Thalia jolts awake from the audible spam of texts beside her ear. With a groan, she rolls over and reaches out to the nightstand.

She accidentally ends up dropping her phone on the floor. Letting out another groan, she picks it up and unlocks it to view the cause of disruption.

Juniper

listen
yk you can tell me everything right
i'm your one and only
your best friend
your platonic soulmate
so just tell me one thing
are you
and wolfhard
...smashing???

What the fuck.

are you?
cause i totally 100% support it

What the fuck.

ARE YOU???

Why would you think that?

this morning
before i left
i noticed that you both
slept in your room ???

That was because your ass was
hogging the damn guest room.

why thank you
i do have a fat ass
but still.
it would make sense if u were yk

Juniper.

OK IM SORRY
i won't bring this up again
promise

Good.
You've officially ruined my morning.

Thalia rushes in through the doors of the bustling cafe, pushing through the crowd of tourists and Parisians.

Unable to find any vacant tables, she and Finn make their way to the front and take seats at the counter stools.

"Busy day." Finn remarks, glancing around the huddle of people.

Thalia nods, rolling her eyes once the barista recognisable from yesterday approaches.

"Bonjour, Thalia!" He grins, shifting his gaze onto the figure situated beside her. "Oh, hello! It's wonderful to see you here."

Though caught off guard by his friendly nature, Finn shoots back a smile.

"What would you like?" He inquires with a wide grin glued to his face.

Thalia meets his eyes with an irritated smile. "You're a bit slow, aren't you? I've been coming here for the last two years, and every single day I've ordered the exact same thing."

With a nervous chuckle, Pierre nods. "Right, my apologies. What about you?"

"Just a blueberry muffin, thanks." Finn states, watching as the enthusiastic spirit retreats to the back.

"Well I guess it's only fair that he forgot my order. I didn't know his name until yesterday."

Finn smiles. "Sounds like you."

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

Navigating through the crowd, Thalia wears a scowl as tourists continually push past and bump into their shoulders.

However, it's hardly a surprise considering they're at the most renowned landmark of Paris.

"Ugh, god, what is wrong with these people?" Thalia scoffs. "Feels like we're in a mental institution."

Finn can't help but chuckle at her remark. "Ah yes, Paris, the city of mental illness. That's what it's known for."

She offers a light chuckle before resuming her efforts to maneuver through the crowds.

"Lia, come on, I already came here two days ago." Finn whines as Thalia pulls him along by the hand.

She halts, pivoting to face him. "You didn't come here with me, therefore, you didn't come here at all."

The smile plastered on her face fades when a woman aggressively bumps into her, walking away without an apology.

Clenching her jaw, Thalia strides toward the individual before Finn restrains her.

"Let's not beat up any innocent strangers." He pats her on the shoulder, receiving an eye roll.

"Oh god..." Thalia sighs, redirecting Finns gaze over to the Eiffel Tower, where a couple is locking lips.

Finn feigns a grimaced expression. "That's actually so cliche."

It's as if everywhere their gaze falls, they witness people in love.

They exchange expressions of disgust, pretending to be thoroughly repulsed by the cheesy displays of affection. Yet, beneath the facade, a hidden envy lingers.

"Excuse me," a street artist approaches them, slight undertones of grey hair hinting at years of experience. "I'm sorry to be a bother, but may I sketch you two?"

Surprised glances are exchanged before the pair agrees, "Yes, of course."

"Great! If you could just stand over there."

Guiding them into a well-lit position, the artist begins to immerse them in the monotone pages of his sketchbook.

Within a few minutes, he announces, "All done!"

He flips the sketchbook to reveal the drawing, leading Thalias eyes to widen with bemusement.

"Oh! That's... wow, that's amazing!" Finn grins, grasping the now loose page after the artist hands it over to him.

"You can keep it. It's my pleasure." The artist grins.

Thalia snatches the page from Finn's hold, scrutinising it with intent. The blurred out conversation between Finn and the artist continues infront of her.

As the artist walks away, Finn covers his mouth to both suppress his laughter and express shock at what just occurred.

"He..." she remains fixated on the picture in her hands, dumbfounded.

"That's right." Finn nods, biting back a laugh. "He drew us kissing."

Stood on the tower, Thalia and Finn keep their eyes on the bustling crowds of people below them.

"They're like ants from up here." She tilts her head in wonder. "It's nice to think that I can crush them beneath my feet."

Finns eyebrows lift up at her words as he chuckles under his breath.

An elderly man, his face etched with the stories of a lifetime, shuffles towards them. He stops and glances at the pair, a warm smile creasing his weathered features.

