Arcane: Ekko and Powder

The days following their conversation with Benzo felt like a weight had been lifted from Ekko and Powder's shoulders. They had opened up to someone they both deeply respected, and his acceptance meant the world to them. But the conversation wasn't just a relief—it was a new beginning. Ekko could feel it in the air. There was something different now, a subtle shift that was both comforting and exciting.

It wasn't just about their relationship anymore—it was about the future, about the dreams they had always shared but now envisioned together. Ekko's mind buzzed with the idea that everything could change. There was no longer just him and Powder as individuals, struggling to find their place in the world; now, they were partners in the truest sense, and their dreams could become something bigger than they ever imagined.

After their talk with Benzo, they found themselves spending more time together, both at work and in their personal moments. Whether it was tinkering with gadgets in the workshop or strolling through the streets of Zaun, side by side, they started to weave their lives more intricately together. Even the simplest moments held a new sense of depth and meaning.

That night, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the neon glow of Zaun lit up the sky, Ekko and Powder sat on the roof of the old workshop, their feet dangling over the edge as they looked out over the city. Zaun was a maze of machinery, steam, and pipes, a world of chaos and beauty all in one, and in that moment, it felt like they were on top of it all.

Powder leaned against Ekko, her head resting on his shoulder as they watched the bustle below. The quiet of the night seemed to wrap around them like a blanket, a calm between the storms of their everyday lives. Despite everything—despite the danger, the struggle, and the uncertainty—they felt at peace.

"You know," Powder began, her voice soft but filled with a quiet determination, "I've been thinking."

Ekko turned his head slightly to look at her, his brow furrowing. "About what?"

She lifted her head off his shoulder to look at him, her eyes serious yet gentle. "About us. About our future."

Ekko smiled, a small, warm smile that came naturally. "And what did you decide?"

She paused, as though carefully considering her words. "That we need to keep pushing. Together."

His heart swelled at the simplicity of her statement, but it was a truth that resonated deeply with him. He had always known Powder was a force to be reckoned with, but hearing her express this newfound clarity was different. It was as though she was finally seeing what he had always known—they were capable of so much more when they worked together, when they took risks and pushed the boundaries of what was possible.

"I agree," he said, his voice steady. "We're unstoppable when we're on the same page. We've always been good at that, haven't we?"

Powder's lips curved into a mischievous grin. "You know it. Just wait until we put our heads together on something big."

Ekko couldn't help but laugh, his eyes brightening. "You're not wrong. I've got a few ideas brewing, but I'm thinking bigger than ever now. I'm not just talking about building gadgets. I mean changing Zaun—changing the whole damn world."

Powder's eyes widened slightly, and she sat up a little straighter, her excitement mirroring his. "What do you mean?"

Ekko paused, glancing down at the city below. For a moment, he let the possibilities swirl around him, the dreams he had always carried with him now taking on new meaning. "I mean, we could create something that actually makes a difference—something that could change the way Zaun works, that could bring the people here more than just scraps and broken machines. We could do something to bring the people of Zaun together, make life better for everyone, not just the ones who can afford it."

Powder stared at him, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered his words. "You're serious about this, huh?"

Ekko turned his gaze back to her, his expression unwavering. "I've never been more serious. And I can't do it alone."

The weight of his words settled in the air between them. For a moment, everything felt still, as if the world were holding its breath, waiting for her response. Powder's lips parted, and she hesitated, as if considering her next move carefully.

"I'm in," she said, her voice unwavering. "I've always been in, Ekko. You know that."

Ekko's heart swelled, a grin spreading across his face. "I know."

They sat in silence for a few moments, each lost in their thoughts about the future, about the dream they were beginning to shape together. The possibilities seemed endless, and it wasn't just about making gadgets or being famous for their inventions. It was about bringing change—real, tangible change—to the people of Zaun, to the place they both called home.

Later that night, as they walked back to their respective homes, Ekko's thoughts were full of ideas, plans, and possibilities. He knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy. There would be obstacles, setbacks, and challenges. But with Powder by his side, he felt like anything was possible. She was more than just his partner; she was his equal, someone who challenged him, supported him, and made him believe in himself even when he had doubts.

As they reached the familiar alley that led to Ekko's workshop, Powder stopped and turned to him, her face soft in the moonlight. "Ekko… I'm really glad we're doing this together."

He reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Me too, Powder. I don't know where this road is going, but I know that with you, it'll be worth it."

She smiled at him, and for a moment, they just stood there, holding hands under the moonlit sky, the weight of their shared dreams hanging in the air between them.

"Together, huh?" she murmured, almost to herself.

"Together," Ekko confirmed, his voice steady.

They both knew that what they had was more than just a simple relationship—it was the beginning of something far bigger. They were building not just a future for themselves, but for the people they cared about, for the city they loved.

And as they walked into the night, hand in hand, it felt like the start of something extraordinary.