Chapter 50: Benzo’s Blessing

The following morning was crisp and clear, the sun barely breaking over the smog of Zaun as Ekko made his way through the familiar winding streets toward Benzo's workshop. Powder walked by his side, her steps light but her mind still caught in the quiet intensity of the night before. The kiss they had shared, the gentle touch of her hand in his—it felt like a new chapter, but neither of them were sure how to read the next page.

They had agreed to tell Benzo about their relationship. Ekko had thought about it long into the night, turning over his words, wondering how his mentor would react. Benzo had always been more than just a mentor to him. He was a father figure, a guide, someone who had taken Ekko in when he was nothing but a boy with a broken family and a heart full of dreams. But even the thought of sharing this part of his life with Benzo made Ekko's stomach twist with nerves.

Powder seemed to sense his unease. She bumped her shoulder against his, breaking him from his thoughts. "You're overthinking it," she teased softly, offering him one of her usual mischievous grins. "Benzo's gonna be happy for you. He'll probably make you a celebration drink or something."

Ekko couldn't help but chuckle. The thought of Benzo celebrating something as intimate as this was both comforting and hilarious. "Yeah, maybe," he replied, though his voice was still thick with the uncertainty he felt.

As they approached Benzo's workshop, the familiar sounds of grinding metal and whirring machinery filled the air. It was a small, cramped space, tucked away in one of Zaun's quieter alleys, but it had always felt like a sanctuary. It wasn't just a place where Ekko had learned the art of tinkering with gadgets and machines; it was where he had found purpose. And it was where he had learned the true value of family.

When they reached the door, Ekko hesitated for a moment before knocking. Benzo's deep voice called out from inside, followed by the sound of metal scraping against metal. "Come on in, Ekko. I heard you out there. You too, Powder."

They stepped inside to find Benzo hunched over a large contraption in the corner, his weathered hands working expertly to fix a broken gear. His graying hair and thick beard gave him a rough, imposing appearance, but there was a warmth in his eyes that always put Ekko at ease.

"Morning, old man," Ekko greeted, his voice playful, though his nerves still lingered.

Benzo looked up, his expression softening as he took in the sight of Ekko and Powder standing together. He raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Morning, kid. You two look like you've got something on your minds."

Ekko froze, his heart skipping a beat. Powder shot him a look, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. The moment felt suspended, as if the air had thickened with unspoken understanding. Benzo's gaze flicked between them, and his grin widened.

"Alright, out with it," Benzo said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "I'm guessing you're here for a reason other than to gawk at my new project."

Ekko swallowed hard, his hands fidgeting nervously by his side. This was it. There was no turning back now.

"Benzo," Ekko started, his voice low but steady. "We wanted to tell you something… something important."

Benzo set down the tools he had been holding and wiped his hands on a rag, his gaze never leaving Ekko. Powder stood beside him, her usual energy subdued but her eyes bright with anticipation.

"Go on," Benzo prompted.

Ekko took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts. "Powder and I… we've been together. I mean, in a way that's… more than just friends. We're—" he paused, searching for the right words. "We're in a relationship now. I wanted to tell you. You've always been there for me, and you're like family, so I thought you should know."

The silence that followed was thick with anticipation. Ekko's heart hammered in his chest, waiting for Benzo's reaction. But what came next was not what he had expected.

Benzo chuckled softly, a deep, gravelly sound that filled the small workshop. His eyes softened, and he wiped his hands on his pants before walking toward them. "Kid," he said with a knowing smile, "I could tell you two were closer than you let on. You've both been walking around like you've got secrets for weeks now."

Ekko blinked, confused. "Wait, you knew?"

Benzo gave him a sly grin. "Of course I knew. You think I'm blind? You two are thick as thieves, always looking out for each other. You've always had a bond, Ekko. It was just a matter of time before it became something more."

Ekko's breath escaped in a relieved laugh. He had been so nervous, so uncertain about how Benzo would react, but it seemed the older man had already seen through it all. Benzo reached out and clapped Ekko on the back, the gesture firm and warm. "I'm happy for you, kid. You've always had big dreams, but it's good to have someone to share them with. You've been through a lot together."

Powder smiled softly, her eyes glistening with a quiet kind of happiness. She had always been a little unsure of how Benzo would react, but the warmth in his voice made her feel accepted. It was as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

"I knew you'd understand," Powder said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Benzo chuckled again. "Of course I do. You two have been like family to me. And I've seen the way you look out for each other, even when things get rough. So don't go thinking this is anything new to me."

Ekko grinned, his shoulders relaxing for the first time in what felt like ages. "Thanks, Benzo. It means a lot to hear that from you."

Benzo's face softened, his usual gruff exterior melting away for a moment. "You've come a long way, Ekko. I'm proud of you. Both of you." He glanced over at Powder, who beamed at the praise. "But don't think that just because you two are together now means I'm gonna let you slack off. I still expect you to help me with the next project."

Ekko laughed, the tension in his chest finally easing. "Of course. You know I can't resist a good challenge."

Powder stepped forward, looking at Benzo with a mix of gratitude and affection. "We won't let you down, Benzo. We promise."

Benzo nodded, his eyes twinkling with a rare softness. "I know you won't. Just make sure you remember to enjoy life too. Dreams are important, but so are the people you share them with."

Ekko and Powder exchanged a look, the unspoken understanding between them clear as ever. Benzo's blessing meant more than just approval; it was the acknowledgment that their bond was strong enough to weather whatever challenges lay ahead. It wasn't just about survival anymore—it was about living, about building a future together.

"Thanks, Benzo," Ekko said again, his voice filled with gratitude.

The older man waved him off. "Yeah, yeah, don't get all sentimental on me. Now get to work. We've got a lot to do."

As Ekko and Powder left the workshop later that afternoon, their hearts felt lighter than they had in a long time. They had shared their secret with someone who mattered most to them, and in doing so, they had solidified not just their bond with each other, but with the person who had helped shape them both into who they were today.

"Looks like we've got a little more support than we thought," Powder murmured, glancing up at Ekko with a mischievous grin.

Ekko smiled, his hand finding hers once more. "We've got everything we need. Together."

And with that, they walked side by side into the future, ready to face whatever came next—because they knew they would face it together.