Tides of Zaun

XXV

(Imagine Dany's voice sounding like a Valley Girl) 

Dany's voice echoed through the Firelight hideout, piercing the early morning silence. "Ekko! You up?"

Ekko jolted awake, heart racing as the remnants of sleep faded. He blinked at the dim light filtering through the cracks in the walls, the realization of the moment hitting him like a cold splash of water. Jinx—Powder—was still curled up on the couch, blissfully unaware of the impending confrontation.

He leaned over, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, the warmth of her skin grounding him. "Stay here," he whispered softly, slipping out of bed and quickly pulling on his clothes.

As he descended the staircase, anxiety churned in his stomach. He couldn't let Dany's presence disrupt what had just begun to solidify between him and Jinx. She'd gotten too close for comfort, and he had to break the news before it spiraled out of control.

"Ekko?" Dany called again, her voice slightly impatient.

"Yeah, I'm coming," he replied, steeling himself as he stepped into the main area where Dany stood, arms crossed, leaning against the wall.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," she teased, her lips curling into a smirk.

"Morning," he muttered, avoiding her gaze.

Dany raised an eyebrow, noticing his discomfort. "What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Ekko took a deep breath, trying to muster his resolve. "Listen, Dany, we need to talk."

Her expression shifted, concern flickering across her features. "About what?"

"About us," he said, the words heavy on his tongue. "I think it's best if we... end whatever this is."

Dany's smile faltered. "What? Why?"

"I just—things are complicated right now," he replied, his voice firm yet gentle. "With everything going on, and with Jinx..."

Her eyes narrowed. "Jinx? You mean Powder?"

Before he could answer, Dany's expression shifted again, and she seemed to piece it together. "You're seeing her again, aren't you?"

"Dany, it's not like that," he began, but she cut him off, her voice rising with indignation.

"Then what is it? Because it sure looks like you're making your choice."

Ekko felt his stomach drop. "I have to think about what I want and who I want to be with. I can't keep running from that."

A moment of silence stretched between them, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily in the air.

"Ekko," Dany said, her voice softer now, but laced with urgency. "You can't just walk away. Not when—"

But before she could finish, her gaze flickered to the staircase leading up to his room. "Is she here? Is Jinx here?"

Without waiting for a response, Dany strode past him and hurried up the stairs, her heart racing. Ekko followed, dread pooling in his stomach.

"Dany, wait—"

But she was already pushing open the door to his room. The sight that greeted her caused her heart to sink. There, tangled in the sheets, was Jinx, peacefully asleep, her vibrant hair spilling over the pillow.

Dany's expression morphed into a mix of disbelief and anger. "You've got to be kidding me," she spat, turning to face Ekko. "You couldn't even have the decency to tell me?"

Ekko stepped closer, trying to diffuse the situation. "Dany, it's not what you think—"

"Then what is it, Ekko? Because it looks pretty clear to me," she shot back, frustration bubbling to the surface.