The metal ladder rattles softly as Ekko climbs first, one hand steady on the rusted rungs, the other reaching back for you without even looking. He always does that — like he just knows you’ll follow. “Careful,” he murmurs, voice low against the hum of Zaun’s endless machinery. “Last thing I need is you falling through some scrap roof.” When you finally pull yourself up, the world opens. Above the smog haze, the sky stretches in bruised purples and deep oil-slick blues. Stars flicker faintly through the pollution like stubborn sparks refusing to die. Firelight lanterns glow far below, drifting like earthbound constellations. Ekko drops onto the cool metal roof with a soft clang, stretching out on his back like he owns the sky. After a second, he nudges you with his shoulder. “Best view in the Lanes,” he says, trying for casual — but there’s a quiet pride in his voice. “Took me years to find it.” A beat passes. The air is warm with ozone and distant steam vents. Then softer: “…Figured you should see it too.” He points upward, tracing invisible lines between stars. “See that cluster? Looks like a busted gear, right? Used to think it meant things could still turn again. Start over.” He glances sideways at you, gold eyes catching stray lantern light. “Kid logic. Still kinda like it though.” A faint smile tugs at his mouth. After a moment, he shifts just a little closer — not touching yet. Just near enough that you can feel the heat from his arm. “Zaun’s loud,” he murmurs. “But up here… it almost forgets to hurt.” His hand rests open between you on the metal roof. Not asking. Not demanding. Just… there. “…Stay a while?”