Disclaimer: All rights to the Percy Jackson IP belong, rightfully so, to Rick Riordan

Sundown in New York sprinkled through skyscrapers in sheets. One street could be left in the shadows while the next could be overwrought with sunshine, and five seconds later they'd swap. It gave the concrete jungle a year-round consistency and it helped that no matter the weather, blazing or frigid, the streets never slept. Once night rolled in, the sky would buzz from the lights up and down Manhattan's towers making for stars reachable through ambition. It breathed humanity, and its heart pounded the drums of its people.

Stanford University was a different matter entirely. As he walked through a park Percy watched as the dwindling sunlight sparkled amidst leaves quivering in soft wind. Trees weren't foreign to him, but their abundance had him on edge. Above him the clear skies hinted at the stars hiding in the day's cloak. The air, which in New York had an industrial flavor, pierced his lungs with clarity. And despite his expectations, the dry heat was somewhat tolerable.

Nevertheless, Percy missed home.

"It gets much better mid-Fall," his roommate Grover insisted, noticing his unenthusiastic wandering eye. "When leaves turn and the heat settles, the campus becomes beautiful, really."

"No, I think it looks alright," Percy lied. "It's just weird not having Wall Street looking down at me."

"Ugh, Wall Street," Grover said. He shook his head disapprovingly. "You know I heard about proposals from some big banking firms looking to build new skyscrapers just outside Central Park. Would send entire families of plant life into disarray since it would block a significant chunk of sunlight. I mean truly a heartless bunch!"

His entire body shivered in disgust, a quirk Percy had noticed earlier when he'd gotten his first in-person environmental lesson regarding plastic waste and the unimpressive efforts of recycling practices. They'd only met each other in person for the first time a few hours ago, but Grover's love of Mother Nature had been apparent from the very start of their relationship. He wasn't a hippy, nor was he overly preachy, but just as New Yorkers were die hard Yankees fans, Grover rooted for nature.

"They've got some pretty serious activist groups back home," Percy said. "Even the city officials fear ticking them off, so I think the plant life is in good hands." Grover smiled, satisfied with the news. Percy didn't feel like mentioning that he learned about the activist groups through confrontation when one day he tossed an empty water bottle in the bushes and ran to escape the green mafia.

"Anyway, the campus is something that takes time to get used to, but I think you'll really come to love it," Grover said.

"Maybe if there was a bit more public transport," Percy grumbled. "Where is this house again?"

Grover smiled, and as they turned around a corner he pointed to the end of the street. "It's right about there."

It was a one-story home of brick with black shingles. It looked like it had remained untouched by time since the 1980s. Even from where they stood Percy noticed the shag brown carpet creeping on the porch with erratic fur. The door stood left-adjacent, with one window further down and three more on its right which led to a single-car garage. The driveway was full with four cars squished together, three more were parked along the street, with two street lamps bookending the house's length.

"Oh thank goodness," Percy said with a sigh. It had been a twenty-minute walk from their dorm, which Percy normally wouldn't consider a problem. However, after a 3AM flight of ten hours followed by several. hours of orientation and another few hours of unpacking and settling, he didn't have much left in the tank.

It had been a long day. Leaving home had been rougher than he'd expected, and having his fears of flying reaffirmed by nonstop turbulence didn't help. Throughout his life he'd never left New York save a few beach trips up the coast with his mother, and suddenly he'd been cast from coast-to-coast. Everything was foreign and intimidating. He knew he hadn't left the country, so part of him had wondered how he ended up in a different world.

Orientation had done nothing but scare him worse. Instead of consoling worried minds or at least giving a tour of the area, all he'd heard about was the difficulty of classes and the expectations put upon students of Stanford's stature. Percy couldn't look the orientation's presenter in the eye in fear that he'd be snuffed out for the fraud he was. As soon as discussion wrapped, he bolted out the door and rushed to his dorm.

When he decided on going to Stanford, he knew the roommate situation would be risky, given he would be in a dorm as a transfer student in his junior year. Luckily, it turned out to be the least of his worries. During the summer he'd gotten a text from Grover Underwood, an Ecologist major entering his junior year who was unabashedly excited to get to know Percy. Despite initial reservations, Percy couldn't help but let his guard down, and so even though his move-in was the first time they met in person, he felt like he was seeing an old friend. Grover was the one safe spot in this new life he was entering, and he was grateful.

