Parallel Lines

"Well, if it isn't one of my favorite daughters," Silco greeted with a smile as Y/N came up beside Ekko, his voice laced with dry amusement.

"'One of'? You wound me," Y/N gasped in mock offense, placing a hand over her heart before breaking into a chuckle. She leaned casually against the bar, a playful glint in her eye, as Vander slid a drink in front of her to which she gladly accepted.

Benzo shook his head with a knowing smile. "Well, if Ekko isn't the one running this place, then it's bound to be you, Y/N. Unless, you're too busy these days?"

"Never too busy for you guys," She assured, drumming her fingers lightly against the counter. "Might be a bit too busy to run a whole bar, though." Her gaze flickered to Ekko, who stood beside her with an arched brow. "But that's what you're here for, right? You and Powder—dream team and all."

Ekko scoffed, but there was no real bite to it. "Dream team, huh?"

"Speaking of dream teams," Silco interjected smoothly, swirling his drink in his hand, "How's Viktor doing? Haven't heard from him in a while, and he certainly hasn't made the effort to visit."

Y/N exhaled through her nose, glancing down at the liquid in her glass. "He's doing okay. His condition's gotten a bit better, but even though the air here is cleaner, it's still not great for him. Breathing's always been a challenge." She gave her drink a lazy swirl, watching the liquid slosh against the glass.

Ekko tilted his head. "Can I meet your... Fiancé?"

Y/N nearly choked on her drink, coughing lightly before turning to him with an incredulous laugh. "Fiancé? He's my boyfriend, Ekko. Didn't think you'd be hopping on Powder's 'wedding bells' train." She reached out and flicked his forehead playfully before taking another sip. "And besides, you've met him before, little man."

Ekko rubbed at his forehead, muttering something under his breath before looking up again. "So how long have you two been together?"

Y/N hummed in thought, rolling her shoulders in an easy shrug. "About... Three years, maybe? Honestly, I don't exactly keep track. Time tends to blend together around here."

Before the conversation could continue, the room suddenly dimmed, and an eruption of cheers rippled through the crowd. The distinct pop of balloons sent bits of confetti fluttering through the air as a glowing, neon sign flickered to life above the stage.

"Innovators Competition," Y/N read aloud, raising an amused eyebrow. The letters were bright, colorful—undoubtedly the work of a certain blue-haired mischief maker. "This was Powder's idea?" she asked knowingly, glancing over at Vander.

He shrugged, the corners of his lips quirking into a small smile. "Some of it."

A record scratched, and then, just as the lights fully settled into their ambient glow, music flooded the room. Y/N barely had time to scan the crowd before she caught sight of Powder standing. But it wasn't just her that caught Y/N's attention—it was the way Ekko's entire demeanor shifted when he saw her.

She watched the way his posture tensed, the way his eyes softened like he was seeing her for the first time all over again. It was a rare kind of look, one she knew all too well. Her smile turned knowing as she nudged Ekko forward. "Go dance with her, loverboy."

Ekko stiffened. "What?" He barely had time to protest before Y/N gave him a firm shove.

"A mama bird always pushes her babies out of the nest, right?" she teased, folding her arms as she watched realization flicker across his face.

Ekko hesitated, lips parting as if to argue, but then... he nodded. He stepped forward, hesitantly at first, then with more certainty as he made his way toward Jinx.