On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…

Annabeth chuckled quietly from the corner of the room as she watched Nico drunkenly dance in the center of the room; her coworkers egging him on with their cheers. Piper returned from the drink table and held out a plastic cup for her. Annabeth took it gratefully and took a small sip; sighing when the warm alcohol slid down her throat and warmed her chest.

"You're pretty laid back tonight." Piper commented lightly. "I know it's after hours but I didn't take you as the type to allow drinking in the work place."

"Well I'm in a good mood." Annabeth shrugged. She pointed to Nico. "Plus I love seeing Nico drunk. He's more entertaining than usual."

"And isn't that saying something?" Piper laughed and tapped her drink to Annabeth's as they continued to watch the party unfold. Soon Jason came over to retrieve his wife and Annabeth smiled as she watched the two sway together on the dance floor. Percy had told her it had been love at first sight for the two of them and he hadn't seen a day go by where they weren't happy together. It made her happy to know a couple had found genuine love within each other.

Her mother and father weren't soul mates. She had known that even growing up. There had been happy moments but that's all they were; moments and moments were fleeting. Eventually they divorced and she lived with her mother for a few years before moving in with her father when he married Helen. Athena had taken the opportunity to tour the world and Annabeth couldn't find it in herself to resent her mother. Athena still kept in close contact and never let her daughter forget how important she was.

Annabeth took another sip of her drink and glanced down at her watch. Fredrick had taken Helen and the boys out for a movie and she calculated she could stay another hour before having to leave to beat them home. She had promised the boys she would play some games with them tonight.

Annabeth jumped when two arms wrapped around her waist gently. She shut her eyes and leaned back against his chest as Percy began to slowly rock them to the music. He had grown quite affectionate after she admitted to him she wanted to kiss him. She had held onto her promise though and was waiting not-so-patiently for him to make the move. The cheek kisses and hugs were nice but having her body pressed flush against his was even nicer. She hummed lightly and leaned back to kiss his cheek.

"I thought you couldn't come until later?"

"I got off early to come and party with you guys." Percy teased. He kissed her cheek and unlocked his arms to come around and face her. He took a sip of her cup and grinned in approval. Nico cheered behind them as a slow song came on and Annabeth found herself being dragged on the dance floor. Couples were pouring in and Annabeth blushed when they all stared at her teasingly. Grins were on everyone's faces as Nico shoved Percy in front of her and he offered his hand. Percy looked perfectly content as he waited for her. Annabeth sighed and placed her hand in his gently. The music was soothing and she found herself forgetting the name of the song as Percy pulled her closer.

He smelled intoxicating and she couldn't help but sigh lovingly and placing her head on his shoulder as he lead her in a lazy dance. She felt his cheek against the side of her head.

"This is nice." She mumbled happily. Percy squeezed her closer to him in acknowledgement.

"You get two more."

"Just the three then?"

"Well I'm not much of a dancer you see." Percy joked lightly. Annabeth nuzzled her head closer to his neck and felt him momentarily stiffen. "But I suppose if you really want to, I can dance with you longer."

Annabeth laughed quietly and they fell into a comfortable silence as their dance continued. When the next one started up, Annabeth found herself amazed at how far the two of them had come since high school. Everyone grew up and more often than not, they grew apart. First loves rarely lasted but here she was, slow dancing with hers and he was holding her just as tightly as she was holding him.

"I'm glad we found each other again." She whispered low enough for only him to hear. "I'm glad you're doing this. I've waited so long for you; I'm so happy knowing I don't have to wait any longer."

Percy simply hugged her tighter.

…three slow dances.