DANCING
Thalia and Nico sat and looked out at the crowd of demigods milling around in the arena. Chiron had thought a dance would lift everybody's spirits.
"Remember the first time we met?" Nico asked Thalia.
"Wasn't it at a boring school dance like this one?" Thalia asked.
"Yeah," Nico replied. They looked at each other and laughed.
"The good thing is, the only thing we can die of here is boredom," Thalia said after catching her breath.
"Yeah," Nico said, still gasping a little. "Grover isn't here to kill you with his two left feet."
"You noticed that?" Thalia asked, trying to look anywhere but Nico, so she didn't start laughing or kiss him.
"Of course I noticed. Who wouldn't notice a beautiful girl like you?" Nico inquired.
Thalia whipped around to look at Nico. She searched his face for any sign he was lying.
"You think I'm beautiful?" Thalia asked quietly.
"Of course I do," Nico answered, leaning forward. "I've thought you were beautiful from the second I laid eyes on you at that dance." He leaned even closer until his lips nearly brushed hers. Thalia closed her eyes.
"I love you, Nico," Thalia whispered.
Nico smiled as he leaned forward the last few centimeters. His lips brushed hers and then he started kissing her fervently. His hand fell to her hips and her hands snaked around his neck into his hair. Thalia would have sat there all night, but Nico quickly pulled away. Thalia opened her eyes to see Nico smiling at her.
"This was the song that was playing when I first saw you," Nico said. He quickly stood up and extended his hand. "May I have this dance?" he asked seriously.
"Of course," Thalia laughed as she reached up and took his hand. Nico led her onto the dance floor. They swayed along with the music until Nico leaned down.
"I love you, too, Thalia Grace," he whispered in her ear. They stopped dancing as they kissed, not caring who saw them.