Jaune:Nora, how do you stay as positive as you do?
Nora:Do you want the casual answer or the deep, embarrassing answer that requires emotional vulnerability?
Jaune:Kinda sounds like youâre scared of option two.
Nora:I actually decided to try on makeup today and it would be tragic to ruin it with tears.
Jaune:âŠIâm still gonna choose option two.
Nora:Of course you are. *looks away* Iâm happy because I have friends like you who ask me if Iâm okay, and mean it. You take me seriously. How could I not be happy?
Jaune:Would you like a hug?
Nora:Sigh, this brand was expensive.
She turns around and hugs Jaune lovingly. He even rubs her back, causing her to sink into the embrace.
Nora:Ooooh the waterworks. Theyâre approaching.
Jaune:Iâve barely said anything!
Nora:I know! But you mean a lot to me. Sniffles And Iâm sorry I went through the portal.
Jaune:Hey, I literally told you to do it. We didnât know it was one way.
Nora:Yeah, but I thought youâŠ.maaaaan; gods above, I really thought I lost you. I was supposed to comeback. You were waiting and IâŠI thought you died waiting for me. I felt like I let you down, then you comeback with an out of this world story and I feel guiltier than before. Thatâs it! Iâm not leaving your side again! I just wanna be there for ya!
Id like to see more of Jaune wearing Yangs guantlets from the weapon exchange prompt. Maybe Yang being his coach?
Yang:Itâs all about leaning into it. Twist your hips. The power is in the hips!
Jaune:Can we please stop? My arms are starting to feel a bit like lead.
Yang:You can wear armor in your sleep but you canât take a few jab exercises?
Jaune:Itâs not the jabs. Itâs the kickback!
Ruby:Donât fight it. Youâre honestly doing pretty well. Be one with the explosions. The trick is to move in the direction you know youâre going to go already. After that, youâll probably give Yang a run for her money.
Yang:Ha! And they say Iâm the jokester?
Weiss:I donât know; he kinda has us beat in practical experience these days.
Yang:Not with my beauties. Iâd still wipe the floor with him.
Jaune:Wow, letâs not get crazy now. Iâm no martial arts expert, but youâre not exactly hard to hit.
Nora:Woop! Called you a bitch. Now you gotta fight.
Ren:Thatâs not at all what he said.
Yang:Itâs kinda what I heard though.
Jaune:What!?
Yang:Lighten up. Letâs just put our money where our mouth is. All this open space is perfect! Iâll even let you keep them on! *stretches arms*
Ruby:Umm, are you sure thatâs smart. Not that I think youâll lose, but an unpredictable explosion to the face isnât going to tickle.
Yang:Iâm a sturdy girl. Three solid hits! If you can land that many then you win. If I pin you down and you canât get out, itâs my victory.
Weiss:Someone is confident, but I suppose thatâs part of for the course.
Jaune:Can I just apologize. Not that scared, but this sounds like more effort than I was ready for.
Yang:Donât be like that! Itâs too late to back out now. Iâll even the sweeten the deal and make it a proper bet. When I win, Iâm getting a gourmet steak with your money at that nice bar in town Coco mentioned.
Jaune:I havenât even eaten there yet!
Yang:Sounds like a personal problem honestly.
Jaune:What do I get if I win.
Yang:Ummmmm how about-
Nora:Head.
Everyone:âŠ*slowly looks at Nora*
Nora:What? Three solid hits on you!? Gotta give him motivation. If youâre so sure youâll win, then why worry?
Yang:*red* You canât just offer that up on someoneâs behalf!
Weiss:Kinda sounds like youâre scared.
Ren:Looks like it too.
Ruby:Damn, now you gotta accept. Good luck out there.
Yang:So now we believe in peer pressure!? *looks at Blake* Arenât you going to say anything? Help your girl out!
Blake:You dug this hole when you said youâd âwipe the floor with him.â Noraâs kinda right. Just win, like you were planning to.
Nora:Everyone talks big until the real bets get thrown on the table.
Yang:I wouldâve gotten you a steak.
