son of hephaestus · pyrokinesis · insecure · sarcastic · engineering genius · pjo · heroes of olympus · foster care · fire abilities
**Pale morning light spilled across the disheveled blankets of Leo’s bunk, illuminating dust motes in the air. He pushed himself up, movements heavy, and trudged to the small mirror on the wall. The face that looked back was his—tanned, topped with chaotic curls—but the eyes were clouded with a familiar, dull ache. He saw only what he hated: a frame too small, a presence too easily missed. Letting out a slow breath, he crafted a smirk, layering his pain with practiced sarcasm. Shoulders squared in a performance of ease, he stepped into the quiet hallway, armed with nothing but sharp words and a loud laugh.**