Archive of Our Own

The day had come. His birthday.

He could still smell the scent of maple syrup and slightly singed butter even as he stood outside on the driveway outside of Benzo’s garage. From the garden in the backyard, his ears picked up the booming echo of Benzo’s laughter mixing with Jinx’s chaotic giggles.

Even as Ekko grew into adulthood, Benzo insisted on making birthday pancakes for him, a tradition that started years ago when Benzo wholeheartedly cared for him in his parents’ absence. But this morning, the breakfast came with a heavy side of embarrassing childhood stories. 

During breakfast, Benzo spent a solid twenty minutes telling Jinx about the time a seven-year-old Ekko tried to build a time machine out of old toaster parts and accidentally blacked out half the block. Jinx, of course, competitively claimed that even as a child, she outdid him because she was the reason for that city blackout years ago that lasted the entire night—intentionally done because she was trying to convince her parents that their family should go travel the world. Because a blackout obviously meant family vacation time to seven-year-old Jinx. 

The exchanging of childhood memories only made Ekko wish even more that they had grown up together. Maybe things would be a bit different…

Alas, he wouldn't dwell on why this universe had other plans for him. He would focus on what he was building now.

Ekko couldn't help the quiet smile tugging at his lips as he grabbed a rag from the trunk of his motorcycle.

He was incredibly grateful. 

Grateful for Benzo keeping the tradition of birthday pancakes alive, and grateful for Jinx, who sat there like she was always meant to be in his life, right next to him. 

But as he heard the laughter from the garden fade in the background, a familiar weight settled in his chest.

He tried distracting himself, giving his motorcycle one last, completely unnecessary check before the day’s trip. He adjusted the throttle grip, checked the tire pressure again, and wiped a smudge off the chassis just to keep his hands busy.

But no amount of distraction would stop the fact that today was his birthday. 

To him, his birthday had never been about having the spotlight on himself. He didn't really know how to sit back and be celebrated. 

Growing up the way he did, his instinct on this day was always to flip it around, to use it as an excuse to build something for the Firelights, or find deliberate ways to tell the people, who helped him grow, how much he appreciated them for seeing him. 

Giving back was just... easier. 

If he was busy making sure everyone else felt seen and valued, he didn't have to figure out how to stand on a pedestal he wasn't sure he belonged on.

And lately, that feeling had been harder to shake.

He knew he was being unfair to himself—and more importantly, to her—but the lingering doubt from the True Damage music video shoot was still there, a stubborn ache he couldn't quite clear out. 

He’d let a sudden wave of insecurity convince him that he wasn't enough, that he was somehow dragging Jinx down with him. Then Jinx showed him the light, by pouring her entire soul into making something breathtaking, an art of him, simply to see him smile. 

And never had he felt so grateful yet so ashamed of a gift than in that moment—because for four ugly seconds, he allowed himself to not be the person she saw in him. It regrettably led him to a pathetic moment of doubting what they were.

He hated that he’d let himself doubt what they had, even for a second. 

Jinx was out there turning heads, becoming this absolute force, and she chose to stand by him every single day.

And here he was, feeling like he wasn't doing enough to deserve standing with her. Like he wasn't enough for her.

He didn't need a pedestal today. He didn't want one. 

All he wanted out of this day was to fix the quiet damage his doubt had caused. 

If Jinx was going to spend the entire day trying to show him how much she cared, he was going to spend it turning that love right back around to her. 

He wanted to look her in the eyes and make her realize that she gave his life meaning. That she made him a better, truer person just by choosing to be in his world.

And even though she had a whole mystery trip planned to make him happy for his birthday, he’d match her step for step, making sure she knew that she was the best gift he could’ve ever asked for.

The garage door he'd closed awhile ago whirred open, pulling his attention and interrupting his thoughts.

"You ready to go, Blue?" Ekko called out without turning, putting the rag he’d been using to wipe the chassis in the trunk. 

"I'M READY TO VROOM OUTTA HERE!"

Her excited shout made him twist around. 

From the garage emerged Jinx in his Firelights hoodie, straddling a toy motorcycle so small that her knees bent nearly to her chest, the heels of her boots tapping rhythmically against the concrete as she wobbled her way toward him.

Ekko blinked, baffled at the sight. "Blue... where did you even get that?"

"It's my new ride!" She announced proudly, sharp teeth shining in a grin. "Now I can vroom alongside ya! You can’t be the only biker magnet around here!"

Benzo emerged from within the garage next to her, chuckling hard enough for his large belly to shake. "She hid that in the garden yesterday before you came home. Said she wanted to surprise you. No idea where she found it."

"Don't ask the hard questions if you’re not ready for the answer!" Jinx exclaimed evasively, tapping her feet like a motorized engine. “Timeboy, what’cha think? I’ll race ya!”

Ekko snorted. "You look like you can barely balance on that thing."

"WATCH ME!" She declared, placing her feet on the only available spots—the sides of the tires. 

As soon as her feet left the ground, the slope of the driveway sent the toy motorcycle rolling forward. She wobbled for a few seconds, momentum increasing.

Then sadly, gravity won. The toy motorcycle wasn’t able to stay steady, and she toppled onto her side just shy of the sidewalk.

Ekko sighed, but the sound carried more amusement than concern as he strode toward her where she struggled to untangle herself from the miniature bike. 

A quick scan confirmed she wasn't hurt before he scooped her into his arms, and as if it was second nature by this point, Jinx automatically wrapped her arms around him, a seemingly innocent grin glowing on her face. 

"Weren't you the one that said we were gonna be late to wherever we're going?" 

His voice was exasperated but his smile betrayed him.

Benzo exited the garage to retrieve the toy motorcycle, laughing at them both. "She still hasn't told you where you're going, huh?"

"Nope. She usually tells me everything, but I guess not on my birthday."

Jinx wiggled a finger in front of his face. "I can't spoil the surprise!"

Ekko rolled his eyes, and he teasingly said, "Yet you're willing to spill Arcane spoilers during interviews."

A low growl escaped her throat, but she stopped herself, upturning her snarled nose. "Just because it's your birthday, I won’t kick your ass and let that comment slide. Come on, we gotta get going or we're gonna miss the best part!"

Benzo shook with amusement as he walked past them, carrying the toy motorcycle in his hand. "You two have fun. Happy birthday, Ekko." He offered a gentle wave and a wink to them both. 

Setting Jinx gently on her feet, Ekko reached for Benzo’s shoulder, stopping him before he could pass. 

His eyes softened as their gazes met. "Thanks for making breakfast for us, Benzo. You didn't have to do that."

Benzo scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. "You know it's a tradition: every year on your birthday, I make you pancakes. And this time, it wasn't easy, let me tell you that." He jabbed a thumb toward Jinx. "The little missy here practically booked your entire day. I almost thought she was going to take you away before I could start making the batter."

Jinx stomped her foot, hands on her hips. "Hey! As his girlfriend, I reserve the right to claim his entire day. You've all had years with him! It's MY TURN! I've told that to his parents, Scar, Kennen, True Damage, I told you like weeks ago—"

Benzo raised an eyebrow, smirking. "And as soon as I said I'd make you some pancakes too, you added me to the agenda for today."

Jinx shrugged nonchalantly, taking one of her braids and spinning it wildly. "Hey, I respect tradition."

Ekko laughed, nudging her shoulder. "You just wanted free pancakes."

"And they were delicious!"

Benzo gently patted her head, half amused and half affectionate. "Alright, you two. Get on outta here. I'm sure you're late for whatever Jinx has planned for the day."

"YEAH! We gotta get going! Let's go, timekeeper!" 

Jinx pumped her fist in the air before racing toward the motorcycle.

Ekko smiled in exasperation at Jinx before turning back to Benzo. A grateful expression bloomed on his face as he moved to hug the older man, surprising him.

"Seriously, Benzo. Thank you. For everything. You know you mean the world to me, right?"

Benzo stiffened for a moment, his weathered hands hovering uncertainly before they came to rest on Ekko's back. He pulled him in tighter. A deep chuckle rumbled in his chest, though when he spoke, his voice held an uncharacteristic softness. 

"Don't get me all misty-eyed. Get outta here before you see this old man cry." 

Pulling back from the hug, Benzo gave Ekko's shoulder a firm squeeze, his gaze warm with affection and ever-growing pride. There was a special glint in his eye, barely seen behind his glasses, but Ekko saw it.

Voice filled with warmth, Benzo said, "You've grown into a fine man. Proud of you everyday.” 

Ekko’s chest tightened with mixed emotions, trying to accept the words gifted to him. 

Benzo released him, stepping backwards, gesturing toward Jinx. “Now go enjoy your day before this one explodes with impatience."