Nora:Didnât speak up quickly enough.
Jaune:Do I get a say in this?
Blake:Jaune, your posture straightened out the moment it was mentioned. Letâs be real, what will motivate the both of you more than this?
Jaune:I wanted to drive bumblebee.
Yang:And suddenly Iâm okay with the current bet. Put your hands up!
Jaune:IâŠwhatever. *raises fist*
Ruby:When this is over, we have to work on your priorities, Yang.
Ren:You put Crescent Rose on the in your bag and opted to pack less clothes.
Ruby:When did this become about me?
Weiss:I want a good clean spar! Three solid hits. We will all be the judge of it, so you both better focus.
Blake:Nora really made the bet about putting your money where your mouth is.
Nora:See? Iâm glad someone gets it. Are both blondes ready!?
Yang:Bring it!
Jaune:I feel like Coco wouldâve bought your steak, but yes, Iâm ready!
Blake:Ready? Steady! Go!
Ruby was very proud to see both of them immediately jump back to create some distance. Though Jaune was now capable of ranged attacks, he stuck with keeping his guard up and watching Yang intently. Letting her make the first move is dangerous, but pretty smart for its own reasons.
Taking the initiative, her older sister sprinted forward, leaning back into a slide to take out Jauneâs legs. Many expected him to roll, but were stunned to see him shotgun punch the ground to whip up a dust cloud. The sound of shifting feet and clattering metal was all the info provided before Jaune abruptly rushed out of the cloud with Yang getting yanked up by the collar.
RWBNR: OhâŠ.
Yang quickly pulled on his foreman for leverage to wrap her legs and kick his jaw. Plans immediately changed however when she felt falling sensation of Jaune preparing to slam down his entire arm. Yang grabbed his hand, hooking her thumbs underneath his palm to pry away the fingers and catch herself from falling before tumbling backwards on to her feet just to block a chest punch. To her surprise, no explosion.
Yang:Donât hold back! Iâve felt an explosion before!
Jaune:You havenât taught me how to reload.
Yang:âŠFair.
She front flipped into an axe kick that missed its mark and cracked the ground. She was hoping heâd go for a sweeping kick while she was low, but Jaune opted for a right haymaker. A counter throw was out of the question; Yang rolled forward onto her feet and spun around quickly to grapple his waist, her arms managed to trap his right arm as she linked her hands behind his back. While she had the strength to lift him, Yang didnât get the chance before a left fist slammed into her back and pulled the trigger, pushing her down into the dirt and letting Jaune escape.
Weiss:Thatâs one.
Not letting up, Jaune went for a stomp but got his right ankle caught by the girl. Yang rolled like a gator and brought him down in the dirt with her. He only blinked once before a wave of blonde hair was ontop of him, fighting for control of his wrists. Instinct took over both of them and their foreheads hit each other. Jaune freed his right and stupidly went for a right hook, only for Yang to weave it and trap his arm against his chest.
The girl reached for his left before he could swing, but wasnât expecting him to fire the right gauntlet, using its recoil to flip them over. She still had his arm but this was not a a good situation. Her right leg quickly swung up and hooked around the front of Jauneâs neck while she used her left to brace his nape before bringing both her legs back down with him trapped between them. The only thing stopping this from being a victory was the barrel of her weapon aiming at her face and the evil hand trying to pull the trigger!
Fighting for control, Yang lost track of the left hand coming across Jauneâs body and shooting her leg off his neck before grabbing it. Not good at all! Yang moved her left leg from behind him quickly and kicked his face to daze him. This was getting too risky! Yang untangled her limbs immediately and scurried onto her feet a safe distance away, briefly looking at Weiss.
Weiss:Itâs still one. He hit your ankle to get out of a serious pin. I wouldnât call that solid. Iâm not unfair.
Jaune was already on his feet again and a little red in the face. Thinking about it now, Yang probably couldâve focused on making him need to breathe. Now she has a numb right ankle.
Yang:I would like to take this moment and say I apologize. âWiping the floorâ was a bit much.
Jaune:You let me hit you as a sacrifice play for that grapple.
