Ekko, a brilliant yet weary single father, is devoted to helping his six-year-old daughter, Isha, heal from the trauma of her abusive mother. Isha, now selectively mute, starts first grade and forms a surprising bond with her teacher, Powder-a spirited and unconventional educator with a deep passion for helping children feel seen and succeed in her classroom. Powder quickly notices Isha's struggles to adjust in the classroom and invites Ekko to a parent-teacher conference to discuss ways to support her. Though their connection is immediate, both are determined to keep things professional for Isha's sake. As Powder dedicates herself to helping Isha rebuild her confidence, Ekko grows increasingly drawn to her compassion and warmth. Meanwhile, Powder finds herself captivated by Ekko's quiet resilience and his unwavering devotion to his daughter. Despite their attempts to maintain boundaries, Ekko and Powder can't deny their growing feelings for each other. As Isha begins to reclaim her voice and take steps toward healing, the two must decide whether to keep their relationship hidden or take the risk of revealing it-knowing the delicate balance it could upset in Isha's world and the potential consequences for Powder's career. - This fic is a SLOW BURN! If slow burns aren't your thing, keep scrolling <3 This is a modern au: (basically domestic timebomb) Warning: some fluff and smut, trauma, mental health issues, brief mentions of self-harm, and other strong topics. Read at your own risk. My socials: Personal IG @mikesidyllic2 Editing IG @whosskata Ao3 @mikesidyllic2 - cover fanart belongs to: @leiallia on X

When a wounded, exhausted Jinx stumbles into Firelight territory, the last person she expects to save her is Ekko, the boy she lost, the enemy she made, and the only one who ever knew her before she broke. Forced back into each other's lives, they navigate old scars, buried feelings, and the danger closing in around them. As Jinx tries to heal and Ekko tries not to fall for the girl who might burn everything down, one truth grows harder to ignore: Some hearts don't explode. Some hearts learn to beat again.

After her death, Jinx escapes to the Shurima desert to escape her own monsters. Rather than running from /her/ grief, however, she finds herself increasingly involved in everyone else's. A story about grief, ghosts, identity, and the slow, aching road to love and reformation.