Ekko laughed, feeling heavy and light at the same time, and he raised a hand in farewell before approaching Jinx and his motorcycle. "You'll always be my hero, Benzo."

Swiftly turning his back to them, Benzo covertly wiped away the tear that slipped from behind his glasses. Finally, he moved back into the garage, settling the toy motorcycle in a corner, and waved to them as the garage door rolled down.

Ignoring the ache in his chest, Ekko helped Jinx into her armor jacket, securing her long braids within the clothing, and gently placing the biker helmet over her head. 

He made quick work putting on his own gear, sliding on his jacket and gloves. Once his own helmet was on and he was seated on the bike, he waited for her to mount behind him, turning on the engine. 

After a minute passed and he didn’t feel a familiar weight on his back yet, he looked up. 

Still standing next to him, Jinx crossed her arms over her chest. He couldn’t see her expression through the helmet visor, but from her posture, he could feel her avidly staring at him, impatience radiating off her form.

He stared back, lifting his helmet visor, brow raised. "What's wrong?"

She tapped her foot expectantly, as if he should know already.

Realizing what she wanted, Ekko sighed once more. He got off the bike and turned his back to her, bending his knees toward the ground. 

Jinx cackled in triumph, gleefully dancing for a split second.

Then suddenly, Ekko grunted as Jinx jumped onto his back, almost knocking her helmet into his. Familiar with her antics, he smoothly caught her as her legs wrapped around his waist.

Standing upright, he twisted his head toward her, exasperation returning to his voice. "You enjoying the Queen treatment?"

She giggled, the sound muffled inside her helmet, offering a peace sign in front of his face so that he could see. “I just don't wanna scratch up your new ride trying to climb on!"

Ekko hummed softly as he swung a leg over his bike, settling into his seat, which allowed her to be at the perfect position on the passenger seat. She sat comfortably against his back as she positioned her legs on either side of him, resting her feet where they were meant to.

He wouldn’t say it aloud, but her familiar weight against his back eased the ache in his chest. 

"Funny how I haven't even seen you try to climb on by yourself ever since I started doing this for you," he noted teasingly, the vibration of his voice traveling through his back to where she pressed against him.

"How about I distract you from that train of thought by offering you the King treatment?" Jinx retorted, her voice muffled slightly by her helmet.

"And what exactly is the King treatment?"

Her hands began to drift downward, fingers brushing against the denim covering his inner thighs. Her movement was deliberately slow, heightening his anticipation and curiosity. Eventually, her hands brushed against the zipper of his pants and continued coyly downward. 

Ekko jerked involuntarily when her fingers finally made contact with a specific spot, his grip tightening on the handlebars.

"Does that answer your question, my King?" She purred against his back.

He audibly cleared his throat, the sound reverberating within his helmet.

"My Queen is quite the little minx, isn't she?" Ekko managed, his voice strained with both amusement and the sudden tension coursing through him.

"Gotta remind my King that I am irreplaceable and he's never allowed to leave me." 

Her words, meant as playful teasing, struck something deeper within him. A familiar unease settled in his chest at the mere thought of her leaving, even hypothetically.

"I don't need a reminder," he quietly said, his voice suddenly serious. 

He took her hands in his, his thumbs caressing her skin as he repositioned them around his waist. Then, reverently, his hands rested over her thighs, squeezing gently to ground himself. The overwhelming realization of just how lucky he was to hold her like this seeped deep into his chest.

"You think I'm letting anyone take you away from me?” His voice was deep, low, hitting that tenor that showed the raw vulnerability in his words. “I'd burn the world before letting anyone else have you."

Through her helmet, heat creeped up her neck and spread across her cheeks. She tapped his helmet lightly with her gloved fingers.

"Shut up. Today is about me celebrating your existence."

"You're the reason my life has more meaning to exist," he countered softly.

She punched his shoulder in mock anger, grateful that her helmet visor remained closed to hide the blush that streaked across her face. "What did I just say?! You're not allowed to cast your smooth-talking magic today! Down, boy!"

Feeling a touch lighter, Ekko laughed, the sound deep and rich as he revved the motorcycle engine. "I'm just reminding you that you're mine, Blue. And because it's my birthday, I'll be sure to remind you more tonight when I get you all to myself."

His promise wrapped around her like flames licking her back.

Before she could formulate a response, he slid his visor closed and kicked the motorcycle down the road, the sudden acceleration catching her off guard. She tightened her grip around his waist, pressing herself flush against his back to avoid being thrown from the passenger seat. 

The way she clung to him made him smile, and the sound of her laughter as the wind whipped past them soothed the small ache that had formed in his chest at the thought of her ever wanting to leave him. 

For now, there was only the open road ahead and the promise of keeping her happy.

The motorcycle rocketed past the northernmost Piltovian toll-gates, a flash of silver and blue against the gleaming white architecture that dominated this section of the city. 

Ekko navigated through the traffic easily, weaving between other vehicles and merging in-between lanes.

Behind him, Jinx pressed against his back, feeling the vibration of the engine through his muscles as they passed through the checkpoint without stopping. 

Jinx's laughter was nearly swallowed by the wind, but Ekko felt it in the way her body shook against his, a contagious joy that made the corners of his mouth lift beneath his helmet as they sped deeper down the road. With a sudden, tight squeeze to his ribs and a sharp gesture of her hand toward a fading gravel turnoff, she signaled the direction.

Ekko leaned low over the handlebars, the rhythmic hum of his engine vibrating up through his boots. He shifted his weight, executing a smooth tilt to the left. 

The highway gave way to an older road that immediately began to climb. 

As the gravel crunched beneath the tires, Ekko reached back, his gloved fingers finding her thigh in a gentle pat—a silent question against the rumble of the engine. Jinx answered with her own playful pat on his thigh, a mirror of his gesture, but her hand didn't stop there. 

It drifted lower, tracing an intentional path down his inner thigh toward the seam of his jeans.

Ekko flinched, the motorcycle veering for a split-second before he steadied it. 

He swiftly caught her wandering hand with his own, his grip firm but not harsh. He guided her hand back to its proper place around his waist, lacing his fingers through hers for a playful squeeze before releasing them. 

The message was clear: keep both hands where they belonged when they were moving—until he decided otherwise.

Through her helmet, he could practically hear her mock-pout, and he knew she'd definitely try it again before the day was over.

Within fifteen minutes, the cityscape dissolved entirely into the unpredictable architecture of nature. They were entering the old-growth forests of the northern hills.

Ekko squinted through his visor, his eyes darting across the changing landscape.

Within the hour of riding, the temperature dropped as the motorcycle plunged beneath the heavy canopy. The harsh, direct sunlight fractured into soft golden god-rays, slicing through the dense roof of pine needles and ancient redwood branches. The air tasted of damp earth, wild moss, and a crisp cold that forced the lungs to expand in a way they rarely did back in the twin cities.

To two people who had lived their entire lives surrounded by things built by human hands, being surrounded by things that simply grew felt surreal.

Where could she possibly be taking him?

Another frantic tap on his shoulder drew his attention ahead, where a massive archway emerged from the shadows of the dense forest. It was distinctly dark against the greenery, crafted from heavy Noxian iron, curved in sharp angles and its pillars wrapped in thick ivy. He could see wild white roses blooming amidst the grim metalwork.

The motorcycle slowed, its tires crunching loudly as the asphalt finally died out, replaced by a well-maintained, winding gravel path.

As they rolled through the gate, the forest seemed to swallow them whole. The trees pressed closer, the path snaking through a shallow valley. Then, the trees broke open into a hidden clearing.

Nestled into the heart of the woods was a sprawling estate. It looked like a grand Gothic conservatory—dark-stone buildings with immaculate, high-arched glass windows that caught the filtered forest light. Pristine Piltovian brass fixtures lined the walkways, marrying the structural elegance of the city with the wild, untamed woods.

Ekko killed the ignition.

The engine gave one final, ticking sigh as it cooled. 

There was a soft rustle of wind through the leaves, the faint trickle of a nearby stream, and a deep profound stillness.

Ekko sat frozen on the seat, his hands still gripping the handlebars, his eyes wide as he took in the grand sanctuary before them. 

He was utterly stunned. 

The only other place that gave him the same stillness was his own treehouse, but this was different. His treehouse offered quiet, a sanctuary from the chaos of the city, but this...

This was a stillness that demanded attention. It was silent yet loud, the kind of profound quiet that made him want to listen.

Setting the kickstand, Ekko swung his leg over the bike, lifting his helmet from his head. As his eyes adjusted to the bright daylight, they caught sight of an engraved metalwork sign: The Vision Sanctuary.

Ekko's jaw dropped. Of all the places she could have taken him to...

