[Hythlodaeus hadn't been overstating it when he had told Ekko that the world he came from was a utopia in terms of everyone's material needs being met. It's difficult for him to imagine somewhere where people are seen as so much 'lesser' that they are deliberately funnelled the pollution of others.
The small shake of his head is the only indication of his disbelief. Not that Ekko is telling the truth, but that people can be so cruel.]
And those people in the city, those would be the 'Pilties' you've mentioned before?
[He healed from it, in his own fractured way. In the way most anyone heals from grief: the best they can, and never completely.]
She... [His lips thin, hands coming to clasp together tightly.] I admired Vi, you know? She seemed... unstoppable. Bold. Strong. And she loved her sister. Never saw another sibling pair near as close as they were.
[And then his face crumples a bit, and his hand comes up to hold his face.]
I- I know she's only human, but... damnit... She was supposed to be better than us. Better than this.
[His eyes close, expression contorted in pain.]
Vi, joining the Pilties? To hunt down her own sister?
If it'd been anyone but Jinx who told me, I don't know if I'd laugh in their face or punch them for having the gall.
[He doesn't want to overwhelm the young man, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to not put an arm around him. Hythlodaeus leaves his hand where it is.]
People can do all kinds of unexpected, even terrible things, for all kinds of reasons... [A soft sigh.] Does Jinx know why she did it? 'Hunting' is a rather strong word.
[Hythlodaeus is clearly listening, without judgement, his attention following Ekko as he moves.
He mulls over what he's heard without seeking to cast any ill will towards Jinx herself - no doubt she's been through a lot as well. Ekko is his concern right now.]
... What do you want to do, Ekko? You don't have to decide anything big right away.
You're allowed to be angry. [And safe to be angry around him, though he thinks Ekko knows that.] And upset, grieving, confused, and anything else you might be feeling.
[His gaze slides away as he thinks.]
We do have the gym, but that may feel too public. Something in the Enclosure perhaps?
You're both hurting. [That much is clear.] But you mustn't dismiss your own emotions for the sake of other people. That's... like trying to save someone who's drowning when you're already exhausted from keeping yourself afloat. All that happens is you both sink.
[He gives Ekko's arm a light rub.]
But you're not alone. Neither of you are. Understand?
[If that doesn't prick at some momentary past regrets...
He's been resisting the impulse to just hug the young man since they sat down and as Ekko shuts his eyes, Hythlodaeus carefully shifts closer and puts an arm around him.]
I understand. [His voice is soft. All he had ever desired in life, after all, was to be the supporting character in the dreams of his friends. To make sure they achieved their greatest goals.] You're safe here, we can talk through this together.
[He rubs Ekko's shoulder gently when he feels him lean in.]
Right here, now, in my presence, you are. I'm afraid I can't make promises for anything else.
[It would be a lie to say he could and he is aware that Ekko would know that. If even John can't always jump into a situation within moments to stop it in a place like this he knows that he can't, but he can at least be certain about one thing.]
But while you're with me, Ekko, I will not allow you to come to any harm. [A little sigh.] For what small comfort that may be.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2025-10-03 03:43 pm (UTC)The small shake of his head is the only indication of his disbelief. Not that Ekko is telling the truth, but that people can be so cruel.]
And those people in the city, those would be the 'Pilties' you've mentioned before?
[Yes, he does remember being compared.]
no subject
Date: 2025-10-03 04:13 pm (UTC)Yeah.
[He stares ahead, a hollow, haunted look to his gaze.]
They're also the reason my dad got killed right in front of me.
... and Jinx's sister, Vi.. She saw it too. Came up and hugged me.
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Date: 2025-10-03 04:15 pm (UTC)Hythlodaeus reaches out, curling his hand gently around Ekko's forearm.]
I am sorry. That you went through that.
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Date: 2025-10-03 04:36 pm (UTC)It... was a long time ago.
[He healed from it, in his own fractured way. In the way most anyone heals from grief: the best they can, and never completely.]
She... [His lips thin, hands coming to clasp together tightly.] I admired Vi, you know? She seemed... unstoppable. Bold. Strong. And she loved her sister. Never saw another sibling pair near as close as they were.
[And then his face crumples a bit, and his hand comes up to hold his face.]
I- I know she's only human, but... damnit... She was supposed to be better than us. Better than this.
[His eyes close, expression contorted in pain.]
Vi, joining the Pilties? To hunt down her own sister?
If it'd been anyone but Jinx who told me, I don't know if I'd laugh in their face or punch them for having the gall.
no subject
Date: 2025-10-03 04:42 pm (UTC)People can do all kinds of unexpected, even terrible things, for all kinds of reasons... [A soft sigh.] Does Jinx know why she did it? 'Hunting' is a rather strong word.
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Date: 2025-10-03 04:56 pm (UTC)Jinx... isn't blameless in all this.
[A couple beats, before:]
Not sure what all I should share. But she was a wanted criminal by Piltover for sure.
[His hands loosen, and then he looks to Hythlodaeus once more.]
