My mom somehow managed to push me out the door. Jason, Frank, and Nico had already resigned themselves to the torture. I had no idea how they were so accepting of this. Leo was on my side, even though we were already all dressed up. Jason ended up throwing Leo over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, promising Mom she could fix up his clothes when they got to school. Once I saw the lengths they would go to, I followed along.

We piled into the two cars, Jason's and Mom's. Jason with Leo, and Frank. Mom, Nico, and I. It was a short ten minutes. Mom managed to remember the corsages, and I had a blue one in my lap. When we pulled up to the school parking lot, I felt the antsiness hit me like a truck.

I was dragged out of the Jeep by mom, who fussed over my clips in my hair and made sure my jacket was unwrinkled. Then kissing my forehead, she went over to Leo and readjusted his hairband and suit. I saw Nico fidget uneasily in the corner of my eye, and Jason and Frank get out of the car and pull on their clothes, making sure everything was in place.

"Alright boys, have fun and make sure to get some photos for me," mom said, her voice excited. I smiled uneasily at her and headed off to the entrance of the school.

We were supposed to meet the girls at the parking lot entrance, so we hung out. After around five minutes of Leo pacing, Will's car pulled in. It parked nearby, and I saw Nico stiffen as he walked around the side of his truck.

Will's suit mirrored Nico's. Nico was wearing a pitch-black suit with a white button-up. Whereas Will wore a white suit with a black undershirt. They both had matching yellow ties.

Will grinned at Nico's flustered face and pecked him on the lips, shaking him out of his daze. "Like what you see?" he teased. Nico scowled at him, and Will just laughed. Will looped his arm through Nico's and waved at us while pulling him to the entrance to the school.

I smiled as I watched them go; they were a perfect match, in my opinion. Will manages to pull Nico out of his brooding phases, and Nico keeps Will down to earth. At least that's what I've seen from the few times we've gotten together to hang out.

I was shaken from my thoughts when Annabeth and Rachel's cars pulled into the parking lot. I felt my nerves act up, and I felt the urge to sprint away. I still had time, time to back out, and not look back. But I steeled myself, no, this is for Annabeth, it'll be fine.

The sound of slamming doors made all four of us jump. I heard Jason breathe in sharply as Piper was the first to walk out towards us. Almost like a fashion show, she showed off her bright pink dress. The two-piece dress had a long silky bottom that hugged her hips and thighs as it started flowing near her knees. The top was covered in intricate lace that ran 3 quarters the way down her arms. She wore short light pink heels that you could barely see as she walked. Her hair was down with only two small braids pulled behind her head to look like a crown. Her makeup was minimal with pink eyeshadow and winged eyeliner. Her cheeks were dusted a bit with blush, and her lips were glossed over with tan lipstick.

She smiled at us and winked. Then walking straight to Jason, who wasn't breathing, she spoke, "Going to stand there gawking all night, or are we going to go dance?" I saw even in the fading light, Jason's face turned bright red as Piper giggled at him. He handed her the corsage, and they walked arm in arm to the school.

As if waiting for Piper to walk off stage, Hazel came out. Frank looked composed, but from the small blush on his cheeks and how stiff he looked, I knew he was freaking out. Her dress ended at the tops of her knees and was a tannish gold color. The dress was covered in delicate lace spanning over both the flowy bottom, tight top, and long sleeves. Her hair was in the normal curly state as she walked in her simple white sandals towards her boyfriend. The only makeup she had on was the gold eyeshadow on her eyes and matte lipstick, matching her lips' original color.

Luckily for Frank, he composed himself much quicker than Jason and kissed her hand as if she was royalty. Hazel had the broadest smile on her face as she chuckled at him. Then holding out his arm, she took it, and they walked off, Frank handing her the corsage on the way.

Sometime while I was watching Hazel walk off with Frank, Calypso had made it to Leo, who looked like he wouldn't be able to handle it. His face was a perfect representation of shock and awe. His eyes were wide, his mouth was open, and his arms were up as if throwing them up in frustration.

"How the fuck do you do that?" he whispered out as Calypso looked at him weirdly.

"Do what?" she inquired.

"I literally saw you after school helping me work at the garage all grimy, and here you are looking like a fucking goddess!" Leo said exasperatedly, and Calypso chuckled at him, amused at his outburst.