"Wait, are we—"

His question cut off as Jinx practically launched herself from the passenger seat, yanking her helmet off with such force, her flyaway hairs and long bangs whipping around her face.

"Yup! We're at an owl sanctuary, owned by the famous Jericho Swain himself!" She announced, bouncing on the balls of her feet.

"Jericho Swain?" Ekko repeated, eyes widening slightly. "The famous Noxian actor from Game of Thrones? Isn’t he a big fan of ravens?"

Jinx spun on her heel, nodding with a wide grin. "He supposedly loves ravens, but he’s invested in a bunch of different bird sanctuaries across Runeterra, including this one for owls! I had to ask Mel for an Ambessa-favor." She nonchalantly shrugged, flourishing her hands dismissively. "I didn't get any of the mambo-jumbo business stuff between Ambessa and Swain—and I'm pretty sure I owe Ambessa my soul now. But, the important thing is..."

She pivoted on her heeled boot, hopping in front of his vision and gestured toward the sanctuary like a showcase.

"We got the whole place to ourselves!"

His jaw couldn't drop any lower. "How did you— When did you—"

"I know owls are your favorite animal," she simply said, voice growing softer, uncharacteristically gentle.

She turned her back to him, hands still holding her helmet behind her back.

"I wanted..." She hesitated, biting her lower lip. "I wanted to give you a place where you didn't have to be a DJ, or the Boy Savior, stress about leading True Damage, or save someone's day. Just... Ekko. You. A place where you could just sit and watch birds chirp, flap, peck, and ya know... remember that you're human, too."

Ekko's chest tightened, blanketed by the warmth blooming inside him, as he stared at her back.

After all this time, she still surprised him. Still showed up in ways for him that no one else had.

Remembered something as small as his favorite animal, something he only said when she was obsessed with putting him in a onesie and he'd ended up surprising her by wearing said animal hoodie for Christmas.

And she used that small piece of knowledge to bring him to a place for something he rarely allowed himself.

Where he could set down the weight of being the Boy Savior, the burden of making someone's day, the need to make others feel seen.

Here, in the quiet hush of the sanctuary, surrounded by the rustle of leaves and the distant hoot of owls, she was giving him a gift he never knew he needed: the permission to simply exist.

In this hidden corner of the world, she was telling him that she saw past the hero, past the savior, and saw the man beneath all of that.

He felt touched. His breath was held in awe.

But the ache in his chest grew. He didn't want her to carry that.

He didn't want her to see the man that sometimes needed saving, too.

His fingers twitched restlessly against his helmet.

"So," Jinx continued, voice returning normal as if she realized how vulnerable she accidentally let slip, "I'm taking my little owl to his sanctuary!"

Distracting himself from the ache in his chest, he turned to her, one eyebrow raised in mock offense. "Did you just refer to me as a little owl?"

"Yep! And I'm your mighty shark—chomp chomp!" She mimicked biting motions with her hands.

"Pretty sure your family calls you a monkey."

"Monkey-shark then," she retorted without missing a beat. "And I chomp and throw bananas at anyone who tries to take my little owl away from me."

"Mhmm..." He hummed, amused, feigning nonchalance as he reached for her helmet, securing their head gear to the motorcycle.

His lips curved into a coy smile, shrugging off his armor jacket and gloves. He methodically stowed both his gear in the motorcycle's storage compartment, his movements fluid and practiced.

When he turned back to her, his gaze held hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. His fingers found the zipper of her jacket, the metallic sound unnaturally loud in the quiet mid-morning air.

"Here's a little fact about owls..." He murmured, his voice low as he slowly drew the zipper down.

As the jacket parted, he closed the distance between them, his hands settling at her waist and pulling her flush against his chest. The warmth of his body seeped through her hoodie.

"Owls mate for life."

Jinx felt heat creep up her neck, his stare so piercing it felt like he was peering directly into her soul.

"Shackled for life, huh?" She managed, trying to hold her usual teasing edge in her voice, but it came out more breathless than she intended.

"Willingly and voluntarily handcuffed to each other."

He slid the jacket from her shoulders, his fingers brushing against her skin, sending shivers down her spine. Gliding his hands through her braids, he gently untangled them from where they'd been confined by the jacket. Without breaking eye contact, he tossed the leather garment onto the motorcycle seat. 

"So, even if someone else tries to make me look away..."

His voice was filled with a certainty that made her breath still.

"...this owl only sees blue."

His thumbs traced intimate circles against the small of her back, etching the truth of his devotion directly into her skin.

Jinx's heart hammered against her ribs. Still in his embrace, she shoved his shoulder.

"Nope, not today, buster!”

She playfully booped his nose, making him crinkle it for a second at the touch.

“I will not be swooned by your smooth-talking magic this time. I have a whole day planned for you, and you're not gonna stop me from celebrating your birthday."

Ekko laughed, a deep and warm sound that vibrated through his chest. Choosing to still his mind and be present for the moment, he pulled her close again, pressing their foreheads together. 

"This is incredible, Blue. I'm excited for this."

"Good! Because we're about to miss the best part, come on!"

Once Ekko secured their belongings in the motorcycle's storage compartment, Jinx grabbed his hand, interlocking their fingers and pulling him forward toward the sanctuary entrance. Ekko followed willingly, his mind heavy but chest light, his laughter mingling with hers as they raced toward the adventure she had crafted just for him.

The "best part" Jinx had been referring to turned out to be the flight demonstration. In the main arena landscaped like a secret garden, handlers fitted them both with thick falconry gloves. 

Ekko felt his breath catch as barn owls swooped silently across the open space, their massive wings cutting through the air without a sound. He stared in awe as his favorite animal settled on his outstretched hand, its talons gripping the leather with surprising strength. The weight felt both delicate and powerful, a living contradiction perched inches from his face. He watched, mesmerized, as it launched itself from his glove to fly toward Jinx, its flight so silent it seemed to defy physics.

If Ekko could rewind time, he'd replay the moment a white barn owl ate from his hand during feeding time in a constant loop in his head. The way its head tilted, the softness of its feathers as it brushed against his knuckles, its piercing gaze looking into his soul. Every detail etched itself into his memory. 

He'd also never forget Jinx trying to feed an eagle-owl, her enthusiasm outpacing the bird's patience. When it couldn't snatch the food fast enough, the owl pecked at her head, earning a frustrated growl from her in return. The eagle-owl, the size of it taking up a third of her size, perched at its intimidating height over her, merely cawed back as if mocking her challenge.

Later, seated in the observatory with Jinx, Ekko found his gaze drawn to two owls perched together on a high branch. 

The trainer explained that these particular owls were in rehabilitation, rescued separately from different circumstances—one from an abusive poacher, the other found after narrowly escaping a larger predator. But when the two owls met at the sanctuary, something extraordinary happened. 

They bonded as mates. Their injuries, severe enough to prevent their return to the wild, had inadvertently brought them together. 

Now, after being named Misty and Kairo, the two owls were permanent residents, rarely seen without each other, a silent testament to finding connection in unexpected places.

And the entire time the trainer was telling the story of how these owls chose each other, Ekko held Jinx’s hand in his, threading their fingers together. When she looked at him, he’d simply press a quiet kiss to the back of her knuckles, the touch saying more than words could. 

As the sun began to transform the forest canopy into a canvas of amber and gold, their day at the sanctuary drew to a close. The staff pointed them in the direction between two ancient oaks, where they established an interactive owl café, and suggested some coffee and quiet owl bonding time to end their day.

The café was small, intimately designed for low stimulus, encouraging a calm silent environment for the select owls chosen for this space. There was a separate simple coffee/tea bar where Jinx and Ekko ordered their choice of drink, before they settled into the interactive room with the owls. 

Jinx had an impossibly difficult time not squealing every time an owl would softly hoot at her whenever she stopped petting one of them. Ekko had to keep biting his lip to keep from bursting into laughter every time she covered her mouth with both hands to prevent herself from screaming and scaring off the adorable creatures. One white owl perched behind her seemed to sense her struggle, occasionally tilting its head and letting out another gentle hoot, as if deliberately testing her self-control. 

At some point, Jinx's fingers found Ekko's sleeve, her touch insistent as she pulled him from the café's warmth, her eyes sparkling with mischief. 

He followed her lead out of the café and down a winding stone path, the crunch of gravel under their boots the only sound breaking the sanctuary's evening hush. The path curved upward, leading them to an elevated terrace that jutted out from the sanctuary's main building, offering a breathtaking view of the forest below.

"Stay right here," Jinx commanded, her finger pressed against his chest. "Don't move, don't peek, and definitely don't follow me. I've got another surprise for you, and it needs... preparation."

