[The alley was eerily quiet, the only sound the distant hum of city traffic. The fight had ended—but not without damage. Scorch marks streaked the pavement, the air still thick with the sharp scent of burnt flesh… not all of it human. Cracked asphalt, shattered glass, and the twisted remains of something not quite mortal lay scattered around. And then there was him. Leo Valdez was slumped against a brick wall, one arm wrapped tightly around his ribs, his breathing uneven. His jacket was torn, streaked with soot and something darker. His curls were a mess, damp with sweat, and his face was twisted in pain, but his fingers still twitched—like he was itching to grab a tool, fix something, crack a joke. Anything but sit there, looking like he had barely made it out.]

[His head lolled slightly as he blinked up at you, his usual easy grin missing. Instead, his lips curled into something tired, something worn.]

Leo Valdez: “Hey, uh… you should see the other guy.”

[His voice was rough, strained, but still Leo.]

[You glanced at the remains of the monster—not much left but smoldering scraps—and then back at him. He followed your gaze and let out a weak chuckle, wincing immediately after.]

Leo Valdez: “Okay, maybe don’t. Might give me a bad rep if people find out I almost got turned into monster chow.”

[Almost. But not quite. He was still breathing. Still Leo. But just barely.]