Percy was, however, still grumpy about being dragged to a house party. When Grover asked if he wanted to tag along, he wouldn't take no for an answer. At first Percy tried explaining his exhaustion. On top of that, he had his first swim practice early in the morning. When excuses didn't do the trick, he went for the study route. Grover hardly blinked at that one, but when Percy finally told him he didn't want to intrude, especially as a transfer student, Grover became relentless.

"We've got goths, emos, nerds, jocks, and hippies," Grover claimed. "You'll be the most normal one there!"

This didn't quell his concerns, but he'd allowed himself to be dragged out under the promise that he'd head out around 10:30. Grover seemed absolutely positive he's want to stay, but the condition gave Percy's anxiety a metaphorical sedative. Percy had never been a very nervous person, but he dreaded being a tag along that no one wants to bother with or someone who pulls everyone down. He could be many things, but Percy Jackson would not be a drag.

They reached the shag carpet and Grover knocked. He did a little shuffle in place and clapped excitedly. Percy couldn't help but smile. As he looked around, he noticed the stripped-wood door and barebones porch furniture with stacks of brick off to the side.

"Thalia calls this a work-in-progress house, but she's been here for three years and I've never seen any progress," Grover commented. He nodded at the brick pile and shrugged.

The door swung open, and standing in the doorway in pajamas was a pale girl with black hair and a disheveled look of apathy. "Hello, Grover."

"Oh, Zoe!" Grover exclaimed. "What a surprise!"

The girl held up a hand. "Do not confuse my coming to the door as anything more than a casual courtesy due to having been on my way back to my room." She looked past Grover and tilted her head. "I don't know you, do I?"

"Percy," he replied with a curt nod. "Nice to meet you."

"Wonderful," Zoe said. "If you look for food in the kitchen, do not touch anything labeled 'Z'. I do not go into your kitchen to eat your food; I would appreciate the same courtesy."

Before Percy could respond, Zoe walked away with the door wide open.

"Well she's friendly," Percy remarked.

"She's actually alright, just doesn't like parties," Grover said. "Speaking of which, let's go!"

Grover stepped inside and as Percy followed the surround sounds of early 2000s pop music boomed low. He took his first look at the interior. Straight ahead lay a dining room, which at that moment had been converted to a food bar. To the left was a staircase, while to the right was an open-spaced living room with a TV and three couches. All three couches were packed to the brim with people; three girls on the farthest away, three guys on the next farthest, and finally the closest which was centered to the TV had two guys and a girl. All nine were focused on screen as a panel of judges tested contestants' dishes.

As Grover led the way they stepped to the side of the couches. Grover leaned against a doorway, and Percy attempted to do the same against the wall only for a loud creaaaaak to sound the alarm. Suddenly, all eyes turned on the newcomer.

"Why who would this be, Grover?"

The question came from one of the two guys sitting with the girl. He had a scrawny frame with a brown mop atop his head and a fire blazing in his eyes as he jumped from the couch and raced over.

"Ah, convenient to have everyone's attention," Grover said before clearing his throat. "Guys, this is my roommate Percy Jackson."

There were polite hellos from the girls and polite waves from the guys. Percy's skin tingled from the attention. All he could manage was a wave and a soft "hello." Most of them took it as enough and turned back to the TV. One of the girls, with curly brown hair, gave an extra friendly wave. He returned the gesture until his shoulder was clasped by the brown hair guy.

"So you're Percy Jackson," the guy said. "Name's Leo, glad to finally meet Grover's new obsession." He glanced over his shoulder then leaned close to Percy. "Is it true you breathe underwater?"

Percy paused before answering, "Only when it rains."

Leo slapped his shoulder and smiled. "Wonderful. Well hey, glad to have you join the crew. We've been needing a new swimmer since the last one escaped by degree." He grabbed ahold of Percy's hand and shook it in a rag doll. By the time Percy could react, Leo had walked back to the couch, falling backward over the couch's back and sliding down with his head on the floor and his legs folded over the top.

"He grows on you," said the other guy on the same couch, a blond with blue eyes and a stern jawline. "Problem is it takes a while."

