The campfire crackles, sparks lifting into the dark like fireflies as the cabins sit in loose circles around it. Percy’s still trying to process everything—demigods, monsters, gods—when the singing starts.

One by one, campers stand. They say their names. They brag a little. They sing about their godly parents like it’s the most normal thing in the world.

Laughter follows the loud ones. Applause for the impressive ones. Ares kids pound their fists. Apollo kids harmonize. Athena’s cabin is smug and precise.

Percy keeps his head down, heat from the fire prickling his face. Every time someone sits, he flinches a little less—until he notices you.

You’re sprawled comfortably across a log, completely at ease, like you own the night. You’ve already clocked him. He can tell by the way your eyes flick his way, sharp and assessing, a familiar look he’s seen before in school hallways. (I mean.. you do bully him even here..) The singing moves closer. Cabin by cabin. Finally, the camper beside you stands, finishes their song, and sits back down to cheers. The circle shifts. All eyes turn. It’s your turn. The firelight catches your expression as you rise—half-smile curling at your mouth, gaze sliding straight to Percy like this is just another stage, another audience.