"You two make a beautiful couple," he remarks, the sincerity in his voice hinting at a nostalgia for his own youthful escapades.

Caught off guard, Finn is about to correct the mans assumption, but before he can utter a word, Thalia speaks.

"Thank you."

With another smile, the man wishes them well and continues on his way.

Thalia sighs. "Don't ask why I did that. He just seemed so happy about us being together, I didn't wanna let him down."

"Wait a minute..." Finn gasps. "Were you just... being kind to a stranger?"

She rolls her eyes. "Forgive me for not wanting to shatter an old mans dreams."

Finn smiles at her, their eyes locking for a prolonged moment before he hastily gazes away, clearing his throat. "Well, that's two old men who thought we were dating today."

Thalia nods. "We have stans."

Tiny droplets patter on the wet pavement, creating a soothing melody as the two seek refuge beneath a platform for shelter.

The minute they step under shelter, the simple pitter-patter transforms into violent downpour.

A sigh escapes Thalias lips. "It's like the universe is against me."

The air is infused with the earthy scent of petrichor, and the city reveals itself through the prism of rain-slicked streets.

"Let's just make a run for it! We can buy new clothes." Finn suggests, resting a hand on Thalias shoulder.

She shakes her head. "Nope, never. Nothing's worse than getting wet."

He blinks at her, prompting an eye roll. "I should've phrased that differently, but you know what I mean!"

Finn lets out a chuckle. "Come on. It's better than hiding in here forever."

After a moment of contemplation, Thalia relents. "Fine."

Excitedly pulling her along, Finn leads the charge towards the rainy cityscape, transformed into a mosaic of reflections and lights dancing in puddles.

A whine escapes Thalia's lips as they get soaked, meanwhile Finn revels in the rain.

"This feels so nice." He grins, slowing their pace upon hearing a nearby street band playing under shelter.

Thalia shoots him a look when he stops abruptly. "What are you doing, idiot?"

Finn pauses, extending his hand in a silent invitation to dance. Thalia scoffs but can't suppress the smile.

"In the rain? What do you think I am?" She chuckles.

Taking her hand, Finn gently rubs a thumb over her knuckles, making her breath hitch.

"Come on."

"What if we catch a cold?"

"Then so be it."

Sighing with an eye roll, Thalia finally gives in. "Just one dance."

At those words, he pulls her close, chuckling at the surprise on her face. He begins to lead, eyes locked on her as if she'd vanish if he were to remove his gaze.

The street bands melody weaves around them, blending with the rhythm of raindrops hitting the cobblestones.

Despite her reservations, Thalia seems to lose herself in the dance. The rain-drops that are clinging to her hair and clothes add a strange allure.

Each step and twirl sends tiny droplets pirouetting into the night, painting ephemeral patterns in the air.

Their hearts quicken, beating in a synchronised pattern.

As the music reaches the end, Finn slightly dips Thalia, leaving a slender gap between their faces. Hearts fluttering against their will, their eyes lock in a prolonged gaze.

Her face heats up as his eyes hesitantly drift down to her lips, only to return to her eyes within a second.

Clearing his throat, Finn shifts them back into their regular positions, flashing a smile at her.

Thalia and Finn were invited to a party that's being hosted by one of Junipers friends, who remains unknown to the both of them.

This friend is exceptionally wealthy, even more so than Thalias family. The event unfolds in a mansion steeped in old money.

Thalia glides down the stairs, adorned in a dress that complements her every curve.

"Sorry for taking forever, I was looking for my phone while holding it."

Waiting at the bottom is Finn, sat on a couch while tapping his feet on the ground in a rhythmic pattern.

Once his gaze shifts up to her, he's struck by a wave of nerves, pausing all his movements to admire her.

"You..." he stammers, his fixed stare quickening Thalias heart rate.

"You okay?"

He scratches the back of his head, attempting to regain composure as his gaze finally manages to leave her. "Yeah, I just... you look beautiful."

Thalia holds back a smile. "Thanks. Now, if you're done being obsessed with me, we have a party to attend."

Finn nods, grateful for the distraction from his racing heart, and the pair heads out.

The two glance back and forth searching for the particular tall figure, making their way through the expanse adorned with ornate decor and flickering chandeliers.

"This is the house I wanted when I was a little girl."

Thalias eyes are filled with awe as she explores her surroundings, her wonder bringing a smile to Finns face.

"It is pretty nice, but I feel like I'd get lost everyday." He chuckles.

The spacious rooms are filled with unknown faces, their voices mingling with the soft notes of a live band.

Expansive windows reveal a view of the manicured gardens, illuminated by subtle lights. The air carries the aroma of exotic flowers and a hint of perfume.

