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[ctrl_z]

"This is Ekko. Get back to you when I can."

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[ctrl_z]

[Ekko gives a sigh, leaning back into his seat.]

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.

[modestpurpose]

[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.

[ctrl_z]

[His gaze searches the floor for an answer, before he looks to Hythlodaeus.]

If I'm honest?

Right now, I just want to punch something really hard.

[Or someone. Consensually.]

[modestpurpose]

[Another of those small, kind smiles.]

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?

[ctrl_z]

... am I?

[He says the words quietly, brow furrowing.]

Jinx is hurting more than I am - shouldn't I be there for her? Her... grounding figure?

[modestpurpose]

[The question makes him frown slightly.]

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?

[ctrl_z]

[The edge of his mouth tugs. When he looks at Hythlodaeus again, his eyes shine.]

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...

[modestpurpose]

Ekko...

[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.

[ctrl_z]

[There's a blink, and then his hands lower slightly, a brief look of confusion at the embrace. Not that it's strange, necessarily, just...

... 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.]

[modestpurpose]

[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.

[ctrl_z]

[His hand comes up to pat Hythlodaeus's.]

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.

[modestpurpose]

[Hythlodaeus just smiles and nods in agreement.]

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.

[ctrl_z]

Yeah... I know.

[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.

[modestpurpose]

[He just gives the young man a warm look.]

Of course. It was my pleasure. I've grown rather fond of you already, you know.

[ctrl_z]

[That... he doesn't know what to make of that, either. Perhaps a slight embarrassment and sheepishness. He gives Hythlodaeus a little nudge.]

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.]

[modestpurpose]

[He gives Ekko a bright smile and a little nudge in return.]

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.

[ctrl_z]

Yeah... yeah. That sounds good.

[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.

[modestpurpose]

[He glances down at his arm, a little surprised, then smiles and chuckles softly.]

Of course. You know how to find me if you have need of me.

[ctrl_z]

Yeah.

[He definitely seems a little lighter for it, and he gives a little salute before heading off.]