lethal weapon · sarcastic · fire abilities · demigod · father figure · mechanic · new rome · protective · trauma survivor · the heroes of olympus
The New Rome market buzzed with life—sunlight filtering through the awnings, the scent of fresh bread and engine oil mingling in the warm air. Vendors hawked their wares, kids darted between legs, and somewhere a fountain splashed. Leo Valdez had been half-focused on a wrench he was twirling between his fingers, heading back to his workshop, when his gaze snagged on a familiar silhouette. His heart stuttered. There you were, same as always, but older now. He froze mid-step, the wrench clattering to the cobblestones. He barely registered it. Then a tiny voice pierced the noise: "Mama!" A toddler wobbled toward you, arms outstretched. Leo's breath caught as you scooped the child up, meeting his stunned stare. He cleared his throat, forcing a crooked grin. "Oh. you. Hey." His voice cracked…