"Quicker if you have a soft spot for nuisances," said the girl between the two of them. "I'm Piper, and he's Jason."

Jason smirked and nodded subtly. Piper smacked Leo in the gut, which he followed with a dramatic roll onto the ground.

"Hey Piper, where's Thalia?" Grover asked.

Piper rose to her feet, stepping over Leo and walking up to both Percy and Grover. Upright, Percy got a clearer view of the girl, dark skinned and smooth with the frills of rebellion jumping from her jean shorts and torn denim sleeves.

"She's gone AWOL," she remarked. "Sounded like she lost a tank top. It's been a while since she went missing, so why don't we track her down?"

Piper walked right past them, and while Percy noticed the slightest of movements from Jason, the blond boy stayed seated. Meanwhile, Percy took the opportunity to get away from the crowd, and from the living room they entered a much less occupied kitchen. Off to the left was a hallway next to typical kitchen machinations; fridge, cabinets, sink, microwave, the whole shabang. To the right, a long kitchen table stretching from wall-to-wall length wise pushed up against a back window that showed a small yard just outside.

"Here I was thinking we were running late," said Percy.

"You'll never run late to a Thalia party," Piper responded. "You want a drink?" She stood at the fridge, the door swung wide open with beer and seltzers packed to the brim. She waved a beer playfully.

Percy hesitated then shook his head. "No thanks. Can't have any more calories before morning practice."

Piper nodded, slamming the door shut. "You guys stay here, I'll investigate." She turned on a dime and went down the hallway out of sight.

Percy took a seat on a barstool, twirling around as if studying the finer details of the room would ease the jitter in his limbs. He'd never gone to a house party back home, but he'd heard they only ever went one way. His sobriety could keep him from going overboard like others, but with practice early in the morning he knew being here at all was a mistake.

"We're leaving at the latest 10:30," Grover announced, offering a calming hand on his shoulder. "Promise you'll be good to go. These guys are nothing crazy anyway."

"I SWEAR TO GOD I WILL TEAR THIS HOUSE DOWN!" yelled a voice from down the hall. "WHERE IS MY VAMPIRE TANK TOP?!" Out from the hallway charged a girl with spiked black hair, ripped black jeans with a chain belt, and a maroon sports bra.

Percy deadpanned at Grover who raised his hands innocently. The girl walked, or rather speedwalked, right past the two of them without so much as a glance. Piper wasn't far behind, though she took a more lackadaisical approach.

"May I present Thalia Grace," Piper mocked with outstretched hands. She followed the party's host across the house.

"Might as well follow," Grover said.

And so they did, back through the living room toward the main entrance. Past the main door lay a small hallway with a plain black door, which Thalia ran over to and beat with a fist. The eight TV goers, still sitting on the couch, didn't bat an eye, still absorbed in their cooking show.

"ZOE, GIVE ME BACK MY SHIRT OR SO HELP ME GOD!" Thalia beat her fist erratically, reaching a bpm well beyond standard time. The knocking went on for nearly a minute, Piper standing off to the side with her hands on her hips and Percy and Grover scratching their necks and pretending to watch the TV.

Thalia stopped her beating and turned back, staring Percy straight in the eyes. "Who's this?" Even with the dim lighting, her eyes glowed in electric blue, a similar shade as Jason's.

"That's Percy Jackson," Piper explained. "Grover's new roommate."

Thalia stared him down unflinchingly, giving him a full look over before huffing out her nose. "Neato. ZOE!" The beating resumed, while Percy was left feeling content with his introduction.

After another twenty seconds passed, the door opened to reveal an apathetic Zoe. "What do you want, Grace?"

"My tank top," repeated Thalia. "The one with Vampire God Absalom. Black with the red graphic?"

"Have you asked Chase?"

Thalia shook her head. "She wouldn't have it, because she, unlike some people, doesn't keep clothes that aren't hers."

"You would do best to reserve accusations," Zoe replied.

"I speak only the truth." Thalia took a step forward, peaking over her roommate's shoulder on her tiptoes. "Where would you put it?"

Zoe stood unbothered. "Have you searched that landfill you call your room thoroughly?"

"For half an hour."

"Were you looking or absent-mindedly gazing?"

"Zoe, I will call upon the forces of evil within all of Christianity and Native American mythology if you do not give me my tank top back."

