"And name it Leo."

"If you say that again, I'm kicking you down to the Underworld and my father can deal with you." Hazel warned. Leo tapped his finger on his chin, humming dubiously.

"Encantador." He eventually decided. "But we do have a present for you. It's better than the waffle maker, I promise. That was more of a gag gift." Leo turned his head. Louisa was pelting her brother with grapes. "Lou!"

"He started it!"

"No, I meant-" He waved at Frank and Hazel. Louisa flicked a grape off Percy's head and smiled.

"OK. Hold my grapes."

"What's left of them."

"Did I ask for a smart-ass reply? No. So shut up 'n' hold my grapes." Louisa bounced off. Percy simply rolled his eyes and helped himself to a grape.

"I don't trust you two." Frank said. "What are you doing?"

"That'll ruin the surprise." Louisa grabbed them both by the wrist and marched them out on the field. "Right, stay. No, don't question it. Just stay." She hurried back to Leo, standing shoulder to shoulder with him. Leo was hunting about in his tool belt for something. Louisa directed her attention to the sky, throwing up her hands. Long, snapping tendrils of energy lunged upwards, hauling in low-hanging storm clouds the colour of bruises. The rain began as a gentle patter, gradually increasing. Percy poked Annabeth dry. Louisa had done the same for Leo. Hazel and Frank weren't so lucky.

Leo found what he was looking for, grinning victoriously. All the others could comprehend were handfuls of small canisters, like old camera film pots. He gave some to Louisa and together, they launched them skywards. Clouds seemed to reach down, snatching them all up. The rain grew heavier.

"What-?" Hazel started.

"Wait!" Leo insisted, hopping excitedly on alternating feet. "It should work! If you die a fiery death though, I do apologise!"

"What?" Frank panicked. Leo smiled. That didn't help.

Loud popping speckled a clap of thunder. The small bursts continued, even when the thunder rolled away. Jets of sparks exploded in all directions, reds and greens and golds and blues and pinks, shimmering overhead like a thousand rainbows. At first, it was chaos- beautiful chaos, but still chaos. Louisa raised her hands, flicking her fingers, pulling at things none of them could see. The raindrops swirled, as if caught in a gust although none blew. The sparks followed, condensing into an iridescent tornado. Louisa paused, gauging the couple's reactions. Hazel was most intrigued. Frank was curious, but more concerned with 'fiery death'.

Louisa let her hands fly out, nearly clonking Leo in the face. She laughed as he protested, but her tornado was spinning wildly, obtaining whistling winds as it did. Louisa would make a hand motion and, each time she did, a formation of sparks was born, dancing across the stormy sky. The first one was Hazel and Frank, her white dress sparkling with silvers and golds and his suit humming with blues and purples as they spun towards the clouds. The second, Arion and Hazel charging into battle, gleaming in their Imperial golden armour with an elephant by their side. Each display went somewhere different to its predecessor, but as they went on, they got cleverer and ever more stunning. At times, Hazel and Frank could see nothing between land and sky than the images manifesting before them. The rain hardly bothered them. This was worth it.

The tornado had dwindled. Louisa took a moment to catch her breath. The final display went up, screeching like a firework. It lit up every cloud, turning the deep bruises above into velvety hues of navy and grey. Leo put his arm around her waist, keeping her upright. Every animal they ever remembered Frank transforming into soared, bellowed, charged and cantered overhead. Arion was in there too. Hazel appeared in many forms, as a warrior, as a bride, as a practising chef, fanning herself and scolding them for their language; Frank appeared by her side, ready to fight, ready to play, turning into a bulldog to make her giggle.

Hazel was crying by the time Frazel scribbled in place of everything else. Frank was spellbound, searching the sky as if expecting more. It took them a minute to come back to earth. Hazel sprinted across the field, not caring for the rain or mud on her dress, barrelling straight into Leo and Louisa.

"Thank you." She sobbed, the biggest of all smiles lighting up her face. She pressed a grateful kiss to their cheeks in turn and then Frank was there, scooping them all into one great hug.

"Aw, look. Frank and his short people."

"Percy, I will kill you." Louisa warned.

