Annabeth Chase woke up quietly, careful not to disturb her husband, Percy Jackson. She was an early riser; she knew that the early bird always did catch the worm. Or in her world, the early worm always avoided the bird (AKA a really big, ugly monster). But Percy, on the other hand...not so much. Annabeth had learned from experience how irritated he'd be if she woke him at 6:30 AM. But even when he woke up an hour later, when she had finished making breakfast, Percy was still childishly (but, Annabeth had to admit, adorably) grumpy.

"Annabeth, why do I have to go to work?" pouted Percy.

"So you won't live on the streets and be eaten by a random gorgon or something," Annabeth brusquely replied.

"Can't I live with you?"

"Nope. There's no way I'm supporting myself and a perfectly capable, yet jobless bum."

"That'd be a loss for you, then."

"Mmhm. What do I lose from ditching a seaweed-brained Aquaman wannabe?"

"Ooh. That was a low blow. But I'll let it pass. Anyways, I have saved your life plenty of times."

"You'd have a poisoned knife in your back without me."

"Yeah, well…" Percy rubbed the back of his neck. "But oh wow! Look at the time! I'd better get going!" He dashed off, but 10 seconds later, he skidded back into the room.

"Looking for something?" Annabeth mockingly asked, wagging a key ring in her hand.

"Oh, yes. Thanks." He sheepishly took the keys.

Annabeth walked with Percy to the door. "Alright. Have a good day at work, then," she said.

"You know, I'm kinda jealous. You only have to go to work at 9," sighed Percy.

Annabeth rolled her eyes, but smiled. "And yet I still wake up earlier than you."

"True. Well, anyways, I'll see you in the evening." Percy gave her a light peck on the lips. "Yeah, I wouldn't have much without you. Love you."

As Percy left the apartment, she sighed, "Love you too."

And that's when Annabeth felt a sudden, powerful presence behind her. Without sparing a glance at the visitor, she inquired, "Mom, what are you doing here?"

"Athena, the goddess of wisdom, replied, "What, can a mother not visit her daughter?"

"Of course you can!"

"Well then, how's life for you?"

Annabeth raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Is that it? OK, well, I just got a big promotion at the firm, and - "

"Well, actually, how's your love life?"

Annabeth immediately went on the defensive. "Mom, if this is about Percy, then - "

"Actually, I was just thinking...Percy would make a good father," Athena blurted out.

Annabeth simultaneously smiled, gasped, gawked, and nearly fainted.

Athena recomposed."Annabeth, close your mouth. You look like a fish."

"But...um..."

"Yes, what? Get on with it!"

"You haven't complimented anything remotely related to Poseidon for the lengths of hundreds of civilization! Oh gods, when was the last time you even went to a beach?"

"Well, would you rather me murder the boy in his sleep?"