The dim, smoky lights of Zaun's most infamous brothel were not exactly where Ekko had imagined he’d be spending his night. But here he was, sitting awkwardly at the bar, feeling wildly out of place.
Just talk to the informant, he reminded himself. In and out. Quick and clean.
He adjusted his hood, trying to blend in, though it was nearly impossible for someone like him. The second he entered, he’d gotten a few curious glances, but thankfully, no one had recognized him. His contact, a worker named Roxie, was supposed to give him the lowdown on some shady dealings in Piltover. It was just his luck that the meeting was in a place like this.
Just as Ekko was settling into his seat, the heavy doors to the brothel swung open with a loud bang, causing several heads to turn. Ekko froze, his heart skipping a beat when he saw her.
Jinx.
She sauntered in, as confident and wild as ever, her blue hair tied into messy braids that swayed with each step. She looked around with that signature manic grin, completely unbothered by her surroundings.
Ekko’s stomach flipped. What is she doing here?
He slid down in his seat, trying not to be noticed, but it was already too late. Jinx’s sharp eyes locked onto him, her grin fading into a look of confusion before she sauntered over, her usual swagger in her step.
“Ekko?” she called out, her voice loud enough to draw attention.
He sighed, realizing there was no escaping this. “Jinx,” he muttered, sitting up and trying to act like he hadn’t just been hiding from her. “What are you doing here?”
She raised an eyebrow, glancing around the brothel and then back at him. “I could ask you the same thing. I didn’t know you were into... this.” She waved her hands dramatically at the room filled with scantily clad workers and patrons lounging around on velvet sofas.
Ekko’s face flushed red. “I’m not into this! I’m here for work!”
Jinx narrowed her eyes, leaning closer. “Yeah, sure, work,” she said sarcastically, making air quotes. “Didn’t peg you for the type, but I guess we all have our secrets.”
Ekko clenched his jaw, trying not to lose his cool. “What about you? What are you doing here, Jinx?”
Jinx’s grin returned, but this time it was more mischievous than mocking. “I’m here for a mission, obviously. What? You think I came here to... relax or something?” She snickered. “Not my style.”
For a moment, they stared at each other, both trying to figure out if the other was telling the truth.
Ekko narrowed his eyes. “Wait... you’re really here for a mission?”
“Yeah,” Jinx said, folding her arms. “I’m supposed to meet some girl who’s got info on Piltover. Roxie, or something.”
Ekko blinked, taken aback. “Roxie? That’s who I’m supposed to meet.”
Jinx blinked back, just as confused. “Wait, you got sent to talk to her too?”
They both stared at each other, the realization dawning on them at the same time.
“Are you kidding me?” Jinx groaned, throwing her hands in the air. “Of all the places, and all the people, it had to be you!”
Ekko rubbed his temples, exasperated. “This is ridiculous. I thought...”
Jinx cut him off, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Let me guess—you thought I was here to, what? Have some fun? C’mon, Timeboy, I know you think I’m crazy, but I’m not that kind of crazy.”
Ekko crossed his arms defensively. “I wasn’t sure! I mean, it’s you, Jinx. You’re unpredictable.”
“And you thought I came here for... for what, exactly?” Jinx teased, leaning closer with a wicked grin. “C’mon, spit it out, Ekko. You thought I was here for a different reason, didn’t you?”
Ekko stammered, his face heating up again. “I don’t know! This place isn’t exactly a library, Jinx!”
Jinx cackled, the sound echoing through the brothel as some of the nearby patrons glanced at them, amused. “A library? Oh, that’s rich! You really thought I was here for... for that? You think I came here looking for some kind of ‘service’?”
Ekko ran a hand through his hair, feeling flustered. “Alright, fine! I misread the situation, okay?”
Jinx wiped a tear from her eye, still laughing. “Oh, Ekko, this is too good. You—you—thought I was here for something shady! What’s next? You’re gonna tell me you thought I was here to... I don’t know, settle down and have a family?” She snorted, shaking her head.
Ekko sighed, feeling like this conversation was spiraling out of control. “Look, can we just... focus on the mission? We both need to talk to Roxie, right?”
Jinx, still giggling, nodded. “Yeah, yeah. Alright. Let’s get this over with before you start imagining even weirder things.”
As they stood up, the door to the back room opened, and a woman in a sparkling red dress sauntered out, her eyes landing on both Ekko and Jinx.
“You two here for me?” she asked, a sly smile on her face. “I’m Roxie.”
Jinx nudged Ekko with her elbow, her grin wide. “Told ya. Mission.”
Ekko shot her a look before turning to Roxie. “Yeah, we’re here for information.”
Roxie eyed the two of them curiously, her smile turning playful. “Well, well. You’re both here for the same reason, huh? I don’t usually do two-for-one deals, but for you two, I’ll make an exception.”
Ekko’s face turned red again as he quickly stammered, “It’s not like that!”
Jinx burst into laughter once more, clapping him on the back. “Relax, Timeboy. Let’s get the info and get outta here before you die of embarrassment.”
As they followed Roxie into the back room, Ekko couldn’t help but shoot Jinx one last look of exasperation.
“Next time,” he muttered, “I’m picking the meeting spot.”
Jinx just grinned, winking at him. “Nah, I think I like this kind of chaos.”
__________ LMAO
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