Yours, always and forever | Timebomb fanfic | ekko×jinx

10. Crossroads of fate

Ekko stood on the roof of the hospital, watching the sunset over Zaun. Despite the city's industrial grime and the suffocating smog that hung in the air, the setting sun managed to cast a warm, golden hue across the landscape. The neon lights that flickered to life below contrasted sharply with the soft colors of dusk, momentarily transforming the grey, gritty cityscape into something almost beautiful.

The machinery hummed and clanked below, a constant reminder of the city's ceaseless activity. But up here, Ekko found a rare moment of peace. He took a deep breath, savoring the slightly cleaner air at this elevation, and let his thoughts drift.

The grey sky that could barely be seen from the Undercity was now painted in hues of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over Zaun, and the cool evening breeze tousling his hair. It almost seemed impossible- him being able to actually see a part of the sky from down there. But the height of the hospital was just right for him to be able to admire it.

The view was both stunning and sobering-Zaun stretched out beneath him, a city of contrasts and struggles.

He leaned against the low wall, lost in thought as the sun dipped below the horizon. His recent weeks had been a whirlwind of pain and recovery, and now, as he watched the last light of day fade, he couldn't shake the thoughts swirling in his mind.

A soft sound behind him signaled Janna's arrival. She approached with a tray, but paused for a moment to take in the scene. Seeing Ekko there, silhouetted against the colorful sky, she felt a pang of nostalgia and concern.

"Hey," she said softly, breaking the silence.

Ekko turned, a smile touching his lips despite the seriousness in his eyes. "Hey yourself. I was just taking a moment to think."

Janna walked closer, setting the tray down on a nearby bench. She joined Ekko by the edge, gazing out at the city. "It's beautiful, isn't it? Even with all the chaos."

"Yeah," Ekko agreed, his voice thoughtful. "It's easy to forget how much beauty there is when you're caught up in everything."

Janna nodded, her expression reflecting both sympathy and understanding. "You've been through so much. How are you holding up?"

Ekko sighed, his gaze drifting back to the horizon. "It's been tough. But I'm grateful to be here, to have people who care."

Janna glanced at him, her eyes filled with concern. "You mean people like me?"

"Exactly," Ekko said, his voice earnest. "I can't thank you enough for everything you've done. These past few weeks... I wouldn't be here without you."

Janna smiled, a mixture of relief and warmth in her eyes. "You've always been strong, Ekko. But I worry about you. This path you're on... it's dangerous."

Ekko nodded, acknowledging her concern. "I know. But I have to do this. For Jinx, for Zaun. For us."

They fell silent for a moment, the weight of their shared past settling between them. Ekko glanced at Janna, memories of their time together flooding back. They had met when he was sixteen and she was fifteen their connection immediate and intense. Their bond had been built on a shared sense of purpose and resilience, but it had also been tested by the harsh realities of their world.

"Do you ever think about... us?" Janna asked suddenly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"All the time," Ekko admitted. "We were so young, but it felt real. It was real."

Janna smiled wistfully. "It was. We had some good times, didn't we?"

Ekko chuckled, the sound tinged with nostalgia. "Yeah, we did. But it wasn't easy. I guess nothing in Zaun ever is."