Hi guys! I started this in the Christmas season, and never posted it. Everyone is married, including Percy and Annabeth. I really hope you enjoy! P.S. This is a one-shot.
The doorbell rings in Percy and Annabeth's apartment, signaling the beginning of a party. Annabeth hurries to get the door, smoothing her red blouse and jeans. The couple slaved forever over the dinner and decorations, since it was their year to host Christmas Eve dinner, they wanted everything to be perfect. The tree was decorated, the turkey basting, Christmas music playing in the background, and everything was ready.
Percy appears in the kitchen, already munching on hors d'oeuvres that Annabeth had set out earlier as he watches Annabeth open the door to Jason, a very pregnant Piper, and their 4-year-old daughter, Maelani.
"Hi guys," Annabeth exclaims. "Glad you could make it!" She hugs Piper and Jason and looks down at Maelani. Percy doesn't miss the way she looks at her, like she is longing for a daughter of her own, picturing one with blonde hair and blue eyes, a picture of her mother in physique and mind. But the look on her face is only there for a moment, before it disappears.
"Hi Mae!" She says, and that's his cue to come over.
"Hey Jason. Hi Piper. Hi Mae."
"I'm FOUR." Mae says from Annabeth's arms. "Mommy says neck year I can chew gum!"
"That's great Mae! Come give me a hug!" Percy says. She jumps down from Annabeth's arms and comes to hug his legs. Okay, maybe he wants kids around too.
Annabeth helps Piper to the couch, where she puts her feet up on the coffee table. Mae sits next to her pregnant mother, and Percy and Jason go to get a beer in the kitchen. The doorbell rings again, and Annabeth opens it to find Nico, and a very surly looking Thalia. She has silver tinsel in her hair, and a red scarf around her neck that Nico must have put on her. Annabeth chuckles a bit, and lets them in as Leo and Calypso arrive. Their three year old son Colin, and their 6-month-old daughter Airlia accompany them.
Calypso hands Airlia to Annabeth, while Colin runs to find Mae. Annabeth closes the door, and sits on the couch by Thalia, Piper, and Calypso. Percy and men are in the kitchen, while Mae runs around, chasing Colin.
Frank and Hazel open the door, and their 1-year-old daughter Astra toddles through the door. Hazel joins the girls, while Frank, with Astra on his hip, moves to the kitchen.
"So, Annabeth," Piper asks, reclining on the couch. "What are you getting Percy for Christmas?"
"A snowboard," She replies, leaning forward in her chair. "An espresso machine, he loves those. Some other stuff."
"Like?" Asked Piper.
"Can't say until tomorrow. But it'll be great." Annabeth replies again. "I think dinner's done. I'm gonna go see." That leaves Piper to puzzle over what she meant.
~0~
"That was a great dinner guys," says Frank after they had all gathered in the living room for White Elephant with the kids playing with their already given gifts. "Thanks a lot."
"Oh, it was no problem," Percy says. "Annie did most of the work though." Percy winks at her and Annabeth smiles and leans in to his arms.
"Alright everyone, lets open the gifts!" Leo exclaims. There are gifts for everyone under the tree that people brought earlier for their white elephant receivers.
Hazel, who is sitting closest to the tree, hands the first gift to Leo, who opens it eagerly. It is a brand new power drill, with many different attachments. The next gift goes to Frank, then Piper, then Jason, and then Percy. Hazel hands him the fairly small package, and Percy opens it, throwing the red and green wrapping paper to the floor along with the others. Annabeth looks over to see what it is, and he opens the small box with a smile on his face. He pulls out small action figure. Upon closer inspection, Annabeth sees that it is actually a small Hades Mythomagic figurine, and understands immediately that it is from Nico.
Percy looks up and smiles at Nico, whom over the years has become like a little brother Percy. "Thanks man." Percy says, and stands up to hug him.
Annabeth smiles at the sight, cherishing the moment. Then Hazel says, "Alright, Annabeth, your turn." She hands her a big, soft, wrapped present. Annabeth, smiling, opens the gift. Inside is a gray and aqua sweater that says Ugly Christmas Sweater on the front in huge letters.
"Thanks guys," She says. "I'll wear it tomorrow."
The rest of the night flies by fast, and soon it is time for everyone to leave. Maelani protests at first, but when Jason says that Santa won't come until she is asleep, she hurries to get her coat. Leo and Calypso, with the kids asleep in their arms, hug Annabeth and rush out the door. Frank and Hazel are close behind, with Astra who insisted on staying up.
"Bye guys," Annabeth says, and shuts the door.
"That was fun Annie," Percy remarks as he kisses her neck.
Annabeth nods. "Now what could we possibly do to occupy our time with until it's time for bed?"
Percy smiles coyly. "I have some ideas," he says as he kisses her.
~0~
Annabeth wakes up early with Percy's arm wrapped around her. She slips out of bed, and pulls on a robe. Nothing wakes the sleeping Percy, even as the floor creaks as she tiptoes across it.
In the very back of the cleaning cupboard, somewhere that Percy would never look lays a small gift, wrapped in paper with storks on it.
Annabeth lays it under the tree, and tiptoes back to Percy. "Baby, it's time to wake up."
Percy's hand shoots up and pulls her back onto the bed.
"Merry Christmas," he says and looks into her eyes. "I love you."
"I love you more," Annabeth remarks, pulling her husband in for a kiss. "Merry Christmas."
Percy smiles and stands. "Come on, let's go open presents."
The couple sits on the floor in the living room.
Annabeth pulls the new one out from under the tree. "Open this first."
She smiles as Percy tears open the wrapping, and opens the box. He holds up a little onesie that says I love my daddy on it.
"Thanks Annabeth, but I think it's a little small."
"Look in the box. There's more."
Percy turns back to the box. His brow furrows as he peeks inside. In his hands he holds a baby bottle and a bib with an owl on it.
"Are we?" He says, shocked. "Are you?"
Annabeth nods and smiles. "Yes."
Percy pulls Annabeth into a long kiss. "We're having a baby!"
"Yes we are!" Annabeth beams.
"Oh my gods I love you so much!" He pulls her up, twirls her around, and then kisses her stomach. "And I love you too peanut."
They embrace in the living room, a small celebration of the new life that is theirs.
"This is the best Christmas ever," Percy whispers to his wife.
"Agreed."
Hope you liked it! Tell me if you want more one-shots, and tell me what you want them to be about. As always, review!
Luv ya!
