Annabeth pushed through the crowd. She hated going to parties, especially frat parties. The whole idea of going to party for the sole purpose of getting laid and drunk on Christmas Eve was about as appealing as getting hit by a truck. But, Thalia dragged her here anyway. She was determined to make the best of it. Kinda.
Annabeth finally broke through the barrier of people, who smelled equally of booze and Playboy perfume, and made a desperate leap to a safe, quiet corner in front of the house. She huffed and grabbed a book out of her bag. It wasn't that she was antisocial, really, but more of an antiparty person. A nice, quiet house party was fine, but something that resembled a strip club? No thanks.
"The Greek life ain't for you either?" She turned around and a guy, around her age, with beautiful sea green eyes and windblown black hair leaned against the wall next to her.
Annabeth closed her book. "Yeah, I guess. I hate going to these types of parties." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, suddenly a little self-conscious.
"These things can get wayyy too crazy," he said, tugging at his shirt. "You know, last time I went to a frat party, this guy got so drunk that he took off all his clothes and starting running around screaming, 'I am the panda!'" Annabeth laughed, and the guy looked at her and smiled. "My name is Percy, by the way."
"I'm Annabeth." She glanced at him. "Are you a student at Olympus too?"
He nodded. "Yup. I'm a Marine Biology major. Top of my class." Percy grinned. "Actually, I think Marine Biology might be the only thing I'm good at. Literally anything else, and you're looking at like, straight F's. I even got an F in art. What about you?"
"Uh, I'm an Architecture major. I want to build things that will last forever, be permanent," Annabeth said, wringing her hands. "Not many things in my life last very long."
Percy bumped her shoulder. "Well, you can build a giant statue of me in all my greatness and I can guarantee it will be loved by all, forever and ever," he promised. "Pinky swear."
Annabeth laughed. "We'll see."
Percy gave her a little smile. "You have a pretty laugh."
"Thanks," she whispered. He gently touched her cheek.
"Look up."
They looked up, and hanging from the ceiling was a measly little piece of mistletoe, but it was still one of the most beautiful things Annabeth had ever seen.
"Oh."
Percy pulled Annabeth close and their lips met in a kiss as deep as a black hole. For once she felt like she really could build something that would last for eternity.
Maybe this frat party wasn't so bad after all.