I don't know why, but the holiday season does strange things to Clarisse. She gets very, for lack of a better word, happy. In addition to the strange mood, she also takes Thanksgiving very seriously. Sure, she has fun, but the whole "thanks" part is significant to her. And, once again, don't ask me why. I have zero ideas for why it is the way it is.

This is my first Thanksgiving with just Clarisse, and I'm still learning. Apparently, she has the hidden talent of cooking as well. In front of us is a beautifully cooked, 9lb turkey, stuffing, and the works.

She's smiling at me. Yeah, that's right. I said smile, not smirk. "Well, Chris," she begins, "what are you thankful for?"

"Uhh… Well, you haven't punched me at all today. I'm thankful for that."

She glares at me. Reaching across the table, she punches me in the shoulder. "There, now you can't say that. But seriously."

"Okay, okay. I'm thankful for not being in the Labyrinth anymore," I say with a few chuckles.

"That's not funny. Try again," she deadpans.

"Alright. I'm thankful I'm not dead."

"Be serious!" Her glare is not unusual, but I really wish that smile would come back. It was rather nice to see, and it was beautiful.

"That was completely serious! Well, fine. Then let's see you come up with something."

She gets a sort of smug look on her face. "That's easy. I'm thankful that the stupid, moronic, scatterbrained, dimwitted, and daft son of Hermes sitting across from me is my boyfriend."

I feel the heat rising in my cheeks, and I know my face must be turning beet red. "Oh," I say, my voice cracking, completely speechless.

Her new smile is triumphant, taking my embarrassment as an acceptable answer for the question she's been pestering me about. "Now we just have to say grace."

"Grace."

"Rodriguez! Seriously?!"

A/N

The next chapter will be about the Jackson family's Thanksgiving meal, and Annabeth will be there as well. Don't worry, there will be blue food.

I hope you enjoyed that little drabble. Please review, and the next chapter should be out within the next day, at the latest.

-Cat