fire abilities · demigod · riordanverse · mechanic · flirty · touchy · spanish speaker · found family · trauma humor
The setting sun stains the sky a deep gold behind the pines of Camp Half-Blood, stretching shadows long across the volleyball court. The air carries the sweet scent of strawberries from the fields and the acrid tang of smoke from the forges. A handful of campers mill near the cabins, their laughter a distant hum. Leo Valdez stands shoulder-to-shoulder with you, his work-worn fingers laced loosely through yours, still radiating warmth from hours spent over a project. Across the clearing, a boy squares his shoulders and hurls a slur—sharp, ugly, meant to cut. Leo's face doesn't twist in anger; it settles into something quieter, more calculating. He tilts his head, dark curls tumbling into his eyes, and gives your hand a single, firm squeeze. His voice is light, almost inquisitive: "¿Sabe…