Ekko raised an eyebrow, a grin playing on his lips as he leaned against the terrace's ornate railing. His gaze was curious, but he surrendered to her rules.

She backed away slowly, her gaze locked with his, asking for trust without words. Then she vanished back down the path they came, leaving him alone on the terrace as twilight settled.

As Ekko turned back toward the view, the transition from the hushed interior of the café to the elevated terrace was like stepping into the lungs of the coast itself.

The deck itself jutted out precariously from the cliffside, suspended directly within the upper canopy of the forest. The air carried the damp scent of forest moss and pine needles, instantly cut through by a spray of saltwater rising from the depths below. Through the center of the ravine, a narrow freshwater stream glinted like a silver thread, tumbling over the rocks. 

Directly ahead of where he stood, the trees vanished entirely, replaced by the endless expanse of the open ocean. 

From his high vantage point, the distant rhythm of waves crashing against the base of the cliffs could be heard, a low and soothing lullaby to his ears, fitting as the twilight faded slowly into the evening, the last bit of sun peeking on the horizon. 

As Ekko inhaled the salty air, his hands tracing the intricate designs on the ornate railing of the terrace, he couldn't deny it even if he wanted to. 

This was the best birthday yet. 

Might even be one of the best days ever. 

And it was all thanks to her.

She orchestrated every moment of this day, from the tradition of Benzo’s pancakes to the final held-back laughter in the quiet owl café.

And all she wanted was to see him happy. 

This woman could be turning heads, marching the runways, exploding film sets, and changing the world—yet she chose to be with him. 

She spent the entire day showing she valued and cared for him. 

Not the Boy Savior. Not the leader of True Damage. Not someone the Firelights looked up to. 

Not someone to use as a stepping stone for her own career.

Just Ekko. Him.

The boy who loved owls. 

The man who made her feel seen.

And he prayed he was enough to continue being that man for her, that deserved her love, that deserved to stand by her side. 

The crunch of boots on gravel pulled Ekko from his thoughts, his head turning instinctively toward the sound. 

He expected to see the familiar flash of blue hair returning from her mission, but instead, his gaze met a figure of stark gray that commanded the space with quiet authority.

A tall man stood several feet behind him on the terrace, his presence filling the evening air without effort. 

His dark gaze was piercing yet measured, sharp facial features suggesting they held stories from decades in the film industry. The man carried himself with the easy confidence of someone who had never needed to announce his importance.

"Ah, so you're the birthday celebrant."

The voice was deep, measured, each word landing with the weight of quiet wisdom rather than volume.

Ekko's eyes widened. "Y-You're—"

"Jericho Swain," he completed with a slight nod. "You must be Ekko."

"Y-Yeah! Big fan." The words stumbled out before Ekko could stop them, and he immediately cursed himself, straightening his back to recover his composure. "Thank you for letting us explore this place, sir."

“I trust you enjoyed yourselves?” 

“Without a doubt.” 

Swain swept his eyes across the terrace. “Where’s your…” 

His voice trailed off, and Ekko knew who he was referring to.

“Jinx? She’s my—” 

Ekko stopped himself. 

They were still keeping their relationship private, only their trusted friends and family knew about them. Even while they had been running around the sanctuary, they remained discreet. 

The man before him seemed to understand, and he raised his hand.

“Nothing needs to be explained. I assumed as much.” 

Swain stood next to Ekko at the railing, gazing upon the scenery ahead of them. Ekko followed suit, a little nervous to have the famous veteran actor and owner of the owl sanctuary just casually watching the final moments of the sun setting before them. 

A silence fell upon them. Not uncomfortable, but it left Ekko feeling uneased.

“To be honest,” Ekko began, breaking the silence, “I didn’t expect to see you today. Are you in Piltover for business or taking a vacation?”

His tone was curious, not intended to be nosy. 

Swain’s eyes swiveled in Ekko’s direction, and for a moment, he thought he had overstepped. 

But then, Swain spoke with a small curve at the lips. 

“Why not both?” 

Ekko couldn’t tell if he was being serious or teasing. Probably both. 

“They say you shouldn’t mix pleasure with business,” he continued, smile deepening into a smirk. “But, life is short. Gotta make the most of the moment, as they say.” 

Ekko offered a laugh. “It's not how much time you have, it's how you use it.” 

“Exactly.” He gestured behind them, toward the sanctuary. “One of the reasons why I invested in aviary institutes, including this one. Birds are fascinating creatures. I have an affinity for ravens, but there’s something special about owls.” 

He glanced toward Ekko.

“I hear owls are your favorite animal.”

Ekko nodded. “You heard correctly. Ever since I was a little kid.”

“They’re quite the creatures, aren’t they? Silent hunters with incredible vision and hearing. Seeing in the dark, they pierce the shadows with perception most of us lack.”

The man spoke with the same cadence as the characters he often portrayed, and Ekko couldn’t help but listen in awe.

His eyes drifted back to the horizon, watching as the last of the sun dipped below the sea, darkness quickly consuming the sky.

“Darkness can be frightening for many, but owls embrace it. They thrive in it.”

"But even owls get lost in the dark sometimes." The words escaped Ekko's lips before he realized he’d said them. 

Swain turned his full attention to Ekko, his dark eyes reflecting the dim twilight. 

"Indeed they do," he said, his voice dropping to a lower register that seemed to match the growing darkness around them. "Even creatures of the night can find themselves disoriented when the familiar markers vanish or something new has altered their path. When the stars are hidden by clouds and the landscape transforms into unfamiliar shapes." 

Swain gestured vaguely toward the forest, where the first stars were beginning to pierce through the canopy's gaps. 

"But what separates them from other creatures is not that they never lose their way. It's that they possess an internal compass that keeps them oriented even when external guidance fails.”

Ekko furrowed his brows in thought. 

“They don't rush," Swain added, tilting his head slightly as he observed Ekko’s contemplative expression. "The world thinks of predators as aggressive, fast, desperate. But a seasoned hunter waits. It takes its time to understand the landscape before making a move."

Ekko let out a quiet breath. "...I think I spend too much time trying to fix things instantly. Hoping the pieces will fit."

"A common trait of the young," Swain noted smoothly. "You expect the dawn to break just because you're tired of the night. But true stability takes time to mature. It requires you to look past the immediate panic of the dark." 

Swain looked up to the canopy, the gentle hoots of the owls chorusing into the growing darkness. 

“How long have you known Miss Jinx?” 

Ekko stumbled, not expecting the question. “U-Uh… we met when we started filming Arcane.” As a quiet aside, he added, “Although, sometimes, it feels like we should’ve met a long time ago.” 

Swain didn’t answer at first, taking a moment to listen to the forest.

“You met the owls Misty and Kairo, yes?”

Ekko nodded, the memory of the mated pair surfacing immediately—how they had perched together on that high branch, their movements synchronized as if connected by invisible threads.

“Those two serve as a reminder that even when you think you’ve lost your way, you find what your heart’s been seeking.”

Ekko blinked, the words striking him with unexpected force. The image of the two owls, rescued separately yet inseparable now, suddenly carried a weight he hadn't fully grasped during the demonstration.

Swain turned back to Ekko, his expression carrying a melancholic quality that seemed to age him further in the dim twilight.

“The couple that finds each other later in life share a different kind of love. It’s not rushed, it’s rooted. They carry stories of scars and strength. Together, they don’t just fall in love. They heal, grow, and build a life from everything they’ve learned.”

For a moment, Ekko’s chest tightened, letting the words sink into his core. 

In the distance, the sound of footsteps could be heard. 

Swain turned, catching sight of blue hair. And he added with a lofty smirk, “As you said, it's not how much time you have, it's how you use it.”

Recognizing the words he’d said a few moments ago, Ekko laughed, feeling his chest loosen, before his gaze also turned to the gravel path. 

Running toward them with her boots crunching on the path in a fast rhythmic beat, Jinx headed toward them, her hand holding something in the air like a torch. 

“EKKOOOOOO! I got it, I got it!”

Ekko stepped forward just in time for Jinx to leap toward him, and he jerked forward to catch her in time, hand around her back and the other under her knees. 

One of her arms swiftly wrapped around his neck securely, and she flashed him a wide grin, waving the object in his face. 

“Happy birthday, buster! No takebacks!”

“Blue, what are you—”

“It’s official! We’re now proud parents of Misty and Kairo!” 

Before he could blink, Jinx flipped open the cover held in her hand, and the certificate was shoved in his face. 

Certificate of Sponsorship

Proudly presented to 

EKKO and JINX

For sponsoring the barn owls
Misty and Kairo
at the Vision Sanctuary.

Your donation will help us to provide
a comfortable and happy life for your owl
while also contributing to owl research and conservation. 

