This is another, shorter one-shot inspired by this picture I saw on Facebook.

I don't own Percy Jackson and co, but Tobias is my OC.

It was Tobias's third Christmas. He loved Christmas and was so excited when they got the Christmas tree out, but he was sad. Percy was still on tour. He was meant to come home last month, but he had been called on to stay for a while longer. Annabeth just hoped he was home in time for the birth of their second son.

In an attempt to cheer Tobias up, Annabeth had taken him to see Santa. She read 'The night before Christmas' to him every Christmas Eve and it was a bedtime requirement.

It was Christmas in two days and lots of people wanted to see Santa as he was off tomorrow for Christmas Eve. Being ADHD, it took a lot of self-control to stay in the line, but it was quite difficult controlling Tobias. He was definitely ADHD, but had no medication for it. Annabeth did her best to distract him by the grotto decorations and telling him to think about what he wanted for Christmas.

Finally, after nearly an hour in queue, it was Tobias's turn to see Santa. Annabeth stood to the side, pulling her anti-monster phone from her pocket as Santa sat Tobias on his knee.

"What's your name?" Santa asked kindly.

"Tobias." Tobias replied quietly.

"And what do you want for Christmas, Tobias?" Tobias bit his lip, glancing at his mother. Annabeth smiled reassuringly, but was distracted by a flicker of movement behind Santa's stand.

Percy grinned at her, putting a finger to his lips. Annabeth stared at him. He was still in his Marine uniform, carrying his pack with his beret settled perfectly on his windswept hair.

"I want my daddy back." Tobias told Santa. Santa hummed thoughtfully, stroking his beard. Annabeth was shaking her head at her husband, trying not to smile.

"Where is your daddy?"

"Mammy said he was fighting in faraway place. He supposed to be back by now, but had to work longer."

"I'm sure he'll be home in time for Christmas, Tobias." Santa assured. "Let's see what we've got for you then." Santa reached for his bag of presents, but never picked anything up for Tobias, knocking on the wall behind his chair.

The look of pure joy and amazement on Tobias's face when Percy stepped out warmed Annabeth's heart to the core and she felt tears of joy welling in her eyes at her Seaweed Brain's actions.

Santa grinned. "See? What did I tell you?" Percy beamed at Tobias, who pulled himself together and jumped down from Santa's lap, running to his father. Percy laughed and scooped his son up, chucking him above his head.

Amazingly, people watching in the queue started clapping. Tobias hugged his father tightly, thanking Santa for bringing his daddy home.

"I missed you too, Tobias." Percy smiled, holding his son close in one arm. He held his other hand out to Santa in silent gratitude. Santa grinned, grasping Percy's hand briefly.

When Percy turned to Annabeth, she couldn't stand back any longer, stumbling forward and wrapping her arms around his waist as best she could. His free arm went around her shoulders and he kissed her forehead.

"Oh, Seaweed Brain… I love you." Percy grinned.

"Love you too, Wise-girl."

Voila! What'd you think?