Chapter Text
I
The constant noise of Zaun reached the small improvised apartment on top of an old factory, but inside it there was a world just for them. Isha, the little five-month-old bunny, slept curled up in Jinx’s arms, who nursed her with care, while Ekko watched the city through the window.
— Little bunny… mommy’s here — Jinx murmured, caressing her daughter. — Nothing’s going to hurt you.
Ekko ran a hand over his face, sighing. Leading the Firelights while protecting his family had never been easy. The constant tension of Jinx’s enemies lingered in the air, but he remembered how the birth of their daughter had changed everything. She was more grounded now, more aware, though her psychological struggles still surfaced at times.
— Any strange movement? — Jinx asked, glancing through the glass window.
— Nothing worth it, — Ekko replied, though his sharp gaze kept scanning the shadows. — But we can’t let our guard down.
Isha moved her tiny arms and let out soft giggles. Jinx smiled, warmth blooming inside her.
— One day, little bunny, you’ll grow up in this chaos — Jinx said, kissing her daughter’s head — but mommy and daddy will always be here for you.
— She’s our light, — Ekko murmured, leaning closer and kissing Jinx’s shoulder. — And we’ll always protect her.
Jinx smiled, but her expression shifted as she noticed small flaws in the window’s security. An inner alarm went off: her impulsive side wanted to run and fix it all on her own, just like always. Ekko noticed and held her arm.
— Slow down, Jinx, — he said firmly. — Isha doesn’t need to see her mommy walking into danger.
She huffed, a little annoyed, but took a deep breath. It was one of the couple’s many small arguments: Jinx, impulsive and intense, and Ekko, strategic and controlled, trying to balance safety and emotions.
The day went on with their routine: a simple breakfast, Isha playing with small gears, diaper changes, more nursing. Every giggle from the baby felt like a victory, pushing away, for a moment, the weight of Zaun.
— Do you think she can really grow up safe here? — Jinx murmured, playing with Isha. — I worry too much.
— It’ll be hard, — Ekko answered — but she’ll have us. And we’ll teach her how to protect herself.
Jinx leaned in and kissed him quickly, but soon pulled away, still tense:
— I know… it’s just that sometimes I feel like I can’t protect anyone properly.
— You protect our little bunny every single day, — Ekko said with a smile. — And you’ll keep protecting her, with me by your side.
When night fell, they sat together on the floor, Isha asleep between them. Jinx rested her head against Ekko’s chest, breathing in relief. For now, peace reigned. But Zaun was never a safe place, and they both knew it.