Yang:Mmmm perhaps. Not that it matters now.
Jaune:Well I just want to let you know the second hit is all my doing.
He dashed at her without even waiting for a reply. Ren smiled. He could appreciate his leader going on offense. Letting a superior martial artist dictate the flow is disastrous. What makes it better is Jaune moving towards Yangâs right.
Yang pivoted with her front left foot to keep track and spare unnecessary weight on her right foot. She had to wait for him to strike if she wanted to switch her stance; he could probably kick her across the sand right now if he tried hard enough. His eyes remained fixed on her every move and he stayed just out of reach. He knew better than to kick, and the mental game of firing a shot was unnerving. It had to be punch. One second felt like a lifetime before a right jab came her way. Yangâs hands were ready to redirect it, but thatâs when her opponent did something irritating,
Jaune didnât commit to real punch. He extended enough for a reaction, then fired and blast for the shock and smoke. Yangâs eyes nearly shut and her ears rung as a left uppercut came out of the smoke and clocked her chin, causing her stumble backwards.
Weiss:T-
Yang:*red eyes* I can count.
Ruby:Hey nowâŠ
Yang:Iâm cool. Just a little pissed. *sizzling* I bit my tongue on that one.
Jaune:Sorry!
Yang:Iâm not accepting that right now.
In the blink of an eye, Yang closed the gap with a lunge. She winded up a right uppercut that started from the ground and soared by his head. The sand between them rose like a geyser that hid two left jabs to the ribs, followed by right that Jaune managed to guard. Didnât save him from the left hook to the torso though. His body caved into the blow and allowed Yang to slip her right leg behind his left. It was like fighting a tree! He wouldnât budge easily.
Jaune hastily got his leg free and blocked several more quick jabs. He shot a round at Yangâs feet to get her to make space then sent another straight at the girl. She practically twirled around it and did a side kick with her right. Under no circumstances was she letting her good foot stop supporting her, it wasnât like the kicks from the other one hurt less! Jaune kept his fists up and worked the ring with Yang.
Ruby watched her sister avoid a left jab, only for it to turn into an open hand that dared to palm of Yangâs head, pulling down towards a rising knee she put hands in front of before shoving it back down. Yang went for a shoulder check but got caught in a bear hug that physically lifted her of her feet and flung her. The scrappy blondeâs feet slid across the sand and into a standing bridge to avoid a flare. Ruby was a little jealous Yang could transition into a handstand and back on her feet in one move. Both Yang and Jaune looked a little winded. This wasnât gonna last much longer.
Everyone watched as Jaune sized up his opponent before dropping his hands and sighing. His posture improved and Yang slowly followed suit.
Jaune:I quit.
Nora:Whaaaaat? Youâre doing well!
Jaune:Not well enough. Sure I might win but this is too much effort for sparring. If we try any harder weâll actually hurt each other. Yang?
Yang:âŠYeah, I forfeit too.
All her weight came crashing down onto the ground. It wasnât even a second after that Jaune was helping heal her ankle. Finally, her eyes softened.
Yang:I think I prefer fighting you with a sword. A smoke screen with my own guns is disgusting. I should do it more often.
Nora:Aw man! I was hoping for a final grand act of desperation that would force one of us to get in between.
Ren:Nora, you would be the only one of us strong and fast enough to pull that off immediately.
Nora:And I wouldâve looked so cool doing it!
Weiss:Anticlimactic, but whatever. It was fun watching you both roll around. I donât think Iâve seen Yang look so desperate before.
Yang:It sounds more like youâre specifically happy about my struggles.
Ruby:I think you both were pretty school. Dad would lecture the hell out of you though. Looks like Iâm not the only one who needs more training unarmed.
Jaune:Speaking of whichâŠso is your metal arm out of ammo or something?
Yang:âŠ..
Blake:You didnât even think to use it.
Yang:*red* WellâŠthe entire point was him using gear against my prowess! Shooting him would defeat the purpose!
Ruby:You risked head for this.
Yang:I risked nothing! Also donât repeat that to anyone! All of you!