She did look stunning. She had on a long silky dress that came down in a wide v-neck. A small silky sash kept her form-fitted as the dress flowy out around her legs. On the right side where her leg was, it was shortest coming up to mid-thigh, then at an angle, it grew longer till her entire left leg was converted. She had her hair in a loose braid on the side with loose hair on the right side. She had winged eyeliner and tinted pink lipstick with minimal blush adorning her cheeks. On her feet were black sandals as she waited for Leo to get over his surprise, shock, and amazement.

"Close your mouth before you catch flies, Valdez," she snapped playfully at him, and he instantly complied. Then he quickly remembered the corsage. Handing it to her, she smiled at him and grabbed his hand, pulling Leo towards the prom entrance.

I turned to watch my last wingman leave me, and I sighed. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around, expecting Annabeth.

"Don't look so disappointed she'll be right out. She's just a tad bit nervous," Rachel said, rolling her eyes. She had on a knee-length ivy green dress. The bottom was frilly and poofy, whereas the top was tight, hugging her figure from the waist up. The top was covered in swirling lace that traveled down to her arms. Her hair was down, and she had reddish lipstick on with light green eyeshadow. Her feet were adorned with short white heels as she walked past me.

Thalia and Reyna soon ran past me, trying to catch up with Rachel.

Thalia was wearing a two-piece black dress set. Her skirt was mid-thigh length and silky with a small amount of poof. The long-sleeved top showed a bit of her stomach and was covered in dark lace. She had smokey eye makeup and black heeled boots. Her hair was down, and with all the black in her outfit, it just made the blue streak and her eyes pop more.

Reyna was more formal with her purple and gold dress. The top part was embroidered with gold lace leaving a small section open in the top. The bottom part was completely purple and frilly. It had the same potential of poofiness like Rachel's, but it focused more on the skirt's length and keeping it slim. She wore simple pink lipstick and black eyeliner, gold sandals on her feet as she let Thalia pull her along. Her hair had three braids on one side, and the majority of her hair was pulled over her left shoulder.

The two smiled at me as they passed, with Thalia calling out, "If she doesn't come out for five minutes or so, go get her." I didn't really feel comfortable intruding in on her when she was trying to muster up courage. I felt as if that was a bit intrusive. But I nodded at Thalia to show I understood.

I waited, fidgeting for what seemed like forever. I took out my phone and texted Annabeth, hoping that she would relax a bit after talking to me.

Me: Hey, are you doing ok?

I didn't get a text back immediately. I didn't really expect one. But I got one.

Annabeth: Yea I'm just freaking out a bit

Me: Why?

Me: It'll be just like the other party.

I thought a bit before texting her again.

Me: What's wrong?

Annabeth: I'm just a bit insecure about this dress. I mean it's pretty but I don't think it fits very well.

Me: Let me judge it?

Annabeth: Don't laugh

Me: Why would I laugh?

I didn't get an answer, just a slam of a door. I waited in anticipation as Annabeth stepped out from around the car. I sucked in a breath. Gods, she was gorgeous.

She strolled towards me as I took her all in. Her royal blue dress made her look like a princess and matched her blonde hair perfectly. The dress had a lace top and long sleeves that stopped at her waist area. The bottom was made of frilly material and was short in front around knee length and then got longer near the back. She wore matching blue short heels that clinked as she walked across the parking lot. Her eyes had blue eyeshadow and black eyeliner. Her cheeks were dusted with a light blush, and her lips were a pale pink color.

She stopped a few feet in front of me and wrung the dress material in her hands as she refused to meet my eyes. She bit her lip as I realized I was still staring. Feeling myself growing flustered, I quickly stepped closer to her and took her hands off her dress, holding them. She looked up at me, and I kissed her nose. "You look beautiful," I stated. It was a fact, and no one would ever call me a liar.

I saw her cheeks flush, and I quickly gave her the corsage, which she accepted graciously. Grinning at her, I bowed dramatically and held my arm out for her. "My lady."

That seemed to snap her out of her embarrassment as she laughed at me. Still giggling, she held my arm, and we started towards the entrance of the school.

The teacher at the sign-in desk asked for our tickets, and I handed ours over. She looked them over and nodded, marking two names off the list. The teacher pointed to the gym, and we walked towards the double doors.

