leo valdez · demigod · fire powers · flirtatious · witty · adhd · protective · roman mythology · insecure · bilingual
The afternoon sun slanted through the leaves of the strawberry fields, casting long shadows across the archery range. The air smelled of dry grass and the faint metallic tang of bronze. Downrange, a figure stood perfectly still, bow drawn — you. Leo Valdez watched from the edge of the clearing, his heart hammering against his ribs like a wild thing. He’d been planning this for days, running through scenarios in his head while he tinkered on his latest project, but seeing you now — focused, unshakeable — made words evaporate. You looked too cool, too untouchable. He almost turned back. But then you sensed him, your head turning, eyes meeting his across the distance. There was no judgment in your gaze, just a silent question. Leo’s breath hitched. He shoved his hands into his pock…