Flames danced in the ruins of Piltover, their light painting the chaos in flickering shades of orange and red. The once pristine city was now a battlefield, torn apart by Ambessa’s Noxian forces. Smoke billowed from the destruction, and the air was thick with ash and the metallic tang of blood. Ekko sprinted through the wreckage, his heart pounding with a fear he hadn’t felt since he lost his family in Zaun.
Every explosion made him flinch, every shadow looked like you. He had sworn to protect you, to keep you safe despite the horrors of this war. You weren’t supposed to be here, not in the thick of the fight, not in the crumbling heart of Piltover. But you had insisted, standing firm in that quiet, determined way of yours.
“Zaun fights against corruption. I won’t stand idly by and do nothing,” you had said, your hand brushing against his.
But now, as he tore through the smoldering streets, his heart filled with dread. Jinx’s globe, her insane, chaotic weapon of destruction, had careened into one of the towering structures nearby. The crash had sent debris flying like deadly shrapnel, and he had lost sight of you in the chaos.
He shouted your name, his voice hoarse from the smoke and desperation. His feet stumbled over rubble, and his eyes scanned every twisted beam and broken wall for a glimpse of you. Your name that once brought warmth now felt like a prayer. The world around him was collapsing, literally. Another blast shook the ground, and a wall buckled under its weight. But all he could think about was finding you.
And then he saw it. A hand peeking out from beneath a pile of rubble, fingers limp and covered in soot. His breath hitched as he ran toward you, adrenaline driving his every step. When he reached the debris, he fell to his knees, his hands trembling as he began pulling away the heavy stones and broken wood. “No, no, no,” he murmured under his breath, the words spilling out like a mantra.
Finally, he uncovered you. Your body was twisted and broken, your beautiful gown torn and stained with blood. Soot clung to your skin, and a deep gash ran along your temple. For a moment, he couldn’t breathe.
“Firefly…” His voice cracked as he leaned down, cupping your face with shaking hands.
Your eyes fluttered open, unfocused and dim. The spark that always lit them, the one that had drawn him to you in the first place, was barely there. “Ekko…” you whispered, your voice so faint it was almost lost amidst the chaos.
“I’m here,” he said, his tears falling freely now. “I’ve got you. You’re gonna be okay, you hear me? Just hold on for abit.”
You tried to smile, but it was weak and fleeting. “I… I don’t think I can,” you murmured, your words slurred from the pain.
“Don’t you dare say that,” he said, his voice breaking as he pressed his cheek to yours. “You’re strong. Stronger than anyone I know. You’re gonna make it. We’re gonna go home. You just have to stay with me.”
But your body was trembling, and your breathing was shallow. He could feel the life slipping away from you, and he was powerless to stop it.
“Mmhm,” you hummed softly, your voice trembling as tears spilled from your eyes. “I’m scared.”
“I know,” he whispered, his heart shattering. “I know, Firefly. I’m here with you, okay?”
Your hand lifted weakly, brushing against his cheek. “I wanted to stay and see it… the future you talked about,” you said, your voice barely audible. “I wanted to be there with you.”
“You will be,” he said, even as the truth clawed at his throat.
But your eyes were beginning to close, the light in them fading like a dying star. “Promise me…” you whispered.
“I promise,” he choked out, his tears falling onto your face as he held you on his lap. And then, with a shuddering breath, you went still. Your body went limp completely against his, no more strength to hold onto.
“No.” The word left him in a broken whisper. “No, no, no!” He pulled you into his arms, rocking back and forth as the weight of your loss crushed him. The city burned around him, but he didn’t care. The world could end, and it wouldn’t matter. You were gone. The one who had brought light into his life, who had stood by him even when the odds were stacked against them, was gone. And it was his fault. He had promised to protect you, and he had failed.
His tears fell freely now, mingling with the blood and soot that covered your face. He pressed his forehead to yours, his voice a broken whisper. “I’m so sorry,” he said. “I love you. I’ll always love you.”
Around him, the war raged on. But in that moment, Ekko was frozen, trapped in a world where the only thing that mattered was the girl he had lost. The flames reflected in his tear-filled eyes, their light a cruel mockery of the fire you had once carried within you. He held you close, his heart breaking with every passing second. And as the sounds of battle echoed around him, one thought consumed him: he would never let your memory fade. He vowed to himself that he would add you onto a mural, the one were the rest of the people he cared about were. The future you had dreamed of, the one you had believed in, it was his now. And he would fight for it, no matter the cost.
a/n. first time doing angst for him…idk if i can even do this to him bro 😞 (literally wrote this while at work so sorry if it doesn’t make sense)!
Ekko leaned against one of the worn pillars, his arms loosely crossed over his chest. The soft hum of adults talking filled the space, punctuated by bursts of laughter from the kids playing in the main area of the base.
His gaze was locked on you.
