Alright here is the next chapter. I must admit it is the longest I've ever written and I'm happy I finished it. It's probably the happiest I've written in a while and trust me, it's a nice change. The story is coming to an end so I guess the chapter after the next will be the last one.

Thanks for the reviews! You are the best!

WordsAsStrongAsSwords – Trust me, there is nothing wring with that. For a moment even I thought that he deserved it, but then I decided that this story needed a happy ending. It would be cruel to break them apart in the end, wouldn't be?

AgentDoubleONight – Apollo will behave from now on. At least I guess so. And sadly, no, the baby really didn't survive.

Lady Syndra – Thanks!

Lady Cooper – I guess it will take them some time (By them I mean Apollo's children) to learn to call Percy mom, but eventually I would happen.

Miette in the Rain – You know, I feel a bit sad about ending this story, too, but hey, everything must come to an end.

xIHeartCupcakes – Well, I'll think about the sequel, but first I have a few ideas for other stories that must be done… I think I need a break from The Kisses of the Sun and Just a Dream.

xPercyx – Thank you so much! :)

miyame-chan – Percy has lived (and died) through a lot and I guess that matured her up a bit.

ShadowsClaw - :)

Bookdancer – I hope I updated soon enough!

piper0227 – It's here!

anaklusmos1 – I'm sorry about the mistakes. Usually the only time I have to sit and actually write something is late at night and that's the reason for the mistakes… Even the coffee doesn't help in these situations.

Lunary – Well… You are wrong! (Judging by the review you would be probably happy about it.) I decided that they needed at least one event to go as planned.

Chapter 8

Weddings, Worries and Garters

"Apollo, wake up!" Someone hissed. "Come on Apollo!" The annoying voice insisted on disturbing his peaceful slumber. Somehow he managed to crack one eye open, only to be met with the complete darkness of the room. Clearly, it was still night outside. He blinked a few times to clear his sight, groaning as he saw both Hermes and Ares bend over him.

"What are you doing here?" He muttered grumpily, but still not above a whisper, careful not to wake up Percy who was still sleeping, flushed against his side. She groaned and rolled onto her back, the blanket slipping lower. The sun god growled as both his brothers turned to gaze at his naked fiancé and covered her again. "So is there a reason you two idiots are here or it's just a social visit?"

"We are here to take you out to celebrate your last night as a bachelor." Hermes grinned. "We'll party just like the old times."

"Hermes, most of these old times you talk about happened in Ancient Greece. There is no way to repeat them." Apollo sighed, carefully pulling away from the demigoddess and stood up, looking for his clothes. Finally he found them, slipping his jeans and T-shirt on. "I see you two had a great reunition last night." Ares sneered nodding towards the other clothes scattered around the room. "It's none of your business!" The sun god snapped, making the other Olimpian grin wider, lifting his hands in surrender. "All right, grumpy."

"What are you doing?" Hermes asked as he saw Apollo write something on a piece of paper and leave it on the night stand, before bending to kiss Percy's forehead.

"What do you think?" The god of light asked sarcastically. "I'm explaining Percy that my two insane brothers kidnapped me and I'll probably see her at our wedding."

"You are pathetic." Ares shook his head because exiting. Apollo threw one last longing gaze at Percy before leaving after his brothers. "So what are we doing now?" He asked as all three of them were finally outside.

"How about we go to a club, find a girl and-" "No." The sun god interrupted even before his brother had finished his sentence. "No sex. No cheating."

"Oh come on, Apollo. It's your last night as a free man. Not that you won't be cheating afterwards."

The sun god gritted his teeth. "I said no."

"Fine, fine, buzzkill."

Percy woke up from the sun shining right in her eyes through the open curtains. She stretched as a huge smile appeared on her face. She turned to look at Apollo, but he was not there. Frowning slightly she rose to her elbows and finally noticed the note at her nightstand. Impatiently, the girl snatched it up and held it before her eyes.

Good morning, love!

I'm sorry I won't be there by your side when you wake up, but before you get angry, you should know that it's not my fault. Hermes and Ares came and dragged me out of bed claiming that I needed a bachelor party. I promise I won't do anything stupid.

I love you!

P.s. I'll see you at the wedding!

She grinned before standing up and putting some clothes on, going to brush her teeth. When she was done, she went to the kitchen to make herself a coffee while she could. Actually she was surprised that Aphrodite wasn't there by now. That woman seemed to lack common sense when it came to fashion and unfortunately, weddings. So Percy wasn't surprised at all when the goddess appeared in a flash of bright light bringing a scent of sweet perfumes with her. Aphrodite was beautiful as ever, which was absolutely normal considering the fact she was a goddess of beauty.

"My Lady," Poseidon's daughter bowed. The goddess beamed at her. "Percy! It's great to see you! Tell me, are you excited about the wedding?"

