#...okay fine I'll tag it too

[some-pers0n]

hi hey just wanna let u know that i (this anon in particular) would always want to listen to your thoughts about The Thing youre excited about regardless of the reason or my knowledge or the time-space continuum!

YOU! Ohhh anon you poor soul. I'm terribly sorry. I have been holding onto this ask for a while, at least until the next time I felt as Energized about Them again. Shaking. Twitching. I don't quite know how to explain it. I can only take potshots at attempting to rationalize my thoughts behind them. With that said, here's more rambling about Engiemedic, the only thing I seem to care about

I've rambled about Engiemedic a fair amount of times before, either jokingly with goofy remarks about them or writing a giantass fic about them. They scratch a certain part of my brain that is difficult to really describe and pin-down.

Like I've never really "shipped" anybody before them. Did I like ships? Yeah sure of course. I've always liked considering relationships and thinking about how they intersect and are written. It's probably definitely the aroace bit of me talking, but I only really get involved in ships when there's really some substance to them.

It makes Engiemedic this weird fucked up anomaly to me then because what the hell do you mean that this decently popular non-canon pairing that's had all of like 30 seconds of shared screentime and maybe seven panels where they're in the same room at max has become so engrossing and fascinating to me. It's not like the usual ships where this happens to people; the ones with lengthy tragic tales tied to them or spend so much time with one another. It's just two silly guys

It just...perplexes me. It's odd. I can't describe what about it really draws me in, despite the fact I've written so much. I can at least try and figure out what it is though

I think the thing that made me first interested was simply the dynamic and jokes to be made. They are exceptionally silly, wherein I can fully believe them sticking together and doing weird experiments for hours upon hours. It's hard not to imagine them getting excited over whatever project they've been throwing themselves at. It's fun

Because ultimately both Engie and Medic are both unethical murderous science people, Medic obviously while Engie is a tiny bit more subtle. Their dynamic is interesting in that regard 'cause, when paired together, now you've got two weirdo freaky smart people tossing back ideas and before you know it now they're trying to create some sort of nuclear-powered contraption that explodes bones

It calls out to me in a way that other ships don't, especially Heavymedic. No shade to Heavymedic shippers out there, I think it's still a fun ship, but I don't find it as compelling with their dynamic. Heavy is a reasonable and level-headed guy. Yeah he kills people and laughs about their misery and whatever, but he's more stable than most other mercs. If Medic was to say "I want to self-isolate for days on end while I work to create the bubonic plague 2.0" Heavy would have concerns and try to stop him from doing it because What the Hell

Engie, however, would endorse it. I think Engie and Medic are very similar in that regard. They're dedicated to their crafts and understand the nuance and skill that it takes to partake in it. Engie obviously still has qualms and is there in case Medic clearly ain't right, but he's more likely to get caught up in whatever experiment that Medic is trying to do

Which brings me to my next point: the way they influence each other. When together, I think they are at their best and worst (morally at least). It's like that trope with two smart people coming together and being dumbasses, but instead it's with them making weird creations and doing odd experiments that ultimately do not benefit anyone. They simply do it for fun

On a more personal level, I think Medic draws out the parts of Engie where he tries to hide and represses. Headcanons, obviously, but I think Medic taps into Engie's more sinister nature as a maniac with a god complex and a hankering to kill and really draws it out. It's infectious and hard not to try and match his energy. Medic makes Engie want to get more creative with his projects and drives him to be more experimental and, of course, murderous

Likewise and, again, mainly headcanons, I think Engie helps Medic tap into a slightly more "human" side. I think Medic generally struggles with caring about other people, discarding them in favour of working on his own projects and being by himself. Engie is one of the first people he's encountered that not only likes him and enjoys his company, but is just as wacky and weird as he is. Engie is more charismatic and outgoing and, while still not too terribly great with the whole emotions thing, helps Medic out in case he's Not Doing Good

Their personalities intertwine so much they make me ever so slightly ill. They don't seem alike really at first glance. Medic is over the top, eccentric, and generally a giggly mad scientist. Clear to see the archetype he's based on. Yet, when you look past Engie's charming little quips about Texas, he's very much alike Medic. He has a god complex, is highly intelligent, morally bankrupt, etc and etc. He's just as eccentric and wacky as the doc is, but is only slightly better at keeping it under wraps

