doesn’t come with a shower.

“Uhm, no I did not. Are you ok? You seemed… a bit out of it this morning.” There is a hesitation in his voice, not wanting to accidentally offset her.

But (Y/N) just laughs it off. “Oh yeah, that. I’m sorry for being a grump back there. Just like Charlie said, I’m absolutely not a morning person. During the first hour of being awake I’m an absolute monster. Just, don’t talk to me or only when it’s absolutely necessary during that time. I apologize for my behavior, it wasn’t nice. Today was particularly bad, because I do my best work at night and I have been pouring over some data until 2 am. I’ll try to give you a warning next time!”

With that she is off, looking for her partner in crime aka her teammate to start some kind of mischief with the social media team.

Carlos is just flabbergasted. The duality of some people and how a small cup of caffeine can bring that out of them is astonishing.

Just remember to never fuck with night owls during the early hours of the morning.

Bonus Scene

During a free week some drivers set a date to play a private paddle tournament together in Monaco. Daniel enters the court with a big smile. After all, it is a fresh, sunny morning. This day is a promise of having a good time with his friends and colleagues, playing their favorite game and having lunch plans together.

What sets the Australian off are the three frowning faces, sitting on a bench nursing each a can of Red Bull solemnly. “What happened to you?”

Max answers his question first with a grumpy voice. “I had to leave my cats cuddled up in my bed alone.” “My alarm woke me up while the first number on the clock was still a single digit.” Landoo sounds about as tired as (Y/N) next to him looks like.

“Life”, Daniel answers for the young woman already, who just nods and pulls the strings of her hood closed, hindering someone else to make more conversations with her until the caffeine has kicked in.

Desperate times call for desperate measures after all.

born from two stars a fem!driver series

a formula one driver and a model. jenson button and ria l/n. the perfect pair. the media’s it couple. at least, they were popular until they had their child, that is.

y/n button was never meant to be born, but despite the discourse that followed her birth, they never tried to keep her a secret, either. she spent most of her childhood in the public eye, playing hide-and-seek with drivers around the paddock, or watching models walk down the runway with her mother.

from a young age, her father knew that his daughter would become a formula one driver, a legacy, a champion in his name, just as he did. her mother, on the other hand, wants her to be an icon for women around the world, a spokesperson and an inspiration, just as she is.

so what better way to do both than become formula one’s youngest and only female driver in decades?

get to know her

smau - throwback thursdays

remember the past

live in the present

2023

2024

2025

imagine the future

2026

2027

a final interview by lissie mackintosh

—

biggest credit and love to @disneyprincemuke and @angsthology + anyone else who did a fem!driver fic before them 🫶🏼🫶🏼

@namgification let me know if you’d like to added to the series taglist!

"Hermosa" - Gekko x F!Reader Part 1

Gekko x F!Reader

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

Word count: 17.7K

This is my first Valorant fanfic ever, been wanting to do this for a while, hope you enjoy! There will be multiple parts for this, hehe

(C/N) = Codename (your agent name)

(Y/N) = Your name

Everything's SFW for this part, there will be fluff and angst, I really hope you like this so far!!

---

You were amongst the first agents to join the Valorant Protocol, alongside Sage. You two were great friends, despite the age gap. Sage was always eager to teach you new things, whether it was in the shooting range or just any hobbies you were interested in.

Brimstone wasn't left behind either, after all, he's like a father to you after you lost your family during the First Light. Your parents were forever grateful for Brimstone's help throughout the years, so when the fatal day arrived, he didn't hesitate to take you in and teach you all he knew to defend yourself, eventually leading you to join the Valorant Protocol.

Being one of the first to join allowed you to gain experience at an incredibly fast pace, and you managed to gain everyone's trust to the point no one questioned whenever Brim put you in charge for any call outs in the battlefield. It's safe to say everyone trusts you. Well, everyone except for a few.

You can't please everyone, that's clear as water to you, but you can't help the uneasiness around other agents like Fade and Omen. Maybe it's just the way they are; laid back, lacking communication in some aspects, but they know enough to not go against your word. Brim wouldn't like that.

"(Y/N), Sage," Brim was shuffling through some files as you and Sage stood behind him. "We need to locate the next agents to join the protocol, but we also have a setback due to Omega Earth agents scouting a new location that Fade has gathered intel on." You couldn't pinpoint it but he seemed... off. You've almost never seen him in such stance for the last two years in VP.

Sage approached Brim and placed her hand on his shoulder, as if to ground him. "Brimstone, just tell us what to do and we'll get it done."

This seemed enough to help Brim regain his senses and prompted to clear his throat. "Right, apologies, you two." You smiled in reassurance. "So, first things first. We need to reach this new location before Omega Earth does, for that, I'll need a 5-stack team to cover as much as possible. Sage, I need you in the battlefield for this." Sage nodded, allowing Brim to continue. "I was thinking you can take Fade with you since she's the one who retrieved this information for us. Now for the rest of the agents, I was thinking you should take Killjoy, Raze and Jett, but if you want to replace anyone for this job, feel free to do so. Any questions so far?"

Sage shook her head, "I'm assuming we need to avoid a spike being planted again, even if they're just scouting." Brim nodded. "Alright, everything's clear. I'll stick with the agents you have proposed."

"Perfect. Now," he turned to you. "I need you to help with the scouting of the next agent. We've located him, and he's actually an acquaintance of Reyna," he continued. You couldn't help the slight shiver down your spine upon hearing her name. Reyna. You've never really had bad experiences with her, it was just never clear to you whether she doubted your judgement or not. Nonetheless, you couldn't let yourself think negatively before you're even assigned this task. "Reyna will meet up with him but you need to tag along to make sure they're not followed. Understood?"

"Yes, sir." Even though he's like a father to you, you maintain professionalism within the headquarters, even when it's just the three of you. Brim nodded and turned back to the files from earlier.

"Alright, with that decided, Sage, feel free to go through these files to gather as much knowledge as possible from the sites. (Y/N), I believe Reyna is in the shooting range in case you want to discuss details with her. The sooner, the better."

With that, you promptly excused yourself and left the office, making your way towards the shooting range.

Once Sage made sure you left, she turned to Brim. "What made you decide to send her off with Reyna? You know they haven't interacted as much." Sage was concerned, since you've expressed your worries about agents disliking you in the past. Reyna was no exception.

"Reyna requested her. Those two need to eventually get along, and from the looks of it, this new kid might help with their interactions." He handed Sage the file with all of his information provided by Reyna. She hummed, and understood what Brimstone was on about.

You felt your heart pounding, anxiety dwelling up. You never struggle with these feelings in the battlefield, yet you still felt the same sense of awareness that an enemy may be nearby, watching. You suddenly felt a hand on your shoulder and gasped out in surprise, turning around abruptly and firmly grabbing their wrist.

"Tae, (Y/N)..!" It was just Neon. You sighed in relief.

"Neon, thank god... I'm sorry, you scared the shit out of me." You released her wrist and breathed out, trying to calm down after the scare of your life.

"Right back at you, what are you so jumpy for anyway?" Neon couldn't help but notice your palm was sweaty when you grabbed her wrist.

"Oh, uh.. I was just looking for Reyna is all." You were hoping Neon wouldn't catch up on the fact that Reyna scares you a bit. Of course, your hopes were for nothing.

"Are you... scared of her?" She tried to stiff a laugh.

"What? Pff, of course not! Why would I?" You tried to shrug it off but it was no use. Neon laughed a bit.

"You know she's my mentor, right?" Neon smiled, "She's not as bad as she seems. She just has this.. scary aura but, trust me, as long as you don't get on her bad side, you'll be fine."

You sighed, slightly relieved. "Yeah, I just.. I've never talked to her one-on-one about something so, I guess I was just nervous."

"Well, don't be! I'm sure everything will go fine. I think she was heading to the kitchen just now, she finished practicing a while ago."

"Thank you, Neon." You smiled and headed to the kitchen.

As you walked in, you saw Reyna sitting in a chair with a coffee on one hand and a magazine on the other. You've never seen her outside of practice and missions, so it was a bit weird for you to even see her in casual clothing.

"Hey there," you slightly waved at her, awkwardly making your way to the counter and getting a glass of water. You were nervous, and Reyna could sense it.

Setting her magazine down, she looked at you. "Hello, (Y/N)." She sipped her coffee. "Your heart is racing. Something bothering you?"

You made your way to the table she was sat at and took the chair from another table before sitting down across her.

"Well, I was assigned to tag along with you to recruit this new agent and Brimstone advised me to discuss the details with you as soon as possible." You tried to talk calmly, but you knew Reyna could still sense your uneasiness anyway.

"Ah, sí. I personally asked Brimstone to assign you to this." Wait, she asked for you? Why?

"You did?"

"Sí, you see, your abilities are best suited to make sure we're not followed back into the headquarters. My little friend seems to have gotten himself into trouble after all." She was right. Being a sentinel, you were one of the best at holding positions with your enhanced senses. You're able to hear steps at a location you've previously been at, and sense any foreign entities based on their aura.

"I see, that makes sense." You were more at ease now. "So, this friend of yours, where and when are we picking him up?"

Reyna smiled. "We're going to take a trip down LA, cariño."

You didn't think you would be leaving so soon, but from what Brimstone informed you, there is already an Omega counterpart of this new guy, so it was crucial to recruit him as soon as possible.

You and Reyna got off a train. You were keeping a low profile, so you were both wearing a vest under your casual clothes, with a pistol and a knife strapped in a hidden spot for both of you. You carried a Ghost while Reyna brought a Sherif.

"Alright, this is the meeting spot. We're way earlier than him, so that should give you enough time to scout the place." Reyna said while taking her phone out. "I'm letting him know we're here, so it should take him around 20 to 30 minutes to get here. That enough time for you?" She turned to you after sending the text message.

"More than enough. Got your earpiece?" Reyna nodded. "Alright, be right back then."

Reyna watched you walk off, thinking how you and the new agent will get along. She wishes the best for him. Heck, he's a soft spot for her. She knows a bit of your story from Brimstone, and she's never once not reminded of this kid whenever he looks at you. Maybe that's the reason why she avoided you so much, but it was time to change that, since she knew you and Neon would be great friends for him, and her most preferred anyway.

Making your way down the street, you glanced at the graffiti on the walls. You were wearing a long red skirt, as much as you hate them, but underneath you wore dark skinny jeans, where your weapons were strapped on. As for your shirt, it was a black t-shirt. The dark color made it easier for you to conceal the vest underneath.

Right outside the alley were a couple of food stands, and it wasn't too crowded. You made sure to mentally map the area around you and pinpoint the most crucial paths to the meeting spot.

After a while, you had a broad vision of the area, and you decided to stay put a bit close to the most vulnerable entrance to the alley, yet not too far from Reyna.

"Reyna, I'm all set."

"Copied, he should be here any second. If you sense four sources of radianite besides his, don't worry." Reyna echoed through your earpiece. Before you had time to ask her what she meant by that, you sensed someone new, along with the other sources of radianite Reyna mentioned earlier.

You closed your eyes and focused on the meeting spot, just to be sure. Faintly, you could hear two voices.

"El caos puede ser... hermoso." You could tell that was Reyna.

"Chill, chill, we're good." A voice you've never heard before. From the friendly manner, you assumed this was the new guy.

You opened your eyes and spoke to your earpiece. "Reyna, showed up already?"

"Yes, just stay put for a bit." You knew what she meant, it would be silly of you to leave right away in case he was followed through here.

You proceeded to close your eyes and go through all the crucial spots. Nothing suspicious so far, until you heard a faint click, far away, but loud enough for you to know it was a finger placed on a trigger. You weren't sure from where exactly. You frantically looked everywhere. Then you realized there was one place you weren't able to scout. The roof.

"Reyna, duck!" You got out of your hiding spot, ripping your skirt off, and got a grenade you borrowed from Raze. A loud gunshot was heard, but Reyna was able to get the new guy away just in time. You threw the grenade on instinct based on the source of the gunshot, and oh boy, were your instincts right. An Omega soldier fell off, grunting from the pain. You got your Ghost out and tried to shoot him as soon as he fell, but he was fast. He rolled over and managed to find a hiding spot.

"Shit," you cursed. If you were fast enough you would've killed him before he finished landing.

"(Y/N), are you hurt?" You heard Reyna through your earpiece, a hint of concern could be detected on her voice. You couldn't help but smile at that.

"Worried about me now?" You laughed. "I'm fine, but this asshole has me in a pinch. He's got a sniper rifle and I'm just hiding behind a bunch of garbage."

"We're on it, just don't walk into any green goo you see on the floor." You weren't sure what she was talking about but didn't question it. Then, seconds later, you heard a gargling sound, followed by an explosion. You quickly glanced back, aiming your pistol, and quickly understood what Reyna was on about. That green thing seemed like a sort of grenade.

The soldier attempted to flee the goo before it got him, but just as he came on sight, you shot him straight through the head. You closed your eyes and quickly went over the rest of the points, making sure there was no one else lurking. You heard nothing.

You opened your eyes and met Reyna standing in a dark corner, her eyes glowing. "Nada mal para ser tu primera vez," she said amused. You were about to ask what she was on about when a green haired guy appeared on the other end of the alley. You recognized his aura from earlier.

"You think so?" The guy asked excitedly. First impression, very childish.

"Gekko, this is (Y/N). (Y/N), this is Gekko." Reyna introduced you two.

"Thanks for saving my butt earlier, it's nice meeting you, Gekko." You extended your arm to give him a handshake. He promptly followed.

"Oh, yeah, no problem, and thanks." He scratched his neck. "Likewise."

Reyna looked at him in a funny manner before making her way out of the alley. "Well, we better get out of here before we have to deal with anything else."

You stopped in your tracks when you remembered you literally tore your skirt off. "Uhm, Reyna?" She turned around, and quickly realized what you were worried about.

She sighed in frustration, "Hand them over, I'll take them back." You thanked her and handed your pistol with your knife.

This whole time you didn't notice Gekko glancing at you, as much as he could. He had heard about you from Reyna, unbeknownst to you. He was eager to get to know you and become friends, but he never thought you would be this pretty. He got himself together and followed you two from behind.

Once you arrived at the headquarters, you notified Brimstone of the little encounter you had. This made him a bit uneasy but he acknowledged your good work, alongside Gekko's. He asked you to lead him to his room, which happened to be next to yours and Reyna's.

You made your way to the main room where everyone hangs out. They were all greeting Gekko and welcoming him.

Jett suspiciously slid next to you and wrapped her arm around your shoulders. "Heyy, what's that about the new guy saving your ass out there, huh (C/N)?" Jett was teasing you again. She was always like this, in a friendly manner, of course.

You scoffed, "I have no idea what you're talking about, wind girl."

Jett laughed, "Oh, come on! That's never to be heard of! You? The best sentinel around caught up in a tight spot? Talk about sloppiness right there, girl." As much as you knew she was joking, she was right. It was rare of you to be caught in a tight spot. You thought maybe it was the uneasiness of being around Reyna for the first time, but it wasn't time to think about that right now.

You approached Gekko and tapped his shoulder. "Ready to see your new room?"

He beamed a smile. "Yes! Can you show me around as well? Just so me and my critters don't get lost." You smiled and nodded as you waved everyone else goodbye.

In the back, you didn't notice Jett and Yoru talk behind. "I bet one of them will fall in love." Jett said to him.

"You're really going to bet against me again?" Yoru asked. "Dibs on new guy." Jett simply rolled her eyes.

"Kitchen's that way, and down the hall you'll find the locker rooms, followed by the entrance to the range. That's where we practice. You're most likely going to be training under Harbor. Just make sure your little guys don't eat our food."