They ascend the grand staircase, spotting Juniper engaged in conversation with someone in a suit upstairs.

Glancing at the familiar faces, Juniper excuses themselves and approaches with their eyebrows lifted.

"Wow, you both fit right in."

Finn snickers, while the girl beside him smiles with genuine appreciation.

"Don't worry; this isn't my scene either." Juniper laughs, noting Finns nervousness. "Just sip a glass of wine for far too long and throw in a fake laugh every now and then."

"Got it." Finn nods.

"The funny thing is, I only came here because my girl- I mean, uh, friend begged me to." Juniper clears their throat. "This is more her type of party."

Thalias jaw drops while Finn strolls away on a quest for wine. "Your what?"

"My friend." Juniper avoids eye contact. "She's not into parties with beer and loud music. Well, technically, there's music here-"

"Jun, what the actual fuck?" Thalia exclaims too loudly for the setting. "Why didn't you tell me you have a girlfriend?"

Juniper shushes her, giggling. "Relax. I was actually going to tell you tonight."

"I cannot believe you." Thalia scoffs, rolling her eyes. "Well, come on, you have to introduce me to her."

She reaches out to drag them by the hand, but they object. "Uh, how about later?"

Thalia furrows her brows. Before she can utter a word, Juniper directs her attention elsewhere.

"You see that guy I was speaking to? He's filthy rich." They wiggle their eyebrows, hinting at something.

"Okay?" Thalia shrugs her shoulders.

"And he's single."

"Why are you setting me up with this random guy?" A chuckle escapes her lips.

"Come on, he's so your type!" They insist. "By that I mean he's a wealthy businessman."

She scoffs. "Fine, but if he starts being uninteresting, I'm out."

Juniper silently cheers, shaking their fists in the air and earning an eye roll from Thalia.

Thalia smoothes out her dress and fixes her hair prior to approaching the tall figure. His chiselled features remind her of Finn, but she pushes the thought of him aside.

"Hi there. I couldn't help but admire your choice of Dior." She signals towards his suit with a smile.

"Thank you." He reaches out a hand. "I'm Arthur."

She shakes his hand. "Thalia. What brings someone with such good taste here?"

"Business. Networking." He states blandly.

"Oh, that's nice! What kind of business are you in?" She tilts her head to the side.

"Investments. Real estate."

Thalia pauses, awaiting a follow-up. When none comes, she clears her throat. "Tell me more?"

Her enthusiasm begins to wane as he delves into the mundanity of his business. Yet, she continues to feign interest with a forced smile.

Soon enough, Thalias mind begins to drift. She glances around the room, seeking an escape from the conversation.

"Real estate. Wow." She speaks absently, having no clue on what he's saying.

She restrains herself from sighing in relief once a familiar face returns, strolling towards her. The lack of wine suggests that he genuinely got lost.

As Finn stands next to Thalia, Arthur stops speaking, causing her to thank the gods despite being an atheist.

"Hey." Finn smiles, shaking his hand.

"Hello."

Thalia clears her throat, breaking off the awkward silence charging the air. "Finn, this is Arthur, he uh... works in... uh..."

"Real estate." He states.

"Yup!" She points with a grin.

Finn nods, not knowing what to say.

"So, Thalia." Arthur redirects his gaze to her, much to her displeasure. "I'm afraid I have to get going now. Would it be alright if I could receive your number?"

She shakes her head 'no' in a rush. "Oh, I'm sorry Arthur, I must've given you the wrong impression."

She takes a hold of Finns arm. "This is my boyfriend."

Finns eyes widen, but he swiftly takes the hint and goes along with it. "Yeah. We're so in-love."

She nods. "We plan to get married as soon as possible and have five children."

"Oh- yes, of-course." Finn agrees, suppressing a laugh.

Arthur clears his throat with a nod, sensing both the lying excuse and lack of interest from Thalia. "Well then, I'll go."

His eyes remain attached to the floor as he walks away, leaving Thalia to hug Finn as she fake sobs into his chest.

"It's alright." He places a hand on her head, hesitating before lacing his fingers within the dark brown strands.

"He was so fucking boring. Finn." She whines, muffled by his shirt. He chuckles.

Finn runs a hand through her hair, brushing out tangles with care. His other hand ever-so-slightly grazes the bare skin of her back.

Thalia finds herself unable to leave his hold, resting her head against his chest. If it was an option, she'd choose to stay here forever.

His hands suddenly stop their movement. "We should probably go find Jupiter again."

She curses under her breath as he pulls away. "Sure, let's go."

AUTHORS NOTE

Uh-oh.