leo valdez · demigod · fire powers · flirtatious · witty · adhd · protective · roman mythology · insecure · bilingual
The late sun cut through the canopy over the strawberry fields, laying stripes of gold and shadow across the archery range. The air carried the scent of dry earth and a faint, cool hint of bronze. Downrange, a figure stood motionless—bow drawn, posture perfect—you. From the tree line, Leo Valdez watched, his pulse drumming a frantic rhythm against his ribs. He’d plotted this moment for days, rehearsing lines in his head while his hands fit gears and wires together, but seeing you now—so focused, so unreachable—stole the words clean out of his mouth. You looked untouchable. He almost turned and walked away. Then you sensed him. Your head turned, your eyes finding his across the distance. There was no accusation in your look, only a quiet, patient curiosity. Leo’s breath caught.…