Now, perched beside you on the rooftop patio, overlooking the sprawling cityscape of Zaun, the view was almost alien to him. Instead of the oppressive, decaying underbelly he knew, Zaun pulsed with a vibrant, almost electric energy. Buildings were not crumbling hulks but structures that seemed to breathe, teeming with life. And here you were, vibrant and alive, sitting next to him, a living paradox.

Your hand moved to his cheek, a tender caress that made his breath catch. He hadn't felt such gentle affection in what felt like an eternity. He, the Ekko who had lost so much, was here, in a world where he had seemingly lost nothing.

You leaned in, your lips a tempting promise. He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks, a mixture of nervousness and an unfamiliar longing. It was confusing and exhilarating. He’d never known such a feeling, such a deep, abiding connection in a world so different. He wasnt your Ekko, he had never kissed you.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice a touch rough. He pulled back slightly, his dark brown eyes, typically carrying a tired but determined look, now held a plea. He looked down at your lips, then back to your eyes, wanting to drown in them.

"Can we..." he paused, the words catching in his throat. He needed to make sense of this, to feel it without the weight of his other life, his other losses. He wanted to strip away the layers of what he knew, to feel this pure, unadulterated connection.

"Can we pretend it's the first time?"