You were crouched on the floor, one of the smaller Firelights perched on your knee as you adjusted the strap of their little homemade goggles. Another kid tugged at your arm, showing you a toy glider they'd crafted from scraps, while two more were busy trying to drag you into their game of tag.
"You're really trying to take me down huh?" you teased, laughing as one of them clung to your leg. "What is this, an ambush?"
"It's working!" one of the kids shouted, their voice high with excitement.
Ekko couldn't help but smirk. He'd seen you handle yourself in some of the most dangerous situations Zaun had to offer—but here you were, letting a bunch of kids "capture" you like it was the highlight of your day. You weren't just pretending to enjoy it, he could tell by the way your eyes crinkled when you laughed, the way your voice softened when you spoke to them.
He leaned further into the shadows, content to watch for a while longer.
One of the kids pointed at him. "Hey Ekko! Why're you just standing there?"
Your eyes flicked up to meet his, a playful glint in them. "Yeah big guy...What are you doing? Afraid you'll lose if you join in?"
He pushed off the pillar, his smirk deepening. "Nah, I'm just enjoying the show."
You raised an eyebrow, your grin widening. "Oh, really? You're that entertained watching me lose to a bunch of kids?"
"Looks like you've got it handled." he said, his tone light but teasing. "Why mess with perfection?"
"Perfection?" you repeated, rolling your eyes as you stood up, one of the kids still clinging to your arm. "You've got jokes now, huh?"
"Always." he said, stepping closer.
"But seriously... you're good with them."
His voice had softened just enough to make you pause. You tilted your head at him, a small, knowing smile playing on your lips. "They make it easy."
"Not everyone would think that.." he said, glancing at the kids now chasing each other around the room. "You've got a way with them."
You shrugged, brushing off the compliment as you crouched back down to tie a loose shoelace for one of the kids. "They just need someone to pay attention, that's all."
He watched you, his expression unreadable for a moment. "You make it look like more than that."
Before you could respond, one of the kids tugged at your sleeve. "Y/N, come play!"
You laughed, standing up again. "Alright, alright!"
A smile tugged at your lips as you turned your gaze to Ekko. "Are you coming, or are you just gonna stand there looking cool?"
He rolled his eyes, the corner of his mouth quirking up. "Someone's gotta supervise. You look like you're about to trip over yourself."
"Right." you said, grinning as you backed into the chaos of the kids. "Supervise all you want Mr. But don't think I won't call you in when I need backup."
Ekko chuckled, shaking his head as he leaned back against the pillar. "I'll be here."
But his gaze never left you. Watching you laugh, watching the way the kids gravitated to you, he felt something shift in his chest. For all the weight he carried as the Firelights' leader, moments like this made him feel like maybe, just maybe, there was more to life than surviving.
He couldn't help but think that you were the best part of this little family they'd built together.
Check out my Ekko one shots on Wattpad for more stories!! :3
I'm am lowkey just a chill guy 1 Work, 2 Reading Lists, 6 Followers
Pairing: Ekko x fem!reader / AU!Ekko x AU!fem!reader
Tags: Heartbreak; R is mentioned to be very similar to Jinx, as in facial looks; weapons like guns and bombs; mention of Shimmer; hallucinations; Arcane season 2 Spoilers; ANGST
Word count: 2,1 k
A/n: Okay, now guys! Enough fluffy fluff, we need some angst as well, can’t live in pure fantasy, right? Can’t stay in shadows for too long, gotta show you the real me. So basicalllyyy there’s this amazing song in my native language that was a big inspiration for this fanfic. Maybe I’ll write a part two later, maybe not, who knows 👍🏼
It wasn’t winter’s fault, nor snowfalls or the frosts.
It was her fault, the girl that I brought roses.
What?
He knew it wasn’t his Zaun. He just knew.
But it was Zaun, was it not?
Maybe it was, but not the one he got used to. It was one where you would still cling to him like you used to back then, at the times when things were just a tad bit easier due to you.
Was it a dirty trick? A way to get him vulnerable?! He was about to shove you away, but he couldn’t. It was like trance itself captured him. You felt so wrong against him, gosh, you felt so right.
Just the way your body was against his, the massive, stupid grin and the healthy look on your face were enough to make his defences against you crumble to the ground. Why was he even putting them up in the first place when he knew they wouldn’t bring him anywhere? This was stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid!!! Ekko felt like he was about to cry, his mouth dry and wide open.
But he knew it wasn’t a trick, not when he saw Jinx entering the room, but at the same time it wasn’t Jinx? It was her, but not her.. and it was you but not you. Jinx wasn’t Jinx anymore, she wasn’t the girl with crazy blue hair, but just a decent, beautiful girl with little pigtails.
“Are you two guys ready? We will be late, y’know?!” She called out with a small pout, hands on her hips as she tried to look intimidating.
“We’re going, alright, Pow? Geez, you’re so impatient! Nerves kicking in?” You chided her with an eye roll, your arms still securely wrapped around Ekko’s neck.
