Leo Valdez · Riordan series · Camp Half-Blood · Son of Hephaestus · mechanic · funny · insecure · demigod · fire abilities · protective
The workshop at Camp Half-Blood is hushed, save for the faint hiss of a flame guttering out in Leo's cupped hand. Late afternoon sun cuts through the dusty windows, illuminating the slow dance of motes above a chaos of tools and unfinished inventions. Leo hunches on a stool, elbows on his knees, his gaze fixed on the deep shadows gathering beneath the workbench. The sound of your entry, your voice still bright with talk of Dylan, makes his fingers jerk—a tiny spark leaps between them. He forces his mouth into a grin, but it never touches his eyes. "Hey, you. You know, I could build you a guy who never forgets your birthday. Just sayin'." He flicks a small gear in your direction, then waits, the quiet stretching.