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Tap Tap Tap. Poppy opens the door. It takes her a minute before her jaw drops to the floor.
“Poppy! Who’s our guest?” Lulu yells from across the room.
“I think you have the wrong apartment sir,” Poppy sputters. Standing in front of her is Ekko. Rapper and singer of True Damage.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I thought this was where Jinx said she lives," Ekko apologies. Poppy freezes, she can feel Janna's head poking out from the laundry room.
“Hello. Sorry for no introductions,” Janna says as she glides over to the door, holding a basket of laundry in one hand and holding out her other hand to shake Ekkos's. “She does… but how do you know her?”
“Oh. I’m just a friend. I was hoping to visit her since I'll be in Piltover for a little bit,” Ekko bows slightly. He gives a small bow. He could sense he was in the presence of someone that was grander than life. Something about Janna’s presence calms and frightens Ekko.
“I’m Janna, this is Poppy, and over there drawing, is Lulu,” Janna says as she points to a small girl with green hair coloring. “Jinx is currently sick, so I think it’s best if you come back another time.”
The moment Ekko hears "sick" his mama bird mode kicks in. “She's sick?! Does she have a fever?! Can I get her some tea? Is she sick sick or just sick? What are her symptoms?!"
The never-ending flow of questions takes Janna aback. Poppy watches a complete, but very famous stranger, who they've never heard having a connection to their sister, is standing in front of their door, looking like he’s going to have a breakdown over his “sick” “friend”. Janna eyes poppy wearily.
Janna puts a hand on his shoulder. “Be calm.”
Ekko’s questions cease, but the worry does not.
“Give her some time. I’m sure she will call you soon, I’ll let her know you stopped by,” Janna says smiling. She waves as she closes the door.
“Wait!" Ekko stops the door from closing with his foot. "Can I at least see her?” Ekko asks. He notices Janna and Poppy’s expressions. Ekko takes a closer look at their faces. They were tense. They were hiding something.
“Uh- No. What she has is like. Really contagious. You wouldn’t want to get sick before your next show right?” Poppy explains all too quickly. Janna nods. Okay, something was up. Ekko decides not to press further.
“Ah, I see…” Ekko relents. “Thank you, please tell her I miss talking to her. It’s been a long time.” He turns to leave.
Dumbass. It’s been three days. Jinx thinks to herself as she hears the door close. She had been listening in the stairway the entire time. It killed her to stay away. Especially because Ekko was in Piltover for a concert. She wanted to see him so badly. But…
“So… Is Ekko a friend?” Lulu asks. Jinx jumps. Lulu was the one guardian that could take Jinx off guard.
“Yeah, we were childhood friends,” Jinx looks down at Lulu. Janna walks up to Lulu. “I don’t see why I could have wrapped a blanket around me. He wouldn’t notice… I think…”
Janna gives her a look that screams bs. “Jinx, as much as I know you wanna see your friend, he can not know you’re current predicament. That would put him and us in danger. Until your wings disappear, you can not leave the house,” Janna states.
Jinx rolls her eyes. “How much longer? It’s been days and they haven’t disappeared.”
"I know," Janna puts her hands on Jinx's shoulders. "But there are forces that exist beyond our comprehension. They would love to hit us where they hurt most. That means our friends and loved ones. As for your wings, I… don’t know…” Janna says. “Your wings are a representation of your magic. They should only come out during times when you need your magic the most. Just like Lux's pure light beam and Poppy's hammer. When you combined Shiro and Kuro, those wings are a result of you channeling your powers. My only conclusion is that you're on edge. So your indirectly still ready to channel your powers at any moment.”
Jinx knew Janna was right, but she would never admit that. A new type of monster had them almost to their knees. Last-minute Jinx has combined Shiro and Kuro to create a rocket launcher that warded the monster off... For now. The sight of her sisters, it reminded her of-
“It would be best to go back to your room,” Janna smiles. “We don’t need people seeing these” Janna gestures to Jinx's wings. She watches as Jinx pouts.
