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cabinofimagines · 2 years

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Cryptozoology

IT is DANNY’S BIRTH and I wrote this fic for her gghghg. I promised it would be fluff, angst free and I did my best. Happy birthday sis!

Pairing: Leo Valdez x Gn!Reader

Request: According to my agenda, Danny's birthday is approaching and I think she deserves a high-quality Leo Valdez fic. So here's my idea: College!Leo likes reader & he has this running joke of calling them the "campus cryptid" bc he always sees them but for some reason no one knows who he's talking about until eventually finds them in the library or someplace and he takes a pic to send to his friends like "see? they're real!" But the dumbass had the flash on so it's an embarrassing moment obsvly you can edit it as you want I just wanna read an AU bc we don't have lots of those around here— love you guys!! -A big fan

Word count: 3.5k

Warnings: none!

-Asnyox

The first time Leo Valdez met you was at two in the morning.

It was mid exam season, and you had decided that maybe you should take a walk to clear your mind a little. Nothing crazy- maybe just around the dorms, take a deep breath outside and go back to your room. The lights outside of the dorms were broken, so you just found the closest tree and stood against it, facing the door towards the dorms.

Suddenly a Latino boy walked out, looking like he had not slept for the entirety of exam season. As he stretched, he spotted you from the corner of his eye. However, you were not feeling like interacting with the Leo Valdez, who was known to be able to keep a conversation going and you sort of were ready to go back to bed. So, as he squinted into your direction, trying to identify you, you quickly took three steps back and hid behind the tree. You had never actually held a conversation with Leo, but that did not mean you didn’t think he was cute, and you did not want to meet him like this. Hence, you did the only logical thing that your sleep deprived mind could think of. As Leo slowly circled around the tree you were standing behind, you circled the other way and dashed for the door when it was in sight.

Leo was certain only moments ago there was someone underneath this tree – he could have sworn¸ but as he circled the tree, his earphones still blasting music, there was no one. Leo was disappointed, whoever this person was they looked good- and he thought that maybe it was that one person that always managed to slip away from his conversations. There were only about 5 people on the floor he had never talked to, and he wanted this to be his chance, what better moment to meet his possible love-of-his-life than two in the morning? Leo sighed sadly as he removed his earphones, just in time to hear doors close. He quickly stumbled backwards, tripping on his own feet as he tried to catch a glimpse on whoever was there. Looking up from the leaves on the ground, he stared at the treetops, wondering what he just met.

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“I swear to you! There was something else outside!” Leo exclaimed as Jason slowly petted his arm.

“Leo, you were outside in the middle of the night, you might have just been sleep deprived.” He tried to console his friend.

“I am not, and I will find this cryptid- even if it’s the last thing I do!” determination flooded Leo’s face, as worry filled Jason’s.

“Please don’t,” Jason pleaded, but Leo had already stood up and embarked on his mission. Jason sighed and looked at Piper, who was distracted with her phone.

“Why did you not try to stop him?” Jason asked and Piper looked up.

“Stop what?” She blinked once, “Uh, where did Leo go?” Jason sighed.

“Piper please just ask the girl out so you can finally be present in the moment,” Piper glared at Jason, “Leo is on a mission to find the ‘campus cryptid’ he saw last night at two in the morning.” Jason explained and Piper laughed.

“They could be anyone, well, good luck to Leo. This will be great.” Her laugh got just a bit louder as Jason tiredly sighed into his hands.

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Leo spotted you with headphones on, sitting underneath a tree in the shade. He had to do a double take, because he was unsure whether you were in fact his campus cryptid. The world fell away as Leo heard his own heartbeat in his ears. He wanted to approach you, yet he felt scared that he would bother you. Leo was not even sure whether you were his cryptid or not- however as he watched you grabbed an apple, eating it in only 5 bites, core and all. If you were not the person who was standing outside yesterday, you were definitely a different type of cryptid. A cute cryptid at that. Leo had not realized how long he had been standing there, but he realized he should do something soon. As he took a deep breath, being lost in his feelings, he stepped forward … and you were standing up. How could he approach you now? You were worth a shot though- except you were walking in the direct opposite direction from Leo. Dammit.

