Hey guys. *runs and hides behind bookshelf* I am SO SO SO sorry for not updating in like 6 months. Things have been so hectic. I hate giving excuses, but I also feel like you guys deserve an explanation, you know? So, as you may or not be aware, I am writing two stories at once: Tell Me I'm Beautiful and My Daughter, Rowan. I made the decision to update each one in an alternating pattern. However, I found myself struggling to write MDR. I didn't want to give it up, though. I decided to start over. Because of the way I set all this up for myself, the first chapter of my MDR rewrite became that story's chapter. Because of all this... and school... and AP testing... and finals... and reading a bunch of new books (sorry!), this update took a lot longer than expected.

On a happier note, I get my phone at camp this year! Because of this and the fact that I have the Microsoft Word app on my phone, I can get some writing done at camp. No promises, as I'll be busy, but I might be able to update sooner.

Anyways, now onto the chapter. Enjoy!

Annabeth was not looking forward to today. It was Halloween, and Percy and Annabeth were supposed to take Estelle trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. It wasn't that she didn't want to go. She loved Estelle and missed being with Percy, but she wasn't sure she would be able to handle the tension between them. Annabeth knew that Percy knew better than to ask her if she was okay – she had made it abundantly clear that she didn't want to talk about it – but that didn't mean she hadn't noticed Percy's worried glances or the way he tensed whenever Madison entered the room.

Of course, Annabeth appreciated him trying. She knew how protective Percy was and she did love him for it, but this was just one of those things she needed to figure out on her own.

Or at least that's what she told herself.

Annabeth had been making a lot of excuses lately. Mostly for herself, to herself. She had forgotten what it was like to not be on a quest, for things to be quiet. Her thoughts had caught up with her and Annabeth was finding it harder and harder to outrun them again.

"You look great," Percy said. He was standing in the doorway wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and the top of his gear set. In his right hand, he held Riptide. He and Annabeth had decided to go as warriors. It was an easy costume to put together and, according to Percy, it would be fun to show off their "cool, badass fighting moves."

"I really don't like that you are walking around New York with swords and knives, you know," Sally said when the pair walked into the living room. Estelle was sitting on her lap, playing with the end of her Snow White costume.

"No one will get hurt, Mom," Percy said for probably the hundredth time that day. "And if they do get hurt, it's probably because they were a monster so it's probably a good thing."

Sally sighed. "Fine. I'm not going to fight with you about this. But just in case, please be careful with Estelle."

Estelle's perked up at the sound of her name. She gave her brother a big smile when she saw him and ran over. "Percy!"

Percy lifted his baby sister into his arms. "Don't worry, Mom. Everything will be fine. We'll make sure she stays happy." Percy dipped his head and blew a raspberry onto Estelle's cheek, causing her to giggle and shriek.

Annabeth smiled. Percy was so good with kids. It made her feel hopeful for the future, and seeing as most of the time she wasn't sure she would even have a future, the feeling was something worth savoring. "Come on, Percy. We don't want to keep her out too late."

After a last round of goodbyes, Percy, Annabeth, and Estelle were finally on their way out the door. They were almost gone when Percy turned around. "And, if something does go wrong, I'll make sure Estelle comes home in no more than three pieces. Bye, mom!"

"Percy!" Sally shouted after him, sounding aggravated. Before Annabeth could hear anymore, though, the door slammed shut.

Annabeth eyed Percy, shaking her head. "Do you live to torture her?"

Percy wrapped an arm around Annabeth and pulled her into his side. "Only sometimes."

The three of them walked around their neighborhood for hours. Annabeth had been watching Estelle and Percy for most of the time. She loved how amazing he was with her. The hope it made her feel for the future overtook the sadness growing in her chest. If she and Percy ever spoke, really spoke again, then things might just work out.

It was around 9:00 when Percy, Annabeth, and Estelle started to head home. Percy was carrying his sister in his arms, as she had grown tired and crabby and had made it very clear she didn't want to walk. She loved seeing Percy with Estelle. She looked up to him so much. Annabeth knew he would make an amazing father one day.

