Lighting by Alex Goot

requested by: the-daughter-of-poseidon312

Hi. So uh it's been awhile. I've been kind of busy I guess. I've missed you guys. Thanks for keeping up with my fic, and if I lost some of you guys…I guess that's my fault. Also, this oneshot is AU and OOC. Sorry if that bothers you! Just trying to tie in some college stories I hear. Enjoy? (I don't own anything)

"So how was the party?" Percy asked as I stepped back into the room around 11 at night.

"The beer tasted funny and the music sucked," I groaned as I fell into one of the beanbag chairs.

"But…" I raised an eyebrow. "Oh come on, there's always a but!"

I laughed, "Okay, okay. There was a girl alright?"

"Details?" Percy begged, "Please man, just because Annabeth won't let me go to parties doesn't mean I can't live vicariously through you!"

I laughed at my roommate, "Okay, okay. So her name was Thalia…she had this spiky black hair, and her eyes were so blue...like they were electric or something. And the way she danced…gods, she was so hypnotizing…" I sighed pitifully.

Percy laughed, "So? Did you get her number?"

"Ah…well, I kinda chickened out dude. But!" I held up my hands to stop his protests, "its not like I even had a chance! The guys were all over her!"

Percy groaned, "Not this again…dude, you're going back! It's only 11 at night, I'm sure she's still there."

Percy grabbed his keys and headed to his car. I protested, "No! Percy, it's not worth it, it'll never happen! Besides, Annabeth will be angry."

He rolled his eyes, "Dude, she'll understand. You need this girl in your life. Now get in the car, we are going back."

Twenty minutes later we were back at the Zeta house, with its bad music and bad beer. I sighed, glancing once more at Percy before heading inside. Percy followed me in a few seconds later, to make sure I followed through.

It took a few minutes, but I finally found her. She was sitting on one of the couches with 2 guys talking to her. I groaned, was I really supposed to expect to win her over tonight? I looked at Percy pleadingly. He shook his head and shooed me over in her direction.

I moved in her direction, a beer in my hand so I wouldn't look as awkward. I stood by the wall, somewhat near the couch. At least close enough for her to see me. At first I just kind of looked at her, but she noticed me staring…so I looked away. I knew I shouldn't, but my gaze just kept falling back on her. About half an hour later I felt weird and started to leave, hoping Percy would cut me some slack, but he just glared at me.

I sighed and leaned against the wall again. I was lost in thought when I felt someone tap my shoulder. I jumped.

"Uh, hi. I'm Thalia…I couldn't help but notice you've been looking at me for a while. Do I know you?"

"Uh, yes? No…well…you're kinda the talk of the party. So I guess I just know of you. I'm Nico," I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly.

"Oh, I see. Haha, I guess I get that a lot. So do you go to this school?"

"Yeah, do you not?" She shook her head. "So where do you go?"

"That's for me to know, and you to find out!" I grinned at her impishness. A little later we found ourselves deep in conversation about the most random things. I was falling more and more in love by the second.

"Hey…so I'm getting kind of tired. Would you mind walking me back to my apartment?" Thalia batted her eyes at me.

I looked at her in surprise, "Uh, yeah. Totally! I just…let me go tell my friend. Wait Right here ok? I'll be right back!"

I ran off to Percy, finding him talking to Frank. "Percy, oh god, she asked me to walk her home! What do I do?"

Frank and Percy looked at me in surprise, "Well you take her home dumbass!"

I glared at them, "No shit Sherlock, but what if she wants to…you know. I haven't done that with anyone since Zoe!"

Percy rolled his eyes, "Here, you owe me." He tossed me a condom. I blinked at it before shoving it in my pocket.

"Uh, thanks. I'll see you tomorrow Percy!"

3 hours later I found myself sweaty and naked in bed with the most amazing girl. She was funny, and smart, and wild. She was perfect for me; I decided that then and there. I hugged her to me and nuzzled her hair with my nose.

"Where have you been all this time?" I asked her happily. She smiled at me, "Around…"

I shook my head at her and laughed, "You little devil."

We lied next to each other for a litte longer before I yawned, sleep and exhaust pulling my eyes shut. I kissed her one last time before saying, "Good night Thals, I'll see you in the morning…"

She whispered night back to me before sleep caught us both.

The next morning I woke up to an empty bed. I looked around confused, where did Thalia go? I rubbed my eyes before noticing a little note on the pillow next to me.

Nico,

I'm sorry to do this to you, but I never meant to stay. You're a nice guy, and maybe in a different life we could be together. Don't try to find me; by the time you wake up I'll be back at my college. The apartment you're in belongs to a friend of mine, but she won't say anything. So don't try and get facts from her. If we see each other again I'll consider it fate, but until then…Good bye Nico, thank you for a wonderful night.

Thalia

I dropped the note in confusion. She was gone? But…I thought…I sighed. Part of me hoped she'd stay, but at the same time I knew she'd leave. Some people were just too perfect…like lighting. Beautiful, fleeting…and unable to catch.