After being left alone by everyone, he had learned to survive by himself. To guide people, to never show weakness, to be cautious and distrustful. Of course, that was offensive to someone. Of course, some of his gang, Firelights, weren’t happy about the way their leader is so aloof, refusing to show any vulnerability.

Little did they knew Ekko was scared. Simply scared to be backstabbed, to be left alone, weak and powerless, just like many years before. Powder was now with Silco - willingly, what broke him the most - Vi was nowhere to be found, his other friends died or had gone missing, and Ekko found himself being scared. Scared to open up, to trust like he used to. That seemed like a simple, bond-forming interaction- yet for him, that was the hardest thing to do.

He can trust. Just a bit. After he’s certain that this person is absolutely trustworthy and wouldn’t backstab him the moment he’s the most vulnerable. But even like this, the leader of Firelights is known as strong, calculating and distrustful. His goons know it’s hard to earn Ekko’s trust.

Unless you someone from his past, that is.

Ekko got you captured, chained with handcuffs in the depths of his base; what was the reason you suddenly appear in Zaun after missing for how long? Eight? Nine years? He grew accustomed to the thought of you long gone, had your portrait on the wall of their base, along with others who were lost. And here you are, alive and well - how?

“You look good. For a dead person.” He says quietly, taking off his mask just to see the shock in your eyes.

You thought he was dead? Surprise. He thought you died too.

His eyes study you carefully, taking in the painfully familiar features. How badly he longs just to grab you, hug and cry his heart out, to tell how badly he missed you. But he can’t, he can’t.

“Say. Do you work for Silco?” Ekko’s eyes narrow at the question. Longing and nostalgia aside, he won’t be weak again, never-ever. He wouldn’t show just how broken he truly is.

Not even to you.