Um, I posted this on AO3 as well, so I'll add my notes from there. I figured since I had 15k words of this self-indulgent fic typed out, I'd post it somewhere. I'm aware that OC inserts are self indulgent by their very nature, but I had fun with this, and I hope you will as well. I don't think I'm the worst writer and Leo is a very fun character for me to write as I freak out over writing my thesis. I still haven't beaten the game yet, and have avoided most spoilers so this is coming pretty organically.

So, this first chapter doesn't really have much going for it. It was kind of just a way for me to get an initial sense of Leo's character and how she fits in the group. I initially considered doing x reader fic, but this is way more in my comfort zone. I have the first 10ish chapters written, and I'll release them maybe like once a week.

Enjoy!

Leona threw herself into every battle. With a boost from Gladio's greatsword, she launched herself into the enemy lines with a yell. The first time she suggested it on a hunt, Gladio couldn't stop laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation, but swung her forward anyway, watching with muted surprise as it actually worked, and she delivered a fatal punch to the beast. Since then, it became a regular tactic, much to the horror of Ignis's careful planning. After a while, even he stopped scolding them for the unorthodox tactic, as he was forced to admit, that yes, it delivered quite a punch.

She chose to fight with brass knuckles she fashioned herself, enchanted to deliver an elemental punch. As such, whatever they were fighting had a face full of her before being at the receiving end of a fiery punch. Being so close-ranged had its risks, but Leo acted first, and thought later. Besides, someone needed to be more reckless than the prince.

If the tide of battle seemed to be turning, Leo had many tricks up her sleeve. If anyone else seemed in dire straits, she was proficient at drawing attention to herself, impressive considering her tiny form. But fire had the power of drawing any eye. Though she didn't seem like it, Leo was especially vigilant when others were in danger, especially Prompto, who was a killer at range, but significantly weakened if forced to fight up close. Of course they were all there to formally protect Noct, but Prompto needed someone to watch his back too.

And if she herself was cornered, she was ready with the many explosives he carried on her person. As reckless as she was, Leo was a master of her bombs. They never went off without her direct plan as to where they'd fall, unlike Noct's shoddy control of his magic's range. Well, usually. There was an occasional misfire when she tinkered with new things. She saved her explosives as a last resort as they cost gil to craft, and they had too many battles and not enough income. Besides, she'd rather use that gil to sleep in a comfy bed once in a while.

Together, her and Noct came up with the worst ideas, that seemed brilliant at first, but usually failed spectacularly. "Ay, Noct! Why don't we set the field on fire and flush this bitch out?!"

"Wait, that's a terrible—"

"That's a great idea!"

And they executed it without listening to Ignis's yells behind them. Suffice to say, it was best to leave the planning to Ignis as the fire caught on their clothes and the targets fled in the other direction. That one cost them a long lecture for the rest of the car ride back.

Leo was a bit of a wild card to factor into Ignis's plans. But to her credit, she listened to his instructions when things got even a little bit sticky. Leo didn't mind Ignis's plans, as they were usually effective and allowed the team to synergise in interesting ways that she could have never thought of.

At camp, whenever she had a spare moment after trying to help Ignis or Gladio with their setups, Leo was tinkering. Working on the weapons of the boys or trying to devise new explosions. After one mishap at the camp, she decided to go off to a nearby area to work on those from then on. After the first few times, no one commented on it if she came back covered in black power.

As a unit, they all functioned well at the end of the day, despite some bumps, covering for each others' weaknesses and elevating their strengths. And though she'd punch anyone that suggested it, Leo really did love her boys.