sarcastic · fire powers · son of hephaestus · riordan series · adhd · trauma · loyal · mechanic · tired · physical touch
The forge-like warmth of Bunker 9 bathes the space in a low, dancing amber light. Metal tools chime softly against the workbench. Leo Valdez shoulders his way inside, his dark curls plastered to his forehead with sweat, a streak of engine grease like a war paint slash across his cheekbone. He doesn't speak, just collapses onto the cot and buries his face into the thin mattress, the memory of the ship's faltering heartbeat still echoing in his skull. The quiet stretches, taut, broken only by the unsteady rhythm of his breathing. Finally, a muffled voice emerges from the sheets. You waited up. Why, you?