"Of course I am." The girl nodded. "But I'm also nervous." Aphrodite looked at her with sympathy. "I know. I was nervous at my wedding, too." She winked playfully. "And my husband looks much worse than yours."

Percy cracked a smile at the comparison between Hephaestus and Apollo. They were the complete opposites in appearance. "Are you going to help me prepare?" She asked and Aphrodite smiled even wider. "Of course I am, dear. Just let me take you to my house." And with a snap of her manicured fingers, Percy found herself standing in the familiar horribly pink room. The silent servants were there again and Aphrodite quickly gave them orders what to do.

They bathed her first, with special oils that would make her skin glow brighter. Then they wrapped her in a huge towel, thankfully leaving her to put on her underwear. Reaching for the lingerie prepared for her she openly gaped. Aphrodite didn't expect her to put that on, did she? It was revealing and so damn sexy that Percy blushed like a virgin when she looked at it. And she was far from virgin.

Biting her lip she sighed and slipped on the lingerie. The moment she was ready, the maids returned, making her sit down on one of the chairs. The next few hours were like a blur to Percy. The women did her nails and hair and make up, which left her a lot time to thing about the wedding. She found herself getting even more nervous if that was possible. What if something happened? What if she did something stupid? Her heart raced and her palms started sweating as the time passed. Aphrodite obviously noticed and came closer, putting a friendly hand on the girl's shoulder. "Everything will be alright. I will take care of that."

"Hey, Aphrodite," Percy started a few minutes later. "Was is it you that send the invitations?"

"Yes. I invited everyone you wanted. Your mother and step-father and your friends from camp. Your brother Tyson will come also."

The girl nodded, before gasping suddenly remembering something important. "The dress? How could I forget the dress?"

"Relax. I took care of it." Percy's eyes widened at the goddess' words. Suddenly she was filled with almost childish enthusiasm. "Can I see it? Please!" She begged but Aphrodite shook her head.

"Just hang on a little more and you will even get to put it on."

Aphrodite engaged the demigoddess into a small talk, trying to keep her thought away from the worries. Suddenly all of the maids, who had been working on her stepped back and the love goddess smiled brightly. "You look absolutely astonishing. Now lets put that dress on." The Olympian walked over to one of the doors and opened it, revealing a huge wardrobe. Percy pondered if she should follow Aphrodite, as she disappeared inside, but in the end decided that it was better to wait right there. Only a minute later the goddess emerged holding one of the most beautiful wedding gowns Percy had ever seen. It was simple and classical but with a bit Greek touch to it.

"This is amazing." The girl breathed out.

"It is, isn't it? And you will look gorgeous in it."

Aphrodite helped her put on the dress which was definitely harder than it looked. Then, there were the shoes, that turned out to be very high heeled silver sandals. Finally Percy slipped on the garter on her tight and turned around to look herself at the mirror for the first time since she came here. And she gasped. It was impossible that the girl in the reflection was her. But it was.

The gown fitted perfectly. It showed off her cleavage and back, but without making it vulgar or something. There was a line of crystals right bellow her breast and the skirt flowed gracefully to the ground.

Somehow she tore her eyes from the dress, to return to her face. Aphrodite had made a miracle. Her usually untidy black hair now was partially pulled back, a few strands falling over her face in curls. The makeup wasn't too much like Percy worried it would be. Actually it was very simple and almost unnoticeable if you didn't look too closely.

"We only need something old and something blue…" The love goddess murmured under her breath. "Well, your fiancé is pretty ancient but I don't thing that counts."

"Maybe I could help with that." A voice came from the doorway. "Dad!" Percy cried and stumbled forward to give him a hug. When she pulled away he examined her, a hint of approval in his eyes.

"You look beautiful, princess." He smile, although a bit sadly. "I brought you something." He took something out from his jacket pocket and held it out to her. It was a velvet box and with trembling fingers the demigoddess reached out to open it. Inside was laying a tiara. It was beautiful, made of white metal, probably gold, with sapphires and diamonds. "Where did you get it from?" She whispered in awe.

"Once it belong to a princess who was almost as pretty as you. She threw it to the bottom of the sea when the man who gave it to her left her."

"Thank you, dad." The said as he put the jewel on her head where it fit simply perfectly. That was when she finally noticed his clothing and gaped. He was wearing a black suit with a dress shirt underneath.

"Dad, you are wearing a suit…?"

He grinned reaching to fix his collar. "I have to be presentable as I walk you down the isle, don't I? Although I would still look like an idiot next to something as beautiful as you."

Percy rolled her eyes slightly but smiled.