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Leo’s day progressed rather well- his test did not go horrible, however he was running late for a seminar he had to attend. These people standing in the hallway were not helping him.

“Ah- coming through- I am in a hurry- let me-“ he stopped his apologies as he spotted you at the centre. You were holding a lizard, carefully in cupped hands and the students crowding you were each taking turns looking at the lizard, not touching it for every time someone tried you scolded them.

“Don’t reach for my buddy! You will dry his skin!” This was the first time Leo had heard your voice- and his breath stuttered. He wished you would say his name- but you two had not yet properly met so that would only be a dream.

“What did you name the little guy?” Leo overheard one of the students say, as he was slowly begrudgingly making his way away from the crowd- the seminar was mandatory, and he could not afford to be late-

“Little Lizard Leo,” you laughed, “He was just walking around here so I picked him up, he needs to go back outside.” Could you read Leo’s mind? He had turned abruptly at hearing his name, being sure now that you were at least a cryptid. Leo glanced at his phone for the time, hoping he might have a minute to spare, but alas, he cursed as he ran the rest of the way towards the seminar.

During a small 15-minute break in the seminar, Piper smiled devilishly at him.

“Jason told me about your crush,”

Leo’s head shot up. “I have a crush? No, no way-“ He felt his face get warmer, a crush on who? The cryptid? His heart skipped a beat as he thought about the concept of having a crush on you- your hair and eyes and laugh and -

“I mean, he said it was the ‘college cryptid’ or something, but given,” Piper gestured at Leo, “Your reaction I am guessing you do in fact have a crush on someone.” Leo shook his head.

“I barely know the cryptid,” he shot back and Piper’s smile widened, “Besides I am not sure whether they would be the cryptid,”

“Well, ask them, it’s not creepy at all to just go, ‘Hey, were you outside last night? At two? Me too! Wow, we have so much in common!’ And then bam- you are dating.”

“Thank you for the suggestion, but I will not.” Leo told Piper off, Piper’s smile never dampening, “You are by the way only allowed to tell me to ask someone out when you finally ask her out. You have been pining for a good two months now!”

“I don’t even know whether she likes girls!” Piper exclaimed and Leo rolled his eyes.

“She does, believe me.” He comforted Piper, as she looked doubtful.

“Fine. I will confess if you can prove that your college cryptid actually exists.” Piper challenged him, “Because maybe we can help identify your cryptid if you have a picture of it.”

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Leo was getting antsy. It had been almost two weeks since he had spotted you- the last time he saw you, you were just handing out cold tangerines from your bag. You had walked up to the table he was keeping occupied for his friends, said “You’re with three, right?”, put three tangerines down, said and walked away as he nodded. Leo had been working on his essay, and he got out of the essay brain fog a moment too late, for you were gone again.

“Whatcha looking at?” Piper had asked five minutes after you had gone and Leo just responded with a hum as he returned to work on his essay. The deadline was later that day- last deadline of the semester luckily - and he could not be bothered to be made fun of because of his crush.

Anyways, as the exam season was finally over Leo found himself at a party. This one was at a different dorm from his own, but he was excited to see new people. Maybe the cryptid would show up. He hoped so, he would finally find the courage to talk to you or something.

As Leo walked around the party- lights flashing, the music a little too loud for a conversation, and a beverage in hand - he was disappointed to not spot you in the crowd. Piper had already left to be with her own crush and Jason was having fun in another corner of the room. Leo sighed, the music and sadness getting to him as he went outside for some air.

The full moon was out, and Leo took a sip of his drink. Suddenly, he heard sounds coming from the tree line. The bushes rustled and Leo carefully stepped closer. He was about to ask whether there was someone there when a blur shot out of the bushes and into a low-hanging tree. Another bigger blur quickly followed, and when Leo finally gained sight within the moonlight, he saw you petting a cat in a tree.

“What?” Leo said out loud, staring at the sight before him. You were still crouching on the tree stem, the cat slowly sitting down on your knees. Your back was leaning against the bark behind you, as the cat finally accepted your affections. Leo wished to be that cat. Wait- that’s a weird thing to think.