Gekko wasn't paying much attention until you brought his creatures up. "Oh, yeah, don't worry about them. They don't eat normal food." He smiled. He was way too distracted admiring you, as corny as it is. Looking how you interacted with everyone made him look up to you. "Say, for how long have you been here?" You stopped in your tracks, startled at the question. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"No, don't worry." You interrupted him as soon as he started to apologize. "I don't mind the questions, I'm just not used to the personal ones, I guess." Gekko said nothing in response, giving you the space to continue. "I've been here for almost two years now, since the start of the Valorant Protocol."

"Damn, so you've been here for a while."

"Pretty much."

"Well, I look forward to learning from you, (Y/N)." You turned around and saw him smiling. You don't know what it was, if it was his smile alone, or his eyes displaying trust and admiration towards you that made you a bit flustered, but one thing's for sure; his smile is contagious.

You turned around as soon as you felt yourself smile and kept walking, Gekko following from behind. "So, you're friends with Reyna?" You were curious about him too, so you couldn't help but return the personal questions to him.

"Oh, yeah, Reyna and I go way back, shortly after the First Light. I wasn't affected by it but she was, in a way. I used to know her and..." He trailed off. You glanced at him in response. "Nevermind... Anyway, my critters got to know her as well and we spent time together until she left. Then, as it turns out, she left to come here, so she dragged me along with her."

You hummed in response. You never thought Reyna would be thoughtful enough to think about someone else's future, but you never judge a book by its cover.

You chatted a bit more until you got to the dorms. "Well, this is where we all live in the headquarters. This is my room," you pointed to a door that read your codename. "And this is yours."

"We're next to each other? Qué padre, I'll get to see you often, then." You couldn't help but smile at his eagerness.

You helped Gekko set up a code for his lock and proceeded to open the door. The room was plain, with a simple bed and a small table with a closet. There were no decorations yet. This allows each agent to personalize their room to their liking.

"And here it is, your new room. I know it's plain but don't worry, we can go out shopping with the others so you can buy a few decorations and such."

"Thank you, (Y/N)." He smiled again. God, his smile is contagious. You couldn't help but smile back.

You were saying goodbye to him and his creatures, and right before you left, you turned around and looked at him, smiling. "By the way, welcome to Valorant."

vettel reincarnate * fem!driver

after retiring from formula 1 at the end of the 2022 season, f1 legend sebastian vettel realised a while after the announcement that he would miss the paddock way too much. instead of taking back his announcement, he pairs up with an up-and-coming driver and gets her a seat in a race car in formula 1.

this is SOOO heavily inspired by @sebscore and also @thepersonnamedsam (i was doing some research how to start and came across theirs too) and i'm lOVING IT!!

i wanted there to be a twist that didn't make it seem like it's an outright copy, so there it is! do feel free to send in requests here or questions!!

if there are too many similarities and/or copies, do drop me a message to let me know so i can address them </3

do take note that these are written in no particular order, just based on requests and scenarios sent in or that i come up with!

about fem!driver

get to know her -> a short summary on fem!driver

meet the yln's -> meet femdriver and her siblings

pre-formula 1

2023: the rookie season

2024: the sophomore year

2025: fall from grace

2026:

2027: championship contender

2028: the time is now

a day in the life

radio

smau specials

the yearly recaps: special dts editions

misc

the schumacher problem

extras

asks

in another life | fem!driver au x logan sargeant

the vault

Headcanons for being the youngest Scamander sibling

Newt/Theseus Scamander x sibling!reader

warnings: fb3 spoilers! mainly takes place during the movie! also death/fighting

a/n: god i have been so excited to write this dhsbsghs. and i love u anon ur so sweet.

prompt: anonymous: “OMG I JUST WATCHED FB3 and it was such a fun ride!! may i request a headcanon for being the youngest scamander who's still in hogwarts? thank you very much! your works are always lovely ♡”

yes, you were quite younger than your brothers

but that didn’t change the fact that they loved you and you loved them

it was a shame you couldn’t get in on the action with them, whether that be magizoology or ministry happenings (or adventures they found themselves in)

dumbledore swore to keep his eye on you

made sure you didn’t get kicked out like *someone* in your family

“you’re so close to graduating, y/n. please take it seriously” -dumbledore

“fifty-fifty chance i do” -you

you don’t typically see theseus and newt at the same time, but whoever is closest for the holidays will pick you up

leta adored you, you’d talk to her every chance you got

“how’s school going, y/n? get yourself into any trouble lately?” -leta

“why does everyone keep asking me that?” -you

“why do you think?” -theseus

he always squeezes the crap out of you when he sends you back to school

and sends you off with a gift or two

“be good” -theseus

“you really don’t trust me, huh?” -you

“force of habit. i’m gonna miss you” -theseus

“right, right. i’ll miss you, too” -you

newt had told you all about how he got into all sorts of trouble at hogwarts

gave you a ton of pointers over the years. where to hide mostly

and he told you to speak your mind, even if it gets you into trouble

but he warned against taking the fall for others, he learned that the hard way

“i’d like to see you graduate here, do some good.” -newt

“wanna hear what i did last week?” -you

“oh, dear…go ahead” -newt

you always had fun telling newt your stories

the few times you get to see him

you missed your brothers often

when leta died, you were shaken to your core

the funeral was a drag

you practically clung to newt and theseus as you parted once more, you worried deeply for their lives

they felt you’d be safest at hogwarts and encouraged you to enjoy it while you could

“i really wish i could be out there with them” -you

“i know you do, but think about your education for a moment” -dumbledore

“mm, okay, still want to help” -you

“why can’t you be a cheeky hermit like newt was your age?” -dumbledore

“because i’m not newt” -you “or theseus, before you go there”

“you’re funny like them, though” -dumbledore

you really did remind him of newt and theseus, but your dynamic also reminded him of him, aberforth, and ariana

when newt’s friend, jacob, showed up to hogwarts, you were so excited

“hello! you must be jacob!” -you

“hey, yeah, that’s me. you, uh, you a psychic or something?” -jacob

“i’m something, y/n scamander” -you

“oh! oh, you’re the little sibling! look at you in your funny little uniform. wow, another scamander. you uptight or an animal lover?” -jacob

“just me, thank you” -you

giving jacob the tour

“do you fly around this place on those broomsticks, too?” -jacob

“i did once or twice” -you, laughing “got kicked off the quidditch team, though. i had my fair streak of trouble”

“quidditch? what’s that?” -jacob

“it’s the sport that they’re playing” -you

“like…like baseball?” -jacob

“sure, like baseball” -you

when your brothers got back to hogwarts, you were ecstatic (and desperate to get in on it all)

“y/n, don’t you have studies?” -theseus

“shhh, just let me have this” -you

“hi there, y/n, missed you” -newt

“where’s the case?” -you

“oh, i dont have it at the moment” -newt

“what? where is it?” -you

“bunty has it” -newt

“and where is she?” -you

you were highly intrigued by the issue at hand

well, not so much intrigued as you were desperate to know what was going on

any detail left out would make you lose sleep

“where are you staying tonight?” -you

“they’ll be staying at the hog’s head inn” -dumbledore

“may i come, too? just for tonight?” -you

“ah, i don’t know if that’s appropriate—” -dumbledore

“we’ll sign off on it” -newt

*theseus side eyes*

you brought some of your homework along and did it at the bar, just wanting to be near

newt helped you out with it for a bit

“hey, i remember this. you need a hand? or another head?” -newt

“sure, that’d be great” -you

you told him how you’d gone through the boggart lesson recently

“oh! oh…oh, how was that?” -newt

“not too bad, we all had a few laughs” -you

“yours wasn’t too scary?” -newt

“no, not any worse than a desk” -you, making fun of him

newt had noticed writing on the mirror across from him and left you a moment

and lally wanted to get to know the youngest scamander

“why hello there, dear. we haven’t had a moment to ourselves yet. what are you up to?” -lally

“just some homework brought from hogwarts. they excused me from curfew tonight as long as i proved i’d still be productive” -you

“a unique situation you’re in, aren’t you?” -lally

“you could say that” -you, laughing “i’m always being expected to act up thanks to newt, but they always want me to go above and beyond like theseus. i love my brothers, i’d just like to be me”

“oh, i see. well, i see you as you. tell me about you” -lally

you and lally had a long conversation while newt and dumbledore did the same

“you know, y/n carries a copy of fantastic beasts wherever they go. i think they miss you” -dumbledore

“they do? how do you know?” -newt

“i see them read it all the time. they even catch some unsuspecting students to ramble to about it from time to time” -dumbledore

“are you saying they’re starting to…to turn out like me?” -newt

“i’m saying they miss you. don’t take that for granted, newt. not after what i just told you” -dumbledore, glancing at the painting of ariana

when they came back downstairs, you were playing with the newest addition to the magical briefcase

where teddy the niffler was getting jealous and stealing coins from your pocket

you made the most of this time with your brothers and their friends, knowing that danger loomed over them

and there was nothing that you could do

but you could dance and talk and laugh and mingle until the sun came up

you followed them to the room of requirement and gave them hugs goodbye

“what is this place?” -jacob

“the room we require” -newt

“y/n, why didn’t you show me this?” -jacob

*magic users chuckling*

“be safe. please” -you

“you’re worried about us? that’s adorable” -theseus, hugging you as hard as he could

“oh, sorry. i hope you get cursed” -you, sarcastically

“i’ll see you soon, don’t worry. just focus on your classes” -newt

“why can’t i come with you? i want to help!” -you

“because dumbledore doesn’t need any children fighting his battles” -theseus

^(a/n: *spongebob narrator voice* “sixty years later”)

anyways

you were on edge all day, watching the election for supreme mugwump with your classmates

your brothers appeared before the wizarding world and you hid behind your hands as your classmates turned to you

“are you alright, y/n?” -professor mcgonnagal

“that depends on what happens in the next few minutes” -you

fortunately, your brothers came home

and you were invited to jacob and queenie’s wedding in new york!

“really?!” -you

“yes, really, kid! you’re gonna love new york, i’ll even give you a tour! least i can do for you showing me your school” -jacob

you went to new york and absolutely loved it, it was your new favorite place

and these wedding guests, your new favorite people

“you’re my new favorite, too!” -queenie

taglist: @ravenmoore14 // @summersimmerus // @the-did-i-ask // @azazel-nyx // @randomfandomimagine // @scarthefangirl // @locke-writes // @sweetjedi // @beth-gallagher22 // @bad4amficideas // @xoxobabydolls // @ruvaakke // @evilcr0ne // @thedarkqueenofavalon // @nightmarefox15 //

Hi! Could you do like toddler Leclerc reader, like she’s the baby sister of the Leclercs and even tho they are quite a lot older than her they love her more than anything and are very protective and doting over her, especially Charles

The three big bad wolves (leclerc!toddler!reader)

N.B: dear anon, thank you for the request......i had this in my inbox for a while, I hope you like it.... WARNINGS: not proof read, don't focus too much on age and stuff, baby leclerc having a crush on mr carlos sainz (who doesn't), I feel like I could've written the ending in a better way of sorts..... if I missed anything please let me know....

masterlist

The three leclerc boys had fallen in love in 2016, Lorenzo was 20, Charles was 19 and Arthur was 16 when they saw their first love. It was when YN Leclerc was born. Her lips parted as hiccups left her small body, her hands laying on her mother's chest and her eyes twinkling as she looked up at her three brothers.

The three boys didn't think their love for yn could be deeper, could be so much more than their hearts dancing at the sound of her giggles, so much more than sitting on small chairs, having their nails painted bright colors and their faces smeared by their mother's make-up. They didn't know how far their love can go, how deep their feelings could be but when tragedy struck the Leclerc household the three boys swore that they'd not just die for their baby sister, they would kill for her, they would tear down worlds for her.

YN coming to races had been rare, Pascale rarely leaves her baby girl out of her sight, she always wants her within her eyesight scared of what the world might do to her little baby.

So when Charles made his way with YN on his hip, some would argue that she is too old for this, her face hiding in his neck and arms wrapped tightly around him feeling safe in her brother's arm. Lorenzo and Arthur were with them as well, just behind Charles, trying to get yn to look at them but to no avail.

"Is that baby leclerc?"

A British voice rang through the hallway as Lando ran up to Charles, pushing Arthur out of the way to take a closer look at yn, stretching his hand to squish her chubby cheeks.

"Hey!"

Lando's protest was loud and clear as soon as Charles moved yn out of his hands way

"Stay away from my sister norris"

Lorenzo's sharp tone scared the youn brit into moving away, allowing Arthur to squeeze himself back into his rightful place.

"Yn baby"

"Yes 'tur"

The sound of her small voice had all 4 men melting, wanting to wrap the little girl in a blanket and keep her away from everything bad in this world.

"Come here"

Arthur extended his hand so that he can carry yn, but Charles maneuvered away from his younger brother refusing to let go of yn

"You have to let her go man, you need to change anyway"

"No no, just for a bit"

"Charles!" His team principle came within their eyesight, looking at charles as he pouted, wanting to have yn in his arms for a bit more.

Not wanting to get fired Charles moved yn into Arthur's arms as Lorenzo kept running his hand through her hair upon seeing her yawn.

"Hey, little leclerc!"

All tiredness disappeared from yn's face as Carlos Sainz jr. entered the room, yn had a crush on him and it wasn't a secret. Her mother and Carlos found it cute, it was a silly little thing that she'll grow out of, her brothers however hated it they didn't want to entertain the idea that she should even have a crush before being 25 years old.

"No, go away" Lorenzo spoke as he moved in front of yn, trying to block her eyesight but it was too late.

"Enzo, moovee" yn whined as she tried to push lorenzo away from her so that she could see the Spaniard

"Come on man, it's just a baby crush, it'll go with time" Carlos reasoned as yn stretched her arms towards him and started fussing in Arthur's hold, wanting to be held by the oldest driver.

"Hey yn" Carlos greeted as he bounced her lightly on his hip, the two words making the little girl blush, a smile on her lips so wide that she would later complain of her face hurting

"Non! Not again! Carlos!" The heavy sound of racing boots running closer reached everyone's ears as they looked towards charles

"Leave yn alone! Give her here"

"Non! Charles, I want to stay with Carlos" tightening her grip onto carlos' shirt, yn looked at Charles, challenging him and making sure that he sees her little hands on his teammate's shirt as a way to make it clear that she's not going anywhere.

"Mon ange!" Charles whined as he stomped his feet

"Honestly, which one of you is the little kid?"

"Zip it norris"

"Be nice to landy" yn frowned at her older brother, reaching one of her hands towards Lando's hair as she patted it as a form of apology making all three leclerc brothers annoyed

"This is just unfair" Arthur complained as he watched his sister have a puppy crush on two drivers, they really shouldn't have introduced her to any of the drivers.