I just think they're really entertaining when put together honestly. Sure yeah I love me my angsty and fluffy stuff with them, but I think they're simply great when just working on some project and talking to each other. Their personalities bounce off of one another exceptionally well and it's hard for them not to get so caught up in their work that Oh No it's been Four Days and they haven't left the workshop/laboratory

Ultimately, yeah. I think they care about each other a lot that way. Their work is...intimate in a way. They're lab partners. They spend all of this time together, defying God's will with whatever unholy machination they've crafted, they got to have some sort of bond

What makes me happy is that I think a lot of people really like the concept of Engiemedic in any form. Platonic, romantic, whatever. I personally go for QPR stuff (something about their love being undefinable by normal standards blah blah), but I think it's a neat observation that makes me like it more. It's hard to deny that they're really fun together

Speaking of their connections, let's talk about their roles in the actual game. Y'all heard of the Heavymedic duo, with Heavy running around with a Medic pocketing him the entire time, but have you ever considered the Engiemedic duo?? Engie and Medic are the BACKBONES of this game honestly. All it takes is one Engineer or Medic on a team to shift the balance entirely. Everyone wants a good Engie and Medic, but it's a hard role to fill and nobody really wants it. However, they're needed. They're necessary. They're the main support roles of the game than, say, Sniper or Spy ever are. They're the underappreciated, yet incredibly vital parts of the team.

Honestly the Engiemedic duo is far more prevalent and makes far more sense than the Heavymedic duo, because tbh you can say that Medic is closely connected to any class. Soldiermedic duo where Solly just spams rockets and wipes out the entire team. Demomedic duo where Demo just spams pipes and annihilates every building. What makes the Heavymedic duo any special? God I'm sorry for being a little Heavymedic hater, I promise I think the ship is alright, but idk. I like Engiemedic a lot

Anywho, I think Engiemedic is extremely fun to write about as well as just generally experience. There's so much you can apply to them. It's hard to think of anything they can't do, really. They're great with humor, what with shoving them into a room with some cadaver and letting them have at it. They're great with angst because, with headcanons, they can be really heavily fucked up people trying to make things work. They're great with fluff because they're so silly and it's easy to think of them doing cute things with one another. The list goes on!

They're...special to me. They're certainly something. I could go into all sorts of other things too (more esoteric and metaphoric I'm talking), but eh who cares. I don't like delving too much into headcanons and my own weird readings with these more generalized rambles. I just think they're silly :]

[choco-dawn]

guess who played this game for the first time and then immediately played it again for her friends

[gethoce]

[First] - [Prev]

Meta Knight's confession 3/3, Just a little Guy

Not exactly what Meta Knight expected. What counts is that Dedede feels a wee bit more at ease!

[kurokoros]

still mad that we didn't get Vecna possessing Steve. haha silly Steve who asks stupid questions and everyone dunks on as if he's not an athlete and one of the better combatants in the group. Steve, who knocked out a trained soldier at 19. Steve, who has been beaten to hell every season and gotten right back up afterwards. just goofy old Steve.

but what if Steve wasn't actually Steve anymore?

[torchickentacos]

The pokemon anime subreddit fascinates and frustrates me on equally deep levels

[redgearsmovin]

and in this moment, we dance.

A Dave/Boris fic.

Summary:

Dave finds himself sharing a dance with a famous ballet dancer.

Words: 1780.

Note:

It's not mentioned but this fic is written with the headcanon that Dave is aro-spec. Unsure if that is portrayed clearly tho, or if the characters might be OOC haha. Anyway this silly little crackship has been on my mind alot, hope you like this writing of them!

You can also read it on: AO3 | SqW

* * *

As Guests of Honour, the Movers and Nina were looking forward to the backstage access. Once the other ticket holders had wrapped up their meet and greet, the five friends were brought to the VIP area, where they would meet the two dancers there.

"Boris, Oksana, your performance was beautiful!" Nina said excitedly.

"Yeah, I couldn't look away!" Scott added.

"You both danced wonderfully," Smitty complimented.

Dave took off his cap to pull out a big bouquet of red roses and handed it to Oksana. "For you," he said, putting on the hat again. Oksana grinned as she accepted it.

"Thank you Movers! Thank you Nina!" Oksana replied with a slight curtsy, and they bowed back.