They all reluctantly agreed and continued on about their business as her and Jaune continued to sit with their fatigue. Yang looks his way and offers a high five for a job well done. The moment he went for it, she moved her and aside, letting his palm her shoulder.
Yang:And thatâs number three. Congratulations.
Jaune:Huh? What happened to a draw?
Yang:Iâm a big enough person to admit I went into this too cocky, and smart enough to know you were offering me an escape. It mightâve been a bit of a toss up, but I canât say I was thrilled about my odds with my ankle. Honestly it might as well count as a solid hit for all the trouble it added. Thanks.
Jaune:No problem. I like my steaks well done by the way.
Yang:Iâd rather risk my bike than tell a waiter that.
Jaune:Ruby is right. Your priorities are all over the place.
Yang:âNever let them know your next move.â Words I live by.
In the humble workplace of the Funeral Parlor, a young exorcist is dressed for a formal yet frightful night. Thanks to Xianglingâs new friend, the boy got his hands on black, pinstriped pants that go with a solid black dress coat which hides a gray button up. Chongyunâs hair was carefully slicked to match the sophisticated look and temporarily dyed black with a little help. His face and hands where given a ghastly pale skin tone as well. Good thing he had so many friends who work with stage makeup. Now if only he knew why he was dressed like this specially.
Chongyun:You almost done in there?
Hu Tao:Hehe, someone sounds impatient.
Chongyun:More like concerned. The idea of dressing up together for this event sounded fun, but I know like Iâm the trick part of treat.
Hu Tao:Ha! Perish the thought! Are you expecting me to walk out in no costume or something!?
Chongyun:I believe youâre dressing up, but donât say you wouldnât pick something completely opposite of mine to make me look silly.
Hu Tao:Hehehehe~
Chongyun:If this was Fontaine, a laugh like that would convict you.
Hu Tao:Iâm only guilty of being a little silly. *opens door* And undeadâŠ
He turned his head towards her and gasped silently. The young and wise funeral director was draped in a flowing white silk dress, riddled with intricate embroidery of her favorite flowers. The bottom of the dress was purposely worn and âunfinishedâ in sections as if it were devoured by moths. Her left torso was falsely exposed; that is to say the bones were. Ribs to be exact, masterly modeled on the dress design.
A tint of icy blue that mirrored Chongyunâs eyes coated her body and face, which was hidden by a white veil; still it did little to hide the girlâs grin or joy filled eyes. Lastly there was her hair. Much like his, she had added a temporary dye to make her lovely brown hair turn into a chilling river under a starry night that flowed down her back. Hu Tao approached slowly, letting her sleeves flow like curtains in the wind as she drank in the boyâs shock.
Hu Tao:They say itâs bad luck for a groom to see their bride to be in a wedding dress before the big moment in some cultures, but I think today is allowed to be a special case, donât you think? Hehe, you look good.
Chongyun:You lookâŠ.*blushes* Umm, is it weird to call a corpse beautiful?
Hu Tao:I wouldnât judge you~ *twirls slowly* Not bad if I do say so myself. Ever since Aether told me the story about a âCorpse Brideâ Iâve been quite infatuated. Itâs both romantic and tragic in a way I can respect.
Chongyun:So thatâs what this is? For a moment I genuinely believed you were surprising me with the wedding happening today.
He playfully rolled his eyes before lifting the veil to see the vibrant eyes she always has. Funny enough, the body paint she used made the redness of her cheeks turn a nice violet. Chongyun leaned in, unafraid of getting her black lipstick on his face as they laughed through their kiss. As they let the moment play out, the front door opened and a happy girl in a Guaba suit came bouncing in.
Xiangling:Hey! Whoâs ready for the p-
Chongyun and Hu Tao:âŠ..
Xiangling:*red*WhâŠWas the wedding today!? I missed it!?
During a tranquil day at the Kamisato residence, Ayato found himself pouring some tea for his anxious looking sister, sitting across from her and taking a sip from his cup.
Ayaka: Apologies brother, I'm sure you must be busy.