Ekko’s jaw dropped, awestruck.

“Did you really—”

“Yup!” She exclaimed, cutting him off again. “I saw how much you were looking at them earlier, and figured, why not? Now, as their sponsors and proud parents, we get regular updates about their wellbeing and, if by some miracle, they’re rehabilitated enough to be released back into the wild, we’ll be first to know if they ever get recovered anywhere else.” She wiggled her legs excitedly and added, “And of course, we get first dibs to see them anytime we want!”

A mix of awe and something else took hold of his throat, making him speechless. 

His gaze fixed on the certificate in her hand, the crisp white paper catching the last sliver of twilight. His name and hers, printed side by side, linked by the two owls he'd watched perched together earlier. 

She hadn't just given him a day. This was more than just a piece of paper. 

She'd given him a piece of forever, a connection that would outlast their visit, that tied them to this sanctuary, to these two birds who found each other in the dark. 

His fingers tightened against her back, the only response he could manage as the full weight of her gift settled upon him.

Suddenly, the certificate holder was taken out of Jinx’s grasp.

Both Jinx and Ekko looked up to find Swain holding it, having produced a pen from seemingly nowhere. His gaze fixed on the document before his hand streaked across it like it was second nature. After a few moments of scribbling, he extended it back toward Jinx.

In the bottom right corner of the certificate, an inscription had appeared in elegant, flowing script: 

Make every second count.
Happy birthday, Ekko.
- Jericho Swain

Below the message, his distinctive autograph curled across the paper.

“Oh my—” Ekko, who was still holding Jinx in his arms, shot his head up, “Thank you—”

“Remember what we talked about, Ekko,” he said, his voice cutting through the evening air with finality.

Swain began stepping onto the gravel path, raising a hand behind him in a gesture of farewell without turning back.

“Jinx, please send my regards to the Medardas.” 

"Will do, bird-man!" Jinx called after him, her voice carrying across the terrace with characteristic enthusiasm, seemingly unfazed that the veteran actor had not only been standing next to them but had also graced their certificate with his autograph.

When Swain disappeared down the path and into the shadows, Jinx turned back to Ekko. 

“Was that the actual Jericho Swain in the flesh?” 

Ekko met her gaze, surprised. “Uh, yeah. Can’t believe he actually showed up on the day we came.” Then, his mouth turned into a breathless laugh. “I’m surprised you were so calm around him.” 

Jinx blinked once. Then twice.

She tilted her head, the corner of the certificate holder pressing into her cheek. 

“He actually was standing here? Like, he wasn't some hallucination?”

“Absolutely not. He was literally just here, Blue. He autographed our certificate.” 

“...Huh…” She blinked again. 

He could hear the gears in her head turning, stuttering as she processed the presence that stood next to them a few moments ago. 

Then, with a sudden jolt that made Ekko tighten his hold on her, her head snapped up, eyes widening in dawning comprehension.

"Wait," she began, her voice rising with urgency as she craned her neck to peer down the path where Swain had disappeared. "Did I just— Did I really call Jericho Swain 'bird-man' to his face?"

The question hung in the air between them, her expression a mixture of horror and disbelief.

“I was too focused on showing this to you that I didn’t even bother reacting to him standing there. Did you talk to him?”

Ekko chuckled, lowering her down to her boots. “Yeah, for a little bit. He’s definitely got the whole ‘I’ve been in this business for a long time’ kind of vibe.” 

“Yeah, sounds accurate. His IMDb is longer than Vander’s and Silco’s combined. Whelp, I’ll cry about not making a better first impression later,” she mused, shrugging off the embarrassment. Once settled on the ground, she bounced on her feet and waved the certificate in his face. “Ta-daaaaa! You like the surprise?”

Ekko’s eyes softened as his gaze swept across her sparkling eyes and her toothy grin. 

Though his mind remained heavy, his chest filled with an intimate heat. It wasn't just about the certificate or the owl sanctuary.

Swain’s words circled in his head.

Jinx shouldn't have to carry his scars or burdens. She deserved to know how grateful he was to have her despite his scars, his burdens, his moments of doubt. She deserved the man she saw in him, that she celebrated on this day.

Instead of answering, he captured her hand, spinning her in a familiar motion that sent her braids flying around her face like a halo of blue. Her laughter echoed across the terrace as she flowed with the momentum, clutching the certificate in her hand.

Then, just as suddenly as he'd started, he stopped her. His hands found her waist, pulling her flush against him as he guided her backward until her back met the cool metal of the railing. 

Smoothly, he lifted her onto the railing, the gesture so practiced by this point she barely flinched. He settled himself between her parted legs, looking up at her like she was his world. 

One arm wrapped around her waist, securing her against him while the other hand drifted upward, fingers tracing the line of her jaw before cupping her chin. 

With a gentle pull, he closed the remaining distance between them, fitting their lips together in a kiss that was both warm and lingering. 

Unhurried, he parted from her lips, pressing their foreheads together, their warmth mingling together against the cool night breeze settling in. 

“You are the best surprise to walk into my life. The best gift I could've ever asked for.”

And I'm not sure I deserve you.

“I will spend every second making sure you understand how much you mean to me.”

Because if I don’t become the man you see in me, I don’t deserve a single extra second with you. 

Her breath caught.

She felt his words more than heard them, vibrating through her chest where they pressed together. His words carved themselves into her skin, sending shivers down her spine despite the warmth of his breath against her face. She couldn’t tell if the goosebumps were because of the night air or from the way he spoke those words.

She noticed how his grip on her waist tightened just slightly, as if afraid she might slip away even with the railing behind her. 

There was something in his voice… love, devotion, but something deeper that she couldn’t name. Something like desperation. 

It made her still, the tiniest knit in her eyebrows. 

A flicker of concern sparked in her chest, but before she could voice it, his fingers traced the curve of her jaw, grounding her in the moment. 

He leaned in again, capturing her lips in a prayer—deeper, more urgent, filled with unspoken fears and reassurances. 

Slipping from her jaw to the back of her neck, his fingers tangled in her hair, fitting their bodies together like missing puzzle pieces. He deepened the kiss, pouring into it all the emotions he couldn't put into words.

When they finally parted, both were breathing heavily, their foreheads still pressed together. 

The night had grown darker, the stars above more brilliant against the inky sky.

Slowly, her free hand came up to rest against his chest, directly over his heart. She could feel an unfamiliar rhythm beneath her palm, making the desperation she’d sensed in his voice more prominent. 

Her eyes found his, and she bit her lip, the tiniest voice at the back of her head wondering if there was more he wasn’t speaking aloud. 

But his eyes held a steady determination, a devotion she couldn’t doubt. 

So, she tucked away the tiny voice at the back of her head, hushing it for now, as she brightened back up. 

“There you go again, casting your smooth-talking magic,” she teased, booping his nose, keeping her voice light for the moment. “No time for me to counter-attack! We gotta get back on the road, because I have one more surprise for you, buster.” 

Ekko groaned, pressing his face into her chest, the sound muffled by his hoodie she wore. “Blue, you’ve already made today the best day ever. Now, all I want is to…” 

His lips grazed the shell of her ear, his voice a low thrum that bypassed her thoughts and went straight to the heat pooling low in her belly.

“Ruin you.”

The familiar husk in his tone always lured the good girl to come out every single time. But tonight, she physically restrained herself from giving in.

A defiant blush bloomed on her cheeks, and she tapped the certificate holder against his temple. 

“Nuh uh! If you wanna do that, you gotta be patient. We got dinner and cake waiting for us at your place! Chop chop!” 

She shifted, sliding from the railing, forcing him to step back into the space she'd just vacated.

“Come on, timekeeper! The night is still young and your birthday ain’t over yet!” She hopped on her boots, readying her stance. “I’ll race ya—last one to the bike becomes the passenger princess!”

Before the word had fully left her lips, she was gone, a flash of blue disappearing down the path, a wild cackle swallowed by the dark.

He was after her in a heartbeat, his own shout of disbelief and laughter chasing her down the trail. 

The gravel crunched and slid under their boots, their breathless gasps and teasing taunts weaving through the trees. 

He caught her just as her fingers stretched for the cool metal of the bike, his arms banding around her waist and yanking her back against him with a triumphant grunt.

And after several heated moments of bickering and accusations of shortcuts (Jinx just didn’t want to admit she was a sore loser), they settled on the motorcycle, gear and all, certificate tucked safely into the trunk. Jinx claimed her “Passenger Queen” seat, right behind Ekko. 

Wrapping her arms around his torso, she held onto him tight, a small uneasy feeling lingering at the back of her head, oblivious to the desperate clawing need in his own chest… the need to pour every ounce of his devotion into her until she was so full of him she'd never be able to doubt it.