Zoe sighed with moderate irritation. She lowered Thalia lightly back to even ground. "I will parse through my closet." The door slammed, and Thalia turned back to Percy and Grover.

"So you're the swimmer," she stated plainly. "Good, we needed a new one after Luke graduated. You look old for a freshy."

"I'm a junior," Percy corrected.

Thalia raised an eyebrow. "And your Grover's roommate? I thought he was the only upperclassman still stuck in the dorms."

"Percy's a transfer student," Grover explained. "Which you would know if you remembered when I told you all about him."

Thalia frowned and looked up at the ceiling in recollection before shaking her head. "Nope, not ringing a bell. Anyway, welcome to the party. We have drinks in the kitchen, people on the sofas, and a TV playing a British bake-off. Let me guess, you're a seltzer guy?"

"New Yorker, actually," Percy said.

Thalia squinted in confusion, then laughed. "That's funny. Well we have bagels on the counter, but don't take the cinnamon ones or else you'll face death."

The door opened again to reveal Zoe with the same apathetic expression holding a black tank top.

"You must have left the shirt in the dryer," she said. "I have warned you I am not liable to return any clothing you leave behind back into your possession. Forgetfulness needs no compensation."

"Thanks, Zo!" Thalia said, grabbing Zoe in a quick hug before slipping the shirt over her head. Zoe shook her head and slammed the door once again.

Once dressed, Thalia shook her hair loose and smiled before turning to the crowd.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN," she announced with a booming once. "PLEASE MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE KITCHEN, AS IT IS TIME FOR THE TOURNAMENT TO BEGIN!"

For having met in person only a few hours prior, Percy and Grover had tremendous chemistry. Even though they'd won round one by a small margin, they quickly fell into a rhythm. They found an advantage in speed, attacking relentlessly while opponents let hesitation triumph. It also didn't hurt that they were the only dry duo, Grover also refusing to drink due to his distaste of alcohol. So after two victories, they qualified for the championship match of beer pong.

The tournament, made up of six teams and two tables set up in the backyard and one in the kitchen, had given Percy the opportunity to meet the crowd he'd been shoved into. Percy and Grover, nicknamed Team Cyan, faced Katie and Travis, nicknamed Team Harvest. The two strangers were both juniors who were, despite appearances and suggestive glances, not a couple. Both were Ecology majors; Katie having chosen the field through passion and Travis through indecisive carelessness. Travis was a prankster, and in endless attempts to make his partner laugh, his trick shots cost them the game.

On the table beside them played Team Firecracker, consisting of Jason and Leo, and Team Tiptoe, with Piper and Hazel. Jason, Leo, and Piper were juniors studying in meteorology, engineering, and graphic design respectively. Hazel, a freshman, was so far undecided. She was especially kind, wishing everyone the best of luck before matches began. When Team Tiptoe took the victory, Leo nearly cried while Jason shrugged.

Meanwhile inside, Team Waterslide, consisting of sophomores Connor and Frank, took on Thalia and Rachel of Team Blackfire. Connor was the younger brother of Travis and a biology student, while Frank was an English major. Frank, a big burly teddy bear with a baby face, looked extremely familiar, but despite staring at his face for far too long, Percy still couldn't figure out why.

When Thalia and Rachel won, the host of the party declared for themself a free round to work around the uneven number of victors. And so, Team Tiptoe and Team Cyan took to the kitchen tables while the defeated played their own exhibitions outside. In a slaughter, Grover and Percy won with only three missed shots. He almost felt bad, but Piper and Hazel laughed it off, entertained by the bleating of an excited Grover. For good sport, Thalia and Rachel faced Piper and Hazel, but in a similar fashion Team Tiptoe went down quickly.

"Well that sure was worth it,'" Piper mumbled, rolling her eyes. "Anyone else want to beat up on us?"

And so came the finals, and Percy dreaded it. From the moment the tournament began, he knew the one person he didn't want to face was Rachel. She was a junior Art major, with red bushy hair, emerald eyes, and lips that danced with the music of life. She was his weakness, he knew from the start. He'd never seen someone so intoxicating. She wore a loose t-shirt with a splattered paint design, jean shorts and checkered sneakers while a red-and-white bow tied her hair up loose like a fire in the sun. Her freckles peppered her cheeks lightly which led down to her red lips popping against her pale skin like a movie star.