"I would be far less 'on edge' if you didn't keep me in here," Jinx retorts. She knew why she had to, it didn't mean she liked it. Janna also hates keeping her cooped up. Just like Jinx, Janna loves the outdoors, feeling the wind on her face. Unfortunately, it’s not like Jinx could walk around with a pair of wings everywhere she went. Plus the power from them could attract unwanted attention.
“I’m going to dinner with Ahri and Soraka. Poppy is going to take Lulu to the art store before they close. Lulu’s favorite green crayon is almost gone. I’ll bring you back something okay? Don’t leave the house.” Janna smiles. Jinx nods.
“Back to the dungeon,” Jinx mutters.
Janna watches Jinx sulk to her room. If Janna was being completely honest with herself. She did not entirely know how to help Jinx. It was similar to Ahri and Soraka’s case. They used their magic to hide their in-human appearances. Jinx wasn’t born with wings, they come out when she uses a great amount of Star guardian energy. They should have disappeared by now. Since this was something Janna hasn’t experienced before, she decided to get her fellow sisters' advice.
Wings were not Jinx’s friend. For the past hour, Jinx would try to put things back in order, mainly because Lux would see her room
as a mess and try to fix it. Every time she tries to fix things, her wings would bump into something else. Shiro and Kuro bob to avoid being swatted by her wings. Jinx flops on the bed in frustration.
“You’re sure you don’t know how to get rid of them?” Jinx asks Kuro in annoyance. Kuro chirps a fat no. One other thing for Jinx, her wings were cramping. Being stuck inside her room and not being able to go outside made her feel stuffy and her wings hurt and her back aches. Jinx also found she was shedding feathers everywhere as well. Carefully, Jinx lays down, spreading her wings so she could feel some release.
That's when Kuro starts to chirp. At first, Jinx ignores it. Shiro flies over to peak at the commotion. Kuro is in-between Jinx’s curtains chirping amusingly. Jinx peaks at them and sees Shiro bobs in amusement as well. That's when Jinx heard a branch break and a thump below.
“Oh,” Jinx says as she reluctantly gets up. Careful to hide her wings, she peers through the curtains. Ah yes, her knight in shining armor, failing to climb a tree. Jinx smirks and watches as Ekko tries another path up the tree. She was thankful they live on the second floor. He would have probably done the exact same shit if she was on floor 12. He’d figure it out someway. She shakes her head and smiles as he finally notices she watching. He waves to get her attention.
“Wanna open the window sweetheart?” Ekko calls.
“I don’t know. It's awful funny to watch you climb with one hand,” Jinx snickers. Kuro chuckles at that. Shiro flies over like the decent familiar they are and takes whatever Ekko is holding and brings it over to Jinx. Now with his hands free, Ekko jumps from the tree to the window. Making his way into her room. Kuro closes the window and nudges the curtains shut. Ekko notices Jinx was wrapped in a blanket. Now he definitely knew something was up.
“I told you to stay away for a few days,” Jinx huffs. She was terrible at hiding the fact she was happy to see him.
“I know. But they said you were sick. Soooo. I brought you food from the local fish vendor here in Piltover,” Ekko says. Jinx’s eyes widen as the biggest smile graces her face. Gosh, she was beautiful when she smiles like that. Ekko thinks as he starts to feel warm just looking at her. He knew she couldn’t resist anything that remotely tasted like home. What she didn’t expect was for a giant pair of eagle-like wings to extend out of the cocoon she was in. Her wings ended up hitting one of the shelves causing something to fall. Her face falters when she sees his face. Ops. Jinx thinks. She didn't know her wings would do that if she was happy.
“So… Is this a new Star Guardian or…” Ekko asks in fascination. She looks like an angel.
“It’s more like they’re stuck with me… for now…” Jinx answers, not entirely sure how to explain her predicament.
“That’s why you haven’t been able to leave the house then?” Ekko says.
“Ding. Ding-Ding. Clever as ever,” Jinx laughs. A hand to her cheek catches her off guard.
“I was worried something may have been really wrong. Like, you had gotten seriously hurt,” Ekko leans close and whispers into her ear. Jinx nuzzles her face into Ekko’s cheek in response. Jinx sighs. She could have been… She knows this.
