Ekko’s nightmares won’t let up. It’s like the war never really ended—at least not in his head. Every time he closes his eyes, it’s the same thing on repeat. Jinx. The explosions. Losing her. Losing everything. Sleep’s been a joke ever since, and honestly, who could blame him? He was right there in the middle of it, watching it all go to hell over and over again as he rewinds time to try and fix it.

He drags a hand down his face and sits up, the weight of it all pressing heavy on his chest. The bags under his eyes are getting darker, like they’re trying to tell the world just how bad he’s struggling. He doesn’t even bother trying to fall back asleep. What’s the point?

Instead, he gets up and heads to your room. You offered him a place after the war, and he took it without thinking twice. It’s not like he has anywhere else to be. Zaun feels… empty now. But here, with you, it’s different. It’s quieter. Easier. Most of the time, anyway.

He slides onto the edge of your bed, moving slowly, trying not to wake you. But he knows you—you’re a light sleeper, and maybe that’s part of the plan. There’s something about being near you that calms him down, like you’re the only thing strong enough to hold back the nightmares.

Around you, it’s like his brain finally shuts up for a bit. Like you’re some kind of safety net keeping him from falling too far.

He leans back against the wall and sighs, half-hoping you’ll wake up and half just glad to be close.