Ayato: Iâll never be busy enough to ignore a request to talk from my own sister. To be frank, we don't have enough of these nowadays.
Ayaka: I appreciate it brother. *Takes her cup, sipping the tea*
Ayato: So, what did you wish to discuss with me?
He saw how she flinched for a moment, the tea in her cup stopped moving for a few seconds before she continued drinking, eventually resting down the cup on the table.
Ayaka: *pink* IâŠwish to come out with a secret I've been keeping for you.
Ayato: Oh? *Chuckles, Leaning closer* Since when did you learn to keep those?
Ayaka: My apologies, I did not wish to, but I was unsure of how you would react.
Ayato: I can guarantee this much, coming from you, i doubt it'll be something that can make me angr-
Ayaka: *red* Iâm dating Thoma!
Ayato: âŠâŠ
Ayaka: *looks down* I have been for a while! I know he's neither a noble nor from our country! I know the implications aren't good! I know how such a relationship would be viewed by our peers but-!
She spoke quickly and anxiously, the fear of finally coming clean with such a secret making spiking her adrenaline, however she couldn't bear to hide it anymore, and yet, despite the intense feelings of dread consuming her, as she gathered courage to look at her brother again, all she saw was a comforting gentle smile on his face.
Ayato: So that's it, I'm happy for you two.
Ayaka: *stunned* YouâŠare you not mad?
Ayato: *raises eyebrow, small smile* Should i be?
Ayaka: No! I-iâŠi just-
Ayato: You thought I'd be angry that my sister went behind my back and started dating, quite possibly, one of the most controversial options for our social circle?
Ayaka: *biting her lip, looking down and nodding*
Ayato: *Rolls his eyes* Are you happy?
Ayaka: Huh?
Ayato: Iâm asking if you are happy. Does being with him make you happy?
Her remorseful expression lifted swiftly, her cheeks grew rosy as a small smile alongside glittering eyes took over her facial features.
Ayaka: I can't think of a time I've felt this happy before. Thoma has always been kind and caring to me, but after we got together it feels so much different, so much moreâŠhearing his encouraging words when iâm trying to befriend someone, his calm reassurance when i fail or struggle with something, noticing the attention to detail he pours on everything he does for my sake, his willingness to go along with my wants even when they're downright silly, his warm embrace whenever i find myself feeling cold, the way there's never judgement or expectations in his eyes......the only thing reflecting on them is always an image of me as myself, not as the princess of the Kamisato clan but someone more normal.....more me. Being with him feels right, in just about every sense of the word.
She looked up to her brother again to see him resting his chin on his interlocked fingers, his eyes narrowed and a cheeky grin adorning his face.
Ayaka: *bright red* S-sorry! I got carried away.
Ayato: No need for apologies, seeing you so adorably smitten is more than enough compensation.
Ayaka: *Steaming* Please don't start teasing me.
Ayato: *chuckles* Iâll try my best, despite how tempting it is.
Ayaka: BrotherâŠ
She avoided his gaze for a moment, only to feel the gentle touch of his hand caressing her head.
Ayato: *warm smile* Iâm glad to hear that is how you feel. I feared youâd be swept away by the duty our name brings.
Ayaka: *small smile* It's difficult to do so when you hog all the responsibility to yourself.
Ayato: Good, that means I'm doing well as a brother. This family went through enough hardships as is, I wouldn't be able to bear it if you gave up something so beautiful and sacred like love for its sake as well.
Hearing such words after months of anxiety brought her a sense of relief like no other she felt before, it made her heart flutter, with tears threatening to spill down her face.
Ayaka: Iâm gladâŠthe thought of you rejecting us terrified me to my core.
Ayato: Hmmm, can't say that I blame you. Had it been someone else I'd have to put the situation under a lot more scrutiny. However, I don't think you could have picked someone better. In all these years heâs been with us not once did he show signs of being someone worthy of suspicion, heâs hard working, caring and honest almost to a fault, I have no reason to doubt heâll treat my dear sister with the utmost care and love she deserves.