"What are you thinking about?" Percy asked.

Annabeth's cheeks reddened slightly. "You."

"Me? I'm flattered," Percy replied mockingly.

Annabeth nudged Percy with her shoulder. "Shut up, Seaweed Brain. If you'd have let me finish, I would have given you a compliment. Although, I'm not so sure your ego needs one."

Percy sighed dramatically, but Annabeth could still hear the joking tone behind it. "I'm sorry, Annabeth. Would you please share what you were thinking?"

Annabeth laughed lightly. "Sure, Perce. I was thinking about how great of a father you are going to be."

"Seriously?" Percy asked. He looked surprised. "I mean, thanks. I just never thought, you know, after Gabe and all... I never thought I could do it."

Annabeth grabbed Percy's hand and squeezed it comfortingly. "That's what is going to make you a great dad. You are going to show your kids so much love and care and acceptance. They're going to love you."

"You mean our kids," Percy asked. "I'm spending the rest of my life with you. You're stuck with me, Wise Girl, whether you like it or not."

Annabeth rolled her eyes and kissed him lightly. "Our kids. And I still like you. Don't worry."

At this point, they had reached Percy's apartment building. Annabeth made sure to hurry up the stairs in hopes of outrunning Percy. She knew he wouldn't let her last comment slide, even if he knew she was only joking.

"Wait a minute!" Percy said, and Annabeth had to stifle her laugh. "'Like you?' What do you mean 'like you?' Annabeth!"

Annabeth burst through the door to the Jackson-Blowfis apartment. Sally jumped slightly, a hand on her chest. She had been watching TV and folding laundry when Annabeth and slammed the door open.

"If anyone asks, I'm not here," Annabeth whispered, laughing. Sally nodded warily but Annabeth could still see the smile creeping onto her face.

Footsteps began to echo through the hallway. "Gotta run. Bye!" Annabeth waved and quickly made her way to her bedroom. As she began getting ready for bed, she could hear Percy and Estelle enter the apartment.

"Hey mom," she heard Percy's muffled voice say. "Do you know where Annabeth went?"

"She's not here," Sally said.

Annabeth smiled to herself as she started brushing her teeth. "Thank you, Sally."

"She's in her bedroom, isn't she?" Percy asked.

"I told you, she's not here," Sally replied, though Annabeth could hear the smile at her lips.

"Uh huh," Percy replied. "Why don't I just go see for myself?"

Annabeth laughed softly and jumped into her bed. She heard the door open so she quickly closed her eyes. Despite her attempt at feigning sleep, she couldn't hide the smile on her face.

Annabeth felt the bed dip beside her and a strong arm pull her back. She rotated so she was facing Percy's chest and snuggled into him. "Hi," she whispered. "I had fun tonight."

"Me too," Percy replied. He pecked her nose and rested his chin on top of her head. "I'm sorry."

Annabeth frowned. "Why are you sorry?"

"I pushed you the other day," Percy explained. "To talk to me, when you clearly didn't want to. That wasn't right."

"It's okay -"

Percy shifted so he could look into Annabeth's eyes. "No, it's not. I should have respected the fact that you didn't want to talk about whatever was bothering you. Granted I don't have to like doing it -," Annabeth laughed, "- but still. I should have just sucked it up and accepted that you didn't want to talk. So, I'm sorry."

Annabeth smiled up at him. "I love you."

Percy blinked. "Not the response I was expecting, but I'll take it."

Annabeth laughed and kissed Percy. "Stay with me tonight?"

Percy smiled at her. "Of course."

Alright! That's the long-awaited chapter! I hope it was worth the wait! Did you like that Percabeth made up, or no? Should they have even fought in the first place? Let me know any of your thoughts in the comments! Don't forget to read, review, favorite, follow... okay, I think you guys get the drill by now. See you soon!

-M