Ok ok hear me out,

Imagine gekko little buddies keep following the reader something like that.

headcannons of wingman, thrash, and dizzy following you around. ^^

the first time you met them, they automatically loved you.

everywhere gekko went with you, wingman would always hover on your shoulder

even when gekko wasn't with you, his friends would always urge him into meeting up with you or convincing you to coming over

they'd always want to play games with you

of course, they didn't follow you around ALL the time, especially when the two of you were defending against the valorant league (sorry if you dont know all the lore to know what this means lmao)

but while the two of you had breaks between the fights, wingman would always come over to rest on your head

you always wished you could understand what they were gossiping about, usually about other agents

gekko would give you a much more nicer version of what they would say

those three would do quite literally anything for you

especially since they know of the chemistry between you and mateo

you could swear that they'd initiate stuff between you two, either giving flowers to mateo to give to you, or by angling you while you were sleeping to lean against him

wingman probably was literally the best wingman mateo could have

those three definitely keep a close eye on you

you're just proud to know that you were the favorite of those three lil cuties, other than mateo himself.

pairings: jude bellingham x girlfriend!reader (face claim: gracie adrams)

in which: everyone starts to hate on Jude’s girlfriend just because she is a “normal girl”

requested: yes, by anonymous: jude bellingham x gf reader (fc gracie abrams) where they’ve been together for years and she gets hated on by people on social media because shes a normal girl (she works at vogue spain because of real madrid) and people call her a gold digger ect social media au please.

yourusername

Liked by judebellingham, trentarnold66 and 98,529 others

yourusername: just another day at work🤍

tagged: voguespain

view all 14,648 comments

username You ain’t one of the models love💀

username What does Jude see in her?!

username Such a gold digger😂

username So pretty!!💗

username How is Jude dating her?🤮

judebellingham ❤️ *yourusername liked this comment

username Not even bothered to reply back🙄

username Genuine question, what does Jude see in her?

username What’s with all this hate?! Just because she’s a normal girl with a normal job!!

username She’s literally only working for Vogue Spain as she lives there with Jude🙄

username You aren’t one of the models😂

username Gold diggerrr🤮

comments have been disabled

//

yourusername added to her story 21s

Seen by 120,738 viewers

Replies:

username Such a gold digger💀

username Why is Jude with you, seriously!!

username Just a normal girl, while he’s a footballer🙄

username Don’t listen to the hate Y/N, there’s many fans who love you as you make Jude happy!!💗 *yourusername liked this message

username Ughh just leave Jude alone!!

username He doesn’t deserve you😂

//

yourusername

Liked by camavinga, vinijr and 113,630 others

yourusername: life lately💗

tagged: judebellingham jobebellingham

view all 15,638 comments

username Jude doesn’t deserve you!!!

username Going to go after Jobe when Jude dumps your ass?😂😂

username such a gold digger💀

username All this hate is so stupid, leave the girl alone!!

jobebellingham 🤩

yourusername lil broo❤️

username You ain’t a model love😭

username Jude needs to dump youuu

username Don’t listen to the hate Y/N!!🤍

judebellingham babyy❤️

yourusername I love uuu❤️

username Such a cute couple, fans need to stop all this hate!!!

username Jude doesn’t deserve youuu!!🤮

username Just leave him alone🙄

comments have been disabled

//

judebellingham

Liked by trentarnold66, k.mbappe and 762,018 others

judebellingham: It’s awful to see what many people have been saying about someone you love and means a lot to you, just because they have a “normal job”, Y/N is someone that has worked hard to get the job she has, we got together after she started to work for Vogue Spain, it had nothing to do with me and she did it all on her own. Y/N means so much to me and all this hate has just gone out of hand and it’s not just unacceptable, you aren’t one of my fans who have been leaving awful comments this past few days. Myself & Y/N are going to take some time off social media for a bit, all I ask is just for you all to be kind and respectful and I’ll see you all soon🤍

tagged: yourusername

view all 24,927 comments

username We love you Y/N!!❤️

username Y/N is such a lovely person, it was awful to see all those comments..

username You know you’ve gone too far when Jude posts something..

username Y/N & Jude are so cute!!!💗

vinijr No hating on my little sis🤍

camavinga She’s prefers me actually :)

k.mbappe Nah, she’s my little sis!

judebellingham and she’s my gf so I win😊

username Awhh, all the boys🥹

username How can anyone hate on Y/N?!

username I love the friendship she has with the boys!!

trentarnold66 Come visit bro, I wanna see my sis!

yourusername brb just buying a ticket to Liverpool :)

judebellingham I’m here too?

username Haha Trent & Y/N😂

username I love how everyone thinks her has a little sister!!🥹

yourusername I love you❤️

judebellingham I love you more❤️

username Cutest couple!!

username I will fight someone who says anything bad to Y/N!!

𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐞

featuring. Ekko x fem!reader

wc. 15.5k

synopsis. Born from house Arvino, one of the richest and influential families of piltover. You had it all from luxurious gifts, fancy meals, a magnificent bedroom and much more. You’re parents gave you everything you asked for. However still never satisfied you. You’re mind always looked at the injustice and suffering zaun was going through. That’s when you first met ekko, the firelights’ leader. Not very happy to have a pilty messing stuff up.

trope. “enemies to lovers”

warnings. slow burn, cursing, blood, kissing 0-0, suggestive

requested. by anon

a/n. slight spoilers for arcane s2, it’s more like enemies to friends to lovers (sorry) if there’s mistakes you don’t see it! aka not proofread (read it thrice) also there’s no war in this :)

Above, the shimmering towers stood tall, their wealth and power casting long shadows. Below, Zaun suffocated in its neon haze, its people forgotten in the depths of the city’s ambition. Whereas the glow of Piltover’s lights filled the skyline. From the balcony of your family estate, the stark contrast between Piltover and Zaun was undeniable.

“You think your actions are noble, but you’re a fool,” your father’s voice thundered from the dining room. His words, sharp and unyielding, echoed through the halls as you stood silently by the doorway. “Consorting with the undercity rabble is not only dangerous, it’s treacherous.”

“They’re not rabble. They’re people,” you countered, stepping forward with clenched fists. “You act like Zaun doesn’t exist, but they’re suffering because of Piltover’s greed.”

“You don’t understand the world you live in,” your mother added, her tone softer but no less cutting. “House Arvino holds power because we uphold order. Piltover thrives because of people like us. You risk everything with your reckless defiance.”

Frustration boiled within you. “Piltover thrives at the expense of Zaun. Those people deserve better.”

Your father slammed his fist onto the table. “Enough! You are an Arvino, and you will act like one. This rebellion of yours ends now.”

His command hung in the air, suffocating and absolute. You didn’t argue further. Instead, you turned on your heel and left, the weight of their disapproval bearing down on you. You wouldn’t stop. You couldn’t.

Zaun had become a second home to you, even if it was a dangerous one. It was there, in the grimy depths of the undercity, that you had met Ekko. The boy with paint-streaked cheeks and a fire in his eyes had been as wary of you as you had been of him. Unfortunately, you had been too blinded by your own self-righteousness to notice the fire in his eyes. You thought your mission was noble, an act of goodwill to deliver medical supplies to Zaun’s struggling districts. Your family, House Arvino, had always prided itself on maintaining a veneer of philanthropy, even when their true motivations were rooted in politics. You had accompanied a group of Piltover enforcers on the trip, believing your presence would emphasize the importance of the task. You were wrong.

The moment you stepped into the heart of Zaun, the air itself seemed hostile. The tension was palpable, the sharp smell of chemical fumes mixing with the weight of countless wary stares from Zaunites who lined the streets. Your voice was soft and unsure as you addressed the gathered crowd, holding out your hands to show the crates of supplies. You thought you were doing something good, offering some small relief to people who had been forgotten.

But the enforcers who were armed and stoic, turned the scene into something far more sinister. They barked orders at the crowd, waving their weapons to ensure no one got too close. You had tried to intervene, to tell them this wasn’t how it was supposed to go, but your voice was drowned out by the chaos they had already sown.

That was when the boy appeared, the one you heard slight rumors about. At first, you didn’t know exactly who he was, only that he seemed fearless as he stepped forward. Placing himself between the crowd and the enforcers. His voice rang out, cutting through the noise like a blade.

“Another topsider playing savior,” he said, his tone dripping with disdain. “You think you can fix Zaun with scraps from your table?”

You had never been spoken to like that before. His words, sharp and accusatory, made your cheeks burn with anger and embarrassment. You turned to him, trying to keep your composure despite the growing crowd that was watching the confrontation unfold.

“I’m not here to play savior,” you shot back, your voice steady even though your heart was racing. “I’m here to help.”

“Help?” He laughed bitterly, the sound harsh and mocking. “Your kind doesn’t help. You just come down here to feel good about yourselves, then leave us to clean up your mess.”

“I’m trying to make a difference!” you snapped, your frustration boiling over.

His eyes narrowed as he stepped closer, his posture radiating defiance. “If you really wanted to make a difference, you wouldn’t bring enforcers with you like we’re criminals. You’d be standing with us, not above us.”

The words hit harder than you expected. Somewhere deep down, you knew he was right. The enforcers’ presence had turned an act of charity into a display of control, a reminder of Piltover’s dominance over Zaun. But admitting that felt like defeat, and you weren’t ready to back down.

“This isn’t about standing above anyone,” you argued. “I came here because I care. That’s more than most people from Piltover would do.”

“And that’s supposed to make you special?” He scoffed, shaking his head. “Newsflash, princess, Zaun doesn’t need your pity. We need change.”

The enforcers stepped in before the argument could escalate further, pushing the crowd back and ordering you to return to the transport. You left with the weight of his words pressing heavily on your chest, his voice echoing in your mind long after you were gone.

Over the weeks that followed, you found yourself returning to Zaun despite the tension and despite him. Every time you came, he was there, watching you with that same guarded expression. It seemed like he could sense your discomfort, the guilt you carried for what Piltover had done to his home.

“Back again?” he would say, leaning casually against a wall with a smirk that made your blood boil. “Guess you didn’t get the message last time.”

“I’m not here for your approval,” you’d hiss back, your tone dry. “I’m here for the people who actually need help.”

“You think you’re helping?” he’d shoot back, his voice low and laced with frustration. “All you’re doing is putting a bandage on a bullet wound.”

His words stung, not because they were cruel, but because they forced you to confront truths you didn’t want to face. He wasn’t wrong. Everything you did felt small, insignificant compared to the scale of Zaun’s struggles. And yet, you couldn’t stop coming back.

Ekko was unlike anyone you had ever known. He was quick-witted and determined, a rebel who refused to back down in the face of injustice. But he didn’t trust you, not completely. “You’re just another Pilty trying to fix a world you don’t understand,” he had told you once, his voice filled with disdain.

“And you’re just another rebel too angry to see the bigger picture,” you had shot back. Yet despite the constant sparring, you found yourself drawn to him, to the hope buried beneath his frustration.

That hope turned to chaos one night when enforcers raided the Firelights’ hideout. It happened so fast. One moment, you were in the Firelights’ hideout, quietly listening as Ekko outlined plans for their next move against Piltover’s oppression. The next, chaos erupted.

The sound of boots echoed sharply against the metal grates of Zaun’s narrow passages. The enforcers had found the hideout. Your breath caught as the unmistakable clatter of their weapons reverberated through the space. You stood frozen, staring at Ekko as he barked orders to the Firelights around him, his voice sharp and commanding.

“You brought them here, didn’t you?” His words were like a blade, cutting through the noise. His piercing gaze locked onto you, and your stomach churned with guilt.

“I didn’t mean to,” you whispered, but your voice was drowned out by the growing commotion. The enforcers didn’t give anyone time to explain. They swarmed in, their heavy armor gleaming under the dim light, weapons raised. You reached for the nearest object which was a dainty metal rod. And tried stand your ground. You weren’t going to let them harm anyone, not here.

Ekko was already moving, his quick reflexes guiding him as he darted through the chaos. The Firelights fought back, using their intimate knowledge of Zaun’s layout to their advantage. Smoke bombs went off, shrouding the room in thick, stinging fog. He towards you with a slight disgusted look and yelled, “You have to leave, Now!”

“I’m not leaving,” you said, your voice defiant.

“You’ll just slow us down,” he snapped, the frustration in his tone cutting deeper than he intended. “They need me. And you need to go back to your perfect little life, staying safe.”

His words stung, but before you could argue, he vanished into the fray, leaving you behind. You tried to follow, weaving through the chaos, but you weren’t quick enough. An enforcer caught you in the shadows, his grip like iron as he slammed you against the wall. “Here you are.”

However the enforcers were relentless. One of them caught sight of you, his eyes narrowing as he grinned. You swung the rod with the little strength you had left, but it was no match for their training. Pain exploded across your abdomen as he shot you. It nearly missed your stomach, however you crumpled to the ground. Gasping for the little air you could muster.

Through the haze of smoke and pain, Ekko pull something from his belt. A device crackling with vibrant green energy. “Firelights, cover your eyes!” he shouted. The device emitted a blinding flash, followed by a wave of sound that sent the enforcers reeling. Their yells of confusion filled the air as they stumbled back, disoriented and clutching their helmets.

The Firelights seized the opportunity, retreating deeper into the hideout and disappearing into secret tunnels. Ekko crouched beside you, his hands shaking as he lifted your chin. “You okay?” he asked, his voice rough but laced with concern.

Without replied to his question, you stumbled out of his grasp. Going into the streets of Zaun, clutching your side as every step sent searing pain through your body. The world around you blurred, a mix of dim lights and the shadows of the towering structures above.

He was shocked to say the least. ‘Why did you leave so abruptly?’ he questioned himself. Ekko didn’t waste a second, he truly did try to hide it. But as soon as the enforcers were gone and the Firelights were safe, he was out the door. Searching for you and he didn’t want to admit it. He knew didn’t know you as much, but he knew you were stubborn. Matter fact for the short period of time he was with you, he knew you were too stubborn to admit how badly you were hurt.

“Where the hell did you go?” he muttered under his breath, scanning the narrow alleys and dimly lit corners of Zaun. His mind raced with possibilities, each one worse than the last. You were nowhere to be found.

The beating left you crumpled on the ground, your vision blurred and your body trembling with pain. Somehow you managed to drag yourself back to Piltover, every step a battle against the agony that wrecked your body. By the time you stumbled into your family’s estate, the grand halls felt like a mockery of your suffering. Your parents returned hours later to find you collapsed in the foyer, your bruises stark against your weak skin. Their shock quickly turned to anger, though it was born of fear.

“This is what happens when you defy us,” your father said, his voice shaking with fury. “Do you see now? You can’t change the world. You can only get yourself killed.”

“I trying to help,” you murmured, your voice weak but resolute.

“They are not your people,” your mother said, her tone filled with a mix of pity and frustration. “You are our only child. We can’t lose you to some pointless crusade.” Their words lingered, but they didn’t understand. They couldn’t. The divide between Piltover and Zaun wasn’t just physical, it was ideological. You were caught between two worlds, neither one willing to accept you fully. The summons to the Council came the next morning. As you stood in the grand chamber, the weight of their judgment bore down on you. Ambessa Medarda, seated at the center, regarded you with cold disdain.

“You stand accused of undermining Piltover’s authority by associating with the undercity,” she said, her voice sharp and unyielding. “Do you deny these charges?”

“I was just trying to helping people,” you replied exhaustively, your voice steady despite the pain in your ribs.

Ambessa’s lips curled into a cruel smile. “Helping? Piltover thrives because of order. And you, as an Arvino, have brought chaos to our city.”The council murmured their agreement, their disapproval a suffocating presence in the room.

“Your actions were reckless,” Ambessa continued. “And your injuries are your own doing. You clutched the knife and cut yourself on its blade, all in the name of some misguided sympathy for the undercity." Her words felt like another blow, each one landing with precision and force.

You straightened your back, though the pain flared at the effort. "I acted because the people of Zaun are ignored and oppressed. Piltover turns a blind eye while it prospers off their suffering. That's not order, it’s exploitation." The murmurs grew louder, some council members shifting uncomfortably in their seats. But Ambessa didn't waver. Her gaze bore into you, her lips curling with faint amusement.

"Such passion," she mused. "But passion without purpose is just noise. You may think yourself a savior, but all you've done is tarnish your family's name and threaten the stability of our city."

Before you could respond, the chamber doors swung open with a heavy groan, and your parents entered. Dressed in their finest, House Arvino's patriarch and matriarch carried themselves with the grace and dignity that Piltover revered. Yet the tension in their features betrayed their unease.

