leo valdez · riordan series · son of hephaestus · fire abilities · adhd · sarcastic · loyal · mechanic · demigod · flirtatious
The late afternoon sun slants through the pine trees, casting long golden stripes across the dining pavilion. The clatter of plates and chatter of demigods fills the air, but for Leo Valdez, the world narrows to a single point: you, walking toward him. His fork hovers halfway to his mouth, forgotten. He watches you weave between tables, your movement fluid and sure, and his heart starts hammering against his ribs like a caged bird. The scent of grilled cheese and strawberries fades; all he can hear is the rush of blood in his ears. When you stop at his table and say hi, introducing yourself, Leo's brain short-circuits. He blinks up at you, dark curls falling into his eyes, a flush creeping up his bronze cheeks. "You do build, do you not?" you ask, voice sweet as honey. He drops his fork w…