When Worlds Collide - PJO/HP

Chapter 2: Will Solace Gets A Dance Lesson From An 80-Something Teenager

Camp Half-Blood - Nico di Angelo

"So...", Will looked at me expectantly, "what did you think?"

I sighed, then turned to my blond friend anxiously awaiting my response, who had gradually gotten closer to me during the movie (don't think I didn't notice, Solace). "D'you want my honest opinion?" I asked, turning off the TV.

He nodded.

"I didn't really like it."

"What?!" He stood up dramatically.

I looked up at him, trying to contain my laughter. "The whole time", I continued, "I had no idea what was happening. Why didn't we start with the first film? Also, why was it so long? I feel like this film could be condensed into an hour and a half to begin with, and why were there so many fight scenes? What was even happening?!"

Will huffed, then sat back down on my bed. I suddenly felt really bad.

"But, there were some parts I liked."

He lit up. "Really?" He asked excitedly. It was cute how much he loved these films. Or whatever.

I smiled. "Yeah."

"So does this mean you'll watch the rest of them with me?"

"Oh, absolutely not." He looked disheartened again, but I continued. "But, y'know, I still have a lot to catch up on from the past 70 years, and I remember I did always like music when I was younger..." I trailed off, hoping he'd get the picture.

He nodded eagerly, then pulled out a strange rectangular box I had learned to peg as a 'cellphone'. I tried to play it cool, but in reality, I was fascinated with how much power these little things could hold. I had no idea how it worked, only that I wanted to learn.

Will tapped the screen, and a song started playing from the device. I jumped back in surprise, not expecting it to produce noises. He laughed.

"Hey, it's ok. I don't bite."

Then he took my hand and pulled me up.

The song had a mellow guitar intro, then a woman with a British accent started singing.

...a jaw-dropper
Looks good when he walks
Is the subject of their talk
He would be hard to chase
But good to catch
And he could change the world
With his hands behind his back, oh...

"What is this?" I asked. He had a glazed look in his eyes.

"Daydreamer by Adele. Do you like it?" I nodded, mesmerized. I closed my eyes and let myself be immersed into her vocals.

"Do you want to dance with me?" I blurted, before I even registered what I had just said. He smiled.

"I'd love to. But I have to warn you, I have two left feet." I bit my lip, trying to keep in a chuckle.

"That's ok - I can teach you. My mother taught me and Bianca proper traditional Italian dancing, once upon a time."

I took his arm, and began explaining how I'd been taught to ballroom dance. He looked genuinely really happy, which was good, because that was exactly how I was feeling.

Once he'd mastered the basics, we just started swaying to the music. Every once in a while, he'd spin me, and I'd have to bury my face in his shoulder to hide how much I was blushing, because gods damn it, I was falling hard. We were both giggling like schoolgirls, especially whenever Will stepped on my toes. But eventually, we both calmed down a little, and we resumed our dancing. I wouldn't call it a waltz, exactly (the song was in 4/4, so it wouldn't've fit), but it felt right. His hand clutching mine, my hand on his shoulder, his on my waist. We had become completely synchronized.

There's no way I could describe him
What I've said is just what I'm hoping for

But I will find him sittin' on my doorstep
Waiting for a surprise
And he will feel like he's been there for hours
And I can tell that he'll be there for life
And I can tell that he'll be there for life

When the song ended, Will and I just stood there for a minute, enjoying each other's company. Eventually, he pulled away, resting one hand on the back of his neck. He walked to the bed and began gathering his stuff before pausing and facing me.

"Um", he started, "I should probably..."

"Yeah. Yeah."

He looked at me for a second before looking down, picking up the rest of his things, saying goodbye, and walking out of my cabin abruptly. The door closing snapped me back to reality, and I traced my palm with my other hand, still experiencing the lingering feeling of his fingertips against mine.