"Can't breathe." Leo wheezed. Frank quickly dropped them, grabbing Leo's arm as his balance toppled. "When you bear hug, you bear hug." He rubbed at his ribs, laughing. "Percy's right though- didn't think I'd say it either- but we are literally Frank and his short people. Look, none of us can even reach his hombro!" Leo waved a hand from over his head to the lower half of Frank's chest. Louisa was a couple of inches smaller than him and Hazel even tinier than her. Seeing Frank's face redden, Leo smiled. "Aw, we love you really. You're like a big teddy bear! Who can… actually turn into a bear and devour all of us if you so wished, but teddy!" He did a little happy dance, sending bouts of giggles into the women. Percy and Frank shared bemused, yet exasperated looks.

"Only you, Leo." Frank ruffled his friend's hair.

"I know. It's great. Anyway, your honeymoon awaits! Psst," he hissed, "call it Leo." Hazel pursed her lips, raising a brow at her cousin. Louisa nodded once. Her hand shot up and pinched Leo's ear. "Ow!"

"Come on, Valdez. I'm hungry 'n' these two need ta catch their flight."

"Well, they'd better send me a postcard." Leo eased Louisa's fingers from his ear, lacing his with them instead. He could feel eyes burning the side of his head. Percy may have been a lot calmer about Leoisa now, but that didn't mean he fully understood it. "I'm just holding her hand. See? No funny business."

"Bit late for that." Percy grumbled.

"Oh, shush. You're excited too." Leo grinned. Percy made to protest, catching his words and hesitating.

"Yeah." He agreed quietly. "Little bit." Annabeth patted his arm, smiling.

"You'll get used to it, Seaweed Brain. Let's see Frank and Hazel off and then you can glare at Leo later. Sound good?" Percy nodded. Leo shook his head. Annabeth smirked at him, leading Percy and the happy couple away.

"Is he always going to glare at me?"

"Probably." Louisa replied casually. "Don't look so worried, Valdez. He's just doin' that stupid protective big brother thing."

"Still." Leo shrugged. "He scares me."

"Well then, I'll scare him. One thing 'bout bein' his twin- I know all his weaknesses." Leo brightened a little at that. "Better?"

"Better." He smiled, squeezing her hand. "Let's get you fed."

"'Bout damn time."

They made it home by early afternoon. They had stopped by two McDonalds on the way back- at the first one, Louisa craved a Big Mac and fries. At the second one, she craved pretty much everything else. Leo's wallet had never been lighter.

"Your horror and fascinate me." Leo piped up. She froze mid-bite of a cheeseburger, sending him a befuddled look. "In a good way." Leo added. Sea green lingered on him for a moment and then rolled away, more interested in food. Leo glanced at his watch, sliding forward in his seat to stand. "You OK here for a bit?" She nodded, slurping on a banana milkshake. His stomach couldn't handle all these blends of tastes. Then again, he didn't have another life growing in him and throwing out crazy demands. "I'll be in the nursery if you need me." He kissed her forehead on the way past, cheekily swiping a single fry. She still protested. He waved at her from the nursery doorway. She hissed and guarded her food.

"Fight me." She challenged.

"Next time." Leo promised, rolling up his sleeves. They had left the nursery half-finished. Most of the furniture was still in its boxes. The paint needed a final coat and touching up around the edges. Louisa still needed to finish her mural on the wall to the left of entering. It was an underwater scene, with all kinds of sea creatures and plants, the sunlight fracturing on the rippling surface above. If Leo didn't know better, he would have thought he was watching this life pass him by, for real. His painting of the room consisted of two white walls and a zesty green. Sighing, he dug out the paint cans and his roller. The smell of McDonalds wafted into him, making his stomach growl. "Ssh," Leo told it, "she'll never let you have pregnancy food."

Louisa could hear him clattering about, occasionally talking to himself. She was on her box of twenty chicken nuggets now, dipping them in sour cream and chive dip, adding some fries to the mix every now and then. The baby wiggled about excitedly. OK, so fast food wasn't necessarily good for the baby, but Louisa didn't crave any of that. She wanted McDonalds and pizza and KFC and Nandos and more pizza and hotdogs coming out of her ears. And ice-cream. Ooh, and doughnuts. A chocolate éclair never went amiss either. Annabeth had had cravings for lemon meringue pie and meatloaf with Tobias and Max respectfully. What was so wrong with wanting a bit of everything?

The doorbell chimed as she polished off her last nugget. "Your turn!" Leo called instantly.

"I know, I know." Louisa opened her Happy Meal first, walking with the toy to answer the door. "Here, I don't want this. Oh." She had pushed the toy into Annabeth's hand. Percy stood beside her, taking the toy for closer inspection. Louisa left the door open, returning to her hoard. "Leo!"

"What?"

"Leo, did you take some of my fries?"