"Ambessa," your father began, his tone measured but firm. "My child's actions, while impulsive, stem from a place of compassion. Surely the Council can recognize that their intentions were not malicious."

"Compassion?" Ambessa's tone was mocking. "Compassion does not excuse rebellion. House Arvino has always stood for loyalty to Piltover's ideals. Is that no longer the case?"

Your mother stepped forward, her voice calm but resolute. "Our loyalty has never wavered. But to degrade my child in front of this council as if they are a common criminal is unacceptable." Ambessa's expression darkened.

"Unacceptable is your heir jeopardizing the balance we've worked so hard to maintain. Zaun is a powder keg, and actions like theirs threaten to ignite it." You bit your lip to keep from speaking. The words you wanted to hurl at her-at all of them-burned on your tongue, but your mother's warning glance silenced you.

"House Arvino will address this matter internally," your father said, his voice brooking no argument. "We will ensure that such actions are not repeated."

Ambessa leaned back in her chair, studying your parents with a calculating gaze. "See that you do. Piltover cannot afford dissent from within its own ranks." The council murmured their agreement, and the session was adjourned. As you were escorted from the chamber, the weight of the council's disdain hung heavy over you.

Back in the confines of your family's estate, the anger you had suppressed boiled over. You slammed your hands against the polished surface of your desk, the pain in your ribs flaring with the movement. "They're cowards," you spat, your voice trembling with fury. "All of them. Sitting in their gilded towers while Zaun suffers."

"Alright thats enough," your father said sharply, entering the room with your mother close behind. "You don't understand the position you've put us in. House Arvino cannot afford to be seen as weak or disloyal."

"I don't care about any of that!" you shouted, turning to face them. "Zaun doesn't have the luxury of appearances. They're dying while we live in luxury!"

Your mother's expression softened, but her voice was firm. "We understand your frustration. But your actions cannot continue. They will destroy you, and us." Their words echoed Ekko's from the night before, and the parallel struck a chord. You sank into a chair, the fight leaving you as exhaustion took its place. "I can't just stop. Not when I know what's happening down there."

Your father sighed, placing a hand on your shoulder. "Then you must find another way. A way that doesn't make enemies of those who hold power." The conversation ended there, but the fire within you didn't dim. If anything, it burned brighter. You couldn't stop. Not now.

Months have passed since your bruises had faded were a careful balancing act, though you still visited Zaun, slipping away under the guise of errands or charitable outings. But you couldn’t risk your parents catching on. To lessen their suspicions, you began inviting Ekko to your home. It was a calculated move, one that made your absences less frequent and gave the illusion that you’d abandoned your cause entirely.

Your room was a testament to Piltover’s grandeur, a lavish blend of opulence and elegance. High ceilings adorned with intricate gold detailing framed the space. The sheer curtains cascaded from tall windows, filtering moonlight across the polished marble floor. A canopy bed, draped in silken fabrics, sat at the room’s center, its pillows and blankets impossibly soft. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with volumes ranging from engineering texts to poetry. A chandelier, all crystal and gleaming light, hung overhead, casting a warm glow over every corner.

It was in this very room that Ekko sat now, hidden behind the lush velvet curtains of one of the tall windows. Your father had come to check on you earlier, his heavy footsteps unmistakable in the hallway. When he entered, you were seated at your desk, feigning focus on a mundane ledger. He lingered by the door, his gaze sweeping over the room before settling on you. “You’ve been staying home more often,” he observed.

You offered a nonchalant shrug. “I realized it was pointless to keep going there. It’s useless trying to fix what can’t be fixed.”

Your father’s face betrayed nothing, but there was a glimmer of pride in his eyes. “A wise choice,” he said simply, and without another word, he left.

The door clicked shut, and you exhaled slowly, waiting until his footsteps faded down the hall. Then, turning your head slightly, you murmured, “You can come out now.”

Ekko stepped from behind the curtains, his movements silent but confident. He was a great contrast to your room’s pristine elegance. His clothes patched and worn, his presence a reminder of the worlds you tried to somehow balance. “You’re getting good at lying,” he remarked, a teasing edge to his tone.

You rolled your eyes, motioning for him to sit on the plush chair near your desk. “I wouldn’t have to if you didn’t insist on brainstorming plans here.”

“It’s safer,” he replied, settling into the chair and pulling a small notebook from his pocket. “Besides, you’re the one with the luxury of access. If we’re going to unite the cities, we need someone who can work both sides.”

You hated how his words made your heart race. Not because of their weight but because it was Ekko saying them. Somewhere in the months of sneaking around and strategizing, you’d grown to like him in a way that went far beyond friendly admiration. You buried those feelings deep, telling yourself there was no time for distractions.

The hours passed as the two of you pored over maps, scribbled ideas, and argued over logistics. The moon rose higher in the sky, its silver light pouring through the windows and bathing your room in an ethereal glow. Ekko grew quieter as the night wore on, his usual sharp wit replaced by a pensive silence. You noticed his gaze flickering to you more often, lingering for moments too long before darting away. At first, you ignored it, chalking it up to exhaustion. But when you caught him staring for the fifth time, you couldn’t help but smirk. “Something on your mind?” you asked, leaning back in your chair.

He shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Just thinking.”

“About?” you questioned, leaning back against your chair.

“About how strange it is, being here,” he admitted, his voice softer than usual. “This room, this world…it feels like it shouldn’t exist. Like it’s too perfect to be real.”

“It’s not perfect,” you said quietly, your gaze dropping to the papers on your desk. “It’s a gilded cage. Nothing more.”

His eyes softened, and for a moment, neither of you spoke. The silence stretched, heavy with unspoken words. Then, slowly, he stood and crossed the room to where you sat.

“I hate to say this. But atleast i’m here…” he said hesitantly, his voice low and steady.

Something in his tone made your breath hitch. You looked up at him, and the intensity in his gaze sent a shiver down your spine. Before you could think, before you could stop yourself, you leaned in.

Ekko met you halfway, his lips crashing against yours with a hunger that left you breathless. His hand found the back of your neck, his fingers tangling in your hair as he deepened the kiss. It was nothing like you'd imagined. It was raw, desperate, and full of the emotions you'd both kept bottled up for too long.

He pulled you to your feet, guiding you back toward the bed without breaking the kiss. The world blurred around you, your senses overwhelmed by the warmth of his touch, the taste of his lips, the way he made you feel alive in a way you never had before.

You fell onto the bed, the soft blankets and pillows cushioning your back as he leaned over you, his weight a comforting pressure. His hands framed your face, his thumbs brushing your cheeks as he kissed you again and again, each one more passionate than the last.

It wasn't until his arms braced on either side of your head that he pulled back, his chest heaving as he stared down at you. The moonlight cast shadows across his face, highlighting the sharp angles of his jaw and the softness in his eyes.

"Do you want me to keep going?" he asked, his voice hoarse. You reached up, your fingers brushing against his cheek. "You might as well…" And as he leaned down to kiss you again, you knew there was no going back from this.

Golden hues of the afternoon sun spilled into your room through the tall, arched windows, painting the polished wooden floors in a mosaic of light and shadow. Outside, the tranquil sounds of Piltover carried through the crisp air. The distant hum of mechanized carriages, the faint chatter of passersby, and the melodic chirping of birds perched along the grand gardens that surrounded your home. Everything was perfect, picturesque even, but it all felt hollow.

Your bedroom was a masterpiece of luxury, a reflection of House Arvino’s status. Elegant bookshelves lined the walls, filled with leather-bound tomes you once eagerly devoured. A velvet armchair sat by the fireplace, its cushion still as pristine as the day it arrived, and your grand four-poster bed was draped in silk, untouched except for the rumpled corner where you sat. Yet, despite the warmth and beauty of the space, it felt cold.

You hadn’t touched your breakfast that morning, nor the one the day before. The silver tray your maid brought hours ago sat untouched on your writing desk, the tea long gone cold. Your appetite had vanished with him.

“Miss,” came a tentative voice from the doorway. You turned to see Anya, your maid, standing there with a concerned expression. She stepped into the room, her brow furrowed as her gaze swept over you. “You haven’t eaten again. This isn’t healthy.”

You waved her off without meeting her eyes. “I’m fine.”

“You’re not,” she pressed gently, her voice tinged with worry. “You’ve barely touched your meals for over a week. If this continues, I’ll have to tell your parents.”

Her words sent a jolt through you. The last thing you wanted was for your parents to get involved. They wouldn’t understand. They never did. But you knew Anya was serious. Her loyalty to you didn’t outweigh her duty to ensure your well-being.

“Alright,” you relented, forcing a weak smile. “I’ll eat later.”

Anya didn’t look convinced, but she nodded and left the room. The heavy door clicked shut behind her, leaving you alone with your thoughts once more. You leaned back against the plush pillows of your bed, staring up at the intricate carvings on the ceiling. Days had turned into weeks since Ekko had kissed you in this very room. Weeks since you’d seen him, since you’d spoken to him. At first, you’d waited eagerly, expecting him to climb through your window with that same confident smirk he always wore. But as the days passed, hope turned to disappointment.

However, the first week had been agony. Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle of the trees outside, had sent your heart racing, only for it to sink when you realized it wasn’t him. You told yourself he was busy, that Zaun demanded too much of him to spare a moment for you. But as the second week came and went, you began to question everything.

Was the kiss a mistake? Did he regret it? The thought gnawed at you, leaving you restless and irritable. Eventually, you stopped waiting. You stopped glancing at the window, stopped listening for the familiar sound of his footsteps. If he didn’t want to see you, then fine. You wouldn’t waste your time waiting for someone who clearly didn’t care.

But despite your best efforts to move on, the ache in your chest remained. It showed in the way you pushed away your meals, the way you avoided the social gatherings your parents encouraged you to attend. Your mother had noticed, of course, her sharp eyes taking in your pale complexion and listless demeanor. “Are you unwell, darling?” she’d asked one evening, her tone as polished as ever.

You’d smiled and lied, assuring her it was nothing more than fatigue. She’d accepted your answer, but her gaze lingered, skeptical.

Now, as you sat in your room, the weight of it all pressing down on you, you realized you couldn’t keep living like this. You couldn’t keep letting his absence control your life. If he didn’t care, then neither should you. But no matter how much you tried to convince yourself, the truth was undeniable. You missed him.

The days stretched on, blending into a monotony of forced smiles and empty conversations. You threw yourself into the routines of Piltover’s elite. Attending social calls, charitable luncheons, and the parties where everyone whispered behind jeweled fans about alliances and intrigue. On the surface, you seemed like yourself again. You laughed when expected, nodded politely during dull conversations, and played the part of the perfect child of House Arvino.

But beneath the carefully constructed façade, a storm brewed. No matter how hard you tried to bury it, the memory of Ekko lingered, sharper and more vivid with each passing day. His voice, his touch, the way he had kissed you. It all haunted you. It didn’t make sense, you told yourself. He was just a friend, nothing more. Yet the thought of him ignoring you, of deliberately staying away, clawed at your chest.

One night, long after the rest of your house had gone to bed, you sat by your window, staring out at the glowing lights of Piltover. The thought hit you with the force of a hammer. You know deep down that you couldn’t keep waiting. If he wouldn’t come to you, then you would go to him.

The decision wasn’t easy. It took days to build up the courage, to push aside the fear of what you might find. But when you finally made your way to Zaun, the heavy air and dim light of the undercity greeted you like an old adversary. You navigated the twisting streets, every step bringing back memories of the times you’d spent here. How he had carefully and slowly opened this world to you, how you’d fought for it together. Well atleast try to.

When you finally reached the Firelights’ hideout, you felt your stomach tighten. It looked the same as ever, but something about it felt different. You spotted him almost immediately, standing near a table strewn with maps and tools, his back to you. “Ekko,” you called out, your voice steady despite the tremor in your chest.

He turned slowly, his face unreadable. For a moment, you thought you saw something flicker in his eyes. Was it surprise, maybe even relief. Either way it didn’t matter because it was gone in an instant, replaced by an icy look. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his tone cold.

The words hit you harder than you expected. “I… I came to see you. It’s been weeks, and—”

“And what?” He cut you off, turning away to fiddle with something on the table. “You’ve got a life up there. What do you need me for?”

Your chest tightened, anger bubbling to the surface. “Don’t do that. Don’t act like I just forgot about you. You’re the one who stopped coming around.”

He scoffed, finally turning to face you. “Stopped coming around? You think I’ve got time to play house? I’ve got real things to deal with here, things that actually matter.”

The words stung, but you refused to back down. “And I don’t? Do you think it’s easy for me to come here, to fight for a place I don’t even belong to? I thought we were doing this together, Ekko.”

He stepped closer, his voice rising. “You don’t get it, do you? You don’t belong here. This about you. You can go back to your fancy dinners and your perfect life anytime you want, but this is my reality.”

You clenched your fists, your own voice shaking with anger. “Don’t you dare act like I haven’t sacrificed anything! Do you know what it’s like to lie to everyone you care about, to pretend you’re someone you’re not, just so you can try to make a difference?”

“Sacrifice?” he shot back, his voice dripping with disbelief. “You don’t know the first thing about sacrifice.” The air between you crackled with tension, the weight of everything left unsaid pressing down on you both. For a moment, neither of you spoke, the anger simmering in the silence.

Finally, you took a shaky breath, your voice softer but no less firm. “You don’t get to decide what I care about, Ekko. I came here because I thought you were my friend.”

He looked away, his jaw tight. “I didn’t ask for you to come.” The words were like a slap to the face, but you refused to let him see how much they hurt. “Fine,” you said, your voice cold. “If that’s how you feel, then I won’t bother you again.”

You turned on your heel, walking away before he could see the tears starting to swell in your eyes. But just as you reached the door, his voice stopped you. “Wait.”

You hesitated, your hand on the worn wood, but you didn’t turn around.

“I…” His voice faltered, the anger replaced by something softer. He inched his head as he paced around, “I didn’t mean it like that.”

You looked back at him, his expression finally cracking. There was pain in his eyes, the same pain you’d been carrying for weeks.

“Then what did you mean?” you asked quietly, your voice trembling.

He didn’t answer right away, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “I just… I didn’t know what to say. After what happened, I thought it’d be easier if I stayed away. But it wasn’t.”

Your shoulders sagged, the fight draining out of you. Looking at with with complete disbelief. “Seriously! You could’ve just told me.”

He nodded, his expression filled with regret. “Yeah. I should’ve.”

For a moment, the two of you just stood there, the weight of the argument lingering in the air. But as you looked at him, at the boy who had opened your eyes to so much, you felt the anger fade, replaced by something else. This was something you weren’t ready to admit to anyone.

A few months have passed and things were relatively calm, much hasn’t happened since then. The suffocating air of Piltover’s council chamber lingered in your mind as you strode through the bustling streets of Zaun. The conversations in those hallowed halls always left a bitter taste on your tongue. They spoke of progress and prosperity, but beneath the gilded rhetoric, it was all about control. To control of resources, people, and power. It was a game you were born into but had grown to despise.

You moved swiftly, your hood pulled low to shield your face from prying eyes. The undercity was alive with its usual chaos, but you’d long learned to navigate its labyrinthine streets without drawing attention. This was your escape, your solace. The world of House Arvino, your family’s wealth, influence, and ties to the Council. It all felt more like chains with each passing day.

The hideout was tucked deep within the shadows of Zaun, a sanctuary for the oppressed and rebellious. It had become a second home to you, a place where you could finally breathe. Ekko had been wary of you at first, rightfully so. Your name carried weight in Piltover, and trust wasn’t something he gave freely. But over time, you’d proven yourself.