“I'm hungry!” Jinx exclaims. Ekko smiles tenderly. Watching her as she breaks their little moment. All in the name of food. Jinx opens the take-out and makes her way to her bed. She's careful not to let her wings hit anything else as she nestles herself on the edge of the bed. Ekko follows sitting behind her. He looks at them closely. One wing black, the other white. Long feathers shimmer as the low light presents a golden sheen.
“Can I touch them?” Ekko asks sheepishly. Jinx squeaks a bit and chokes on her slop. She looks over at Ekko. Ekko can see the blush on her face.
“I- I guess…” Jinx sputters as she turns back to her food.
“Jinx. I won’t if that makes you feel uncomfortable,” Ekko says sitting up.
“It’s not that… They’re just... Sensitive. They’re also a mess. I need to straighten some feathers,” Jinx states.
“Can I help?” Ekko scoots closer as Jinx nods. She shows him how to straighten crooked feathers. She shows him ones that were ready to shed how to pull them off. Ekko works gently, treating each feather with careful consideration like they were made of diamonds. The way he was touching them felt… good. Really good. When Ekko starts to comb his hands through her feathers near the top of her wing she let out a chirpy purr. Jinx slaps her hand over her mouth. A blush rushes across. Jinx hesitated to look over at Ekko. She can hear him chuckle.
“It was adorable when you did that,” Ekko hums. Jinx whips her head around. Ekko offers a gentle smile. He lays down and gestures to a spot next to him. She eases at the invitation, snuggling up beside him. She rests one wing over him and another got smushed somewhat under her. Legs interweave in one another and Jinx nuzzles herself in the crook of his neck, making chirping-purr-like noises of approval as Ekko strokes her wings. He found she chirps more when he pays attention to the feathers near where her back was. Shiro and Kuro watch from a shelf in amusement. Settling down for their own sleepy time.
“How did you construct these wings anyways?” Ekko asks. Jinx shrugs and hides her head further in Ekkos's neck. Ekko nudges her a bit. A hand comes to stroke her face. He grins as the touch draws her to face him. She pauses as she relishes his touch.
“Janna thinks… I’m still tense after our last battle,” Jinx explains.
“Okay. Can you tell me what happened on your last trip?” Ekko requests.
“We fought this huge monster. It was as big as some of the skyscrapers here in Piltover. I was covering our back with Poppy when one of the monsters' heads knocks out Janna. Lux lost control of spell-root on it and the beast broke free. It threw Lux against a building and knocked her out. The monster would have finished Janna and Lux off with its acid shots if Lulu didn’t shield them. The amount of power she needed to create those shields weakened Lulu significantly. Then Poppy tried to drive the monster's acid shots away, but she got thrown by one of the monster's tentacles,” Jinx starts to breathe heavily, almost shaking. Ekko squeezes her and gives her a moment. Jinx swallows. “I… I saw them Ekko. They weren’t moving. They weren’t going to make it...We weren’t going to make it.” She speaks quietly. Her breaths quicken as she attempts to hit her head with her hand. Ekko reaches to stop her.
“Hey, it’s okay. You’re here. With me. Breathe,” His forehead touch’s hers. “Breathe,” Ekko speaks calmly.
Jinx nods and takes a moment. “They… I thought we were gone. I don’t know. I felt so angry. I used Shiro and Kuro and combined them to create a giant rocket launcher. I never felt so much energy being used. When I fired these wings appeared. I felt the magic leave my body and into the rocket. It was the biggest and most beautiful explosion!” Jinx smiles and glows a little. Her wings do a little flap as she remembers the thrill of the explosion. Her smile falters. “I had to run and find Soraka.”
Jinx would not forget the fear and panic as she searched for Soraka and the other star guardians for help. She would not forget the horrified faces of the other guardians as they rushed over to the sight scene. She would not forget how her sisters were holding on for dear life. What would have happened if Soraka did not get there in time. She had never seen Soraka exert so much star energy. Jinx had never felt herself use so much energy. It was beautiful but terrifying. Jinx felt a hand run through her hair, snapping her back to the present. Ekko wraps his arms around her murmuring how she did well in her ear. How everything would be alright. It was going to be okay. Jinx could feel her heartache. Some tears escape as she hid her face. Tears turn into rivers as Jinx let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding for days.
