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The communal living room of the apartment was a chaotic mess of half-packed bags, discarded soda cans, and the frantic energy of seven friends trying to organize a weekend beach trip. In the center of the storm sat Percy Jackson, his blonde curls tousled and falling over his forehead as he wrestled with a stubborn zipper on a cooler.

"I’m telling you, Grover, if we don't bring the extra charcoal, Luke is going to complain the whole time about the burgers being 'under-seared' or whatever," Percy muttered, his bright blue eyes narrowed in concentration.

Grover, sitting cross-legged on the floor nearby, adjusted his glasses. The 21-year-old’s dark curls were pulled back into a small ponytail. "Percy, man, Luke is literally right there. And he’s right. Good burgers need a crust. It’s science."

"It’s not science, it’s being extra," Percy countered, finally getting the zipper to budge.

The front door clicked open, and the room’s atmosphere shifted instantly. Annabeth Chase walked in, and for a moment, the bickering between Thalia and Clarisse in the kitchen died down.

Annabeth looked like a literal dream. Her light brown boho knotless braids were gathered into a high, loose bun with a few tendrils framing her face, highlighting her warm brown eyes. She was wearing a soft, pastel yellow sundress that hit just above her knees, paired with a tiny denim jacket and white sneakers. She looked soft, sweet, and incredibly feminine—a stark contrast to the oversized hoodies she usually wore for late-night study sessions at the library.

"Hey, guys!" she chirped, her voice a pitch higher than usual. She practically skipped over to where Percy was struggling on the floor.

Percy looked up, blinking. "Oh, hey, Annabeth. You look... nice. You going somewhere before we hit the beach?"

Silena, who was leaning against the breakfast bar, exchanged a look with Thalia. Silena tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear and smirked. "She’s going to the beach, Percy. She just decided to actually put effort in today."

Annabeth flushed a deep, beautiful bronze and sat down right next to Percy—so close that her shoulder brushed his arm. "I just felt like dressing up! Is that a crime?" she giggled, the sound light and musical. She reached out and playfully poked Percy’s bicep. "You’re so sweaty already, Seaweed Brain. You haven't even started lifting the heavy stuff yet."

Percy chuckled, completely missing the lingering touch of her finger on his arm. "This cooler is a beast, Annabeth. It’s a workout."

"Here, let me help," she said, leaning in. As she reached for the handle, her braids brushed against his cheek. She didn't pull away immediately; instead, she let her hand rest over his on the plastic handle of the cooler.

Percy didn't move his hand. He just looked at her hand, then at her face. "You’re gonna break a nail or something, Annabeth. I got it."

Thalia groaned from the kitchen, tossing a bag of chips onto the counter. "Percy, you are literally the densest human being on the planet. I’ve seen rocks with more situational awareness."

"What?" Percy looked offended, finally pulling his hand away to point at himself. "I’m being helpful! I don't want her to ruin her outfit."

Luke, who had been leaning against the wall near the hallway, let out a low whistle. The 6’2 wasian boy shook his head, his own curly hair catching the light. "He’s hopeless. Annabeth, why do you even bother?"

Annabeth didn't seem discouraged. She just giggled again, a soft, bubbly sound that made Charles Beckendorf look up from his phone. Charles, standing tall at 6’3, shared a knowing look with his girlfriend, Silena.

"I don't mind," Annabeth said softly, looking up at Percy through her lashes. She reached out and smoothed down a stray blonde curl on his forehead. Her touch was lingering, her fingers tracing the line of his brow for just a second too long. "He’s just focused. Right, Percy?"

Percy grinned, that lopsided, effortless smile that usually made Annabeth’s heart do a backflip. "Exactly. See? Annabeth gets it. We have a mission. Beach. Food. Not dying of heatstroke."

"You’re a moron," Clarisse called out, walking into the room. She was wearing a tank top that showed off her toned arms, her curly hair wild and free. "Annabeth, if you get any closer to him, you’re going to be sitting in his lap. Just move so we can load the car."

Annabeth’s face turned bright red, but she didn't move away. Instead, she leaned her head against Percy’s shoulder for a brief second. "I’m just comfortable here."

Percy didn't even flinch. He just shifted his weight, accidentally bumping her shoulder with his. "Sorry, limited floor space. You want some water? You look a little red. It’s getting hot in here, right?"

Grover put his face in his hands. "It’s not the room that’s hot, Percy. It’s the tension."

"What tension?" Percy asked, looking around the room with genuine confusion. "Are you guys fighting again? Thalia, did you steal Clarisse’s spear-umbrella again?"

"It’s a parasol, you idiot, and no!" Thalia shouted.

Annabeth stood up, smoothing out her dress. She reached down and grabbed Percy’s hand, tugging on it. "Come on, let’s go to the kitchen. I want to help you pack the snacks."

Percy let her pull him up, his large hand completely enveloping hers. Annabeth didn't let go once he was standing. She kept her fingers laced through his as they walked the five feet to the kitchen. Percy just walked along, swinging their joined hands absentmindedly as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"So," Annabeth said, her voice dropping into a sweet, conspiratorial whisper as they reached the counter. "I made those blue cookies you like. I put them in a special tupperware so they don't get crushed."

