Her bare feet sunk into the cool sand. She'd discarded her canvas flip flops a while back in favor of the calming feel of the beach on her callused feet. Ahead she saw a boy sitting, knees pulled up to his chest, simply staring at the rising sun over the horizon. His hair, black as night, hung over his eyes. She padded over and sat beside him, assuming the same position. They sat in silence, watching the sun inch higher in the sky.

"I dreamt a dream tonight," he said, breaking the calm quiet.

"And so did I," she responded, maintaining her gaze over Long Island Sound.

He turned his head to face her. "Well, what was yours?"

"That dreamers often lie."

"In bed asleep while they do dream things true?" he asked in disbelief.

"Of course," she ratified. "For lovers dream of love, warriors of heroic feats, young maidens of a fair kiss, and so on. It cannot be the truth."

"What if I were to say that what I dreamt was true?" he countered, green eyes piercing hers.

"Then I'd be justly astounded," she replied, returning her eyes to the climbing sun.

"Well, it was. So there." He sat back on his forearms smugly, a smile spreading across his face.

"What truth did you dream, then?" she asked.

"That I was in love with a girl."

She looked at him questioningly. "And that's the truth?"

"Haven't we established that what I dreamt was true?"

"Yes, but you know nothing of love, Seaweed Brain. Therefore you couldn't be in love."

"But I am. And in my dream, the girl I was in love with loved me too."

"Good for your dream-self," she said sarcastically.

"Don't you want to know who it was?"

"Not really."

"Okay, fine, since you want to know so much, I'll give you hints. Like twenty questions."

She sighed and nodded in consent. "First question: what's her name?"

"That's cheating! Yes or no questions only, Wise Girl."

"Fine. Is she at camp?"

"Yes."

"Is she a half-blood?"

"Yes."

"Is her godly parent a god?"

"No."

"So it's her mom... A daughter of Aphrodite?"

"Nope."

"Demeter?"

"No."

"Athena?"

"Yes."

"Oh snap. Now we're getting somewhere!" she grinned. "Is she our age?"

"Yes." he broke into a smile, and if she wasn't mistaken, his cheeks began to color.

"It's Sophie. You love Sophie!"

"No."

She was dumbfounded. Sophie was the only daughter of Athena their age... besides herself. Oh my gods, it's me, she thought. Percy loves me.

"Me?" her voice was small, restrained. She lifted her gaze to meet his. He grasped her hand.

"If I profane with my unworthiest hand this holy shrine, the gentle fine is this. My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss," he said softly. With his free hand, he caressed her face gently, slowly bringing his lips to hers.

The kiss was pure bliss. He slid his arms around her back, slowly pulling her onto his lap, as she wrapped her arms around his neck. They were cautious, hesitant, as if one push forward could send them tumbling. And yet, careful as she was, she could feel herself falling. Falling in love with Percy Jackson.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize, much to my dismay.

A/N: If only Percy could recite Shakespeare... It would make my day if you clicked that button and let me know what you think!

Much love, Sadie