Chapter 60: Rekindling Innocence in a World of Chaos

The days following their serene moment overlooking Zaun were filled with renewed energy. The city buzzed with its usual chaos, but within the small world Ekko and Powder had carved out for themselves, there was a sense of peace and purpose. However, as much as they thrived in their shared goals of change, Ekko noticed a flicker of something he hadn't seen in a long time—a hint of childish mischief in Powder's eyes.

One evening, while sorting through a pile of old machine parts, Powder suddenly threw a small, harmless spring at Ekko, hitting him square on the forehead.

"Gotcha!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with laughter.

Ekko looked up, startled, before narrowing his eyes. "Oh, you're going to regret that," he said, grabbing a nearby screw and tossing it in her direction, though he made sure to aim wide.

Powder ducked and giggled, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "You'll have to try harder than that, inventor boy!"

And just like that, they were at it, tossing parts back and forth like a game of tag, their laughter echoing through the workshop. It was a silly, carefree moment—one they hadn't indulged in for a long time. Amid the clinking metal and playful shouts, it felt as though they were kids again, unburdened by the weight of their ambitions or the dangers of the world outside.

Eventually, they collapsed onto the floor, surrounded by scattered gears and bolts, their laughter tapering off into breathless chuckles.

"I forgot how much fun it is to just… goof off," Powder admitted, lying flat on her back and staring at the ceiling. "Feels like we're always so serious now."

Ekko turned his head to look at her, a soft smile on his lips. "Yeah, I guess we have been. But you're right. We need moments like this."

Powder tilted her head toward him, her expression growing thoughtful. "Do you think we've changed too much? Like, have we lost who we used to be?"

Ekko considered her question carefully. "I think we've grown," he said after a moment. "But the parts of us that matter—the parts that make us us—they're still here. We just have to remember to let them out every once in a while."

Powder smiled at that, a genuine warmth spreading across her face. "Leave it to you to say something so perfect."

He laughed, a little embarrassed. "What can I say? I've been working on my motivational speeches."

The next morning, Powder woke Ekko with a sudden jolt.

"Get up! I've got an idea!" she said, practically bouncing with excitement.

Ekko groaned, blinking blearily at her. "It's barely sunrise. What kind of idea can't wait?"

"A fun one!" Powder declared, pulling him to his feet. "Come on, you'll love it."

Reluctantly, Ekko let her drag him out of the workshop. She led him through Zaun's winding streets, their destination unclear. As the city slowly came to life around them, Powder's enthusiasm was infectious. By the time they reached their destination—an abandoned rooftop garden hidden away in the industrial sprawl—Ekko was wide awake and curious.

"What is this place?" he asked, looking around at the overgrown plants and rusted structures.

Powder grinned. "It's our new hideout. Or, well, it will be, once we fix it up. I figured we could use a spot that's just for us, you know? Somewhere to escape to when the workshop gets too… workshop-y."

Ekko stared at her, a mix of surprise and admiration on his face. "You really thought of everything, huh?"

"Of course," she said, smirking. "Now, are you going to help me fix this place up or just stand there gawking?"

They spent the day cleaning up the rooftop garden, clearing away debris and salvaging what they could. As they worked, they fell into an easy rhythm, their conversation flowing naturally.

"You know," Powder said at one point, wiping sweat from her brow, "I always thought about having a place like this. Somewhere to feel like I'm not in Zaun for a little while. Like I can breathe."

Ekko glanced at her, a soft look in his eyes. "Then we'll make it perfect," he promised. "For you. For us."

Powder's cheeks flushed, but she quickly turned away, pretending to focus on a particularly stubborn patch of weeds. "You're too good to me, Ekko," she mumbled.

He chuckled. "Only because you're worth it."

By the time the sun began to set, the rooftop garden was transformed. It wasn't perfect—far from it—but it was theirs. They sat together on a makeshift bench, admiring their handiwork as the sky turned shades of orange and pink.

"It's beautiful," Powder said, her voice filled with quiet awe.

Ekko nodded, leaning back against the bench. "Yeah, it is. But not as beautiful as—"

"If you say me, I'll throw you off this roof," Powder interrupted, though her teasing tone was betrayed by the blush spreading across her cheeks.

Ekko laughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll save the cheesy lines for later."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the city sprawling out below them. In that moment, the world felt far away, and all that mattered was the space they had created together.

As night fell, Powder rested her head on Ekko's shoulder, her voice soft when she spoke. "Thank you. For everything. For always being here."

Ekko looked down at her, his heart swelling with affection. "Always," he said, his voice equally soft.

And as the stars began to dot the night sky, they both knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.