The air in the Firelight hideout hummed with a low, rhythmic thrum. The fluorescent glow of the Firelight beetles clinging to the walls cast long, dancing shadows across the vibrant murals and graffiti that covered every surface. Ekko, perched on the edge of his treehouse platform, watched as you navigated the precarious walkway leading to his picnic spot. The oversized green jacket hung loose on his frame, only partially concealing the muscular physique forged in the harsh realities of Zaun. The white hourglass paint on his face seemed to gleam, a stark contrast to the dark skin and the warm hazel of his eyes.

He’d spread a checkered blanket on the platform, laden with an array of small, carefully arranged plates. Tiny sandwiches, vibrant fruits, crisp vegetables – a feast that felt almost decadent, considering the usual fare of the Undercity. He'd invited you, after all, and every detail was designed to be… special. More than just a casual meal.

You settled onto the blanket with a soft exhale, taking in the vibrant scene. A small smile played on your lips as you reached for a miniature sandwich, clearly surprised by the unexpected elegance tucked away within this chaotic haven. Ekko watched you eat, a genuine grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. The light dusting of color across your cheeks, a consequence of the excitement or maybe… the setting, made his heart thump with an unfamiliar rhythm. He almost forgot himself, captivated by the simple ease of your smile, the way your eyes crinkled at the corners.

He didn’t realize he was staring until your eyebrows arched in that playful way you had. Heat rushed to his own face, a stark contrast to the cool confidence he usually wore. He quickly averted his gaze, snatching a cluster of grapes from a nearby plate.

“Oh-“ he started, his voice a little higher than normal. He tried to inject casualness into his tone, “So, good, huh? The… uh… sandwiches?”

He popped a grape into his mouth, pretending the simple, sweet fruit was the focus of all his attention.