Arcane: Ekko and Powder

The sun hung low in the sky, casting an amber hue over the city of Zaun. The streets were bustling, but for Ekko, it felt like the world had quieted down to a distant hum as he walked toward Powder's home. His heart raced in his chest, each beat echoing his nervous anticipation. This was the moment—one he had known was coming, but one he couldn't quite prepare for.

It had been a few weeks since Ekko and Powder had made their feelings for each other clear, and while they had been happy, the question of what came next lingered between them like an unspoken challenge. The uncertainty had been there, too, though they had tried to put it out of their minds. But now it was time to face it head-on. Ekko was going to tell Powder's family about their relationship.

Specifically, he was going to talk to Vander—the man who had been a father figure to Powder, the one who had raised her alongside Vi and tried to steer her down the right path. Vander's approval meant more to Powder than anything, and Ekko wasn't about to let that weigh on him. But still, the thought of telling him about the depth of his feelings for Powder had him feeling like his stomach was a battleground of nerves and excitement.

He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as he arrived at the familiar doorway of the home they shared. Powder had given him a simple nod earlier, telling him to go ahead and speak with Vander, and that she would join them once she'd finished some work in the workshop. She was always busy tinkering with something, but this—this was important. Ekko had to get it right.

He knocked, his knuckles rapping against the wooden door, his heart thudding harder with each passing second. Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing Vander standing on the other side. His imposing figure loomed in the doorway, his face as calm and stoic as ever, but there was something in his eyes—something that told Ekko he already knew what was about to happen.

"Ekko," Vander said, his voice low and steady. "Come in. We've been waiting for you."

Ekko's eyebrows furrowed slightly in confusion. "You've been waiting for me?"

Vander stepped aside, motioning for Ekko to enter. "Come on in. I figured we'd have this talk eventually. Might as well get it over with."

As Ekko stepped inside, he felt a bit of his tension ease. There was no judgment in Vander's eyes, no coldness. If anything, it was like the older man had been expecting this conversation for some time. Ekko wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing, but he followed Vander into the main room, where Vi was sitting at the table, casually flicking through a stack of notes.

Vi looked up as Ekko entered, her eyes narrowing slightly before a smirk curled on her lips. "So, Ekko," she said, leaning back in her chair, "you finally decided to do it, huh? Good luck with that."

Ekko blinked, clearly thrown off by the comment. "What? You knew?"

"Of course," Vi replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "You really think you can sneak around here without me noticing? I'm not blind, you know."

He gave her a sheepish smile, rubbing the back of his neck. "I thought I could at least surprise you."

Vander's deep chuckle filled the room. "You'll find that with Powder, surprises are rare." His voice softened as he looked at Ekko with a knowing expression. "She's been through a lot in her life, and you've been a constant for her, Ekko. That means a lot."

Ekko swallowed, feeling the weight of Vander's words. "I care about her, Vander. More than I've ever cared about anyone. I know it's complicated, but I don't want to hurt her. I just... I need you to know how serious I am about this."

Vander nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving Ekko's face. "I know, son. I can see it. You've been there for her when no one else was, and that's something she'll never forget."

The way Vander said it, with such finality, sent a shiver down Ekko's spine. The man had always been a mentor to him, but now, in this moment, he was seeing Vander as a father figure to Powder—someone who had seen her through everything, someone whose approval mattered more than anything.

"I've seen what's been happening between you two," Vander continued, his gaze softening as he leaned back in his chair. "It's not hard to miss. And I've also seen how Powder looks at you—how she trusts you. I'm not blind either."

Ekko's mouth went dry as he absorbed Vander's words. "So... you're okay with it?"

Vander let out a sigh, glancing at Vi before meeting Ekko's eyes again. "It's not about being 'okay with it,' son. It's about you both being real with each other. I know Powder, and I know that she won't settle for anything less than that. If you're not honest with her, if you don't take care of her heart the way she deserves, then I'll have a problem with it."

Vi leaned forward in her chair, her arms crossed. "Yeah, because nothing says 'respect' like getting involved with my little sister. But I trust Ekko. Just don't break her heart, man."

Ekko nodded quickly, feeling the intensity of their words. "I won't. I promise."

Vander studied him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, finally, he gave a slow, deliberate nod. "Then, that's all I need to hear."

Ekko's chest filled with relief, the tension he'd carried in his shoulders for so long finally easing. It wasn't just approval; it was understanding. Vander didn't need to say much more than that—he could see the sincerity in Ekko's eyes. Powder had been through enough loss in her life; Ekko had to be the one to be there for her in every way. Vander trusted him to be that person.

"And don't forget," Vander said with a slight grin, "if you ever need any advice on how to handle my daughter, I'm just a call away."

Ekko's eyes widened, but before he could respond, Vander raised a hand. "Don't worry, I'll keep it to myself. Just remember that Powder deserves the best. You better be that for her."

"I will," Ekko said, his voice steady, feeling the weight of Vander's words. "Thank you."

"Alright," Vi said, clapping her hands together as if breaking the tension. "That's enough of the sappy stuff. You two are officially a thing, and I'm not going to pretend I'm surprised. Just don't come crying to me if she punches you for something stupid."

Ekko chuckled, his nerves finally dissipating. "I'll try to avoid that, Vi. Thanks."

As Ekko left the room, his thoughts were clearer than they had been before. He had Vander's blessing, and while there would always be challenges ahead, he knew they could face them together. Powder's family had accepted their relationship, and that meant everything to him.

As he walked out into the evening light, his mind wandered to Powder. What had started as a simple friendship had grown into something deeper, more beautiful than he ever could have imagined. And now, with the approval of the people who mattered most to her, he was ready for whatever came next.

He couldn't help but smile as he thought of her. Powder was his heart, and he would always be there for her, just as he had promised. And now, with their relationship fully out in the open, nothing would hold them back.