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New Year’s Eve was one of Jinx’s favorite days of the year. She got to wear cozy sweaters, eat yummy food, and set off an obscene amount of fireworks without anyone questioning anything; it was a holiday designed for her.
She was excited to be spending New Year’s with Ekko for the first time since they were kids. She hadn’t realized how much she missed the warmth and comfort of being surrounded by people she loved for the holidays. She had celebrated New Year’s with Silco during the years Vi was in prison, and she and Ekko were enemies, but it wasn’t the same. Sure, he would let her put on a massive fireworks display, and he would pour her a tiny bit of champagne to drink at midnight, but that was the extent of their celebrations.
When she was a kid, Vander made sure New Year’s Eve was fun for them. He would cook all their favorite side dishes, and then he would make a massive pot of fondue that they would share. She could practically taste the cheesy deliciousness on her tongue if she thought hard enough about it. After dinner, they would all spend hours telling stories and playing games. She and Ekko used to put on dramatic shows for Vander and Benzo; she could still hear their laughter echoing in her ears. She wished Vander was here to celebrate with them, but she was determined to reinstate some of the traditions he had started.
Small hands tugged on Jinx’s wrist and pulled her out of her thoughts. She looked down at Isha’s sparkling, golden eyes and nearly melted at the sight of her precious little girl.
“What’s up, kiddo?” she asked playfully, with a hand resting on her hip. She already knew what Isha wanted, the kid was easy to predict, especially since she was her mini-me.
Isha gestured emphatically toward the stack of fireworks Jinx had set up. She wanted to help Jinx set off the fireworks. Jinx giggled at Isha’s impatience. It was almost uncanny how similar the little girl was to her, Jinx had never had much patience when it came to blowing things up either.
“We’re supposed to wait until midnight, silly.” Jinx gently teased.
Isha pouted and grunted in disapproval. She curled her hands into a Y shape with her palms up and moved her hands down.
“Now.” Isha signed impatiently.
Jinx tried to stand her ground and tell Isha to wait, she really did, but the kid was just too darn cute and she was a sucker for those big, sad eyes.
“Ok, ok. Fine. You win.” Jinx grumbled with a dramatic eye roll. She sauntered over to Ekko with Isha following close behind her. She and Isha had been living with him since the end of the war, and they had rekindled their friendship and were on the cusp of something more. Every time she looked at him, she felt all warm and tingly inside; she didn’t know what to think about it.
“Hey, boy savior,” Jinx purred as she approached him from behind and rested her chin on his shoulder. Ekko didn’t even blink at the sudden touch, he had gotten all too familiar with Jinx’s sudden desires for physical affection over the months of living with her.
“What do you want?” He feigned annoyance and suppressed the smirk that threatened to reveal his true emotions.
Jinx hummed and buried her face into his shoulder. She hadn’t realized just how cold it had gotten outside until she had Ekko’s comforting warmth against her. She fought the urge to press her body closer to him and to let herself be engulfed in his enticing body heat.
“Can Isha and I set off a couple fireworks? The kiddo is getting impatient.” She mumbled. She was suddenly a lot less interested in the explosives than she normally would be.
“Isha’s the impatient one, hmm?” He taunted slyly. He didn’t doubt that Isha wanted to see the fireworks, but he also knew Jinx and her impulsive tendencies. When Jinx wanted something, she tended to fixate on it until she got it.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jinx grumbled and reluctantly pulled away from him. She missed the warmth as soon as the cold air hit the spot of her cheek that she had been resting on his shoulder.
“Nothing,” he said smugly with a shrug. Jinx and Ekko worked so well together because she knew how to push his buttons, but he knew how to make her tick too. He suspected he knew how to play her a lot better than she knew how to play him, he just tolerated her games for his own sake so she wouldn’t suspect anything.
Jinx rolled her eyes and huffed.
“She asked me. I’m content with waiting until midnight.” Jinx folded her arms and gave him an accusing glare before stepping aside to reveal the little girl standing beside her, making the exact same face. It was almost unnerving how similar Isha and Jinx were, if he didn’t already know better, he could’ve mistaken Isha as Jinx’s biological kid, especially when Isha sported a fresh layer of the blue hair dye that Jinx begrudgingly applied once a month.