"No, I'm painting!"

"There's less here!"

"Maybe you ate them already? Who was at the door?"

"Percabeth!"

"Ew, not Percabeth." Leo stuck his head round the door, grinning cheekily. "Hello."

"You have paint in your hair." Annabeth pointed out.

"I know. It's my new look."

"What are you doing?" Percy quizzed. Leo waved him over. His brother-in-law got halfway before a burger wrapper bounced off the back of his head. Percy sighed, looking over his shoulder. Louisa had her arms folded, jaw set obstinately. "I'm not going to kill him. I just want to see what he's doing."

"I will come in 'n' beat you if I hear anythin'."

"I've apologised a thousand ti-" Leo tapped Percy on the shoulder, humming nervously. "Yes, Lou." Percy corrected. Louisa nodded once and plonked down in her seat. Annabeth sat in the armchair, making a face at Louisa's lunch.

"That's really not healthy."

"I don't care. Tastes nice." Louisa reached for her milkshake, slurping loudly. She could see a tick working under Annabeth's eye, smirking inwardly. "Ya so prim 'n' proper, Blondie."

"And you're not."

"Meh." Louisa shrugged. "No Squirtfaces?"

"No. Piper has them."

"Hope ya didn't plan on gettin' 'em back."

"Trust me- sometimes you would kill for five minutes' peace. Don't get me wrong, I love my boys. Just not at two o'clock in the morning, bouncing on my bed demanding ice-cream and a story." Annabeth pressed her lips together. She could hear Percy laughing. Louisa leant back in her seat, peering at the men through the open door. "Lou, they'll be fine."

"Mm."

"Percy was just angry. I talked to him on the way here. He's promised he's going to try and be a bit more lenient towards you and Leo. It's just hard for him, because-"

"Protective big brother, I know." Louisa shook her head. Annabeth shifted forward in her seat, resting her elbows on her knees. Louisa immediately took that as an interrogation stance, cramming a handful of fries into her mouth.

"No, don't do that. I just want to know how Leo got past all your stubbornness and got you to marry him." Louisa took her time chewing. Annabeth simply laced her fingers together and waited. "You can't chew that mouthful forever."

"Can try." Louisa retorted thickly around her mouthful. Instead, the chips went all mushy and then they were gone. Annabeth smiled sweetly, expectant. Louisa drummed her fingers on the side of her drink, mulling over the question. "Valdez charm." She eventually said. Annabeth shook her head. "No, it's true. Valdez charm."

"And what's the 'Valdez charm' like?"

"Leo."

"Am I only going to get monosyllabic responses from you?"

"'Valdez charm' had three. 'N' 'Leo' had two." Louisa slurped on her drink again. Annabeth frowned. Louisa could see the cogs whirring in her brain.

"If that's how you want to play it, fine." Annabeth sat up, placing her elbow on the arm of the chair, chin in hand, legs crossed. "What's he like in bed?" Louisa felt her face burn instantly, spewing milkshake. Annabeth grinned triumphantly. Louisa, between hacking coughs, told Annabeth to go and do something highly unsavoury. The blonde simply passed over a water bottle and waited for the choking fit to subside. "Going to answer my normal questions now?"

"To an extent." Louisa replied thickly, massaging her chest. "Oh, that hurt."

"Serves you right."

"I hate you." Louisa grumbled, holding her cold drink to her hot face. Annabeth gave her a moment to regain control of her thoughts. The red flush worked its way down to a gentle pink.

"So?" Annabeth prompted.

"So what?"

"Why Leo?"

"Why not?"

"Personally, not my type. But I won't get into that, because Percy's your brother and that makes it awkward for you." Louisa nodded in agreement, chewing her lip as she thought. "When did Leo stop being your best friend and started being your boyfriend?"

"He… didn't." Louisa puzzled. "It just… blurred together."

"But when?"

"Um… just after I, we found out 'bout Bradley. Leo was all set ta adopt him, but…" Louisa's eyes darkened. Annabeth hopped up and sat next to her, resting a sisterly hand on her knee. Louisa wiped her nose on her sleeve. "He, uh…" The pink tinge deepened. "He tried ta… kiss me that afternoon, but, um…" She rubbed at her neck. "Percy walked in."

"You what?" Annabeth's eyes widened.

"He didn't see nothin'. He gets lost in the Bunker, every time. Leo sort of… ran."