Today, the air in the hideout was thick with tension. Ekko was at the center of it all, his voice calm but commanding as he gave orders to his crew. He noticed you immediately, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as you approached.

“Back again?” he asked, leaning against a makeshift table. His tone was teasing, but there was an edge to it, a quiet concern he rarely voiced outright.

“I can’t seem to stay away,” you replied, offering a small smile.

His lips twitched, almost forming a grin, but he shook his head instead. “You’re playing a dangerous game, y’know?”

You shrugged. “I know.”

He studied you for a moment, his gaze lingering as if he was trying to decipher something. Then, with a sigh, he gestured for you to follow him to a quieter corner.

“What’s really going on?” he asked once you were alone. “You’ve been coming here more often, and I know it’s not just to check on the Firelights.”

You hesitated, your fingers gripping the edge of your cloak. “I… I don’t know if I can keep doing this. Pretending like everything’s fine topside when I know how much blood is on their hands. My family’s hands.”

He frowned, his usual confidence giving way to something softer. “You’re not responsible for what they do.”

“Aren’t I?” you countered, your voice rising. “I’m part of them, Ekko. Every time I go back to that house, every time I sit in those meetings, I’m complicit. I’m part of the system that’s crushing this place.”

The intensity of your words caught him off guard, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he placed a hand on your shoulder, his touch grounding. “Then why do you keep going back?”

“Because…” You trailed off, your throat tightening. “Because I thought I could help. That I could use my position to make a difference. But now, I’m not so sure. The Council sees Zaun as nothing more than a problem to be solved, more importantly, destroyed.”

Ekko’s jaw tightened, his anger barely contained. “They’ll never stop. Not unless we make them.”

You couldn’t stop thinking of the face ekko made when you told him what you were internally thinking. How the council thinks so poorly about zaun, how it can be something that wouldn’t be missed if it was gone. It was horrible that most of the topsiders thought the same way, had the same mindset.

You walked briskly, the streets unfamiliar under the heavy shadows of the evening. You had chosen this route for its discretion, a calculated decision that now felt dangerous in its isolation.

Your heart pounded in your chest, though you didn't want to admit why. It wasn't fear of being recognized or stopped by one of Zaun's residents. No, this was something more insidious. A seed of doubt planted by weeks of balancing on a blade's edge between two lives. House Arvino's influence was undeniable, and it had kept you shielded from true danger for so long. But here in Zaun, your family name meant less than nothing. To most, you were just another noble, another cog in the machine grinding them into dust.

Ambessa had recently cornered you in Piltover's glittering council halls, her words honeyed but laced with venom. She had offered you promises of power, privilege, and security for your family. In order to gain immunity from suspicion, all in exchange for complete submission. You'd nodded and played your role, but the encounter left you hollow. The high society life you'd once cherished now felt like a gilded cage, and her offer only tightened the bars.

Yet, her influence was terrifying. Under Ambessa's direction, the Council had started scrutinizing House Arvino with an alarming intensity. The Firelights, they claimed, had spies in Piltover. And somehow, House Arvino's connections to Zaun became their scapegoat. You were well aware of what that scrutiny meant-your family was being squeezed, maneuvered into a position where betrayal seemed the only way to survive. A betrayal by who? you thought.

As you turned a corner into an empty alley, those doubts turned into a growing unease. The silence around you felt oppressive, unnatural. You hesitated, glancing over your shoulder. That was when the first strike landed, the butt of the gun hitting your head. You staggered, gasping in pain, only to be shoved against the damp wall. A rough hand grabbed your cloak and yanked it back, revealing your face to the enforcers.

"Well, well," one sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "A little lost noble playing savior in Zaun yet again."

"Let go!" you hissed, trying to pull free. But there were too many of them, and their grips were forceful and rough.

"We know all about your little meetings with the boy," another enforcer said, driving his fist into your stomach. "Did you really think you could run around down here without consequences? Or did your family forget to teach you how the real world works?" The pain blurred your vision as you crumpled to the ground. You clawed at the dirt, trying to crawl away, but another blow landed, then another.

Laughter echoed around you as they kicked and struck without mercy. The worst part wasn't the physical pain. It was the guilt, the sickening realization that you'd been naive enough to believe there could be change. Especially from within the Council's walls. You'd hoped that by walking the line between your family and the Firelights, you could create something better. But this? This was your reward for dreaming too much.

Tears blurred your vision as you curled into yourself, trying to shield your head. "Stupid," you whispered through clenched teeth. "Stupid, stupid, stupid." You slammed your fist against your temple, desperate to drown out the pain, the voices, the failure.

The enforcers stepped back momentarily, likely to assess whether you were still conscious. But before they could strike again, a loud crackling sound filled the air. "Back off," came a familiar voice, sharp and commanding.

You barely managed to open your eyes, but the sight was unmistakable. Ekko and his hoverboard gleaming as he charged forward. Behind him, several Firelights emerged from the shadows, their makeshift weapons glowing in the dim light.

"What the-" one enforcer started, but Ekko was already upon him, a precise swing of his bat sending the man sprawling. The Firelights fought with a ferocity that sent the enforcers scattering, though Ekko's eyes never left you. He reached your side in moments, dropping to his knees. "Hey," he said, his voice softer now. "Don’t go close your eyes, stay with me now."

You tried to speak, but all that came out was a choked sob. Blood trickled from a huge gash above your brow, staining your face. Ekko pressed a hand to your shoulder to steady you, but you flinched. Your fist weakly hitting your own head again. "Stop it," he said firmly, grabbing your wrist before you could hurt yourself further. "Hey! Don't do that."

"I'm an idiot," you mumbled, your voice barely audible. "| thought... I thought they could change. That Piltover could change. But I was wrong. They'll never stop."

His expression softened, though his jaw was still tight with anger. "You're not an idiot. You're just optimistic... too hopeful for your own good."

The Firelights surrounded you, their movements tense as they prepared for more enforcers to arrive. Ekko lifted you carefully, his arm supporting your weight. "We need to move," one of his crew said.

"Yeah i know," Ekko replied, his eyes still on you. "Let's get out of here."

As he carried you to safety, the weight of your choices pressed down on you like never before. Your family would demand answers. The Council would escalate their efforts. And Ambessa? Oh, she’s gonna have a fieldday with this. She would stop at nothing to make you pay for what she'd see, see it as a betrayal to your own people. But as Ekko held you steady, his presence a grounding force amidst the chaos, you realized something else. You were no longer just caught between two worlds, you were tearing one down to build the other.

Ekko’s chambers weren’t lavish, but they were purposeful, an organized chaos that spoke of a leader always in motion. The space was tucked inside one of the largest branches of the Firelight’s sprawling treehouse hideout. The soft glow of lanterns filled the room, their light reflecting off walls adorned with maps, sketches, and scattered tools. From the small window, you could see the hideout below, a buzzing network of walkways, platforms, and people moving with quiet purpose.

The bed you lay on was makeshift but sturdy, piled with blankets and pillows that smelled faintly of Zaun’s metal-tinged air. Your body ached everywhere. Sharp, stinging pains in some places, a deep, relentless soreness in others. Slowly, you tried to sit up, wincing as the movement sent sharp jolts of pain through your ribs.

Across the room, Ekko stood at a workbench, tinkering with something that sparked faintly under his fingers. His braids were tied back, and his jacket was slung over the back of a chair, leaving him in a simple shirt that clung to his frame. When he glanced over and saw you struggling to rise, his eyes widened, and he immediately abandoned his project.

“Hey, whoa—what do you think you’re doing?” he asked, crossing the room in a heartbeat.

“I’m fine,” you mumbled, your voice hoarse as you tried to wave him off.

“You’re not fine,” he countered, his hands carefully but firmly guiding you back down onto the bed. “You’ve been out for two days, and you can barely sit up without wincing.”

“I can handle it,” you said, though your body betrayed you with another sharp wince as you tried to adjust yourself on the pillows.

“Yeah, I can see that,” Ekko replied dryly, but his voice softened as he knelt beside the bed. “Seriously. You need to rest. Let me help.”

There was a quiet moment as he adjusted the pillows behind you, moving with surprising gentleness. His hands lingered briefly, his eyes scanning your face as if double checking for signs of discomfort.

“Thanks,” you murmured, feeling heat rise to your cheeks.

He shook his head, leaning back on his heels. “You don’t have to thank me. I just… You scared the hell out of me, y’know?”

You glanced away, guilt stirring in your chest. “I didn’t mean to. I just… I didn’t think it would get THAT bad.”

Ekko sat back on the floor, his arms resting on his knees as he studied you. “Why did you do it?” he asked, his voice quieter now. “When I found you, you were hitting yourself and saying all these… awful things. About yourself.”

Your breath hitched at the memory, shame washing over you. “It’s just… something I do when I’m frustrated,” you admitted, not meeting his gaze. “I was angry, at everyone and everything. Y’know, I thought I could make a difference, but I was wrong. I let everyone down.”

“Oh come on don’t say that,” Ekko said firmly, cutting you off. “You didn’t let anyone down. You’re one of the only people from Piltover who actually cares about Zaun. And yeah, maybe you were too optimistic, but that’s not a bad thing. You don’t deserve what they did to you.” His words hung in the air, and for a moment, neither of you spoke. Then, he added, “It’s not safe for you to go back to Piltover.”

You frowned, meeting his eyes. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve been hearing things,” Ekko said, his expression darkening. “Rumors. Ambessa’s pissed. She thinks you’ve betrayed the Council, and she’s not the kind of person to let something like that slide. Word is, she wants your head.” The weight of his words settled heavily on your chest, and you slumped back against the pillows. “So that’s it, then?” you said bitterly. “I can’t go home. I can’t go back to Piltover. What am I supposed to do now?”

Ekko leaned closer, his gaze unwavering. “You stay here,” he said simply. “With me. You’ve got people who will vouch for you for the most part. I’ll fight for you.” Something in his tone made your chest tighten, and for the first time in days, a small, hesitant smile tugged at your lips. “Thanks, Ekko. For literally everything.”

He reached out and gently squeezed your hand. “Anytime .”

, marked with red ink, highlighted the areas where House Arvino’s trade routes intersected with Zaun’s underbelly.

A grizzled Baron leaned forward, his metallic fingers tapping against the table. “House Arvino’s little noble has gone rogue,” he rasped, a sly grin tugging at his lips. “The Council’s after them, sure, but that just makes this all the more interesting for us.”

Another Baron, her voice honeyed but sharp, chimed in. “If we get our hands on them, imagine the leverage we’d have. Not just over Arvino, but the Council and even the Firelights. They’re a walking, breathing key to the chaos we’ve been craving.”

“They’re already in Zaun,” another added, her tone laced with confidence. “All we need is patience. When the time is right, we’ll make our move.” The Barons exchanged nods, their plan unspoken but clear. For now, they would wait, watching, their web of spies and informants slowly tightening around you.

From across the platform, Ekko leaned casually against a railing, watching the interaction unfold. His arms were crossed, but there was a noticeable softness in his gaze, a flicker of something close to admiration.

In the days that followed, the children of the hideout began to gravitate toward you. They tugged at your hands, peppering you with questions about Piltover and laughing at your awkward attempts to keep up with their boundless energy. You found yourself helping where you could, organizing supplies, assisting with small repairs, and even attempting to teach some of the younger ones how to read.

Though the older Firelights were slower to trust, you noticed their glances were no longer as sharp, their whispers not as harsh. You were earning your place here, bit by bit, though it was a far cry from the life you had once known. Piltover, with its grand halls and polished façades, felt like a distant memory now, one you weren’t entirely sure you wanted to cling to.

Ekko, ever watchful, seemed to take quiet satisfaction in your efforts. He didn’t say much, but his presence was definitely there. Whether he was checking on you or working alongside the others. There was a rhythm to life in the hideout, and you were beginning to find your place within it.

Unbeknownst to you, danger loomed closer than you realized. The Chem Barons’ spies were everywhere, watching, reporting back with meticulous detail. Every interaction you had, every movement you made, was noted. To them, you were a pawn in a much larger game, one that could tip the balance of power in Zaun.

“They’re softening,” one spy reported back, his voice low as he spoke into a communicator hidden beneath his cloak. “The Firelights trust them more every day. If we move now, it’ll be too obvious.”

“Let them feel safe,” came the reply, cold and calculating. “When the time is right, we’ll take them. And when we do, House Arvino will learn what happens when they meddle in Zaun’s affairs.”

It was another ordinary morning in the hideout when you decided to venture outside Ekko’s chambers. The soreness in your body was a dull ache now, manageable but constant. As you stepped onto the main platform, the sunlight filtering through the leaves felt warm on your skin, a stark contrast to the chill of Piltover’s marble halls.

You hadn’t noticed Ekko watching you until you caught his reflection in the metal plating of a nearby railing. He was perched on a ledge, his goggles pushed up onto his forehead, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“You’re staring again,” you said, your tone teasing as you turned to face him fully.

Ekko smirked, hopping down from the ledge with practiced ease. “Just making sure you’re not overdoing it,” he shot back. “You’ve got a habit of biting off more than you can chew.”

You raised an eyebrow, crossing your arms despite the ache in your shoulders. “I’m fine, Ekko. I’ve been fine. You don’t have to keep hovering.”

His expression softened, but he didn’t back down. “Someone has to. If it weren’t for me, you’d probably still be lying in the street.” The reminder stung, not because it wasn’t true, but because it forced you to confront just how fragile your position had become. You looked away, scanning the hideout below where Firelights bustled about their tasks. The children’s laughter floated up, a soothing balm to the tension that threatened to settle between you and Ekko.

“I’ve been trying to help,” you murmured. “I don’t want to be a burden. It’s just that…” You trailed off, unsure of how to put the conflict in your heart into words.

Ekko stepped closer, his voice low and steady. “You’re not a burden,” he said firmly. “But you’re not invincible either. And if you keep throwing yourself into danger like this, someone’s going to take advantage of it.” His words hit harder than you cared to admit, but before you could respond, a group of children came running up, dragging you into their latest adventure A game that involved climbing ropes strung between the platforms. You gave Ekko a grateful smile, silently promising him you’d be careful, even if you weren’t entirely sure how.

That night, as the Firelights settled into the quiet hum of evening, Ekko pulled you aside. His chambers felt more like a refuge now than a room, its warmth amplified by the soft glow of firelight reflecting off polished metal and glass.

“You’ve been doing good here,” he began, leaning against his workbench. “The kids adore you, and even the older crew is starting to come around. But it’s not just about fitting in, you know?”

You tilted your head, unsure where he was going with this. “What do you mean?”

He hesitated, his fingers drumming against the table. “The Chem Barons,” he said finally, his tone heavy. “They’ve got their eyes on you now. Your family’s deals with them? Those don’t go unnoticed. And with the Council already hunting you, you’re stuck between two very dangerous sides.”

The weight of his words settled over you like a shroud. “So what do I do?” you asked, your voice quieter than you intended.

Ekko stepped closer, his gaze meeting yours. “Like i said earlier, you stay here. The Firelights are your best chance now. We’ll protect you, but you’ve got to let us.”

You swallowed hard, nodding despite the fear gnawing at your resolve. “And my family?”

“Well they already made their choice,” he said, his tone softening. “Now you’ve got to make yours.”

For a moment, neither of you spoke. The firelight flickered, casting long shadows on the walls. Ekko’s steady presence was a comfort, a reminder that you weren’t as alone as you felt.

You have spent the last few weeks peacefully managing your new life in zaun. As for today, it was surely a day to remember. It had been long but rewarding. You’d spent most of it helping around the hideout, patching up clothes, organizing supplies, and entertaining the children with small stories and makeshift games. Their laughter had been infectious, warming a part of you that you didn’t even realize had grown cold. But now, as the sun set and the last streaks of orange faded from the sky, exhaustion crept over you like a heavy blanket.

