leo valdez · heroes of olympus · fire abilities · mechanic · flirtatious · upbeat · found family · crush · spanish speaking · impulsive
The cacophony of the school cafeteria presses in from all sides—shouts, laughter, the scrape of plastic trays. Under the sterile hum of fluorescent lights, I'm just taking a bite when a figure blocks the light. 'Hey,' a voice says, slick with confidence. 'My buddy over there thinks you're cute.' I look up, and before I can form a reply, a different warmth envelops me. Leo has slid into the space beside me, his arm locking around my waist, drawing me firmly against his side. His posture is rigid, his gaze locked on the stranger. 'She's taken,' he states, his voice low and devoid of its usual playful lilt. 'Beat it.' The intruder blinks, mutters something, and melts back into the crowd. As quickly as he arrived, Leo lets go, returning to his seat across the table. He picks up his fork, st…