You had frozen in mid pet, but started again when the cat headbutted you, demanding your affection. You were staring at Leo Valdez, in the flesh. He sounded surprised to see you, almost happy. The darkness of the night was enough to make sure you were unable to make out his actual face. You decided to do the best thing you could think of- ignore the situation and keep petting the cat. However, as you saw Leo slowly get out his phone from his pocket, your head shot up. You did not want a picture of this, because it was not the most normal position to be in and you did not need your crush making fun of you. This movement resulted in the cat quickly jumping out of the tree, and you quickly tried to follow, only to see it running inside the dorms.

“Fuck,” was all you said. Leo had forgotten his initial plan because of your sudden movements. You were about to just turn around and be sad about losing the cat, but you were interrupted by Leo.

“Why don’t you follow it inside?” He asked and you squinted at him.

“I wasn’t invited to the party.” You shrugged, looking at Leo as he cocked his head.

“I was, we can get your cat out together if you want.” He suggested and you considered it for a second before nodding. You grabbed his hand and tugged him towards the dormhouse. Leo struggled for a second to get his footing, as he kept staring at your hands. He smiled dumbly, liking this feeling of your hand in his. He felt happiness in his chest as he realized he had talked to you- was having a conversation with you to some extent.

As the two of you entered the building, Leo wanted to get you to his friends- proof you exist. However, you seemingly had other plans.

“I go left, you right. Be back in 20 with or without a cat. Good luck, detective.” You let go of his hand, on your mission of finding the cat. Leo smiled as he started looking too, stumbling upon Jason in the progress.

“They are at the party!” He yelled into his friend's ear. Jason looked at him confused.

“Who?” He yelled back.

“The cryptid!” Leo responded.

“Cool! Where are they? What’s their name?” Jason looked at Leo, as Leo’s face changed into one of realization.

“Fuck! I don’t know! I will be back! Tell me if you see a cat!” Leo started moving through the crowd, trying his best to spot you. You hadn’t disappeared on him, right? He passed an empty room when movement caught his eye. As he looked inside, he saw you with four cats all cuddling you. Leo slowly made his way into the room.

“I see you’ve found some cats!” He yelled over the music, and you looked at him surprised, before a smile filled your face as you nodded excitedly. Leo sat down next to you, keeping a little distance between the two of you. Your shoulders brushed as he leaned back, letting one of the cats climb on his lap. He started petting the cat, as he looked at you, being fully captivated by the cats.

Leo wanted to talk to you, but you seemed so content with your activity and he dared not interrupt this time you had. He just wished to be able to scooch a little closer, to know your name, to be able to open his mouth a tell you how good he thinks you looked like this. His courage once again failed him. He figured that in a bit, if you stood up, he could strike a conversation.

An alarm sound rang from your watch, and you looked at it in shock.

“I have to go, thank you for the cats, detective,” Is all you said as you put the two cats that were on your lap on Leo’s.

“Wait- Let me!” But you made a run for it, “Shit!” Leo exclaimed. Why did you have to leave? He looked at the cat in his lap, who purred against his chest. Leo pouted as he pets the cat.

“Your campus cryptid was a cat?” Jason walked into the room. Leo shook his head.

“They just left.” Was all he said. Jason sat down next to him.

“Did you get their name?” He asked and Leo once again shook his head. Jason looked at his friend worried. “You alright, buddy?” Leo leaned against Jason’s arm.

“I just- I couldn’t get myself to talk! They seemed so happy with the cats and-“ Leo yelled a little, “Jason, I am in deep shit and I don’t know how it happened.”

Jason smiled as he petted Leo on the head. “It happens sometimes, Leo. You better catch your cryptid before you regret it.” Leo nodded, still petting the cats on his lap. Unbeknownst to Leo, Jason had spotted you on your way out and he knew exactly who you were.

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This morning during your lecture you had been approached by Jason Grace. You had worked together with him on projects once or twice, but you never took the energy to become good friends with him. He was just a guy you sat next to sometimes, however today he seemed to be in a chatty spirit.

