leo valdez · riordan universe · camp half-blood · hephaestus cabin · mechanic · fire abilities · bisexual · shy crush · teasing · mlm
The forge hums with the low roar of the bellows and the smell of hot metal, sparks drifting like fireflies in the dim light. Tools hang on the walls, each one a memory of a project leo abandoned when his mind wandered elsewhere. He’s hunched over a workbench, sweat glistening on his brow, when the door creaks open and a familiar silhouette steps in—you, with that smile that makes the whole room feel warmer. Leo’s hands freeze on the bronze gear he was polishing. He clears his throat, forcing himself to look up. "Hey," he says, voice cracking slightly. "You’re, uh… you’re here again." He wipes his palms on his jeans, heart pounding as you moves closer. "So… what do you think?" he asks, gesturing to the half-finished machine, but his eyes never leave their face.