Percy’s eyes lit up. "No way! Annabeth, you’re a lifesaver. Seriously, you’re the best friend ever."

The "friend" word hit the room like a lead weight. Silena winced. Luke actually winced.

Annabeth’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second, but she recovered with practiced ease. She leaned in close, her chest almost brushing his arm as she reached for a bag of pretzels on the top shelf. "Just 'best friend'? I thought I was at least 'favorite person' status by now."

She reached up, purposefully struggling to grab the bag. Her dress pulled slightly, and she looked over her shoulder at him with a playful pout. "Percy, I can't reach."

Percy, being 6’1, easily reached over her. Because he was standing directly behind her to reach the shelf, he was essentially hovering over her. Annabeth leaned back into his chest, closing her eyes for a brief second to soak in the warmth of him.

Percy grabbed the pretzels and stepped back immediately, handing them to her. "There you go. See, being tall has its perks. You’re just tiny, Annabeth. It’s okay, it’s cute."

Annabeth beamed, her heart soaring at the word 'cute'. "You think I’m cute?"

"Yeah, sure," Percy said, already turning his attention to the cooler again. "In like, a 'small sister' kind of way. Like a hobbit. A very well-dressed hobbit."

The silence that followed was deafening.

Thalia walked over and slapped the back of Percy’s head. Not hard, but enough to make him yelp. "Ow! What was that for?"

"For being a dumbass," Thalia snapped. "A well-dressed hobbit? Really, Percy? That’s what you’re going with?"

Annabeth bit her lip, her expression a mix of amusement and slight frustration. She walked over to Percy again, this time wrapping her arms around his waist from behind in a sudden hug. She pressed her cheek against his back, feeling the solid muscle of his shoulders.

Percy froze for a second, then chuckled, patting her arms. "Whoa, okay. Hug break? I’m down for a hug break."

He turned around in her arms, which meant she was now hugging his front. Annabeth didn't let go; she looked up at him, her brown eyes wide and shimmering. She moved one hand up to rest on his chest, right over his heart. "You’re so warm," she whispered, her voice honey-sweet.

Percy looked down at her, his blue eyes softening. He reached down and gave her a quick, one-armed squeeze before stepping out of the embrace to pick up a bag of ice. "Yeah, I’ve been moving coolers all morning. I’m basically a human heater right now. You’re lucky you’re not wearing a sweater, you’d be roasting."

Annabeth let out a frustrated huff, but it quickly turned into a giggle. She couldn't stay mad at him. He was just so... Percy.

"I’m going to go help Silena with the towels," Annabeth said, giving his arm one last squeeze.

As she walked away, her braids swinging behind her, Percy watched her go for a second.

"She’s in a really good mood today," Percy remarked to Grover. "Must be the weather."

Grover sighed, leaning his head against the wall. "Yeah, Percy. It’s definitely the weather. It has nothing to do with the fact that she’s wearing your favorite color, has spent the last twenty minutes touching you, and literally made you your favorite food."

Percy frowned, leaning against the counter. "Wait, yellow is my favorite color? I thought it was blue."

"The dress is yellow, but the jacket is denim, Percy. Blue denim," Luke pointed out, walking past and patting Percy on the shoulder. "Good luck, man. You’re going to need it."

"I don't get why everyone is being so weird," Percy grumbled, grabbing a bag of chips.

Out in the hallway, Annabeth was leaning against the wall, fanning her face with her hand. Silena stood next to her, looking sympathetic.

"He’s a brick wall, Annabeth," Silena whispered. "A very handsome, very blonde brick wall."

Annabeth giggled, a rosy glow on her cheeks. "I know. But did you see? He said I was cute. And he didn't pull away when I hugged him."

"He called you a hobbit, honey," Silena reminded her gently.

"A *well-dressed* hobbit," Annabeth corrected, her eyes sparkling. "That’s progress for Percy. Usually, he just calls me 'wise girl' and asks if I can help him with his math homework."

The group eventually managed to migrate toward the cars. The parking lot was shimmering with midday heat. Charles and Luke were loading the heavy gear into the back of Charles’s SUV.

Annabeth made sure to slide into the backseat of Percy’s battered old sedan before anyone else could claim the spot. When Percy hopped into the driver’s seat, he looked into the rearview mirror and smiled.

"Ready to go, Annabeth?"

"Ready," she said, leaning forward between the two front seats. She rested her chin on her hand, which was braced on the center console, right next to Percy’s gear-shifting hand.

As they drove, the wind through the open windows blew Annabeth’s braids around. Every time Percy shifted gears, his knuckles brushed against her arm. Every time it happened, Annabeth would let out a tiny, stifled giggle or make a comment about the music.

"Oh, I love this song!" she exclaimed as a soft indie-pop track came on the radio. She started humming along, her voice sweet and rhythmic. She reached out and lightly tapped out the beat on Percy’s shoulder.

Percy glanced at her, a small smile playing on his lips. "You’re really hyper today. Did you have like, three espressos before you came over?"