Her familiars, trying to help calm her, decide to fly down and sit on her head. Ekko laughs. This makes Jinx calm down and she hugs them. Ekkos arms are still around her. She laughs too.
—Bonus—
Janna arrives later than usual. The house is quiet. Lights were out. Janna places her to-go food in the fridge. She walks upstairs and opens Poppy's room. Janna smiles as Poppy rests against the end of her bed. Lulu is fast asleep on the coloring table. She picks up Lulu and helps her get into bed. Pix fluttering beside her, lazily plopping beside Lulu. Janna puts a hand on Poppy’s shoulder. Poppy wakes with a start.
“Shhhhhh,” Janna puts a finger to her mouth and points to Lulu. Both her and Poppy hear the door unlock downstairs. Quiet heels hit against the floor as Lux enters. Poppy nods, she and Janna exit the room. Lux heads upstairs meeting Janna and Poppy in the hallway. Poppy smiles at Lux and retires to her own room leaving Janna and Lux in the hallway. Lux looks over at Janna. Janna follows Lux into her room.
“How was the gala?” Janna whispers as she turns around to give Lux privacy to slip into her pajamas.
“Boring. I wish Jinx could have accompanied me,” Lux sighs. Lux pulls a pin out of her hair, making her elaborate hair braids fall. Janna helps Lux by untying her mini braids. Jinx told Lux if she couldn’t be at the gala, she would damn well do Lux's hair. Janna had to admit Jinx had skill when it comes to braiding.
“How’s Jinx? Did her wings disappear yet?” Lux questions.
“Bored. Though, someone did try to stop by and say hi,” Janna remarks. Lux has a quizzical expression. As far as she knew, Jinx didn’t have any friends besides them in Piltover. Perhaps a Zaunite friend. She doesn't talk much about her life in Zaun.
“Who? It wasn’t someone trying to threaten her?!” Lux exclaims. Wide eyes turn to Janna.
“No no,” Janna whispers. Smiling. Lux looks at Janna.
“Come on! Tell me!” Lux whispers back.
“Ekko. From true damage,” Janna says. There’s a look in Janna’s eyes Lux can’t describe. Janna was trying to tell Lux something but she didn’t understand.
“Hahahaha. Very funny. But really who?” Lux giggles. Her bright smile fades as Janna continues to have a serious smirk. “I’m sorry. Say that again.”
“Ekko. Singer/rapper from True Damage. Here,” Janna states, though her words are short, they’re still as breezy as ever.
“Are you sure it's him? She… She never told me she knew him,” Lux questions. She sits down on her bed upset. They were best friends. They were supposed to know everything about each other. She wished that Jinx would have spilled that she had a famous friend. Perhaps there’s a reason she kept him secrete. “I’m going to ask her about it later!” Lux declares, “Oh! You never answered my question about her wings.”
“Ah. I haven’t checked. Let’s take a peak,” Janna whispers. She glides over to the door. She and Lux quietly leave the room. Sneaking up on Jinx was extremely hard. But since it was late she should be out like a light. Janna faintly knocks. With no answer, she turns the doorknob and opens the door. Lux squeezes past Janna to peak in. Both instantly freeze. Janna backs out immediately as Lux stands in a frozen shock. Janna pulls Lux back. Lux squeaks a bit. Janna hopes to the first star that Jinx didn’t hear that. She closes the door and they make their way back to Lux’s room. When Lux closes her door, neither does she noir Janna said a word. Finally, Janna spoke up.
“Well… I guess she’s.. no longer on edge since her wings are gone…” Janna begins. Lux whips around so fast.
“First of all! Yay congrats we no longer have to hide Jinx from the world.” Lux says as she paces the floor. “But holy stars are you sure he’s a ‘friend’” Lux asks with air quotes and all. What Lux and Janna had stumbled on was Jinx and Ekko snuggled up together, tangled limbs and all. Shiro and Kuro had taken the liberty to snuggle up in between them for warmth. Lux threw herself on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Hand over Janna’s mouth, she sat silently beside Lux.
“She is so getting an earful tomorrow!” Lux declares. Janna nods in agreement.