Ayaka: *growing smile* That's reassuring to hear from you brother.
Ayato: Though, I am curious why he isn't a part of this conversation.
Ayaka: *flinches, sheepish smile* WellâŠhe wished to be here as well, but I insisted that he waited somewhere else for the time beingâŠas a matter of fact, I was also the one that insisted on keeping our relationship a secret for the time being, if it depended on Thoma you would already know.
Ayato: *chuckles* Did you think I was going to harm him or something like that?
Ayaka: *blush, looking away and fidgeting* âŠâŠâŠ
Ayato: Archons, is that the impression you have of me? *Looking down* Am i that terrible of a brother?
Ayaka: N-no! It's justâŠâŠiâm sorry.
Ayato: *snort* Calm down, iâm joking.
Ayaka: *red, pout* âŠâŠI asked you not to tease me.
Ayato: And I said that I would try, but I didn't promise anything.
Ayaka: You can be awfully mean when you want to.
Ayato: Take it as compensation for being kept in the dark for so long.
Ayaka: *pink* Weâve only been dating for a month and a half!
Ayato: *raises eyebrow* Really? I couldâve bet the entire estate on you two being together for at least a year already. So all this time two have been just tiptoeing around the issue?
Ayaka: *red* âŠâŠwas it that obvious?
Ayato: Goodness, now I just feel bad for you two. Then again, I suppose better late than never does apply here.
Ayaka: Iâd rather think about it that way.
Ayato: Regardless, what matters is that youâre both happy. Iâd like to straighten things out with Thoma as well, and afterwards, we can celebrate your newfound relationship.
Ayaka: T-thereâs no need for so much! Youâre quite busy already, you don't need to waste your time with that, nor with the ruckus that would rise from people discovering my relationship with him, we agreed to keep things away from the public eye.
Ayato: Nonsense. My sister and my dear friend are finally together, celebrating such an occasion is everything BUT a waste. And about how our peers will perceive it, you don't need to worry about it, should any of them try and raise their grievances, I'll deal with it myself.
Ayaka: Please don't hurt anyone for our sake...
Ayato: Who said anything about hurting anyone? My sweet innocent sister, do you truly believe our peers are as prim and pious as they seem?
Ayaka: Are they not?
Her answer was so genuine, Ayato had no idea if he should be concerned or fawn at how adorably innocent she was. Everyone has skeletons in their closet, nobles with money and influence to cover it up especially, he was well aware of that.
Ayato: Don't worry your pretty head over it. *Overly sweet smile, patting her head* Should they dare object to your relationship, I'll merely remind them exactly who they are.
Ayaka: Understood.
Ayato: *Getting up* Now, why don't you bring your dear other half back? Tell him I won't try to cut him the moment he walks inâŠâŠ*grin* Or maybe not, should I play the strict and disapproving brother? Seeing how he would react to a straight rejection from me sounds quite funny.
Ayaka: Youâre starting to sound like lady Guuji!
Ayato: Her pranks are incredibly amusing, it makes me want to pull a few of my own.
Ayaka: *pouting* BrotherâŠ
Ayato: Fine, no more teasing.
Ayaka: âŠâŠ*hugs him*
Ayato: ???
Ayaka: Thank youâŠfor everything. The gods couldn't have given me a better brother.
Ayato: *smiles, holding her close* Iâm merely looking after my sister's happiness, any good brother would do so.
Ayaka: Even so, having your approval and support means the world to me.
Ayato: It's nothing. You already have enough on your plate, you deserve to put duty aside and let your own happiness take priority for once.
Ayaka: *looks up to him* You have a lot on your plate too, and you deserve happiness as well, does that mean I can expect you to put things aside one day to visit that seamstress from Fontaine?
Ayato: *Narrows eyes at her, grin* Well now who's teasing who here?
Ayaka: Iâm sure she'd like it! I could even take over things in the meantime! You should-
Ayato: Are you going to try and play matchmaker right now? With how long this is taking I wouldn't be surprised if your boyfriend is just anxiously waiting for me to show up with a sword in hand.