Returning to Ekko’s chambers felt like stepping into a sanctuary. The room was quiet, the gentle hum of activity outside muffled by the thick wood and steel walls. The soft glow of a makeshift lamp illuminated the space, casting warm shadows across the worn furniture. The room smelled faintly of oil and smoke, mixed with something earthy. You didn’t even bother taking off your boots, flopping onto the bed with a sigh and burying your face in the worn but surprisingly soft blankets.

Minutes passed, or maybe it was hours. You weren’t sure. You only stirred when you heard the sound of the door opening and closing quietly. Lifting your head, you spotted Ekko standing near the entrance, his figure backlit by the dim lights outside. His jacket was off, his sleeveless shirt revealing the lean muscle of his arms. His hair was tied back tonight, though a few strands had fallen loose, framing his face in a way that made your chest tighten.

“You look dead,” he teased, though there was no humor in his voice. His eyes swept over you, his usual sharpness softened by concern.

“I feel dead,” you replied, your voice muffled by the pillow.

Ekko crossed the room in a few long strides, pulling a chair closer to sit by the bedside. “Long day?”

You nodded, not bothering to sit up. “Rewarding, though. The kids are exhausting, but in a good way. I think I’m finally starting to feel like I’m… I don’t know, contributing?”

He leaned back slightly, his arms crossing over his chest as he watched you. “You’ve done more than enough already. They’re warming up to you faster than I thought they would. Guess you’ve got a knack for making people feel safe.”

His words brought a faint smile to your lips, but your body felt too heavy to do much more than that. “Maybe. Or maybe they just like the shiny Piltover noble playing dress-up as a Firelight.”

“You’re more than that,” he said softly, almost too softly for you to hear. The weight of his gaze drew your attention. Turning your head, you found his eyes fixed on you, dark and intense in a way that made your stomach twist. There was something unspoken in his expression, something raw and magnetic.

“Ekko,” you said, his name slipping from your lips like a warning. He didn’t answer. Instead, he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he brought himself closer to your level. The air between you grew thick, charged with an unspoken tension that neither of you seemed willing to break.

Your breath hitched as his hand moved, not to touch you, but to hover near your face, as if he wasn’t sure he had the right. “You should rest,” he said finally, though his voice was strained, as though it was the last thing he wanted to say.

“I’m fine,” you murmured, though your voice betrayed you. There was a nervous tremor there, one that you couldn’t quite suppress.

“You’re not,” he replied, his tone sharper this time, though the edge was softened by the way his hand dropped to his lap, curling into a fist. “And you shouldn’t have to keep pretending you are.”

You swallowed hard, your heart racing in your chest. He was too close, his presence overwhelming in a way that left you both yearning and terrified. For a moment, you thought he might lean in, that he might close the unbearable distance between you. And part of you wanted him to. But you couldn’t.

As if sensing your hesitation, Ekko pulled back, though his expression betrayed the conflict raging inside him. He rose from the chair abruptly, turning his back to you as he ran a hand over his face. “I need to check on something,” he said, his voice tight.

You sat up slightly, confusion and guilt warring within you. “Ekko, wait—”

“There’s food on the table,” he interrupted, not turning to face you. “You should eat. And…” He hesitated, his hand resting on the doorknob. “I left something for you. Thought you might like it.”

Before you could respond, he was gone, the door clicking shut behind him. You stared at the space he’d just vacated, the room suddenly feeling much larger and lonelier than it had before.

Rising from the bed, you made your way to the small table in the corner. A covered plate of food sat there, still warm, alongside a neatly wrapped package. Your fingers trembled as you opened it, revealing a small, intricately carved pendant in the shape of a firefly. The sight of it brought a lump to your throat. You clutched the pendant tightly, sinking back into the chair as a wave of emotions threatened to overwhelm you. Ekko had left, but his presence lingered in every corner of the room, in the care he’d shown you, in the gift he’d left behind.

You closed your eyes, the weight of the hectic day and the unresolved tension between you pressing down like a heavy blanket. But even as exhaustion pulled you under, you couldn’t shake the memory of his eyes. The way they had looked at you, filled with longing and restraint.

Hours ticked by like an endless parade of thoughts that refused to settle. You sat in Ekko’s chair, knees drawn up slightly as your elbows resting on them. cradling your head in your hands. A sigh escaped your lips, heavy and full of frustration, as your thoughts spiraled into overthinking once again. Why hadn’t he kissed you earlier?

At first, you tried to dismiss it as if it was nothing, just a fleeting moment, something that could be easily explained away by the heat of the moment. But deep down, you knew better. The way he had looked at you wasn’t casual or friendly. It was something more, something intense and unspoken.

Still, you couldn’t help but doubt. Maybe he had been teasing, the way friends sometimes did to lighten the mood. Maybe he didn’t feel the same, and you’d simply read too much into it. But then your mind wandered back to that day in your bedroom. The memory of his closeness as the tension that sparked between you like lightning in a thunderstorm.

Friends don’t act like that.

But then again, why had he ignored you for weeks after that moment? Why hadn’t he said anything or even done anything, to give you some clarity? The questions swirled in your head, each one feeding into the next, until your chest felt tight and your breathing shallow.

You let out another sigh, leaning forward until your forehead almost touched your knees. “What are you doing to me, Ekko?” you murmured to yourself, the words barely audible in the quiet room.

You glanced at the door for the hundredth time, wondering where he’d gone. What was keeping him out so late or rather so early, given the faint light of sun beginning to creep into the room. Would he even come back tonight? Or was this going to be like before, where he disappeared for days, leaving you to piece together the fragments of what you thought you understood about him?

The thought of being ignored again made your chest ache in a way you weren’t prepared to admit. You leaned back in the chair, closing your eyes against the onslaught of emotions. Sleep pulled at you, but you resisted, stubbornly staying awake as if you could somehow summon him back to you. Eventually, though, your exhaustion won. Your head lolled against the back of the chair, your breathing evening out as sleep claimed you.

Ekko slipped into the room quietly, his footsteps barely making a sound against the wooden floor. The sight of you hit him like a punch to the chest. There you were, curled up in his chair, fast asleep. Your face was soft in slumber, but there was a faint crease between your brows. Almost as if even your dreams couldn’t fully erase the tension you’d been feeling. His gaze softened as he took you in, a pang of guilt threading through his chest.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Jeez…” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head. Carefully, he crossed the room and crouched beside you. You stirred slightly at his presence, murmuring something incoherent. Without thinking, he slid one arm under your knees and the other around your back, lifting you effortlessly into his strong arms.

You mumbled something again, your head lolling against his shoulder. Which caused him to freeze for a moment, waiting to see if you’d wake up. But you didn’t. He carried you to the bed and laid you down gently, pulling the blanket over you.

As he turned to step away, he felt your hand grab weakly at his shirt. “Don’t go,” you murmured, your voice thick with sleep. He froze in place, his heart pounding in his chest. He looked down at you, your eyes half-open and drowsy but locked onto his.

“You shouldn’t sleep in a chair,” you continued, your words slightly slurred. “And you… shouldn’t leave me like that.”

His breath caught. “I wasn’t going to leave,” he said softly.

You tugged at his shirt again, pulling him closer. He sank down onto the edge of the bed, his face hovering close to yours. “Why didn’t you kiss me earlier?” you whispered, your voice barely audible.

The question hung in the air, heavy and electrified. Ekko’s eyes widened, his cheeks flushing a deep red. “What?”

“When you had the chance,” you mumbled, your voice fading as sleep pulled at you again. “You looked like you wanted to, but you didn’t. Why?”

He swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. The proximity, the softness of your voice and the vulnerability in your question. It was almost too much to handle. He didn’t know how to answer. Hell, he didn’t even know if he could answer it.

“You were exhausted,” he said finally, his voice hoarse. “I didn’t think it was the right time.”

You hummed softly, a small smile tugging at your lips. “You’re so stubborn,” you whispered, your eyes drifting shut.

He exhaled shakily, his heart continued its rapid pace as he watched you fall back into sleep. For a moment, he just sat there, his gaze tracing the outline of your beautiful face. He wanted to kiss you. God, he wanted to kiss you so badly it hurt. But he wouldn’t. Not yet. Not like this.

Instead, he stood and grabbed the chair, dragging it closer to the bed. He sat down and rested his head in his hands, trying to steady his breathing, to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside him. He stayed there until the drowsiness claimed him too.

You woke to the warmth of sunlight streaming through the cracks in the wooden walls, a golden glow bathing the room. It was already late, half the day gone, by the looks of it. You woke up to the warmth of the sun shining through the cracks on the wooden walls. It bathed the room. You stretched lazily under the blanket, the aches in your body from the past few days reduced to a dull throb. Turning your head, you saw Ekko. Who was still slumped in the chair beside the bed, asleep.

Your brow furrowed as you watched him. His head rested awkwardly on one hand, his legs stretched out, his shoulders slightly hunched. How could he sleep like that? He must’ve spent the entire night sitting there just to keep an eye on you.

How can he sacrifice his comfort like this?

You studied him, taking in the faint lines of exhaustion etched into his features. He looked so tired, so worn down. Ekko carried so much on his shoulders. The Firelights, the fight for Zaun’s freedom, the safety of the kids who looked up to him. And not to mention you as well. It wasn’t fair, you thought. He gave so much of himself and rarely took a moment for his own peace.

You slid out of bed quietly, wincing at the soreness in your muscles, and approached him. Gently, you placed a hand on his shoulder and shook him awake. “Ekko,” you said softly.

He stirred slightly, his eyelids fluttering open, and then he bolted upright, instinctively swatting your hand away. His palm struck yours with more force than he intended, making you hiss at the sting.

“Shit,” he muttered, sitting up fully now, his face a mixture of alarm and regret. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“It’s okay,” you interrupted, shaking your hand out with a small wince. “It happens.”

He ran a hand over his face, sighing heavily. “I shouldn’t have—”

“You shouldn’t have spent the whole night sleeping in a chair,” you cut in, your tone playful but firm. “Are you crazy? You’ll wreck your back.”

He shrugged, his lips twitching into a faint, sheepish smile. “It’s not the first time.”

“That doesn’t make it better,” you said, crossing your arms.

He gave you a tired chuckle, leaning back in the chair. “I’ll survive. I’ve been through worse.”

But that wasn’t enough for you. Watching him now, the weariness in his eyes even as he tried to act like everything was fine. An idea sparked in your mind, one that you knew he’d hate at first. But it was for his own good.

You grinned, your excitement bubbling over as you clapped your hands together. “I have a surprise for you!”

Ekko raised an eyebrow, intrigued but skeptical. “A surprise?”

“Yep!” you said, bouncing on your heels, your eyes alight with mischief. “But I’m not telling you what it is. You’ll just have to trust me.”

His skepticism deepened. “That sounds like a bad idea.”

“Oh, come on,” you teased, leaning down slightly to meet his gaze. “Where’s your sense of adventure?”

He gave you a flat look. “I think I left it behind when I became the leader of the Firelights.”

You pouted dramatically, placing a hand over your heart. “That’s tragic. Guess I’ll have to help you find it again.”

Ekko shook his head, laughing softly despite himself. “You sure are something alright”

“Yep!” you chirped, grabbing his hand and tugging him to his feet. “Now, come on.”

He resisted, planting his feet firmly. “Wait. I have things to do. The kids—”

“They’ll survive without you for a few hours,” you said, cutting him off with a pointed look. “You need this, Ekko. Trust me.” He opened his mouth to argue, but the determination in your eyes stopped him. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. But you’d better not get me killed.”

You grinned triumphantly, grabbing a scarf from the nearby table. “Oh, and one more thing.”

His eyes narrowed suspiciously. “What?”

You stepped closer, holding up the scarf. “You’re getting blindfolded.”

“Nope,” he said immediately, crossing his arms.

“Yep,” you countered, your grin widening. “It’s part of the surprise.”

“I’m not letting you blindfold me,” he said firmly.

“Aw, are you scared?” you teased, leaning in closer.

His jaw tightened, and you could tell he was trying not to rise to the bait. “I’m not scared. I just don’t like surprises.”

“Well, too bad,” you said, wrapping the scarf around his eyes before he could stop you. He grumbled under his breath, but you could see the faint hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

“You’re lucky I’m weak for you,” he muttered, his voice low and resigned. Your heart skipped a beat at his words, but you quickly brushed it off, tightening the knot of the blindfold. “You won’t regret this. Promise.”

He sighed dramatically. “I already regret it.”

You laughed, grabbing his hand and leading him toward the door. “Come on, leader of the Firelights. Let me lead you away to freedom.”

He followed reluctantly, grumbling the whole way, but you could feel the tension in his hand slowly easing as he let himself trust you. And deep down, you knew that despite his protests, he didn’t truly mind.

Ekko groaned softly as you guided him along yet another bend in the trail. The blindfold tied snugly around his head meant he couldn’t see where he was stepping, which made the journey feel even longer. His feet ached from the uneven terrain, and he couldn’t tell how far you’d dragged him from the hideout. “How much longer?” he asked, a playful but weary edge in his voice. “I’m pretty sure I’ve walked enough to circle Zaun twice by now.”

You laughed softly, your tone teasing. “Not much farther. I promise it’ll be worth it.”

He scoffed but didn’t pull away from your guiding hand. “You said that an hour ago.”

“Well, this time, I mean it!” you chirped, your excitement palpable. “And quit complaining. You’re a leader, remember? A little hike shouldn’t break you.”

Ekko grumbled under his breath but didn’t argue. He trusted you, blindfold and all. Still, his curiosity was killing him. The journey had been filled with faint sounds of nature, quite the opposite to the chaos of Zaun. The air was fresher here, the scent of greenery blending with faintly damp earth. Birds chirped somewhere above, and there was an unfamiliar stillness that made him uneasy in its serenity.

Finally, the sound of running water reached his ears. It was gentle but distinct, the rhythmic splash growing louder as you led him forward.

“Is that a waterfall?” Ekko questioned as he looked around blindfolded, listening with his ears.

“Nope,” you said cheekily, your grin audible in your tone.

“Uh-huh. Sure.”

The moment his boots scuffed against flat, smooth rock, you stopped. You squeezed his hand and stepped in front of him, your fingers brushing against the scarf as you untied the blindfold. “Okay, are you ready?” you asked, your voice playful.

“Depends,” he shot back. “Am I about to fall into a pit of snakes or something?”

You rolled your eyes. “Just hold still.” With a dramatic flourish, you pulled the blindfold away. “Ta-da!”

Ekko blinked a few times, his eyes adjusting to the light. The sight before him was breathtaking. The waterfall cascaded gently down smooth stone, its waters pooling into a crystal-clear basin surrounded by moss-covered rocks. The greenery around it was lush, vibrant, and untouched, with delicate vines draping over the edges of the falls like curtains. Shafts of sunlight streamed through gaps in the canopy, casting a golden glow over the scene. It felt like another world. Like something out of a dream. For a moment, he didn’t say anything, just taking it all in.

“Well?” you asked, bouncing slightly on your heels. “Do you like it?”

“It’s… something,” he admitted, his voice softer than usual. His gaze lingered on the water, the way it shimmered in the sunlight. “I didn’t know there were places like this between Piltover and Zaun.”

You smiled, feeling proud of yourself. “Told you it’d be worth it.”

He turned to look at you, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “I’ll give you that. But…” His expression shifted, concern creeping in. “Should I really be out here? The hideout—”

You cut him off, your tone firm but not unkind. “Ekko.”