Before I got here, I thought she was a goner, you know? Like— I'd thought the childhood friend I had was never coming back.
[His gaze drops again, eyes heavy with grief and shame.]
... now I realize how wrong I was.
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Date: 2025-10-03 05:01 pm (UTC)He mulls over what he's heard without seeking to cast any ill will towards Jinx herself - no doubt she's been through a lot as well. Ekko is his concern right now.]
... What do you want to do, Ekko? You don't have to decide anything big right away.
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Date: 2025-10-03 05:24 pm (UTC)If I'm honest?
Right now, I just want to punch something really hard.
[Or someone. Consensually.]
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Date: 2025-10-03 05:31 pm (UTC)You're allowed to be angry. [And safe to be angry around him, though he thinks Ekko knows that.] And upset, grieving, confused, and anything else you might be feeling.
[His gaze slides away as he thinks.]
We do have the gym, but that may feel too public. Something in the Enclosure perhaps?
no subject
Date: 2025-10-03 11:08 pm (UTC)[He says the words quietly, brow furrowing.]
Jinx is hurting more than I am - shouldn't I be there for her? Her... grounding figure?
no subject
Date: 2025-10-03 11:14 pm (UTC)You're both hurting. [That much is clear.] But you mustn't dismiss your own emotions for the sake of other people. That's... like trying to save someone who's drowning when you're already exhausted from keeping yourself afloat. All that happens is you both sink.
[He gives Ekko's arm a light rub.]
But you're not alone. Neither of you are. Understand?
no subject
Date: 2025-10-05 04:07 am (UTC)I... I wanna be there for her, Hyth.
[He doesn't even think about the shortening of his name, which is clear in his desperate expression.]
I wasn't there for her before and...
[His eyes shut tight, hand coming up to cover his face.]
Maybe... I could have... prevented it all...
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Date: 2025-10-05 09:50 am (UTC)[If that doesn't prick at some momentary past regrets...
He's been resisting the impulse to just hug the young man since they sat down and as Ekko shuts his eyes, Hythlodaeus carefully shifts closer and puts an arm around him.]
I understand. [His voice is soft. All he had ever desired in life, after all, was to be the supporting character in the dreams of his friends. To make sure they achieved their greatest goals.] You're safe here, we can talk through this together.
no subject
Date: 2025-10-07 01:25 am (UTC)... he's realizing just how long it'd been since he'd received this sort of support from... anyone, actually.
He lets out a breath, and allows himself to lean into the touch.]
"Safe", huh?
[When was the last time he'd felt safe? There'd always been so much to do, never-ending threats.
Even here - Jinx had...]
Heh, funny.
[He says it so flatly. Safe wasn't in the cards for him. Not yet.]
no subject
Date: 2025-10-07 01:31 am (UTC)Right here, now, in my presence, you are. I'm afraid I can't make promises for anything else.
[It would be a lie to say he could and he is aware that Ekko would know that. If even John can't always jump into a situation within moments to stop it in a place like this he knows that he can't, but he can at least be certain about one thing.]
But while you're with me, Ekko, I will not allow you to come to any harm. [A little sigh.] For what small comfort that may be.
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Date: 2025-10-07 02:12 pm (UTC)Thanks... it means - more than I can say.
[Honestly, he doesn't even entirely understand why. He's used to people going to bat for Jinx. It just made sense.
Him, though? He was just... him.
A small smile is managed.]
You should meet Jinx. I think you'd take to each other.
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Date: 2025-10-11 11:49 pm (UTC)I'd certainly have no arguments against getting to know her better, if she'd like that.
[And he gives the young man a gentle squeeze.]
If you need somewhere to go for some peace and quiet, you'll both be welcome here. Without question.
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Date: 2025-10-14 02:56 am (UTC)[Though he's not sure how Jinx would take to peace and quiet.
He takes a deep breath, then lets it out. At the very least, he feels steadier.]
Thanks... For lending an ear.
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Date: 2025-10-14 02:59 am (UTC)Of course. It was my pleasure. I've grown rather fond of you already, you know.
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Date: 2025-10-22 07:23 am (UTC)Remind me to take you to the Undercity, sometime, in the Enclosure.
[At least there they can have a bit more of a normal conversation that doesn't entail Ekko being an emotional mess.]
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Date: 2025-10-25 11:47 pm (UTC)I would like to see it.
[And he means that entirely genuinely!]
If you'd like to see Amaurot in turn, I could show you.
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Date: 2025-11-05 06:41 am (UTC)[His hand comes up, fist bumping on Hythlodaeus's arm - a gesture of comraderie. It's a bit strange, doing it for a "Piltie", but...
Well. Hythlodaeus is one strange Piltie.]
Think I'll go check in on her again. Maybe do something so we can forget about all that crap for a bit.
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Date: 2025-11-09 01:12 am (UTC)Of course. You know how to find me if you have need of me.
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Date: 2025-12-01 04:59 am (UTC)[He definitely seems a little lighter for it, and he gives a little salute before heading off.]