Ayaka: Ah, right! I'll be right back!
With that realization she almost bolted away from the room, leaving ayato to chuckle at the sight. It's not often that he sees his sister so energetic and joyful, he hopes it will become the new norm from now on. And to that, a celebration was in order, he'd make sure today would be a day for them to look back and smile upon.
Ayaka: To think my brother would accept us so easilyâŠ*smiling to herself* It feels like a dream. Honestly, I don't understand why the traveler was so restless about this, telling my brother was the best thing I could've done!
*Meanwhile, in a far away abyssal fracture*
Aether: You worthless, insufferable and unbearable piece of shit!!! *Swings his sword violently*
Childe: *is sent flying back, landing upright with a bleeding cut across his chest* PFFFHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! IS THAT THE BEST THE KING OF THE ABYSS CAN DO!?!? FIGHTING LIKE THAT WON'T GET YOUR SWORD TO CUT ME EVEN HALFWAY AS DEEP AS I WAS INSIDE YOUR SISTER YESTERDAY!!!
Lumine: *red, face buried in her hands* Uuuuuugh! Why are they always like this!?
Paimon: Paimon's not really sure but hey! Look on the bright side, those two managed to talk for five solid minutes before trying to kill each other this time, that's an improvement!
Lumine: Hurling insults at one another doesn't count as talking Paimon!!!
Hu Tao:*new outfit* Hehe, well? Go on. Iâm dying for your opinion.
Chongyun:Y-You look nice.
Hu Tao: Aiya, oh come on! Here I go out of my way to make sure youâre one of the first to see this lovely gift and I receive a lukewarm response? My poor heart! I think I really will die.
Chongyun:At least youâd be buried in style.
Hu Tao:There you go! I knew you had it in you. So, what part do you like the most? Anything stick out? Hat? Glasses? Leggings? I know itâs the leggings for you.
Chongyun:*red*âŠ.
Hu Tao:*smirks* Well, well, well, I was right on the mora it seems.
Chongyun:No! Theyâre lovely but that wasnât what I was thinking at all!
Hu Tao:Oh yeah? Then do tell, whatâs in that overactive brain of yours?
Chongyun:Itâs just thatâŠitâs nice to know you look good in white and red.
Hu Tao:Why does that-âŠ..*red* Ah.
xxxxxxx
Xiangling:*frying up veggies*
Hu Tao:*walks in* Iâve returned.
Xiangling:Oh hey! So, howâd it go? Poor Chongyun didnât overheat did he? Hehe.
Caitlyn:(Should I tell him? No, false hope doesnât do any good. Especially in this case.) *looks left*
Giant mural of Jinx
Caitlyn:âŠ.Ekko?
Ekko:What could you possibly want after everything?
Caitlyn:Hopefully, an olive branch. I have to tell you something but you have to promise to not get your hopes up, or tell Vi. This is something Iâm trusting with you specifically.
Ekko:And how in the world did I get such an honor?
Caitlyn:Because if it wasnât for one act of kindness, Iâd be in your shoes right now.
Ekko:âŠWhat do you have to tell me?
xxxxxx
One month later. Somewhere across the water, in a nice quaint land known for its view of the ocean and mountains, a cloaked girl bobs her head to music as she roams the back alleys streets without a care in her mind.
Jinx: đ¶Do you ever wanna catch me?Right now I'm feeling ignored. *turns corner*
Jinx:So can you try a little harder? I'm really getting bor-
Ekko:*cloaked* !?âŠ.
Jinx:âŠ..(Just when I thought Iâve wrangled all the voices. This is a low blow, me.) *closes eyes* (Just gonna breathe in and-)
Ekko:*grabs her wrist*
Jinxâs eyes immediately shoot open to see him right in front of her. She starts looking back, forth, everywhere; her thoughts trying to rationalize this moment because what do you mean heâs real!?
Ekko:Letâs just say someone offered me a little hope. Honestly it was more like wishful thinking.
