Mara was completely stunned. She didn't know how Chiron had done it. The pavilion was very halloween-y, but it was also magnificent and far more spacious. When she gave Chiron a puzzled look, he said "Ah, the power of Aphrodite when a formal function is involved. Even when she isn't coming."

Mara nodded. Okay, that made sense. Only about 35 campers stayed year-round, so they didn't need this much space, but it was nice.

Her golden dress shimmered softly in the lowlight, and she gasped as she looked down at herself. It was still lovely with the lights off, it would be wonderful with the lights on. The first dance, the Halloween one, would just be fun, fast music. At first, Mara had complained that she wouldn't be able to dance in her costume, but Monica and Evelyn brushed it off and said that they just wanted her to make an entrance, they had a charm so that the dress would only go up to her knees. Fine. She complained that they were fussing too much, but on the inside, she was more smug then she'd ever been in her life. She really looked good, and it was giving her far more pleasure than it should have.

…

Connor was with his brother, putting on his costume. They were both being Princes from different Disney movies. Travis was being the prince from Cinderella, to impress his girlfriend, Katie. Connor was being the prince from The Little Mermaid, to impress whatever chick looked his way. He had to get over Mara. Yah, so, she was hands down the prettiest girl he'd ever seen. Oh well.

When he and Travis got to the pavilion, Katie ran up in her butterfly costume, and blushed when she saw him. Connor laughed. "Congrats, bro. You're king of the insects."

Travis scowled, but Katie then kissed him full on, leaving him dazed, before he smiled and happily lead her down the staircase. Connor ginned and shook his head at his brother's weakness for Katie, smiling. He didn't need that. Tied down? Not a chance in the world. What did he need such a spitfire for, anyway? He needed a hot girl to hold for a week, and who wouldn't be surprised when he let go. Of course, he would have said the same thing about Travis 3 months ago. Things change.

But not him.

The lights turned off in the pavilion, and it was getting dark outside so it was pitch black. He heard Monica, a hot Aphrodite girl speak loudly "Okay, everyone pair up! The purpose of the dark is so you can get a chance to dance with someone new. Couples! Here's a hint! Just go to the-"

Evelyn cut her off. "Don't tell them! The whole purpose is to dance with someone new!"

He heard Monica sigh. "FINE." Everyone find someone new."

Connor really couln't see anything exept a faint gold shimmer. He walked towards it, still not being able to see. He heard a beautiful laugh, warm and sweet. A hand grabbed his. He still couldn't see, and he figured neither could this girl, whoever she was. The hand was slim and soft, warm to the touch. He stroked it with his thumb. Whoever it was stroked back. Music came on, the lights still not lifting. She was a wonderful dancer, graceful. They didn't speak, but she laughed again when he once stepped on her toes. This was wonderful.

…..

Mara was having a wonderful time. She had never been held before, and it was nice. His hands were not to big, not too little, strong but soft. He respected her space, as well. Some guy grabbed her butt on the way in, and he was taking a trip to the infirmary right now. She hated that feeling of being… violated. It was close to her worst fear… She had never told anyone.

Back to the present. The pleasant stranger holding her. He spun her around, and she giggled girlishly. She had never giggled before in her entire life. It wasn't dignified. But fun, in a way. Besides, she was very determind to have fun tonight. She pulled him closer, and he hapily obliged. She felt a strange urge, to do something… absolutely crazy.

But things were going so nicely, she decided to push her luck.

She slowly leaned in to him, first just swaying with him, but he took the bait, and silently kissed her forehead hesitantly, to see how she would react.

She smiled. And was so glad he couldn't see her crazy, insane, happy-high grin. Perfect. Now, this was going to ruin her life's plan. She had always told herself, when she met someone she liked, she would take it slow. They would kiss when she was ready.

And you know what?

She was ready.

So she pulled him in, kissing him blissfully. This was her first kiss, she couldn't imagine it any better way, this- wow he was good at the kissing thing. He held her still tighter, and she didn't mind a bit. He was so gentle, and she wondered who this wonderful boy may thanked the gods for the dark, as her face resembled the one a person would wear when dreaming. The dark still blocking her sight, she whispered to him, "Thank you."

…..

Connor was in still shock. He had been kissing her so wonderfully and powerfully, he felt like he could plainly see every perfect piece of her face. He knew who that was.

Mara Everman had just kissed him.