Hey!

I wrote up this oneshot right after reading "The Demigod Files", but two other authors had the same idea and posted their versions. Please don't read thinking about their stories, kind of like how people have posted many "Annabeth's POV while Percy is with Calypso" stories and readers seem to give each one a fresh start.

Note: This one is nothing like my other story. Be forewarned!

This takes place the evening after "Percy Jackson and the Bronze Dragon". You know the backstory, so I'll just jump right in with my original story.

Much thanks to icy roses for beta-ing. I'm so grateful to have found someone with such helpful suggestions!

Bursts of Light

Percy's POV

When we met at the beach, I saw that it was packed. There were a few dozen campers there already! Being on time was never my specialty, but I had figured there would be some room left. So much for that theory. I saw Connor Stoll and Demeter girl sitting together and Chris Rodriguez and Clarisse nearby. It seemed like the best spots to see the fireworks were taken, but I knew better. I had an idea.

"Come on," I told Annabeth.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"I know a place. What, don't you trust me?"

Annabeth sighed and followed me. It felt kind of weird to be leading Annabeth; for once I was going to show her something new. "Where are you taking me?" she said. "Is this some kind of revenge for the Capture the Flag game today? The one in which I destroyed your team, you know." I snickered, but didn't reply.

As we approached the inlet I was thinking of, Annabeth froze.

"What's wrong? A monster in the woods?"

"Uh, no. Nothing's wrong. Never mind." We sat down and watched the tester fireworks. They weren't as spectacular as the ones still to come, but they sure beat sparklers. Plus, I was right—this little inlet was the best place on the whole beach to watch the fireworks.

Soon the real fireworks began. Annabeth and I leaned back and watched them for a couple minutes, until Annabeth spoke. "Percy...I've been here before. This inlet, I mean. When you were gone. You were with Calypso, weren't you?"

I reddened so quickly I probably looked like Elmo. I spoke slowly. "Yeah. I was. After the volcano exploded, I woke up on an island. Her island. She was nice. It wasn't a trap, not like C.C. and her spa. Calypso helped me get healthy again, but I knew I had to come back. I wanted to come back. So...I did."

"Huh." Annabeth paused. "I came here, almost every day. I was worried, crazy worried. Even when Chiron said—well, I didn't believe it. I missed you. And I think you deserve to know that."

"I missed you, too."

Another pause, then, "You know, when Dr. Thorn kidnapped you...I wasn't allowed on the quest. Thalia and Grover were the only campers allowed. But I'm glad I went anyway. I feel like it was the right thing to do."

Annabeth looked up. "It was. That's why I'm not too worried about next summer. I know you'll make the right choice. You always do."

"Thanks," I said seriously, and she smiled at me.

We were quiet for a few more minutes, except for the occasional gasp or chuckle at the fireworks. Suddenly I sat up. "You know what's even more fun than watching the fireworks?"

"Beating you at Capture the Flag?" she suggested innocently.

"No," I said dryly.

"What, then?"

"Pulling a prank on the Hermes cabin. You want to?"

"Well...I do have some pretty good ideas I've been saving just for them." "And they'll all be on the beach for another half hour." "Let's go, Seaweed Brain."

Awww, Percy and Annabeth, partners in crime again…

I hope you enjoyed! Review, please! Even a quick note is appreciated.