Beyond the Storm: A Percabeth Collection

Just a Movie... Right?

Percy's POV

I was sitting in the passenger seat of my mom's car, tapping my fingers nervously against my jeans. I kept reminding myself that this was just a movie – nothing more. But my heart didn't seem to get the memo.

"Are you excited?" my mom asked, throwing me a knowing smile as we drove.

"Uh, yeah. It's just a movie," I mumbled, looking out the window, trying not to think about how this wasn't "just a movie." Annabeth had invited me to go see A Nightmare on Elm Street. She said she'd never seen it, and apparently, neither had I – I mean, I don't watch horror movies on purpose.

But it wasn't like I'd turn her down. Even if I'd probably need a night-light for a week after this.

My mom's eyes sparkled mischievously. "So, this isn't like...a date, right?" she asked with a grin.

I felt my face heat up. "Mom, it's not a date. We're just two friends hanging out."

She laughed softly. "Alright, alright. But I'm just saying – maybe you should do something nice for her? Compliment her? Notice the details?"

I shot her a look. "You're really enjoying this, aren't you?"

"A little," she admitted. "I've just never seen you this nervous, Percy. But I get it. I mean, Annabeth is...well, special."

I was about to respond when my phone buzzed. A text from Annabeth popped up: Almost there!

"Okay, Mom, we're good!" I said quickly, wanting to get out before she could tease me anymore.

My mom parked and grinned, leaning over to ruffle my hair. "Have fun, Percy. And remember – details."

I groaned, climbing out of the car as she drove away with a wave. I was still fixing my hair when I turned around and froze.

Annabeth was walking toward me, and I almost didn't recognize her. She was in a dark blue top with some kind of lacey pattern that wasn't too fancy but looked, well... nice. She even had her hair down, something she almost never did, and I realized with a jolt that it looked...really pretty like that. I'd never seen her dress up before, but this – this was different.

"Hey," she said, giving me a smile that made my stomach flip.

"Uh – hi," I stammered, hoping she didn't notice that I was staring. I didn't know what to do with my hands, so I shoved them in my pockets and tried to act normal. "You look...uh...nice."

Her cheeks turned a faint shade of pink. "Thanks, Seaweed Brain. Figured I'd try something a little different."

"Yeah, well, it works," I said before my brain could stop me. I cleared my throat. "I mean, yeah, it looks...nice. I mean, not nice. Better than nice."

She laughed, and I felt my face getting hotter. "Come on, let's go grab our tickets before it starts," she said, grabbing my arm and pulling me along.

Inside, the theater was already dim as we found our seats near the back. I was still trying to process the fact that Annabeth had her hair down and had dressed up – and for some reason, it was making me feel weirder than I'd expected.

I was so wrapped up in my thoughts that I barely noticed when the movie started. But I was yanked back to reality by the sound of a chainsaw revving up onscreen. My stomach twisted as the first jump scare hit, and I practically leapt out of my seat.

"Are you serious, Percy?" Annabeth whispered, clearly trying not to laugh.

"What? I wasn't...scared. It just...surprised me," I muttered, trying to play it cool as I sank down a little in my seat.

She raised an eyebrow. "Sure. Surprised."

I was about to come up with a clever comeback when something creepy flashed on the screen, and I jumped again. Annabeth stifled a laugh, reaching over to pat my arm. "If you get too scared, I won't tell anyone."

"Thanks," I muttered, cheeks burning as I tried to focus on anything but the screen. But then another loud sound made me flinch, and without thinking, I grabbed her hand.

I realized what I'd done a second too late, but before I could pull back, she squeezed my hand in reassurance. "It's just a movie, Seaweed Brain," she said, her voice soft and teasing.

My heart was pounding way too hard, and I wasn't sure if it was from the movie or the fact that Annabeth was still holding my hand. My fingers started to relax a little, and I could tell she was trying not to laugh at how tense I'd been.

"Maybe next time we could watch something less intense," I whispered, trying to act like I wasn't the one totally freaking out.

Annabeth leaned over, smiling in a way that made my heart race for a whole different reason. "It's okay, Percy. I'm here to protect you."

"Gee, thanks," I whispered back, but I was too focused on the warmth of her hand in mine to be properly annoyed.

We both fell silent as the movie continued, with more creepy scenes and a few jumps that made my skin crawl. Annabeth didn't seem fazed at all – just sat there, watching like it was the most normal thing in the world. Meanwhile, I kept catching myself looking at her, wondering when she'd started looking so...grown-up.

I guess I didn't notice how much time was passing, because before I knew it, the movie was over, and we were making our way out of the theater.

"That was...something," I said, letting out a breath as we stepped into the fresh air.

"Not so bad, right?" she said, grinning at me.

I scratched the back of my head, trying to act casual. "Yeah, well...maybe next time, I'll pick the movie."

She laughed, nudging my shoulder. "Sure, Seaweed Brain. I'm sure you'll choose something totally action-packed and intense."

I rolled my eyes, shoving my hands back in my pockets, but a smile crept onto my face. We started walking toward the exit, but I noticed her slowing down, her eyes drifting to the side.

"What's up?" I asked.

"Oh, nothing," she said, shrugging, but I caught a faint smile on her face. "Just...thanks for coming with me. It was fun."

My heart skipped a beat. "Yeah. I mean – any time, Annabeth."

For a second, we just stood there, not saying anything. The cool night air wrapped around us, but I didn't feel cold – not with her standing right there, her eyes meeting mine in a way that made it impossible to look away.

And then, before I could think too much, I reached over and brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear. "You look...really nice tonight," I said, my voice coming out softer than I'd meant it to.

Annabeth's cheeks turned pink, but she didn't pull away. "Thanks, Percy," she whispered, her eyes still locked on mine.

I swallowed, suddenly feeling like the ground had shifted under my feet. This wasn't just any regular hangout, was it?

Before I could say anything else, my mom's car pulled up with a honk, and I jerked back, realizing I was still standing way too close to Annabeth. My mom rolled down the window, giving us both a suspiciously cheerful smile.

"Had fun, you two?" she asked, clearly trying not to laugh.

I coughed, my face probably as red as a tomato. "Yep, lots of fun."

Annabeth stifled a laugh, giving me a quick wave before turning toward her own ride. "See you, Seaweed Brain."

As she walked away, I climbed into the car, trying to ignore my mom's amused expression.

"So," she said, a teasing lilt in her voice, "just a movie?"

"Mom!" I groaned, burying my face in my hands as we pulled away, but I couldn't hide the smile on my face.