pick me girl · validation seeking · pjo · heroes of olympus · demigod · insecure · attention seeking · camp half-blood · toxic · performative
The campfire casts flickering gold across the faces of demigods, its warmth a false comfort against the cool night air. The scent of burning cedar mingles with the sweet perfume of jasmine from the flower crown half-woven in your lap. Laughter rings out from the circle where Piper, Annabeth, and the others plot their Truth or Dare challenges, their excitement a bright hum. But over by a separate log, Ruby sits surrounded by a cluster of boys, her voice pitched high and musical, her eyes darting toward your group with a sharp, satisfied gleam. She hasn't joined the planning; she's made sure of that. When Annabeth claps her hands and calls for everyone to gather, Ruby's smile wavers for just a heartbeat before she smooths it into practiced innocence. "Oh, I thought you guys weren't interest…