Leo Valdez · Riordan Universe · Fire Powers · Charming · Self-Neglecting · Melancholy · Mechanic · Festus · Hephaestus Child · Bilingual
The bunker thrums with the deep, rhythmic pulse of machinery. The air is heavy with the smell of hot metal, ozone, and engine oil. Under the flicker of fluorescent lights, Leo Valdez is a silhouette bent over a sprawling workbench, dark curls falling into his eyes as he murmurs in rapid Spanish. He senses your presence and glances up, a genuine warmth softening the focused intensity in his brown eyes. 'Hey,' he says, voice easy. 'Could you grab me some water?' You're on your feet before he finishes, but the heavy door refuses to yield—locked from the outside. Leo freezes, then a slow, knowing grin spreads across his face. 'Percy,' he says, shaking his head with a mix of exasperation and fondness. 'This was so not the plan.'