“You know I don’t care if you set off a few fireworks, just save some for midnight. What do you really want?” Ekko questioned. Technically, the fireworks were Jinx’s, so she could do whatever she wanted with them, except, preferably, blow them up. He doubted that was actually why she had been rubbing all over him and purring like a cat, but maybe she was just craving the affection.
“Nothing, just the fireworks.” She responded defensively. She ignored the way her body seemed to crave his warmth and proximity. She needed to get it together and get a grip.
Isha had run over to the stack of fireworks and was picking out the different colors and shapes she wanted to set off. Jinx carefully restacked some of the more dangerous, but extravagant ones and gently set the ones Isha selected aside.
Isha handed Jinx a pink and blue one and grinned with excitement, Jinx returned the smile and ruffled the girl’s hair. She the firework up in the middle of the vacant street and pulled the fuse up so it was easily accessible. She pulled her lighter out of her pocket and flicked it open to test it, a bright flame erupted and danced between her fingers.
“Ok. You know the drill, right? You light the fuse, and then you run back to me, got it?” Jinx said more seriously. There was a flicker of concern in her eyes. She knew Isha would be fine; they had been through far worse, but she still couldn’t stop the thoughts of something going wrong, of one of the explosives backfiring and exploding on impact and killing or injuring her little girl. Her small relief was that she would be right there in case anything happened, and her shimmer speed would allow her to grab Isha and get away.
Jinx cautiously handed Isha the lighter and watched like a hawk as the girl flicked open the cap and lowered the flame to the fuse. Jinx tensed as soon as the fuse was lit, but Isha followed instructions and immediately ran back to Jinx. Jinx held the girl close to her and covered her ears with her hands. Isha loved watching the explosive displays of light, but she did not love the sounds. Jinx wondered if because Isha didn’t have a voice, she had overly sensitive ears to make up for it.
Two bursts of light shot into the air and exploded into an array of pink and blue sparkles. Isha squealed in delight and danced around excitedly. Jinx laughed and her eyes twinkled with admiration as she watched how joyful her beloved little girl was.
Isha was sorting through her pile and deciding which one to do next when Ekko appeared behind Jinx.
“She’s got you wrapped around her finger.” He muttered with a playful grin as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders.
Jinx tensed and gasped at the sudden touch but relaxed as soon as she heard Ekko’s voice.
“You think I’m wrapped around her finger? Look in the mirror, boy savior. Do I have to remind you about the princess tea party?” She mocked with a sultry smile. Who would’ve thought seeing Ekko dressed up in a princess crown and serving Isha’s dolls imaginary tea would be one hell of a turn-on? She knew she was starting to have feelings for him, but that was the first time she realized she loved him. She loved their little family more than words could describe.
Ekko grimaced at the memory and his cheeks flushed ever so slightly.
“Ugh, please don’t remind me. The things we do for that kid.” He said half sarcastically. Jinx chuckled at his response and leaned her head back against his chest. She savored the subtle thump of his heartbeat, it was a comforting reminder that, despite everything, they were still here. They were still alive.
Isha looked up toward Jinx and Ekko and noticed their playful smiles and stolen glances. She wasn’t stupid; she had realized that Jinx liked Ekko a couple of weeks after moving in with him. She had watched the way Jinx’s eyes widened when he walked into a room, the slight hints of pink that would form on her cheeks when he sat beside her, the way she would quickly look away if she thought she had been caught staring, and the way she seemed to be drawn to him and crave his touch.
Isha’s face twisted in a lopsided grin as she watched them together.
She had seen Jinx as her mom since the day Jinx protected her from those bad men, but she had never had a dad before. Ekko quickly filled that role as soon as they moved in with him. At first, Isha was apprehensive and shy around Ekko, but the man quickly won her over, just as he had with her mama.
After she started getting closer to Ekko, she quickly realized he liked Jinx just as much as she liked him. The more she paid attention to him, the more she noticed the same cues that Jinx had been displaying. Her parents were in love, but neither of them seemed to be acknowledging it.
Isha quickly decided what her New Year’s resolution was gonna be. She had never had a real family, had never even dared to hope for one. Finding Jinx had been a miracle, and meeting Ekko had felt almost too good to be true, but somehow she had found them and they loved her like she was their own. She wanted them to be as happy as they made her, and she knew being together made them happy, she just had to figure out how to get them to confess their feelings for each other.
Isha sorted through the fireworks again and found a box of sparklers. She started to piece a plan together. It was now only half an hour before midnight; she had to move quickly.