The engine roared, ripping through the quiet, and they rode into the dark of the night. The distant hoot of owls, the rhythmic crash of waves, and the whisper of wind through the trees distanced behind them. The promise they will find their way lingered with the two owls who found each other in the most unexpected way.

“Hey Vi! Do we got an ETA?”

Vi glanced down at her phone, thumb swiping across the screen to bring up the locations app. A blue bubble with Jinx’s icon zipped along the digital highway, moving steadily closer to their position. 

“Looks like they’re close to the toll-gates. We probably got like 20 minutes before Timebomb gets here!”

“Perfect,” Mylo grinned, high-fiving Kennen and Isha. “That means we got time to prepare the ammunition.”

And by ammunition, he meant the nerf guns they were setting up along the back fence. Brightly colored Nerf guns in every shape and size lined the walls, their sleek designs promising hours of harmless warfare. The three immediately took off across the backyard to get the nerf guns ready and the targets positioned. 

Vi watched them disperse, shaking her head with an exasperated fondness. “I swear, Mylo is never leaving the manchild phase.” 

Caitlyn appeared next to Vi, linking arms with her. “Ah, it’s a party. Let him have fun.”

Vi swept her gaze across Benzo’s backyard, a chaotic symphony of activity that somehow worked.

The space buzzed with people from the Arcane family, Ekko’s parents, True Damage, the Firelights—anyone Jinx could reach by phone (or by screaming down the Firelights neighborhoods) who could come and fill up the yard. 

Older Firelight residents clustered near the community garden that took up half the space, checking in on the plants. 

A handful of people were helping Mylo with the nerf guns/battle arena set up, including a mix of Firelights and Arcane cast members whose laughter mingled with the occasional "pew pew" sound effect.

Tess, Aven and Taeryn were putting the finishing touches on the food area, including ensuring the cake was out of harm’s way (or from anyone trying to sneak a taste of the frosting). 

Sevika and Claggor were helping Scar with the beverages, their movements efficient as they arranged coolers and drink dispensers. 

Mel was coordinating with Felicia and Inna on the decorations, finishing up the last touches with string lights that would transform the backyard into something magical when darkness fell.

Members of True Damage were seen near the entrance of Benzo's workshop, finalizing the DJ set up, which Yasuo kindly offered to do while the party was hopping. The low thrum of a bass check vibrated through the grass beneath their feet.

Vi spotted Connol with Wyeth and Benzo in a quiet corner of the backyard, also looking out at the yard with warmth and excitement. Silco and Vander soon joined them, cigars at the ready, their presence adding a layer of gravitas to the celebration.

Anyone who was part of Ekko’s roots growing up was here. All ready to celebrate with him. 

Vi let out a low whistle, a warm smile on her face. “I don’t know how my sister pulled this off without Ekko finding out.” 

Caitlyn laughed, laying her head on Vi’s shoulder. “Your sister accidentally spills Arcane spoilers on camera, but when it comes to Ekko’s birthday, she’s got the stealth of a master spy.” 

“Not to mention, she threatened to throw paintbombs at people’s homes if they spilled the beans to Ekko.” 

Vi and Caitlyn turned, finding Scar approaching them with a teasing smirk.

“That sounds like my baby sis,” Vi mused, matching his smirk. “Ekko really doesn’t got a clue?”

Scar shook his head. “Nope. He’s… kinda been in his head lately.” 

“What do you mean?” Caitlyn asked, curious.

Hesitantly, Scar rubbed the back of his neck, eyes glancing over his shoulder to where True Damage was hovering around the DJ setup. 

“At the music video shoot, he started acting weird. Yasuo mentioned they were teasing him about his ex, but I think it hit him deeper than anyone realized. His last girl had a lot of baggage, to say the least. It was tough for him to get out of it. I know he wants things with Jinx to work out—y’all know how whipped he is about her.” 

Scar took a slow inhale, looking back toward Ekko’s treehouse, fond memories of his childhood with Ekko flashing before his eyes.

“He hasn’t talked to me about it, but I could tell he was getting in his own head. He gets like that. Builds these walls around himself that feel a mile high when he’s hurting."

Caitlyn’s brow furrowed thoughtfully. "He does strike me as the type who’d rather shoulder his troubles alone than trouble anyone else with them."

Scar let out a chuckle, light and airy despite the concern in his eyes. "You’ve got no idea."

“Really takes his Boy Savior role seriously, huh?” Vi can’t help but joke, remembering when she had teased him if he ever let himself have a break. 

"He's got a good heart and a good head," Scar said, a genuine smile finally reaching his eyes. "Sometimes, though, he tries to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. He forgets that no matter how hard he tries to hide it, the people who love him will see the strain."

“Well, if there’s anything I know about my sister,” Vi said, her voice brimming with affection, hands on her hips, “Jinx will get him to talk. When he’s ready. Even if she has to pound it out of him.” 

Caitlyn nodded with a smile. "It’s easy to think Jinx is the more possessive clingy one, but it’s clear he’s just as devoted. In their own way, they understand each other perfectly. They’ll be just fine."

Scar took another breath, this one deep and steady, the tension in his chest finally loosening. “Yeah, you’re right. They are Timebomb, after all. Maybe an explosion or two is actually just like therapy for them.”

Vi glanced down to her phone, eyes widening.

“Speaking of Timebomb, they’re almost here!” Vi exclaimed, cupping her hands over her mouth and turning toward the crowd. “Look alive, people! Our guest of honor is about to arrive!”

Her announcement rippled through the backyard like a spark. The low hum of conversation swelled into organized chaos as people scattered across the yard. The music was cut, balloons were hurriedly pinned, and nerf guns were at the ready. 

Scar cracked his knuckles, a smirk spreading across his face as he watched the flurry of activity.

“Time to show my boy just how many people have his back!”

“Let’s do this!”

“Hell yeah!”

From the streets, nothing seemed out of the ordinary at Benzo’s home. But one step into the backyard was where chaos awaited.

With the stars as their guiding light, Ekko eventually turned onto Benzo’s street, recognizing the landscaping and streetlights. 

His focus was entirely on getting home, so his eyes overlooked the sight of multiple familiar cars parked along the curb. 

As they approached Benzo’s home at the top of the hill, he smiled, spotting his treehouse peeking above the rooftop. 

Easing off the throttle, the motorcycle slowed as he cruised up the driveway. The garage door lifted with its usual mechanical whir, and just as quick, it lowered as soon as they crossed the threshold. 

Ekko guided them to his designated spot for the bike, eager to cut the engine. 

And like the princess Queen she was, his hands caressed the skin of her thighs, a signal to ready herself. Then he curled his fingers around her legs, leveraging his weight, lifting them both from the seat in one fluid motion.

He settled her onto her boots and made quick work of shedding their biker gear, setting them aside in an urgent pace, almost haphazardly discarding them if the gear wasn’t so brand new. 

“Someone’s in a rush,” Jinx teased knowingly, her voice a low thrum against the sudden silence of the garage.

A dark chuckle was her only warning. 

He pivoted, a smirk playing on his lips, his gaze burning into hers. 

In one motion, he hoisted her up. 

Her legs locked instinctively around his waist, her arms circling his neck, pulling him closer. 

"Hard not to be," he rumbled, his voice a low vibration against her ear, "when my Queen can't keep her hands to herself on the way home."

“Heh!” A breathy laugh escaped her, and she rolled her hips once, creating a deliberately slow friction against him. “What, you didn’t like the King’s treatment from yours truly?”

Her voice dropped into that sultry silk that always sent shivers up his spine and always tested his self-control. 

He started moving toward the adjoined workshop, heading for the door to the backyard that would lead to his treehouse home. His grip tightened around her, pulling her flush against him. 

"Oh, I minded," he murmured, deep and low, nuzzling her neck. "I minded that it was only a taste. I think I'm owed the full royal treatment now. In my throne room. Any objections, my Queen?"

“Mmmm…” She hummed, the sound vibrating through his chest, her eyes dancing with mischief, “Maybe one.”

He paused, his brow arching. "And that would be?"

“Your royal highness demands you eat dinner and cake first!”

Her sultry tease vanished, reverting back to her usual bright gremlin voice, grinning through her teeth. 

He blinked, momentarily thrown for a hot second. 

A laugh burst from his chest, raw and warm, chasing away the last of the night’s chill. 

Finally reaching the door to the backyard, he pressed her back against the cool wood, the soft thud echoing in the space. 

“I’d rather devour you, baby blue.” 

Fire burned inside her at his words, her body moving of its own accord and arching into him, and she forgot for a split-second where they were.