"Yes, we are very happy you enjoy show," Boris said, smiling. "We love seeing you in crowd." He looked at them, and when his eyes landed on Dave, he gave him a quick wink. The gesture was met with a slightly surprised expression from the Mover, his eyebrows slightly raised. The others were oblivious to it aside from Nina who noticed, her gaze shifting between the two men. They all then continued their conversation for a little while.

"So, what's next? Are you two going back home?" Rich asked.

"We have more show next week."

"Da. We stay in your country until show is done," Oksana added. "We will love to see you all again. You too, Mousenik." She patted Warehouse Mouse gently, and the mouse cheered. "We hope to dance more in your country now that we are still the famous dancers."

"We're really glad it all turned out well. Congratulations to both of you!" Rich said happily.

"All thanks to your help too," Boris noted.

"So, great job to us too!" Rich cheered, holding his hand up for a high five.

The others got ready for the high-five as well, though Dave was interrupted when Boris handed him the bouquet and a few other gifts the dancers received from their fans.

"Please bring these," Boris said, making his way to one of the rooms away from where they all gathered.

Dave stood there for a moment, balancing the items in his hands before eventually following Boris' lead.

'At least he said "please" this time', Dave thought to himself, pursing his lips. He walked over to a table and carefully placed the items down. He let out a sigh, then looked at the dancer who was standing near a dressing room mirror. "Alright, I put all your stuff here."

"Thank you," Boris replied, flashing a smile at Dave. He placed a tube of his favourite hair gel inside the bag, along with the other tubes.

"Guess you won't be using those anymore, huh?" Dave remarked.

"Mmm, not so much, but maybe a little." Boris closed his bag and turned to approach Dave, taking proud strides. "Enough to make Boris extra handsome, no?" he said with a smirk, running his hands through his hair.

Dave took a small step back when Boris stood right in front of him. He scoffed, then shrugged as he plainly replied, "Sure."

Boris chuckled lightly, a more genuine smile forming on his face, and for a moment the Mover froze. Even if his constant self-praising were bordering on being annoying, Dave couldn't deny that the dancer was quite attractive and very well aware of it.

"One more thing I want to ask." Boris' words snapped Dave out of his thoughts.

"Huh, what?"

"Will you do honour of dancing with Boris?" The dancer asked, offering his hand.

Dave looked at it, then back at the man. He promptly glanced to his side and checked his surroundings before facing Boris again.

"Are you.. asking me?" he asked, a confused look plastered on his face.

Boris cocked an eyebrow. "Do you see other handsome man being here?"

Dave felt his face heat up, his eyes widening. "I'm not.. um.." he mumbled, trying to think what to respond. He then cleared his throat and replied, "I don't know ballet. You and Oksana saw how me and the guys danced, right?"

"I can show you," Boris said calmly, "if you like."

Dave blinked a few times, staring at the hand extended to him. Countless thoughts were running through his mind, none of them helping him decide what to do.

What's going on?

Why all of a sudden?

Why me?

Dave frowned, and Boris took note of it. He lowered his hand.

"If not, it's OK," he reassured with a smile, turning away. Dave didn't hear any hint of bitterness in those words, and his expression relaxed. He decided to not overthink it.

"W-wait!"

The dancer looked at the Mover, who spoke once more.

"I, uh, I'd like to dance."

Upon hearing his words, Boris smirked. He offered his hand again, and Dave accepted.

* * *

Admittedly, Dave still wasn't so sure about this.

Ballet music played gently across the room. The two men faced one another, hand in hand. They moved together, with Boris patiently guiding Dave in each step. They pulled each other close, and Dave was still trying to grasp everything that was happening. He couldn't help but observe his dance partner; the way his dark hair fell on his forehead, feeling the heat from his rough palms whenever their hands met, the woody scent of his perfume as strong and intense as the person wearing it.

Dave had never realized how big his dark pupils seemingly were, and he found himself staring into them. Boris smirked as he raised an eyebrow, looking into Dave's bright blue eyes in return. He began moving his legs, prompting Dave to follow as they continued. Dave swung his arms as gracefully as he could and his feet stepped wherever Boris took him.

"Well done, kotyonok. You dance very good," Boris said, grinning as he twirled Dave around.