Wait, Pow? Like Powder? This was-
“Ready.. for what..?” He stuttered out, fingertips twitching as he still didn’t return the heart aching hug.
“The competition? Hello, Ekko? Don’t tell me you forgot all of the stuff we rehearsed-“ She slammed a hand over her mouth, ready to suffocate him as she trembled with anticipation.
“Powder! Relax! He knows everything, you two did everything you could, now c’mon, let’s be real, you two are the best out there.” You scoffed, resting your head on Ekko’s shoulder, closing his mouth with a hand.
“C-competition..?” His voice wavered, putting a light hand on your upper arm.
“Yeah, the competition, but don’t worry.. everything's gonna be good and lovely. You’ll show them everything you got, love..” Your soft voice caused Ekko’s eye to twitch, but gosh how he missed those times. He should be despising you for leaving him, despising for not even knowing why you left. But the next thing he knew was that his bed was cold and Scar was telling him that you joined Jinx, your childhood best friend. It was almost terrifying how similar you looked to Jinx, or Powder. Nose, eye shape, goodness, you looked more like Jinx than Vi herself.
“You’ll ace it, nerd boy..” You giggled, pecking his cheek gently.
His breath was laboured, he didn’t understand. Why was he here? Was this another universe? A universe where you didn’t… leave..?
He put a gentle hand to your cheek, a touch so gentle as if he was holding something precious… But he was indeed holding something fragile, he was holding you. Not the crazy girl that went along with an even crazier one. But one that was gentle as a flower, hair soft and beautiful, a girl that was still his.
All of the talks and conversations went over his head, his focus was only on you. His lips formed an ‘o’ while he listened to you talk, he didn’t even care about what you were talking about, you could be talking crap about him, about his hair and about his whole attire and he’d still be in awe. Claggor, Mylo, Powder, Benzo… could this universe get even better? They were all alive, all sane and healthy… He was waiting for someone to punch him, for you and Jinx to take out a bomb or a gun and say that this was all a prank. Your beautiful lips form into a crooked grin and say that he believed once again.
The time of the competition was coming closer, and the voice of Jinx- Powder was getting louder, her hands gripping your arms as she shook you, yelling that she was nervous and that she forgot everything.
Your hearty laugh was making his head spin, he didn’t deserve this. The other Ekko was supposed to be here, he was supposed to hold you, he was supposed to have you in his arms, but Ekko would never pull away himself, only over his dead body.
His eyesight started to blur though, his blinking getting more rapid as he tried to keep himself sane. Weird noises started to fill his ears, hot pink pictures filling his gaze, wrong images playing in front of him.
Was this the side effect of the universe travelling?
The room started to flash weird lights, making his eyes squint. Your laughter got even louder, but not the sweet and gentle one, but the cursed and psychotic one. He managed to look over to the two of you, clutching his head with a pained and scrunched expression.
You two were still there, but not you. How was he supposed to explain it all? One second he saw two happy girls sitting together, and the next one he saw Jinx and you laughing hysterically with guns in your hands. The switch was getting slower, his eyes widening in horror as he saw you raising your hand, the barrel facing him, your eyes scratched out with a hot pink marker. He wanted to scream, yell, but it all went black as you pulled the trigger.
“Ekko… Ekko…!” You screamed, a hand holding a bottle of cold water. His eyes groggily opened and he was suddenly sprayed with the icy water.
“Oops! Sorry, sorry..” You giggled out, wiping his face with the sleeve of your top.
“What happened..?” He murmured with blurry vision, as he lay on the floor.
“We were sitting and waiting for the competition to start, and then.. you suddenly fell over.. Powder had to do it herself, but everything went good and you guys won! Yaaaay..” You responded, a soft smile on your features as you caressed his cheek.
“My head feels like it’s cracking..” He whispered, leaning his head into your soft touch.
“I know, love.. I know.. let’s go to my place, you’ll stay at my house…” You tugged on his hand, wrapping his arm around your shoulders to stabilise his weight.
His head didn’t even turn off for a second as he lay in your bed next to you. Your scent was everywhere, the pillows, blankets, room and house filled with the smell of your shampoo and perfume.
You sleeping so soundly was almost painful, he wanted to be here forever, be with you and be the first thing in the morning you’d see when you opened your eyes. He wanted to be there and kiss your neck while you basked in the sunlit room, hearing your laugh as you tried to push him off. But he can’t. It wasn’t where he needed to be, it wasn’t the place where he could stay. Who knew where the other Ekko was? Was he in his universe? Fighting all alone, not knowing what happened overnight and what was up? No, he couldn’t stay, he had to go and help the Firelights, he had to go so that at least your Ekko could bask in your love.
It wasn’t his destiny, not his fate, it was the other one’s.
The rustling sound of the bedsheets moving woke you up, your whiny voice and grumbles filling Ekko’s ears. Damn your hearing for not letting him go discreetly.
