Poseidon

predicament

It was a few hours later. I'd played beer pong with Daniel, who thought I was fun when I was drunk. Oh yes, I'd had a few drinks. Maybe one too many, but who was I to judge?

Poe came back from outside, when I left the beer pong table to go to the toilet.

He looked slightly flushed, but he didn't spare me more than a moment of his gaze, before he went to the beer pong room.

I walked upstairs to find a quiet bathroom.

I locked the door and leaned back against it for a second, before I used the toilet.

My face was flushed, even more so than Poe's. Had he kissed someone?

I unlocked the door and nearly knocked myself over, walking directly into a guy, clearly a guy by the subtle cologne, who was waiting outside the bathroom door.

"Whoops, sorry!" I said and stepped hastily back. I looked up at Poe's face.

"Well, sorry not sorry," I said and walked around him. Or tried to.

He put his hand out and stopped my progress. "Hold on a sec," he said and moved so we were face to face again. "Where you kissing him?"

"Kissing who? It's none of your business," I noted and tried to move again.

He had his hand on the wall, blocking me. The light hit his earring, making me notice it.

"Why do you have a trident?" I asked and stepped closer to get a better look.

"Just because," he said. "You're mad a me," he reminded me.

"No, not mad," I said. "Why a trident? It's so weird!"

"I like it," he said, all defensive.

"Whatever," I said with a shrug. "I think I'll call this a night and head back. Nice chatting, we should do something some time. That'd be fun. I don't want to be drunk, though. I think I talk too much. Do I talk too much?" I asked and focused on his face.

"Uhm," he said.

"I do," I concluded and pressed my lips together to keep silent.

"Can I walk you home?"

"Yeah," I said softly and smiled up at him. "You can. Please."

He followed me back downstairs and outside. I shivered in the cooler air and regretted not bringing a shirt.

He wrapped his arm around my shoulder. "Someone should've worn a jacket." He remarked.

"Someone else should wear t-shirt more often," I said and looked at him.

"Why?" he asked.

"I don't like wife beaters," I said. "Just the word!"

He chuckled and pulled me closer, before releasing me so I had space.

"I had fun swimming with you," I said softly and looked at him again. He had a nice jawline, not too defined. "But I'm not too cool about sleeping over. Not after our teasing with 'wet dreams' and all."

He nodded. "That's what it was all about," he said. "Let me tell you a secret," he said. "You are my wet dream. You are seriously one I'd like to get to know better. And also sleep with. But I'd never, ever, do it unless you want it too. And am conscious in asking."

I smiled. "I have another secret. I went to the beach, before we met, and swam, and I think I zoned out, because I met Poseidon, you know, Greek god of the Sea? Maybe Tara is rubbing off on me?"

"Maybe," he said hastily. "But it's oddly specific."

I nodded. "He also had a trident," I said. "Like your earring." I smiled. "Hidden Greek mythology fan?"

"Maybe," he said softly. "Not that I'd ever admit to it. Why did you parents name you Athena?"

"Don't know, ask them," I said. "It's just the way it is."

He nodded and nudged me up on the sidewalk. We'd been walking on the road. I didn't care.

"Is Poe short for something?" I asked.

He looked at me. "You're drunk."

"So?" I asked. "I can remember this."

He nodded slowly.

"Is it?" I asked. "Poe. Is it short for something?"

Poe just shrugged.

"Please!" I begged.

"I like your cleavage." He said.

"Pervert," I said and crossed my arms.

He chuckled. "Your cleavage looks even better now."

I rolled my eyes. "This way." I said and turned us when we reached the corner.

"Why?"

"I live in the dorms," I said. "I'm not going with you home."

"A man can dream." He said, almost sounding wistful.

"A man can also be a fool," I said. "Case in point."

He wrapped his arm back around me and drummed his fingers on my upper arm. "I think we're in a predicament."

"Predicament?" I asked. "Oh gee, tell me what it is." My enthusiasm was not present at all, and he laughed at it.

"I want to see you again," he said. "Before we head home for Thanksgiving."

"I'm busy," I said softly. I wasn't sure why I was mad at him, but I was, and I wasn't giving in this easily.

Besides, whatever happened with Poseidon, I wanted to explore it more?