Jinx had gotten lost in Ekko’s embrace and had nearly forgotten about Isha. Her eyes shot open as anxiety raced through her. What was wrong with her? She had just left her child, who had a history of blowing herself up, basically unattended with a lighter and a stack full of explosives. She practically ripped herself away from Ekko and scanned the area with terrified eyes.
“Isha!” She shouted shakily as her mind played out every possible worst-case scenario.
Isha heard the fear in Jinx’s voice and she immediately perked her head up from behind the pile of fireworks. She cocked her head to the side and looked at her mom with concern, she wasn’t sure what was wrong.
Jinx almost collapsed from the relief as soon as she saw Isha’s head pop up. She fell to her knees in front of the child and pulled her into a hug. She was still so scared of losing her; she wasn’t sure she would ever stop feeling that fear now that it had been planted in her mind.
Ekko gently rubbed Jinx’s shoulder to comfort her. He had seen the outcome of losing Isha, he never wanted to see Jinx like that ever again. He was grateful this time everything was okay.
“Hey, kiddo, can we have the lighter back? It’s not safe for you to have it if we aren’t watching you.” Ekko said calmly. He wanted Isha to know she wasn’t in trouble; she hadn’t done anything wrong. He knew they were the ones to blame, they had gotten distracted and left a kid basically unattended with a lighter and explosives, some parents they were.
Isha handed over the lighter without hesitation. She didn’t understand why Jinx and Ekko were so worried, but it was making her a little anxious, too. She just wanted her parents to be happy.
When Jinx finally released Isha, the girl looked up at her with questioning eyes.
“What did I do?” She signed, hoping to understand why Jinx had been so upset.
“Oh, Isha, you didn’t do anything. I just couldn’t see you, and I was worried something happened. I’m sorry I scared you, bug.” Jinx cupped Isha’s face in her hands and rubbed her thumb along the girl’s cheek.
Isha soaked up Jinx’s affection like a sponge. She loved her mama so much, and she wanted to make sure she got to be happy, too. Isha glanced toward Ekko to make sure he wasn’t paying too much attention to her and then looked back toward Jinx. She nodded her head at Jinx and then at Ekko, hoping she would get the idea.
Jinx’s eyebrows furrowed as she tried to comprehend what the girl was trying to say. Isha huffed and poked Jinx’s chest, right where her heart was, and then pointed to Ekko.
Jinx’s eyes widened in realization and she nearly choked on her own saliva.
“It’s not like that…” she giggled nervously. It very much was like that, and she was a little embarrassed that she was so obvious that a seven-year-old had been able to pick up on it.
Isha raised an eyebrow and gave her an unconvinced look. She pointed at Ekko again, then clenched her fists and crossed her wrists over her heart. It was a sign for love, and Jinx recognized it immediately, she had been the one to teach it to the girl. The Isha pointed to Jinx and nodded in determination.
Jinx wasn’t sure what to say. She had gotten the girl’s meaning for that loud and clear. Ekko loved Jinx and Jinx loved Ekko. She knew Isha was right. She did love Ekko, and she had known that he loved her too, he wouldn’t have been so quick to give her a second chance and welcome her into his home if he didn’t. She wasn’t sure where Isha was going with this confrontation, though. She didn’t know what the kid wanted from her.
Isha huffed and rolled her eyes. She was gonna have to get Ekko to make the first move because Jinx was too stubborn and anxious to do it. Isha jumped up and grabbed the box of sparklers.
Jinx watched as Isha ran excitedly to Ekko and handed him the box. Now she was really confused.
Ekko took the box from Isha and smiled at the girl’s eagerness. He pulled out one of the sparklers and lit it for her.
“Make sure to hold it out and away from you.” He instructed as he passed her the sparkling stick. Isha nodded and grinned as she snatched it from him. For a moment, she forgot about her grand plan and focused on drawing patterns in the sky with the smoke and flickering light. She drew Jinx’s signature monkey, and some hearts, and then spelled out her name before the flame died out.
Jinx got up from where she had been kneeling and stood beside Ekko to watch as her girl danced around with the sparkling flame in her hand. Jinx couldn’t help but smile; she remembered that sparklers had been her favorite as a child as well. The other kids hadn’t cared as much about them, but Vander would always buy a pack just for her. Ekko would always join her, too. They’d draw pictures in the sky together and try to guess what the other had drawn.
