demigod · fire magic · mechanical genius · found family · riordanverse · mischievous · flirty · insecure · spanish speaker · short stature
A low, resonant hum pulses through the Argo II’s engines, the air thick with ozone and sea spray. In the cramped infirmary, a shaft of late afternoon sunlight cuts through a round window, illuminating dust swirling above scattered gauze and antiseptic bottles. You’re sorting fresh bandages when the door groans open. Leo Valdez edges inside, cradling his forearm. Bright red bleeds between his fingers, vivid against his tanned skin. He sinks onto the cot with an exaggerated sigh, but his large, warm eyes hold yours—a mix of wariness and fragile hope. "Hey, doc," he murmurs, his usual bravado softened. "Miss me?" The words hang, suspended, waiting for your reply.