Jamie looked around nervously but still didn't see her. "She came, right?" He asked himself, running a hand nervously through his hair.

"You look nervous, not a party person?"

He jumped and turned toward her soft voice, relaxing a bit and letting out a nervous laugh. "No, I'm okay with parties."

Petunia just nodded a little and turned to watch everyone. "They all seem pretty excited. I guess I'm not used to being around this many people, or maybe this is a rare occasion here at camp?"

He nodded. "Yeah, um, we don't really get to dress up in anything other than swimsuits or armor."

"Ah," She whispered. She had flowers braided into her hair, which was pulled up with only a few loose strands brushing her shoulders and framing her face. Her dress made her look even smaller.

He felt like a strong breeze might break her. "How's life in the Hermes cabin?"

She had a hint of a smile. "Weird."

He was scrambling to find something to say and was about to ask what kind of flowers she had in her hair, just to hear her talk for a bit, when she turned to him.

"So, who were you looking for? I could help you find her." She had a kind look on her face, even if she still didn't smile.

He wanted to be the one to make her smile again, but he was taken aback at her offering to help him find…her.

She nodded after a moment and looked back over the party. "Right. Mind my own business."

"Uh, no…I…" He was failing. He was failing miserably. "I was looking for…"

She looked at him, innocently.

"Well, you. I didn't want you to be alone." He vowed to punch himself multiple times for adding the last part.

"Oh, that's very kind of you." She gave him that look that was almost a smile but not quite, then continued watching the party.

He mocked himself in his head and glared accusingly at his hands. "So, what kinds of flowers are the ones in your hair?"

"Lily-of-the-valley," She almost whispered.

He waited a moment. "What do they mean?"

"Depends on who you consult, but I always like the meaning 'return of happiness'. I guess…I'm just trying."

"Trying…?"

She nodded as if that was the answer.

Return of happiness…he wanted to facilitate that. And not just because Chiron had assigned him to protect her. He wanted to be the one who finally made her smile again.

The upbeat song that had been playing ended and Stacy Krivkov from the Apollo cabin came over the speakers. "Next song is a slow dance. Find your special someone."

Shoot. Why'd she have to add the last part? Now it would be awkward if he asked her to dance.

Nia glanced at him. "Well that makes things awkward for those who don't have someone special. How are friends supposed to dance together now? Or what if siblings wanted to just dance together? Awkward."

He smiled, laughing a bit. "Come on. Let's dance."

"What?" She looked surprised. "But…"

"Come on, you're not going to leave me hanging, are you?" He teased gently. "You should be dancing. So dance with me."

She slowly nodded, and took his hand.

He could just barely make out a blush on her cheeks in the glow of the lava light. He pulled her a little closer than would probably be normal for friends. If anyone wondered though, he could just say it was because she was so small. So small and holdable.

And in the fire-like light, she was probably the most beautiful girl he had ever laid eyes on.

Now if he could just pull out that elusive smile of hers…