They ended their little dance with a dip; Boris had his hand supporting the Mover's waist as Dave leaned back into it. The Mover froze again, his eyes widened as he gazed into Boris' eyes once more, their faces now inches away from each other. He could feel his heart pounding, the overwhelming mix of perfume and musk piercing his nostrils, and the warmth from the other man's body. His head was clouded, his senses almost overwhelmed. Boris observed Dave's reaction, his face slowly inching closer to the Mover. Dave's mind was racing.

Aren't things going a little too fast?

Should I lean in? Close my eyes?

This perfume is too strong. It's nauseating.

Just like in fairytales, kiss and live happily ever after.

I can't feel my legs. My face feels numb.

He swept me right off my feet! Metaphorically and literally.

The others are probably looking for me.

What a dreamy moment~

This isn't happening.

Dave closed his eyes shut, as Boris leaned more into him. He could feel the dancer's breathing on his face, and at that moment, everything was too much.

"Sorry."

Dave moved his head, leaning further as he slightly pushed Boris away.

Boris carefully pulled back from Dave, holding his hand as he helped the Mover stand up properly. Once Dave was steady on his feet, Boris held Dave's hand up to his lips and gave it a soft kiss before letting it go.

"No worry, it is pleasure dancing with you."

Dave's face was flushed, his heart still beating quick as he looked down, trying to calm himself.

"Ah, before you go.." Boris walked over to a table and grabbed a piece of what seemed to be a poster. He uncapped a marker and started writing something on it, then looked up as he asked, "What is your name?"

"Huh, oh—" Dave briefly looked down to his suit, realizing his nametag wasn't on there. "It's uh, it's Dave."

"Dave.." Boris continued writing, and Dave's eyes wandered elsewhere, still reeling from what had happened.

"Here." Boris handed over the poster, which was of him in a ballet pose, with unfamiliar writing on the bottom left which Dave could assume one of the words was his name spelt in Russian, along with Boris' signature. "If you ever miss me." He winked before going back to his bag.

Dave took a look at the poster, then pulled a face. "Um, thanks." He kept it in his hat and glanced at the door. "I should probably head back to the others."

"Farewell, Dave. Thank you again."

"Yeah, bye." Dave gave a small wave before exiting the room.

* * *

"There you are, Dave!"

Dave was caught off guard when he heard Nina's voice calling to him. The Movers turned to his direction as he approached them.

"Hey guys—"

"Hey, are you okay?" Scott interrupted. "Your face is so red, almost like your hat!"

He stepped closer, cupping his hands on Dave's face as he continued, "And it's so hot too!"

The others looked at him curiously. Dave chuckled, pushing Scott's hands off him. "It's nothing. I'm probably just tired."

"Yeah, it is getting late. And we have to leave now anyway," Smitty chimed in, petting a sleepy Warehouse Mouse who he was carrying in his arm.

The others nodded and made their way out the theatre. While walking to the Mover Mobile, Nina suddenly stopped in her tracks. "Oh no!"

"What? What's wrong, Nina?" Rich asked worriedly.

"I forgot to ask Boris for his autograph.." Nina said, pouting.

"Oh! I got you." Dave pulled out the poster from his hat, handing it over to Nina. Her eyes lit up as she unrolled the poster. "You can have it."

"Wow, thanks Dave!" Nina grinned widely and Dave nodded. The others smiled as they all continued walking.

Shortly after, Nina called out to Dave again. "Hey Dave, maybe you'd wanna keep this," she said in a quieter voice, giving him a small knowing smile as she handed a folded sticky note that was attached to the poster.

"Hm, what.." Dave hadn't noticed it there. He opened the note, then furrowed his eyebrows. "It's.. a phone number?"

"Ooh.." Nina smirked at him. "I guess someone was hoping to see you again."

"Who would..." Dave stopped his sentence, a red tint forming on his cheeks. "..oh."

Nina couldn't hold back a smile. She leaned closer to Dave as she spoke, "Anything you want to share?"

Dave cleared his throat, covering his mouth. "..not yet. I'm still.. processing it."

Nina patted his arm. "Okay then, I won't say anything about it."

"Thanks, Nina," Dave said, giving her a grateful smile.

"Let's go catch up to them."

"Oh, right!"

They both walked faster to the other Movers in front of them, eager to get back home and get some rest from a long, exciting day.

[thatonefreemanversefic]

Happy Cicero Sunday! How are u? ^_^ -⛄

I'm a day late!! Noooo!!!