“Love..? Where are you going..? Is everything alright..?” You sat up, scooting to him as he sat on the bed edge, your chest resting on his back.
“Yeah, just.. needed to use the bathroom..” He murmured, feeling a small smile creeping on his face as you played with one of his loose dreadlocks.
“Ah, okay. But are you sure you’re alright..? You seemed off the whole day.. I don’t want you fainting again like before the competition…” You whispered, your chin resting comfortably on his shoulder, pressing soft kisses to his neck up to his jawline.
He wanted to stay, he really did. You were the same, the same before you left and let Jinx and Shimmer take you under. Let your mind deceive your heart.
“Yeah, I’m all good. Tough as nails, y’know..” He murmured and let you crawl into his lap, his hands automatically moving to encircle your waist.
“Mhm, tough as nails. Surely..” You teased, a cheeky smile that was illuminated by the moonlight. That cheeky smile that he absolutely adored…
“Hey now, don’t get cheeky…” He uttered, a small smirk forming on his face as he kissed your cheek.
“Cheeky is my middle name, what do you mean?” Your giggling was like a sweet torture, both relaxing and mocking… Reminding him that this was not for him, that he was a traitor, a fraud.
For a second, he just stared at you, drinking in for the last time all of your attention and presence. Oh, your lips, the little curve of a smile they’d do when you found something endearing. Or the look of your eyes.. oh your eyes were the most beautiful and treasured part that he loved. The way they’d stare at him when you were pouty, when you were angry or irritated, when you were just lying around and doing nothing, or the way they’d look at him after a kiss…
“What…?” You asked with a bashful smile, gaze averting for a split second.
“Nothing.. you’re just so precious.. oh how precious you are to me..” He shook his head with a soft smile, his gaze vulnerable and filled with adoration.
“But I need to go…” He whispered. To him it was the last goodbye, the last chance to have you within arm's reach while knowing that you wouldn’t harm him. To you it was just another regular sleepover, the most casual thing and conversation you two would have.
“Alright, don’t get lost, nerdy boy.” You teased with a chuckle, eyes crinkling at the corners as you sat in your place.
“I won’t..” He whispered, his voice pained but you shrugged it off, thinking he’d join you in the bed shortly.
Little did you know that he slowly took his clothes and began to leave, tears rolling down his cheeks silently. How cruel could destiny be? Letting him make this heart wrenching decision of leaving you behind. Was this how it felt for you back then? To leave knowing that the other one will still wait? Waiting for you to come? He didn’t want to know how you did it, and he didn’t want to even imagine the pain you’d feel the next morning…
-
The sun was rising slowly and the sunlight reached your face, blinding your closed eyes as you whined a bit. You were about to slam a hand over Ekko’s chest, but after you missed several times, you guessed to open your eyes and watch yourself where he lay.
To your surprise, he wasn’t there, nor were his clothes.
Was he in the kitchen? The bathroom? Swinging your legs over the bed edge, you found your slippers and stood up, looking around your apartment for a familiar face.
Looking into every room, you grew restless. Where could he be? This wasn’t what was usual. Usually you both would wake up and have a slow morning, without a care in the world, enjoying breakfast together and maybe sharing a bath. But now he wasn’t there, as if he vanished. Fast walking down the stairs to the kitchen, you started to call him out louder, desperate to find him. As you reached the kitchen, you saw a single rose lying on the table, no note, no nothing.
What was this supposed to mean? Roses aren’t even your favourite flowers, and Ekko knew that…
Or at least your Ekko…
And at least not yours in this universe…
And now when Ekko despised you for leaving him in his reality, he did the same to you in the other…
It wasn’t winter’s fault, nor snowfalls or the frosts.
Summary: You and Ekko have an undeniable connection, but your different worlds are tearing you apart
Masterlist
You weren’t supposed to be here.
Zaun’s air was thick with smoke and grime, the neon lights flickering above casting eerie glows on the damp alleyways. The scent of oil, rust, and something chemical burned in your nose. The topside was so far away now, its pristine streets and golden towers nothing but a memory.
But the moment you stepped into Ekko’s hideout, the tension in your chest didn’t ease.
Ekko stood before you, arms crossed over his chest, golden eyes burning with frustration. He was older now, stronger, his body marked by the battles he fought every day for his people. He looked at you like you were a mistake he couldn’t bring himself to make twice.
“You shouldn’t be here,” he muttered.
You swallowed, shifting on your feet. “I had to see you.”
His exhale was sharp, controlled. “And what happens when someone else sees you, huh? What if someone follows you down here? If Silco’s old crew or the Chembarons find out some rich topsider’s sneaking into Zaun, do you know what they’ll do to you?”
Your stomach twisted, but you held your ground.
“I know the risks.”
Ekko let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “No, you don’t. Because if you did, you wouldn’t keep coming back.”
Your fingers curled into your sleeves. You wanted to argue, to tell him that you weren’t naïve. That you understood the danger. But how could you, really? You weren’t the one who had spent years fighting just to survive.
