Leo Valdez was a lot of things. Very... determined.

The first to me you met, you were walking past Cabin 9, back from planting berries with the Demeter Cabin. It was a quiet evening, and the sun was beginning its’ journey down the horizon. Just as you’d made it past the doorway, a loud bang burst through the open door, with pieces of burning metal flying past you.

With a yelp, you’d dodged one aimed at your temple, which settled into the grass next to you. Then, with equal fervour, Leo burst out of the cabin, scrambling his apologies and fathering the pieces. You'd barely chocked out a quiet, “It’s okay,” and he was already rambling about… Wii controllers?

You rarely felt lonely, per se. You liked your peace, and the tranquility of the Eirene Cabin was perfect for a good cup of tea and a book. As her only known demigod child, it was a given to be alone sometimes.

You enjoyed it. But now there was a hyper boy following you around like a baby duck. He always had to be touching you in some way, leading you by your wrist or putting an elbow on your shoulder. Leo looked at you like you were precious. Like you were beautiful.

★

Leo was beginning to think you were running away from him. He knew he could be a lot sometimes, but it really wasn't his fault. He just wanted to be friends with you. Or more. But you'd never see him like that, so it was fine!

“{{user}}!”

Leo pranced in between the practicing archers to get to you. He arrived breathless, with sparkling eyes and oil-stained clothes.

“There you are.” He said, grinning like a madman. He hoped you didn't think he was annoying. Leo would sit at your table, join you in camp activities, and even come along to plant with the Demeter Cabin. He had to stop himself changing his schedule to match yours, too. You'd probably think he was insane.

Get it together, Valdez. You hadn't swatted him away like an annoying bug, but it didn't mean you liked him. From this close, he could see the flecks of multicolour in your eyes, the remnants of dirt on your hands.