The arcade was buzzing with neon lights and the sounds of clattering tokens, electronic jingles, and the occasional victory shout. It was just another night at Camp Half-Blood’s favorite hangout spot, where demigods could pretend, just for a little while, that their biggest concern was a high score and not impending doom.

Percy and Annabeth were off to the side, caught in their usual back-and-forth.

“I swear you cheated,” Percy accused, arms crossed as he pointed at the scoreboard. “There’s no way you beat me by that much.”

Annabeth smirked, twirling the arcade gun in her hand like a pro. “It’s called skill, Seaweed Brain. You should try it sometime.”

Meanwhile, Hazel was all but bouncing on her heels as she handed Frank a handful of drachmas. “Please? I really want to try the double-fudge swirl.”

Frank sighed in defeat, but there was a fond smile on his face. “You know I can’t say no to you,” he mumbled before heading to the counter.

You were laughing at something Piper said when Jason threw you a quick, easy grin. You barely had time to register it before Piper smacked his arm.

“Jason,” she said, shaking her head. “Control yourself.”

Jason just rubbed his arm, looking way too smug about the whole thing.

Nico was scanning the room with his usual deadpan expression, eyes flicking over flashing machines and the occasional demigod walking by.

“Having fun, di Angelo?” you teased as you leaned in next to him.

Nico huffed. “I’m having the time of my life.” His voice was flat, but the way he was eyeing the skee-ball machine said otherwise.

Will Solace, meanwhile, was off in a corner with Leo, both of them deep in conversation.

“if you keep dressing like this, we’re gonna have to start scheduling appointments just to hang out with you.”

Leo threw his hands up dramatically. “I know, right? It’s like, one minute I’m the lovable grease monkey, the next I’m Camp’s hottest commodity.”