His eyes softened for a second, his fingers twitching at his sides. The war in him was visible. He wanted to push you away, to keep you safe. But he also wanted you to stay.
And this wasn’t the first time.
The first time you met Ekko, you had been lost.
You weren’t supposed to be this deep in the undercity, but curiosity had led you down the wrong alley, too far from the polished, guarded border between Piltover and Zaun.
Then you saw him.
A boy with wild, silver-white hair, crouched beside a rusted-out pipe, his fingers working fast as he tinkered with something glowing blue. You had watched in silence, fascinated, until he turned sharply, eyes locking onto you.
For a moment, neither of you moved.
“You’re not from around here,” he said. His voice was young but sharp, assessing.
You hesitated, then shook your head. “I… got lost.”
Ekko had snorted. “Yeah, no shit.”
You should have left. Gone back to your world. But something about him, about the way he looked at you, both wary and intrigued, made you stay.
He had helped you find your way back that day, but not before making you promise something:
“If you ever come down here again, don’t come empty-handed. Zaun doesn’t do favors for free.”
——-
You had come back.
Not because you were lost this time, but because you wanted to. And you weren’t empty-handed.
You had stolen supplies, tools, spare parts, and even a few scraps of hextech from your family’s workshop. You had no idea what most of it was, but Ekko did. His eyes had gone wide when he saw what you brought.
“You’re either really stupid,” he had said, shaking his head, “or you’ve got a death wish.”
“Maybe both,” you had replied.
But after that day, you kept coming back. And each time, it became less about what you could bring and more about seeing him.
—-
Ekko was closer now, his breath warm against your skin. The city outside his hideout faded into nothing. No Piltover. No Zaun. No war between them. Just you and him, balancing on the edge of something dangerous.
“You don’t belong here,” he whispered. But his fingers brushed against yours.
“Then why do you keep letting me stay?”
His jaw tightened. He knew the answer. So did you.
And then his lips crashed against yours.
It was reckless. Stupid. But neither of you cared.
Because in this moment, between two worlds that would never accept you together, you belonged to each other.
Ekko’s lips were warm, desperate against yours, as if trying to steal every second before reality could catch up. His hands gripped your waist, pulling you closer, until there was no space left between you, no Piltover, no Zaun, no war. Just him. Just you.
And then, a sharp voice shattered the moment.
“The hell is this?”
Ekko tore himself away from you instantly, spinning toward the entrance of his hideout. You stumbled back, your breath still uneven, your fingers tingling from where you had just been touching him.
Standing in the doorway was Jace, one of the Firelights.
Jace wasn’t one of Ekko’s oldest friends, but he was fiercely loyal to the cause. He was tall, built like someone who had seen his fair share of fights, his arms crossed over his chest. A small Firelight mask hung loosely from his belt, but his expression was anything but playful. His eyes flickered between you and Ekko, a slow realization settling in.
“Tell me I’m seeing things,” Jace said, his voice low but sharp. “Tell me our leader isn’t locking lips with some Piltover brat.”
Your stomach dropped. Ekko clenched his jaw. “Jace—”
“No, Ekko,” Jace cut him off, stepping forward. “What the fuck are you doing?” His gaze snapped to you, eyes narrowing. “And what the fuck are you doing here?”
You opened your mouth to respond, but Ekko raised a hand, stopping you. His expression was unreadable now, locked behind that careful mask he wore whenever he had to take control.
“She’s not a threat,” he said firmly.
Jace let out a humorless laugh. “Not a threat?” He gestured toward you with both hands. “She’s a topsider! Do you know what kind of target you’re putting on our backs?” His frustration boiled over, and he turned fully to Ekko. “This is reckless, man. This is stupid.”
Ekko didn’t move, didn’t react, but you could see the tension in his shoulders. You knew this wasn’t just about you, it was about his people.
Jace’s eyes narrowed. “Does she even know?”
You blinked. “Know what?”
Jace scoffed, shaking his head. “Of course she doesn’t .” He turned back to Ekko. “How long have you been sneaking around with her, huh? Lying to your own people? Do you know what would happen if someone else found out? If the wrong person saw her coming down here? Do you know how many Firelights would pay for your little mistake?”
Mistake.
The word hit harder than you expected.
Ekko’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t deny anything.
Jace let out a breath, running a hand through his hair before pointing at you again. “She has to go. And I mean for good, Ekko.”
Silence.
Your chest tightened.
Ekko exhaled slowly, turning to look at you, and for the first time since you had met him, you didn’t know what he was going to say.
Would he defend you? Fight for you? Or had Jace just reminded him of a truth he had been trying to ignore?
tags: ekko x fem! reader, angst, closure.
warnings: none. art, not mine.
