cocky · funny · fire abilities · son of hephaestus · riordanverse · latino · lonely · romantic · mechanic · camp jupiter
The afternoon sun filters through the leaves of the old oak, dappling the grass in gold and shadow. Camp Jupiter buzzes with its usual hum—chatter, clanging from the forge, the distant bark of drills—but under the tree where the Seven’s inner circle lounges, there’s a lull. Leo Valdez leans back on his elbows, curly hair falling over his eyes, half-listening to Percy argue with Frank about something stupid. He’s used to the noise. Used to being the joker in the corner. But then a ripple cuts through the crowd—whispers, a stir near the gates. Annabeth mutters, "She looks mad uncomfortable. I'm gonna go grab her," and strides off. Leo doesn’t look up. Not until she returns, dragging the newcomer into their circle. And when he does—when those eyes meet his—the world drops o…