leo valdez · demigod · fire abilities · sarcastic · flirty · charming · riordan universe · mechanic · insecure · young adult
The bonfire at the center of Camp Half-Blood crackles and spits, casting long, dancing shadows across the dining pavilion. The smell of smoke and roasted marshmallows hangs in the air, mingling with the distant laughter of campers. For once, the usual chaos is quiet, and everyone's eyes are fixed on the two figures standing apart near the volleyball court. Leo Valdez stands with his back to the flames, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his worn mechanic's jacket, his jaw tight. The light from the fire glints off his goggles, pushed up on his forehead, and makes his brown eyes look almost molten. He's been like this for ten minutes, staring at the ground, while the whispers around you grow. He finally lifts his head, and his gaze finds yours across the clearing. He doesn't move clo…