You never imagined, for all the moments you’ve spent together, and the years you’ve ‘wasted,’ this fleeting youthful love between you and Ekko has ended. There wasn't an end credits that rolled to your story, only that soft hum you used to hear from him. Silly you, unprepared and wounded, clenched into a fetal position. You savor your tears for tonight, and tomorrow will come where you will no longer walk the same path as his—no longer wake up on the same side of the bed because you took over his. His space was void and empty, so you fill it with your body still trying to cling to the scent he left. But every time you do, his shadow fades away and you think, no, know, he will soon drift into another’s arms. Your tears stained the sheets of his pillows, or what was once his. And you scream for days on end. Your friends try to pull you from the cliff you fell from, to cheer you up and they tell you, “You’ll meet others,” but how can she? When all Ekko had done was be good to you, provide for you, care for you in ways you thought was irreplaceable. You’re a mess and you can’t help it, that’s why he was there. To clean you up and love you even though… you’re different.
“I think we should end this.” You could still hear his voice like it was yesterday, even though a few years had already passed by. You froze like a deer on headlights, you see the light but you don’t move. You wait for it to crash onto you and kill you. “I’ve got a thing going on with the firelights now, and… I, I can’t have you there anymore.” But it doesn’t and you live to see another day. He left you bleeding, like a wounded soldier, a cut that runs deeper than it looks. Questions inside your head were not doubt, but a question of loss. Where were the signs?
You try to piece the puzzle of his mind, but in the years to come, you give up attempting to find the answer. You both were young, and sure, it was a heartbreak but you’ve learned a lot. You keep him in your heart, because you promised that you would. You reminisce at the memories you shared, the anger that boiled your blood leaving your body and soul, the butterflies every time he kissed you softly now flew away, leaving your stomach empty. And that one time he built a little stargazing hideaway for you, just for it to run down with cobwebs and overgrown with earth returning. The futures you both wrote together now feel ghost stories you remember like a memoir for the people that never existed.
Even as a war passed through Piltover like a storm, a thousand deaths, and a thousand more griefs. As the city rebuilds itself, you do too. You’ve got an amazing job! After the mess he left you in, it took awhile… but you did your best to pick yourself up and bandage the wounds and you’re doing so well.
The bridge that used to separate Piltover and Zaun, now collectively crowded and busier than before. You find yourself browsing the fresh produce, hearing the bustling vendors to come by at their shops. Street food never smelt so savory and the sun shined brighter than before. Everything has changed, but the bridge remained. You’ve changed too. With your hair longer than the awful cut you had before and your fashion fancier, something you’ve always been proud to afford.
You were in through the fruits, looking to satiate your sweet tooth. A peach would do, you might make tea out of it later. Just as soon as your fingers touch a piece of that peach—the one below it rolls down the mountain, almost falling. Luckily for you, there lay a hand that caught it quickly. You look up preparing yourself to thank the person.
“...Ekko?” You say in complete disbelief. But sometimes, it takes only one thing to bulldoze progress.
"Never thought I’d run into you here. Small world, huh?”
He’s rendered you speechless again, he does have a way of doing that. “It’s a typical day,” you nod. You observe him a little and see the way he’s changed too. He’s gotten taller and muscular the last time you remember. You receive the peach from him, placing it on the basket so you could pay. Before you could reach for the money, he’s already placed it on the platter. “You don’t have to-“
“No.” Firm and true. “I owe you.”
You couldn’t tell what he was referring to—was it the peach that maybe had something to do with him? Or the favors of the past? Or was it the ripping of your heart that left you in a lifeless condition? You certainly don’t want to know, but a small voice inside of you does want to. He’s doing it all over again, that same devilish closed lip smile that etched your memory. No! You tell yourself.
He’s been observing you too, looking at you like he used to, admiring the way you dressed in skirts now. The way you parted your hair somehow changed the shape of your face, and the way the gold ring on your ring finger perfectly snuggled and decorated you. He assumes it's just a decoration, he hopes it is just that. But he knows, there was a full possibility that it was not just for display. He blinks twice. You stayed…beautiful.
“It’s not fair,” you say before turning away from him, the peach sleeping in your basket.
“Wait!” He speaks your name like a prayer. It was not silent, it was loud, and begging.
You clutched the rattan in your hand, your right foot a step ahead yet refuses to move as if it was glued to the floor. You wanted to leave. You don’t need explanations from him. But you do.
“I’m sorry.”
You don’t speak. But him saying that lifted the burden off your shoulders, somehow releasing the tension in your bones. Something very deeply engraved inside you was the hope that one day your paths would cross again. A simple phrase extinguishes that fire in you; your hands relaxed and your shoulders loosen. It was not bad, and you were glad.
Finally, you can now leave the path the youth in you built, no longer leaving behind a trail of tears. A silent goodbye to the girl that you once were with and without him, letting yourself walk away, full and sure.
Summary: Years after encouraging you to leave the violence of the Undercity, Ekko discovers you’ve returned—as an Enforcer. Old wounds reopen as duty and ideology threaten to pull you apart once more. In the end, love may not be enough to bridge the divide between your worlds.