To answer your question, I am doing fine :D I know this blog has been silent for a while now and the fic has been on a brief hiatus, but rest assured I am working on it still!! My goal is to get an update out sometime between now and this Saturday o7

[bueris]

okay maybe I should seriously reconsider my path in life and sell my soul to marketing or journalism instead

[jon-withnoh]

There have been too many big life events in the past week. I am sleeping so badly. My brain is not processing.

[cherrylight]

hello everyone. do you want to see my tua self insert whose lore is so confusing and discombobulated because of time (i also have too many ideas for her lore wise so it's okay i guess). i'm being brave, because you are seeing her and i'm indecisive.

look at my darling. i love you. (i like the one on the left a lot i'm sorry)

picrew

[voidsaber]

#3 you can (not) redo

[shiguknifeii]

This was the silly thing, a Puyo Puyo x Doko Demo Issyo featuring my OC's. I know I should've taken the opportunity to make Sora as Sig and then Kuro as Black Sig, but that didn't process in my brain while making it.

Also cause Toro x Kuro exists, so... (Spreading the Sig x Knife propaganda, lol).

Here's more pictures I wanted to share.

Knife likes Kuro (Platonically)

But Amitie likes Knife (Romantically) (Gotta spread the Amitie x Knife bibble too, y'know)

Speaking of Amitie liking Knife...

AU Amitie in a nutshell (At least when it comes to the funnies) (P.S. Yes, that is Sig on the floor :). No he is not dead.)

[miabrown007]

me: well, catcher in the rye might still be good and valuable, despite the insufferable narration

the internet: its distinct style of narration is the biggest value of catcher in the rye

me: ...oh

[le-velo-pour-dru]

I'm literally so normal about watching iDKHOW/Brobecks videos on the TV <3 (<- complete lies)

[imp-thing]

Oh boy! Self-indulgent art!

[the-kr8tor]

She Chose Me

Pairing: Ekko x fem! Reader

Synopsis: Ekko asks you to help him pierce his ear, but it leads to something unexpected.

Word count: 2.2k

Tags: Use of Y/N sparsely, no specific physical description of the reader (except for clothing), established relationship, childhood friends to lovers (speed run edition), lovestruck! Ekko, spoilers for season 2, CW blood mention, fluff.

@yumeaoka-chan -- I combined your prompt (using z-drive after R confesses) with this one I hope it's okay! If not I can still do your request 🫶

Navigation

“Stop moving, Ekko.” Your hands pause on his ear lobe, the needle in between your index and thumb shakes slightly from trepidation.

“I'm not.” He says, brows pinched together, nose scrunched up in front of the cracked hand mirror he's holding.

“Yes, you are. You're fidgeting.” Leaning down, knee pressed on the side of his thigh whilst he's sitting down on a tiny stool. Chin laying atop his shoulder, you stare at him through the mirror. “Just breathe, boss man.” He huffs at the nickname, the small smile on his lips betraying the annoyed huff.

Ekko seems confident in his seat, brown eyes steady, breathing stable and his hands don't tremble despite the looming danger he's about to face. Danger you're about to face.

The tree house is brightly lit with the warm lamp illuminating directly at him and you. But the air around you sits heavy with worry and fear for what's to come. He may seem fine on the outside, but he's frozen with fear inside. His stomach feels like it's about to flip at any moment, breath heavy inside his throat, and heart pounding with every second it ticks by. He's afraid, deadly afraid. But he won't let it show, especially to you. And yet, you know. You can see it in how his eyes dart back and forth from the clock ticking in the corner, then over to the reflection of your face. You've known him for a long time, ever since you grew up with him on the same streets.

Familiarity comes with it, affection dragged alongside the familiarity.

“I'll just do it myself.” Twisting around in his seat, stool squeaking, he tries to grab the clean needle from you. He fails when you move it away from his reach. “C’mon, if you don't want to do it, I'll do it.”

“Too late for that. Besides, I already disinfected it.” You tilt your head with the same look you give him whenever you catch him lying. Surrendering, he drops his hand to his lap.

“Then why are you hesitating?” His eyes narrow at you, trying to ignore how his jacket looks good on you. “Do you still not believe me that it'll look good?”