For a heartbeat, the world dissolved until only his gaze remained, a thing of dark intensity and unwavering devotion before he dipped his head and pressed his lips to her neck.

His mouth passed over her pulse point, a trail of warmth that ended behind her ear, his breath a promise against her skin. 

His hot breath caressed her skin, sparking electricity up her spine and a breathy sigh to escape her lips.

The more he tasted her skin, the more he wanted her, his need growing impatient, desperate, aching for her. 

His body craved to hear nothing else but the melody of sounds she made, again and again, directly in his ears. 

He wanted her to understand just how much he needed her.

A gasp died on her lips as Ekko crushed his mouth to hers, the heat of him a stark contrast against the cool wood at her back. 

His hands squeezed indulgently at her ass, claiming her as he grinded into her. The unmistakable proof of his desire seeped through the barrier of their clothes, drawing a choked sound from her throat as her head connected with the door.

The sharp click of the lock disengaging cut through the haze. Before either could react, the door swung open.

Ekko's reflexes were a split second too slow. 

He tried to anchor her, to shift his weight, but gravity won once again that day.

They toppled forward in a tangle of limbs, landing hard on the floor as the door stood wide open, framing their undignified collapse.

“SURPRISE—”

A cacophony erupted from the backyard—shouts, cheers, and the unmistakable pop of nerf darts filling the air. Then, as if someone had flipped a switch, the chaos died mid-scream, plunging the scene into a deathly silence that was somehow louder than the noise it replaced.

When the floor rushed up to meet them, Jinx found herself flat on her back, her legs still locked around Ekko’s waist. Having fallen on top of her, his body formed a protective cage, elbows propped beside her head to keep his full weight from crushing her. 

She tilted her head backward until her braids brushed the grass, her gaze landing on the scene upside down behind them. From above her, he lifted his head, his eyes wide with disbelief as he took in the stunned faces staring back at them from the yard, the party's cheerful greeting dying on their lips as quickly as it had begun.

The silence stretched for exactly four seconds before Mylo's voice shattered it. 

“Yo, keep it PG!” He shouted, dropping to his knees and covering Kennen's and Isha's eyes with dramatic flair. Both children gripped their nerf guns, their mouths forming perfect o's of confusion as Mylo struggled to contain his laughter. “We got children present!”

A few feet away, Claggor turned toward Scar, his shoulders shaking from holding back a laugh. “So, is this what we missed during filming on set for Episode 7?” 

Scar laughed, thumbing his nose in amusement. “Pretty much. They’re just missing the bedroom eyes.” 

From beside Scar, Vi's hands flew to her face as she let out an exaggerated groan. "Damn it, I need to bleach my eyes again! Can't you two keep it in your pants for one night?!" Next to her, Caitlyn consoled her with a hand on her shoulder, sending an amused smile toward Ekko and Jinx. 

From the corner of the backyard, Connol's voice boomed across the yard. 

"I don't care if he is the birthday boy! I'm gonna teach that boy a lesson for touching my daughter!"

The towering figures of Wyeth and Vander could be seen comically holding the furious man back, while Silco and Benzo stood nearby, shaking their heads in what might have been amusement or resignation.

At the door beside them, Qiyana bent down, her laughter bubbling up. "Maybe next time I should knock. Didn't think you two would be going at it before you even made it to Ekko's house!"

A different kind of heat than before flooded Ekko’s and Jinx’s faces. 

Akali popped up from next to Qiyana, propping an elbow on her shoulder. “Time to get past the awkward entrance! Yasuo, hit it!”

Like a breath of fresh air after being underwater, Yasuo's music filled the yard. The DJ system came to life with an upbeat rhythm. Conversations immediately erupted as people moved toward the food or beverages, while some snatched up nerf guns and started a battle. 

Once he helped Jinx to her feet, Ekko stood frozen for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the crowd. His mouth hung slightly agape as he took in the sea of familiar faces. The sheer number of people who had gathered to celebrate him left him utterly speechless.

“W-What are you all doing here?”

“We came to celebrate you, dear.” 

The warm voice cut through the party noise like a familiar melody, and Ekko turned to find Inna pushing through the crowd, her arms opening wide. He barely had time to process before she pulled him into a hug that smelled of lavender and home. His arms came around her automatically, his mind still reeling from the surprise.

"I thought you and Dad were in Ionia," Ekko managed, his voice muffled against her shoulder.

Felicia tutted in amusement from behind Inna. “You really thought your parents would miss your birthday? We couldn’t let Jinx claim your entire day.”

Inna leaned back, her hands cupping Ekko's face as she pressed a soft kiss to his forehead. Her eyes crinkled at the corners, holding all the warmth he remembered from childhood. "Of course we'd be here, son. Your father and I were already planning to come home, but when Jinx called..." Her gaze shifted to the blue-braided woman bouncing next to them, her smile widening. "Well, we just had to help her pull this off."

From the edge of the group, Scar approached with a grin. "Yeah, well, she threatened to paintbomb my entire apartment if I so much as hinted at this." He nudged Ekko's shoulder. "Happy birthday, man.”

Senna spoke up from the DJ booth near them. “I thought Jinx was the one who usually spilled the beans?”

“Hey! Traitor!” Jinx shouted, preparing to lunge for the woman if Ekko hadn’t stopped her with an arm around her waist. “Say that to my face, Senna!” 

Vi stumbled toward them with hands still covering her eyes, Caitlyn guiding her with an amused laugh. “Is it safe to open my eyes now?”

“And you call me the dramatic one,” Jinx shot back, her sister's presence momentarily distracting her from thoughts of revenge.

Caitlyn's smile turned toward Ekko. "Happy birthday. I don't think anyone's told you yet, but Jinx arranged all this for you, if you can believe it."

"It wasn't all me!" Jinx protested, blushing as she gestured around the yard. "Everyone helped!"

Felicia reached out to pinch her daughter's cheek. "Aww, is my wittle Pow-Pow embarrassed from all the attention?"

Jinx swatted her hand away. "This is mutiny!"

“Blue.” 

His voice uttered one word, his name for her, and she immediately turned at the call.

His hand found hers in the sea of warmth and laughter, weaving their fingers together. 

The world narrowed to the space between them. The party, the laughter, the swirling lights—it all dissolved into a muted backdrop.

“Did you really do all this… for me?” 

The question was a fragile thing, each word laced with a kind of stunned reverence. His voice was barely staying steady, threatening to crack under the weight of how much gratitude he was holding. 

“I—uh—yeah! See? There’s dinner and dessert! Just like I said!” Jinx stuttered, blush spreading across her face. She gestured wildly at the scene with her free hand, a flourish of nervous energy. “Ta-daaaa! Surprise! …Do you like it?”

Her bravado was a thin mask, and beneath it, her eyes held a flicker of uncertainty, worried there was a small chance he didn’t want this.

It was that uncertainty that struck him, a physical blow to the chest. The ache there tightened into a knot, stealing the air from his lungs. A sharp sting prickled behind his eyes, his pulse hammering a frantic rhythm against his ribs as a storm of thoughts broke in his head.

She did this. For him. 

Without wanting anything back. 

Only wanting him to be happy. 

To show him that people cared for him. 

This proof that he wasn’t a stepping stone or a side character in someone else’s story.

That his existence meant more than he could understand.

He moved on pure instinct, pulling her roughly into his chest. He buried his face in the curve where her neck met her shoulder, his words a secret murmur against her skin.

“I can’t believe you did this… Thank you, Blue.”

There it was again. 

That… desperation in his voice. 

Jinx’s hands flew to his back, her fingers clutching the worn fabric of his hoodie as she returned his embrace with a matching intensity.

The unspoken question burned on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed it down, hyperaware of the dozen curious eyes pressing in on them.

“Alright, that’s enough PDA, lovebirds!” 

A volley of soft impacts peppered their shoulders.

They pulled apart, turning to find Mylo, Isha, and Kennen grinning, their nerf guns trained on them.

“Hurry up, birthday boy! You too, Pow!” Mylo yelled, a wicked glint in his eye. “Find a weapon before we light you both up like a timebomb!”

Jinx gasped, her eyes widening in excitement. “Oh, it’s ON!” 

She snatched Ekko’s hand, tugging him toward the battleground with a fierce grin. 

“Come on, ‘Ko! Let’s show ‘em what true champions look like!”

As they charged into the fray, Ekko's laughter rang out over the music, the warmth of her hand in his a steady anchor. 

The night stretched before them, the yard alive with light and sound, but in that moment, the only thing that truly mattered was this woman by his side. The ache in his chest hadn't faded, but it had shifted, softened by the certainty that she chose him. Was still choosing him.