Her eyes dart to the side, drawn to the light of the flame as Ekko lit another sparkler. His eyes glistened in the flickering light of the flame and he smiled brightly as he passed the sparkler to her.
“I remember when these things used to be your favorite. I guess they’re probably a little underwhelming now with all the other things you can make.” Ekko chuckled softly, and Jinx felt like she was gonna die. She wanted to hear him laugh again; she needed to see his smile again.
“I guess… I kinda appreciate the simplicity of these little guys, though.” She said, her voice barely more than a whisper. She hadn’t realized how close she had gotten to Ekko; their faces were only inches apart.
Ekko studied Jinx intently; he watched as shadows danced across her skin as the sparkler burned between them. She looked gorgeous in the dim light; he was entranced by the way the shadows seemed to make her tattoos come to life. He wanted, more than anything, to close the distance between them and steal her lips in a kiss. He was terrified of scaring her off or pushing her away, though. He would rather suffer through unrequited love than risk losing her completely. He didn’t want to potentially jeopardize his relationship with Isha either. He had grown to love the little girl, and he would do whatever it took to keep her safe and happy.
Jinx tried to keep her eyes on his, but her gaze flickered down, and she stole a glance at his lips. She couldn’t stop herself from thinking about what it would feel like to have his lips pressed against hers. Her head nodded forward, ever so slightly, as though instinct was pushing her to satisfy the craving that had been slowly building for months. Her mind was telling her that she shouldn’t, that she would jinx him and ruin everything they had built, but her heart was waging war for him and was winning.
Ekko noticed the way her gaze quickly darted down to his lips and the hungry, desperate look in her eyes. His heart fluttered with hope; maybe she did feel the same way, maybe it was worth the risk. He lifted his hand to her face and cupped her chin. He waited for her to move, to pull away, but she remained still. He brushed his thumb over her bottom lip, and her lips parted slightly, showing off a glimpse of her adorable tooth gap.
He wasn’t sure this was real, it had to be too good to be true. He waited and waited, expecting her to move, to pull away or tell him to back off, but remained still and watched him with wide, pleading eyes.
The flame of the sparkler died, and shadows consumed them as the light vanished. Ekko couldn’t take it any longer, he dropped the remnants of the sparkler and wrapped his hand around Jinx’s waist to pull her closer and close the distance between them. Their lips met, and a new flame sparked to life as eyes fluttered shut and mouths moved together in a messy dance. Their bodies fit together like puzzle pieces; they were two halves finally made whole.
Isha looked up from where she had been playing with her sparkler, and she watched giddily as her parents finally kissed. She wanted to jump and run and squeal with excitement, but she stood and watched in silence so she wouldn’t disturb them and break the spell.
Jinx pulled away from the kiss first to desperately gasp for air. Ekko didn’t give her much respite; his lips chased after hers the moment she pulled away. She managed to get a quick gulp of air before her swollen lips were devoured by him again. She felt like she was floating away with the smoke of the sparklers. Nothing had ever felt as right as having their lips locked together.
Ekko held her waist tightly as though he was afraid she would run away. Her lips were so much softer than he could’ve ever imagined. He was in heaven and Jinx was the angel that had come to collect his soul. His heart and soul had always belonged to her anyway.
As lucidity began to return to them, their lips finally parted and they panted heavily.
Isha allowed herself to squeal excitedly as she watched the kiss end, and she decided she could remind them of her existence without ruining the moment. She dashed forward and crashed into their legs nearly knocking them over. She giggled as she heard their surprised grunts and she wrapped her arms around them for a group hug.
Jinx came back to her senses first as soon as she registered the sound of her little girl’s laughter. She instinctively wrapped her arm around Isha and returned the hug. Ekko snapped out of his haze soon after and pulled both girls closer to him.
As they hugged, Jinx’s eyes darted toward the sound of a fuse burning. She had set a timer for the big display to set off at midnight. A loud crack echoed through the air as colorful sparks flew into the sky and exploded into mesmerizing patterns. Jinx covered Isha’s ears as the girl stared up at the sky in awe. Blue, green, pink, and gold light flashed through the sky and reflected in their eyes.
Ekko leaned closer to Jinx and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She smiled and rested her head against his chest.
“Happy New Year,” Ekko whispered in her ear. She tilted her head up and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. It was nothing like their passionate kiss from moments before, but it still held all of her tenderness and affection.
“Happy New Year, Ekko.”