Jinx:Ekko, thatâs not a âhowâ at all! You left Zaun to chase wishful thinking? Thatâs alone is crazy, but not as crazy as you actually finding me! I couldâve gone in any direction and stopped anywhere yet somehow youâre right here searching in the correct city? Gasps Did you put something in me?!
Ekko:What? No! Jinx, we used to spend literal hours talking about all the places we wanted go; the sight ls you wanted to see. Sometimes you rambled so much I never got a word in to say mine!
Jinx:So youâre telling you just remembered all that ramble and started flying to the places I yapped about!? Who the heck remembers stuff like that!?
Ekko:Me!! Since when have I ever forgotten anything!? Especially stuff about you!?
The girl was too stunned to speak. Ekko told no lies and he had a point, however, what the hell? How was she supposed to respond to that? She told absolutely nobody that she was leaving and left no trace, yet somehow wishful thinking from probably the worldâs most annoying enforcer and childhood memories was enough for Ekko to find her in a little over a month. Jinx could only squint at him in disbelief. Sure, she could definitely break free of grip and make a break for it, yet this moment only gave her the strength to exhale tiredly before him.
Jinx:Anyone else know?
Ekko:Nope. You think people have time to chase hypotheticals?
Jinx:So you just left??
Ekko:Told them I needed some air. Had to move quickly. You donât exactly stay in one place for long.
Jinx:âŠ..Alright. Out with it. I know you have some rehearsed lecture and rant youâve prepared in case you actually somehow werenât crazy and found m-
Ekko:*hugs her* I can tell at you later.
Jinx:You really just might be crazier than me.
Her entire body relaxed as she finally put her arms around him. Despite all odds, he really was right here. Leave it the Boy Savior to yet again foil her schemes.
Jinx:At this point I should call you Ekko Location or something.
Ekko:I this point, I should put a fucking bell on you.
Jinx:Iâd still get away.
Ekko:And Iâd find you again.
Jinx:Heh, yeah. *hugs tightly* You would, wouldnât you?
I want to hear your ekko x jinx (Or powder, whatever universe you like more) headcannons
I honestly havenât thought of any but ever since I learned the one member on Arcane said Ekko told Jinx about the other universe I keep thinking about a scene where theyâre getting ready.
Jinx says something witty and self deprecating about him probably wishing the other Powder was around, only to immediately to get shut down by him stating the fact he left and immediately ran over to find her. Jinx really has no counter to that and just tries to brush off the fact he really did pick her. Ekko fumbles a bit with her name again but in a moment of awkward softness and vulnerability, Jinx tells him itâs fine that he calls her Powder if he wants to. It doesnât bother her coming from him.
To deflect from any more vulnerability, she takes a bit of paint and flicks it on him, making an âXâ and claiming he has no reason to be mad since he clearly doesnât mind a little pink.
Ekko is quick to get his payback by swiping a bit of green across her. He tries to act a little smug and cocky about it but that doesnât last long. Jinx, the resident art menace tells him if heâs gonna tag something then he has to do it properly; catching him off guard by walking up to him properly and guiding his paintbrush towards her torso where he left the mark.
Thereâs absolute silence as they look at each other without blinking once. Heâs a bit a shocked and sheâs silently waiting to see just how deep his feelings run. Just before sheâs about to back off, Ekko grabs her waist to hold her still then begins finishing his work. Jinx canât help but let out the smallest of chuckles in both disbelief and flicker happiness. She reaches for her paint brush and begins marking all the little spots on his body and clothes that sheâs mentally claiming while heâs doing the exact same thing to her in this fragile and intimate moment.
And thatâs why they have each otherâs colors when they show up. It wouldâve been a moment that made me absolutely fold cause legitimately itâs a moment where both of them are being selfish for once but also caring. Air ship and everything is getting ready to go for battle but right now âonly think of me.â Fuck it, animate the tagging on each other in 4 frames a second like the dance to symbolize how this is their moment they want to always go back to; a moment of building something for someone else.
Can't relate, threw her off the top of dragonspine yesterday so she's too dead to do anything really.
I don't want something bad to happen to her on the story since i know a lot of people that love her, but if something does happen i won't even bat an eye
