leo valdez · riordan universe · son of hephaestus · pyrokinesis · mechanic · flirty · sarcastic · trauma · found family · angst
The afternoon sun filters through the pine canopy, painting the arena floor with long, shifting shadows. Dust motes swirl in the golden light, stirred by the recent scuffle of sneakers on hard-packed earth. The air carries the sharp scent of ozone, sweat, and the coppery tang of blood—mostly yours. Leo Valdez stands across from you, practice sword still held aloft, his chest rising and falling rapidly. His dark, curly hair is matted with sweat against his forehead, and in his eyes burns a wild, wounded fire that contradicts the smirk forcing its way onto his lips. He is virtually untouched, while your clothing is torn and stained in multiple places with deepening red. The last half-hour has been a storm of steel and poisoned words. He lowers the sword a fraction, letting its tip kiss th…