Beyond the Storm: A Percabeth Collection

The Promise of Forever

Percy's POV

I stood in front of the Chase family's house, adjusting the tie I had spent too long trying to tie properly. The dark blue fabric felt like a weight around my neck, a constant reminder of how out of my element I was. I mean, sure, I'd been through some pretty crazy adventures. I'd battled gods, survived Tartarus, and fought in wars. But all of that somehow paled in comparison to the simple task of picking up Annabeth for a fancy date. My heart was beating in my chest as if I were about to face down the biggest monster of my life.

I glanced down at the watch Annabeth had given me for my birthday. I still couldn't believe we were this old—18, almost 19—and we were going on a real date. Not some half-done quest, not a mission to save the world, but just a quiet, normal evening... or at least that was the plan.

"Percy Jackson," Mr. Chase's voice carried from the door. I spun around, half expecting to see a monster coming out of the bushes, but there he was—Annabeth's dad, standing in the doorway with his arms folded across his chest and a calm, somewhat amused grin on his face.

I froze. My heart skipped a beat, and I could feel the blood drain from my face. This wasn't a monster. It was Annabeth's dad, but that didn't make the situation any less nerve-wracking. The weight of the moment hit me all at once—this was it. The talk. I wasn't just here for a casual evening out with Annabeth. I was here to ask for her hand in marriage.

I straightened up, forcing myself to take a deep breath. I wasn't sure why I was nervous. I'd fought gods, monsters, and survived through the hardest challenges anyone could imagine. But asking for Annabeth's hand? That felt like the biggest challenge of all.

Mr. Chase motioned for me to follow him inside. "Annabeth won't be down for a few more minutes. We should talk."

I nodded and stepped inside, trying to hide my nervousness. We moved into the living room, where Mr. Chase gestured to the couch across from him. I sat, trying to keep my cool, but my heart was pounding in my chest.

"So," Mr. Chase began, settling into his chair, his gaze never leaving me. "I assume you're here to talk about the night ahead. Are you planning to take good care of my daughter tonight?"

I nodded quickly, wanting to get through this conversation without stumbling over my words. "Yes, sir. I'll treat her right, I promise."

He tilted his head slightly, as though he was considering something. Then, without warning, he spoke again, his voice low but firm. "But that's not really what's on your mind, is it?"

I blinked, confused for a moment. "What do you mean?"

Mr. Chase leaned forward, his expression unreadable. "You didn't come here just to take Annabeth to dinner, did you? There's something more you want to ask me, Percy."

I swallowed hard. He was right. This wasn't just about dinner. This wasn't just a regular night out. I had something important to ask. Something that would change everything.

I took a deep breath, then stood up, pushing the words out all at once. "Mr. Chase, I—I love Annabeth. More than anything. I know she's been through a lot, and I've been by her side through it all. But I want to ask her to spend the rest of her life with me. I want to marry her. I want to ask for your permission."

I looked up, meeting Mr. Chase's eyes, trying to gauge his reaction. His gaze softened a little, but there was still something serious about it.

"Percy," he began slowly, "I've seen how much you care for her. I've seen how you two support each other. How you've both grown together. I know you'd do anything for her. And that means a lot to me."