Before we entered, we stood in a medium-sized line for our photo. I didn't see any of our party in the line, so they must've been inside already. I looked over at Annabeth, and I saw her staring. She whipped her head down as I saw her face heat up a bit. I chuckled at her and dropped her arm. She looked at me, confused, and I just answered by intertwining our hands.

She smiled, and we stood patiently in line, waiting. The line moved fairly quickly, and soon we were next.

"Hello there, go stand over on the X" the photographer smiled at us and pointed at the taped X on the pavement. Behind it was a green screen, probably for whatever theme they decided to go with.

We stood together and smiled, the camera flashed a few times, and then she waved us off. I guess I'll find out how to get the photo later.

I pulled Annabeth through the double doors and into the noisy gymnasium. Pop music blared as spotlights of all colors ran around the room. A few tables were lining the back wall with what I'm guessing was desserts, food, and drinks. Off to the right was the DJ and a few chairs. There was a couch or two randomly placed in the room and a few coffee tables.

I smiled at Annabeth, and she began pulling me towards the food. I didn't know if she knew that I would want to go there first or if she was just looking for our friends, but I wasn't stopping her.

When she stopped in front of the dessert table, I dragged Annabeth all along the table, still clutching her hand. I piled cookies, cakes, a weird brownie, and some kind of pie onto my plate and then turned to Annabeth, munching on a cookie.

She sighed at me and then lightly pulled me over to one of the couches. There I saw Leo and Calypso talking with Frank and Hazel. I wondered where Jason and Piper were, but if I knew anything about Piper, it would be that she loved to dance. I figured they would only leave the dance floor for food or drinks.

"Hey, welcome to the party," Leo announced as he saw us. I grinned at him and stuffed another cookie in my mouth.

"So, what's the plan?" Frank asked.

"Plan? What do you mean plan?" Calypso looked surprised, he asked. Frank twirled the bottom of his green suit in his hand and looked around nervously.

"I mean, what do you normally do at proms?" he clarified.

Leo just looked at him. "You dance." Frank scowled at him.

"Anyways, if the plan is to dance, what are you guys doing sitting down?" I asked, pulling the attention from Frank.

"Well, considering that we just got here, not much. The only reason Jason isn't here is because Piper is his girlfriend," Leo answered, shrugging. I nodded. I don't want to be dancing right out of the gate. I looked at Annabeth, and she had a thinking face on. I watched her eyebrows draw closer together, and her face set into a small scowl. I booped her nose.

"What's with the thinking face?" I asked, and she looked at me, surprised.

"I-uh- I don't know. I was trying to figure out what to do. I mean, I know that you don't want to dance the entire night and-"

"I'll dance all night if you want me to" I cut her off. She looked at me, surprised. I heard a small snicker from the couch, but I didn't look to see who it was.

"Wait what?"

"I don't mind dancing if you want to. As soon as I eat this plate of food, I'll be fine," I clarify. She nods slowly.

"I don't want to dance the whole night either, so don't worry," she reassures me. A small piece of me feels a bit disappointed, and another feels thankful.

I stab my fork into the chocolate cake, taking a bite. Annabeth drags me over to the couch, and I sit down next to her by the armrest. Sometime in between our conversation, Calypso managed to pull Leo onto the dance floor.

It was still early; prom lasted till around 10 pm. For some reason, the school decided that we have an early night on a Friday. Yeah, right, like anyone is going to sleep after this.

I eat another bite of cake and watch without listening to Annabeth and Hazel talk. Frank sits there next to Hazel, holding her hand, in a daze.

I close my eyes as I eat another bite. I feel the bass radiating through my body; the noise in my ears is deafening. I can practically feel my brain pound with every thrum of the bass. This is how I like it, sound so loud I can't hear my own thoughts.

I sigh contently as I keep my eyes closed. I try and fail to stab the last piece of cake. After a few trials and errors, I open my eyes to see. Growling, I stab the cake and pop it into my mouth. I eye the weird brownie and shrug; I pop it into my mouth. Oh, it was fudge, not a brownie. No wonder it was weird.

I look up from my plate to see Frank and Hazel gone, replaced by Rachel.