“No, I believe you.” You click your tongue, pushing the swivel stool so that his back is turned away from you. He rolls his eyes at your indignation. “I know you'll look good with anything, Ekko.” Lifting up the mirror with your hand wrapped gently around his wrist, you can see yourself in the mirror again, and how his eyes avoid your own. He doesn't flinch from the contact, he languishes in it. “It’s just that— your timing is a bit off.”

You've iced his bruises, lovingly painted on his face with the same hourglass shape almost everyday, it's only natural that you'd pierce his ear too. Despite your initial protest.

“No time like the present.” Ekko glances at your reflection, your eyes boring into the side of his head with worry. For a second, he contemplates whether or not he should tell you what happened in the alternate universe. But he thinks it's better off telling you about his feelings for you rather than explain what he experienced. One day he'll tell you, but for now he focuses on winning the war so that day would come. It's easier to explain that he's been in love with you for the past seven or so years. But he won't actually do it now, right?

“I thought about it, Y/N. I'm sure.”

Smiling, you take his chin gently in your hand, making him face the mirror and in turn face you. “I know you don't do anything half assed.” Flicking your eyes at his hair, you smile wider, “I mean, that hair?” You whistle lowly. “You look fucking dapper, more than ready to take on the whole noxian army.”

Ekko swallows thickly, hands clammy, and the mirror in danger of slipping from his grip. “Thanks.” Inhaling, he hides his flustered self effortlessly. He's experienced in that area after years of doing it. He clears his throat. “Can you please just do it?”

“Of course.” You lean away, assuming the previous position of you holding the needle at his earlobe. He can't ignore how warm your hands are, or how your eyes trace the slope of his face with a sneaky look. “When you stop squirming that is.”

With a roll of his eyes, Ekko swiftly twists the seat to face you once again. The sudden momentum has you almost falling backwards, if not for his hands holding and catching you in place, you would've fallen flat on your back. You notice his warm hands on your bare waist, cropped shirt leaving your skin naked and in full display for him.

You thought that he would pull back from the contact and how you look at him with wild eyes, but within a second, he pulls you in, standing you in between his legs. Placing your hand on his shoulders, and the other accidentally on his bare stomach, you're careful not to poke him with the needle. Your eyes never left his, and his own never left the comfort of your stare.

“I don't…” His eyes stare intently, hands squeezing the dip of your hips. “...Squirm.”

Your skin is aflame, goosebumps spreading like wildfire all over you. “N–No, you don't.” You feel like a puddle, and he's ready to soak you right up.

He nods once, taking your wrist and placing the needle to graze at the shell of his ear. “Glad we could finally agree.”

Cupping his cheek with your free hand, you sigh. “I'm worried about you, Ekko.”

“Is that why you're stalling?” He asks, leaning against your hand as he stares up at you with soft eyes.

“That, and I've only pierced ears thrice in my life. Two for me, one for Scar.” Chuckling, you brush your thumb right under his tired eyes. There's a shine on those eyes you love so much, something akin to hope. You know he saw something in those months he was gone. He isn't ready yet to tell you, but you're willing to wait and stick around just for him. He doesn't even need to tell you anything, he's already here back with you and that's enough. “I–I don't know what's gonna happen out there. I know not getting injured is out of the question, but please, I still want to tell you to be careful.”

His vision flashes back to you in the other universe, where your eyes aren't permanently etched with fatigue, lips forever pressed together in a smile. She was you, and her lips were on his own for a moment. But he knows you and her aren't the same person. Both were born and raised in Zaun, but lived in two different circumstances.

And yet, both chose to be with him.

“Ekko?” With your voice calling him, he blinks and your face greets him back, the same face he grew up with, the same face he loved throughout the years. “I won't pierce your ear until you promise me.”

“I love you.” He blurts out, but not lacking sincerity.

You chuckle, needle almost slipping from your fingers. “You do?”

“Yeah, figured, why the hell not?” His nonchalance helps hide his apprehension.

“Is this your way of making me pierce your ears?” You say through the unshed tears.

Ekko raises a brow, the corner of his lips tugging into a smile. “You're stalling again.”

“This time I'm not.” Sitting down on his lap to level with him, he graciously lets you with his hand pushing on your waist so you could be closer to him. His hands never left your body, holding you in place. Cupping his cheeks, you pull him closer to your waiting lips. “I was just taking the time to simmer in your confession. Scar owes me lunch.”