He paused, his brow furrowing slightly.

“I’m serious,” you continued, your voice softening. “If you really feel like you need to go back, you can. I won’t stop you.” You hesitated, your hands fidgeting at your sides. “I mean… I’ll understand.”

He studied your face, noticing the way your eyes darted away as if you were trying to hide how much the thought bothered you. You were giving him a choice, but it was clear how much you didn’t want him to leave.

Ekko let out a small sigh, running a hand through his hair. “You’re really bad at hiding what you’re feeling, you know that?”

You glanced up at him, startled. “Who, me?”

“Yes you. But relax,” he said, his tone gentle. “I’ll stay.”

Your eyes lit up, and before he could say anything else, you were practically jumping in place, your joy spilling over. “Really?”

“Yeah,” he said with a small chuckle, watching you with amusement. “Don’t make me regret it.”

You grinned, grabbing his hand and tugging him toward the water. “You won’t. I promise.”

For the next two hours, the two of you wandered the area, exploring the hidden beauty of the place. The tension from earlier melted away, replaced by a comfortable ease as you talked and laughed together.

Ekko, ever curious, peppered you with questions about your life topside. “So, what’s it like being a noble?” he asked, kicking a stray pebble along the path. “I’m guessing it’s all fancy parties and expensive clothes?”

You snorted, shaking your head. “Not quite. Sure, there’s all the glamour, but it’s not as fun as it sounds.”

“Oh?” he said, raising an eyebrow. “Do tell.”

You sighed, nudging a rock with the tip of your boot. “My parents had this… idea of what the perfect daughter should be. Polished, obedient, always smiling. I never really fit the mold.”

Ekko tilted his head, studying you. “Doesn’t sound like you.”

“Exactly,” you said with a wry smile. “I was always too stubborn, too opinionated. They wanted me to follow their rules, and I wanted to make my own.”

“Sounds familiar,” he said, a hint of understanding in his voice.

You glanced at him, curiosity sparking. “What about you? Ever feel like people expect too much from you?”

He let out a short laugh, shoving his hands into his pockets. “All the time. Being the leader, people look to me for answers. For direction. It’s… a lot.”

You nodded, your heart aching for him. “And yet you never take a break.”

“Someone has to keep things running,” he said simply.

You stopped walking, turning to face him. “And what happens when you burn out? What then?”

He opened his mouth to respond but closed it again, your words sinking in.

“See that’s what this is about,” you said gently. “You need to take care of yourself, too, Ekko. Not just everyone else.”

He looked away, his jaw tightening, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he gave a small nod, the vulnerability in his expression making your chest tighten.

Soon the peace of the waterfall was shattered by the faint sound of voices approaching. Ekko froze, his head snapping toward the direction of the noise. You followed his gaze, your heart sinking as the muffled conversation grew clearer. It wasn’t just random passersby. The tone was too low and suspicious.

“Get down,” Ekko whispered urgently, grabbing your arm and pulling you toward the water.

“Ow, hey-!” you hissed back, but before you could argue, he tugged you forward.

The two of you splashed quietly into the cool water, wading toward a large rock near the waterfall’s edge. Its size provided enough cover to hide you both, but your movements felt clumsy and loud in the stillness of the moment. Every splash made your heart race, and every breath felt too loud.

You crouched low, gripping the edge of the rock as you peered out cautiously. The voices were clearer now, distinctly rough and laced with malice.

“… shipments are in place. Should be an easy job if everyone keeps quiet,” one of the men said, his voice gruff.

“Easy? You think dealing with Piltover’s dogs is ever easy?” another sneered.

“Relax. It’s all set up. By the time they realize what’s happening, we’ll already be gone,” the first man replied with a dismissive chuckle.

Your ears were ringing, the adrenaline coursing through your veins making it hard to focus. Your breathing quickened, and the world around you felt distant, the voices blending into an indistinct hum. “Hey,” Ekko spoke quietly beside you, nudging your arm. But you didn’t respond, your mind spinning.

“Hey!” he whispered again, more insistent this time. He leaned in closer, his face only inches from yours. Finally, his voice broke through the fog in your mind. You turned your head slightly, meeting his sharp gaze. Before you could say anything, his hand clamped over your mouth, silencing you.

“Don’t-” he mouthed, his tone firm but his touch surprisingly gentle. His eyes were steady, reassuring, even as they flicked toward the Chem-Barons’ direction.

You nodded, your breathing still uneven but quieter now. His hand lingered for a second longer before he slowly pulled it away, his fingers brushing against your skin. The tension between you was palpable. The closeness and adrenaline, it all made the space between you feel charged with something. You were about to whisper something when the sound of boots crunching against the rocky terrain snapped your focus back.

“Keep it moving,” one of the voices barked. “We’re wasting time.”

The group of men moved on, their voices fading into the distance. Only when the silence stretched did Ekko exhale, his shoulders finally relaxing. He peeked cautiously around the rock, ensuring they were truly gone before turning back to you.

“We’re clear,” he whispered, though his voice carried an edge of lingering tension.

You nodded, still crouched behind the rock, your limbs stiff from staying still for so long. Ekko moved toward the water’s edge and helped you climb back onto the bank. You followed his lead, water dripping from your clothes and pooling at your feet as you tried to steady your racing heart.

“Chem-Barons,” he muttered, more to himself than you. He looked toward the direction the men had gone, his expression hardening. “They’re up to something. And if they’re this close, it’s bad news.”

You wrung out your sleeves, watching him warily. “Do you think they saw us?”

“No,” he said firmly, but there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes. “Still… we need to get back.”The urgency in his voice left no room for argument, and you agreed without hesitation.

The journey back to the hideout was tense. Ekko moved swiftly, his steps purposeful and his gaze darting toward every sound in the dense trees. You struggled to keep up, your thoughts spiraling as your footsteps lagged behind his.

What if the Chem-Barons had seen you? What if they followed you back? Your chest tightened as the weight of your continuous overthinking pressed down on you. You replayed the encounter in your mind, picking apart every detail. Had you been too loud? Too slow? What if something went wrong because of you?

“Keep up,” Ekko called over his shoulder, his voice low but urgent.

You blinked, realizing how far behind you’d fallen. Quickening your pace, you forced yourself to focus on his figure ahead of you, his steady movements grounding you in the moment.

When you finally reached the hideout, the familiar sounds of laughter and the hum of activity greeted you. The Firelights’ sanctuary seemed untouched, the chaos of the outside world unable to penetrate its walls. Relief washed over you, but it was short-lived. Ekko headed straight for Scar, who was leaning against a rusty table, tinkering with a small device.

“Everything okay?” Ekko asked, his tone sharp.

Scar glanced up, his brow furrowing slightly. “Yeah. Quiet as usual. Why?”

Ekko hesitated, his jaw tightening as he glanced over his shoulder at you.

“Oh nothing, just checking.” he said finally, though the tension in his posture remained. Scar gave him a curious look but shrugged, returning to his work.

You lingered near the entrance, your damp clothes clinging to your skin as you scanned the area. Everything seemed normal, the kids laughing, people working on repairs, the occasional drone zipping by. But you couldn’t shake the unease that had settled in your chest.

Later that evening, you sat by yourself in one of the quieter corners of the hideout, staring blankly at the firelight lamp in front of you. Your mind was still spinning, your earlier overthinking creeping back in.

“You okay?” Ekko’s voice broke through your thoughts, and you looked up to find him standing nearby, his expression softer now.

“Yeah,” you said quickly, though the tightness in your voice betrayed you.

He frowned, stepping closer and crouching down so he was at eye level with you. “You’ve been quiet since we got back. What’s going on?”

You hesitated, unsure how to put your thoughts into words. “I just… I can’t stop thinking about what happened earlier. What if we were seen? What if they followed us? What if—”

“Hey,” he interrupted, his voice firm but kind. “Nothing happened. Everything is fine. The hideout is fine.” You nodded, but your shoulders remained tense.

Ekko sighed, running a hand through his damp hair. “Worrying until you exhaust yourself i see.”

“I just can’t help it,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.

He sat down beside you, close enough that his knee brushed against yours. “Look, I get it. It’s a lot to deal with. But we can’t let them get in our heads. That’s what they want—to make us paranoid, to make us slip up.”

You looked at him, his calm determination grounding you once more. “I just don’t want to fuck things over for the millionth time.”

“You won’t,” he said simply, his confidence in you unwavering. For a moment, the tension between you eased, and you allowed yourself to breathe.

The night stretched on, the two of you sitting in comfortable silence. When Ekko finally stood, he stretched and yawned, his usual energy dimmed by the day’s events.

“Well, I’m gonna check on a few things,” he said, though his tone lacked its usual conviction.

You joking said, raised an eyebrow. “Here you go again, always busy.”

He smirked, his usual charm peeking through. “Says the person who can’t stop worrying.” You rolled your eyes but smiled. As he walked away, you found yourself watching him, your chest tightening with admiration. You couldn’t quite name why. The hideout was quiet now, most of its inhabitants having turned in for the night. You eventually made your way to your small corner of the space, lying down on your bed and staring up at the ceiling.

But sleep didn’t come easily. Your mind kept drifting back to Ekko. The way he had looked at you by the waterfall, the way his hand had lingered on your arm when he pulled you out of the water, the way he had stayed by your side despite everything. Ekko, it’s always him. He always even if you tried to deny it, has an affect on you. You sighed, closing your eyes and willing your racing thoughts to quiet.

A wind of cool night air hit you as you slipped out of the hideout. The faint scent of distant rain mixing with the scent of metal and smoke that always lingered in the air of Zaun. Ekko had been out helping with a situation that had gotten out of hand. It had something to do with one of the Firelights getting into trouble, as usual. He hadn’t been there to protest when you quietly slipped out of the hideout, and part of you was relieved. You needed to clear your head, to have a moment of peace where you didn’t have to think about the danger you constantly felt closing in around you. It slowly suffocating you. Unbearable.

You had heard rumors, of course. Whispers and murmurs of people coming after you because of who you were, because of your connection to the topside. They had no idea who you were, only what they thought you were. You couldn’t allow them to find out. But tonight, you weren’t thinking about that. You were thinking about how to live in the moment, even if it was fleeting.

The Last Drop was not your first choice, but it was the closest. The faint buzz of people laughing, drinking, and shouting hit your ears as you stepped inside. Your heart raced slightly, but you pushed it down. You’d taken precautions, after all. The cloak you wore concealed the colors of your family, the opulence that could mark you a target from a mile away. With your hood low, you blended in with the crowd, keeping your gaze focused on the bar, where the noise was loud enough to drown out any attention.

“Drink?” the barkeep asked, raising an eyebrow at you, the flickering light of the bar casting long shadows across his face.

“Something strong,” you replied, trying to sound casual, though your nerves were anything but.

A quick, hard drink was what you needed. You knew the risks of coming here. This wasn’t the safest place in Zaun, but it was the only place that wouldn’t ask questions about who you were. The clinking of glass and the murmur of conversation surrounded you, a blend of voices that blurred into one singular buzz in your head.

You let your gaze wander as you took your first sip. The bitter warmth of the alcohol spread through your throat, giving you a momentary sense of relief, but it didn’t last. Your eyes flicked to the edges of the bar, noticing the way people moved. There was a tension in the air, something off, but you couldn’t quite pinpoint it. Your fingers tightened around the glass as the sensation of being watched crept down your spine.

Before you could dismiss the feeling, something sharp pricked your neck. You froze, the sensation like a needle pushing into your skin. A wave of dizziness hit you instantly, disorienting and deep. You jerked your hand to your neck, but there was nothing to see. No blood, no sign of injury. Just a strange, heavy heat creeping through your veins, seeping into your bloodstream, clouding your thoughts.

The world around you tilted. It was a slow shift at first, just a sense of things being slightly off, but soon it became overwhelming. The air felt thicker, the sounds louder, as though the entire bar was buzzing, vibrating against the space between you and them. Your chest tightened, and a cold sweat broke out across your skin. ‘No. No, this couldn’t be happening. Not here. Not now.

Shimmer. You realized it too late. The telltale signs were unmistakable. That feeling where your body was being pulled apart, your thoughts slowly being smothered by a fog. You clenched your teeth, trying to fight it, trying to keep yourself from losing control.

“Hey, you okay?” a voice broke through the chaos in your mind. One of the patrons had noticed, a man with wild eyes and a drink in his hand. He was staring at you with concern, but you barely registered his words.

“I’m fine,” you said, though it came out more like a growl. You stood up quickly, the motion far too fast for your brain to follow. The room spun around you, the floor swaying beneath your feet like the deck of a ship caught in a storm. Your hands shot out to steady yourself against the bar, but it felt like everything was slipping away.

The bartender moved closer, his voice urgent. “You need to sit down. You’re not looking good.”

But you couldn’t. You couldn’t let them see you like this. You tried to move toward the door, but your legs wouldn’t obey. Each step was like wading through thick tar, the world warping around you. Your vision blurred, and before you knew it, you were on the floor, struggling to push yourself up, your limbs stiff and heavy.

“Help!” someone shouted, but the word sounded distant, muffled, as if coming from underwater.

You didn’t know what was happening to you anymore. The pain in your head started to intensify. No. Don’t lose control. But it was too late. The shimmer was already twisting your mind, and it wasn’t long before the voices began. They started quiet, like whispers in the back of your head, but soon they became clear.

Someone spoke your name. Your father’s voice.

“You never lived up to my expectations, did you?” The accusation burned in your ears. “Always the disappointment.”

You wanted to scream at the voice to shut up, to make it go away, but all you could do was stand there, shaking, your hands gripping the counter as you tried to steady yourself.

“You think you can escape me? No one escapes me,” your father’s voice mocked. “No one escapes their blood.”

The voices overlapped. Shut up. You couldn’t make out the words. You only felt the anger, regret, and shame. You felt like you were drowning in it. The voices kept yelling, taunting you, until you couldn’t tell what was real anymore. You swung at the air, trying to bat them away, but there was nothing there.

Why don’t you listen? You never do what I ask, do you?

Another voice, it was your mother now, cold and distant. “You’re useless to me. Always have been.”

The pain was unbearable. Your head throbbed as you sank to your knees, clutching at your skull, your fingers digging into your scalp in a futile attempt to stop the onslaught of voices. Get out of my head!

You screamed, but it was a scream that only echoed inside your mind. Your body trembled, and you stumbled backward, falling into the chaos that surrounded you.

“Someone get them out of here!” someone shouted, but it was like the words couldn’t break through the fog that had settled over your mind. You could hear them, feel them moving around you, but they were all far away. Then, another voice. This one was different. It was familiar.

“Hey, listen to me.” Ekko. His voice, clear and strong, cut through the chaos. You tried to focus on it, on him, but it was so hard. Your mind was a warzone. You gasped for air, your hands pressed against your chest, your body still trembling from the aftershocks of the shimmer. You looked around, and for a brief moment, you thought you saw him standing there, reaching out for you, but when you blinked, he was gone.

Your vision darkened, the last remnants of the shimmer clouding everything. You couldn’t stand anymore. You collapsed against the ground, your breath ragged as the world spun out of control.

“Ekko…” you whispered, but you weren’t sure if you said it out loud or if it was just another hallucination. The voices faded as everything went black.

part two soon!

taglist: @diffusebread @xxblairslairxx @thesevi0lentdelights @chic-beyond-the-wall-oc-acct @celineandtulips @stuckinaoaktree @fxxvz @jadziulaa @luclue @1intrustivethoughts @finnsky666 @blkmystery @serena6728 @mvistl @kaedeprinz @alientee @ametheslime @turquoizxe @emforjin

banner: @anitalenia

Confused Hatred

AO3 Link

Gekko didn’t understand why you hated his little homies.