"Oh, hey Rachel," I say softly. She doesn't move her head and continues talking with Annabeth. Then I realize the two girls are basically yelling to hear each other. Yea, I'm not doing that. I resign myself to hearing whatever comes my way while finishing my plate.

"Percy," I hear someone yell; my head snaps up. I see Rachel waving, and I smile, waving back. Then she points to my pocket. Pocket, why my pocket? She rolls her eyes and points with more force. I tilt my head, and then it hits me, phone. I must not have heard it or felt it because of the music.

Rachel: Take her dancing you oaf

Then I see the time, 8 pm. I've been sitting here for an hour? That's insane. I look over at Annabeth, and she seems a bit deflated. I feel guilt hit me, and I throw on a grin.

I tap her shoulder, and her head whips at me. I grin and hold out my hand, standing. Her face breaks out into a grin, and she grabs my hand, standing up. Rachel rolls her eyes at me as I lead Annabeth onto the floor. Right as a slow song starts.

Man, I must've timed that perfectly. I led Annabeth to the outskirts of the dance floor, and I waited for her to choose which way we dance.

I see her roll her eyes and hold my hand, holding it out. I take the hint and place my hand on her waist as she places her hand on my shoulder. I dance slowly with her, keeping her gaze.

Annabeth smiles and asks, "What took you so long to ask?"

"I may have dozed off a bit," I answer, looking away in embarrassment and shame.

I hear her chuckle. "I really fell for a dork, didn't I?" I turned towards her again and smiled.

We moved back and forth for the rest of the song, making small talk as we danced. When an upbeat song hit, I didn't notice except for the change in the bass. Annabeth didn't move, so neither did I; we were on the outskirts anyway.

At some point, she wrapped her arms around my neck, and I wrapped my arms around her waist. Our faces inches away as we swayed. I kissed her nose, and she giggled before pulling me into an actual kiss. It was nice, short and sweet. She released the tension on my neck as she pulled away, grinning.

I knew that no matter what that I wouldn't ever feel this way again. I felt this weird emotion bloom through my chest, and it just made me grin wider. When I opened my eyes, I found her stormy grey ones boring into mine. That same mysterious emotion swirling.

I sighed as I couldn't place it. But then I realized it didn't matter all that much. The same way that it didn't matter if I knew what Rusticitas meant. I leaned down and closed my eyes, kissing her again. She made a surprised noise but kissed me back. I pulled away after a minute, catching my breath.

I noticed the dance floor population dwindle but didn't really care. All my tunnel vision saw was Annabeth in my arms, her blue dress fitting her amazingly. The blue eyeshadow complemented her stormy gray eyes, and the black eyeliner made them pop.

I could get lost in them forever.

I felt her shift up and hug me, her chin on my shoulder. I smiled, remembering what had happened last time she did this.

"Sleepy?" I whispered in her ear. Kissing the side of her head.

"Mmhm," I heard from my shoulder, and I grinned. I felt soft breaths against my neck as she turned her face. A small shiver ran up my spine as I froze a bit. Then I relaxed when I looked down and saw her fast asleep.

I sigh; I'm torn between the cuteness and the worry I feel. Is Annabeth not sleeping well again? I continue swaying with her in my arms when I feel a tap on my shoulder. I whip my head around to the opposite side Annabeth is on. I see Rachel, and I smile softly.

"Hey," I whisper, hyper-aware of Annabeth sleeping.

"Hey, party's over. They're kicking everyone out," Rachel spoke softly. My eyes widened; 10 o'clock already? Man, my inner clock is all wack. I nod and slowly pick Annabeth up bridal-style. Not wanting to disturb her.

"You guys can stay over at my place, ok? Everyone else is going, so you might as well," Rachel said as we walked towards the parking lot. I nodded in confirmation and then remembered the photos.

"Hey, do you know how we're getting the pictures?"

"Hmm? Oh yeah, they'll hand them out on Monday," she shrugged and led me to Annabeth's car.

"Um, you drive?" she asked apprehensively. I froze. I mean, I kind of did driver's ed, and I drove a bit with my mom in the passenger seat but never alone.

"Uh, I had a bit of driver's ed and some practice, but not really" she nods and fishes her hand through a hidden pocket on the side of Annabeth's dress I didn't even know existed. She holds out some keys. Wait what?