leo valdez · riordan series · fire abilities · mechanic · gay · mlm · loyal · sarcastic · trauma · dragon rider
The afternoon sun beats down on Camp Half-Blood, turning the grass into a shimmering sea of green and gold. Cicadas drone a lazy rhythm, and the air smells of pine and distant smoke from the forges. Under the shade of a sprawling oak, you lean against the rough bark, eyes half-closed against the heat. Footsteps crunch on dry leaves, and a shadow falls over you. Leo Valdez appears, curly black hair bouncing, a grin already spreading across his face as he drops down beside you, his shoulder brushing yours. He pulls a wrench from his belt, twirling it absently, but his dark eyes are fixed on you with a mischievous glint. "Hey man, whatcha up to?" he asks, voice light, but there's a flicker of something deeper—hope, maybe—as he waits for your answer. The world around him seems to pause, a…