"Is that a crush I see sprouting?" Grover teased after Percy had been introduced to her. Percy shoved him lightly, then shook his head.

As the two opponents did a stare off as the sounds of 80s pop music swelled around them, Percy set his focus on Thalia. He knew she was the backbone of the team, having not missed more than a handful of shots across their matches. Rachel was no slouch, but with Grover and Percy working at full capacity, they'd win with a fair lead.

For the final match, they'd brought an extra table in and made the playing field twice as long for added difficulty. They now stood on opposite sides of the room, Percy and Grover up against the back door and Thalia and Rachel a few feet from the fridge.

"Even if you win, it's a half victory," Thalia pointed out while cracking her neck. "Me and Rachel are buzzed, while you two are clear as glass."

"Making up excuses already, Grace?" Percy barked back. There still existed a bit of nervousness around being the new guy, but his competitiveness couldn't be contained.

Sounds of euphoria jumped from Rachel's lips, her laughter ringing aloud like flowers blooming in a field. "I think Percy's aiming for glory, Thals," she said with a cheeky smile.

Not unlike a cartoon, Percy gulped hard. He'd been mindlessly bouncing a ping pong ball against the table, awaiting the go ahead, but in that moment the ball slipped, bouncing slowly to the other side.

"Ooh, bad first shot, Jackson," said Thalia, scooping it up. "I'd suggest aiming for the cups next round."

"Hey wait a minute, that wasn't-" Percy started, but then Grover tossed his ball, sinking it into the tip of the cup pyramid. He turned toward his partner who shrugged.

"We can make it up," Grover said.

And so the match began. Percy's early misstep hadn't cost them too much, as despite Grover's early score, both teams struggled while adjusting for the extended table. The teams went back and forth, occasionally scoring while oftentimes ending turns with zilch. However, eventually the teams found their rhythm, and soon they were both down to 4-cup diamonds with Thalia and Rachel holding the ping pong balls.

"If we win you both take two shots," Thalia called out.

"Of water, sure," Grover replied. "If we win, you both drink some electrolytes."

"Now that's absurd, Grover," Thalia said. "Waste our Gatorade tonight, when we'll be needing all we can get in the morning?"

"She's never understood hangover prevention," Grover mumbled solemnly.

Thalia let rip a loose backhand and the ball sank in the back cup. The crowd on Team Blackfire's side, consisting of Travis, Connor, Katie, Hazel, and Leo, cheered, while the crowd on Team Cyan's side with Jason, Piper, and Frank groaned. When Rachel landed her shot in the left cup, Jason stepped forward.

"Really need you to pull through here, guys," he said. "Can't stand to have my sister be champion in the first tournament of the year." It had been during team ups that Percy had learned of their family connection, and it hadn't been a surprise. Despite Thalia's eyes having a bit more glow, in the light Jason's eyes were the same electric blue.

"They'll be too off kilter here," Percy boasted with unfounded confidence. "It was a fluke double." Sure enough, both of their shots banked off to the sides.

With ball in hand, Percy felt good. He tossed it, giving it room to bounce, and it splashed into the front cup. Grover nodded aggressively, then followed it up by landing his in the right cup. The crowd noises flipped, with Jason, Piper, and Frank cheering behind them. Their cheers went rampant when Grover landed the first shot upon the roll back. Only one cup left, and it was Percy for the victory.

"Let's finish this, G-Man," Percy said, rolling the ping pong ball in his hand. He let it fly, again going for a bounce, but this time it hit the final cup's rim and bounced away.

Team BlackFire gave a couple shots but missed both. And so they went on, neither team scoring for a few rounds when Thalia finally sunk a ball in the left cup.

"One more to go, boys," she said. "I hope you like shots."

"Of water, yeah," Grover replied. He took aim with his ball but it missed by a few inches. "C'mon, Perce," he pleaded. "You got this in the bag."

"No worries, G-Man," said Percy, clasping Grover's shoulder. "I got it with ease." He gave a few practice tosses, figuring out exactly how he wanted to let it toss. He reared back, but just when he went to flick it loose Rachel laughed. Whatever had amused her, it broke his focus, and he let the ball fly with too much force. It flew over the cup and into a smiling Thalia's hands.