“So, you know Leo?” He side eyed you and you nodded, opening your laptop to take notes, “He has been obsessing over this ‘campus cryptid’ as he calls it.” Jason tried to gauge your reaction, however it was nine in the morning, so there was little emotion on your face except from ‘tired’, “And I think that you might be this cryptic crush he has.” That woke you up.

“Me?” You gave Jason your full attention, “Cryptid?”

“That is what you focus on?” Jason laughed, “You should talk to Leo, I fear he cannot approach you even if it was life or death, (Y/n).” You shook your head.

“I do not think I should approach someone who calls me a cryptid, Jason. Besides, I also do not think Leo can physically have a crush on me.” Jason looked at you, begging you with his eyes.

“Look, he probably just wants to find the cats we petted or something-” You sighed, “Okay, I won’t run away from him next time I see him.” Jason nodded approvingly.

“You were running away?” He smiled and you looked at him tired of the conversation.

“Shut up, Grace.”

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You were not looking forward to having to confront Leo, but you promised Jason and perhaps you would actually become friends with him. You had liked hanging out with him last weekend, petting the cats. You just hoped that Leo did not actually think you were weird enough to be a cryptid. You had already figured out your plan- you found a book on cryptozoology in the library and put in some paper with your name and number on it. That would be funny, right?

Anyways, the book was to your side as you worked your way through various papers you had to read for next class. You were so consumed in your work that you had not noticed Leo grabbing his phone, not so subtly pointing it your way, and taking a picture of you. However, Leo had kept the flash on, and you did notice that. Your head shot up and you looked straight at him, staring into his eyes. Unblinking you watched as he stumbled on his words, quickly putting away his phone.

“Sorry!” Leo exclaimed, putting his hands up and he quickly turned. You blinked twice quickly and realized you messed up. Maybe this was slightly cryptic.

Leo on the other hand was panicking. He messed up massively, how could he ever approach you now? You just caught him taking a sneak picture of you like some fucking creep. He cursed himself for messing up this badly. He should just, run away, change his name and never set foot on campus again. Yeah, that seems like a good one.

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The next time Leo saw you was the next day, right outside of the dorms. You were just standing there looking at your phone. The sun had set, and Leo had stayed behind in the library to work on his essays. Leo had wanted to apologize for taking the picture, and maybe he had also thought you would have been there because he knew he had seen you there yesterday. He was disappointed that you weren’t there, but he sat down and kept working on his essays until it was well past dinner time.

However, now you were standing underneath the same tree where he first spotted you, and before Leo’s brain could put anything in, his legs had carried him towards you.

“Look, I want to apol-,” Leo started but you quickly cut him of with an abrupt hand movement.

“Wait!” You took three steps back, “Here!” you finished your sentence, and you ran towards your dorm. You quickly grabbed the cryptozoology book from your bag and ran back. Luckily, Leo was still standing there, looking bewildered.

“Uh-,” You alerted Leo of your presence, as you held out the cryptozoology book to him, “Jason said you uuh- were into cryptids and-” You felt your impromptu courage deflate as you started to stumble over your words, “so I found, uh, this book- it’s from the library but you should- look inside!” you finished your sentence, looking uncomfortably at Leo. He hesitantly grabbed the book and was about to put it away when you grabbed the book and made him open it.

Leo looked down at the loose page of white A4 paper, which contained a shitty drawing of what could resemble moth man. Underneath was written ‘CAMPUS CRYPTID a.k.a. (Y/n) (L/n)’ and a phone number.

“This is-” Leo felt a smile on his face, “You?” he laughed. You smiled awkwardly in return.

“Jason told me that you called me the campus cryptid and you know,” you vaguely gestured towards the book, “I thought this would be smooth enough for a cryptid.”

“It’s awesome, I love it,” Leo had almost said ‘you’ but that would be too soon, “Would you maybe get some cryptic coffee with me?” He asked, nervously looking you in the eyes.

“Only if there are cats,” you smiled at him. Leo laughed

“You sure like your fellow cryptids,”

“Pft, whatever, cryptozoologist.”

Happy birthday Danny!

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