Apollo was close to nervous break down. He was sweating, pacing up and down the length of the Big house. Percy had decided to make the wedding at Camp and he whole heartedly agreed. He had been pretty calm and collected last night but now his nerves got the best on him.

"What if she changes her mind? What if she didn't come at all?" He murmured, running his fingers through his hair, growling as he felt the hairgel Hermes had made him put on. "Apollo?" Hermes came in looking for him. "Are you alright?" He asked as he saw the expression on his brother's face.

"Yeah, I am." The sun god sight rubbing his face with his palm. "No, I'm not. I'm freaking out for Zeus' sake."

The messenger frowned. "I thought this is want you want." "It is. I- just- What if I do something stupid like I forget to say 'I do' or something."

Hermes almost laughed. "It's going to alright. I won't let you mess up."

Apollo nodded doing his best to calm down. "Come. Let's go outside." The sun god followed his brother outside where the guests were already sitting. His eyes roamed over the sea of familiar faces. They were all smiling and he found himself grinning too. His mother and sister were standing at the side and Apollo hurried up to go to them. "Mother, Arty, its great to see you." "You too, sweetheart." Leto answered before Artemis could say something bad and ruin her brother's mood. "You look very handsome." The sun god looked down at his black suit and white shirt, reaching to fix his tie. "Apollo, are you sure this is what you want?" Artemis asked for his surprise. "Yes. Yes, it is."

Then Aphrodite appeared, looking absolutely stunning but this was not the reason Apollo's heart skipped a beat. He knew what her arrival meant. Percy was here.

"Princess, are you ready?" Poseidon asked, putting his head on her shoulder.

Percy took a deep breath and nodded, gripping the bouquet tightly in her hand. She put her head around her father's leaning onto him for support. The wedding march reached her hearing the moment Poseidon opened the door for her. Her head spun a little but she forced herself calm down. Thankfully there was a path prepared for her so she didn't have to walk on the sand. She could see everyone as they turned to look at her with amaze expressions on their faces. But Percy didn't look at them for too long. Her eyes were almost immediately drawn to the man standing at the altar. Apollo was handsome as always but now he was simply glowing in his classical black suit and white shirt. Then his eyes met hers and the rest of the world disappeared. The most beautiful smile appeared on her face, soon copied on his.

All Apollo's nervousness vanished as he laid eyes on the woman he loved. She was… There were no words to described the way she looked. Aphrodite was standing only a few feet away form her, but even goddess of beauty looked like an average girl next to Percy's exclusive beauty. He could hear the crowd's gasps at the sight and he felt proud that this woman was going to be his wife.

Percy's heartbeat quickened even more when her father put her hand in Apollo's. The moment her palm touched his she knew she was doing the right thing. Chiron, who was going to wed them, cleared his throat, starting his speech but Percy heard almost nothing of it. Finally it was time to say the vows.

"I Phoebus Apollo, take you Persephone Jackson to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for the rest of the eternity." He smiled at her reassuringly. He slipped the simple white gold band on her finger before putting something to her lips. She knew what it was. It was a pomegranate seed, the symbol of marriage. It was the same thing Hades gave to Persephone before he let her visit her mother.

I Persephone Jackson, take you Phoebus Apollo to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for the rest of eternity." She put the ring on his finger with trembling fingers.

"I declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." That was it. He leaned over, holding her face between his palms like she might break every second. She closed her eyes as his lips touched hers, not seeing the golden glow that erupted from her skin, before dying down only a second later. Her arms wrapped around Apollo's neck, pulling him as close as possible. When he pulled away, he was smiling widely his eyes shining.

"Hello, wife." He whispered nuzzling his nose with hers.

"Hello husband."

That's when the clapping began. Percy glanced sideways only to blush brightly and bury her face in her husband's chest. She could feel him chuckle as he turned her around so their friends and family could come and congratulate them.

When all formal talking and greeting was done, it was time for the first dance. With ease Apollo spun her into his arms, holding her close to his body. The nine muses started playing some soft melody and Percy found herself lost in it. She put her head on his shoulder smiling into the fabric of his suit. "Have I told you how beautiful you are?" He whispered in her ear making her grin even wider. "Once or twice." "Then I will tell you again. You are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

The girl lifted her head off his shoulder so she could look him in the eye. "It's not true. I'm not that pretty." Apollo shook his head moving his hand to put it on her cheek. "For me you are. I love you more than anything else on the world. Before you my life was meaningless but then you came and brought me light. You are my reason to exist now." Instead of answering, Percy kissed him sweetly on the lips, pouring everything she felt in the kiss, hoping that he would understand. And he understood. "Are you happy?" He asked after a while.

"More than happy. I feel that I am in heaven."