"Oh gods, can you imagine if Percy had found out then?" Annabeth cracked up. Louisa looked at her like she had gone crazy. "Oh, sorry, Lou. Carry on. When did you get a proper kiss out of him?"

"Couple o' days later." Louisa replied quietly.

"Any good?" Annabeth had to bite back another laugh as Louisa reddened again. "Aw, look at you, blushing over Leo. That's so cute."

"You married your best friend." Louisa defied. "How are me 'n' Leo any different?"

"Like that, is it?" Annabeth squeezed Louisa's shoulder. "I'm not judging you, Lou. I want to know. Now tell me about the wedding. Was there a honeymoon? What was that like? What's Leo like generally? Miss any anniversaries, what presents, that sort of thing? Come on, Lou, don't leave me hanging like this, I want to know!" Louisa mumbled inaudibly. Annabeth sighed, dropping her head next to Louisa's. "In your own t-"

"Sunflowers."

"Sorry?"

"Sunflowers." Louisa repeated. "They're my favourite. He always buys me sunflowers." Annabeth smiled. It was a start. "When we… when we got married, I had sunflowers. He broke one off 'n' put it in his hair, asked me if I thought he was pretty."

"What did you say?"

"I said he looked twatty."

"Close enough. What did you do for the honeymoon?"

"Cruise."

"Wait, that cruise?" Annabeth poked her face. Louisa nodded. "You- oh my gods, you two are so freaking sneaky! Wait, wait, wait…" Annabeth went quiet. Louisa started to ask if she was alright, but a light flipped somewhere in that stormy grey. "Have we got a honeymoon baby on the way?"

"Ya makin' me very uncomfortable." Louisa said, crimson again.

"Do we have any photos? Baby scan photos." Annabeth clarified.

"Uh… Leo does. Leo!" Leo appeared at the doorway. "Why've ya got paint on ya face?"

"Percy." Leo glanced back. "He wanted to help. What's up, chica?" Louisa ignored Annabeth's smug smile, putting in her request. Leo checked his tool belt, retrieving three white cards. Percy gasped excitedly and swiped them immediately.

"And you don't know what it is?" He quizzed, holding the picture up to the light.

"It's a baby, Percy." Leo monotoned.

"I will hurt you."

"Hey, no." Louisa was on her feet. "Ooh, head rush." Annabeth stood, taking hold of Louisa's elbow. Leo came up on her other side, roller in his hand. Louisa gripped his hand tightly. Percy rambled over, squinting at the pictures.

"I can't tell." He said, passing one to Annabeth. "What do you guys want? And don't say as long as it's healthy-"

"As long as it's alive." Louisa muttered. She started, realising her words.

"Lou-" Leo pushed the roller into Annabeth's hand. "Hey," he said softly, "chica-" Thick tears welled in her eyes, squeaking apologies. Leo hugged her fiercely, feeling her fingers curl into his shirt. She mumbled sorry repeatedly into his neck. "No, you've every right to be worried and I get that. If you keep apologising, I will duct-tape your mouth shut." She hiccupped.

"I'd l-like t-t-to see y-you t-try." Louisa stammered, half-defiantly. Leo smirked, pulling the tape from his belt. Louisa turned her head, hair warm on his cheek, pushing her hand against his, working to wrestle the tape from his grasp. With an arm still around each other, they fought to get the roll. It was like they were back on the dance floor, not as graceful, not working together. This was a competition.

"Ahaha, you can't get it, you can't get it." Leo sang teasingly. He blew a raspberry on her cheek and tossed the tape across the room. Louisa swept away. Leo caught her around the middle, swinging her up into a fireman's lift. "Victory!" He declared.

"No!" Louisa puffed her hair out of her eyes. "Valdez!"

"Um…" Percy sent Annabeth a confused look. Leo turned, suddenly remembering they were there. Louisa took this distraction and twisted it to her advantage. She made herself go limp. Leo swore at her in Spanish.

"That's cheating." He accused, struggling.

"I know." Louisa sounded very smug. Leo sighed. Percy and Annabeth were utterly bewildered by him; Louisa could sense the question in the air, planting her hands on Leo's shoulders and pushing herself up. Leo lowered his arms to hold onto her legs. "Aha, midget." Louisa messed his hair. "I win."

"Remember who buys your food."

"Love you."

"Are you guys always like this?"

"Oh. No." Leo shook his head. Louisa grinned wickedly.

"We're worse."

"You should see us on a Tuesday."

Percy pinched Annabeth's sleeve.

"I don't think I can handle this." He hissed. "Give me monsters any day."