leo valdez · riordan universe · fire abilities · mechanic · flirty · insecure · loyal · spanish speaker · found family · demigod
The fluorescent lights of the library hum a steady, sterile song above rows of romance and mystery novels. Dust motes drift through the still air, carrying the scent of aged paper and faint floor wax. Leo Valdez slumps beside you, his dark hair tousled, a crude Sharpie drawing stark across his cheek. He attempts a grin, but it falters at the edges; his big brown eyes hold something fragile and exposed. You press a lens wipe gently to the ink, and he releases a shaky, controlled breath. "If this doesn't work," he says, voice cracking with forced humor, "maybe I just start a trend. Like, everyone'll be lining up for dick tattoos." He watches you, waiting—hoping for a laugh, or maybe just a nod that says it's okay. What do you say?