The rest of the night, Percy didn't have any time to rest. She was on foot running between all the guests that seemed extremely eager to talk to her. She danced with almost all of the men surprisingly even Dionysus and Ares. She had no time to spend with her husband too because he, like her, seemed to be very busy. Finally it was the time to cut the cake. The cake was huge and beautiful, obviously Aphrodite's choice.

Apollo put his head on Percy's shoulder, giving her a peck on the cheek as they cut through the cake together. They shoved pieces of it in each other's faces before kissing each other sweetly.

They danced and talked and danced. Percy threw bouquet right into the hands of the unexpecting Thalia, laughing at her friend's expression. "Hey Apollo," She heard Hermes yell some time later and looked in his direction curious about what he had to say. "Now it's your turn to throw something"

The bride blushed bright red knowing what the Olympian meant. The garter. Apollo turned around throwing her a suggestive smile, raising his eyebrows. Percy rolled her eyes although her heart rate had picked up.

He was going to stick his head under her skirt and take off her garter with his teeth. In front of her parents. Oh my gods. The demigoddess was blushing bright red as she took her seat on the chair put in the middle of the dance floor especially for this. All the guests had gathered around but leaving the most of the dancefloor for them. Apollo came to stand by her side looking extremely pleased. He was grinning from ear to ear and some of their friends laughed at the contrast between her expression and his. Percy was nervous and blushing and she looked very serious to the others but she flashed them a little smile. "Okay. I guess you know the rules?" Hermes asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes. They both nodded, he with more enthusiasm. "Of course, I think we need the right music." With a clap of his hands, Joe Cocker's You can leave your hat on started, making the demigoddess drop her head in her hands.

Apollo circled her playfully, leaning in to place a kiss on her shoulder before dropping on his knees before her. Skillfully he raised his skirt and with a last wink towards her, disappeared beneath it. Cameras flashed all around her and the bride tried not to look at her friends and family. She felt his breath on her skin as he moved up her leg. He gently nipped at her tight, making her bite her lip, before grabbing the cloth between his teeth and pulling it down. Everyone clapped as he pulled it out and threw it straight in Hermes face, who looked god smacked.

Percy searched her father in the crowd a bit worried about his reaction. But when he caught her gaze he just winked.

"A dance?" Apollo asked offering his hand. With a smile Percy except it, letting him pull her into his arms. "Have I told you that I'm in love with you?" "Maybe." "Then I'm telling you again. Percy, I'm absolutely, passionately, devotedly in love with you."

"Maybe it wouldn't be bad to think about this when you go chasing other women." She murmured, immediately feeling bad for it. But it was too late to take her words back. She watched as the smile dropped off his face and he looked away for a moment so she couldn't read in his eyes how hurt he was from this statement.

"I'm sorry, I-" She cried trying to undo what she had done.

"What can I do so you can forgive me?" He whispered. "I'll do anything, just say what."

"I just need time. I'm sorry." The girl whispered guilty

"What if I swear on the Styx that I won't touch another woman except you?"

Percy froze, looking at him with opened mouth. "What?" She asked not sure if she heard him correct. To swear on the Styx was serious deal and she couldn't believe that he had offered it. "Apollo-" She stopped not sure what to say. I'm sorry but this is a promise you cannot keep? No, she had hurt him enough with her words already. But obviously her thoughts were written on her face because he frowned. "You think I couldn't keep the promise, don't you?" The demigoddess thought about lying him but find herself nodding almost embarrassed. "I will! You must trust me with this. I swear that I will love you and only you till the end of the world. The others women do not mean anything to me." He kissed her softly on the mouth. "I don't want to lose you Percy. The pain would be too much to bear."

Sometime later, it was time to leave. For Percy and Apollo at least. They were going to the Oh-so-secret honeymoon leaving to their parents and Aphrodite deal with the guests. Percy took a quick farewell with her parents and Paul, hugged Annabeth and Thalia, and followed her husband outside, where she found him leaning against a car. The car was siver and obviously expensive, although it was missing the show off element in it. Poseidon's daughter slowly approached it feeling surprised at how cool it felt at touch.

"It's the moon chariot. My sister's." Apollo explained, coming to stand next to her. "She lend it for tonight." He opened the door for her in a very gentlemen like manner, before climbing on the driver's seat. Percy expected it to be cool inside, maybe even cold, but for her surprise the temperature was absolutely normal.

He reached for her hand and gripped it tightly as they drove off in the night sky.

"I'm so tired." She groaned leaning her head against the window. "All I want to do is sleep."

Apollo raised his eyebrows. "On our wedding night? I'm not going to let you fall asleep tonight."

She threw him unbelieving look. "Good luck with that. I'm not kidding when I say I'm exhausted."

AN: I hope you liked the chapter. On my profile I will post links to Percy's dress, the tiara from Poseidon and her shoes. You can check them out.

Don't forget to read and review!