“You bet on—? Shut up about Scar—” with a soft push against the small of your back, he meets halfway with you. Finally sealing your lips with a much awaited kiss.

Ekko hums against you, the sound reverberating from your lips down to your chest, filling it with warmth. He holds you flush against him. Chest to chest, arms holding you impossibly closer. The sound of your lips in sync with his echoes around the small room. Eyes closed, you memorize how he feels on you, how his breath stutters against you, and how his eyes fluttered closed the second you kissed him back with the same softness and fervent.

His hands slither across your back until he blindly reaches for the back of your neck, pulling you closer, angling your face to better kiss you fully. It's the first kiss out of many, sloppy, smiling in between, teeth still clashing together, and nose knocking against one another, but it still has you breathless in his arms.

“Ekko.” You whisper, leaning slightly away to intake air back into your lungs. “I love you too. Have been since you accidentally knocked me unconscious with a wrench.”

He blinks, hand moving away from you to pull at the rope on his z-drive. The world goes back a few seconds with you locking lips with him, heaving in place, hands balled around his hair.

“I love you too. Have been since you accidentally knocked me unconscious with a wrench.”

He beams at you, pulling and releasing the rope back to reverse time once more to hear the words he has only heard in his dreams.

You pull back away from him, lips obviously kissed. “I love you too. Have been since you accidentally knocked me unconscious with a wrench.”

Ekko chuckles, placing his forehead atop yours to breathe you in. You giggle, releasing his hair to slide your hands down and move towards his chest to feel his beating heart against your palms.

“Sorry, just wanted to hear you say it again. You fell for me because of that?”

Your brows furrow at his peculiar words. Eyes moving at his hand that's still clutching the rope, you laugh. “You could've just asked me to say it again. The wrench probably knocked something loose.” You joke, still panting from the kiss.

Leaning away, his knuckles brush along your jaw then down to your lips where he wipes the sheen with his thumb. “And I wanted to kiss you again.”

“You should've said so.” Your eyes are practically shaped like hearts. “Pucker up, Ekko.”

He smiles, closing the distance once again. The kiss was much more familiar this time, soft and gentle, savouring every second of it. Your nose still nudges his own, but it's intentional this time. He still smiles during the kiss, but it's because you do too. Once he reluctantly moves away to inhale, you grab his face, pecking all over his cheek, chin, nose and forehead, until there's no space that's left unkissed. You pull away, and he does the same, lips smacking carefully against the tip of your nose, in between your eyes, and cheekbones, until you're a giggling mess in his arms.

Ekko looks at you with a lopsided smile, giddiness etched on his ecstatic expression. “Now we're both stalling.”

“At this point we're not getting anything done. Baby blue might bust in here to tell us off.”

“Later then.” He promises, a promise to be careful, a promise that he'll come back to you alive.

You nod, kissing him chastely, eyes tightly closed with a hope that your kiss would single handedly protect him. Pulling away, you grin at him, easing him some more. “Later, I promise.” You vow him the same thing.

“Okay,” he pats your thigh, reluctantly lifting you off his lap. “Come and stab me.”

Shaking your head with a smile, you take a fresh needle and quickly disinfect it since the needle you were holding onto is long gone in between the floorboards. Cleaning your hands, you shake your nerves away, and the trembling in your hands, not from the anxiety but from his breathtaking kiss.

Holding his ear lobe, you're the one holding your breath in once he nods at you to do it. With the needle piercing him, and the new silver hoop earring in, you marvel at the sight of your handiwork.

You hold the mirror up, showing him the back. “You didn't bleed much, thank fuck. What do you think?”

Ekko, rotates on his seat again, grabbing you by your hips with his finger looped around your belt loops and pulling you closer as he looks up at you with endearment.

“I like it, what do you think?” He plops his head on your shoulder, careful not to nudge his new piercing.

“You're right, it suits you. You look very handsome.” You whisper, hand splayed over his back, and lips blowing air into his warm ear, making him flinch away. He looks at you, feigning offense but his mirrored smile says otherwise. “You're welcome, you still need to pay me though.”

“Oh really?” The silver earring sparkles in the light as he tilts his head teasingly. “In what kind?”

You pretend to think. “Hmm, I'll take payment in kisses.”

He shrugs, taking your chin in between his fingers. “Pucker up then. I have too much so I expect some spare change right after.”