Warnings: Violence, major character death, emotional conflict
Ekko sat on the rickety railing of a Firelight hideout, the glow of the Undercity flickering below. The humming engines of passing drones were drowned out by his own thoughts—visions of a face he hadn’t seen in years but could never forget. The reader. You.
He’d told himself he had done the right thing back then, encouraging you to leave. “This place ain’t safe for you,” he’d said, his voice trembling under the weight of unspoken fears. Back then, you’d both known that staying meant being swallowed by the violence that consumed the Undercity. You’d begged him to come with you, but Ekko had stayed. He had a cause. A family. A purpose.
But what was the point of fighting for tomorrow if you weren’t in it?
He sighed, his thumb tracing the edges of the Z-Drive strapped to his wrist. It was a constant reminder of the choices he couldn’t undo and the moments he couldn’t relive, no matter how much he wanted to.
“Boss.” One of his scouts interrupted his thoughts, climbing up onto the railing. “You’re gonna wanna see this.”
Ekko leapt down, his boots landing silently on the metal grating. “What is it?” he asked, trying to push the pang of longing back into the recesses of his mind.
The scout hesitated. “Enforcers. We spotted a squad near the border. They’re armed, but they don’t look like a raid party. One of ‘em… they look familiar.”
His heart stopped for a moment. He followed the scout to a hidden vantage point. Through the scope of his makeshift binoculars, he spotted a small group of Enforcers patrolling the alleyway below.
And there you were.
You moved with confidence, your armor glinting in the sickly green light of the Undercity. The years had hardened you; the softness he remembered had been replaced with a sharp, almost dangerous resolve.
Ekko’s breath caught. It had been so long since he’d seen you. So long since he’d heard your voice. So long since he’d broken his own heart by letting you go.
The confrontation came faster than he expected. The Firelights intercepted the Enforcers before they could make it further into the Undercity. Ekko stood at the forefront, his mask hiding his face but not the determination in his stance.
“Enforcers don’t belong here,” he said coldly, his voice amplified by the modulator in his mask.
Your hand hovered over your weapon. “We’re not here to fight.”
“And I’m supposed to believe that?”
The tension crackled like a live wire. Ekko’s crew had their weapons drawn, and the Enforcers shifted uneasily. Then, you stepped forward, lowering your weapon—a gesture of trust.
“Please,” you said, your voice softer now, more familiar. “We just want to talk.”
Ekko hesitated. He could feel the eyes of his crew on him, waiting for his decision. After a moment, he gestured for them to lower their weapons.
The conversation took place in one of the Firelight hideouts, a dimly lit room filled with the hum of machinery and the faint scent of oil. Ekko removed his mask, and the shock on your face was impossible to hide.
“It’s you,” you whispered, your voice barely audible.
“It’s me,” he replied, his tone flat.
You reached out as if to touch him, but stopped yourself, your hand falling back to your side. “I thought you were…”
“Gone?” Ekko finished for you. “Yeah. I thought the same about you.”
The room seemed to shrink around you as the weight of everything unsaid hung in the air. Your comrades stood awkwardly in the background, but Ekko gestured for his crew to give you space.
“What are you doing here?” he finally asked, crossing his arms.
“I could ask you the same thing,” you shot back. “The Firelights, the raids… This is what you stayed for?”
“This is my home,” he said simply.
“And look what it’s done to you.”
The bitterness in your voice cut deeper than you intended, and Ekko flinched. You took a breath, trying to steady yourself. “I joined the Enforcers to make a difference, Ekko. I thought… I thought I could help. But seeing you here…”
“Seeing me here makes you what? Guilty?” His voice was sharp now, laced with anger he hadn’t meant to show.
“No,” you said firmly. “It makes me remember why I left.”
The argument spilled out like a storm, years of frustration and heartbreak fueling every word.
“You don’t get to lecture me about choices,” Ekko snapped. “You think I wanted this? You think I didn’t want to leave with you?”
“Then why didn’t you?”
“Because someone had to stay and fight for the people who couldn’t leave!”
The silence that followed was deafening.
“You don’t understand,” Ekko said, his voice quieter now, almost a whisper. “You don’t know what it’s like to watch everything you love fall apart and not be able to do anything about it.”
“I do understand,” you said, your voice trembling. “Do you think leaving was easy for me? Do you think I didn’t hate myself every day for it?”
“Then why did you come back?”
“Because I thought I could save you!”
The words hung in the air, raw and unfiltered.(like the air😭)
The reunion didn’t end in resolution. You left with your squad, and Ekko let you go, his heart heavier than ever. But the encounters didn’t stop. Over the next few weeks, you crossed paths again and again—on the battlefield, in negotiations, in quiet moments stolen from the chaos around you.
Each time, the old feelings resurfaced, tangled with the new scars you both carried.
One night, you found yourselves alone in the ruins of an old factory, the only sounds the distant hum of Shimmer labs and the occasional drip of water from a broken pipe.
