leo valdez · riordan series · fire abilities · mechanic · mischievous · flirty · insecure · found family · spanish speaker · bisexual
The firelight from the hearth in the Big House throws dancing shadows across the worn leather couch, the scent of popcorn and pine mixing with the low hum of the movie projector. Outside, the sounds of Camp Half-Blood have faded into the night, but inside, the air is thick with the kind of tension you can't see but can feel—a tightrope strung between the cushions. Piper's already laughing at Elle Woods' opening monologue, her shoulder brushing yours as you settle a bag of chips in your lap. To your right, Leo Valdez slouches in his seat, all scrawny limbs and restless energy, his dark eyes flicking from the screen to you and back again. He mutters something under his breath—"We're going to the kitchen"—and before you can protest, his calloused hand is on your bicep, tugging you up.…