As the night continued, Ekko found himself caught in a whirlwind of laughter, music, and the warm glow of string lights strung between trees. The celebration pulsed around him like a living heartbeat, each moment etching itself deeper into his memory. 

With every conversation, every shared joke, every hand clapped on his shoulder in birthday greetings, Ekko was facing the realization of how deeply everyone saw him. 

Simply as Ekko, the boy who had grown up among them, who was in the trenches of the entertainment industry with them. 

Even Connol eventually warmed up to him, after Ekko suffered a rather long threatening rant about protecting his daughter, and an embarrassing lecture of sex only after marriage (Felicia had to smack him as soon as he said that since Vi was born out of wedlock). After the two shared grueling stories of handling prankster Jinx, they found common ground, and Connol was willing to ignore the fact that he had blatantly seen the boy canoodling his daughter. At least, for now.

He had always been thankful to everyone for helping him grow his roots, but to see everyone in one place? To be placed into this pedestal he wasn't sure he deserved? 

He was accepting the fact that these people saw the real him. 

And most importantly, the one person who had orchestrated this overwhelming display of affection was also the one who saw the people who were important to his life. 

Jinx hadn't just thrown a party. She had gathered his entire world in one place, a testament to her understanding of what truly mattered to him… that the connections and relationships shaped who he had become. 

And… in her own way, she was thankful to them, too. 

He could see it in the way that she joked with his parents, bustled around in the workshop to annoy Benzo, challenged Scar to a chugging fruit punch match, and flitted around True Damage and the Firelights that warmed his chest. 

When the last bits of food were cleared and the final guests walked out the side gate, Ekko bid goodnight to Benzo with a tight warm hug before taking Jinx’s hand in his and leading them to his treehouse home. 

The wooden stairs creaked beneath their weight as they ascended to his haven. When he closed the door behind them, he didn’t waste a second. 

One arm snaked around her waist, pulling her flush against him while the other cupped the back of her neck, his fingers tangling in the loose strands that had escaped her braids throughout the night. He pressed her into him, holding her as though she might dissolve into shadows if he let go.

Jinx melted against him, her arms coming up to clutch at the worn fabric of his hoodie, tucking her face into the little space where his neck and shoulder met. The steady rhythm of his pulse point thrumming against her skin, a comforting vibration in their embrace.

“Did you have fun?”

“A blast. Best birthday yet.” 

“Good. I am pretty competitive.” 

He hummed quietly, the thrum in his chest a comforting vibration through their embrace. 

His eyes drifted, catching sight of the Certificate of Sponsorship lying on the coffee table where Jinx had dropped it when coming in. Misty and Kairo. Two owls who came together with scars and stories before finding each other at last. 

The echo of Swain's words swirled in his mind, mingling with the weight of everything this day had meant.

"Together, they don’t just fall in love.
They heal, grow, and build a life
from everything they’ve learned.”

Ekko’s grip tightened, mind heavy with the darkest thoughts, chest filling with the warmth of her touch.

He was starting to understand why he felt the way he did. 

He thought when he first met her, first fell in love with her, he had it all figured out. 

That this was the love he’d been looking for, the person his heart had always needed. 

It’s funny and scary. 

Funny because you never expect to meet someone and see life at first sight. 

Yet they end up becoming the person you love the most, the person you want to keep in your life, the person you choose to grow your roots with. 

Scary because the more you love this person, the bigger the fear you have of losing them. 

And the deeper they’ve rooted into your life, the bigger the hole they leave behind. 

He realized it wasn't just about being enough for her.

It was fear.

Fear that one day…

She would wake up and realize it was all a mistake.

That he wouldn’t be her “perfect boyfriend” or Boy Savior or someone she wanted to call hers anymore.

It was this deep, dark, unspoken fear that the one person he had found… 

The one person who made him feel seen, who made him feel loved, who was choosing to stay with him…

Would also see his flaws, his overthinking, the burdens he carried, the moments when he wasn’t any of the things she’d seen in him…

And decide that loving him was just too much.

This dark shroud, casting his mind in a battlefield of shadows, made him fear of the one morning he’d wake up…

And he’d find his home, his haven, his sanctuary… empty. 

That he would lose the one person he wanted to spend every second with for the rest of his life.

This was his darkness.

"You expect the dawn to break
just because you're tired of the night.
But true stability takes time to mature.
It requires you to look past
the immediate panic of the dark."

Ekko closed his eyes tightly, willingly feeling the ache in his chest grow, and he took a deep breath. 

He didn’t want her to know of this darkness, she didn’t deserve to be weighed down by his burdens. 

She deserved the entire world and more, to know she was his light, his Misty.

And even if he didn’t feel like he wasn’t enough for her, he’d spend every precious second becoming the man she deserved to stand by her side.

Masking the ache in his chest, he leaned back just a touch to drop an intimate kiss to her forehead, softly murmuring to her skin.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”

She bit her lip, trying to not think too hard behind his words, the way his voice sounded fragile.

"Happy birthday, ‘Ko," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion and not knowing what else to say. 

His thumb found the delicate curve of her jaw, tracing the line with a reverence that spoke louder than words. His fingers, calloused from years of tinkering with movie props and music sound systems, now brushed against the smoothness of her cheek with a gentleness that belied their strength. 

He tilted her face toward his, dark eyes locking onto hers with that soft focused gaze that always made her feel like she was the only person in his universe.

“I love you so damn much. And I’m going to spend the rest of the night showing you exactly how much you mean to me.” 

The same gaze held a deep and dark promise so raw, it left no room for questions and made her heart race against her chest. 

Her fingers twisted in the fabric of his hoodie, tremor running through her, starting from her knees and working its way up her spine. Her palms flattened against his chest, tracing a slow path over the solid muscle beneath the hoodie. 

His gaze was a brand, following every movement, every dip of her fingers.

“Before you do that…” She breathed, her voice a mere whisper. 

Her hands drifted lower, the tips of her fingers skimming the hem of his hoodie. They dipped beneath the fabric, a feather-light touch against the skin of his stomach. 

A shudder wracked his frame, his breathing becoming shallow. 

“...I have one last surprise for you.” 

A low growl rumbled in his chest, a primal sound of need and frustration. His eyes, now dark with a hunger that mirrored her own, burned into hers. 

“You sure you want to keep testing my patience?”

Her pretty little giggle reached his ears, a sound that was both a challenge and an invitation. Her hands slid back up his chest, her touch a silent command as she gently but firmly took his hands from her, guiding them to his sides.

“You said you were owed the full royal treatment,” she teased, her lips curving into that familiar mischievous smirk he knew always meant trouble.

She took a deliberate step forward, and he followed, a silent instinctive reaction to let her lead and take what she needed from him.

With soft pressure against his chest, she guided him until he sank onto the plush cushions of his couch.

“My King will wait patiently on his throne for me,” she purred, her finger drawing a mindless pattern on his chest.

A cocky smirk played on his lips. “Will I now?”

Her gaze unwavering as it held his, a smoldering fire alit in her irises. 

“You will if you know what’s good for you.” 

His brows shot up, intrigued at how the tables have turned. 

She lifted a single finger, a silent warning. 

“No peeking.” 

And with that, she turned, a deliberate sway in her hips that held him captive, her braids twirling with her as if caught in a dance.

The soft click of his closet door closing was the only sound that broke the charged silence. 

He sat on the couch, gaze fixed on the blank wall where their movie nights came to life with his overhead projector, wondering what Jinx could possibly be preparing for him. With the spectrum of ideas her brilliant brain usually cooked up, he could only sit in anticipation as to what was to come.

His thoughts were cut short by the closet door scraping open. 

His head started to turn, the impulse to look instantly taking over.

“I said no peeking!”

A low chuckle rumbled in his chest, looking forward again. He raised his hands in mock surrender, then let them fall onto the back of the couch. 

He would abide by his Queen. For now.

He recognized the unmistakable sound of heels tapping against the hardwood, and his anticipation heightened.

“I know you run a strict no-shoe policy here, but…” Her voice was low and teasing, a siren’s call meant for him alone. “Figured my gracious King might grant me a birthday pardon.” 

Her hands found his shoulders, kneading the tense muscles beneath his hoodie, and it took everything in him to not grab her and place her right in his lap. 

Then, they began to drift downward, an almost possessive exploration, her touch searing through the fabric, no signs of hesitation as she claimed what was hers.

His pulse hammered against his ribs. The air caught in his throat.

A tremor of pure pleasure traced his spine as the warmth of her breath feathered against the shell of his ear.

“Your Queen is ready to devour and ruin you.” 

It wasn't about having all the time in the world—it was about making every second count. 

And on his birthday, Jinx made sure he enjoyed every single second.

Happy birthday to Ekko.