“I never stopped loving you,” Ekko admitted, his voice barely audible over the din.
You looked at him, your eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Then why does it feel like we’re further apart than ever?”
He didn’t have an answer.
In the end, it was duty that tore you apart for good. The Firelights and the Enforcers collided in a brutal skirmish, and Ekko found himself face to face with you once more.
“Don’t do this,” he pleaded, his weapon lowered.
“I have to,” you said, your voice cracking. “This is bigger than us.”
“No,” he said, stepping closer. “It’s not. It’s always been about us.”
For a moment, it seemed like you might lower your weapon. But then, a shout from one of your comrades broke the spell.
“Stand down!”
The explosion that followed sent you both flying. Ekko woke up to find the battlefield eerily quiet, the smoke and debris settling around him. And then he saw you.
You were lying a few feet away, blood pooling beneath you.
“No,” he whispered, scrambling to your side. “No, no, no…”
Your eyes fluttered open, and you smiled weakly. “Ekko…”
“Don’t talk,” he said, tears streaming down his face. “I’ll get you help. You’re gonna be okay.”
But you both knew it wasn’t true.
“I’m sorry,” you whispered.
“For what?” he asked, his voice breaking.
“For leaving. For coming back. For everything.”
“No,” he said firmly, his hands trembling as he held you. “You don’t get to apologize. This isn’t your fault.”
You reached up, your hand brushing against his cheek. “I’m glad… I got to see you again.”
And then you were gone.
Ekko sat alone in the hideout that night, your words echoing in his mind. He stared at the Z-Drive on his wrist, the temptation gnawing at him.
He could go back. He could save you.
But no matter how many times he replayed the moment, no matter how many ways he tried to change the outcome in his mind, he knew it wouldn’t work. Some things couldn’t be undone.
Some things had to be let go.
Ekko’s grief became a part of him, woven into the fabric of who he was. But so did your memory. He carried it with him, a reminder of what he’d lost and what he still had to fight for.
And though the future felt emptier without you, he vowed to keep moving forward. For you. For the Undercity. For a tomorrow where love and sacrifice wouldn’t have to be the same thing.
charas: timebomb drabble (ekko x powder)
synopsis: as ekko thinks back to his journey from the other universe, he wonders and regrets what could've been in this timeline.
warning: spoilers
a/n: arcane hurt me so now i have to write angst for it LOL, they are my unbecoming frfr i miss them sm. also heard theories that jinx is still alive (im coping BYE) tho so maybe ill have to write another thing where he finds her
That singular night was still vivid in his mind to relive through, over and over again. From the strobing lights to the taints of her blue hues glimmering mischievously, he could just about see it if he closed his eyes. She was so close to him, so beautiful in a white, pure dress that he could not look at anything else. Her cute little dance moves that slowed down time for him and the sway of her short blue hair. Just a reach of his arm... would he be able to feel her warmth?
Of course not. It was now a memory to be tucked away. In this cold, sad world that he fought to survive in, he could not save the one he desperately wished to.
Ekko raised his arm toward the stars in the sky, laying there. So far yet so close. The stars represented her, burning bright until the very end.
When he first heard news that Jinx was gone, his gut dropped down to levels of hell, a torment of agony and lament drowning him in waves. How could it possibly be? She was the one that always came back from the dead to haunt him, a thorn to his side he could not get rid of. But now, she was gone, the moment he tried to reach out to her again.
He wondered.
He wondered so bad.
Boy Savior she called him. It made him so angry back then. So angry he turned his back on her, accepting the fact that he would never see the same girl he once was so close to.
But now he wondered if he gave up on her too soon.
Deep down all along, Powder was in there. The pain that she endured to live the way she had, she did everything to survive. But his cowardice could not face that. He could not see the suffering or the light that had disappeared from her gaze. The glimpse of her scared face beneath his grasp during their fight looked so much like... Powder. And yet, he still could not save her. Instead, he watched Silco carry her away, for her to continue the path of destruction.
When he found her there in her hideout, prepared to end it all, he could finally see the scope of it all. No longer was he shrouded in an endless cycle of rage and resentment, and for once, he could see it with a clear vision.
He should have tried harder -- to be at her side, save her of the demons that chased her.
She had painted him of her colors, her touch tickling his skin as he watched the furrow of her concentrated brow. Jinx was different from Powder in the other timeline, more rough and shrivel, her scowl imprinted on her lips. He realized he didn't mind it though.
Then they went off to war, only for one of them to return.
He... missed her.
Now all that was left of were his spiraling thoughts, of what ifs and regrets.
He pressed his fist against his forehead, feeling the heat of tears swarm from the corner of his eyes. Where he had been with Powder in the other universe on the same rooftop overlooking Piltover, he was now alone, the quiet unbearable.
Powder's words rang in his mind, a push for him to keep going.
"Sometimes taking a leap forward means leaving a few things behind."