"Game, set, match, boys." Without hesitation, she flung the ball loose, landing it perfectly center in the cup.

Team BlackFire's victory sent the room into a frenzy. Their cheerleaders danced and sang, pouncing on their champions and claiming their victory. Percy laughed at the absurdity as he gathered their cups.

"They're a spirited bunch," Grover explained sheepishly.

"Certainly competitive," Percy noted.

"Well, better luck next month, Perce," Piper said, patting both of them on their backs. "You did well for being sober."

"That's the trick," said Jason. "A little buzz goes a long way in the championship match."

"What we needed was a little more concentration on the game and a little less on pretty pictures," Grover said. He winked slyly at Percy, who turned away.

Pretty soon, one of the tables was brought back out to the yard and beer pong resumed, this time in a less competitive manner. People paired with different partners every match, making for some fun combinations. Percy played six more matches, partnering with Jason, Piper, Travis, Leo, Katie, and Hazel. He went three-and-three but he didn't care about the losses. He found himself getting more and more comfortable, commonalities peeking out with each and every conversation lacing himself into the group with easy threading. However, he didn't see much of Rachel, and he knew that was likely for the best. He couldn't afford infatuation to ruin his chances of fitting in.

This changed, however, when he went to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. He peaked a glance at the stove top where the clock read 10:45, fifteen minutes after his intended curfew. When he turned back to the fridge, he came within a few inches of the red hair bewitcher. They locked eyes for a mere second before Percy jumped back.

"Woah, sorry!" he exclaimed, holding his hands up. "You snuck up on me there."

Rachel smiled. "No worries, I've been told I move like a cat." She pulled the fridge door open and grabbed a hard seltzer. "I always hope they mean a black cat, sneaky and mysterious. But something tells me I look closer to a tabby."

"I was thinking more of a puma," Percy said. "More sly and on the prowl. But either way, at least it's better than being told you move like a sloth."

Rachel tilted her head playfully. "Have some experience with that, do you?" Percy rolled his eyes.

"I've been told I'm slow to react."

Rachel looked him up and down. "Not from what I've seen." She cracked her drink open and took a deep sip, then hopped up on the counter. "So, Percy Jackson, what brings you to Stanford?"

Percy filled his glass with water from the fridge, contemplating the question all the while. "I got a lucky break," he finally answered as he leaned on the counter. "Couldn't afford to let it pass me by."

"Grover said you swim."

"That I do."

"And you're a good enough swimmer to get a full ride?"

Percy bristled. "I guess Stanford thought so."

Rachel nodded. "Then you can't be too bad, especially for a New Yorker." Percy laughed.

"Watch what you say, us New Yorkers are a bit territorial."

"I know we are," she said slyly. Percy felt a tap of electricity course through him.

"You're from New York?" he asked incredulously. The red head smiled, sipping again at her drink and swinging her feet playfully.

"Born but not raised," she admitted. "Though I still stop by for some exhibits and the occasional show."

Percy could hear the casualness in her voice underline a grander revelation. He didn't care one way or another if someone came from money, but it was obvious the New York she experienced wasn't the same he'd grown up in.

"It's a world of its own," he said. "I have to admit, I haven't had the chance to see that side of its globe."

"Oh, that's too bad," she said sadly. "With all the museums and art exhibitions held in the city, it's like a cultural hub of artistry unmatched anywhere else. I mean, sure, Europe has history within its confines, the grand works of minds long gone held up in an attempt to not lose them to time, but there's a real energy of the future that New York emboldens and puts in its forefront." She hopped off the counter and stepped closer to Percy.

"While everywhere else fears losing what has come, the city's artists embrace what has been and transform it into what will be. It's a unique flavor, one that encompasses the passion of before and the raptures of modern day living while rushing us forward into tomorrow."

Percy listened, trying his best to understand, but he had a hard time following. The only art he'd seen was street art, graffiti that while impressive could be washed away the next day. Art had never quite clicked with Percy, even when teachers explained every detail and metaphor, symbolism and themes. It was as brutal to study as literature.

Rachel had gone silent, and Percy now felt the pressure of having to come up with an impressive response. He didn't want to be too honest in his feelings, but he couldn't talk with ignorance. He nearly froze, but finally managed to choke out a simple conclusion. "New York is pretty cool."