Most importantly, he couldn’t understand why his little friends wanted so desperately to be liked by you.

He just couldn’t understand you.

And he hated it.

He hated you by extension, too.

---

When Gekko woke up, he felt refreshed and in an amazing mood.

Today was going to be a good day.

He gently woke up and greeted his little homies, sensing that they, too, were in a positive vibe.

He felt like hardly anything could ruin his day.

He exited his room, immediately going for the kitchen to fix himself a latte, happily greeting Cypher while passing by.

“Well, you seem to be in a good mood,” He observed, a smile in his voice.

“Yeah ! I just woke up, too, so the vibes are just perfect right now,” He answered, nodding enthusiastically as he poured his beverage in his cup.

“Glad to hear it, young friend,” The sentinel said, nodding as well.

His critters noticed something, and suddenly grew more agitated. Wingman almost fell off the counter he was sitting on out of pure excitement.

The initiator caught him just in time, however. 

Turning to see the source of the ruckus, he immediately saw you.

Just like that, his bright smile faded away.

You were looking at him and his friends with such disdain and disgust… 

It made his blood boil.

Dizzy slowly flew over to you, trying to appear friendly.

Noticing her, your disgust visibly grew and you took a step back.

She wasn't going to abandon just like that, however, continuing to make her way towards your face.

“If you don't stop that thing right now Gekko, I will swat it away,” You warned, glaring at the poor little homie. 

At least you were nice enough to warn him… 

Gently taking her into his hands, it was his turn to glare at you.

Silently, you held his gaze, as if challenging him, daring him to say anything. 

“What the fuck is your problem ?” He questioned, frowning. 

He felt rage building inside his chest, hot and almost painful.

“I could ask you the same question. Deadlock has already said that those… Things were better off in a cage. Letting them roam free is a safety hazard for everyone,” You replied coolly, your eyes sharp. 

Staring through him and into his soul.

It both freaked him out and made him even angrier. 

“They haven't hurt anyone !” He almost shouted, bringing Dizzy – who he was still holding – closer to his chest protectively. 

“Yet,” You continued, as if you were an oracle and could tell the future. 

Hell, hardly anyone was aware what you were capable of, for all he knew…

He shook his head.

Gekko was giving you way too much credit.

And he wasn't about to ruin his amazing day talking to you. 

Grabbing his now finished drink, he turned away from you to face his little friends.

He could sense their curiosity and pure want to befriend you.

It almost overwhelmed him.

If he wasn't already used to it, he would've been, if he were honest.

“C'mon little homies, let's go somewhere peaceful,” He announced, and he felt their disappointment.

You chuckled, dry and hollow. 

He felt his cheeks grow hotter due to how much anger he was feeling.

“You do know that nowhere will be “peaceful” with them around, right ?” You questioned, nonchalantly. 

He decided for his own good to ignore you, already walking away.

How the initiator allowed you to have that much influence on him was beyond his comprehension. 

Slowly sipping his drink, he watched over Iso and Jett playing with his little friends in the lounge fondly. 

Why couldn't you just…

He sighed, frustrated, while shaking his head. 

He should seriously stop thinking about you.

Maybe he should go for a walk, perhaps that'll clear his mind. 

He waited a bit, not wanting to ruin his homies’ fun. 

But they all knew him too well, and slowly left the two Asian agents to be by his side. 

Mosh was the last one to hop over. 

“Let's go for a walk !” He offered happily. 

They all cheered.

After all, it wasn't often they could explore the garden and by extension the forest, Gekko being too afraid of them getting lost or eating something they shouldn't have.

He didn't know them as much as he'd like, and he hated that.

What if one fell sick ?

… Or worse ?

He shook those thoughts away.

They had two healers that loved his little friends very much and would do anything for them.

They weren't the only ones feeling that way, too.

Now in a better headspace once again, he went outside, his friends following him close by. 

He looked around, admiring the scenery and the peacefulness of nature, following the path towards the garden, which was being taken care of by both Skye and Omen.

He didn’t expect to see anybody there other than those two.

Instead of literally anybody else, he saw you. 

He almost groaned in discontent, but then he saw the expression you were wearing.

You didn’t even have your eyes open as you simply listened to the world around you, content.

He noticed a bunny hopping next to you, and some birds curiously observing you very closely.

Even if he hated your guts, he admitted that this scene was…

Peaceful.

Pretty.

When you opened your eyes, he fully expected you to shoo away the animals around you, but instead…

You gently smiled at them, offering them a tiny bit of your food.

He truly couldn’t understand you.

What was so different between his critters and regular animals ?

He could argue that his little homies were more likeable than any animal, since he could at least communicate with them.

Sighing softly, he was turning around when he accidentally stepped on a dry twig that snapped rather loudly…

… Spooking every animal nearby in the process.

He winced, not uttering a single word.

He started making a step away from the whole scene, away from you, but your voice made him stop dead in his tracks. 

“Hey,” You spoke up, coldly. “You could at least apologise…” You continued, your tone dry. 

Right.

“Sorry about that,” He apologised, not turning to you. 

“So on top of being a freak lover, you’re a freak yourself ? Just watching people silently while they’re having a nice time outside ?” You spat, clearly unhappy. 

“My homies aren’t freaks !” He exclaimed, whipping his body around to face you. 

“So you aren’t denying the other claims ?” You retorted without missing a beat.

“Insult me all you want, but do not come for my friends,” He hissed, using his body to block your view of his little homies. 

It was Thrash’s turn to try to get close to you, and she floated her way happily and curiously.

Gekko realised that she was attempting to mimic the movements of a bunny.

He would’ve cooed if this action weren’t to have your good graces, out of everybody’s. 

“Get that thing away from me while you’re at it,” You ordered, shifting away from her path.

“I don’t get why you don’t like them and yet like animals,” He muttered, kneeling to get Thrash’s attention.

“Those aren’t animals, that’s why,” You replied as if it was obviously why. 

The initiator only scoffed in answer.

He received a notification from his phone.

It was from Brimstone, telling him he was on the mission in the evening.

He smiled, that would mean that he would get away from you for a bit-

“Huh, it seems like I’m on mission duty for tonight…” You mumbled, thoughtful.

He groaned.

The mission brief was simple ; get to Icebox, prevent the Valorant Legion from planting to spike – or diffuse it if they do get it down – and go home.

As to why they needed both him and you on the same mission…

Well, even if it was explained to him multiple times, he still didn’t get it.

… But he also knew that what you were capable of was unknown to him, and since it was the best team composition for this plan…

He sighed.

He felt his critters being agitated, since he was forced to sit right next to you.

He didn’t like being close to you.

It always made him feel… Weird.

He knew why, though.

He still didn’t like the reason at all.

But he remained silent about it.

He didn’t want to let you of all people know how much you influenced his mood.

Or even how he truly felt about you.

He already knew the answer to his question, after all.

Before he realised it, they arrived at Icebox.

Being one of the first to step out of the Falcon, he turned to Sage, the assigned team leader for this mission.

“So… Game plan ? What are you feeling, Sage ?” He asked, trying to sound as jovial as normal.

He wasn’t really feeling it, but at least he could try, right ?

She immediately turned to you.

“Can you hold B site with Gekko ?” She gently questioned, and you met eyes with him.

After holding gazes for a moment, you had a small sigh.

“Sure,” You caved, tearing your gaze away from him.

Stepping out of the aircraft, your cheeks and nose immediately turning a light pink.

He looked away.

He wasn’t looking forward to this mission.

It has now been a few hours since they arrived, the sun long gone and temperatures dropping way below zero.

He had to admit, he was freezing. He thought he’d be fine with just a couple of layers, but the cold was really biting, and he was struggling to hold both his weapon and keep his face warm. 

He glanced at you.

You didn’t seem to be having any problems at all. 

Steadily holding your angle by Yellow, you didn’t even seem phased by the freezing cold air.

“Hold your angle instead of looking at me,” You said, not tearing your eyes away from Main.

Right, he needed to hold Mid and Tube.

Looking away, he readjusted his grip on his Bulldog. 

He was losing the feeling of the tip of his fingers.

“Hey, any updates ?” He questioned into the quiet comm link.

He hated how shaky his voice sounded

“Not yet, however they should be attacking soon,” Answered Sage, her tone even.

He sighed.

“How soon is soon, anywa-” He was cut off by gunshots. “Nevermind,” He continued, immediately running towards you.

“Stay in your position, I got it,” You immediately said when you realised what he was doing.

You managed to put one down, but not without receiving a bullet or two yourself.

He heard footsteps behind him. 

Pulling out Dizzy, he threw her out to blind his attackers while getting to cover.

He counted two blinds.

“Someone’s here, too !” He semi-shouted into the comms.

“We are on our way,” Said Neon as he could hear the familiar noise of her running. 

She should be here within a couple seconds, then.

As if on cue, Gekko heard her electrified footsteps by Snowman. 

Looking over to where you were at, he was surprised to see that you were struggling.

“I’m going to try to get out of this position, cover me if you can,” You announced between two shots.

Wingman immediately went out of his bag and ran towards the enemy he saw, making them look at him instead of you, giving you enough time to run away towards Gekko.

“Can you cover me while I get Dizzy ?” He asked in the heat of the moment.

He didn’t know what he expected from his request.

A refusal, an insult, anything but…

“Sure,” You said, not looking at him.

He was too distracted by the fact that you accepted to realise that you were already shooting to cover him.

It wasn’t until you shouted at him to get his ass moving that he went back to earth, running towards Dizzy’s bubble and picking her up. 

He dashed back into cover, only sustaining a couple of light injuries. 

Soon enough, Thrash felt ready to be thrown onto the field.

He barely registered what happened next, everything going so fast.

One minute, he was holding Thrash in his palm, the next, she was diving in front of you to take a swarm of bullets that would’ve definitely killed you and turned into her bubble form.

Somehow too stunned to move and to kill the enemy in front of you, the initiator decided to take him down in your stead.

There was no way he would let Thrash’s sacrifice go in vain. 

The rest of the gunfight went by. 

Bit by bit, the enemy numbers went down, until the last body hit the ground as you shot the mirror agent in the head. 

Everybody relaxed and let their guard down as Gekko went around the site to pick up his little homies.

He was exhausted, and he could tell it was the case for the others, too.

When his eyes landed on you, you had an unreadable look on your face as you stared at the body of the Omega Earth agent that almost killed you if Thrash didn’t act that fast. 

He wondered what was going through your mind. 

Your eyes met. 

He held your gaze, unwavering, as he sat up from his kneeling position.

He shivered. 

He really should’ve brought an extra coat…

The initiator looked away, already starting to walk towards the Falcon, when he heard another pair of footsteps behind him.

Knowing it was you, he paid it no mind.

He froze when he felt a soft and warm extra layer on his shoulder.

Turning to you, bewildered, he saw how close your two faces were.

Your breaths were merging into one.

You looked away, taking a step back, looking almost… Embarrassed ?

“If you go hypothermic now, Sage will spend too much time with you and neglect everybody else,” You simply justified, walking away as your cheeks got visibly redder. 

He decided to blame it on the cold, feeling his own face growing hotter, too.

A few days had passed since that mission, and Gekko could tell you wanted to say something to him.

Every time he was alone, you were looking at him expectantly, sometimes even daring to take a few steps towards him before… 

Turning away once your eyes locked in with each other.

He sighed.

You were starting to bug him, if he was honest.

He didn’t mind the distance you took from him, by all means.

… Was it weird that he sorta, just maybe missed the banter ?

…

Probably.

He sighed, frustrated.

He was just chilling on his bed in his room, staring at the ceiling while the little critters were either sleeping or quietly chilling.

What was he going to do with you ?

Should he continue this cycle of hatred that has been going on for months now, or should he attempt for what felt like the umpteenth time to be the bigger person ?

A soft, gentle – almost shy – knock brought him back to earth as well as catching the attention of Wingman and Mosh, the only two still awake.

He didn’t recognise the pattern.

“Come in,” He invited, expecting someone like Sage to enter.

He froze when he saw you, however.

You were wearing one of your gigantic oversized hoodies, definitely too big for your form, hands deep in your pockets. 

Wingman immediately ran to greet you, and you tensed, your expression – previously timid and almost apologetic – quickly changing to surprise and wariness. 

“Wingman, c’mere. We talked about this,” He recalled the little guy, who for once, listened to him. 

You visibly relaxed once he was back at an acceptable distance.

You closed the door behind you.

He guessed you were finally going to commit to what you were attempting to say for the last few days.

Your eyes landed on Thrash.

“How is it ?” You asked almost too quietly for him to hear. 

“She’s doing fine, no thanks to you,” He answered coolly, studying you. 

Your expression didn’t change as you slowly shifted your eyes from Thrash’s sleeping form to Dizzy’s, then to Wingman and finally… Mosh.

It was as if you were trying to see something.

Whatever you were attempting to find, you didn’t manage to, and you frowned. 

“What’s up ?” He questioned, squinting.

He almost got up from his bed to shield them away from your sight.

There was always something with your eyes.

As if you were able to stare into someone’s….

He didn’t know.

But you could see something, and not knowing what made him uneasy.

He heard rumours about your touch, too.

Always brief, always accidental.

But for a short moment, they felt more aware, almost opening a third eye into the future.

“Did I ever tell you why I didn’t like you and your things ?” Your voice brought him back from his thoughts.

He took some time to attempt to remember the reason why, but…

You both started off rather well, but as soon as you met the homies, you had immediately shutted down and started the hating cycle. 

“Nah, you never told anybody, or I would know,” He said confidently.

You chuckled.

“A handful of people know, but I asked them to not tell you,” You replied, shifting your weight.

“... Why ?” He questioned, visibly and audibly confused. 

“I’m going to tell you now,” You reassured, then sighed. “Don’t freak out, but when I lock eyes with people… I become more aware of them. It’s hard to explain, but I can understand them on a deeper level, know their fears and hopes, hell, even their past sometimes for example,” You explained, refusing to meet his eyes. 

Why… 

Why were you telling him this ?

“It’s universal for every living thing, radiant or not. But…” You locked eyes with Wingman. “When I look into your things, I don’t see anything. I can’t sense anything, it’s just… Void,” You finally said, rubbing your elbow. 

“And that’s why you don’t like them ?” He asked, still confused but… He started to understand.

“Basically,” You sighed. “It just, it freaks me out, man. I don’t wanna find out what happens when I touch them, so I always try to avoid it if I can. So far, I’ve succeeded,” You continued, looking at the floor. 

“That explains for the little homies but… Why don’t you like me ?” He enquired, fearing the answer.

“That’s ‘cause I can’t figure you out. I genuinely can’t tell if you wanna gut me or fuck me or even if you hate or love me… Hurts my head, sometimes,” You replied honestly, still not looking at him.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” He denied, feeling his face and ears grow hot.

“Totally not why you’re blushing, too, huh ?” You replied, amused.

He looked at you, and your eyes met.

He remembered what you said earlier, but he knew it was too late.

If you didn’t know before, you certainly knew now. 

“You actually love me,” You announced out loud, surprise clear on your face.

He didn’t say anything, bracing for the impact of rejection. 

“Here I thought I was alone in this,” You muttered, loud enough for him to hear.

“Huh ?” He intelligently said.

“I love you too, dumbass,” You announced, louder this time.

That was…

“Wild,” He instinctively said, which made you chuckle.

“Indeed,” You confirmed, relaxing.

Sure, everything wasn’t perfect yet, but now that the air was cleared up…

Gekko finally felt like he had a chance with you.

What was he saying, of course he had one.

He was just glad that it wasn’t going to be toxic.

That you were actually trying in this relationship, too.