"Maybe," she lied, her eyes fixed on his profile. The way the sunlight hit his blonde curls made them look like spun gold. "Or maybe I’m just excited to spend the day with you."

"And the rest of the gang," Percy added helpfully. "It’s been forever since all seven of us got a weekend off. Good call on the beach, Annabeth."

"It was actually Silena’s idea," Annabeth admitted, though she had spent three hours the night before picking out the perfect swimsuit to wear under her dress.

"Well, you’re the one who organized the carpools," Percy said. He reached over and playfully ruffled her braids. "You’re the brains of the operation, as always."

Annabeth leaned into his hand, closing her eyes. "I don't want to be the brains today, Percy. I just want to have fun."

"Mission accepted," Percy said, turning up the volume on the radio.

When they finally arrived at the beach, the salt air was thick and refreshing. The group piled out of the cars, hauling bags and umbrellas toward the sand.

Annabeth waited for Percy to unload the trunk. When he hoisted a heavy bag over his shoulder, she stepped in close, reaching up to adjust the strap for him.

"Is that heavy?" she asked softly, her fingers lingering on the fabric of his t-shirt, right over his shoulder blade.

"Nah, I’m good," Percy said, turning slightly. His face was only inches from hers.

Annabeth held her breath. For a second, she thought he might actually notice. He was looking right into her eyes, his expression thoughtful.

"Annabeth," he said seriously.

"Yes, Percy?" she whispered, her heart hammering against her ribs.

"You’ve got a little bit of... I think it’s glitter? On your cheek." He reached out with his free hand and used his thumb to smudge a stray speck of highlighter near her eye. His touch was brief, but his thumb was warm against her skin. "There. Got it."

He gave her a thumbs up and started trekking toward the dunes.

Annabeth stood there for a moment, her hand flying up to touch the spot he’d just brushed. She let out a long, shaky breath and then a frustrated, high-pitched giggle.

"You okay there, Chase?" Clarisse asked, trudging past with a cooler in each hand. "Or has the sun finally fried your brain?"

"I’m fine!" Annabeth shouted back, skipping to catch up. "I’m great!"

Down on the sand, they set up a base camp of umbrellas and towels. Annabeth took off her denim jacket, revealing the thin straps of her yellow dress. She sat down on the towel right next to Percy’s, leaning back on her elbows so she could watch him help Luke struggle with a beach umbrella.

"Percy, come sit!" she called out, patting the empty spot on her oversized towel. "You need sunscreen."

Percy dropped the umbrella pole and jogged over. "Oh, yeah. Good call. My mom would kill me if I came home looking like a lobster."

He sat down on the edge of her towel. Annabeth immediately reached for the bottle of sunscreen.

"Turn around," she commanded, her voice soft but firm.

Percy obeyed, sitting with his back to her. Annabeth poured a dollop of cream into her hands, warming it up before pressing her palms against his shoulders.

She took her time. Her fingers worked in slow, rhythmic circles, spreading the lotion across his broad shoulders and down his back. She felt every muscle, the heat of his skin, the way he relaxed under her touch.

"Man, you’re good at this," Percy sighed, his head dropping forward. "You should charge for this, Annabeth."

"It’s free for you," she whispered, leaning closer. She could smell the sea salt on him already, mixed with the scent of his shampoo. She let her hands linger on his lower back for a second longer than necessary before pulling away.

Percy turned around, grinning. "Thanks, Wise Girl. My turn?"

He took the bottle from her. Annabeth turned around, her heart racing. She felt his large, slightly calloused hands hit her skin. He wasn't as gentle or as thorough as she had been—he mostly just slapped the lotion on and rubbed it in quickly, like he was polishing a car.

"There," he said, patting her shoulder. "All set. You’re protected."

Annabeth turned back around, adjusting her braids. "Thanks, Percy."

"No problem." He stood up, shielding his eyes from the sun. "Hey, Grover! You want to hit the water?"

"In a minute!" Grover shouted from under an umbrella.

Percy looked down at Annabeth. "You coming? The water looks amazing."

Annabeth looked at her cute dress, then at Percy’s expectant, bright blue eyes. She didn't want to ruin the look just yet, but she also didn't want to be anywhere he wasn't.

"Give me five minutes," she said, giggling as she stood up. She started unzipping the side of her dress.

Percy didn't even look. He was already distracted by a seagull trying to break into a bag of chips. "Cool. Don't take too long, the waves are perfect!"

As he ran toward the ocean, diving headfirst into a breaking wave, Annabeth stepped out of her dress to reveal a floral bikini that matched the yellow of her dress perfectly.

Silena walked over, shaking her head. "I honestly don't know how you do it. I would have pushed him into the ocean by now."

Annabeth laughed, watching Percy’s blonde head pop up out of the water. He was waving at her, a huge, goofy grin on his face.

"He’s worth the wait," Annabeth said softly, her eyes full of affection. "Even if he is the biggest idiot in the world."

She ran down the sand, the sun warm on her skin and her braids flying behind her, ready to spend the rest of the day being 'just a friend' until Percy Jackson finally opened his eyes.