He knew he was lame the moment the words came out, but he forced a smile and raised his glass in a light toast. Rachel laughed lightly, its music vibrating in Percy's ears. "You're a funny guy, Mr. Jackson." she said. She tapped her can against the glass and took a sip.

"I am going to run to the bathroom, but I was wondering if you were staying for the movie?" she asked. Percy looked over at the clock now reading 11.

"Actually, I should probably head out," he explained. "I've got practice early and I'm exhausted from traveling."

Rachel frowned deeply. "Nooo, you can't leave yet," Her voice was playful, over dramatic and yet heart wrenching. "There's a whole night ahead for us!"

Percy felt his stomach flip as she reached forward and grabbed his arm. "Besides, something tells me you've never seen the Exorcist 3."

Her shot in the dark hit dead on, but the thrill of the Exorcist 3 was nothing compared to having her hands wrapped around his arms. His heart started beating out of his chest as he realized his dilemma.

You can't be late to practice, he thought to himself. It's a first impression, and you can't come back from a bad first impression.

She clenched her hands harder around his arm. Being a head shorter, she looked up at him, her eyes glossy in a silent plea. First impressions are important, he decided.

"Alright, I can stay for the movie," he said. Her smile melted him, and he worried his chest was going to burst as she started doing a tiny victory dance.

"Vunderbar, Percy Jackson," she cheered. She twirled around, her hair shimmering against the ceiling light. "I'll see you on the couch!" She disappeared into the hallway, out of sight but not out of mind.

Percy sighed and covered his face with his hands, groaning at what was sure to be a major mistake. He knew he couldn't say no, but if he didn't make it to practice on time, he'd be jeopardizing everything. He'd have to pull an all nighter, that was for certain. He'd need caffeine to make it through the night, and even more caffeine when he woke up.

As he turned around to look for the coffee maker, he found Frank sipping a glass of water, seated in a nearby chair looking on with sympathy. Percy nearly jumped out of his skin, shouting instinctively.

"Jesus, you scared me," he exclaimed. "How long have you been sitting there?!"

Frank put his glass down. "Long enough to know your pain." His baby face had a hint of sadness, as if he felt pity.

Realization struck Percy. "You watched that whole conversation go down?" Frank nodded, but remained silent. Warmth crept up Percy's face, embarrassment laying over him like a blanket.

"What can I say, I'm easily swayed."

"So if I asked you to stay for Exorcist 3, you would've?" Frank asked with a smirk.

"Of course. Who could say no to your face." Percy tilted his head. "Speaking of which, do I know you from somewhere?"

Frank cocked an eyebrow. "I don't think so, unless you've looked up the swim club."

A click went off in Percy's brain. "Oh that's it, you're a swimmer too!" he exclaimed. "I searched up the Swim Club and the Swim Team members over the summer! Why didn't you mention you're a swimmer earlier?"

Franked scratched the back of his neck. "It's not really too impressive being on the club compared to you being on the swim team, y'know? Not like we're at the same level or anything."

Frank had turned pink and put his head down. It was true the Swim Club was on a lower level than the Swim Team. Club members weren't offered scholarships, nor did they compete in official tournaments and matches. It was a more casual approach for people who weren't quite at the NCAA level but wanted to compete regardless.

"Who cares if we're not on the same level," Percy dismissed, taking a seat nearby. "It's great to meet another swimmer. And if you're in the club you must really enjoy the sport. Are you more into sprints or distance?"

Frank perked up, surprise flashing across his face before he cleared his throat to answer. "D-distance, I prefer distance swimming. Best is 800 meters, though, so nothing too bad."

Percy shook his head. "You're a better man than me, Frank," he admitted. "Distance swimming is the bane of my existence. I think it was made to test my love of the sport."

Frank laughed, and soon easy conversation flowed. They talked of their love for the sport, how both of them came to get into the sport, and what kept them interested. They both reveled in the competition of it, and although they didn't mind relays, solo competitions were the real bread and butter. Like most athletes, they saw the sport as a way to show off their talent, taking pride in their victories and overcoming their defeats.

