Tides of Zaun

XXIII

As Ekko and Jinx stepped back inside the brothel, the atmosphere buzzed with the laughter and lively chatter of patrons seeking solace in each other's company. It was a stark contrast to the weight of the conversation they had just shared outside. Ekko felt a flicker of warmth in his chest, knowing they had taken a step forward, yet uncertainty lingered in the back of his mind.

"Hey, Jinx," he called, spotting Viktor at the bar, a small smile gracing his lips. The two men had more in common than they initially realized, and it felt good to bond over their shared mentor, Heimerdinger. "Did you know Heimerdinger once tried to teach me how to fix a broken hextech device? It went up in flames," he laughed, the sound light and carefree.

Viktor chuckled, his eyes twinkling with shared memories. "I remember the first time I tried to create a device. It ended with me almost losing an eyebrow. Heimerdinger wasn't too pleased, to say the least."

As they reminisced about their mentor's quirks and eccentricities, Jinx found herself smiling, the tension of the evening slowly dissipating. But soon, Ekko glanced at the time and his expression shifted. "I should get going," he said reluctantly, feeling a pang of disappointment at the thought of leaving her.

"Already?" Jinx asked, her tone laced with both surprise and a hint of sadness.

"Yeah, I've got some things to take care of," he replied, then stepped closer to her, the air thick with unspoken emotions. "But before I go..." He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, a promise wrapped in tenderness.

Jinx's heart fluttered, and she felt a rush of warmth course through her. As he pulled away, she found herself lingering in the moment, her mind racing with the possibilities of what lay ahead.

"Goodnight, Jinx," Ekko said softly, giving her a reassuring smile before turning to leave.

Viktor, overhearing the conversation, offered a gentle smile. "Jinx, it's alright. Don't even apologize don't want you to feel guilty about it. I wouldn't want you to spend your life with a man like me anyway."

Jinx furrowed her brow, a pang of concern tugging at her heart. "What do you mean?"

Viktor sighed, his expression becoming serious. "I can't walk normally. I can't enjoy things like you might. There are... limitations." He hesitated, and then added bluntly, "Even in the bedroom."

Jinx cringed, her cheeks flushing. "Okay, okay, that's enough. Goodnight, Viktor," she replied, a nervous laugh escaping her lips as she tried to brush off the awkwardness.

Viktor chuckled lightly, his eyes twinkling. "Goodnight, Jinx. Take care of yourself."

As Viktor exited the brothel, Jinx felt a swirl of emotions crash over her. The warmth from her earlier conversation with Ekko and the brief moment shared with Viktor intertwined, leaving her feeling both comforted and conflicted.

She plopped onto the couch, exhaustion washing over her as she sank into its cushions. The dim light flickered overhead, casting soft shadows on the walls. As she closed her eyes, her mind drifted between memories of laughter and lingering glances, wondering what tomorrow would bring.

With that thought, she surrendered to the embrace of sleep, the sounds of the brothel fading away, leaving her with the promise of a new day.

Just as Jinx settled into the worn couch, the familiar creak of the door caught her attention. She half-expected to see Sevika, but when she opened it, there stood Ekko, his expression a mix of relief and concern.

"Ekko!" she exclaimed, surprised.

Without a word, he stepped inside and scooped her up effortlessly, causing her to wince at the sudden movement. "Careful," he murmured, noting the bruises marring her skin. He gently set her back down on the couch, his brow furrowed in worry.

"Why did you come back?" she asked, her voice softening.

He rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish grin creeping onto his face. "I had to make sure Vi and the others had everything under control. Scar and his kids are very friendly, and we don't want to scare Vi, you know?"

Jinx chuckled, the sound lightening the atmosphere between them. "Yeah, wouldn't want her thinking we're in danger or anything."

The playful banter shifted into a more serious tone as Jinx leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "So what are you going to do about Dany?"

"Don't worry about her. You should know by now I'd choose you over anything," he reassured her, sincerity etched into his features.

Ekko raised an eyebrow, teasing. "Are you going to treat those bruises? Or do I have to do it for you?"

Jinx smirked, playing along. "You know I had a couple of rough months too. It wouldn't hurt to let you become my slave for 15 minutes."

They both burst into laughter, the warmth between them rekindling. "Alright, alright, let me get some ice," he said, his tone light as he headed toward the door.

He returned a few minutes later, a bag of ice and towels in one hand, a box of condoms tucked under his arm. Jinx was busy fiddling with her new hair, running her fingers through the soft strands, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Your hair really suits you," Ekko remarked, his eyes brightening. "It lights up your face." Leaning down, he pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.

She looked up at him, a playful glint in her eyes. "Whatever. Do what you must, peasant."

"Your wish is my command," he replied, chuckling as he set the supplies down beside her.

As he began treating her bruises, they talked about their hopes for the future, discussing plans to defeat the new villain threatening their world. Time slipped away, and as Ekko worked, the ice slowly melted, soaking the towels he had laid out.

Just then, as he reached for the towels, the bag slipped from his grasp and spilled its contents onto the floor. The box of condoms tumbled out, landing with an awkward thud. Jinx's eyes widened, and she shot a glance at him, her expression a mix of surprise and mischief.

"Is that for right now?" she asked, her voice teasing yet curious.

Ekko's cheeks flushed slightly as he fumbled for the box, his confidence wavering for a moment. "It doesn't have to be," he replied, trying to play it cool but unable to hide the slight smirk tugging at his lips.

Jinx leaned closer, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "I mean, I wouldn't be opposed to it..." Her gaze held his, challenging and inviting all at once.

The air between them thickened with tension, and Ekko's breath hitched. "You sure?" he asked, searching her eyes for any hint of hesitation.

"Absolutely," she replied, a playful grin spreading across her face.

With a newfound determination, Ekko leaned in, capturing her lips with his in a deep kiss. Jinx responded eagerly, wrapping her arms around his neck as she pulled him closer. Their laughter faded, replaced by a heavy sense of longing that had built between them for far too long.

As they kissed, Ekko's hands wandered to her bruised sides, careful yet possessive. "I'm going to make you feel good," he murmured against her lips.

"Please do," Jinx breathed, her voice thick with desire.

With a shared understanding, they moved together, shedding the weight of the world outside. Ekko took his time, treating her bruises with ice and tenderness, but his touches quickly grew bolder, exploring the contours of her body.

The couch creaked beneath them as they shifted positions, the warmth of their bodies mixing with the coolness of the melted ice. Jinx's laughter filled the air, mingling with soft gasps as Ekko traced his fingers along her skin, igniting sparks of pleasure.

"Just so you know," Jinx teased, breathless, "this isn't just a one-time thing."

Ekko grinned; his eyes sparkling. "Good, because I'm not going anywhere."

As the night deepened around them, they lost themselves in each other, the outside world fading away as they forged a connection that felt both urgent and timeless.