The shortest One-Shot I've ever written and ever will write.

Inspiration behind this goes to sdl46533 and their story, A Letter to Young Nightcrawler. It's a fantastic idea, and I wanted Leo to do this. So, I don't claim the idea at all.

This is adult Leo with kids writing a letter to his younger self. The younger Leo just lost his mother. It's just something Leo wanted to do for closure, even if he knew the letter couldn't possibly reach the past.

I own nothing you recognize as canon.

Dear Leo,

It gets better. It really does.

I know that things look bad right now. A lot of horrible stuff will happen in the days to come. Rosa was just the beginning of a long line of people who are out to screw you. Take it in stride. Keep moving.

I say keep moving not in the sense of running away from your problems. You will do that, trust me. But in terms of keep moving, I mean keep moving forward. Don't dwell on the bad. Look ahead and go for your dreams. Trust me: they come true in the end…well, maybe not the one with Mom, but—never mind.

About the fire…eventually you will see it's not just a destructive power. You'll be able to do so much more with it. Use it to beat bad guys, heat up tofu burgers, and even melt down crazy metals for your super awesome projects.

When you reach a certain age, there's going to be changes in the way you view girls. Yeah; those strange life-forms that resemble Mom are going to be a very important part of your life. Keep aiming high, because there will be one special goddess waiting for you. Literally. And by the way, the corny jokes will work. They worked for Mom, they'll work for her.

Speaking of her, she's going to be the girl that gives you the best years of your life—the years with your babies. I won't spoil how many children you will have, but just know…the baby girl you'll dream about later will come. And she's just as beautiful as her mother. She'll be just as troublesome as you, and you'll love her even more for it. Keep the imagination you had with Mom, because it'll help when you become a dad.

I know mentioning Mom will be a sore subject for you right now—Hell, it will be sore for years to come—but one day you'll look back at that nightmare and feel better. One day, you'll do Mom proud. That day won't be any day soon, but you'll know when it comes.

Keep your friends. This doesn't really apply until you hit your teens, but you'll be grateful to have them. Make them laugh. Be corny. Act silly. Save their butts when it counts. Though you may not think it, you'll be one of the greatest friends they'll ever have. And let them see the real you sometimes. It helps. It really does.

One last thing:

You're not alone. Even when you're on your own, you won't be totally alone. Dad's watching. Don't ask how. Don't get mad that he won't show himself—he has a really good reason not to show his ugly (and boy, do I mean ugly) face to you—and try not to feel down. You've got more family on Dad's side than Mom's. You won't meet them for years, but when you do, you won't want to let them go.

Enjoy your childhood, Leo. Enjoy your friends and various families—foster or otherwise. All of your experiences will make you a better man, and a great father. You'll survive. Even on days where it looks like you'll see Mom again, you will survive. You'll do Mom proud by just being you—the flamin' hot, super-sized McShizzle Leo Valdez.

Sincerely,

Your future

A/N: I'm pretty pleased by how that turned out. How'd you guys like it? I'd love to know, just like always.