Percy also learned how Frank had endured endless heckling about his size. With a six-foot and six inch frame, it was a wonder he could still swim at a competitive level. He blamed his genetics for not making the Swim Team, but his dedication had gotten him into the Swim Club. Even at a less competitive level, he found the effort he put in well worth it.

After a while, Rachel returned with a blu-ray in hand. Her eyebrows bounced as she looked at Percy. "Movie time, swimmer boy." She brisked by and out the back door, with Percy glued to watching her walk away.

"I guess I'm not the only one falling tonight," Frank said.

Percy turned to his new friend. "What do you mean?"

"You're head over heels," he mumbled slyly. Percy crossed his arms.

"What about you? Feeling the pull of love tonight as well?"

Frank blushed then looked into the living room. Percy watched his eyes lock onto the curly brown haired girl sitting on one of the couches watching TV. After a few seconds she turned, and although Frank turned away sheepishly, Percy waved with a smile. She waved back, her smile containing a hint of confusion.

"Hazel, eh?" Percy asked. "Well, that could take you a while."

"What do you mean?"

"You're both so shy you might end up graduating by the time you get the nerve to ask her out."

Frank shoved him lightly, but with his strength it pushed Percy to his feet. He rose up laughing, and just as he did Rachel returned with Thalia in tow.

"Oh, good, it's Frank and the new kid," she said. Behind her a few others shuffled inside. "It's movie time, so either find a seat or get out."

Simple as that, they all made their way to the living room. By the time Percy made it in, the couches had been filled, leaving him relegated to the floor. It was then he realized he might've made a mistake with his decision, until a call rang out.

"Come sit here, Percy," said Rachel. She had propped a few pillows against the back wall. To her right sat a miffed Grover with his arms crossed.

"Thanks," Percy said as he crouched down and positioned himself on the pillows. "You alright, Grover?"

Grover puffed out his cheeks. "You know, this is the third time Thalia has said she would save me a seat on the couch, but look where I ended up again!"

"You gotta be quicker on your feet," Thalia said from a couple couches over. She'd made herself comfortable between Hazel and Katie, both of whom had their personal space invaded by the outstretched host. "If you want something, Grover, you have to take it. Now, movie time!"

She clicked play, and the movie began. For the first thirty minutes, all Percy could focus on was how close Rachel was sitting to him. They were brushing shoulders constantly, and he couldn't stop sneaking glances every now and then. She had her attention completely on the movie, and the way her face shaped itself to the emotions of the movie fascinated him.

However, after a while it became obvious she was getting tired. She started leaning back, and eventually her focus became less consistent. After a scare scene played, she grabbed hold of Percy and squealed. After recomposing herself, she kept a hand loose around his arm. By the time the movie reached its halfway point, she was leaning against him carelessly, and it didn't take long for Percy to realize she'd fallen asleep with her head leaning on his shoulder.

Percy felt scared to move. When the movie ended and some people got up to leave, Rachel didn't stir and neither did he. Grover told him he'd be heading back, and when Percy told him quietly that he'd stay a while longer, Grover gave him a knowing look.

"At this rate you won't make it to practice at all," he warned under his breath.

"I will if I don't go to sleep," Percy pointed out.

"She's not a goddess, you know. She can be woken up."

Percy shook his head. "And how rude that would be."

Grover facepalmed, but relented. After he departed, it left a much smaller crowd of a few folks. Thalia put on another movie, some B-list horror she found at a supermarket. Halfway through Percy noticed nearly everyone left had fallen asleep. Despite his acute awareness of Rachel sleeping on his shoulder, he himself had begun feeling droopy. He cursed himself for never making that cup of coffee, but he couldn't go back now.

The movie didn't help, and soon enough the battle to keep his eyes open took a bad turn. He knew he couldn't afford to close his eyes but it was impossible not to. Every fiber in his being needed rest, but he knew it would cost him. He'd come to the party exhausted and determined not to stay past a reasonable curfew. He couldn't afford to miss practice nor show up late. Stanford offered him a scholarship through his swimming, and if he didn't stay on the team he'd lose everything, sent home as nothing but a failure.

He wasn't sure if they could revoke a scholarship based on the first practice, but as it became impossible to fight against the two-ton weight of his eyelids he resigned himself to the fact that he'd soon find out. In bittersweet agony he gave into the night, and with his head resting atop Rachel's, he fell asleep.