The sun was dipping below the horizon at Camp Half-Blood, casting a golden-orange glow across the cabins and training fields. You were sitting on the steps of the Zeus cabin with your best friend, Thalia Grace, who was leaning back on her hands, booted feet crossed, and glaring into the distance like she’d rather be anywhere else.

You turned to her, brow furrowed in frustration, and softly whined.

“Aw, come on, Thals,” you said, voice dipping into your most dramatic pout. “Just once. I need to know how to do it right so I don’t humiliate myself in front of this boy tonight.”

Thalia’s expression faltered slightly — a crack in her usual unshakable, punk-rock cool. Her gaze flicked away, fixed on the treeline like it might offer her an escape. “You want me to kiss you. So you can practice for him?”

You groaned, flopping dramatically onto the steps beside her. “It wouldn’t be weird! It’s not like we like each other like that. I’m not even gay.” You sat up again and looked at her earnestly. “It’ll just be a one-time thing, I wanna know what it’s like.”

Thalia let out an exaggerated sigh and looked away for a long moment. You could see her jaw clench, her tongue poking at the inside of her cheek. Then she turned back, expression unreadable. Thalia's body was stiff, a tension rolling off her in waves.

“Fine. One kiss. No feelings, no funny business. Just so you don’t embarrass yourself. But if you tell anyone, I will electrocute you.”

Your heart thudded. You weren’t sure if it was nerves or excitement, but you scrambled to your feet, suddenly very aware of the tension in the air. The two of you faced each other, awkward and stiff.